Silver Women, Bright Future

Pat Fenner
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Silver Women, Bright Future

The Silver Women, Bright Future podcast provides support, encouragement, and tips for mature women who have been around the block a few times, have a wealth of experiences, and are facing their "2nd act" after a silver or grey divorce. We need and want to be equipped and empowered to deal with whatever life has in store! If you've ever asked any of these questions, this show is for YOU! * How do I move forward after a divorce after the age of 50? * What strategies can help me rebuild my social life? * How do I deal with loneliness and isolation? * How can I cope with the emotional aftermath of divorce? * What are some self-care strategies that can help during this transition? * How can I support my adult children through this change? * What are my housing options post-divorce? * How do I redefine my identity and find purpose after divorce?

  1. 6D AGO

    3-14-”Who’s Side Are You On?” And Other Questions We Don’t Want to Ask

    Mini-series: Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web 1/3   This episode kicks off a three-part mini-series, Unraveling the Silver Knot: Gray Divorce and the Family Web. Today, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that can happen when your adult kids take sides after a gray divorce. Whether it’s guilt, childhood baggage, or “emotional loyalty,” their reactions can leave you wondering if you totally blew it as a parent (spoiler: you didn’t). I share relatable stories (ugly crying and all), raw emotions, and practical ways to handle the mess without making it messier. We talk about why defending yourself usually backfires, the power of sitting with your emotions, and how to heal without their approval. I even sneak in a confession about wanting to take a cooking class. Because, hey, life’s still happening—even while your heart is mending.   “Taking sides isn’t always about you—it’s often about their own unfinished business.”  - Pat Fenner   Questions discussed in this episode -  Why do adult children take sides after a gray divorce? How can I handle emotional tension with my kids post-divorce without adding fuel to the fire? What are some practical ways to protect my peace during family fallout? How do I stop second-guessing my worth as a parent during a tough season? Is it possible to heal without my children’s approval or understanding? Resources Mentioned: 🎙️ Episode 3-13 - Overcoming Adversity with the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Method  📖 Book - Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy 💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    19 min

  2. MAR 19

    3-13-Overcoming Adversity With the “EMBRACE” Framework, with Yanira Puy

    We all know life doesn’t always go as planned.  And sometimes, it hits us with a plot twist so brutal, we wonder if we’ll ever recover.  Today’s guest, Yanira Puy, has faced more than her fair share—bulimia, career heartbreak, an unexpected divorce, and even losing her beloved Harley Davidson! But through it all, she crafted something powerful: the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. framework, a method to reclaim your emotional, mental, and physical well-being after adversity. Yanira shares the lessons she learned from her own rollercoaster journey, from realizing that food wasn’t the real issue in her eating disorder to redefining success beyond a six-figure salary. She explains why emotions only last 90 seconds (seriously!), how gratitude and connection play a role in healing, and why your brain can be rewired for happiness—no matter how old you are. So if you’ve ever found yourself staring at life’s wreckage and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. Because as Yanira Puy proves, the best chapters often start with the hardest endings.   “You have to let go of who you were before. It’s like being born…there’s a tearing, a breaking, a cutting of the cord. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even painful, but it’s necessary. You can’t step into the next chapter of your life while clinging to the last one.”  - Yanira Puy   Questions discussed in this episode -  How does emotional healing play a role in physical wellness? What is the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. framework, and how can it help people going through difficult life transitions? Why do we often define ourselves by our careers or relationships, and how can we shift that mindset? How can understanding “primary food” versus “secondary food” change the way we think about self-care? What practical steps can someone take when facing major adversity, such as a divorce or career setback?   About My Guest: Yanira Puy has helped thousands of people with her coaching practice, online programs and classes, webinars, workshops, conferences, blogs, articles, and her podcast. After working for 20 years in major corporations in Latin America and the United States, Yanira pivoted her career path to help individuals become healthier and happier. She is a certified wellness coach and brain health trainer, with a master ́s degree in health coaching, and the founder of Yanira Puy Health & Wellness.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Yanira Puy’s FREE E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Transition Toolkit—a step-by-step guide to turning uncertainty into empowerment: https://bit.ly/Embrace_checklist Yanira’s website: https://yanirapuy.com/en/home/ 💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    27 min

  3. MAR 12

    3-12-Letting Go Without Losing Yourself: A Mindset Shift for a Bright Future

    Ever felt like your entire future just evaporated? That the life you planned was stolen from you? What if—stay with me here—you never really "lost" anything at all? What if the key to moving forward isn't clutching onto the past but realizing that releasing it puts YOU back in control? Get ready to rethink everything you thought you lost and step into the power of letting go. “Losing feels painful. Letting go feels empowering. You make the decision about what stays and what goes.”  - Pat   Key Takeaways For You-  Learn the difference between losing something and letting it go, and why it matters Discover how changing your mindset after divorce can help you rebuild your future with confidence Understand the biggest signs that you’re still emotionally stuck and not truly moving forward Explore why gratitude is such a powerful tool in healing from past relationships How embracing the unknown after divorce can actually become an exciting, empowering experience   Drawing from personal experience, I explore the difference between losing something and consciously letting it go; how releasing old dreams and expectations can create space for new opportunities, joy, and even financial independence. With a mix of wisdom, warmth, and humor, I explain how to know if you’re truly letting go or just stuck in the past, the surprising role of gratitude in healing, and why learning to love yourself is non-negotiable. Whether you’re freshly divorced or still carrying baggage from 15 years ago, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace the future waiting for you. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4 💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    23 min

  4. MAR 5

    3-11-Your Story is Worth 2,700% More Than You Think

    Imagine walking into a job interview, a first date, or even a casual networking event and being completely unforgettable—not because of your credentials, but because of the way you tell your story. What if the difference between being overlooked and standing out came down to a simple shift in how you communicate? In the final installment of this 3-part series,  guest expert Adam Olenn reveals why storytelling isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a life skill that can make you more persuasive, more memorable, and even more valuable.   “Where your eyes go, your skis go. And that’s a rule for life.”  - Adam Olenn   Key Takeaways For You-  How can storytelling make you more memorable in your business and personal life? Why does the way you tell your story impact your relationships? What’s the science behind why people remember stories better than facts? How can storytelling help divorced women reframe their narratives and move forward? What is the connection between branding, self-perception, and the stories we tell ourselves? Your story holds power. If a simple, made-up anecdote can increase an object’s value by thousands of percent, imagine what your real, authentic story can do for your life and career. What story are you telling the world?   About My Guest: In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam Olenn has discovered that the oldest form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the most powerful—great stories. With robust support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is—and how to use it to their advantage. Research by experts like Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Jim Doty and MIT senior lecturer Dr. Tara Swart Bieber points to a powerful way to harness storytelling for personal transformation that lasts. Adam has garnered rave reviews from audiences from Boston to Borneo and is on a mission to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website 📌 Learn More About the Significant Objects Experiment 💬 SpeakPipe – How has this series helped you begin to craft a brighter future for yourself? Leave me a message and tell me about it!→ https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    37 min

  5. FEB 26

    3-10-Rewriting Your Story: The Science of Change and Connection

    Have you ever walked into a new situation—whether a business meeting, a social event, or even a date—and felt a knot of uncertainty? What if you could mentally rehearse your success before it even happens, setting yourself up for a confident, empowered outcome? In this episode, storytelling expert Adam Olenn reveals the profound impact that stories have on our minds—not just as entertainment, but as powerful tools for transformation. From brain science to behavioral economics, Adam breaks down how storytelling can shape our decisions, deepen our connections, and even trick our brains into success. If you’ve ever wanted to control the narrative of your own life, this is the episode that will show you how. Because the truth is—you're not just living a story. You’re writing it.   “You're the author of your own reality. If you don’t like the story, start writing a new one.”  - Adam Olenn   Key Takeaways For You-  How does storytelling literally synchronize our brains and build stronger connections? What is the ‘availability heuristic,’ and how can it help you shape your personal brand? How can story journaling help you overcome fear, make better decisions, and feel more confident? What are the best ways to turn boring small talk into meaningful conversations? How can mental rehearsal help you navigate life’s big changes, from divorce to business networking? This episode is the second of a three-part series, so be sure to listen in for even deeper insights into how storytelling can transform your life. And don’t forget—the stories you tell yourself shape the future you create!   About My Guest: In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam Olenn has discovered that the oldest form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the most powerful—great stories. With robust support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is—and how to use it to their advantage. Research by experts like Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Jim Doty and MIT senior lecturer Dr. Tara Swart Bieber points to a powerful way to harness storytelling for personal transformation that lasts. Adam has garnered rave reviews from audiences from Boston to Borneo and is on a mission to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website 📖 Book – Mind Magic by Jim Doty – Neuroscience-backed insights on mental rehearsal and visualization. 📖 Book – Atomic Habits by James Clear – A guide to creating lasting habits through small, intentional changes. 💬 SpeakPipe – Are you trying any of these strategies? Adam and I would love to hear about your experiences!! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    30 min

  6. FEB 19

    3-9-The Brain Science of Storytelling: How Narratives Shape Our Lives - with Adam Olenn

    Stories aren’t just entertainment; they’re the reason humans run the planet. In this thought-provoking episode, branding expert and storytelling enthusiast Adam Olenn reveals how our brains process stories as if they were real experiences—triggering emotions, reinforcing beliefs, and even helping us survive. From childhood memories of anti-smoking campaigns to lessons learned from a legendary courtroom storyteller (his dad), Adam unpacks why stories stick, how they shape our identity, and why they’re crucial when navigating major life transitions—like a grey divorce. Host Pat Fenner brings warmth, humor, and her own reflections on the power of personal narratives, making this an episode full of insight, laughter, and some serious "aha" moments. If you've ever felt trapped by your past or struggled to embrace change, this conversation will inspire you to rewrite your own story with purpose and confidence.   “Sharing stories is one of the fastest, most efficient ways to rebuild connection and belonging after a major life change.”  - Adam Olenn   Key Takeaways For You-  Why is storytelling a fundamental human survival skill? How do our brains process stories, and why do they feel so real? What role do stories play in personal reinvention, especially after a grey divorce? How can we change the stories we tell ourselves to create a brighter future? Why does sharing stories help us build new relationships and overcome loneliness?   This episode is the first of a three-part series, so be sure to listen in for even deeper insights into how storytelling can transform your life. And don’t forget—the stories you tell yourself shape the future you create! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rustle & Spark – Adam Olenn’s branding and storytelling agency: Website Research on Storytelling & Neuroscience – Studies from Stanford, Harvard, and Brookings Institution (links forthcoming)

    30 min

  7. FEB 13

    3-8-From Terrified to Triumphant: Facing Life’s Firsts After Divorce

    Fear isn’t just for skydivers and horror movie protagonists. It’s for newly single women figuring out finances, fixing cars, and—gasp—navigating Home Depot alone. But here’s the thing: every scary step you take adds another brick to the foundation of your confidence. And remember: you’re building something incredible. “Fear tells you something might be dangerous, but if you never challenge it, you’ll never know what’s on the other side.”  - Pat   Key Takeaways For You-  How do I rebuild confidence after divorce, especially when I feel completely lost? What are some practical ways to push through fear when facing new challenges? Why do small tasks, like setting up technology, sometimes feel so overwhelming? How can I change the limiting stories I’ve told myself about my abilities? What does it mean to “run toward fear,” and how can I apply that in my everyday life?   Fear is sneaky. It shows up in the big life changes—divorce, new jobs, financial decisions—but also in the little things, like dealing with technology or making a phone call you’d rather avoid. In this episode, I share my own journey of stepping into the unknown, from setting up my own computer monitor to rewriting the story I’d always told myself about money. Because here’s the truth: running away from fear keeps you stuck, but running toward it? That’s where real growth happens. Whether you're facing your own "firsts" or just need a reminder that you're stronger than you think, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4 💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner

    17 min

  8. FEB 5

    3-7-From Fuzzy Vision to Fresh Perspective: The Power of Focus

    Ever bought something expensive only to realize—almost immediately—it was a huge mistake? Yeah, me too. One minute, I was upgrading my vision with fancy new glasses, the next, I was fighting off nausea like a first-time sailor. And don’t even get me started on my battle with a Bluetooth keyboard. But as ridiculous as those moments were, they taught me something big: Focus shapes everything. So let me ask you—where’s your focus right now? And is it helping or hurting you?   “Sometimes we get so focused that we don’t realize we’re the cause of our continued pain.”  - Pat   Key Takeaways For You-  How does focus shape our emotional and mental well-being, especially after a major life change like divorce? What are the dangers of staying stuck in the past, and how can we shift toward a more empowering perspective? What’s the difference between healthy optimism and toxic positivity, and how can we find a balance? How can simple daily practices—like gratitude and intentional focus—help us move forward after difficult seasons? Why is it important to regularly assess where we’re directing our attention, and how can we do that effectively? Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Book – Rebuilding Your Life After a Grey Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy → https://amzn.to/4jO9Mm4 💬 SpeakPipe – Have a story of overcoming struggle? Share it with me—I’d love to highlight your journey in a future episode! → https://www.speakpipe.com/PatFenner 📧 Sign Up for Updates – Get a free chapter of the book → https://www.patfenner.me/rebuild-your-life-waitlist

    17 min
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About

The Silver Women, Bright Future podcast provides support, encouragement, and tips for mature women who have been around the block a few times, have a wealth of experiences, and are facing their "2nd act" after a silver or grey divorce. We need and want to be equipped and empowered to deal with whatever life has in store! If you've ever asked any of these questions, this show is for YOU! * How do I move forward after a divorce after the age of 50? * What strategies can help me rebuild my social life? * How do I deal with loneliness and isolation? * How can I cope with the emotional aftermath of divorce? * What are some self-care strategies that can help during this transition? * How can I support my adult children through this change? * What are my housing options post-divorce? * How do I redefine my identity and find purpose after divorce?

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