Act Three

• The Four Pillars of Aging Well | Allison O’Shea on Staying Independent, Prepared & Confident

  How do you take control of your aging journey—before a crisis forces your hand? In this episode of the Act Three Podcast, I sit down with Allison O’Shea, founder of Openly Aging and author of Openly Aging: The Four Pillars to Keep Control. With over 20 years of experience as an executive director in senior living, Allison has seen firsthand the difference between families who plan ahead and those who wait until it’s too late. Together, we explore Allison’s Four Pillars of Aging Well: Support Systems – building the right mix of family, friends, and professionals Living Environment – choosing a home or community that supports independence Social Connection – understanding your recreation style and designing connection that fits you Supportive Services & Finances – knowing what services cost, what insurance covers, and planning before you need them This conversation is for anyone thinking about their own independence as they age—or supporting parents who are navigating these decisions. ✨ Watch now to learn how to replace fear with confidence and create an intentional plan for your future.   Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Act Three Podcast 01:05 – Introducing Allison O’Shea & Openly Aging 02:15 – Why planning ahead matters more than you think 04:50 – Pillar 1: Building the right support system 09:30 – Professional support options (care managers, nurse advocates) 11:20 – Pillar 2: Choosing the right living environment 1 3:40 – Downsizing, 55+ communities & “Golden Girls” housing 16:00 – Pillar 3: Social connection and recreation styles 1 8:45 – Purposeful vs social recreation (and why it matters for aging well) 20:10 – Pillar 4: Supportive services & finances 22:30 – Triggers that signal it’s time for change (driving, finances, health) 24:20 – When should these conversations start? 25:45 – How Allison works with individuals and families 27:30 – Aging without shame: reframing independence and control 29:15 – TikTok, education, and shifting the culture of aging 30:20 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Allison   📌 Learn more about Allison’s work: https://openlyaging.com Follow Allison on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonoshea_openlyaging Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openlyaging/ 📌 Learn more about my work with Good Morning Freedom: https://goodmorningfreedom.com  👍 If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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• Kristen Cavallo’s Third Act: From Global Ad CEO to Design Museum Visionary

  Kristen Cavallo’s Third Act: From Global Ad CEO to Design Museum Visionary   How do you reinvent yourself after running a world-class ad agency? 🌍 In this candid Act Three conversation, former MullenLowe Group & The Martin Agency CEO Kristen Cavallo reveals how she swapped Super Bowl spots for museum walls—and why a solo 400-mile Camino de Santiago trek became the catalyst for a brand-new purpose.   ▶️ What you’ll learn in this episode 0:00 Intro & Cara Gray’s mission 1:25 Why Kristen planned her exit three years in advance 5:44 The LinkedIn “informational interview” method that shaped her pivot 10:02 Walking the Camino: breaking a 30-year work habit 18:45 Saying no to politics—and yes to design 24:10 Leading the Branch Museum of Design & Architecture 30:35 Building equity & inclusion into cultural programming 41:10 Advice for CEOs plotting their own “third act”   Key takeaways   Use research skills on yourself—Kristen ran 40+ interviews to test possible futures.   A two-week “habit break” can reset lifelong routines.   Non-profits need marketing minds; your corporate skills translate.   Diverse teams aren’t a nice-to-have—they prevent creative blind spots.   Design is everywhere; learning to see it makes life more hopeful.    💡 Enjoyed this?   Follow for monthly episodes on designing a purpose-filled retirement.   Visit https://www.goodmorningfreedom.com/   https://branchmuseum.org/   #KristenCavallo #CareerPivot #CaminoDeSantiago #DesignMuseum #AdvertisingCEO #RetirementPlanning #ThirdAct #CreativeLeadership #WomenInLeadership #ActThreePodcast  

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• Dr. Karen Falkenberg's Journey from Chemical Engineer to Strength Training Advocate

  In this episode of Act Three with host Cara Gray, we welcome Dr. Karen Falkenberg, a lifelong innovator whose career transitions from chemical engineering to championing human potential through teaching, neuroscience, and strength training. Join us as we explore Karen’s inspiring journey—from overcoming a life-altering car accident to launching the online health and fitness coaching company, Tiger's Eye Life, with Ryan MacQueen. Learn how Karen empowers busy professionals to enhance their vitality through strength training, nutrition, and mindset coaching, proving that transformation is possible at any age. For more information, visit Good Morning Freedom, Cara's Third Act Consultancy.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:24 Meet Dr. Karen Falkenberg: A Lifelong Innovator 03:25 Career Transitions and Teaching Passion 06:57 The Move to Atlanta and Pursuing a PhD 09:44 Impact at Emory University and Colorado State 12:33 Life-Altering Accident and Recovery 15:13 Discovering Strength Training 19:52 The Benefits of Strength Training 21:25 How to Get Started with Strength Training 27:09 Nutrition and Mental Health 28:49 Virtual Fitness Community and Programs 34:35 Conclusion and Contact Information   Karen’s Website: https://tigerseye.life/ Contact: [email protected]   This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my consulting practice. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 third-act blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com.   Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/   Join 3,000+ professionals reinventing retirement. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://www.goodmorningfreedom.com/subscribe

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• Embracing Life's Third Act with Ann Medlock

  In this episode of 'Act Three,' host Cara Gray welcomes Ann Medlock, a renowned writer, activist, and founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project. They explore Ann's multifaceted career and her new book 'Breadcrumbs: 18 Clues on the Path to a Meaningful, Exciting Life.' From discussing the pitfalls of the Golden Rule to embracing the risks of life and the importance of meditation, Anne shares her wisdom and experiences. They also delve into the significance of service in retirement and the challenges of balancing kindness, forgiveness, and justice. Tune in to gain insights on how to thoughtfully shape the rest of your life. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:24 Meet Ann Medlock: A Multifaceted Life 02:28 Discussing 'Breadcrumbs': Finding Meaning and Purpose 04:00 The Golden Rule vs. The Platinum Rule 05:47 Embracing Risks and Improvisation 07:29 Life Lessons and Personal Reflections 23:13 The Importance of Service and Community 26:22 Current Projects and Future Plans 28:22 Conclusion and Sponsor Reminder To purchase Ann’s Books or connect with her: https://www.annmedlock.com/ Ann’s Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/ann.medlock https://www.facebook.com/AnnMedlockAuthor  https://www.facebook.com/giraffeheroes https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmedlock/ This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my consulting practice. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 third-act blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com. Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ Join 3,000+ professionals reinventing retirement. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://www.goodmorningfreedom.com/subscribe  

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• Embracing Transformation: Alicia Johnson on Wonder-Based Trauma Recovery and Reinvention

  In this episode of Act Three, hosted by Cara Gray, we delve into a captivating conversation with Alicia Johnson, a writer and transformation specialist. Alicia discusses her upcoming book, 'Buried Treasure,' which blends memoir and practical guidance for trauma recovery through wonder and self-revelation. She also shares her inspiring journey of returning to the modeling industry with Ford Models, breaking barriers as a mature, curvy model. Join us as Alicia talks about her approach to aging, her work in personal and professional renewal, and her exciting future projects, including her forthcoming novel 'Hudson.' Plus, insights on how to plan and intentionally design your third act of life.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:24 Guest Introduction: Alicia Johnson 02:18 Alicia's Modeling Journey 03:06 The Ford Modeling Agency Story 08:59 Representation and Aging in Fashion 15:29 Alicia's New Home Plans 20:23 Back to the Book: Wonder-Based Trauma Recovery 21:00 Personal Trauma and Lifelong Research 21:33 Synthesizing Research During Covid 23:27 The Role of Play and Imagination in Healing 24:32 The Body Keeps the Score 25:57 Making Friends with Your Brain 29:36 Understanding Personal Trauma 32:37 Transformational Projects and Brand Strategy 38:02 Future Projects and Personal Growth 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To purchase Alicia’s Books or connect with her:  https://www.aliciaellejohnson.com/ Forbes Article: How Mature, Plus-size Models are Creating Their Own Runways https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenphilipkoski/2025/01/30/how-mature-plus-size-models-are-creating-their-own-runways/ This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my consulting practice. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 third-act blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com. Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/

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