From Social Worker to Fiction Author in Retirement - It's never too late

How often do you step out of your comfort zone and try something new? What holds you back?This is a fascinating episode discussing equine therapy. In this episode, my guest is Sue Willoughby, a truth teller, boundary-breaker, and certified Equus Coach® who helps women over 40 stop playing small and start living like they mean it.Sue has a different coaching approach and with horses as her co-facilitators, she cuts through the noise to help clients reconnect with their power, ditch burnout, and trust their instinctsToday we are going to be talking about Living Beyond the comfort zone to build a life that feels as good as it looks.Watch the VideoMeet Sue WilloughbyRaised tough, lived wild, and rebuilt from the ground up, Sue brings real talk, deep heart, and a no-fluff approach to personal transformation. Based outside Seattle with her horse Moose and two mini Dachshunds, she’s here to help you stop surviving and start showing up for your life.Connect with SueWebsite: www.willoughbycoaching.comPodcast: A Life Worth BeingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughbyInsta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/If you have enjoyed this post or found it useful, tapping the ❤ icon will show you liked it and help others find it. Thanks so much for reading this post. Hit the share button and send it to friends who might appreciate it too!Thanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and my free newsletter: Your Weekly Boost. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

How often do you step out of your comfort zone and try something new? What holds you back?In this episode, my guest is Sue Willoughby, a truth teller, boundary-breaker, and certified Equus Coach® who helps women over 40 stop playing small and start living like they mean it.Sue has a different coaching approach and with horses as her co-facilitators, she cuts through the noise to help clients reconnect with their power, ditch burnout, and trust their instinctsToday we are going to be talking about Living Beyond the comfort zone to build a life that feels as good as it looks.Watch the VideoMeet Sue WilloughbyRaised tough, lived wild, and rebuilt from the ground up, Sue brings real talk, deep heart, and a no-fluff approach to personal transformation. Based outside Seattle with her horse Moose and two mini Dachshunds, she’s here to help you stop surviving and start showing up for your life.Connect with SueWebsite: www.willoughbycoaching.comPodcast: A Life Worth BeingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughbyInsta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/If you have enjoyed this post or found it useful, tapping the ❤ icon will show you liked it and help others find it. Thanks so much for reading this post. Hit the share button and send it to friends who might appreciate it too!Thanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and my free newsletter: Your Weekly Boost. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Feeling stress and overwhelm? You aren’t alone and my guest today, Pam Miller, will share with us one surprising reason why we could be experiencing stress and overwhelm, and how it affects our overall health - physically, mentally, and emotionally. And once we realize this reason, it can CHANGE EVERYTHING!Watch the VideoMeet Pam MillerPam Miller has been coaching, mentoring, and serving women for the past 4 decades in the areas of Higher Education, College Instructor, Youth Ministry, as a co-author of "At the Feet of Ordinary Women" (a book on mentoring), and as a Life and Health Transitional Coach. Pam recently retired from her full-time job in Higher Education after advising and supporting college students in their academic and professional careers for 21 years. She continues to help women effectively navigate and thrive through transitions in their lives-- health, personal, and professional changes in their lives. Along with working with women 1-1, Pam is a frequent speaker on health and wellness topics in the Peoria, Illinois area, and also writes a weekly newsletter where she shares motivational insights, strategies, and personal stories with her audience to take small steps to improve their overall health. Pam frequently says, "Life is too short to be struggling. There is always hope and a way to make positive changes in your life" and she loves being able to help women experience transformation so they can live their best life!Links https://mailchi.mp/pammillercoach/insights-from-pam-newsletter -- sign up for Pam's weekly "Insights From Pam" newsletterhttps://mailchi.mp/pammillercoach/one-surprising-reason-why-you-experience-stress - to receive Pam's document about the one surprising reason you experience stress (clutter) and what you can do about ithttps://transformyourhealthllc.com/services - to learn more about Pam's coaching services This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Perimenopause, Menopause and Post Menopause - whatever stage you are at you can begin your best chapter yet and not let the big ‘M’ take over.My guest in this episode is Barb Watson from Barb’s Bod Squad. As a body builder, Barb thought she had cracked the code of dealing with Menopause but she was wrong. From her own personal journey through menopause, Barb has developed a program that is progressive. It’s not a meal plan, it’s not a training plan. Barb works with individuals to help them begin their best chapter yet.During the episode we discussed:* Food as healing and joy * Short, effective workouts * Mindset transformation* Adaptability and evolution * Consistency, not perfection * Embracing emotional realities This episode is also available to watch on YoutubeMeet Barb WatsonI'm Barbs, the heart and soul behind Barb’s Bod Squad—a qualified personal trainer, ex-bodybuilder, and Kiwi girl at heart, proudly calling Australia home. After years managing corporate business transformations, I left that world to follow my true passion: helping women transform their health and confidence.Over a decade ago, menopause nearly broke me. I endured 32 unrecognised symptoms—crippling brain fog, relentless hot flushes, anxiety, unexpected weight gain and exhaustion. I was misdiagnosed repeatedly and sent on a frustrating and expensive wild goose chase that drained me emotionally and financially. I felt confused, overwhelmed, and completely alone.But from that chaos, I found clarity and purpose. I turned my struggle into strength and built a program to support women just like me. My 4-week program is designed to help women lose weight, keep it off, and feel like themselves again—without the fads, fluff, or false promises.I also created the FREE Menopause Assistant—a smart, AI-powered tool built specifically for Australian women. It’s grounded in science, follows national menopause guidelines, and only includes TGA-approved products. It’s designed to cut through confusion and give women the clarity and confidence they deserve.At Barb’s Bod Squad, it’s about real women, real solutions, and real results. I’m here to make sure no woman feels as lost as I once did—and to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive through menopause and beyond.https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraboowatson/https://barbsbodsquad.com/4-week-fast-start-menopause-weight-loss.htmlIntro to Master Class; The Menopause Reset MasterclassYou’re doing everything right — eating clean, tracking calories, staying active — but the scale won’t budge, and it’s beyond frustrating.That’s exactly why I created…🎓 The Menopause Reset Masterclass: How to Lose Weight, Regain Energy & Reclaim YouHere’s what it will cover:✅ The Real Reason You’re Gaining Weight – and why it’s not your fault✅ The Top 3 Mistakes Most Women Are Unknowingly Making During Menopause✅ 5 Simple, Science-Backed Steps to Reset Your Hormones, Start Losing Weight, Regain Your Energy, and Reclaim Your LifeLive Session Schedule:Session 1: Wednesday, 2 July 25🕖 7:00 – 8:00 PM (NSW/VIC/QLD/TAS) | 9:00 – 10:00 PM (NZ) | 5:00 – 6:00 PM (WA)Session 2: Saturday, 5 July 25🕙 10:00 – 11:00 AM (NSW/VIC/QLD/TAS)) | 12:00 – 1:00 PM (NZ) | 8:00 – 9:00 AM (WA)Session 3: Wednesday, 9 July 25🕖 7:00 – 8:00 PM (NSW/VIC/QLD/TAS) | 9:00 – 10:00 PM (NZ) | 5:00 – 6:00 PM (WA)🔗 Zoom Link (provided after registration)🎁 Bonus Gift for Attendees:Everyone who attends will receive a free 7-Day Morning Ritual to Reset & Rise✨ Start each day clear, calm, and energised — in just 5 minutes.Designed specifically for women in menopause to start each day with clarity, fuel their body for fat loss, and feel back in control — mind, body, and hormones.Conditions apply: Must attend live and stay until the end of the session.🚨 Spots are limited — don’t wait!👉 Click here to Register and secure your place in The Menopause Reset Masterclass.MIA – Your Free AI Menopause AssistantMIA is a free, AI-powered assistant I’ve built to support Australian women navigating menopause. I created it because I know firsthand how confusing and isolating the experience can be — and I don’t want any woman to go through it alone.Backed by science and aligned with Australian guidelines, MIA offers trustworthy, clear information and only recommends TGA-approved products. It’s designed to empower women to make informed choices with confidence.You can explore it here:👉 https://bit.ly/Menopausechat This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

After taking early retirement, my guest in this episode, Julie Conrad decided to pull out an old manuscript she started over 30 years ago. This one step put her on the path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a published author. She has now written 7 books and her latest, To Everything There is a Season, although fiction, will resonate with many women 50+.Watch the VideoMeet Julie ConradJulie Conrad lives in Cheshire, UK. When she isn't writing novels, she enjoys painting with acrylics and is a member of the Altrincham Society of Artists. A retired social worker and Regulatory Inspector, BA (Hons) Social Science degree and a BA(Regulation and Inspection), Julie was also a Practice Teacher in the training of student Social Workers. Julie has featured in the Manchester Evening news and Wigan Observer, and has been interviewed a number of times on local radio station, Radio Alty. Julie loves nature and supports animal charities, RSPCA, PETA and other grass root charities, and believes in kindness to all.At the beginning of lockdown 2019, I decided to complete and publish a manuscript I had written in 1990, which I did, entitled High Places. What began as a one off project became so absorbing I have self published six novels whilst my seventh novel, To Everything There is a Season is published by Round fire, Collective Ink.Website: Home - Julie Conrad AuthorBook Link: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/roundfire-books/our-books/to-everything-there-is-season-novelThanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and my free newsletter: Your Weekly Boost This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Mastering Real WellnessA self-mastery framework to create holistic health and optimal livingPerfect skin. Ageless bodies. Radiant energy. No health challenges. No struggles. Always glowing.It’s easy to believe that real wellness is flawless, effortless, and permanent.But as the author of Mastering Real Wellness Dr Susannah Ward says, it’s not about being blissed out 24/7—it’s about feeling good in your skin, as you are.Watch the VideoMeet Dr Susannah WardDr Susannah Ward is a specialist physician in rehabilitation medicine based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.She holds degrees in Medical Science and Medicine with honours from The University of Sydney. In 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Fellowship for Rehabilitation Medicine prize from The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Dr Ward’s professional life spans clinical practice, research, and governance, with numerous publications to her name.She is also the Chair of the Member Health and Well-being Committee and Well-being Advocates webinars for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and previous board director.With a keen interest in wellness and holistic health, she has been a dedicated advocate for the wellbeing of health professionals, passionately promoting a nurturing and supportive medical culture, which includes piloting mindfulness and well-ness sessions for staff and junior doctors at hospitals, and research into well-being research for doctors.Dr Ward lives by the beach with her husband, son and dog. In her leisure time, she enjoys studying self-mastery, writing, yoga, gentle jogs, and connecting with nature. A certified.About Dr Susannah Ward - Ataraxia Collectivehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219274443-mastering-real-wellnessThanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes & my weekly newsletter: Your Weekly Boost This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

In this episode, my guest is Christine Mason, author of newly released book - The Nine Lives of Woman which explores how women can optimize energy, hormones, and longevity from puberty through post-menopause, blending science, lived experience, and ancient wisdom.During the discussion we discussed Christine’s from her new book and dive into:* The Cycles of Female Vitality – How energy, metabolism, and mental clarity shift through life* Biohacking for Women – Customizing wellness strategies for female physiology* Hormonal Intelligence – Natural ways to balance hormones at every stage* Reframing "Aging" as Evolution – Embracing the strengths and superpowers of each life phase* Breaking the One-Size-Fits-All Health Model – Creating new frameworks for women's healthWatch the VideoMeet Christine MasonChristine Marie Mason is the founder of Rosebud Woman, an intimate and body care line devoted to women’s wellness in midlife. Rosebud invites new conversations about holistic self-care, self-love and power. She is also the host of the Rose Woman Podcast, now in the top 5% of all podcasts worldwide, on Love and Embodied Liberation, and an author. Her most recent (and tenth!) book (April 1, 2025) is The Nine Lives of Woman: Sensual, Sexual and Reproductive Stages from Birth to 100.After a career in global consulting, Christine founded and grew multiple software companies, and served as a futurist and innovation advisor for global companies, and an advisor, investor and mentor to many technology startups. Concurrently, in 2000, she began a 25+ year journey into studying and teaching yoga, tantra, collective trauma healing, plant medicine and intentional living, pursuing a Phd is consciousness. She curates and leads salons, gatherings, seminars and events around the world, and teaches classical tantra, yoga, conscious menopause, and awakening in the body at festivals and retreats around the world. She is a mother of four adult children, bonus mom to two, and a grandmother.Connect with ChristineChristine's Podcast: https://rosewoman.com/blogs/rosewoman-podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/christinemariemasonWebsite : http://christinemariemason.com📘 The Nine Lives of Woman (Digital): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Marie-Mason/author/B01K6TUDFQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true📘 The Nine Lives of Woman (Print): https://rosewoman.com/products/the-9-lives-of-woman-sensual-sexual-and-reproductive-stages-from-birth-to-100?variant=46367720210686Thanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and Your Weekly Boost: Living Life in Full Bloom Newsletter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Do you have a dream but think you are too old? Think again. My guest today is Author, Judy Smith who is publishing her first novel at age 70. It’s never too late and you are never too old.Watch the VideoMeet Judy SmithAuthor Judy Smith made a career out of paper cuts (building a successful direct mail business). Now she is embracing her seventh decade with much laughter and intrigue. Judy has discovered a new sense of empowerment, enjoying taking her grand daughters to Wild Women Festivals, and showing them another side to their grand mother,and who's also now a novelist. In the past, Judy released a best-selling series of “Life Lessons” gift books, and she looks forward to the release of The Golden Years Glitch, her debut novel, in May of 2025.AVAILABLE ON AMAZON - THE GOLDEN YEARS GLITCH This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

In this episode, my guest is Maria Hopwood a vibrant and effervescent woman who overcame setbacks in life to not only survive but to live a life of purpose.During our conversation we discussed:* Maria’s early life growing up in* Her move to Australia* Overcoming obstacles * Caring for her sick parents* Working to help others find purpose and gratitude in life.Watch the VideoMeet Maria Maria is a powerhouse mindset mentor and conscious entrepreneur known for her unapologetic passion for helping people unlock their true potential. With over 20 years of experience in the health, wellness, and personal development space, Maria has guided countless individuals to not only transform their physical health but also elevate their mindset and reclaim their purpose.Her journey is nothing short of inspiring — from losing her financial independence twice and relying on Centrelink benefits to building a thriving international business from the ground up. Maria’s story is proof that resilience, vision, and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.She’s all about keeping it real, blending practical, no-nonsense strategies with deep, heartfelt guidance.Her mission? To empower others to break free from limitations, embrace positivity, and design a life they truly love. Maria’s energy and wisdom continue to light the path for those ready to step boldly into their greatness.Connect with Mariamariahopwood.comFacebook Instagram Linked InThanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and Your Weekly Boost: Living Life in Full Bloom Newsletter and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Harmony - that was the ‘ah ha’ moment I had when speaking to my guest, Wendy Demaresque from Steps Towards Freedom.Her thoughts on replacing Balance with Harmony gave me pause and I actually wrote about it for my monthly Wellness Reimagined post: Cultivating Harmony for a Life in Full Bloom.During the episode we discussed:* Wendy’s background and her work as a ‘Heart Space’ Entrepreneur* How we should ‘Sing’ our life through our heart space and what that means* Natural healing* Advice for women stuck in lifeWatch VideoMeet WendySteps Towards FreedomWendy brings a lifestime of passion and results in helping women to thrive in Health & Happiness as well as in business and career. As an author, mentor, teacher, healer, course creator, speaker, health professional & personal growth entrepreneur, Wendy loves to work with women who know they deserve to live their best version of their Life Journey and are ready to take massive action to achieve their goals..Thanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and Your Weekly Boost: Living Life in Full Boom Newsletter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com