Shows / "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the…
Episodes
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
A Fortnight In Paris: Barb's Travel Reflections and Advice
Send us Fan Mail This week, we're breaking from our usual formula for a special post-vacation interview with none other than Barb herself! She just got back…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Layers Of Pain: Secondary Losses with Denise Torgerson
Send us Fan Mail Our "resident grief coach" Denise Torgerson is back again! Last time Denise was on the show, she and Barb discussed the concept of ambiguous…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Is It Ever Too Late To Change? with Tim Wade
Send us Fan Mail We've all heard the saying: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." But how true is that, really? Surely it must be possible somehow, right?…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Would You Re-Marry After 60? with Jackie Adams
Send us Fan Mail Jackie's back again! This week, our resident mental health expert is here to talk about all the reasons people might - or might not - choose…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Your Guide to Super Aging with David Cravit & Larry Wolf
Send us Fan Mail Can you really reverse the aging process? Well biologically, no. In 30 minutes, you'll still be 30 minutes older. But in many other ways, the…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Ambiguous Loss: Disease, Estrangement and More with Denise Torgerson
Send us Fan Mail Are you familiar with the term "ambiguous loss"? Just about all of us go through it at some point in our lives, but it's something Barb…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Homecoming: Rekindling Love After Divorce with Tim Wade
Send us Fan Mail We might hear about divorce more than ever these days, but how often do you hear about a couple who signed the papers and went their separate…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
"Strangers", Prenup Prep and Grey Divorce with Lisa Zeiderman
Send us Fan Mail Even if divorce is the right choice for a couple, it's never an easy one to make - especially at retirement age. Thankfully this week's guest…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Designing Your Slice of Heaven with Leo Santana
Send us Fan Mail Got a garden plot you're not sure what to do with? Or maybe a balcony that could use a little extra spice? Well good news! Leo Santana returns…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Why Essentrics is Essential with Susan B.
Send us Fan Mail Time to get moving! This week's show sheds some light on a little-known (but positively excellent) exercise program called Essentrics, which…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Summertime Sadness: Seasonal Depression in Warmer Weather with Jackie Adams
Send us Fan Mail Did you know Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't limited to the winter months? Our good friend and resident mental health expert Jackie Adams…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Life Reflections at 73
Send us Fan Mail In this rare and deeply personal solo episode, Barb reflects on her 73 years of life on Earth, and all the things she's learned and…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Journaling: A Resurgence
Send us Fan Mail Can journaling help reduce stress, process grief, spark self-discovery, and even become part of the legacy we leave behind? In this thoughtful…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Breathe Better, Feel Better: How Conscious Breathing Calms Anxiety & Resets Your Nervous System
Send us Fan Mail What if one of the most powerful ways to manage stress and anxiety was something you’re already doing all day—breathing? In this episode, Barb…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Motion Is Lotion: Feel Stronger, Move Better, and Age with Confidence
Send us Fan Mail Is walking every day really enough to stay healthy as we age? In this powerful and research-backed episode, Barb is joined by “super agers”…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Dating After 70: Independence, Dating Apps & Raising the Bar
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Barb welcomes back therapist and returning guest Jackie Adams for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about dating…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Your True North, Strong & Free: Discovering Your Core Values After 60
Send us Fan Mail What truly matters to you, and are you living in alignment with it? In this latest episode, Barb welcomes back our favourite guest Denise…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Somatic Yin Yoga & the Vagus Nerve: Healing Trauma and Anxiety with Annie Au
Send us Fan Mail What if healing anxiety and trauma starts not in the mind—but in the body? In this deeply grounded episode, Barb speaks with Annie Au, a…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Self-Love Is a Practice: Kindness, Boundaries, and Healing
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Barb welcomes back pod-friend Denise Torgerson for a powerful conversation about self-love—what it…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Good, the Bad, and the AI: Boomers and the New Digital Frontier
Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year! New year, new season. Same Barb. In this episode, Barb dives into the fascinating and sometimes alarming world of artificial…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
A Year in Conversations: Friendships, Relationships, and Lessons Learned--2025 Recap!
Send us Fan Mail In our final episode of 2025, Barb and our producer Mela reflect on the past year's episodes, sharing favorite moments and key insights. Barb…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
When It’s Not the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Navigating Holiday Depression & SAD
Send us Fan Mail While the holiday season is often marketed as the "most wonderful time of the year," the reality for many is a mix of pressure, loneliness…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Don’t Ghost Yourself: Boundaries 101
Send us Fan Mail In this latest episode, Barb and Tim dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of boundaries in relationships. From defining what a…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Space Between Us: Understanding Avoidant Attachment (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail In this latest conversation with our favourite Boomers, Barb and Tim revisit the topic of avoidant attachment—why it happens, how it shows up…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
It's not you... it's my attachment style.
Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, Barb sits down with our favourite relationship coach Tim Wade to explore the often misunderstood world of Avoidant…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
“We’ll Always Have Paris (and Lyon… and Annecy)”
Send us Fan Mail Barb returns from a dreamy mother-daughter trip through France — and she’s still glowing from the experience. From the bustling cafés of Paris…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Holding On and Letting Go: Sustaining Friendships in Your Golden Years
Send us Fan Mail In this very special episode, Barb is joined by one of our favourite podcast regulars, the insightful, licensed mental health counsellor…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Senior Encore with Mike Dwyer of Emplana Career
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the concept of the “Senior Encore”—the growing movement of older adults re-entering or reinventing their place in…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
It’s Never Too Late to Follow the Music: John Michael Ferrari
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Barb sits down with singer-songwriter John Michael Ferrari to explore his remarkable journey through music. From his early…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Fine Line Between Self-Care and Selfishness with Denise Torgerson
Send us Fan Mail In the premiere episode of Season 13, Barb sits down with our special guest and friend of the pod, Denise Torgerson, to explore the fine line…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Follow the Goose Butt & the Universe's Little Nudges (with Comedy Influencer Colleen Landry)
Send us Fan Mail In our Season 12 finale of What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers, Barb is joined by the vibrant and hilarious Colleen Landry. After retiring…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Love or Lies? Spotting Online Dating Scammers
Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode, Barb takes a break from guests and sits down with her producer, Mela, for a candid chat about one of the worst parts…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
What's next....after betrayal? The Journey of Healing with Jackie Adams
Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode, Barb welcomes back special guest and mental health professional Jackie Adams for a heartfelt continuation of their…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Buy yourself flowers! Finding Joy in 2025
Send us Fan Mail In an age that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, how do we stay grounded and connected to what truly matters? This week, we welcome back…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
From Betrayal to Breakthrough: Trust, Trauma, and the Long Road Back with Jackie Adams
Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal and moving episode, Barb sits down with mental health and marriage counsellor Jackie Adams, who opens up about the…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Stronger with Age: Strength Training for Boomers with Caylee Alzner
Send us Fan Mail In this energizing episode, Barb welcomes certified personal trainer and strength coach Caylee Alzner to talk about one of the most powerful…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Longevity with Purpose: Dr. Gillian Lockitch’s Top Tips for Healthy Aging
Send us Fan Mail In this empowering episode, Barb is sits down with renowned physician and healthy aging expert, Dr. Gillian Lockitch, for a conversation that…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Art of Letting Go... A Supreme Act of Love (Pt. 3)
Send us Fan Mail In this deeply reflective episode, Barb Desmarais is joined once again by our good friend, Tim Wade, for an honest and heartfelt conversation…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Art of Letting Go… or Letting In? With Denise Torgerson (Pt. 2)
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, we explore what it truly means to "let go" after the loss of a loved one — and whether that's even the right…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Pride Special: Coming Out, Coming Through – A Conversation with Candace Macpherson
Send us Fan Mail In this special Pride Month episode, Barb sits down with her dear friend and neighbour, Candace Macpherson, a proud lesbian and advocate for…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Social Media & Boomers: The Good, The Bad and the Misinformation
Send us Fan Mail This week, we dive into the digital world with one of our favourite guests, Denise Torgerson. Barb and Denise breakdown what they love and…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
A Tale of Two Barbs: The Changing Roles of Women – From Tradition to Transformation
Send us Fan Mail In this week's thought-provoking episode, Barb sits down with Barb Wade, leadership coach and speaker, to explore the dramatic evolution of…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Art of Letting Go: Downsizing Edition
Send us Fan Mail Downsizing isn’t just about sorting through belongings—it’s about untangling the emotions tied to a lifetime of memories. In this fun…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Second Chances & A Remarkable Reconnection with Barb & Tim Wade
Send us Fan Mail Tim is back, but this time with his better half--the infamous, Barb Wade. In this heartfelt episode, Barb Desmarais sits down with Barb & Tim…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Solo, Not Sorry: Kelley Riley on the Liberating Art of Traveling Alone
Send us Fan Mail In this refreshingly honest episode, Barb welcomes back her longtime friend Kelley Riley (and Season 1 alum), to challenge the notion that…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Trouble With Online Dating: Rejections & the Online Culture of Incivility
Send us Fan Mail In this candid and relatable episode, Barb sits down with our good friend and co-host, relationship coach Tim Wade, to dive into the modern…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Retiring & Re-Designing Your Space: The Art of Light, Color, and Balance with Leo Santana
Send us Fan Mail If you're a retiree, you're probably spending more time in your home and this episode will tickle your designer veins and perhaps inspire you…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Friendships in the Golden Era (Part 2): Online Friends, Siblings & Awkward Goodbyes (with Tim Wade)
Send us Fan Mail Tim is back! And both he and Barb explore the ever-evolving world of friendships just a bit further. Part 2 and a continuation of our Season…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Love Rekindled: A Valentine's Day Episode
Send us Fan Mail In the spirit of St. Valentine, Barb sits down with a remarkable couple whose love story defies time and distance. After losing touch for…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Friendships in the Golden Era (Season Finale)
Send us Fan Mail It's the end of Season 10, and what a season it's been! So to close out yet another chapter, what better way to do so than to have our…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Memoirs of a Boomer: A Master Class in Storytelling with Cea Person
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Barb dives into the art of memoir writing with our special guest, Cea Person--acclaimed author of…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
[Not] Married...With [No] Children
Send us Fan Mail Dating in our Boomer years can be a fascinating journey, especially when life experiences don’t align. In this thought-provoking episode, we…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
What's Next?! It's Our 100th Episode!
Send us Fan Mail In this landmark 100th episode of "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers," Barb reflects on the incredible journey of her podcast. Over ten…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Relationships Must-Haves & The 5x5s
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Barb dives into the essential components of lasting relationships with one of our favourite special guest Tim Wade, an…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
What's Draining You? Tolerations & What's Zapping Your Success Cup
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Barb sits down with our favourite co-host and life coach, Denise Torgerson to delve into the concept of "tolerations." These…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
The Power of Gratitude: Insights from the SuperAgers with David Cravit & Larry Wolf
Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude, inspired by the latest article in the SuperAging News…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Mr. Wade, We Have a Problem (Re-Release)
Send us Fan Mail At the time of this recording, the United States Supreme Court has just overturned Roe Vs. Wade. In a world that seems to be spinning out of…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Redefining Manhood: The Changing Roles of Men with Tim Wade
Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with our podcast regular, Tim Wade, a seasoned speaker, trainer, and coach, to explore how the…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
To Gift Or Not To Gift? That Is The Question.
Send us Fan Mail It's Season 10! Thank you all for tuning in all these years!!! In our season premiere, we dive into a thought-provoking topic: passing down…
- "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"
Q&A With A Couple of Boomers (Pt.2)
Send us Fan Mail We are continuing the conversation with our favourite friend of the pod, Denise Torgerson, as Mela asks her about her take on last week's FAQ…