Life’s 2nd Act: A journey into finding direction and purpose

Shawn's Journey: 're-discovering' his passion and charting a new course!

In this episode, I speak with Shawn Hamill, who shares his transformative journey from a successful corporate career to a life of purpose and balance. 
After realising he was on a fast track to burnout, Sean reflects on his life and decides to reconnect with his dreams. He talks about the importance of finding balance among career, self and family and how he and his wife embraced a sailing adventure to rediscover their passions. 
Shawn emphasises the significance of taking small steps towards change and the power of purpose in guiding one's life decisions.
 
Takeaways
Success can lead to burnout if not balanced
Reflecting on life can reveal deeper desires
Reconnecting with your dreams is essential
Finding balance requires attention to all life pillars
Change is scary but necessary for growth
Small steps can lead to significant changes
Purpose can guide you towards fulfillment
Embracing adventure can lead to self-discovery
Listening to your inner voice is crucial
Life is a series of opportunities to learn
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:36 - A Life of Success and Reflection
03:54 - The Awakening of Dreamer Sean
09:13 - Finding Balance in Life
13:36 - The Decision to Change
19:49 - Embracing the Journey
24:10 - Lessons Learned from the Adventure
30:55 - The Power of Purpose
33:31 - Encouragement for Change
38:15 - Final Thoughts 
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Learn more about Shawn:
https://www.shawnhamillconsulting.com/about
Buy the book: ''WITHOUT A COMPASS: Charting Course for a Deeper, More Meaningful Life'' - https://amzn.eu/d/hU2Yjkz
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The Midlife Mentors: maintaining your relationship amidst life's challenges

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Claire and James Davis, founders of a successful luxury fitness retreat company and hosts of the Midlife Mentors podcast. 
They discuss the challenges and transformations that come with midlife, including finding purpose, navigating relationships, and understanding hormonal changes. The conversation emphasises the importance of communication, self-awareness and support in maintaining healthy relationships during this transitional phase of life.
 
Takeaways
Midlife is a time for reflection and reassessment of values.
Finding purpose can be a journey that requires patience and exploration.
Hormonal changes affect both men and women differently during midlife.
Communication is essential for navigating relationships in midlife.
Therapy can be a valuable tool for couples to strengthen their bond.
Women often experience a shift in power and wisdom during menopause.
Men may face challenges related to testosterone decline in midlife.
Social connections are crucial for mental health and well-being in midlife.
Staying curious and open to change can lead to personal growth.
Midlife should be viewed as an opportunity for transformation rather than a crisis.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:53 - Learning about Claire and James - the Midlife Mentors
08:23 - Finding Purpose and Passion in Midlife
14:01 - Understanding Hormonal Changes in Midlife
18:39 - The Midlife Crisis: A Gender Perspective
21:21 - Communication: The Key to Relationship Success
28:02 - Maintaining Relationships Amidst Life's Challenges
34:50 - Embracing Change: Lessons from the Journey
39:30 - Final Thoughts to Midlife Men and Midlife Women
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Learn more about Claire and James
https://themidlifementors.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-midlife-mentors/id1463373998
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Dawn's journey: listening to your inner voice with work, direction & alcohol

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Dawn Barnes about her career journey, the challenges of burnout, and the transformative power of intuition.
Dawn shares her experiences of navigating midlife changes and the importance of listening to one's inner wisdom.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for personal growth, stress management and the impact of giving up alcohol on her life.
Dawn emphasises the significance of living authentically and being true to oneself as a pathway to fulfillment and happiness.
 
Takeaways
Dawn's career in global marketing led to burnout.
The birth of her children prompted a career reevaluation.
Intuition played a crucial role in her transformation.
Burnout can manifest in various ways, often unnoticed.
Listening to intuition can guide life decisions.
Mindset significantly impacts personal growth and well-being.
Taking quiet time helps in tuning into intuition.
Dawn helps others manage stress and find balance.
Giving up alcohol was a pivotal decision for Dawn.
Living authentically is essential for a fulfilling life.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - Dawn's Career Journey and Transformation
05:45 - Understanding Burnout and Its Impact
09:08 - The Role of Intuition in Life Changes
14:12 - Developing Intuition for Personal Growth
16:37 - Dawn's Current Work and Helping Others
26:06 - The Decision to Give Up Alcohol
34:48 - Final Thoughts on Living Authentically
 
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Learn more about Dawn and how she helps people and teams feel better so they can do their best work, at work, everyday.
https://dawn-barnes.com/
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Stephen's journey: being there for others - from the City to the Samaritans

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Thariyan about his personal journey from a successful career in finance and the city to volunteering with the Samaritans. 
 
Stephen shares his experiences in the high-pressure world of finance, the catalyst for his change and the profound impact of listening to those in crisis. He emphasises the importance of empathy, resilience and the privilege of being a supportive presence for others. 
 
The conversation highlights the need for more volunteers at the Samaritans and encourages listeners to embrace change and seek purpose in their lives.
 
 
Takeaways
Listening can be a life-saving skill
Volunteering with Samaritans is a humbling experience
Change can lead to personal growth and fulfilment
Samaritans provide a vital service for those in distress
Empathy is crucial in helping others
Volunteering can help alleviate personal stress
It's important to embrace change and take risks
Everyone has the potential to make a difference
Finding purpose can come from unexpected places
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Life's Second Act Podcast
00:56 - The Importance of Listening in Crisis
01:52 - Stephen's Journey: From the City to the Samaritans
05:12 - The High-Stakes World of Finance
09:47 - Catalyst for Change: Leaving the Corporate World
15:55 - Finding Purpose: Volunteering with Samaritans
20:11 - The Role of Samaritans: Listening Without Judgment
25:08 - Personal Growth Through Volunteering
29:57 - Encouragement for Others: Embracing Change
35:02 - Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey
 
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Can you be there for people who desperately need someone?https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/
 
 If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans listen. Whatever you're going through, call them free any time on 116 123. They won't judge or tell you what to do. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
 
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Paul's ‘midlife crisis’ journey: finding purpose amid a crisis

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Paul Sutton about the challenges and reflections that come with midlife.
He shares his personal journey feeling disconnected, questioning his purpose and struggling to figure out what’s missing. Paul’s story is one so many of us men can relate to. 
We explore personal experiences of feeling trapped, the journey of self-discovery and the importance of seeking understanding and resources during this transitional period.
The conversation delves into balancing work and passion, finding purpose in the 2nd act of life and the significance of community and conversation in navigating these changes.
 
Takeaways
- The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and complex
- Seeking resources like podcasts can aid in understanding midlife crises
- Journaling helped Paul process his thoughts and feelings
- Creating a daily tick list provided structure and accountability
- Midlife transitions are natural and should be openly discussed
- Community support is crucial during challenging times
- Finding purpose beyond family is essential for personal well-being
- Men's mental health issues need more societal attention
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Midlife Challenges
03:32 - Personal Reflections on Midlife Crisis
12:02 - Seeking Understanding and Resources
15:24 - The Journey of Self-Discovery
22:20 - Balancing Work and Passion
27:30 - Finding Purpose in the Second Act
31:23 - The Importance of Community and Conversation
34:27 - Journaling and ’Tick List’ Tools to Help
42:25 - Closing Thoughts
 
Find out more about Paul's podcast:
http://www.middlemanpodcast.com/
 
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Find out more about this show: www.lifes2ndact.com
Find out more about Simon Burgess
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact
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Life's 2nd Act is produced by www.sugarsnap.tv

John's journey: out of work & looking for new purpose - it's time for change!

In this episode, I speak to John Hird.
John, a seasoned accountant, shares his journey of looking for work in his 50s and the challenges he faced, including being told he was ‘overqualified’ for roles. 
He also discusses his brief experience as a prison officer and his decision to start a YouTube channel. John offers advice to others in their 50s, encouraging them to be patient and open to new opportunities. 
 
Takeaways
Being told you are overqualified can be a common challenge for 'older' job seekers.
Transitioning to a new career or trying something different in your 50s is possible and can bring a sense of purpose.
YouTube offers opportunities for older content creators to share their life experiences and connect with an audience.
Patience is key when looking for a new direction in life; the right opportunity will come along.
Chapters
00:00 - Challenges of Finding Work in Your 50s05:03 - Navigating Career Changes and 'Over-qualification'11:10 - Trying New Career Paths: From Accountant to Prison Officer18:44 - Discovering YouTube and Content Creation23:02 - The Potential of YouTube for Sharing Knowledge29:17 - Advice for Those Considering YouTube and Embracing Change
34:11 - Conclusion
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John's channels:
https://www.youtube.com/@WeFade2Grey
https://www.youtube.com/@ManchesterWise
 
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Find out more about the show: www.lifes2ndact.com
Find out more about Simon Burgess
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/lifes2ndact?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e6404aa8-44c8-4530-a097-891dbf3faeea
 
Life's 2nd Act is produced by www.sugarsnap.tv
 

Aging and the mind: understanding mental capacity, brain function and how it affects us!

In this episode, I speak to Tim Farmer, an expert in mental capacity and brain function.
We discuss the importance of understanding mental capacity as we age and how it affects decision-making. Tim shares his journey and passion for helping vulnerable adults and improving assessments of mental capacity.
We explore the difference between mental capacity and brain function, the signs of cognitive decline, and ways to build resilience.
Tim also explains how to support aging parents and make decisions on their behalf. He emphasises the need to embrace the inevitable decline and take proactive steps to minimise its impact.
 
Takeaways
Mental capacity is a legal term that refers to decision-making abilities, while brain function is a biological concept that relates to how the brain works.
As we age, our brain function changes, and our decision-making processes evolve. It's important to be aware of cognitive decline and its signs, such as memory loss, decreased attention span, and increased confusion.
To maintain cognitive health, it's crucial to keep the brain active through activities like puzzles and to prioritise social connections for mental well-being.
When it comes to supporting aging parents, look out for signs of cognitive decline, such as memory loss and risky decision-making. Have open and supportive conversations, and consider legal protections like lasting power of attorney.
Embrace the inevitable decline and take proactive steps to minimize its impact, such as seeking professional advice and setting up legal protections early on.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:28 - Exploring Mental Capacity and Decision-Making
06:43 - Differences Between Mental Capacity and Brain Function
08:36 - Changes in Brain Function and Decision-Making as We Age
15:20 - Signs of Cognitive Decline in Aging Parents
18:45 - Supporting Aging Parents and Taking Proactive Measures
24:01 - Prevalence of Dementia and Building Resilience in Life's Second Act
27:24  - Strategies for Embracing Change and Making Personal Transformations
31:44 - Tim's Journey and Looking Forward to the Future
38:54 - Conclusion
 
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https://www.timfarmer.co.uk/
 
'Grandpa on a Skateboard' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grandpa-Skateboard-practicalities-assessing-decisions-ebook/dp/B08JZ55WJB
 
'Tim Farmer - The Assessor's Notebook' on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theassessorsnotebook
 
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Find out more about the show: www.lifes2ndact.com
Find out more about Simon Burgess
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745
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Life's 2nd Act is produced by www.sugarsnap.tv

Anna's journey: overcoming self-doubt and fear, then embracing my 2nd act

In this episode, I speak to Anna Coscia.
 
Anna shares her experiences of facing fear and self-doubt, finding more meaning in her work and navigating the challenges of midlife. She emphasises the importance of managing fear, accepting emotions, and finding support during times of transition. 
 
Anna also highlights the shared experiences of others going through similar challenges and the power of finding joy and purpose in life.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
03:23 - Navigating Fear and Self-Doubt in Midlife
07:39 - Finding Meaning and Purpose in Work
11:33 - The Importance of Support During Transitions
22:39 - Shared Experiences and Validation
26:26 - Embracing Joy and Pursuing Passions
36:49 - Conclusion and Closing Remarks
 
Takeaways
Managing fear and self-doubt is crucial during times of transition.
Finding more meaning and purpose in work can lead to greater fulfilment.
Seeking support and guidance can be helpful during periods of change.
Shared experiences and realising you're not alone can provide comfort and validation.
Finding joy and pursuing passions can contribute to a more fulfilling second act in life.
Find out more about Anna: www.annacoscia.com
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Find out more about the show: www.lifes2ndact.com
Find out more about Simon Burgess
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/lifes2ndact?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e6404aa8-44c8-4530-a097-891dbf3faeea
 
Life's 2nd Act is produced by www.sugarsnap.tv