What if midlife isn’t a breakdown—but a breakthrough?

In this powerful conversation, world-renowned writer Pico Iyer shares the surprising lessons he’s learned from 50 years of friendship with the Dalai Lama, losing everything he owned, and finding stillness in the chaos. From walking away from success in New York to building a soulful life in Japan, Pico reveals how true freedom comes not from having more—but from letting go. This episode is a masterclass in finding purpose, inner peace, and meaning in the second half of life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:13 Meet Pico Iyer

02:02 Why TED Keeps Inviting Pico Back

02:50 Pico’s favorite TED talk

04:04 Early Life Across Continents

05:17 What “Home” Really Means

07:21 Stillness and the Midlife Chrysalis

12:33 Moving from Park Avenue to Kyoto

15:31 The Value of Being an Expat

18:10 Inner Calm in a Chaotic World

22:31 Everyday Stillness Practices

29:24 A Lifetime with the Dalai Lama

37:34 Living in Absence of Answers

42:29 Pico’s Anticipated Regret

46:11 What Makes MEA So Special

50:47 Awe, Community, and Transformation

53:27 Pico’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker

56:27 Episode Key Takeaways

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#MidlifeChrysalis #PicoIyer #ChipConley #MidlifeTransformation #ModernElder #Stillness #InnerWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #LifePurpose #DalaiLama #HomeAndSoul #ExpatLife #GratitudePractice #Resilience #MindfulLiving

What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?

In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.

What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.Feeling your own shift? Subscribe to The Midlife Chrysalis and explore Modern Elder Academy’s workshops designed to help you thrive in midlife and beyond.

Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 Chip’s Relationship With His Dad 08:28 A Prolific Film Career09:38 Working with Clint Eastwood10:51 Carving His Own Path13:54 New Projects & Genre Exploration15:52 Masculinity in Modern Culture18:09 Growing & Maturing as a Man19:26 Questioning & Redefining Midlife21:32 Childhood Dreams & Creative Shifts24:05 Aging, Directing & Creative Control27:1 Time, Regret & Following Your Gut31:51 The Outpost Movie & Hyperbaric Healing35:07 Real Wellness, Not Wellness Trends37:16 Life Lessons & Emotional Maturity39:44 How Scott Hopes to Be Remembered41:31 Lessons from Mom & Dad43:20 Having Mentors & Becoming One44:13 Scott’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker49:13 Healing a Father-Son Relationship

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#ScottEastwood #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #ClintEastwood #MasculinityToday #ActorLife #FilmIndustry #PersonalGrowth #LegacyAndIdentity #MidlifeReflection #LifeLessons #EmotionalMaturity #CreativeJourney #WellnessWisdom #FollowYourGut

What happens when one of the most thoughtful voices in public life hits a wall?

In this deeply personal conversation, Krista Tippett opens up about burnout, walking away from success, and rediscovering joy in midlife. From letting go of exhaustion to falling in love again, she shares the hard-won wisdom that’s reshaping how she lives, works, and loves. It’s a moving reminder that it’s never too late to begin again, so don’t miss this one.

Subscribe for more powerful conversations that spark reflection, reinvention, and real change in midlife.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Setup

00:46 Introducing Lee and the Unique Cast of Guests

01:52 What Makes a Great Interviewer?

06:12 Interviewing John O’Donohue

09:57 Thresholds and Transitions

12:58 Krista’s Childhood and Upbringing in Oklahoma

17:40 The Bible as Her First Text of Imagination

20:00 Interviewing Richard Rohr and Men’s Spiritual Lives

23:36 Krista’s Midlife Reflections

27:06 Midlife Chrysalis and Personal Transformation

30:53 Building a Life Around Love and Friendship

35:36 What She’d Regret Not Doing

38:09 What Brings Joy Now

42:03 Defining Wisdom and Growing Wiser

46:26 Staying Grounded Through Rituals and Attention

51:43 Rethinking Retirement

54:29 The Aging Brain and Synthesizing Wisdom

57:46 Wisdom Bumper Sticker

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeWisdom

#OnBeing #KristaTippett #MidlifeTransformation #SpiritualGrowth #LifeAfter40 #InnerLife #FindingPurpose #EmotionalResilience #WomenOver40 #BecomingWise #SoulfulLiving #PersonalGrowthJourney #AgingWithGrace #DeepConversations