Debra Whitman, economist and AARP executive, shares research and wisdom from her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. From longevity and brain health to working longer, affording retirement, and redefining purpose, Debra offers a clear-eyed yet hopeful look at what it takes to age well in America today. She also breaks down the biggest myths around memory loss, long-term care, and how your zip code affects your lifespan—and provides actionable advice for individuals, families, and employers alike.

Kristen Welch, author and founder of Mercy House Global, shares the lessons she’s learned about parenting, contentment, and living with purpose. After a life-changing trip to Kenya, Kristin shifted how she raised her three kids—choosing gratitude, service, and intentional boundaries over comfort and entitlement. She explains how small, everyday practices—like family dinners, gratitude jars, and thoughtful giving—can help families counter cultural pressure and raise kids who are both joyful and grounded.

Michael Chad Hoeppner, communication expert and author of Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life, shares practical tools for becoming a more confident, intentional speaker. Drawing from years of coaching C-suite executives and presidential candidates, he explains why delivery—not content—is what makes or breaks communication. From filler words and mumbling to posture, breath, and pausing, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you ditch self-consciousness, speak with precision, and connect more powerfully in every conversation. Whether you're giving a speech or ordering salad dressing, this episode will help you show up—and speak up—better.

Sara Jane Ho, global etiquette expert, Netflix host, and author of Mind Your Manners, shares practical, empowering advice for navigating today’s social and professional world with confidence and kindness. From setting boundaries and making introductions to handling awkward dinner party moments and thank-you notes, Sara explains how etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, thoughtful, and adaptable. With charm, candor, and wisdom, she shows how small acts of grace can help you stand out, connect meaningfully, and become your best self in any situation.

Tom Rosshirt, former White House speechwriter and author of Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience, shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and a total breakdown—and how neuroscience, grace, and emotional honesty helped him rebuild. He explores how fear and self-image silently drive our choices, why setting boundaries is an act of strength, and how true peace comes not from controlling life, but from retraining our minds to face what we fear most. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and lasting transformation.

James Longman, ABC News foreign correspondent and author of The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness, shares his deeply personal and scientific exploration of mental health. Drawing on his family's experience with schizophrenia and depression, James unpacks the difference between genetics and epigenetics—and how we can shape our mental health and our future. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the need for honest conversations, and the power of community and connection in healing. This conversation offers a rare mix of vulnerability and science, with practical hope for anyone navigating mental illness—either personally or alongside someone they love.

Molly Bice Jackson, performer, speaker, and author of The Commodity of Connection, shares the unimaginable story of losing her two-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—and the extraordinary healing that followed. Blending humor, heartbreak, and hope, Molly reflects on how authentic relationships, grief literacy, and emotional courage not only helped her survive but also transformed her purpose. She explains why connection is more than a soft skill—it’s a critical leadership competency. With wisdom forged in unimaginable pain, Molly offers a deeply moving case for bringing empathy, presence, and real humanity into our workplaces and lives.

Chad Sanschagrin, author of Keep Telling Yourself: Shift Your Story and Create a Life of Abundance, shares how we can break free from self-limiting beliefs, rewrite our internal narratives, and take ownership of our future. Drawing from his own transformation—from struggling with self-doubt to building a successful career—Chad reveals how "shift moments" can help us see the truth behind our stories and change our perspectives for the better. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are the authors of our own lives, capable of rewriting our paths at any moment.