At 40, Hoda Kotb’s world fell apart—cancer, divorce, and the dream of having children slipping away. But what came next wasn’t the end. It was a beginning.

In this amazing episode, Hoda opens up about surviving breast cancer, finding the courage to adopt at 52, and learning that her 50s would become the most meaningful years of her life. She shares raw moments, unexpected joy, and the wisdom that only comes from starting over.

If you're navigating change or wondering if it's too late to begin again, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Subscribe to Midlife Chrysalis and join our community for more stories that prove the second half of life can be the best half.

Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:23 Growing Up in an Immigrant Family03:25 Childhood in Nigeria and Egypt05:49 Rejection, Resilience, and Unexpected Opportunities08:27 A Tumultuous Early 40s: Marriage, Cancer & Change14:14 Aging On-Air and Thriving in Her 50s17:26 Adoption at 52 and the Joy of Motherhood23:32 Love & Relationships Later in Life28:59 Stepping Away from the Today Show32:51 Starting a New Business at 6034:39 Gratitude for Her Mom36:22 Lessons from Her 60s: Be a Beginner Again41:26 Hoda’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker44:05 Closing Reflections

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

#HodaKotb #MidlifeChrysalis #WomenOver50 #BreastCancerSurvivor #MidlifeTransformation #ReinventionAfter50 #AdoptionStory #LifeAfterCancer #StartingOverAt50 #InspirationalWomen #PersonalGrowthJourney #LateBloomerSuccess #CareerChangeAfter50 #FindingPurposeInMidlife #NeverTooLate

What if the life you built is no longer the one that fulfills you? In this powerful episode, former venture capitalist turned CEO coach Jerry Colonna shares how his midlife crisis became a chrysalis—from collapsing under the weight of outward success to rebuilding a life rooted in meaning, connection, and emotional resilience.

He shares the moment he almost gave up, the books and mentors that helped him begin again, and why real leadership starts with healing yourself. If you're navigating uncertainty or chasing purpose after 40, this is your roadmap. Subscribe for more conversations that honour the complexity—and beauty—of becoming whole.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:51 Greeting and introduction

02:06 Jerry’s background & career journey

09:36 Fundamentally being broken

12:33 The crash of 2001 and Grand Canyon awakening

15:35 Post-9/11 breakdown and decision to change

18:41 The power of asking “How am I complicit?”

21:41 The pursuit of wealth and inner emptiness

25:57 Childhood trauma and the need to be seen

28:31 The transformation: from ego to true self

33:31 Becoming Buddhist business coach

37:57 Lessons from modern elders: Pema, Parker, Sharon

44:56 What gets better with age

47:10 Midlife wisdom and personal integration

51:34 The ability to enjoy bitter sweetness

52:50 Why do we need midlife wisdom schools

54:37 Collective healing and “you’re not alone”

56:10 Bumper sticker of wisdom

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

#MidlifeTransformation #JerryColonna #CEOCoach #EmotionalResilience #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthMatters #LeadershipWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #Psychoanalysis #BusinessAndSpirituality #RebootYourLife #ModernElders #LifeAfterSuccess #YoureNotAlone

What if midlife isn’t a crisis—but a chance to grow, heal, and start fresh? In this episode, Michael Franti shares how he transformed personal pain into purpose, why letting go of old stories changed his life, and how music helped him reconnect with himself and others.

Michael opens up about fatherhood, breaking free from emotional patterns, and the daily work of staying present in a distracted world. From his earliest songwriting days to his biggest transformations offstage, he reveals what it really takes to live with heart and intention. This episode is full of truth, warmth, and perspective for anyone ready to evolve.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:17 Maturing Through Mistakes

03:07 Impactful Midlife Transitions

06:03 AIDS Crisis & The Power of Sharing Stories

10:40 Success in His 50s & Roll of Wisdom

13:09 Creating from Emotion & Collaboration

18:06 Musical Genres & Identity Challenges

21:09 Learning to Play Guitar at 30

25:55 Moments with Bono and Childhood Trauma

34:16 Emotionally Unavailable Adoptive Mother

39:39 Overcoming Phone Addiction

43:17 Creating Deep Family Relationships

44:55 How His Dad Changed After a Stroke

48:26 Break Up with Everything You Don’t Need

51:47 Live Performance

55:33 Letting Go of Old Stories

Learn more about MEA at ⁠MEAWisdom.com

#MichaelFranti #MidlifeTransformation #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #FatherhoodJourney #LettingGo #LiveWithHeart #MindfulLiving #MusicAsMedicine #BreakTheCycle #StorytellingMatters #LifeAfter50 #HealingThroughMusic #IntentionalLiving #PresenceOverPerfection #SpiritualAwakening #NewBeginnings