In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with renowned couture window treatment expert, educator and travel curator Deb Barrett to explore how to intentionally design a vibrant life after 60. Deb shares how leaving the corporate world for entrepreneurship created greater freedom, why choosing a niche helped shape her success and how learning to say no opened the door to more meaningful opportunities. They discuss redefining success beyond recognition and constant work, navigating retirement, finding inspiration through travel and professional community, and creating lasting memories with children and grandchildren. Whether you are considering a career change, planning retirement or searching for more joy and purpose in your next chapter, this conversation offers practical inspiration for living your third phase with curiosity, connection and intention.

Links from this episode:

• Deb Barrett: debbarrett.com | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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When interior designer Michelle Blemel, founder of Amber Leaf Incorporated, realized her parents could no longer safely navigate the stairs of the two-story home they'd loved for 52 years, she faced one of the toughest projects of her 25-year career, this time as a daughter, not just a professional. In this heartfelt episode of The 3rd Phase with host Lori Carpenter, Michelle shares the emotional and practical journey of moving her active, independent parents to a safe, comfortable main-floor living space while honoring their dignity and autonomy. From designing around her mother's macular degeneration and glare-reducing lighting to curbless showers, non-slip flooring, motion-sensor lights, lowered beds, pocket-door handles, and beautiful-yet-functional grab bars, Michelle reveals the small details and the roughly 500 to 1,000 decisions that make aging in place truly work. It's an honest, inspiring conversation about home safety, family, and rethinking how we design homes so our loved ones can live vibrantly, safely, and independently for years to come.

Links from this episode:

• Michelle Blemel: amberleafinc.com | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with licensed aesthetician and professional skin therapist Susan Sorensen of About Face Skin Therapy to demystify skincare for women over 60. Susan explains why it's never too late to start caring for your skin and breaks down what really happens to mature, menopausal skin — from transepidermal water loss and declining collagen and elastin to the important difference between dryness and dehydration. She shares practical, expert-backed advice on staying hydrated, the ingredients that actually work (ultra-stable vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and the gentle plant-based alternative bakuchiol), and the treatments worth your money, including professional red and blue light LED therapy. Susan also cuts through the hype around glass skin, beef tallow, coconut oil and Korean skincare, makes the case for daily sunscreen (her favorite: SolaVida Face SPF 30), and reveals her single most important habit for healthy, glowing skin at any age. A must-listen for anyone 60+ who wants radiant, vibrant skin in this third phase of life.

Links from this episode:

• Susan Sorensen: aboutfacesusan.com | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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