NEVER TOO LATE: Stories of Re-Invention (NTL)

Summary

In this episode, I share my personal journey of rediscovery, reflecting on the challenges and costs associated with pursuing dreams and navigating life transitions. I emphasizesthe importance of identity, resilience, and the spiritual journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their own paths of rediscovery and to recognize the hope that exists even in times of darkness.

Takeaways

• Rediscovery is a continuous journey rather th...

In this upcoming episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, I sit down with Liz Benditt, a senior marketing executive, six-time cancer survivor, educator, and the founder of The Balm Box — a mission-driven company born from lived experience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to dignity in care.

Over the course of 15 years, Liz faced six different cancer diagnoses while conti...

In this episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, Eric Cooter sits down with Chef Steve Corso — classically trained chef, author, television host, and founder of Outdoor Eats — whose story proves that sometimes the most powerful reinvention happens when you trade the boardroom for the backcountry.After more than 20 years building a prestigious culinary career — from classical training at...

"Time is going either way, so do it anyway!"

This week, I sit down with Mark Astor — attorney, founder of a unique law firm, and a fierce advocate for families navigating mental health and addiction crises. Mark’s journey from burnout to purpose-driven work is powerful, personal, and a masterclass in what it means to reinvent not just a career, but a calling. His advocacy, his heart for families, and his vision for trans...

In this rich and deeply human conversation, I’m joined by The Rev. Hillary Kimsey—Episcopal priest, spiritual guide, writer, and gentle companion to those navigating the complexities of faith and life. Hillary brings a refreshing blend of candor, humor, and contemplative insight as we explore what it means to remain awake to the truth of our lives, especially when the path gets muddy.

We talk about spiritual direction as...

“Letting Go to Live Forward: A Conversation with Monica Ricci”
In this episode, I sit down with Monica Ricci—speaker, coach, and longtime guide in the world of simplicity and intentional living—to explore what it really means to let go so we can move forward with clarity and joy.

Monica goes far beyond decluttering. She invites us into the deeper work: releasing old narratives, shifting internal limits, an...

What if your greatest health struggle became your calling?Former law enforcement officer Susan Robbins faced chronic illness that turned her world upside down — until she discovered the science of epigenetics. Now, she helps others unlock their body’s wisdom and rewrite the story of their health and purpose.💡 Healing from the inside out🌱 The magnitude of epigenetics💪 Why it’s never too late to thrive🔗 Connect ...

🎙️ Guest: Faith Phillips — Novelist, Screenwriter, Producer, Citizen of the Cherokee Nation From corporate law to Hollywood and back to her Cherokee roots, Faith Phillips has lived a story of courage, creativity, and purpose. A novelist, screenwriter, and producer, Faith’s work illuminates justice, identity, and the healing power of storytelling. In this episode, Faith joins host Eric Cooter to share her remarkable jou...

📝 Description:

What happens when a Fortune 500 executive trades boardrooms for a mission of healing, faith, and purpose?

In this episode of Never Too Late: Stories of Reinvention, Eric reconnects with longtime friend and former colleague Jacquie Fazekas-Varner — owner of Bama Health Foods, founder of Bama Wellness Advocacy, and a certified Health and Leadership Coach.

After 30 years leading in...

What if the things that scare or stretch you are actually invitations to grow?In Part A of my conversation with The Rev. Janie Koch, we explore how faith, curiosity, and a willingness to be uncomfortable can open unexpected paths of calling and renewal. From disillusionment with the church to rediscovering joy in ministry, Janie’s journey is both funny and deeply human — a reminder that reinvention often begins when we ...

What if the things that scare or stretch you are actually invitations to grow?In Part B of my conversation with The Rev. Janie Koch, we continue to explore how faith, curiosity, and a willingness to be uncomfortable can open unexpected paths of calling and renewal. From disillusionment with the church to rediscovering joy in ministry, Janie’s journey is both funny and deeply human — a reminder that reinvention often beg...

In this episode of Never Too Late: Stories of Reinvention, host Eric Cooter welcomes The Rev. Dr. John F. Toles — Episcopal priest, author, vintner, and storyteller — for a thoughtful conversation about transformation, calling, and the art of beginning again.John’s story spans boardrooms, vineyards, pulpits, and pages. Once an ambitious young businessman chasing wealth in Dallas, he walked away from it all in sear...

From golf pro to pilot, from marketing to healthcare leadership — McKenna Houston’s life is proof that curiosity can lead to incredible places.

In this episode of Never Too Late: Real Stories of Reinvention, McKenna shares how following his interests — not just his plans — opened doors to unexpected careers and lasting purpose.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction or r...

Part 2 – Finding Family and Fulfilling a Dream
In part two, Joe’s remarkable journey continues as he uncovers the truth about his American father, discovers two sisters he never knew existed, and ultimately leaves Germany for a new life in the United States. There, he finally realizes his childhood dream of becoming a professional pilot. This episode is a story of perseverance, identity, and the power of following yo...

Part 1 – From Germany to the Skies (Joe’s Early Journey)

Born in Germany, Joe Engelmann’s story begins in postwar Europe — the son of a German mother and an American airman he never knew. In this first episode, Joe shares his early life growing up in Germany, his military service, and the two IT companies he built from the ground up. Through it all, a lifelong dream took shape — to become a professional...

The Rev. Sarah Shirley shares her remarkable journey of reinvention, from nonprofit leadership to ordination to military chaplaincy and now, parish ministry in Mexico. With experience spanning the Air Force, higher education, financial coaching, and spiritual direction, Sarah brings wisdom for anyone navigating change, loss, and new beginnings.

🎥 Also Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G_HzBCH84xc

#NeverTooLatePodcast, #careerch...

Welcome to the very first episode of Never Too Late. I’m your host, Eric Cooter, and in this episode I step into the guest chair to share my own story of reinvention.

Since the age of 15, I dreamed of being a professional pilot. But life took me down other roads first—corporate management, ordained ministry, and years of serving as a priest and diocesan leader in the Episcopal Church. Along the way, I carried b...

In this episode of Never Too Late: Real Stories of Reinvention, I sit down with my longtime friend Paul Scott, a fellow pilot whose journey in aviation has been marked by resilience, growth, and camaraderie. Paul and I first connected decades ago through flying, and our paths have continued to intersect in surprising and meaningful ways. Together we reflect on the lessons learned in the cockpit and in life—about trust, d...

What does it take to leave behind a successful career in public relations and step into the unknown world of chaplaincy, seminary, and church planting?In this episode of Never Too Late, I sit down with my friend and colleague, The Rev. Adrienne Hymes, whose journey is a powerful story of courage, faith, and reinvention. Adrienne spent more than a decade in the fast-paced world of PR and marketing in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C....