Power of After Show

Hosted by Deborah Johnson

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407

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Power of After Show is a podcast for midlife professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone asking, "What's next?" If you're feeling stuck, ready for a career change, or searching for purpose in the second half of life, this show helps you gain clarity and direction. Hosted by Deborah Johnson, this podcast focuses on midlife transition, career change after 40 and 50, personal growth, and designing your next chapter with purpose. You'll learn how to leverage your experience, skills, and relationships to build a meaningful life, business, or lifestyle that aligns with who you are now. Each month, you'll hear: -Practical strategies for navigating midlife change and uncertainty -Mindset shifts to help you move forward when you feel stuck -Conversations on relationships, finances, and life transitions -Insights on using technology and AI to support your next chapter -Real-life discussions with Deborah and her husband Greg on marriage, family, and life after raising children Whether you're considering a career pivot, starting a business, or redefining success, this podcast gives you the tools and perspective to move forward with confidence. Your next chapter isn't behind you—it's waiting to be built. 🎧 Learn more: https://PowerofAfter.com

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June 16, 2026Episode 40830 min

408.Appearance vs. Reality: How to Align Your Life with What Truly Matters with Deborah Johnson

Before walking onto a stage, there's always a certain amount of self-talk. For years, a colleague and I would encourage each other with a simple pep talk before a concert—something to sharpen our focus and concentration. Coaches do the same before athletic events. These moments are designed to build confidence, motivation, and clarity. Today's message is a kind of pep talk as well—a reminder to realign with what truly matters: our values, purpose, and the life we're intentionally creating. At halftime of life, we are often given a unique opportunity: the chance to reassess, realign, and intentionally create a next chapter based not on pressure or performance, but on purpose and values. This stage of life is not about starting over from zero. It is about building wisely from everything already accumulated—skills, experience, relationships, wisdom, resilience, and perspective. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/appearance-vs-reality Watch & Subscribe on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/N2x3QpYS7T4 Chapters 0:00 Intro and the Power of After Show / 2:45 The Trap of Appearance and Modern Culture / 6:20 Defining Core Values as Your Internal Compass / 10:15 Aligning Your Daily Schedule with Your Values / 13:00 Finding Purpose as an Anchor for Your Next Chapter / 16:30 Designing Your Desired Lifestyle and Flexibility / 19:45 Valuing Your Accumulated Experience and Skills / 23:15 Using Technology and AI as Expansion Tools / 26:45 The Process of Realignment and Honesty / 29:15 Practical Steps and Reflection Questions / 30:15 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

June 9, 2026Episode 40733 min

407.From Survival to Success: The Liquid Vitamin Story with Charles Van Kessler

What does it take to move from mere survival to building a life of purpose, impact, and lasting success? In this episode of The Power of After, we explore the extraordinary journey of Charles van Kessler—a man whose life began in unimaginable hardship during World War II, surviving the Holocaust. After losing his entire family as a toddler and surviving years of severe malnutrition, orphanage life, and even the streets of Amsterdam, Charles made a promise that if he survived, he would dedicate his life to helping children facing similar suffering. Decades later, that promise became a mission-driven business and nonprofit dedicated to serving children in desperate situations. But this story is about more than survival—it's about resilience, discipline, and the principles that helped Charles remain mentally sharp, purpose-focused, and determined through every season of life. We'll discuss how those principles became the foundation not only for personal healing, but for building a business that fuels a greater mission. More about Charles here: https://Passion4HealthVitamins.com Full article here: https://GoalsForyourlife.com/survival-to-success Listen to episode and subscribe on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xjAwpPLo_UI CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction to the Power of After 2:15 Surviving the Holocaust and Early Hardships 5:30 Running Away and Finding Freedom in America 8:45 The Discovery of Liquid Vitamin Absorption 12:10 Starting a Purpose Driven Business 15:30 The Mission of Passion 4 Kids Charity 19:00 The Role of Faith and Daily Prayer 23:15 Staying Mentally Sharp and Healthy at Age 85 27:45 Finding True Purpose in Helping Others 31:20 Legacy and Advice for Your Next Chapter 34:00 Conclusion and Final Remarks Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

June 2, 2026Episode 40621 min

406.The Hidden Trap Keeping You Circling in Midlife with Deborah Johnson

There comes a time for most everyone when you realize you've been busy and productive, yet not truly moving forward. So many at mid-career say, "I've done a lot, but I'm not sure what's next," or simply, "I feel stuck." This is the hidden trap of circling—motion without progress. Like a car out of alignment, when our lives aren't aligned with our core values, we drift and expend energy without clear direction. In Stop Circling, I call this the roundabout effect—you're moving, but not exiting. While learning to drive, I remember learning to navigate a traffic circle—now called roundabout. Getting on was easy but getting off took intention and courage—it was actually a bit scary! That's where many are today. The first step is recognizing it, then realigning through tools like the HALFERS assessment. Today, we look at the 3 "P's" to exit our roundabouts successfully. All this so you can move forward with clarity and purpose into your next chapter. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/circling-in-midlife Watch and Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SiPaIbrBodA Chapters 0:00 Intro and the Roundabout Effect 2:45 Why Movement Does Not Always Equal Progress 5:15 The First P: Evaluating Your Current Position 7:30 How to Use the HALFER Assessment Tool 10:15 Why You Are Building on Experience Not Starting Over 12:45 The Second P: Changing Your Perspective and Mindset 15:30 Reevaluating Your Core Values for Alignment 18:00 The Third P: Redefining Your Purpose at Midlife 20:15 How to Stop Circling and Start Climbing Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ and STOP CIRCLING HERE: https://amzn.to/4wczbvK Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: https://goalsforyourlife.com/halftime-success/ #midlife #careeradvice #purpose #personalgrowth #productivity

May 26, 2026Episode 40550 min

405.Calm Under Fire with a SEAL Mindset with Marty Strong

In today's episode of the Power of After Show, I'm joined by former Navy SEAL Marty Strong for a powerful conversation on what it really means to stay calm under fire—not just in combat, but through life's biggest transitions. From moving out of the military into civilian life, to navigating multiple career shifts, Marty shares the mindset that carries through it all: the willingness to become an apprentice again and again. Because real strength isn't just about what you've mastered—it's about staying teachable, adaptable, and grounded as you step into what's next. If you're in a season of change, this conversation will challenge and equip you to move forward with clarity and confidence. Learn more about Marty at: www.martystrong.com and his non-profit serving our veterans at: https://www.warriorshavenusa.com/ Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/seal-mindset Watch, listen & subscribe on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/tgEqdC_-iGM Chapters 0:00 Intro to the Power of After 2:15 Meet Marty Strong: From SEAL to CEO 6:40 The non linear path of career transition 10:20 Adopting the apprentice mindset 14:55 Moving past the ego after military service 19:10 The shock of entering the financial sales world 23:30 Applying mission planning to business strategy 28:15 Why people get stuck in negative cycles 33:05 Lessons from the SEAL selection process 37:45 Breaking out of the conformity box 42:10 Helping veterans at Warriors Haven USA 47:20 Three steps to intellectual creativity 50:56 Conclusion and final words of advice Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

May 19, 2026Episode 40425 min

404.Is Your Best Work Still Ahead? How to Thrive in Your Next Chapter with Deborah Johnson

At some point in a successful career, a quiet question begins to surface: Is there more? You've built something meaningful, gained experience, and developed real expertise—but there's often a deeper pull toward greater impact, fulfillment, and alignment with who you've become. What if that instinct isn't restlessness, but direction? What if your most significant work isn't behind you—but still ahead? This next chapter isn't about starting over; it's about starting from strength. You bring a wealth of experience, perspective, and insight that can't be replicated early on—and that becomes your greatest advantage. The key is learning how to leverage what you've already built, your own "core common denominator," and apply it with renewed clarity and purpose. In today's episode, we'll explore how to shift your mindset, reframe your experience as an asset, and step into a season where your best work may be closer than you think. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/best-work-ahead Listen, watch & subscribe on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PFOAyTT_BBo THE SUMMIT Book by Deborah Johnson Chapters 0:00 Is Your Best Work Still Ahead? 2:20 Starting From a Position of Strength 5:15 Principle 1: Clarity as a Competitive Advantage 8:05 Principle 2: Technology as Leverage, Not a Threat 11:10 Shifting From Activity to Meaningful Impact 14:25 Principle 3: Resilience and the Power of Discernment 17:50 Principle 4: Why Implementation Creates Transformation 21:30 Redefining Success at Mid-Career 23:45 Final Summary and How to Connect Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

May 12, 2026Episode 40352 min

403.Overwhelmed? Transform Marketing with AI with Courtney Henry

In today's episode of the Power of After Show, I'm joined by Courtney Henry to talk about how AI can truly transform your marketing—but maybe not in the way you think. Because AI isn't the strategy—it's the tool. The real difference-maker is still clarity: knowing exactly who you're speaking to and what they need to hear. We also dive into why doing less—but doing it better—is often the smartest move, especially in a world that's constantly telling you to be everywhere at once. If you're ready to simplify your approach, focus your message, and use AI in a way that actually moves the needle, this conversation is for you. More about Courtney & get her free guide at https://Growthmindedstrategy.com/guide Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/marketing-with-ai YouTube Video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/bB5HsYGUbEQ Listen and subscribe! Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com Chapters 0:00 Intro to the Power of Aftershow 2:45 Introducing Courtney Henry and GrowthMinded 5:30 Lessons from the world of big brand advertising 8:15 The biggest mistake in modern marketing 12:00 Why AI will not replace human critical thinking 15:45 Using AI as a junior team member for efficiency 19:30 Reducing cognitive load with smart technology 23:15 Marketing as a mindset: Shifting focus to the customer 27:00 The power of the human touch: A dog grooming story 31:30 Courtney's personal journey through burnout 35:00 The realization of choice and setting boundaries 39:15 Personal development as the key to business success 43:00 Finding joy through Irish step dancing 47:15 Pacing yourself for long-term longevity 50:00 Final takeaways: Changing your fuel source to joy 52:24 Closing and where to find Courtney

May 5, 2026Episode 40224 min

402.Still Stuck? The Mindset Shift that Actually Works with Deborah Johnson

Have you felt anxious lately—or stuck? Anxiety has become a familiar word in today's world—and for good reason. A significant portion of the population is navigating its effects daily, often in quiet, unseen ways. I even see it in the smallest moments—like our little dog pacing the gate if I step away for just a few minutes. But for many in mid-career or halftime of life—the deeper tension isn't just anxiety, it's the question beneath it: What's next? Maybe there's less energy for what used to excite you, or the realization that even a full life can feel incomplete or without purpose. I've experienced those seasons myself. Not because something was wrong, but because growth was happening and I wanted to make sure I was ready for it. And much like an earthquake can reveal issues with areas not structurally reinforced, similarly moments of disruption expose the mindset patterns we've been relying on. This episode is about strengthening your internal foundation—because the shift that moves you forward isn't about doing more, it's about thinking differently.Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/mindset-shift YouTube Video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/7mtuaMc9j8w Watch & subscribe! Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com Chapters 0:00 Navigating the mid-career halftime 2:50 Lessons from the Northridge earthquake 5:45 Understanding the weight of anxiety 8:30 How stress impacts your creativity 11:15 Fixed vs growth mindset explained 14:45 Why you are not starting from zero 17:30 Adopting the apprentice mindset 20:15 Five practical steps for momentum 23:00 Building a reinforced future Stop letting uncertainty hold you back from your most impactful years. Visit https://goalsforyoulife.com/newsletter to stay connected and learn more about elite mentorship and online courses designed for your next chapter. #careerchange #mindset #midlife #personalgrowth #professionaldevelopment. Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/mindset-shift

April 28, 2026Episode 40124 min

401.Leadership Is Changing—How to Stay Relevant in an AI World

How often are you asked to upgrade and order, an experience or even a trip you already have booked? Probably quite often. And while those upgrades often come with a cost, we rarely question them once the foundation of a purchase is in place. The same is true at this stage of life. You're not starting over—you've already built years of experience, skills, and resources. But in a world that's rapidly changing with AI and new technology, it can feel like you're being asked to relearn everything. The truth is, you're not behind—you're being invited to upgrade. And today, we're going to talk about what that really looks like as you lead yourself forward with self-leadership into what's next. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/reframing-self-leadership Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com Chapters 0:00 Intro: Reframing AI as an Upgrade 2:45 Your Foundation of Experience and Skills 5:15 Why You Are Not Behind in the AI World 8:30 Choosing Curiosity Over Resistance 11:45 Taking Ownership of Your Learning Curve 14:30 What AI Can and Cannot Do for You 17:15 Mastering the Art of Prompting 20:00 Progress Over Perfection in Content Creation 22:45 Practical Steps to Start Today 24:55 Conclusion and Resources #AI #SelfLeadership #MidCareer #ProfessionalGrowth #FutureOfWork Ready to take the next step in your mid-career journey? Get resources and subscribe to the channel for weekly insights on purposeful living. ✨

April 21, 2026Episode 40026 min

400.Feeling Left Behind by AI? Use It to Unlock Your Next Idea with Deborah Johnson

At some point in every career—often at mid-career or halftime of life—we pause and ask a simple but powerful question: What's next? Many professionals today have tremendous experience, skills, and wisdom, yet they also feel uncertainty as technology, especially artificial intelligence, reshapes the way we create and work. I've asked myself the same question I hear from others: How do I use AI without losing my voice or the value of my experience, especially as a creative? The truth is that AI isn't just another tech trend—it can become a creative partner. When used thoughtfully, even basic AI tools can help you expand ideas, refine your message, repurpose content, and bring new projects to life faster than ever before. The key insight is this: AI doesn't replace your creativity—it amplifies it. In today's episode, we'll explore how creativity with AI can help fuel your next big chapter. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/creativity-with-ai YouTube Video of this show: https://youtu.be/YkPP06Sld34 Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com Chapters 0:00 Introduction to the Power of After 2:10 The Fear and Potential of AI in Mid-Career 4:45 Experience as the Foundation for AI 7:30 Refining Your Voice and Polishing Ideas 10:15 Mining Outtakes and Repurposing Content 13:00 Visualizing Ideas with AI Image Tools 16:00 Brainstorming New Angles and Perspectives 19:15 Organizing Your Creative Systems 22:00 Why Human Insight is the Differentiator 24:30 Applying AI to Your Next Chapter 25:50 Final Encouragement and Resources#ai #creativity #careertransition #midlife #innovation

April 14, 2026Episode 39957 min

399.When Positivity Backfires—What Actually Helps with Paul Jenkins

Live on Purpose is a timely conversation about how we navigate life's transitions with intention rather than reaction. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Paul Jenkins, who has spent decades helping individuals and families shift their mindset, reclaim a sense of purpose, and create lasting peace—especially during seasons of change. Together, we explore why transitions often challenge our thinking, how mindset shapes our emotional and physical responses, and what the science of positivity tells us about resilience, hope, and forward movement. When life feels uncertain, learning how to lead your thoughts can make all the difference in how—and how well—you move forward. More about Dr. Jenkins: https://drpauljenkins.com Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/live-on-purpose YouTube Video of Show here: https://youtu.be/Itch7t6bpfY Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com Chapters 0:00 Intro to living on purpose 2:50 Meet Dr. Paul Jenkins the positivity psychologist 5:45 From psychotherapy to coaching and mindset 9:30 Why circumstances are neutral 13:15 The psychology of judgment and comparison 18:00 Understanding the evaluation model 22:45 Using gratitude to shift your perspective 27:15 The difference between evaluation and creation 32:00 Overcoming anxiety and predicting the future 36:30 Metacognition and thinking about your thinking 41:00 Navigating relationships with adult children 45:15 Brain hack one the gratitude power up 49:45 Finding light in difficult health challenges 53:00 Brain hack two the better by 8 rule 56:15 Closing thoughts and resources