Guest: Antonio Neves, Author of Stop Living on Autopilot & Keynote Speaker

Show Summary

How do you break free from the constraints of living on autopilot and truly embrace a life filled with authenticity, intention, and self-awareness? Join us as we welcome Antonio Neves, the insightful author of Stop Living on Autopilot, who shares his remarkable journey from a TV reporter desperately seeking external validation to a successful speaker, coach, and father. Antonio's story is a testament to the courage it takes to confront societal pressures, find internal validation, and ultimately lead a life that aligns with one's true desires.

Jon and Antonio embark on a thought-provoking exploration of midlife challenges and the quest for genuine fulfillment. They dive into why personal relationships often hold more grounding power than professional achievements and how societal norms can sometimes lead us astray. This episode urges listeners to recognize and address the signs of dissatisfaction before they manifest in unhealthy ways, and advocates for proactive change and the invaluable support of personal communities during times of personal reflection and growth.

Throughout our conversation, Antonio provides practical strategies and daily practices aimed at enhancing emotional wellness and embracing change. From trusting your intuition to maintaining emotional health through exercise and genuine connections, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. We delve into the importance of living in the present while planning for a future that truly resonates with our authentic selves, ensuring that success and happiness are not just goals but a way of life. Listen in and discover how to be the lead character in your life story, and how you can play to win instead of just playing not to lose.

Guest Bio

Guided by his own journey of transformation, Antonio helps people face critical decisions so they can reboot, reset and refuel their lives. Antonio Neves is a best-selling author, coach to senior leaders, and international speaker known for helping people develop their personal leadership. He’s the author of four books including Stop Living On Autopilot: Take Responsibility for Your Life and Rediscover a Bolder, Happier You (Penguin Random House), and the Founder of Man Morning, a dynamic global community and weekly newsletter tailored for growth-driven men who want to get better. Previously, Antonio worked for a decade as a correspondent in New York City with networks including NBC, PBS and MTV Networks. A former Division I student-athlete, Antonio is a graduate of Western Michigan University and holds a Masters degree from Columbia University.

Key Moments

(00:00) - Breaking Out of Autopilot

(06:40) - Navigating Midlife Challenges and Authenticity

(14:47) - Daily Practices for Emotional Wellness

(21:47) - Embracing Change for a Bright Future

(25:53) - Creating Momentum for Success

(38:20) - The Power of Connection and Self-Reflection

(43:03) - Embracing Emotional Wellness and Connection

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Guest: Kaamna Bhojwani, Sexuality & Relationship Expert

Show Summary

What if finding love again after the break-up of a long term relationship could be a journey of growth and discovery rather than a daunting task? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Kaamna Bhojwani, a leading relationship and sexuality expert, as we unravel the shifting dynamics of dating and relationships at midlife. Together, we explore how societal changes and digital advancements have altered the dating scene, placing a spotlight on emotional intelligence and humor over looks and financial status. Kaamna shares her insights on the importance of authenticity in online dating and how AI is reshaping the way we present ourselves, urging listeners to stay true to who they are to foster genuine connections.

Ready to navigate the maze of modern dating apps post-breakup? We'll guide you through choosing platforms that match your goals and strategies to maintain authenticity while managing time effectively. We touch upon the phenomenon of men remarrying quickly after divorce and delve into the importance of self-reflection to define relationship priorities. By recognizing your non-negotiables and embracing personal growth, you're encouraged to seek partners who resonate with your true self. Listen in for empowering stories and practical advice that will support your quest for meaningful relationships at midlife in the ever-evolving dating world.

Guest Bio

When Kaamna’s mother accused her of being only interested in soul and sex, she had no idea how bang on she was. Today, Kaamna is a sexuality researcher with a specialization in shame and spirituality. Through 1:1 clients, small group workshops and public events, Kaamna helps people shed the shame and guilt around their sexuality and embrace a new sexual self-identity. Kaamna’s philosophy is simple: Nothing in the human experience is profane, so let’s talk about it. Kaamna holds a masters degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University and a masters in Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois. Kaamna’s work combines academic rigor with a deep love and compassion for being human – with all its complexities. When she’s not dismantling the shackles around human sexuality, she’s singing by a piano somewhere or planning her next trip to a soulful destination.

Key Moments

00:00 Dating After Midlife Break-Ups
05:34 AI & Relationships
11:16 Navigating Dating After a Midlife Break-Up
18:10 Self Analyzing After a Midlife Break-Up
24:11 Defining Your New Relationship Priorities
31:00 The Vast Dating Options

Connect with Kaamna

Facebook: @kaamnalive
Instagram: @kaamnalive
Twitter: @kaamnalive
Website: www.kaamnalive.com

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Chip Conley, Founder of the Modern Elder Academy

Show Summary

Join us for an inspiring journey into midlife transformation with Chip Conley, founder of Modern Elder Academy and author of Learning to Love Midlife. Listen in as Chip shares how maintaining energy, curiosity, and openness to new experiences can position us as role models and leaders. Reflecting on Carol Dweck's growth mindset, Chip emphasizes the importance of wisdom over mere knowledge in midlife. Discover his personal practice of documenting life lessons in a "wisdom book" and learn how metabolizing life experiences into wisdom can guide us through the second half of life, making it richer and more meaningful.

We also explore an expansive concept of midlife, spanning from ages 35 to 75, and the unique challenges and opportunities each phase presents. Inspirational stories, like an 89-year-old woman writing her first novel, underscore the importance of continuous learning and curiosity. Chip discusses the significance of social relationships in fostering longer, healthier, and happier lives, advocating for the conscious practice of friendship during midlife transitions. Additionally, we touch on emotional authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of a pro-aging (vs. anti-aging) perspective to build emotional strength and resilience. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and valuable insights for embracing your midlife with vitality and wisdom.

Guest Bio

Chip Conley is on a mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the U.S., and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Conley co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018. Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a ‘modern elder’ at Airbnb, where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary transformation from fast-growing start-up to the world’s most valuable hospitality brand, MEA is the world's first ‘midlife wisdom school’. Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging, MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. A New York Times best-selling author, Conley's 7th book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage.

Key Moments

00:00 Unlocking Wisdom in Midlife

03:55 Using Core Wisdom

12:40 Embracing Midlife Community for Growth

16:37 Communities for Men and Women

26:14 Building Emotional Strength and Resilience

Connect with Chip

• IG: @ChipConley
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/chipconleyauthor
• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/
• X: @ChipConley

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Kelly Henderson, Host of the Velvet’s Edge Podcast & Celebrity Stylist

Show Summary

Kelly Henderson, the host of the Velvet's Edge podcast and celebrity stylist, joins Jon for a heartfelt conversation about the lessons our relationships teach us. Kelly opens up about her dating history and toxic relationships, including a high-profile friendship that played out on reality TV. She bravely discusses the impact of online trolling and media misrepresentation, showcasing her resilience and personal growth from these adversities.

Kelly and Jon also unpack the often misunderstood dynamics of relationships and breakups, reimagining them as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Kelly shares insights into the complexities of modern dating, especially through dating apps, and the quest for genuine connection in today's digital age. The discussion touches on the unique challenges men face during breakups and the importance of embracing difficult emotions and seeking support. With practical advice and a dash of pop culture, including a nod to "Love Island," this episode promises a compelling exploration of love, growth, and resilience. Tune in for a conversation that's enlightening and empowering.

Guest Bio

Kelly Henderson began her career in the Nashville country music scene over 15 years ago, orchestrating her ascent to celebrity stylist for country music stars such as Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Riley Green and Jordan Davis. Henderson began offering an intimate insight into her work via her lifestyle blog, “Velvet’s Edge,” which began as a place her audience could find tips on fashion, travel, fitness, health and more. With an ever-growing demand from her loyal online followers, Henderson launched an extension of her blog in the form of a podcast of the same name via iHeartMedia. She leverages her decade-long journey in 12-step recovery, intensive experiential therapy and other holistic modalities, combined with her successful career as a tastemaker, artist and stylist to explore the human condition. The Velvet’s Edge Podcast normalizes hard conversations, “taboo” topics, and people’s ever evolving journeys, while promoting healing and the road to a happy and fulfilling life experience. The podcast is built on Henderson’s motto, “Everyone has a little Velvet and a little Edge, I’m just here to help people feel comfortable with that and hopefully get on the path to living their best life.”

Key Moments

00:28 - Life Lessons From Relationship Challenges
03:30 Kelly’s Relationship Experiences
09:05 The Impact of Therapy
13:24 - How Relationships Can be Ugly
23:02 - Navigating Modern Dating Challenges

Connect with Kelly

IG: https://Instagram.com/velvetsedge
FB: https://Facebook.com/velvetsedge
Podcast Velvet’s Edge: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/velvets-edge-with-kelly-henderson/id1364128350

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Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Wendy Kesser, Certified Divorce Coach® and ReMatchmaker™️

Show Summary

Discover the transformative power of divorce coaching with our special guest, Wendy Kesser, a certified divorce coach with diverse experience including counseling Silicon Valley’s elite. Learn how professionals like Wendy play a pivotal role in supporting individuals through the complexities of divorce. Wendy discusses how divorce coaches facilitate more effective interactions with lawyers, mediators, therapists, and financial advisors, potentially reducing both costs and emotional strain. Jon and Wendy also delve into the intricate world of financial settlements, where aligning strategy with personal values becomes paramount. Wendy shares profound insights on how stress, integrity, and perceptions of fairness can shape settlement outcomes. Embracing an abundance mindset, rather than one of scarcity, can lead to more favorable results. Through practical advice, Wendy tackles common dilemmas such as whether to keep or sell the family home, encouraging a balanced approach to emotional and financial decisions. Tune in to find out how adopting a positive, forward-looking perspective can transform divorce into a bridge to a brighter future.

Guest Bio

Wendy Kesser is a Certified Divorce Coach® and ReMatchmaker™️ — and works with people considering, experiencing or going through divorce. She gives her clients the tools, courage and confidence to navigate the direction they choose. She is based in San Francisco, CA.

Key Moments

• 01:08 The Role of Divorce Coaching
• 05:28 The Role of Divorce Coaches
• 15:29 Empowering Divorcees Through Financial Independence
• 22:14 Financial Considerations in Divorce Settlements
• 26:32 Financial Imbalance and Divorce Negotiations
• 29:27 Spousal Support and Self-Supporting After Divorce

Connect with Wendy

• IG: @getwithwendy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-s-kesser-08b7223/
• Website: https://www.getwithwendy.com/

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Guest: Susan Regan, MFT | Founder of Solutions Therapy & Mediation

Show Summary
Join Jon and Susan Regan, MFT, as they dive into both the practical and emotional aspects of separation. Discover the power of accountability and finding inner happiness amidst life’s toughest transitions. From navigating the complexities of co-parenting to mastering effective communication during separation, this episode offers invaluable insights into building healthy relationships with your children and forging a positive relationship with your ex. Tune in for a conversation that’s all about intentionally creating a positive next chapter in your life.

Guest Bio
Susan Regan is the Founder of Solutions Therapy & Mediation, and has been a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for 30 years, helping hundreds of couples and individuals find balance and connection. As a seasoned mediator, she specializes in co-parenting counseling and mediation for separating families. With expertise in Narrative, Family Systems, and Attachment-Based Therapy, Susan offers a diverse approach to support her clients.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Personal Growth
• 04:13 The Process of Discernment: Exploring Different Doors
• 10:26 Co-Parenting: Effective Communication and Collaboration
• 14:59 Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Separation
• 19:37 Building Healthy Relationships with Children During Separation

Connect with Dr. Susan Regan

• Contact: https://solutionstherapyandmediation.com/contact/
• Instagram: @susanregancoaching
• Facebook: @solutionstherapyandmeditation
• YouTube: @susanregancoaching

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Laila Aitken || Divorce Coach & Co-Founder of Split.fyi

Show Summary
Divorce and separation affect men and women in profoundly different ways. In this episode, we dive deep into these unique experiences. Join us as Laila Aitken, a divorce coach who has lived through the trials of divorce, shares the rawness of her own journey. We tackle the emotional rollercoaster, the power struggles that often arise, and the critical role of communication and accountability. This conversation isn’t just about surviving divorce – it’s about finding strength, empathy, and understanding in the midst of it. Whether you’re going through it yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers invaluable insights and advice on navigating one of life’s toughest transitions.

Guest Bio
Laila Aitken is an accredited mediator and divorce coach dedicated to supporting those navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. Drawing from her own decade-long experience with divorce, she founded Split.fyi, a platform designed to provide guidance, resources, and a supportive community for those going through similar life transitions.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 06:58 Exploring Stereotypes and Gender Differences
• 10:46 Understanding the Emotional Toll of Divorce
• 23:06 Communication Differences Between Men and Women
• 25:59 The Importance of Support and Connection
• 29:24 The Role of Accountability in Divorce
• 30:25 Closing Thoughts and Advice

Connect with Laila

• LinkedIn: @splitfyi
• Instagram: @splitfyi
• Facebook: @splitfyi
• Twitter: @splitfyi
• www.splitfyi.com

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

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• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Guest Tom Sturges || Music Executive & Author

Show Summary
In this episode, Jon and Tom Sturges discuss the concept of a 'good divorce' and how to approach the process with kindness, respect, and generosity. They emphasize the importance of putting childrens’ needs first and maintaining a positive relationship with the ex-spouse. Tom shares his personal experience of ending his marriage while still remaining close with his ex-wife's family, while negotiating creative solutions to his financial settlement and custody arrangement with his kids. He also talks about his foundation, Witness to a Dream, which inspires children in the LA public school system through music and creativity.

Guest Bio
Tom Sturges is a distinguished music executive, author, mentor, educator, inventor, and public speaker. With a career spanning leadership roles at Chrysalis Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Shaquille O’Neal’s TWIsM Records, Tom has shaped the music industry through signings that include 50 Cent & G Unit, Chris Brown, and Outkast, among others, selling over 195 million albums and earning 19 Grammy awards. An accomplished author, Tom has penned several acclaimed books and co-created UCLA's Music Business Now course, impacting over 1200 students. Recognized for his mentorship in Los Angeles, he's also featured in the award-winning documentary WITNESS TO A DREAM.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Concept of a 'Good Divorce'
• 08:05 Putting the Needs of the Children First
• 13:46 Maintaining a Positive Relationship with the Ex-Spouse
• 19:55 Coping with Difficult Emotions and Finding Joy
• 25:19 Taking Accountability and Personal Growth
• 31:14 Nurturing Dreams and Aspiration

Connect with Tom Sturges

• LinkedIn: @tomsturges
• Instagram: @tomsturgesideas
• Twitter: @tomsturgesideas
• www.tomsturges.net

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network