Episodes
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
"Pets are more than just companions; they are catalysts for mental and physical well-being," says Dr. Karen Wolfe, an Australian-born physician turned health coach. In this episode of the Reinvent Yourself podcast I sit down with Dr. Wolfe to explore the profound impact pets can have on our lives, especially in midlife. From reducing loneliness and stress to improving heart health and mental clarity, discover how the unconditional love of a pet can be a transformative force. Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or considering adopting a new furry friend, this episode offers invaluable insights into choosing the right pet for your lifestyle and maximizing the health benefits of pet ownership
Bio:
Dr. Karen Wolfe is a physician, health coach, and recipient of the National Wellness Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is passionate about creating health through holistic approaches and making complex information accessible to all.
Time Stamps
(05:03) - Talking about the surgeon general's report on loneliness
(07:49) - Animals fill a spot in your life that is somewhere between spouse and child
(13:00) - The surgeon general says owning an animal can reduce your health risk
(19:55) - How a pet can improve your brain health in particular
(23:41) - The role of animals and that emptiness feeling in life
(25:52) - Doing some research is important when choosing a pet for midlife
(30:12) - Having an animal in midlife can have many health benefits, Dr. Karen says
Key Points:
- Pets offer significant mental and physical health benefits, including reducing loneliness, stress, and heart disease.
- Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is crucial to maximizing these benefits.
- Pets can help improve serotonin levels, leading to better mental health and reduced cravings.
- Volunteering at animal shelters can be a great way to experience different types of pets before adopting.
Links and Resources:
Read Dr. Karen Wolfe's Article on Pet Therapy
Surgeon General's Report on Loneliness
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
"Self-confidence is a choice and a mindset before it becomes a behavior," says Lisa Sun, CEO of GRAVITAS, a fashion brand dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment. She sits down with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour to share her incredible journey from her immigrant upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Discover how Sun's mission to catalyze confidence through size-inclusive fashion has transformed lives and inspired her to write her book, Gravitas: The 8 Strengths that Redefine Confidence. Take her unique confidence quiz, learn about the six forces that affect self-esteem, and get practical tips for reinventing your look and your mindset at the same time.
Bio:
Lisa Sun is the Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, a company on a mission to catalyze confidence through size-inclusive fashion & inspiring content. Lisa is also the national best-selling author of GRAVITAS: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence.
Time Stamps
(01:48) Lisa Sun grew up in the company of immigrant entrepreneurs
(07:46) The average age of successful entrepreneur, according to big think data, is 45
(11:20) Sun's mission is to catalyze confidence - what that means
(13:59) There are six forces that form the basis of an inner critic
(17:08) Why Gravitas doesn't have mirrors in their dressing rooms
(22:49) The product Gravitas is best known for is the suffragist newsprint collection
(25:42) Gravitas is launching a product named after our potential first woman president
(30:28) You look great at every size. It's just a number
(30:36) Take a confidence quiz to identify your talents and strengths
Key Points:
- Merle Saferstein's journey highlights the transformative power of journaling and living intentionally.
- Living your legacy is more important than the material things you leave behind.
- Chance encounters can lead to life-changing opportunities; be open to them.
- Practical advice on how to start journaling and creating legacy projects.
Links and Resources:
Friday Jul 26, 2024
#255 Journaling a Legacy: Merle Saferstein on 40 Years of Reflection
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
“If you want to be remembered in a certain way, then you need to be living in that way," says Merle Saferstein, an educator, author, and speaker who has turned her 40-year journaling practice into a profound legacy. Saferstein shares her journey from an elementary school teacher to the Director of Educational Outreach at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in South Florida, and how a chance encounter on a beach led to a life-changing career. Discover the transformative power of journaling, the importance of living your legacy, and how to create meaningful legacy projects. Whether you're contemplating retirement, looking to leave a lasting impact, or simply seeking inspiration, Saferstein’s story offers invaluable insights and practical advice.
Bio:
Merle Saferstein is an educator, author, and speaker who served as the Director of Educational Outreach at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in South Florida for 26 years. After retiring, she developed the course "Living and Leaving Your Legacy" and has taught nationally and internationally.
Time Stamps
02:04 - Saferstein began her career in education as an elementary school teacher
03:53 - Meeting Tom Osborne on a beach while jogging in 1982
06:34 - Starting journaling as teenager
10:16 - The purposes of her books
14:02 - Deciding to retire in 2011 when she turned 68
17:19 - The course that Saferstein developed about legacy
21:18 - Self-publishing on Amazon and hitting #1
23:19 - Saferstein offers advice on living and leaving your legacy
Key Points:
- Merle Saferstein's journey highlights the transformative power of journaling and living intentionally.
- Living your legacy is more important than the material things you leave behind.
- Chance encounters can lead to life-changing opportunities; be open to them.
- Practical advice on how to start journaling and creating legacy projects.
Links and Resources:
- Visit Merle Saferstein's Website
- Purchase "Living and Leaving My Legacy, Volume 1"
- Purchase "Living and Leaving My Legacy, Volume 2"
- Explore Covey Club
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Jul 19, 2024
#254 How Women Reinvented Fifth Ave: A Conversation with Julie Satow
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
"When women ran Fifth Avenue, they did more than sell clothes—they shaped American fashion and business," says Julie Satow, award-winning journalist and author. In this episode, CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour dives deep with Satow into her latest book, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. Discover the untold stories of the women who led iconic department stores like Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor, and Henri Bendel, and how they navigated the complexities of the early 20th-century business world. From their pioneering roles to the personal sacrifices they made, Satow paints a vivid picture of ambition, reinvention, and resilience. Whether you're fascinated by fashion history or looking for inspiration in your own career journey, this episode is a must-listen.
Bio:
Julie Satow is an award-winning journalist and the author of "The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel," a New York Times Editor's Choice and NPR favorite book of 2019. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and has written extensively on real estate and business.
Timestamps:
02:55 - The personal reinvention that led Satow to writing
05:42 - Covid is a social history of New York through the hotel
07:25 - These department stores in the early 20th century were not like what we think
10:24 - Three women became presidents of famous department stores by accident or design
14:51 - All three women had men who helped them pave the way in mentorship roles
18:08 - Why do you think these particular women were ambitious? Why?
23:33 - Did those ladies then pull up women behind them? What happened behind them?
26:04 - Dorothy Shaver helped establish American vogue
Key Points:
- Julie Satow's book highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the early American fashion industry.
- The department stores of the early 20th century were not just retail spaces but cultural and social hubs for women.
- Despite working in a male-dominated industry, these women carved out powerful roles and left lasting legacies.
- The decline of department stores marks a shift in retail culture but also opens new avenues for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
"Life is a series of reinventions," says Alice Inoue, founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happiness U. In this episode, CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Alice to explore her extraordinary journey of continuous reinvention. From her beginnings in Taiwan and Japan to becoming a television star, an astrologer, a wedding officiant, and finally the creator of Happiness U in Honolulu, Alice's story is a testament to the power of following your heart and embracing change. Tune in to discover how Alice navigated each transition, overcame societal expectations, and found her true calling in helping others achieve mental and emotional wellness.
Bio:
Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happiness U, an educational establishment in Honolulu, Hawaii. With a career spanning over two decades, Alice has helped individuals and organizations find clarity and purpose. She is a columnist, the author of nine books on self-growth and happiness, and the creator of an innovative psychometric assessment featured in her award-winning book, "Master Your Superpowers."
- 01:56 - Alice's history: where she's from and how she's reinvented
- 05:54 - Why being in the public eye was unfulfilling for you
- 07:26 - Getting fired from Japan TV news, going into wedding officiating
- 12:32 - From weddings to feng shui
- 18:01 - "Almost everything is about mindset, and we have the ability to change perspective"
- 19:09 - The struggles Alice found in her transitions
- 26:01 - "It was just trusting [myself] more than anything, and spending time with myself"
- 27:33 - The biggest surprise in Alice's reinventions? That it always worked out
Key Points:
- Alice Inoue's journey highlights the importance of following your heart and embracing change, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
- Her story underscores the value of self-awareness and the courage to pursue what feels right, even in the face of societal expectations.
- Alice's work focuses on mental and emotional wellness, helping individuals and organizations navigate life's challenges through innovative methods.
- The significance of mindset and perspective in achieving personal fulfillment and overcoming obstacles.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Jun 21, 2024
#251 Sculpting a New Path: Dana King on Transitioning from Journalism to Art
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
"I know that I was not given this gift at the age of 50 to squander," says Dana King. After 25 years in broadcast journalism, she found her true calling as an artist sculpting black bodies in bronze. "I only tell the story of African descendants and their role here in America," she tells CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour. King shares her incredible journey, the challenges she faced, and the powerful stories she tells through her artwork.. Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, her story is a must-listen.
Bio:
Dana King is enjoying her encore career as a public artist who sculpts Black bodies in bronze. She began sculpting at the end of a 25 year run as an award winning broadcast journalist.
02:07 - How King reinvented herself out of broadcasting into art through commissions
07:27 - “So I loved my job until I didn't love it anymore”
10:18 - You didn't have any formal training before becoming an artist
11:56 - Being commissioned to create a bust of Ida B. Wells
15:05 - Why she chose bronze
16:37 - Why we always suck at something when we begin
25:14 - How to overcome the doubt struggles
33:39 - Three fast tips for women who want to make a big change
Key Points:
- Dana King transitioned from a successful broadcast journalism career to becoming a celebrated sculptor, proving it’s never too late to follow your passion.
- Her work focuses on sculpting black bodies in bronze, ensuring the stories of African descendants are preserved and honored.
- Dana emphasizes the importance of self-belief, patience, and not being afraid to start over, even if it means being “crappy” at first.
- She shares valuable advice on how to navigate transitions, listen to your inner voice, and pursue your dreams despite challenges.
Links and Resources:
Follow Dana King on Instagram: DanaKingArt360
Visit Dana King’s website: DanaKingArt.com
Explore Covey Club for more resources and community support: CoveyClub.com
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Friday Jun 14, 2024
"Gender is between the ears, not the legs," says Wendy Cole, a Transition Mentor with a focus on self-acceptance and personal empowerment. Knowing she was a woman since childhood, Cole transitioned at age 67 and was fully able to embrace her true identity. Now she helps others navigate their own life’s changes with compassion and mindfulness. “Life is about possibilities,” she tells CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour. “They have to change their beliefs of what’s possible.” In this conversation Cole discusses her courageous journey of self-love and transformation. She shares her story of confronting societal and familial expectations, overcoming decades of internal struggle, and finally finding joy in being herself. A must-listen for anyone facing personal challenges and seeking to reinvent themselves.
03:07 - Wendy’s background and life before transitioning
06:50 - What it means to be born transgender
11:06 - Dealing with depression and anxiety
15:33 - Wendy says she started cross dressing in 2014 after 30 years
21:56 - Starting hormone replacement therapy in March 2010
31:35 -What you need to do to change your beliefs
34:48 - Wendy says it's never too late to change your life
Key Points
Wendy Cole transitioned at 67, proving it's never too late to be yourself.
Her journey highlights the importance of self-acceptance and confronting internal fears.
Wendy now works as a transition mentor, helping others navigate their own changes.
Mindfulness and shifting beliefs were crucial in Wendy's successful transition.
Despite societal pressures, self-acceptance is key to overcoming challenges.
Links and Resources
Meet Wendy Cole - Connect with Wendy and learn about her services.
CoveyClub - Join a supportive community for women navigating change.
Love Knows No Gender – Parenting a Transgender Child
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com.
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
"There is throughout this theme of reaching a certain age and feeling like I'm entitled to the ground I'm standing on, at least," says New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary "Sometimes just being overly nice isn't authentic." CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with the writer to discuss her latest essay collection, "I've Tried Being Nice." Leary shares her personal journey of reinvention, her writing process, and the humorous yet poignant moments that inspired her new essay collection. Perfect for anyone navigating midlife changes, Leary’s stories resonate deeply, especially with women over 50. She discusses her childhood of frequent moves, which shaped her observational skills and writing talent, and offers invaluable tips like writing authentically as if to a best friend. Highlighting the episode is Leary’s candid talk about overcoming lifelong people-pleasing, finding her voice, and the empowerment found in her essay "I've Tried Being Nice." For aspiring writers, Leary’s practical advice includes starting the writing day early and maintaining flow. This episode is a must-listen for its blend of inspiration, humor, and practical advice.
Time Stamps:
02:25: Ann Leary talks about her new book
06:18: What inspired you to go back to memoir after having written several novels?
10:15: How does moving play into being an observer and being a writer?
14:26: When did you decide that you were going to take your writing seriously?
18:45: Do you write every day or do you have a process?
23:34: Do you share your work with anybody while you're working on it?
25:28: Leaving the people pleaser club
28:30: The freedom of midlife
Key Points:
- Ann Leary's essay collection, I've Tried Being Nice, is a must-read for midlife women, filled with humor and relatable insights.
- Frequent moves during childhood helped Ann develop her observational skills, crucial for her writing.
- Writing should feel like a conversation with a friend who gets you, making it more authentic and engaging.
- Ann shares her struggle with being a lifelong people pleaser and the liberation that comes with age.
- Having a supportive writing community is essential for feedback and encouragement.
Links and Resources:
- Visit Ann Leary's Website for more information and upcoming events.
- Order I've Tried Being Nice on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
- Follow Ann Leary on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
FREE GIFT! 31 Badass Tips for Launching Your Reinvention
Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub:
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
"We should be treated like owners of our own bodies," says ER physician and CEO of Carte Clinics Dr. Gina Siddiqui. “The medical system should give you a map, and you can choose where you want to go. CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Dr. Siddiqui to discuss her mission to transform the patient-doctor relationship. Dr. Siddiqui shares her journey from emergency medicine to founding a concierge-style medical service that offers personalized care, research, and second opinions for patients navigating the complex healthcare system.
Time Stamps
3:33 How Dr. Siddiqui got into medicine
06:47 How Carté Clinics are a reinvention of the relationship doctors have with patients
08:07 Carté Clinics help consumers navigate the medical system and get the right help
15:12 How do people get help with breast cancer diagnosis through electronic medical records?
23:51 The difference between how men and women handle healthcare
26:27 Covey recommends women take more charge of their healthcare
29:31 How to get your doctor to listen
32:34 What do you do as a patient when you are feeling ignored
34:23: Gina Siddiqui is launching Carté Clinics to help women reinvent themselves
Key Points:
- Dr. Gina Siddiqui is transforming the healthcare experience through Carte Clinics, offering personalized medical care and research.
- Patients can access a range of services, from second opinions to comprehensive health management, tailored to their unique needs.
- Carte Clinics aims to empower patients by providing unbiased, thorough medical advice and aligning with their health goals.
- Women often face unique challenges in healthcare, and being proactive and assertive is crucial in managing their health.
- Healthcare professionals and individuals in adjacent fields can find inspiration and practical advice for reinventing their roles within the system.
Join us live on Zoom with Gina Siddiqui on Wednesday, June 12 at 2pm ET! This talk will touch on unique health considerations for women after 40 and the ways women in particular must be vigilant for our symptoms and needs being minimized or dismissed.
Links and Resources:
- Visit Carte Clinics for more information and services.
- Connect with Dr. Gina Siddiqui on LinkedIn and Twitter.
- Explore CoveyClub for resources, support, and community for reinvention.
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com.
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
"Anxiety is like a cult leader in the home—it’s controlling and demands attention, but understanding it helps break its power." – Laura Morton.
In this compelling episode of the Reinvent Yourself Podcast, host Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Laura Morton, co-director and producer of the award-winning documentary "Anxious Nation." Morton, a bestselling author and mental health advocate, shares her deeply personal journey of navigating her daughter's anxiety and how it inspired her to create a film that offers hope and strategies to families dealing with similar issues. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent dealing with anxious children, providing insights, encouragement, and practical advice.
Timestamps:
- 02:31 - 05:20: Lesley introduces Laura Morton and her impressive background.
- 05:21 - 07:45: Laura discusses the inspiration behind "Anxious Nation."
- 07:46 - 10:15: Laura shares her personal story about her daughter's anxiety diagnosis.
- 10:16 - 15:40: The impact of social media and modern challenges on children's anxiety.
- 15:41 - 18:30: The importance of open conversations about mental health in families.
- 18:31 - 22:45: Laura's advice on seeking help and the common mistakes parents make.
- 22:46 - 26:10: The making of "Anxious Nation" and Laura's experience with documentary filmmaking.
- 26:11 - 28:30: Tips for parents on managing their child's anxiety.
- 28:31 - 31:00: How to access and benefit from watching "Anxious Nation."
- 31:01 - 33:00: Laura’s final thoughts and encouragement for parents.
Key Points:
- Laura Morton’s documentary "Anxious Nation" sheds light on the crisis of anxiety among children and provides practical solutions.
- Open conversations and early intervention are crucial in managing children’s anxiety.
- Social media and modern societal pressures significantly contribute to rising anxiety levels.
- Parents should be aware of their actions and how they might unintentionally add to their child’s anxiety.
- Strategies such as mindfulness, therapy, and community support can make a significant difference.
Links and Resources:
- Watch "Anxious Nation" on Amazon and Apple TV.
- Visit the Anxious Nation website for more information and resources.
- Learn more about Laura Morton on her Instagram and LinkedIn.
If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com.