The Midlife Chrysalis

What if your so-called “midlife crisis” was actually a doorway to reinvention? In this powerful conversation, Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell joins Chip Conley to explore how the radical spirit of Burning Man offers surprising lessons on aging, identity, leadership, and legacy. From embracing impermanence to finding purpose without a script, this episode is a deep dive into how midlife can be your most creative and meaningful chapter yet.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Chips Connection to Burning Man04:43 What Burning Man Really Is07:01 How Burning Man Became a Global Movement08:47 The Core Principles That Guide Everything11:13 Radical Self-Expression and Creating Without Expectation13:38 Why Burning Man Attracts People in Midlife Transition16:43 Loss, Legacy, and What We Leave Behind21:46 Lessons from Larry Harvey as a Modern Elder25:05 What She Learned as a Burning Man’s CEO33:00 What Is Fly Ranch and Why It Matters36:28 Fly Ranch Like Burning Man’s Feminine Side39:24 Three Tips for Burning Man First-Timers42:14 Burning the Man and Temple Rituals47:22 The Healing Power of Ritual50:08 Why MEA Resonates with Burners53:40 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BurningMan #MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeTransformation #MarianGoodell #BurningMan2025 #PersonalGrowth #ReinventionAfter40 #MidlifeAwakening #LifeAfter50 #SpiritualJourney #BurningManExperience #RadicalSelfExpression #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #PurposeInMidlife

What does it really take to start over at 69?In this inspiring episode, Whole Foods founder John Mackey shares how psychedelics, purpose, and love reshaped his path after selling to Amazon.From ego death to building Love Life wellness centers, he opens up about business regrets, spiritual breakthroughs, and midlife transformation. You'll learn how conscious capitalism evolves with age—and why love might be the ultimate business strategy.Subscribe for more honest conversations about midlife renewal, purpose-driven living, and personal reinvention.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:27 Meet John Mackey01:27 Psychedelics, Ego Death, and Food as Purpose07:44 Love, Breakups, and Big Business Shifts08:37 Austin in the '70s and Building Whole Foods10:40 Advice to His Younger Self12:34 From Atheism to Spiritual Adventure14:36 What Is Conscious Capitalism?17:15 How Whole Foods Revolutionized Grocery Stores19:28 Learning to Communicate with Kindness21:46 Selling Whole Foods to Amazon28:17 Why He Finally Left Whole Foods29:25 Healing Journey Through Plant Medicine31:28 What Is Love Life?37:56 Psychodelics as Therapeutic Method40:21 Challenges and Financial Realities43:21 Longevity Myths and What Actually Works47:49 Redefining Retirement with Purpose49:54 What He’d Regret Not Doing52:09 Wisdom Bumper Sticker55:33 Final ReflectionsLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#JohnMackey #WholeFoods #ConsciousCapitalism #MidlifeTransformation #LongevityTips #PlantMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #HolisticHealth #LoveLifeWellness #SpiritualGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ChipConley #FoundersJourney #ReinventYourself

What if hitting rock bottom was the best thing that ever happened to you?In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rich Roll, a former addict turned world-class endurance athlete, shares how he rebuilt his life from scratch, facing failure, financial ruin, and identity loss to find real purpose.With brutal honesty, he opens up about his addiction, fatherhood, marriage, legacy, and the heavy cost of chasing approval. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what comes next, this conversation just might change how you see your own story.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 01:13 Spine Surgery and Recovery03:02 Losing Identity and Facing Stillness05:47 Interviewing Master Interviewers07:17 Life Begins at 40 & Rejecting the Race11:06 How to Know You’re on the Right Track13:42 Performance vs. Presence15:25 Addiction, Achievement, and the Roots of Disconnection19:49 The Midlife Chrysalis at Age 3924:29 The Support of His Wife Julie26:04 Lessons from Rich’s Midlife Chrysalis32:14 From Blog to Writing a Book38:10 Launching the Podcast & Relocating to Hawaii42:27 Gaining Momentum43:50 Financial Struggles and Family Impact48:14 What Makes Rich Roll’s Podcast Different51:58 The Importance of Genuine Curiosity54:25 The Power of Vulnerability in Conversation56:31 Rethinking Success and Slowing Down01:01:46 Legacy, Family, and Showing UpLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeTransformation #RichRoll #SpineSurgeryRecovery #SobrietyJourney #PurposeInMidlife #EnduranceAthlete #AddictionRecovery #MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #PodcastLife #EmotionalResilience #LifeAfter40 #LegacyWork #AuthenticLiving #ModernElder

What if midlife isn’t a crisis, but your most creative chapter yet?In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin shares how he’s reinvented his life through purpose-driven work, disciplined freedom, and the belief that life itself is a series of art projects.We explore why the “dip” is a crucial part of growth, how to walk away from success when it no longer serves you, and what it really means to build a legacy. Seth also opens up about aging, identity, and choosing meaning over momentum.It’s a conversation full of wisdom, honesty, and practical insight for anyone navigating change. Subscribe for more episodes that help you reimagine your next chapter!Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:16 How Seth and Chip first met at Stanford02:49 Writing their first book together03:53 Jay Conrad Levinson as a modern elder07:01 Writing over 150 books08:31 Understanding The Dip and its midlife parallels12:28 Seth’s two “Dip” examples14:13 Chip’s hotel dip and decision making17:27 Creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship after 5019:36 Not being in high school anymore & insulating yourself22:49 Midlife crisis or chrysalis?27:25 Alt MBA, The Carbon Almanac, and collaborative creation32:03 Rebranding midlife and self-image as we age35:28 Things that got better with aging37:54 Seth’s perspective on retirement & legacy41:16 Seth’s next project42:42 The future of the U.S. and generational change46:28 A bumper sticker of wisdom48:14 The importance of the origin storyLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#SethGodinInterview #MidlifeChrysalis #StanfordStories #TheDipBook #PortfolioLife #ModernElderAcademy #CarbonAlmanacProject #AltMBAJourney #RebrandingMidlife #CreativeAging #WisdomInMidlife #OpportunityCostLesson #EntrepreneurAfter50 #LifeAsArtProject #TeachingLegacy

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 ReflectionsLearn 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 Intro00:51 Greeting and introduction02:06 Jerry’s background & career journey09:36 Fundamentally being broken12:33 The crash of 2001 and Grand Canyon awakening15:35 Post-9/11 breakdown and decision to change18:41 The power of asking “How am I complicit?”21:41 The pursuit of wealth and inner emptiness25:57 Childhood trauma and the need to be seen28:31 The transformation: from ego to true self33:31 Becoming Buddhist business coach37:57 Lessons from modern elders: Pema, Parker, Sharon44:56 What gets better with age47:10 Midlife wisdom and personal integration51:34 The ability to enjoy bitter sweetness52:50 Why do we need midlife wisdom schools54:37 Collective healing and “you’re not alone”56:10 Bumper sticker of wisdomLearn 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 Intro01:17 Maturing Through Mistakes03:07 Impactful Midlife Transitions06:03 AIDS Crisis & The Power of Sharing Stories10:40 Success in His 50s & Roll of Wisdom13:09 Creating from Emotion & Collaboration18:06 Musical Genres & Identity Challenges21:09 Learning to Play Guitar at 3025:55 Moments with Bono and Childhood Trauma34:16 Emotionally Unavailable Adoptive Mother39:39 Overcoming Phone Addiction43:17 Creating Deep Family Relationships44:55 How His Dad Changed After a Stroke48:26 Break Up with Everything You Don’t Need51:47 Live Performance55:33 Letting Go of Old StoriesLearn more about MEA at ⁠MEAWisdom.com#MichaelFranti #MidlifeTransformation #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #FatherhoodJourney #LettingGo #LiveWithHeart #MindfulLiving #MusicAsMedicine #BreakTheCycle #StorytellingMatters #LifeAfter50 #HealingThroughMusic #IntentionalLiving #PresenceOverPerfection #SpiritualAwakening #NewBeginnings

What if the most powerful transformation of your life came after the titles, the heartbreak, and the noise? In this deeply moving episode, Maria Shriver opens up about rediscovering her identity beyond the Kennedy legacy, confronting the emptiness behind external success, and finally giving herself permission to become whole.From her Catholic upbringing and complicated relationship with ambition, to the raw honesty of her poetry and spiritual healing, Maria shares how she moved through loss, betrayal, and public scrutiny—and came out the other side free, grounded, and fully herself.If you're navigating your own midlife reinvention, craving deeper purpose, or learning to let go of old roles, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Who is Maria Shriver?02:18 Faith Journey & Early Influence05:20 Self-Discovery & Wholeness07:44 Poetry & Embracing a Feminine Side09:40 Finding Out Who You Really Are15:06 The Poem “Connecting the Dots”19:27 Messy Midlife & Reframing Aging22:11 The Poem “Chaos” & Coming Out of Mess30:14 Redefining Purpose, Love, and Legacy32:21 Vulnerability as a Superpower38:21 Embracing Freedom & Your True Self41:05 Living Fully on Your Own Terms44:48 What is Moral Beauty?47:57 Evolving & Aging as a Gift56:20 Final WisdomLearn more about MEA at MEAWisdom.com#MariaShriver #MidlifeTransformation #Reinvention #SpiritualGrowth #FindingYourself #WomenEmpowerment #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #LettingGo #PoetryHealing #LegacyBeyondFame #VulnerabilityIsStrength #RedefiningSuccess #MoralBeauty #PersonalGrowth

Welcome to the very first episode of The Midlife Chrysalis!Chip Conley kicks off this amazing podcast by redefining midlife. It’s not as a crisis, but a powerful chrysalis for transformation.He shares his own wild journey and reveals why your 40s, 50s, and beyond can be the most meaningful years of your life. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming guests like Maria Shriver, Brian Chesky, Gavin Newsom, and more. If you're ready to reinvent yourself and thrive in midlife, this is your new go-to podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Chrysalis00:40 My Journey from Crisis to Chrysalis01:24 Midlife as Time of Major Transition02:15 Why This Podcast Matters02:24 Upcoming Guests03:08 An Invitation to Join the JourneyLearn more about MEA at ⁠MEAWisdom.com#MidlifeTransformation #ReinventYourLife #ModernElder #MidlifeJourney #AgingWithPurpose #MidlifeMotivation #LifeAfter40 #LifeAfter50 #SecondActSuccess #MidlifeReinvention #PurposefulLiving #LongevityMindset #ChipConley #UCurveOfHappiness #MidlifeWisdom