Few of us would dare attempt to become a filmmaker at 65, but that is exactly what Melissa Davey did when she retired from corporate life. Her second documentary, "Climbing Into Life" profiles Dierdre Wolownick, the oldest woman to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan. Wolownick was guided through the climbing process by her son, Alex Honnold, famous for his free solo climb up El Capitan. Melissa recounts how she discovered Wolownick’s story, the process of producing and directing the film herself, and the challenges and successes of navigating the film festival circuit, where the movie has won multiple awards. She speaks about her growth as a filmmaker, her current projects, and offers advice and encouragement to other potential midlife creatives.

Topics Covered in the Podcast:

• Her growing confidence as a filmmaker, as she produced and directed this film independently
• How she applied and was accepted into 19 film festivals. She has won 10 awards, a surprising success in the competitive festival circuit.
• How her new creative life keeps her energized, motivated and happy
• Her advice to listeners interested in a midlife creative endeavor: just start and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Interviewee Background:

Melissa Davey is a filmmaker who transitioned from the corporate world to a creative career later in life. At age 65, after a day on the set with a famous Director, she decided to take a risk and left her career to jump into the unknown. Pursuing her dream of becoming a filmmaker became a reality in late 2018 when Melissa completed her first film, Beyond Sixty, a feature length documentary about women over the age of sixty. During 2019 Melissa’s film was accepted by and screened at 8 film festivals throughout the United States and Canada, winning awards and confirming that it is never too late to learn something new.

Reousrces:

• Listen to Melissa Davey's first interview with Betsy on The Latest Version podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-a-bend-in-the-road-97066344/episode/episode-33-melissa-davey-filmmaker-on-253692875/
• Watch the trailer for Climbing into Life on Melissa Davey's website: https://melissadavey.com/climbing-into-life/
• Follow Melissa Davey's work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/climbing_into_life/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

We've been following the journey that my guest, Graham Broyd, has taken as a first time author from developing a personal story into a manuscript that was published by Forbes imprint Advantage Press. In August, I was honored to be asked by Graham to help him launch Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard on its publication. Here we are at the Scarsdale Golf Club talking to a packed house about his journey as an author and as the book subject, a 20-year-old student from England, hitchhiking across America.

Covered in the podcast:

• The Formative Power of Youth: Broyd repeatedly returned to the idea that his seven-week journey at age 20 was the crucible in which his adult character was forged
• The Value of "Unplugged" Experience: The interview highlighted a journey undertaken without the safety nets of modern technology, revealing a trend of looking back at such experiences as authentic builders of self-reliance and resourcefulness
• The Evolution of Business Publishing: The story of how Forbes, a business publisher, embraced his personal memoir suggested a trend in publishing where "life learning" narratives from business leaders are seen as valuable, moving beyond traditional how-to business guides

Interviewee Background:

Graham Broyd is a recently retired former CEO and banker. As a 20-year-old student from England, he won a scholarship to study at the Library of Congress. Instead of focusing solely on his studies, he embarked on a seven-week, largely unplanned hitchhiking trip across the United States. This journey formed the basis of his debut book, which has been published by Forbes imprint, Advantage Press.

This conversation was recorded by George Gerbacia at The Scarsdale Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, on August 14th.

Resources:

• Read Graham's book here: https://advantagebooks.com/books/backpack-jacket-surfboard/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

What does it take to be a stand-up comedian in midlife? Jane Condon has been at it for several decades and gives us the inside scoop of what it really takes to get in front of audiences, develop material, and even recover when a routine bombs.

Jane Condon shares insights into her comedic style, drawing from her life as a wife, mother, and resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, and her persona as an Upper Crust Rosanne (as described by Associated Press). Key topics include the importance of persistence, (illustrated by her story of sleeping in her car for an audition), developing material, the necessity of "bombing" to improve, and how she has used humor to navigate difficult life events, including her sister's illness and even MC-ing funerals. She offers encouragement and practical advice to others, especially women in midlife, who might want to try stand-up comedy.

Topics include:

• Why persistence is the critical element of success in comedy
• The lengths she has had to go to get an audition, such as sleeping overnight in her car on the streets of Manhattan, which she felt was a necessary step to be seen and heard.
• She has embraced her age and says showing her flaws and vulnerabilities on stage is a way to connect with audiences.
• The moving reason behind her comedy “mission.”
• Why “bombing” is an essential part of the comedic process: "if you don't bomb, you're not doing it right."
• Practical advice for aspiring midlife comedians, including classes, support groups, and creating unusual local venues.

Interviewee Background
Jane Condon is a successful stand-up comedian who started her career at age 37. A graduate of Wellesley College, Condon's comedy focuses on topics like marriage, kids, politics, and aging. Living in Greenwich, Connecticut, she has been dubbed an "upper crust Roseanne" by the Associated Press. She won the "Ladies of Laughter" contest and has appeared on "Last Comic Standing." She performs in a variety of venues, from comedy clubs to corporate events and assisted living centers.

Links:

• Learn more about Jane Condon at www.janecondon.com
• Follow Jane Condon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcondon4/?hl=en

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!