Second Act Stories

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Second Act Stories

Second Act Stories is an award-winning podcast that profiles brave individuals pursuing a more rewarding life in a second act.

Hosted by Andy Levine and Scott Merritt, with new episodes released every two weeks. Nominate a guest to be featured on Second Act Stories today. https://forms.gle/U97PJxo9FbqT2zcU6

06/10/2025

WINNER! WINNER! 🏆

Andy, Evan and Scott pour their hearts and souls into producing Second Act Stories, a podcast we firmly believe shares important and meaningful stories from the mouths of people who overcame incredible odds to find a more fulfilling life in a second act career.

Today we received another reminder that what we're doing matters.

Second Act Stories was just named a 2025 Silver award winner in the Career & Professional Development category of The w3 Awards.

Our show was evaluated by a global panel of industry-leading professionals at the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. In other words, people who know what's good and what isn't.
It's truly humbling to continue receiving high-profile accolades for something we've bootstrapped from the beginning.

But we couldn't earn this recognition without the incredible guests who graciously share their personal stories. Among them: Joe Gladstone, Anna Vocino, Rick Beato, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Leah Gorham, Kristin Rigby Connor, Michael Strahan, Dan Spitz, Peggy Rowe, Andrew Pudalov, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, Jonathan Schwartz, Jon Malankar, Vanessa Gavin, Scott Votaw, Brent Rivard, Justin Farmer, Kathleen Biggins, Alonzo Bodden, Fran Tarkenton, Bruce and Mira Brach, Henry Rock, Mark Greaney, Sam McKinlay, Dann McDorman, Amy Siewe, Tiffani Evans, Rachel Humphrey, Mike Drak, Stephanie Stuckey, Patricia Forehand, Deputy Royce James, Tracy Bonham, Ed Calderon, Brian "Q" Quinn, Adam Carolla, Paul Mecurio, Ken Coleman, and so many others!

They make the show what it is.

We've got so many more great Second Act Stories coming. There's no better time to subscribe than now. Links in the comments!

22/05/2025

🚨 NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! 🚨

🎧 Listen now: https://www.secondactstories.org/episodes/

From schoolteacher to New York Times bestselling author — Peggy Rowe made her biggest career pivot at 80.

After teaching for years and taking an extended maternity leave to raise her three sons (including Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe), Peggy finally took mikeroweWORKS's advice: “Mom, don’t TELL me about it; sit down and WRITE about it.”

Now 87, Peggy has written three bestsellers and recently released her latest book: Oh No, Not “The Home”: Observations and Confessions of a Grandmother in Transition.

In this episode, Peggy shares:
✨ How her schoolteacher poetry turned into a second act
✨ How she overcame rejection
✨ Why starting later in life can actually work in your favor
✨ And how to be realistic about your dream

Now streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify...wherever you get your podcasts!
https://linktr.ee/second_act_stories?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b4df5ae2-8eba-469d-8066-8240a22e226c

08/05/2025

Did you catch last week's episode?

🎧 Harvard To Home Repair: A Management Consultant’s Unusual Career https://www.secondactstories.org/episodes/

After climbing the corporate ladder and becoming a Boston Consulting Group partner in his mid-30s, Jon Malankar walked away from the world of Fortune 100 management consulting. Why?

In this episode, Jon shares:
✨ What led him to leave a high-paying partnership at BCG
✨ How he embraced the “neighborhood barbecue test”
✨ The startup cost and why he chose franchise ownership
✨ His #1 advice for anyone considering a second act

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

01/04/2025

Most of you know my story. 45 year dream to be a clothing designer that lead me through practicing medicine for over 25 years before becoming fulfilled. God told me I can be a clothing designer but he needed me to be a doctor first. Take a listen as I share my story on a podcast.

Second Act Stories on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Prescription for Change: A Doctor Pursues Her Passion For Fashion. Facebook and LinkedIn -Act-Stories

12/03/2025

❗NEW EPISODE❗

➡️ This week, we sat down with C. Scott Votaw, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Georgia Film Academy at University of Georgia.

After 25 years in Hollywood—working with legends like George Lucas and Star Wars sound designer Ben Burtt—Scott decided to move back to Georgia.

➡️Tune in to hear Scott’s incredible career pivot—from Hollywood to higher ed—and how he’s helping train the next generation of film professionals at GA Film Academy.

Available now, wherever you get your podcasts!
🎧 Listen here: https://youtu.be/_YU7maCJRGo

Let us know what you think of this week's episode!

19/02/2025

🎤 Alonzo Bodden shares how he went from aircraft mechanic to Last Comic Standing Season 3 winner!

🎧 Tune in to his episode on Second Act Stories, wherever you get your podcasts.

➡️Listen now: https://youtu.be/PfTAbtqqfhE?si=mIKoDl1Sp8yyPdXk

https://www.secondactstories.org/episodes/

18/02/2025

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨

This week, we sat down with Brent Rivard, CEO of Geezer Creative, a groundbreaking advertising agency where every team member has 25+ years of experience and a focus on serving the 50+ market.

Brent had a long, successful career in advertising, working for major agencies in New York and Toronto.

But as he entered his 50s, he faced an industry that prioritizes youth—both in its staffing and its messaging.

With the average age of an ad professional at just 29, Brent saw a need for change.

🎧 Tune in to this week’s episode to hear how Geezer is fighting ageism in advertising and reshaping the industry’s approach to experienced talent!

🔗 Listen now: linktr.ee/second_act_stories

17/02/2025

🇺🇸 Did you know that many U.S. presidents had fascinating career pivots before (or after) the White House?

Just like the guests on Second Act Stories, these leaders prove it’s never too late to change paths! Tune in to hear more inspiring stories.

Happy Presidents Day!

11/02/2025

🎙️ In this episode, we sat down with career expert and nationally acclaimed co-author of Don’t Retire, REWIRE! Third Edition, Jeri Sedlar!

Jeri and her husband, Rick Miners, have spent years researching what truly drives people post-career. Their work has helped countless individuals uncover new motivators, avoid common retirement pitfalls, and embark on a second act that keeps them engaged and thriving.

Together, they've transformed the way we view retirement-- not as an end to work, but as an opportunity to rewire for a more fulfilling future.

📌 Missed the episode? Listen here: https://www.secondactstories.org/?s=jeri

For more resources, visit the “Best Books About Second Acts” on our website!
➡️ https://www.secondactstories.org/resources/books/

06/02/2025

🎙️ Impractical Jokers star Brian "Q" Quinn sat down with Second Act Stories to share his journey from firefighter to comedian.

Q faced a tough decision: stay with the FDNY for 20 more years to secure a pension, or take a leap of faith and pursue Impractical Jokers full-time ?

🎧 Tune in to hear how he made his decision...

Click the link below to listen now, or find Second Act Stories wherever you get your podcasts!

➡️ https://www.secondactstories.org/brian-q-quinns-impractical-career-shift/

04/02/2025

🚨 New episode with Justin Farmer is LIVE! 🚨

Reconnect with Justin Farmer this evening— listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or click the link below! 🎙️

➡️ https://www.secondactstories.org/episodes/

For 17 years, Justin Farmer was the face of Atlanta’s top-rated news station, WSB-TV. But in November 2024, he surprised viewers when he signed off with three unforgettable words and left TV news to forge a new path in wealth management.

This week on Second Act Stories, Justin shares:

🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories from his TV career
🔹 The chaos of live news
🔹 His close friendship with longtime co-anchor Jovita Moore
🔹 The critical stock he invested in early
🔹 The turning point that led to his career shift
🔹 What it was like juggling a high-profile anchor job while preparing to launch his own firm, ExitWealth.

Let us know what you think of this week's episode in the comments!

28/01/2025

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." - Dolly Parton

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