
Ep. 2 - “Windows Open” Redefining Midlife with Chip Conley
09/25/24 • 60 min
In this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for opening up to new possibilities. By redefining midlife as a time of growth and renewal, Chip provides valuable advice on navigating personal and professional transitions, reclaiming purpose, and cultivating wisdom. Join us as we learn how to transform midlife from a crisis into a chrysalis.
About our Guest Chip Conley
Chip Conley is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and dynamic speaker celebrated for his innovative approach to leadership and hospitality. His unique leadership philosophy, which combines emotional intelligence with business acumen, has served as a beacon for entrepreneurs and executives worldwide.
In 2013, Chip joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy and the in-house mentor to the three Millennial founders (he became known as the “modern elder” of the company, “someone as curious as they are wise”).
Inspired by his own midlife journey, experience at Airbnb, and extensive research and collaboration with thought leaders in the area of aging, Chip co-founded the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in January 2018. Located in the serene setting of Baja California, Mexico, MEA is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, offering transformative programs to help individuals navigate midlife transitions and cultivate a renewed sense of purpose.
Chip is a prolific author, with several influential books to his name, including Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and his latest bestseller, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age.
Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!
Chip Conley
- Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Midlife-Reasons-Better-ebook/dp/B0C3ZNSQJ6
- The Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/
- Instagram: @chipconley
Julie Flakstad
- https://julieflakstad.com/
- Instagram @julieflakstad
- Facebook @thejulieflakstad
Dr. Taz Bhatia
- YouTube: @DrTazMD
- Instagram: @drtazmd
- Website: doctortaz.com
- Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
- Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/
Tune in next Wednesday, 10/2, when we drop our next episode, called “You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones!” a discussion with celebrated OB|GYN + Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Sharon Malone. Together we’ll explore what’s happening to our bodies in conjunction with perimenopause and menopause, why generations of women were left to suffer in silence and provide valuable insight on today’s care + how women can best advocate for themselves. Available on Audio and on YouTube!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review!
This series is presented by Womaness
Created by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.
Just for you... Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 an...
In this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for opening up to new possibilities. By redefining midlife as a time of growth and renewal, Chip provides valuable advice on navigating personal and professional transitions, reclaiming purpose, and cultivating wisdom. Join us as we learn how to transform midlife from a crisis into a chrysalis.
About our Guest Chip Conley
Chip Conley is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and dynamic speaker celebrated for his innovative approach to leadership and hospitality. His unique leadership philosophy, which combines emotional intelligence with business acumen, has served as a beacon for entrepreneurs and executives worldwide.
In 2013, Chip joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy and the in-house mentor to the three Millennial founders (he became known as the “modern elder” of the company, “someone as curious as they are wise”).
Inspired by his own midlife journey, experience at Airbnb, and extensive research and collaboration with thought leaders in the area of aging, Chip co-founded the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in January 2018. Located in the serene setting of Baja California, Mexico, MEA is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, offering transformative programs to help individuals navigate midlife transitions and cultivate a renewed sense of purpose.
Chip is a prolific author, with several influential books to his name, including Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and his latest bestseller, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age.
Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!
Chip Conley
- Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Midlife-Reasons-Better-ebook/dp/B0C3ZNSQJ6
- The Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/
- Instagram: @chipconley
Julie Flakstad
- https://julieflakstad.com/
- Instagram @julieflakstad
- Facebook @thejulieflakstad
Dr. Taz Bhatia
- YouTube: @DrTazMD
- Instagram: @drtazmd
- Website: doctortaz.com
- Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
- Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/
Tune in next Wednesday, 10/2, when we drop our next episode, called “You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones!” a discussion with celebrated OB|GYN + Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Sharon Malone. Together we’ll explore what’s happening to our bodies in conjunction with perimenopause and menopause, why generations of women were left to suffer in silence and provide valuable insight on today’s care + how women can best advocate for themselves. Available on Audio and on YouTube!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review!
This series is presented by Womaness
Created by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.
Just for you... Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 an...
Previous Episode

Ep. 1 - "Go Deep" About Midlife, The Most Explosive Chapter In A Woman’s Life
Meet your hosts - Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia as they embark on the inaugural episode of The Midlife Truth Project, a unique podcast series aimed at helping women unravel the biggest, most explosive chapter in their lives. In this introductory episode, Julie and Dr. Taz share their own personal midlife stories, discuss the myriad of transitions that women face, and give us a sneak peek of the upcoming episodes featuring incredible guests like Chip Conley, Dr. Sharon Malone, Kelly Corrigan and Sara Blakely. Listen in and reflect on how midlife can be a time of both tremendous transition, deep reflection and incredible growth.
Connect with Our Hosts!
Julie Flakstad
- https://julieflakstad.com/
- Instagram @julieflakstad
- Facebook @thejulieflakstad
Dr. Taz Bhatia
- YouTube: @DrTazMD
- Instagram: @drtazmd
- Website: doctortaz.com
- Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
- Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/
Check out the next episode with Chip Conley on Audio and on YouTube available now!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review!
This series is presented by Womaness
Created by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.
Just for you... Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now
Production:
This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.
Next Episode

Ep. 3 - "You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones" with Dr. Sharon Malone
In this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term health benefits including preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. The conversation also highlights a stark disparity in research funding, noting that less than 11% of the $45 billion in NIH research goes to women’s studies. Dr. Malone emphasizes the need for equitable access to quality healthcare for all women.
About our Guest, Dr. Sharon Malone
Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health.
As a celebrated OB|GYN for over 30+ years and Chief Medical Advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Malone brings decades of clinical and real-life experiences to her treatment of women in the menopausal transition and the post-reproductive years.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, the youngest of 8 children, Dr. Malone was raised by her siblings after the death of her mother and moved multiple times, changing schools four times in four years in three different states. Dr. Malone found strength and resilience in community, in her own work ethic and in her strong belief that there are no accidents in the universe. She went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard with a degree in Psychology and Social Relations and later graduated with honors from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Upon completing her residency at The George Washington University, Dr. Malone served women across Washington DC in her OB|GYN practice.
With appearances on The Michelle Obama Podcast, Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want, Today Show and more, Dr. Malone is a New York Times bestselling author and a nationally known expert in women’s health and a vocal advocate for menopause awareness and evidence-based information about hormone replacement therapy. A certified Menopause Practitioner, she believes that all women should be able to make decisions regarding their health and quality of life based on facts – not fear.
An instant New York Times bestseller, her first book, Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy is now available nationwide.
Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!
Dr. Sharon Malone
- Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy
- https://www.drsharonmalone.com/
- Instagram: @smalonemd
- Alloy - New Telehealth Platform for Women
Julie Flakstad
- https://julieflakstad.com/
- Instagram @julieflakstad (ALT Link for YT) https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/
- Facebook @thejulieflakstad (ALT Link) https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad
Dr. Taz Bhatia
- YouTube: @DrTazMD
- Instagram: @drtazmd
- Website: doctortaz.com
- Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
- Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/
Tune in next Wednesday, 10/9, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “”Families Change,” with PBS host, podcaster, and author Kelly Corrigan. In this one-on-one, in-person conversation, our host, Julie Flakstad and Kelly Corrigan, go deep on changing family dynamics including how our roles as mothers evolve, the ache of learning to let go and navigating aging parents. Available on Audio and on YouTube!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure t...
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