Welcome to another unforgettable episode of Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins , and today we bring you a powerful and deeply moving conversation with novelist Laurie Kirk, author of Baby Marvin. If you’ve ever wondered how past losses, family secrets, and even ghosts can shape and heal our lives, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into Laurie Kirk’s late-blooming writing journey, which began in 2021 after a transformative experience with a life coach. Laurie Kirk opens up about discovering she is a "womb twin survivor," and how this revelation unraveled a thread of profound loneliness that shaped her entire life. We explore how Laurie channeled her experiences into her writing blending tragedy, comedy, and horror, and why she believes it’s never too late to start a new creative chapter.

Laurie Kirk also shares the inspiration behind Baby Marvin, a psychological horror thriller about fractured identity, duality, and what happens when loss and loneliness collide with rage and revenge. Listen as she takes us through her creative process, transitioning from screenplays to novels, and finds healing and even humor in the company of her dearly departed yes, some ghosts are welcome!

• It’s Never Too Late: Laurie Kirk’s story is a reminder that meaningful creative work can begin at any age. Whether you’re 30, 60, or beyond, your best days and stories may still lie ahead.
• Healing Through Forgiveness: Laurie shares how forgiveness, both for herself and her late parents, paved the way for healing, even decades after loss.
• Turning Pain Into Art: We discuss how grief, loneliness, and personal trauma can become raw material for creative, and often humorous, storytelling.
• The Power of Humor in Darkness: Laurie’s journey proves that laughter and levity are essential tools for tackling the deepest wounds and for making even haunted stories shine with humanity.
• Ghosts That Comfort, Not Haunt: Laurie Kirk talks about sensing the presence of lost loved ones, and how they continue to inspire and support her writing.
• Practical Steps for Late Bloomers: From working with a life coach to exploring meditation, Laurie’s willingness to confront her past is a roadmap for anyone seeking meaning and renewal later in life.

If Laurie Kirk’s story inspires you, we encourage you: Don’t wait to start your next chapter! Whether it’s writing a novel, rekindling a passion, or simply starting a healing conversation, it’s truly never too late. Let this episode be your spark.

Subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube and your favorite podcast app, and like this episode to help other late bloomers find us. Share your own story or what you want to begin next we’d love to hear from you!

And remember, as we always say: It’s never too late to rethink what’s possible.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to a deeply heartfelt episode of Late Boomers. We’re Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington, and today we gather to honor and remember the legendary Dolly Parton. For our 300th episode, we're sitting down for a very personal conversation, reflecting on the precious moments and memories that connected us to Dolly—through Cathy’s late husband, Ken Kragen, who managed Kenny Rogers and helped shape some of the most iconic moments in country music.

In this special tribute, we share never-before-told stories about Dolly’s kindness, humor, and dazzling presence. We bring you inside the glitz of the CMA Awards, the warmth of the recording studio, and the laughter backstage. You’ll hear what made Dolly so extraordinary not just as a superstar, but as a friend, a mentor, and a beloved family member to so many.

• Dolly’s True Nature: We recount how Dolly was every bit as genuine, loving, and quick-witted behind the scenes as she appeared in public. Her humor—always sparkling, sometimes cheeky—and her generosity of spirit touched everyone she met (07:14, 16:11).
• Memorable Duets and Milestones: Relive the creation of “Islands in the Stream” and other chart-topping collaborations with Kenny Rogers, and go inside their legendary stage chemistry (03:03, 10:28).
• Backstage Adventures: From singing in the backup choir for Kenny & Dolly’s Christmas special to glamorous nights in sequins at the awards shows, Cathy Worthington shares what it was like to be part of these musical milestones (05:15, 19:04).
• A Star’s Wit, Warmth, and Work Ethic: Dolly’s humor lit up every room—whether in press conferences in Perth or when gently teasing friends. She never stopped working, creating, or caring for those around her (16:40, 28:44).
• Dolly’s Legacy of Kindness: Above all, Dolly’s love for her family, her generosity, and her belief in giving someone your smile if they don’t have one shines as her enduring legacy (24:35).
• Making Dreams Reality: Learn how Dolly’s determination and savvy business sense overcame every obstacle—from bringing Dollywood alive to developing a Broadway show based on her life (25:00, 27:02).

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate and remember Dolly Parton’s incredible life, music, and spirit. If Dolly touched your life, too, please subscribe to Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform or our YouTube channel, and share this episode with fellow Dolly fans.

We would love to hear your favorite Dolly memory or song—leave us a comment or review, and help keep her legacy alive.

Remember, as Dolly said and we believe, if you see someone without a smile, give them yours. It’s never too late to spread kindness and live your dreams, just as Dolly did, right up to the very end.

Thank you for listening, and for helping us honor an unforgettable legend—Dolly Parton.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins . In this episode, we dive deep into the world of historical fiction with educator, novelist, and storyteller Dorothy Ward, whose acclaimed novel, Light Which Impresses, beautifully explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring strength of women through the lens of history.

If you’re fascinated by stories that connect the past to our present, or if you’re finally ready to write your own narrative, this conversation will both inspire and motivate you.

We’re thrilled to welcome Dorothy Ward to discuss her journey from lifelong educator to published novelist at the age of 71! We explore why historical fiction is more relevant than ever, what inspired the unique structure of Light Which Impresses, and the meticulous research that brings her story to life. Dorothy Ward shares candid insights about recreating early 20th-century El Paso and the Mexican Revolution, crafting powerful women who defy expectations, and how her own background influenced the narrative.

Whether you’re a writer, a lover of history, or someone seeking encouragement to start something new in your own life, you’ll find wisdom and practical advice throughout this episode.

• Why Historical Fiction Matters: Dorothy Ward explains how stepping into the past through fiction helps us build empathy and understand today’s challenges, especially around topics like migration and resilience (01:28).
• Inspirations Behind the Novel: The title of Light Which Impresses comes from a 100-year-old Kodak camera manual, a metaphor for memory and the double-edged power of truth (02:54).
• Unique Narrative Structure: The story weaves together interviews with the protagonist as an older woman and her youthful experiences against a backdrop of revolution, making history come alive and personal (05:47).
• Strong, Unconventional Female Characters: Inspired by real women of the Mexican Revolution, Dorothy Ward’s protagonists break the mold and show the unheralded strength of women throughout history (09:08).
• The Research Process: Dorothy Ward reveals how she balanced exhaustive research walking tours, period photography, and vintage vehicles with compelling storytelling (17:30).
• Advice for Aspiring Writers: It’s never too late to start! The most important step? Sitting down and writing, planning and talking about writing won’t get your story on the page (29:02).
• Practical Writing Tips: Embrace rewriting, cut down the excess, and always read your work out loud to catch what doesn’t sound right (30:50).

If today’s conversation sparked your curiosity or your creativity, we encourage you to pick up a copy of Light Which Impresses available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, or wherever you buy books. Connect with Dorothy Ward and learn more about her work at dorothypward.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you get your podcasts and on our YouTube channel. Leave us a review and share this episode with friends who love history, literature, and inspiring new beginnings.

Remember, it’s never too late to rethink what’s possible.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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