In this episode, we discuss the book "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, & Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life" by Arthur C. Brooks.

In the opening segment we get a brief report from Alvin on his recent adventure in the canyonlands of Utah, and we do a Gen Z Word of the Day segment in which we see if Alvin knows what the word "cracked" means.

In the main segment (9:10) we do a deeper dive into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, how the transition from fluid to crystallized intelligence is related to midlife crises, discuss our general agreements and some minor critiques of this general thesis, why most of us tend to lean into our crystallized intelligence later in our careers, and how embracing our crystallized intelligence likely leads to more eudaimonic happiness. We end the discussion reviewing some of Brooks's suggestions for finding happiness later in your career and how these lessons might help you transition to a more fulfilling retirement.

After a long absence from the podcast we are back. In the first segment we read a glowing review of the podcast, we report on our recent midlife crises in action, and give one area where we are optimistic about the future. In the main segment (16:30) we discuss an article in which a group of psychologists report on how Gen X midlifers compare to the previous generations in terms of quality of life, and how midlife-aged adults in the U.S. compare to their counterparts in other countries.

As always, please like and subscribe to the podcast, and youcan reach us at midlifecrisespod@gmail.com. You can also follow Alvin Shultz and Jack Eichler on Facebook or LinkedIn.

We are excited to be back for our 30th episode and tocelebrate our 2nd year anniversary of the podcast.

In the opening 10 minute segment we reflect on how thepodcast has helped us cope with midlife issues, and Jack tells a story about a recent grad student who recently quit a job in industry to pursue a career in teaching.

In the main segment (11:30) we discuss a paper whereresearchers try to find evidence that people tend to search more for meaning and purpose in life when they reach a new decade in chronological age. Are men more likely to cheat on their relationships, are we more likely commit suicide,and are we more likely to run a marathon for the first time when we are at a "nine-ender" age? We discuss the research evidence for all thesebehaviors.

We end the episode by reflecting on our current transitionfrom age 49 to 50 and how this is or is not impacting our search for meaning and purpose in life.

Email: midlifecrisespod@gmail.com

Social Media: message Jack Eichler or Alvin Shultz onFacebook.