The Mindful Midlife Crisis
Welcome to The Mindful Midlife Crisis, a podcast for people navigating the complexities and possibilities of life’s second half. I’m your host, Billy Lahr, an educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and overthinker who talks to experts who specialize in social and emotional learning, mindfulness, physical and emotional wellness, cultural awareness, finances, communication, relationships, dating, and parenting, all in an effort to help us better reflect, learn, and grow so we can live a more purpose-filled life. Take a deep breath, embrace the present, and journey with me through The Mindful Midlife Crisis.
Episodes
139 episodes
Episode 192--From Solo to Soulful: Why I'm Prioritizing Connections More Than Ever
In this week’s episode, I reflect on my recent travels to Okinawa and Taipei and how they reinforced a major shift in my perspective on solo travel. While Okinawa didn’t quite live up to my expectations, Taipei reminded me of what makes travel ...
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47:07
Episode 191--Zooming Out: How Gratitude Shifts Our Perspective
In this week’s episode, I explore how shifting our perspective can turn life’s challenges into something meaningful—even humorous in hindsight. Inspired by a conversation with a friend, a powerful quote from Charlie Chaplin, and the wisdom of H...
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56:58
Episode 190--Stretching Beyond Limits: Embracing Growth, Imperfection, and Momentum
In this episode, I dive into my journey of overcoming stagnation and embracing progress, both physically and creatively. After a rough patch from July 2023 to March 2024, I felt stuck in many areas of life. My experience with yoga in Hano...
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58:27
Episode 189--"Let Me Show You My City": 大阪の秋 (Osaka No Aki)
In this personal episode, I reflect on my time in Osaka and the unforgettable connection with Aki—an adventurous, sharp-witted local who made Japan special. From our wild food tour to izakayas, maid cafés, and teamLab Botanical Gardens, she sho...
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1:09:38
Episode 188--My Happiness Hangover: Cultivating Uncontainable Joy
In this week's episode, I share a recent experience that left me with what I call a Happiness Hangover—a night so full of connection, music, and belonging that I couldn’t fall asleep simply because I was too happy. Through per...
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1:00:37
Episode 187--How Conduits Create Community through Connection and Elevation
In this week’s episode, I explore what it means to be a conduit—someone who connects people, amplifies voices, and fosters meaningful relationships. Reflecting on my experiences with Link Crew, live music events, and professional netwo...
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46:01
Episode 186--On the Solo Tip: Balancing Independence with Feelings of Isolation
In this week’s episode, I explore the realities of living alone—the freedom it brings, but also the isolation and daily grind that can weigh on you over time. I reflect on how touch deprivation, solo responsibilities, and monotony impact our em...
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48:51
Episode 185–How Structure and Routine Create More Freedom and Flexibilty
In this week's episode, I reflect on the shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a structured life in Seoul. From navigating cultural adjustments like setting up a bank account to cultivating a routine that prioritizes health, relationships, and crea...
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53:55
Episode 184--Making a Difficult Decision When Your Head, Heart, and Gut Aren’t Aligned
Starting a new chapter in Seoul brought me face-to-face with the uncertainty of whether I’d made the right choice. This episode explores how to navigate big decisions when your head, heart, and gut aren’t in alignment. Drawing inspiration from ...
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40:06
Episode 183--What to Do When You've Got Cold Feet
In this episode, I explore why we get “cold feet” and how to turn those moments of doubt into opportunities for growth and action. Using personal stories—from buying alpaca-like socks in Namdaemun to overcoming scooter anxiety in Thailand—I wea...
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48:07
Episode 182--Should You Go All In or Play It Safe?
In this episode, I unpack one of life’s most relatable dilemmas: whether to go all in on a dream or play it safe. Drawing inspiration from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” I explore my recent decision to either go all in as a digital nomad ...
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45:23
Episode 181: Embracing Your Midlife Prime
In this week’s episode, I dive into what turning 47 means to me—not just as an age but as a metaphor for resilience, individuality, and growth. I explore how embracing our indivisibility and unique journeys helps us stay true to who we are. I u...
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37:43
Episode 180--Let's Try This Again: The Mindful Midlife Crisis Makes a 180
Welcome back to The Mindful Midlife Crisis! In this episode, I share the story of my year-long hiatus, the lessons I’ve learned, and the mindset shift that’s brought me back to the mic. This is my 180—a turning point away from chasing ...
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27:00
Episode 118--On to the Next Chapter
Journey's end and new beginnings intertwine in this heartfelt farewell to the Mindful Midlife Crisis podcast as Billy and Matt toast to three transformative years. With nostalgia as our companion, I stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the pe...
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37:44
Episode 117--Your Network = Your Net Worth: Why Your Crew Matters
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt talk about how their journeys toward passion and purpose were better traveled with companions. They unravel the tapestry of community and its undeniable role in carving out a fulfilling second act in life....
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1:00:20
Episode 116--How Being Curious Leads to More Purpose in Life
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt talk about the maze of midlife dilemmas and how curiosity, intentional living, and being part of a community can help us find our purpose and passion. They reminisce about the music and children's literatu...
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36:24
Episode 115--Meditate & Mingle: Cultivating a Stable Mind
This week’s episode is a recording of a recent Meditate & Mingle session about fostering equanimity–an essential practice that empowers us to cultivate stability in our minds. Billy leads an enlightening meditation session, shedding light o...
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53:16
Episode 114--The Quantifiable Consequences of Living Mindlessly
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt reflect on mindlessness (aka NOT being mindful!), revealing its impact on relationships, social interactions, and work performance. They share personal experiences and, more importantly, provide simple too...
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33:34
Episode 113--Meditate & Mingle: Mindful Eating
Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday! This week’s episode is from a recent Meditate & Mingle session about enjoying your meal beyond satisfying your hunger. Imagine this–every bite you take, each sip you drink, could be a moment ...
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50:19
Episode 112--How Being More Aware of Our Strengths, Weaknesses, and Needs Leads to Better Outcomes
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt share their excitement (mostly Matt) over Halloween and the upcoming holidays. More importantly, they discuss Matt’s discovery of his strengths and weaknesses and the importance of self-awareness and inten...
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36:32
Episode 111--Meditate & Mingle: Breathwork through Extending the Exhale
This week’s episode is a recording of a recent Meditate & Mingle session that’s all about extending the exhale, which is a calming method that engages the parasympathetic nervous system and can help you navigate feelings of anxiety or anger...
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48:31
Episode 110--What's Your Personality Type?
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt take a deep dive into the world of personality profile tests, from the limitations of the Myers-Briggs test to the recognition of ambiverts and the revelation of the Four Temperaments personality test. The...
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1:09:47
Episode 109--Meditate & Mingle: Awareness Of Your Problem Without Fixing It
Ever wonder what a Meditate & Mingle session with Billy is like? Well, guess what??? You're in luck! Check out this week's episode: a Mindful Midlife Community Meditate & Mingle session! You’ll hear how Billy guides ...
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42:43
Episode 108--Enjoy Your Morning Coffee More Mindfully (and Other Practical Tips)
In this week’s episode, Billy and Matt talk about how mindfulness can become your secret weapon to navigate the complexities and possibilities of midlife. The guys demystify mindfulness and explore its potential to transform your life's traject...
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36:12
Episode 107--Losing a Parent: Celebrating the Life of Dan Clement Hazard with End of Life Coach Danielle Slupesky
In this week’s episode, Billy talks with Danielle Slupesky, the End-of-Life Coach and Death Doula, and Matt Hazard, the always entertainer co-host. Before you listen to this...
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