Turning Forty and Rediscovering JOY Through Play

Forty Drinks: The Podcast About Turning 40

Today, Stephanie chats with Yvonne Marchese, host of the Late Bloomer Living podcast, about her journey of self-discovery and transition at midlife. Yvonne shares her story, from pursuing her early dreams of a theater career in New York until she realized at 35 that it just didn’t feel as fun as it used to. She talks about her struggles, including an identity crisis, career shifts, and bouts of depression. By adopting small habits, like waking up an hour earlier, Yvonne managed to transform her life, leading to her successful career in photography and the creation of her podcast. The conversation highlights the importance of playfulness and trusting oneself during midlife transitions.

Guest Bio

Yvonne Marchese is the host of the Late Bloomer Living Podcast, and author of In Full Bloom: A Guide to Aging Playfully. She is a roller skating, paddle boarding “Age Agitator” who believes that midlife is filled with possibility, that it’s never too late to pursue a dream and that the stories we tell ourselves have tremendous power in our lives. She is on a mission to help people rethink and redefine what’s possible as we age. She is also the President of the Age Agitators Club for women.

Turning Forty and Rediscovering JOY Through Play

Today, Stephanie sits down with Yvonne Marchese, a vibrant storyteller who shares her journey through the tumultuous waves of midlife. Yvonne pursued a stage career in the theater in New York City for many years, but around age 35 she realized it just wasn't as much fun anymore. Her journey to find another fulfilling career, and her path to motherhood, took her from her mid-30s into her 40s. By the time she was in her mid-40s, she was a frazzled mom, at least a little depressed, and working to get a small business off the ground. But changing just one thing – strangely, getting up an hour earlier each day – shifted many other things in her life for the better. Her compelling narrative navigates through identity crises, career changes, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

• Yvonne's early dreams of acting and how a childhood trip to New York set the stage for her future.
• The challenges of maintaining a marriage with differing lifestyles and the eventual pursuit of her true passion in New York.
• The pivotal moment of realizing her marriage was a misstep and her brave decision to move to New York to chase her acting dreams.
• Transitioning from acting to photography as Yvonne sought a more stable and fulfilling lifestyle while starting a family.
• The profound impact of hitting the "snooze button" on life and how a simple change in morning routine catalyzed a significant transformation in her personal and professional life.
• Yvonne's venture into podcasting, driven by a desire to share stories and inspire others navigating midlife transitions.

Yvonne illustrates the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of reinvention that many of us encounter around our 40s. Her story is not just about changing careers but also about rediscovering oneself and finding joy in new beginnings. Whether it's acting, photography, or podcasting, Yvonne embraces each phase of her life with enthusiasm and learns to prioritize her happiness and wellbeing. This episode is a powerful reminder that midlife is not a crisis but an opportunity for growth and new adventures.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and continue bringing inspiring stories like Yvonne's to light!

Guest Resources

Late Bloomer Living

Yvonne Marchese Photography

Yvonne’s book: In Full Bloom: A Guide to Aging Playfully

Special Offer for Forty Drinks Listeners: 5 Steps to your Midlife Reboot

Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn

Connect with Yvonne on YouTube

Connect with Yvonne on Facebook

Connect with Yvonne on Instagram

Do you have the Midlife Ick?

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

Listen, Rate & Subscribe

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Podcasts

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications