Most of us don’t think of ourselves as playful — especially at work.

Play can feel awkward, indulgent, or like something we were supposed to outgrow. But what if that discomfort is actually pointing us toward something essential?

In this episode of Late Bloomer Living, Yvonne Marchese sits down with playful change maker Brandi Heather to explore why play feels so uncomfortable for adults — and why that resistance might be exactly the clue we’re missing.

For many of us, the word work no longer fits the shape of our lives — or it fits very differently than it once did. Careers change. Some end. Some slow down. But the work of living doesn’t stop. And neither does our need for creativity, connection, and a sense of aliveness.

Brandi spent over 20 years as a kinesiology and health sciences professor before bringing her work into organizations, helping teams use play (often without calling it that) to reduce stress, improve communication, and unlock creativity. This isn’t about ping-pong tables in the break room or forced fun. It’s about nervous system regulation, self-awareness, resilience, and creating environments — at work and beyond — where people feel confident, connected, and capable of doing their best work.

If you’ve ever thought, “Play sounds nice, but I have deadlines,” this conversation is for you.

This episode matters because play isn’t a luxury — it’s a missing piece in how we work, cope, and stay human as adults.

What if curiosity isn’t just something we feel — but something we choose?

In this thoughtful conversation, Yvonne sits down with Lynn Borton, host of Choose to Be Curious, to explore how curiosity can help us slow down, soften anxiety, and reconnect with a sense of wonder. Together, they talk about choosing curiosity over fear, embracing not-knowing, and why staying curious might be one of the most powerful practices for navigating midlife and an uncertain world.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m too old to wear that” — or noticing how easy it is to slowly disappear in midlife?

In this special holiday replay from Salty Sisters, the livestream I cohost with my friend Cat Corchado, we’re joined by the incredible Jennifer Polt, founder of Making Up for Glossed Time and a two-time guest on Late Bloomer Living.

Yes, this conversation starts with style — sequins, leopard print, metallic boots, and holiday outfits — but it quickly becomes something much deeper — and relevant all year long.

Jennifer isn’t really talking about clothes. She’s talking about permission.

Permission to play. Permission to take up space. Permission to stop dressing — and living — like you’re trying to disappear.

Together, Cat, Jennifer, and I explore what happens in midlife when roles shift, confidence wobbles, and we’re quietly asking ourselves, Is this all there is? We talk about style as self-expression, confidence as a practice, and how small choices — even what you put on your body — can help you reconnect with who you’re becoming.

This episode is for anyone navigating midlife, or a season of reinvention — and wanting to feel a little more alive, expressive, and at home in their own skin.

✨ If this conversation sparks something in you and you want to explore playfulness beyond your closet, you can join the PLAYshop waitlist at latebloomerliving.com/play.

Go put on something that makes you feel good. And remember — you’re not done yet.

How Play Is Helping Me Feel Alive Again

Do you ever feel like all the fun got squeezed out of adulthood? Like the to-do lists and responsibilities have taken over and there’s no energy left for joy?

In this short solo episode, I’m sharing my Midlife Joy Experiment — my personal journey of bringing more play back into my life in my fifties. From learning to dance on roller skates (yes, I broke my elbow and yes, I’ll be back on them!) to discovering new ways to feel free and creative while I heal, this exploration has been surprising, healing, and downright fun.

I’m not a play expert — this is a real-life experiment in what helps us feel alive again. And I hope it inspires you to reconnect with your own joy, curiosity, and sense of playfulness… even in small ways.

✨ Want to go deeper? Join the waitlist for the Unlocking Playfulness PLAYshop: https://www.latebloomerliving.com/play

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who could use a spark of joy today.

Let me know…. What’s one thing that makes you feel alive again?

What would happen if you finally said yes to the thing you’ve been dreaming about for years?

In this episode, Yvonne talks with award-winning novelist and creativity coach Beth Barany, who is stepping into a bold new creative chapter. At 50+, Beth is becoming a first-time filmmaker as she turns her fantasy adventure novel, Henrietta the Dragon Slayer, into a proof-of-concept short film — the first step toward a potential TV series.

Beth shares the true behind-the-scenes story of a dream nearly two decades in the making: ✨ The moment she dared to say her dream out loud ✨ Why she decided not to wait for Hollywood ✨ How she built a filmmaking team without previous experience ✨ The power of curiosity to guide your next step ✨ What it feels like to finally see her character come to life on screen ✨ Why our most exciting reinventions often happen in midlife

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too old” to start something new — this conversation is your reminder that you are right on time. You don’t need permission. You get to greenlight yourself.

🔗 Learn more about Beth’s project: https://author.bethbarany.com/henrietta-short-film/

🌼 Want more play and joy in your life?

Join the PLAYshop waitlist: https://www.latebloomerliving.com/play

Gratitude Feeling Forced? Try This Instead.

This Thanksgiving, I’m trying a little experiment. Instead of forcing gratitude, I’m approaching the holiday like a game—using appreciation to see people as they really are, not as I wish they’d be.

In this episode, I share the simple appreciation practices I’m playing with, why I think they’ll make the day feel lighter, and how you can try them too.

I also invite you to check out last week’s episode about the difference between gratitude and appreciation, and to join the PLAYshop waitlist if you want more curiosity, creativity, and ease in your everyday life. Sign up at https://www.latebloomerliving.com/play

If Your Gratitude List Feels Stale, You’re Not Alone

We’re often told that gratitude is the answer to everything — write a list, feel better, repeat.

But what happens when the list doesn’t change a thing?

In this solo episode, I share a personal moment that cracked open a new understanding for me about gratitude, appreciation, and the way our minds work when we’re overwhelmed. Instead of trying to force myself into feeling grateful, I stumbled into a different approach that helped me reconnect with the present moment in a much more honest, grounded way.

This isn’t an episode about toxic positivity or pretending everything’s fine.

It’s about noticing what’s real, finding small openings when you feel stuck, and learning how appreciation can quietly shift your emotional state in ways gratitude sometimes can’t.

You’ll hear: ✨ Why gratitude practices sometimes fall flat ✨ The surprising mindset shift that softened my “dark cloud” morning ✨ How appreciation can help you feel more present and less pressured ✨ A simple experiment you can try this week (no journaling required)

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, feeling overwhelmed, or just craving a gentler way to support your own well-being, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to slow down and reconnect with what’s right in front of you.

Tune in, try the experiment, and see what opens.

🌼 Bloom like you mean it.

What if the key to more joy, creativity, and confidence in midlife isn’t mastery — it’s dabbling?

Author and speaker Karen Walrond (Radiant Rebellion, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto) joins Yvonne Marchese to talk about her newest book, In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur.

Together, they explore how curiosity, play, and self-compassion can help us reconnect with wonder — and why embracing our inner beginner might be the most radical act of joy we can choose.

Tune in for a refreshing conversation about letting go of perfectionism, rediscovering creativity, and learning to love the process again.

🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.

🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop! Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥