What if some of the most common assumptions about hunger, weight gain, and chronic disease are missing a critical piece of the puzzle?

That question set the stage for a fascinating conversation on the Power of After Show with physician and author Dr. John Poothullil, who challenged many long-held beliefs about nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health. Drawing from decades of medical practice and years of research after retirement, Dr. Poothullil offered a perspective that shifts the conversation away from calorie counting and toward understanding the body's natural hunger signals.

Whether listeners agree with all of his conclusions or not, the discussion encourages something increasingly important in today's healthcare environment: becoming an informed participant in your own health decisions. In this article, we cover some of the topics that came up: Why we get hungry, learning from children, how much protein we need, eating when hungry, sugar and carbs, chewing, slowing down and becoming the CEO of our own health.

Why Do We Get Hungry?

Perhaps the most intriguing question Dr. Poothullil posed wasn't what we should eat—but why we feel hungry in the first place.

He described how his own struggle with gradual weight gain led him to question conventional explanations. Despite exercising regularly and eating much the same way he always had, losing weight became increasingly difficult. At the same time, he observed many patients with Type 2 diabetes who successfully controlled their blood sugar yet still developed complications affecting their kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain. Those experiences motivated him to begin asking deeper questions.

One of his first questions for patients was surprisingly simple: "Can you predict when you'll be hungry next?" During one counseling session with ten adults struggling with excess weight, he asked them to record every time they truly felt hungry before eating. Four of the ten participants never experienced genuine hunger during the three-day exercise—yet they still ate regularly because "it was time to eat." His conclusion was that many of us eat more from conditioning than physiological need.

We eat because:

• It's noon.
• Food is available.
• Someone offered dessert.
• Everyone else is eating.
• We've always had a snack at that hour.

The conversation invites us to pause and ask a simple question before reaching for food: "Am I actually hungry?" That single moment of awareness may be more powerful than many realize.

Dr. Poothullil’s argument was not that protein is unimportant, but that the body's nutritional needs constantly change. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, some of which are essential while others the body can manufacture. Because those needs vary from person to person and from day to day, he questioned whether fixed nutrition charts can perfectly reflect an individual's requirements. Instead, he encouraged paying closer attention to the body's own feedback.

That doesn't eliminate the value of sound nutritional guidance, but it reminds us that eating is more than simply hitting numerical targets. My approach of includes protein-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and lean meats while remaining thoughtful about overall food choices. I do some of this because I feel better, with energy throughout the day. Our conversation affirmed the importance of that by becoming more intentional rather than simply following trends.

Eat Only When You're Hungry

One of the four practical recommendations was to eat only when you're hungry. That sounds obvious, yet it challenges many common eating habits. We celebrate with food. We snack while watching television. We eat because we're traveling. We eat because it's expected.

Listeners were encouraged to become more aware of true hunger rather than external cues. Whether or not someone agrees entirely with his viewpoint, practicing greater awareness can help distinguish between genuine physical hunger and emotional or habitual eating. Mindful eating begins with mindful noticing.

The Role of Sugar and Carbohydrates

Another major topic was the role of refined carbohydrates and grain-based foods. Diets high in processed grains contribute to repeated blood sugar spikes, increased insulin release, and recurring hunger. Poothullil suggested that many people unknowingly become trapped in a cycle of eating carbohydrate-heavy meals followed by energy crashes that encourage additional eating.

A practical recommendation was not necessarily eliminating grains altogether but reducing grain-based foods significantly. This came with the suggestion of cutting grain portions roughly in half while emphasizing foods that naturally require chewing.

The biggest takeaway may simply be to evaluate eating patterns carefully rather than relying solely on quick solutions.

Why Chewing Matters

Perhaps the most unexpected insight centered on something most of us rarely think about: How we chew our food. Chewing does far more than mechanically break food apart.

Taste receptors provide continual feedback to the brain while eating. As the enjoyment of each bite gradually decreases, the body begins signaling satisfaction. Many people miss these signals because they eat too quickly or consume foods requiring very little chewing.

Practical advice included:

• Take smaller bites.
• Chew thoroughly.
• Eat foods that naturally require chewing.
• Remove distractions while eating.
• Focus on enjoying each bite.

One distinction stood out: Satisfaction and fullness are not the same thing. Many people stop eating only after their stomach feels full. Instead, stop when the enjoyment and satisfaction begin to diminish—before discomfort sets in. The possibility for this increases if we slow down our eating.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Meal

Modern life encourages multitasking. We answer emails during lunch. Watch television during dinner. Scroll social media while snacking. The interview suggested that perhaps one of the healthiest habits we can reclaim is simply being present while we eat.

Distractions reduce awareness of both enjoyment and satisfaction, making overeating far more likely. It's a remarkably simple practice that costs nothing:

• Sit down.
• Slow down.
• Taste your food.
• Enjoy it.

Sometimes profound health habits begin with surprisingly ordinary choices.

Becoming the CEO of Your Own Health

Here is one principle I’ve been focusing on recently: We are the CEO of our own health. That doesn't mean rejecting medical advice. It means asking thoughtful questions. Researching reliable sources. Understanding options. Participating in healthcare decisions instead of passively accepting them.

Today's technology gives us unprecedented access to information. The challenge is learning to distinguish credible evidence from unsupported claims and to have informed conversations with healthcare professionals. My encouragement is to listen and do your own research. Doctors and medical professionals only have so much time—it’s up to us to do some of this legwork, especially regarding nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Whether every listener agrees with some of these conclusions or not, this conversation accomplishes something valuable—it encourages curiosity. Poothullil’s perspective reminds us that healthy living may involve more than counting calories or chasing the latest diet trend. It may begin with reconnecting to signals our bodies have been giving us all along.

Some of the simplest practices may also be the most powerful:

• Eat when you're truly hungry.
• Slow down.
• Chew your food thoroughly.
• Reduce distractions during meals.
• Pay attention to satisfaction rather than fullness.
• Make thoughtful food choices instead of automatic ones.

Health is rarely transformed overnight. More often, it's shaped one meal, one habit, and one intentional decision at a time. Meaningful change doesn't come from instant fixes—it comes from learning to work with the remarkable design of the human body rather than against it. Do your research and listen to your body.

Additional Resources

More information about Dr. Poothullil: https://drjohnonhealth.com

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.

Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.

FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

Deborah’s Music Products: https://djworksmusic.com/products/

YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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Life has a rhythm whether we intentionally create one or not. The question is: Who is setting the tempo?

For many of us during the first half of life, our rhythm was established by outside demands. Careers dictated our schedules. Children filled our calendars with sports, school events, and activities. Family obligations, deadlines, and responsibilities determined when we woke up, what we accomplished, and often even how we spent our weekends. I remember those days with fondness, yet also with how busy they were. Then something changes.

Our children become adults. Careers shift or plateau. Retirement appears on the horizon—or perhaps we’ve already stepped into it. Parents begin needing care instead of providing it. Suddenly, the structure that once governed our lives begins to disappear. While that freedom can be exciting, it can also be unsettling.

Without intentional rhythms, it’s surprisingly easy to drift. Days become filled with activity but not necessarily progress. Weeks pass, and we wonder where the time went. We become busy without becoming purposeful.

One of the greatest opportunities at mid-career—or what I often call the “Power of After” stage—is that we now have the freedom to create a lifestyle that reflects our deepest values instead of simply reacting to everyone else’s priorities. Purposeful living doesn’t happen by chance.

It grows from intentional rhythms. I’ve been in a career using and loving rhythm and know the value of establishing it in a musical composition, but it’s just as valuable in life.

Rhythm Creates Freedom

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. A career change. A health diagnosis. Retirement. The loss of someone we love. For many people, those moments become stopping points. For others, they become turning points.

One of the remarkable advantages of reaching mid-career—or what I often call the Power of After stage of life—is that we possess something far more valuable than youthful enthusiasm alone. We have decades of experience, trusted relationships, accumulated wisdom, and the ability to bring people together around a meaningful purpose. Few people demonstrate that better than Mike Gomoll.

After the devastating loss of his five-year-old son Joe to a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome, which usually begins during the first year of life, Mike and his family could have understandably retreated into private grief. Instead, they transformed that heartbreak into Joey's Song, a nonprofit that has raised more than $2 million for epilepsy research while bringing together some of the biggest names in rock music for annual concerts in the middle of a Wisconsin winter.  But the story isn't really about concerts. It's about discovering that purpose often grows from our deepest pain. The following five principles follow the journey of embracing the opportunity that arose from a very difficult season of life for Mike and his family.

One: Education Creates Understanding and Hope

One of the first things Mike wanted listeners to understand wasn't his charity—it was epilepsy itself. "One in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime," he explained, a statistic that surprises almost everyone, including me. In other words, if your neighborhood has four people in each home, roughly every seventh house will be affected.

Like many of us, I admitted that my own understanding was limited. I remembered a classmate in elementary school who experienced seizures, and honestly, it frightened me because I simply didn't know what was happening. That's exactly why education matters.

Mike explained that epilepsy isn't one disease but many. It can result from genetics, head trauma, tumors, developmental conditions, and other causes. Some seizures involve convulsions; others may simply cause someone to stare blankly for a few moments. The common thread is that the brain is temporarily overwhelmed, causing the body to shut down as a protective response. Perhaps his most important message was simple:

People with epilepsy don't need our fear—they need our understanding.

Education replaces misconceptions with empathy. Whether you're passionate about health, education, business, or mentoring, meaningful impact often begins by helping people understand something they previously overlooked.

Mike had spent time in the music industry years earlier before building a career at IBM. Those relationships became unexpected assets. Instead of asking, "What completely new thing should I create?" he asked, "What do I already have that can make a difference?" This is a pivotal question to ask oneself at mid-career when planning a next chapter of life. To explore further, see: Hero Mountain Summit

The great principle applied is this: "The stuff that worked, we'd build upon. The stuff that didn't, we'd jettison."  That's practical wisdom for every entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or mid-career professional. We often assume reinvention requires starting over. More often, it means building on the relationships, skills, experiences, and passions we've already developed over decades. Purpose usually grows from existing strengths.

Four: Great Things Happen When You Bring Exceptional People Together

What began as a fundraiser eventually evolved into something much larger. Artists including Cheap Trick, Tears for Fears, The Go-Go's, The Bangles, and many others don't simply perform their regular concerts. They create what Mike affectionately describes as a "rock camp for musicians."

Imagine members from different legendary bands spending a day—or even much less than a day-- rehearsing together before stepping on stage to perform songs they don't normally play—with musicians they've never performed alongside before. It's spontaneous. It's creative. It's risky. And they love it.

As Mike explained, professional musicians spend much of their careers performing the same sets night after night. Joey's Song gives them the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, laugh, improvise, and simply enjoy making music together again. The result is more than a concert. It's a community.

In fact, Mike shared that many of these artists now play together outside of Joey's Song because the friendships began there. That's another lesson for all of us. One of the greatest gifts we possess during the second half of life is our network. Over decades we've met talented people in countless professions. Sometimes our greatest contribution isn't doing everything ourselves. It's introducing remarkable people to one another and creating opportunities they never would have experienced otherwise.

Five: Look For Opportunity, Not Just a Calling

What began as a fundraiser eventually evolved into something much larger. Artists including Cheap Trick, Tears for Fears, The Go-Go's, The Bangles, and many others don't simply perform their regular concerts. They create what Mike affectionately describes as a "rock camp for musicians."

Imagine members from different legendary bands spending a day—or even much less than a day-- rehearsing together before stepping on stage to perform songs they don't normally play—with musicians they've never performed alongside before. It's spontaneous. It's creative. It's risky. And they love it.

As Mike explained, professional musicians spend much of their careers performing the same sets night after night. Joey's Song gives them the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, laugh, improvise, and simply enjoy making music together again. The result is more than a concert. It's a community.

In fact, Mike shared that many of these artists now play together outside of Joey's Song because the friendships began there. That's another lesson for all of us. One of the greatest gifts we possess during the second half of life is our network. Over decades we've met talented people in countless professions. Sometimes our greatest contribution isn't doing everything ourselves. It's introducing remarkable people to one another and creating opportunities they never would have experienced otherwise.

Turning Pain into Purpose

From the direct words of the founder comes an impactful message.  Joey's Song exists for one simple reason: To help the next family.  Somewhere today, another family is sitting in a neurologist's office hearing a diagnosis they never expected. They're frightened, confused, and wondering what tomorrow will look like. Mike wants them to know they're not alone.

That's the true legacy of Joey's Song. Not just the concerts. Not just the famous artists. Not even the millions of dollars raised. The legacy is transforming personal pain into hope for someone else. Perhaps that's one of the greatest opportunities available in the Power of After season of life. Our experiences—both joyful and painful—can become gifts we offer others. We can educate, tell our stories, build on what already works and bring remarkable people together.

And instead of waiting for some grand calling, we can simply embrace the opportunities already placed in front of us. Sometimes that's where our most meaningful purpose begins.

Additional Resources

More information about Mike Gomoll: Joey's Song

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.

Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.

FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

Deborah’s Music Products: https://djworksmusic.com/products/

YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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Have you ever noticed that setbacks rarely send a calendar invitation? They simply show up—just like the bear who recently wandered in our yard to eat my apples! He wasn’t invited!

Sometimes a setback is a relationship that changes unexpectedly. A trusted friend moves away. A marriage goes through a difficult season or it ends. An aging parent suddenly needs more care and you’re not sure how to pay for it. Adult children move across the country, and family dynamics shift. When we were raising our family, parents and grandparents were fairly close by. But today, we have to get on a plane and fly across the country to see some of our kids.

Other setbacks include our health. We wake up one morning and realize our body doesn’t recover as quickly as it once did. We discover we need to exercise differently, eat differently, or simply slow down enough to take care of ourselves.

Financial setbacks arrive too. A company restructures. Investments fluctuate. Inflation changes the cost of everyday living. Retirement looks different than we imagined twenty years ago.

Then there are the professional setbacks. Careers plateau. Industries change. Technology races ahead. Artificial intelligence transforms the workplace. Suddenly we’re finding ourselves facing multiple setbacks with confusion and mounting stress. But a setback does not have to become your identity. It can become your turning point.

Every Setback Carries a Lesson

• “I’m too old.”
• “I missed my opportunity.”
• “I’ve lost my chance.”
• “I’m falling behind.”

• “What is this teaching me?”
• “What new opportunity is in front of me?”
• “What strengths have I developed because of this experience?”

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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The conversation I had with Alma Derricks on the Power of After Show focused on the principle that creative thinking begins by unlearning insecure thinking. It begins by replacing limiting assumptions with curiosity.

For many professionals, especially at mid-career or what I often call "halftime," the biggest obstacle isn't a lack of talent. It isn't even a lack of opportunity. It's the voice inside our own heads. That voice whispers:

• "You're too old."
• "You're not creative enough."
• "Someone else is already doing that."
• "Stay where it's safe."

Those thoughts often become stronger the longer we've been in one career, one company, or one way of thinking. We build routines. We become known for certain skills. We develop expertise. Those are all good things—but they can also become limitations if we stop learning, questioning, and imagining.

Having worked with an impressive range of both traditional and creative companies, Alma brings deep insight into what it takes to grow through change. Even if you don’t see yourself as an “adventurous leader,” our conversation will challenge the insecure voice many of us need to unlearn, helping us embrace creative thinking, self-leadership, and the courage it takes to pivot successfully into what’s next.

Mindset is More Powerful than Talent

One of Alma's observations that resonated deeply with me was that change itself isn't usually our greatest challenge. Our mindset is.

Many people spend years becoming excellent at operating within an established system. Schools reward correct answers. Companies reward consistency. Organizations create policies and procedures because they produce predictable results. But the marketplace rarely stays predictable.

• Industries shift.
• Technology evolves.
• Customer expectations change.
• Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every profession.

The professionals who thrive aren't necessarily the smartest. They're the most adaptable and consistent. They've learned to ask different questions. Instead of asking, "How do I protect what I've always done?" They ask, "What new opportunity is emerging?" That shift changes everything.

Throughout our conversation, Alma repeatedly emphasized curiosity. She described helping organizations that had "run out of paved road." I love that description. Eventually every career reaches a place where the familiar road ends. At that moment we have two choices. We can wait for someone else to build the road or we can begin exploring.

Creative thinkers aren't fearless. They're simply willing to ask questions before they have every answer.

• What if this works?
• What if I already have transferable skills?
• What if my experience is actually my greatest advantage?

Questions expand possibilities. Fear narrows them.

Alma shared a fascinating perspective about walking into rooms where she often felt different from everyone else. Instead of allowing those differences to become insecurities, she eventually realized they were assets. I could identify with this, walking into a corporate situation as a performing artist. Sometimes it feels like we’re from different planets! However, different perspectives create better solutions. Different experiences generate better questions. Different backgrounds often become our greatest contribution.

Rather than asking, "Do I belong here?" Perhaps we should ask, "What perspective can only I bring to this conversation?" That's a completely different mindset and I’ve learned from experience how valuable it is, trusting my own leadership instincts.

Develop a Long View

One of Alma's recommendations was Peter Schwartz's classic book The Art of the Long View. The concept is simple but powerful.

• Stretch your thinking.
• Look beyond today's circumstances.
• Imagine multiple possibilities.

This isn't about predicting the future perfectly. It's about preparing your mind to recognize opportunities when they appear.

I often encourage people to broaden their inputs. Read books outside your field. Listen to podcasts from different industries. Attend conferences unrelated to your profession. Travel. Meet people with different perspectives. I often ask friends and colleagues about a favorite book they’ve recently read. I keep a running list that’s become quite helpful in expanding my perspective and resources for future reading and study.

Our minds become creative when they're exposed to new combinations of ideas. Innovation rarely comes from staying inside the same mental boundaries.

Think Like an Entrepreneur

One of the recurring themes in this conversation—and one I strongly believe in—is developing an entrepreneurial mindset. That doesn't necessarily mean starting a business. It means taking ownership. This can occur in most any position—whether working for yourself or for someone else.

Entrepreneurs naturally scan the horizon. They're constantly asking:

• Where is the market going?
• What problems need solving?
• What skills are becoming more valuable?
• What's changing?

They're students of people. Students of trends. Students of opportunity. Even if you're employed by someone else, this mindset creates tremendous value. Companies increasingly need employees who think beyond their job descriptions. Those individuals become leaders because they're already thinking like owners.

Solve Problems Instead of Selling Yourself

Another practical insight from our conversation was that consulting—or really any meaningful work—is about solving problems. That's true whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, speaker, coach, musician, or executive. People don't buy expertise. They buy solutions.

Instead of asking, "How do I market myself?" Ask, "What problem can I solve?" That subtle shift changes your entire approach. This is especially important for any entrepreneur in a creative field as those fields can be super self-focused.

Experience becomes valuable because it allows you to recognize patterns. Wisdom becomes valuable because it shortens someone else's learning curve. Purpose becomes valuable because people want to follow those who genuinely care about helping others succeed.

History gives us countless reminders of companies that failed to adapt. Kodak is perhaps one of the best-known examples. Ironically, Kodak, first selling materials designed for the printing industry in 1912, fueled the color revolution in books and magazines in the 1950’s and 60’s. They also helped invent digital photography with the first digital camera in 1975. Yet they struggled to embrace the very technology they had pioneered and were outmaneuvered by competitors.

Why did this happen? Because success sometimes creates complacency. That lesson applies personally as well. It's easy to keep improving skills that are gradually becoming less relevant. Instead, we should continually ask, "What skills will matter five years from now?" Learning isn't something we finish after graduation. It's the discipline that keeps us relevant throughout life.

Start Before You Feel Ready

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from my conversation with Alma was remarkably simple. Start.

• Don't wait until your confidence is perfect.
• Don't wait until circumstances become ideal.
• Don't wait until someone gives you permission. Just begin.
• Write the first article.
• Take the first course.
• Learn the new technology.
• Reach out to a mentor.
• Volunteer for the unfamiliar project.
• Record the first video.

Every meaningful journey begins with movement. Waiting rarely creates clarity. Action does.

Your Next Chapter Begins with a New Voice

The voice inside your head has tremendous influence over your future. Make sure it's speaking truth.

• Replace, "I'm too late." With, "I'm bringing decades of experience."
• Replace, "I'm not creative." With, "I can learn to think differently."
• Replace, "I'm an outsider." With, "My perspective adds value."
• Replace, "I've always done it this way." With, "What else is possible?"

At halftime, you're not starting over. You're building upon everything you've learned. The combination of your experience, your relationships, your transferable skills, and your willingness to continue learning may become your greatest competitive advantage.

Creative thinking isn't reserved for artists or inventors. It's available to anyone willing to ask better questions, challenge limiting beliefs, and continue growing. The insecure voices may never disappear completely. But they don't have to lead.

• Purpose can lead.
• Curiosity can lead.
• Confidence can grow.

And when you begin to unlearn the voices that have held you back, you'll discover something remarkable. Your next chapter isn't waiting for someone else to write it. You're already holding the pen. So start writing!

Additional Resources

More information about Alma: https://www.rev.la/agenda

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.

Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.

FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

Deborah’s Music Products: https://djworksmusic.com/products/

YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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Many people spend the first half of life building careers, raising families, paying bills, and pursuing opportunities. Yet at some point the questions begin to change. Instead of asking, “How can I earn more?” people begin asking, “How can I make a greater impact?” This shift is the heart of legacy-driven entrepreneurship. My parents were always generous, even though we didn’t have a lot of extras growing up. I specifically remember a young woman who came to live with us for several months. At the time, I thought she simply needed a place to stay. It wasn't until after she left that I discovered there were deeper reasons she had needed a safe haven. And this wasn't an isolated experience—it happened more than once.

As I reflect on legacy-driven entrepreneurship, I'm reminded that building a legacy extends far beyond business success. Sometimes it looks like opening your home, offering encouragement, creating opportunities, or simply providing a safe place for someone during a difficult season. There are countless ways to live out a legacy that impacts others long after the moment has passed.

The Power of Experience

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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Many people dream of making a living in the arts. They imagine the performances, the applause, the recording sessions, or perhaps seeing their work displayed for the world to enjoy. What they often don't see is the entrepreneurial mindset required to sustain a creative career over decades.

On a recent episode of the Power of After Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with world-renowned conductor, composer, producer, and entrepreneur Robert Emery. Although Robert began his professional music career as a child prodigy, his long-term success has had far less to do with talent than with his willingness to continually ask one important question:

"What's next?"

That question has led him from concert stages around the world to music education, orchestral meditation music, conducting, producing, composing, and building multiple businesses around his creative gifts.

His journey offers valuable lessons not only for musicians but for anyone seeking to build a meaningful second-half career.

Talent Opens Doors: Business Keeps them Open

One of the biggest misconceptions about artists is that talent alone creates success. Robert quickly dismissed that myth. He pointed out that many graduates from prestigious music conservatories possess extraordinary talent, yet only a small percentage make their living as professional musicians. The difference is rarely musical ability. More often, it's business knowledge.

Every creative professional is also a business owner. Whether you're a musician, painter, writer, photographer, speaker, consultant, or designer, you're representing a brand—your own.

That means understanding marketing, relationships, customer service, finances, and long-term planning. Robert emphasized that from a very young age he understood he wasn't simply a musician—he was building a business. That perspective has shaped every opportunity since.

Rather than asking, "How do I sell my work?" ask, "What need does my work meet?" When you clearly communicate that answer, your marketing becomes much more compelling. This principle applies in most every field. Donald Miller in his book Storybrand explains this so clearly, emphasizing the importance of creating a clear message for your customer, as they are the hero and you are the guide.

Authenticity is Still Your Greatest Advantage

Today's creators have more tools than ever before. Video, livestreaming, podcasts, newsletters, email marketing, and social media make it possible to reach audiences around the globe. But one principle outweighs every platform: Be yourself.

Perfect editing or polished presentations don’t always communicate an authentic message. Content that is personable and relatable far out ways a slickly produced product. That type of authenticity builds trust. People connect with people—not perfection.

As someone who has also shifted toward more livestreaming and conversational content, I have experienced the benefit of this type of authenticity. Audiences appreciate honesty far more than flawless production, even though at times it’s easy to become quite self-critical!

Consistency Beats Inspiration

One of Robert's most impressive projects began with a simple commitment. Every day he records a short "Ask the Maestro" video answering questions from musicians around the world. Three or four minutes every day.

Not because inspiration strikes every morning. But because consistency creates momentum. Many creative people wait until they feel inspired before creating. Professionals create whether inspiration arrives or not. Small daily actions eventually become significant bodies of work.

It is rare that a piece of music or content is created in a short period of time. We hear those stories, but usually writing is rewriting. It takes seat discipline and consistency to take most work to a higher level.

Many have heard the story of Paul McCartney’s song Yesterday. In 1964 while staying in the home of Jane Asher, he woke up with the full melody in his head. To hold that melody, which he thought he must have gleaned from another song, he wrote some placeholder words until finishing the song with the current lyrics. This was a rare occurrence of the melody that had “arrived’ almost fully formed, but most songs require craftmanship and persistence.

Music Education Builds More than Musicians

During the COVID shutdowns, Robert found himself unable to conduct orchestras. Instead of waiting for concerts to return, he asked another version of "What's next?" The answer became Ted's List, an online music education resource that unexpectedly grew into one of the largest music education websites in the world.

What started as a handful of pages evolved into thousands of educational articles written by professional musicians who had suddenly lost their work during the pandemic. The project served multiple purposes.

• It supported struggling musicians.
• It educated families.
• It encouraged children to continue learning music.

Most importantly, it preserved something Robert deeply believes in: Music education matters. As both of us discussed during the interview, countless adults have shared the same regret: "I wish I had never stopped taking music lessons." Learning music develops discipline, creativity, listening skills, and confidence—qualities that extend far beyond the concert stage.

Creating Music that Serves Others

One of Robert's newest ventures demonstrates another important entrepreneurial lesson. Rather than following existing trends, he created something entirely new. His orchestral meditation music combines a full symphony orchestra, choir, natural breathing, and immersive recording techniques to produce deeply calming musical experiences.

Unlike much of today's digitally produced meditation music, every note is performed live by professional musicians. The project required a tremendous investment of time, talent, and resources. Financially, it may never become his largest commercial success. Yet it fulfills a larger purpose.

People write to him describing reduced anxiety, greater peace, and meaningful emotional healing through the music. Not every worthwhile project begins with a profit motive. Sometimes the greatest opportunities arise from asking, "What does the world need?" This is a good question to ask ourselves at mid-career or halftime of life when there is more freedom of time, resources and experience. Your experience isn't limited to one job title. The skills you've accumulated over decades often combine to create opportunities you couldn't have imagined earlier in life.

The Power of One Step Forward

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from our conversation came near the end with the message of moving forward. Put one foot in front of the other. Believe you're on the path you're meant to follow.

• Have a plan.
• Work hard.
• Trust the process.

That philosophy perfectly aligns with what I often describe as the Power of After. Your next chapter isn't about starting over. It's about building on everything you've already learned.

• Your experience becomes your advantage.
• Your relationships become opportunities.
• Your creativity becomes contribution.

Whether you're launching a consulting business, writing a book, teaching, composing music, or exploring a completely new direction, remember that success rarely comes from one breakthrough moment. It comes from consistent action, authentic relationships, thoughtful marketing, and a willingness to keep asking,

"What's next?"

For creatives especially, that question isn't something to fear. It's an invitation to continue growing, serving others, and building a legacy that extends far beyond a single performance or career. And perhaps that's the greatest lesson of all.

Additional Resources

More information about Robert Emery and Classical Connection: https://robertemery.com

Ted’s List Music Education: https://teds-list.com/

Deborah’s Music Products: https://djworksmusic.com/products/

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.

Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.

FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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The 1969 film True Grit introduced audiences to a rugged story of determination, resilience, and courage. John Wayne’s iconic character, Rooster Cogburn, became memorable not because he was polished or comfortable, but because he possessed grit—the willingness to push forward through hardship, discomfort, and uncertainty.

That idea still resonates today, especially for those navigating mid-career or halftime of life. At this stage, many professionals find themselves facing unexpected transitions, shifting industries, changing technology, financial pressure, family responsibilities, health concerns, and the emotional question: “What’s next?” Some feel stuck between who they were and who they are becoming. Others quietly wrestle with fear, fatigue, or the discomfort of learning something new.

Yet growth during mid-career rarely happens through comfort alone. It often requires grace and grit. Grace gives us perspective, patience, and the ability to navigate change without bitterness or panic. Grit gives us endurance, courage, and the willingness to continue doing hard things even when progress feels slow or uncomfortable. The truth is, many of the most meaningful chapters of life are built during seasons that initially feel difficult.

The Mid-Career Crossroads

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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There comes a point in life when travel changes. When we're younger, travel is often about adventure, excitement, checking destinations off a bucket list, or simply getting away from work. We race through museums, snap photos of famous landmarks, and squeeze every possible activity into a packed itinerary. But something shifts as we reach midlife. Travel becomes less about seeing more and more about experiencing more.

In a recent conversation with travel entrepreneur and bestselling author Wesley Baker, we explored why travel often takes on greater significance during the halftime years of life. After decades of work, raising families, building careers, and accumulating responsibilities, many people begin asking deeper questions:

• What do I really want from life?
• What experiences still matter?
• How do I want to spend the years ahead?

These questions often lead people back to travel—not as an escape, but as a pathway to perspective. As Wesley observed, maturity changes how we experience the world. We slow down enough to appreciate a meal, a conversation, a historical site, or a beautiful landscape. We begin to value experiences more than possessions. At halftime, travel becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

The Window Doesn't Stay Open Forever

One of the realities many people face in midlife is recognizing that opportunities do not last forever. Health changes. Energy changes. Family circumstances change. Many of us have watched parents or older relatives reach a stage where travel is no longer practical or possible. What once seemed like endless time suddenly feels limited. That realization can be sobering. Yet it can also be motivating.

Wesley shared a story about his own parents. They spent years diligently saving money for the future. His father dreamed of taking major trips and seeing more of the world. Yet after a serious stroke, his father passed away before many of those plans could become reality. The lesson wasn't that saving is wrong. The lesson was that waiting indefinitely can become a trap.

Too often people postpone their dreams until "someday." Someday when work slows down. Someday when the kids are older. Someday when finances improve. Someday when life settles down. The problem is that someday isn't guaranteed. The Power of After is about recognizing that your next chapter matters now—not someday.

Travel doesn't have to mean flying halfway around the world. Travel can begin twenty miles from home. It can be a day trip to a museum. A weekend getaway. A train journey. A kayaking adventure. A bike tour. A scenic drive. An afternoon exploring a place you've always meant to visit. The spirit of travel is not measured in miles. It is measured in curiosity.

One of the most encouraging messages from the interview was that meaningful exploration remains available regardless of age. There are travel opportunities specifically designed for those with mobility challenges, disabilities, health concerns, or other limitations. The key is not waiting for perfect circumstances. The key is deciding to go.

The Role of Risk

Risk plays an interesting role in both travel and life. At midlife, many people become increasingly aware of risk. They think more about safety, health, finances, future uncertainty. The tendency is to become more cautious. Yet there is another side of the equation. There is also risk in not going. Risk in waiting, postponing, assuming there will always be another opportunity.

Wesley made an observation that applies far beyond travel: Often the barriers we face are not external. They are internal. Fear creates obstacles long before reality does. We imagine what could go wrong, second-guess ourselves, delay decisions or create reasons NOT to act. Then something remarkable happens once a trip is booked. Once the commitment is made, the momentum begins.

The same principle applies to many areas of life. Launching a business, starting a new career, writing a book, learning a skill, taking a trip. Growth usually begins with action, not certainty.

What Travel Teaches about Purpose

One of the most valuable aspects of travel is how it expands our perspective. Travel reminds us that our way is not the only way. Other cultures solve problems differently. Different countries prioritize different values. Different communities live differently. When we encounter these differences, we often learn as much about ourselves as we do about the places we visit.

Travel teaches humility, curiosity, adaptability, patience, gratitude and more. These qualities become increasingly important during the second half of life. As we accumulate experience, it can become easy to believe we already understand the world. Travel gently challenges that assumption. It reminds us there is always more to learn, experience, appreciate.

In many ways, travel mirrors the Hero Mountain Summit journey. It requires leaving familiar territory. It involves uncertainty. It demands flexibility. And it often produces transformation. You rarely return home exactly the same person who left.

Travel, Perspective and the Art of Slowing Down

Perhaps the most profound lesson from Wesley's story had little to do with destinations. It had to do with perspective. After a lifetime of entrepreneurship, leadership, and achievement, he reflected on the dangers of pushing too hard. Like many driven professionals, he spent years pursuing success, building companies, solving problems, and chasing opportunities. Eventually, health challenges forced him to slow down. That experience changed his outlook.

He now emphasizes something many people learn later than they wish:

• Health matters more than possessions.
• Experiences matter more than accumulation.
• Relationships matter more than status.

Travel becomes valuable because it naturally slows us down. It invites us to notice things: a sunset, a conversation, the sound of birds, a quiet street, a beautiful meal, the rhythm of another culture or a changing landscape outside a train window. In a world that constantly encourages more speed, travel often teaches us the value of slowing down. And slowing down creates space for clarity.

Final Thoughts: Don't Wait 

One of Wesley's favorite sayings is: "A wise man does what a wise man says." The wisdom behind that statement is simple. If we know what matters, we should act on it. Most people don't need more information. They need more implementation. If travel matters to you, begin planning. If adventure matters to you, take a step. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment, recognize that perfect moments rarely arrive.

The halftime years offer a unique opportunity. You have experience. You have perspective. You likely have more freedom than you did in earlier decades. The question is not whether the world is worth exploring. The question is whether you'll give yourself permission to explore it. Because travel is ultimately about more than destinations.

It's about growth. It's about perspective. It's about purpose. And sometimes, it's exactly what we need to discover what comes next.

Additional Resources

More about Wesley Baker and his multiple best-selling books at https://PureOneGroup.com

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.

Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson

Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.

FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide

FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks

YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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When looking at appearances on the outside and reality of life, these are some of the questions asked at halftime: “Is the life I’m living truly aligned with who I am?” “Am I building something meaningful—or simply maintaining appearances?” “What really matters now?”

From the outside, life may appear successful. The career may be established. The house may be full. The schedule may be packed. Social media may even tell a polished story of achievement and happiness. Yet internally, many feel disconnected, exhausted, or quietly restless. Appearance and reality are not always the same.

At halftime of life, we are often given a unique opportunity: the chance to reassess, realign, and intentionally create a next chapter based not on pressure or performance, but on purpose and values. This stage of life is not about starting over from zero. It is about building wisely from everything already accumulated—skills, experience, relationships, wisdom, resilience, and perspective.

As I discuss throughout many episodes of Power of After, this season can become one of the most purposeful and fulfilling chapters of life when approached intentionally. Today’s message is a type of pep talk to create focus with a challenge to realign our personal and professional lives with what truly values.

The Trap of Appearance

• A title instead of fulfillment
• Busyness instead of clarityIncome without margin
• Achievement without purpose
• Stability without joy

• What truly matters now?
• What kind of lifestyle do I actually want?
• What values am I living by?
• What legacy am I building?
• What strengths and experience have I underestimated?

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

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