"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the show bridges perspectives and sparks conversations about how we age, adapt, and continue to dream. We're excited to now be part of the SuperAging News Network, the most authoritative online source of news, trends and ideas on longevity and the SuperAging Revolution -- getting older without getting old. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter at http://superagingnews.com!
Episodes
In this episode, we explore the concept of the “Senior Encore”—the growing movement of older adults re-entering or reinventing their place in the job market. Our special guest, Mike Dwyer of Emplana Career, shares insights on how seniors can leverage their wealth of experience, adapt to today’s changing work landscape, and find renewed purpose in meaningful roles. Whether it’s a career pivot, part-time engagement, or ...
In this episode, Barb sits down with singer-songwriter John Michael Ferrari to explore his remarkable journey through music. From his early beginnings to his evolution as an award-winning artist, to being considered for a Grammy nomination, John Michael shares stories of resilience, reinvention, and the passion that fuels his creativity. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the industry later in life, the...
In the premiere episode of Season 13, Barb sits down with our special guest and friend of the pod, Denise Torgerson, to explore the fine line between self-care and being seen as selfish. Together, they dig into our understanding of taking time for ourselves, why boundaries can feel uncomfortable but necessary, and how to reframe “selfish” as a step toward healthier living. With Denise’s warmth and wisdom, this convers...
In our Season 12 finale of What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers, Barb is joined by the vibrant and hilarious Colleen Landry. After retiring from her career as a teacher, Colleen found an unexpected new path as a social media sensation, quickly building a devoted following on Instagram and TikTok. Barb and Colleen dive into her journey of embracing creativity in this new chapter, the lessons she’s learned along the ...
In this week’s episode, Barb takes a break from guests and sits down with her producer, Mela, for a candid chat about one of the worst parts of online dating: scammers. From fake profiles and too-good-to-be-true stories to the subtle red flags that often get overlooked, Barb and Mela unpack how these schemes work and share practical tips on how to be more discerning when navigating technology. Whether you’re dipping y...
In this week's episode, Barb welcomes back special guest and mental health professional Jackie Adams for a heartfelt continuation of their discussion on betrayal. This time, Jackie opens up about her own healing journey—sharing personal insights, hard-earned wisdom, and the tools that helped her move forward after being hurt. Together, Barb and Jackie explore the path to recovery after betrayal in friendships, fa...
In an age that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, how do we stay grounded and connected to what truly matters? This week, we welcome back our beloved podcast regular, Denise Torgerson, for a heartwarming conversation about rediscovering joy in the simple, everyday moments of life.
From quiet mornings with a cup of coffee to adorable moments with grandkids, long walks with our pets, and the healing power of time sp...
In this deeply personal and moving episode, Barb sits down with mental health and marriage counsellor Jackie Adams, who opens up about the most devastating chapter of her life: betrayal. After 32 years of marriage, Jackie’s husband revealed a pattern of infidelity that shattered the foundation of their relationship and ultimately led to divorce.
With honesty, grace, and insight, Jackie walks us through her experience—f...
In this energizing episode, Barb welcomes certified personal trainer and strength coach Caylee Alzner to talk about one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging: strength training. Caylee breaks down the myths around lifting weights later in life and introduces the key principle of progressive overload—a method that helps build strength, improve mobility, and maintain independence as we age.
Tailored specifically f...
In this empowering episode, Barb is sits down with renowned physician and healthy aging expert, Dr. Gillian Lockitch, for a conversation that could change the way you think about getting older. With decades of experience in medicine and a personal journey that exemplifies vitality in later life, Dr. Lockitch shares her top 5 evidence-based strategies for healthy aging—covering everything from nutrition and movement to...
In this deeply reflective episode, Barb Desmarais is joined once again by our good friend, Tim Wade, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about one of life’s most difficult challenges: letting go of people when a relationship has run its course. Whether it's a friend, a partner, or even a family member, parting ways can feel like a kind of death—but it can also be the most loving choice you make, not just for...
In this heartfelt episode, we explore what it truly means to "let go" after the loss of a loved one — and whether that's even the right phrase. Our special guest, grief educator and coach Denise Torgerson, invites us to reframe our understanding of loss, suggesting that instead of letting go, we consider the power of letting in.
Denise shares her wisdom on how to integrate grief into our present reality,...
In this special Pride Month episode, Barb sits down with her dear friend and neighbour, Candace Macpherson, a proud lesbian and advocate for authenticity, visibility, and love. Candace shares her personal journey of coming out and living openly in a time when being LGBTQIA+ was far less accepted than it is today.
Candace and Barb reflect on the evolution of the language we use to refer to the LGBTQIA+ community. They s...
This week, we dive into the digital world with one of our favourite guests, Denise Torgerson. Barb and Denise breakdown what they love and hate about social media, and how much it has deeply impacted us in our daily lives.
From staying connected with family to falling for misinformation, social media has reshaped how boomers engage with the world.
Whether you're a seasoned scroller or just dipping your toes into th...
In this week's thought-provoking episode, Barb sits down with Barb Wade, leadership coach and speaker, to explore the dramatic evolution of women’s roles in society. From the traditional expectations of the past—where women were often confined to caregiving and homemaking—to today’s landscape of greater economic power, personal choice, and independence, the two Barbs dive into how these shifts have reshaped famil...
Downsizing isn’t just about sorting through belongings—it’s about untangling the emotions tied to a lifetime of memories. In this fun, light-hearted episode of What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers, Barb sits down with Richard Ferguson once again, founder of It’s Time to Downsize, to explore the practical and emotional challenges of letting go.
Why do we hold onto things we no longer need—and how do we finally releas...
Tim is back, but this time with his better half--the infamous, Barb Wade. In this heartfelt episode, Barb Desmarais sits down with Barb & Tim and they share their extraordinary journey of rekindling their relationship after eight years of divorce. Their story isn’t just about romance—it’s about growth, true friendship, and the complexities of co-parenting their special needs children through life’s ups and downs.
B...
In this refreshingly honest episode, Barb welcomes back her longtime friend Kelley Riley (and Season 1 alum), to challenge the notion that travel must be a partnered experience. Kelley, an unapologetic solo traveler, shares her philosophy of wandering the world on her own terms.
Kelley pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to travel alone for the sheer joy of it, offering practical tips for dining, sightseeing,...
In this candid and relatable episode, Barb sits down with our good friend and co-host, relationship coach Tim Wade, to dive into the modern world of online dating. They discuss navigating the emotional rollercoaster of rejection and ghosting, and Tim shares his personal experiences and insights into the complexities of finding love in the digital age.
Barb and Tim explore the nuances of online dating, including the ch...
If you're a retiree, you're probably spending more time in your home and this episode will tickle your designer veins and perhaps inspire you to freshen up your space. Barb welcomes renowned interior designer Leo Santana to explore the transformative power of interior design. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Leo shares his expert insights on creating spaces that are no...
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