A LOT with Audra

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply

What if the best decades of your life are still ahead of you? My grandmother has spent her life proving that aging isn't about shrinking—it's about clarifying. From starting her first business in her fifties to becoming a master gardener in her late seventies, she's shown me that life doesn't have an expiration date on growth, reinvention, or joy. Today, she shares the wisdom she's gathered across eight decades: why your forties are transformative, how to stop judging yourself, what it means to be truly present, and why the past doesn't define your future. If you've ever felt like it's "too late" for something, this conversation will change your mind.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why the forties are the best decade—and what makes them so transformative
• How to learn from your mistakes without living in regret
• The connection between judgment and presence (and why you can't have both)
• What it takes to build character traits like integrity at any age
• Why moving outside your bubble creates exponential personal growth
• How to let go of worrying about what other people think
• The importance of forgiving yourself—and others
• Why women need to stop judging themselves and start saving for their future
• What a good life actually looks like: health, presence, and acceptance

CHAPTERS

[1:04] - Introduction: Why I'm Not Afraid of Aging
[1:58] - What Mattered Then That Doesn't Matter Now
[3:50] - The Power of Being Present
[7:53] - Remembering the Good Shots: Life Like Golf
[9:33] - Seasons That Surprised Her
[11:48] - Moving to Atlanta: Starting Over in Your Forties
[14:23] - Building Integrity in Your Forties
[16:08] - It's Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50
[19:05] - Letting Go of Hesitation and What Others Think
[20:26] - What I Want You to Know at 40
[21:57] - One Kind Truth for Your Younger Self
[23:03] - What to Be Proud Of: Integrity and Acceptance
[24:53] - What Women Worry About Too Much
[26:17] - What Women Need to Worry About More
[26:52] - What a Good Life Actually Looks Like

Want to learn more?
The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply

Are you listening to your body, or just pushing through? Discover how tuning into your physical and emotional signals can transform your leadership, career, and personal fulfillment. Join the conversation with Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner, a seasoned therapist, educator, and founder, as we explore the power of systems theory, the courage to start over, and the habits that support meaningful change.

Highlights
Dr. Rebecca’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship and what inspired her leap
How systems theory applies to both therapy and organizational leadership
The impact of the pandemic and demographic shifts on higher education
Recognizing the physical signs of stress and the importance of listening to your body
Internal Family Systems therapy and the challenge of suppressing emotions in professional life
The three identities: personal, professional, and positional—and how to balance them
Habits for personal growth: pausing, journaling, community, and strength training
Overcoming self-doubt and embracing lifelong learning at any age
Practical ways to apply systems thinking to leadership and team dynamics
Chapters

00:00 – Meet Dr. Rebecca
02:21 – Dr. Rebecca's Professional Journey
04:02 – Challenges in Academia
04:47 – Applying Systems Theory
05:30 – Impact of the Pandemic
06:48 – The Perfect Storm and Transition
08:09 – Listening to the Body
10:03 – Recognizing Stress and Seeking Therapy
14:13 – Internal Family Systems Therapy
15:21 – Suppressing Emotions in Professional Life
16:27 – Emotional Agility and Energy Drain
17:44 – Identity Shift and Personal Realizations
18:31 – Balancing Personal, Professional, and Positional Identities
21:15 – Listening to the Body for Professional Decisions
22:06 – Finding Joy in Personal and Professional Life
23:00 – Listening to Your Body
23:35 – Postgraduate Supervision in Therapy
24:18 – Journaling and Self-Reflection
25:01 – Discovering Professional Joy
26:21 – Mental Notes and Casual Reflection
27:46 – Balancing Work and Personal Life
28:33 – The Importance of Pausing
29:20 – Supportive Habits for Personal Growth
30:11 – The Role of Community and Connection
31:17 – Prioritizing Physical Health
32:16 – Starting Over and Lifelong Learning
32:57 – Overcoming Self-Doubt
35:23 – Applying Systems Theory to Leadership
36:19 – Understanding Triangulation in Systems
39:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Resources
Culver Turner Institute: culverturnerinstitute.com
Dr. Rebecca Culver Turner on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Book: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté: Amazon Link
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Amazon Link
Martha Beck (on following joy and authenticity): marthabeck.com
Diana Chapman (on professional decision-making and body wisdom): conscious.is
Susan David (on Emotional Agility): susandavid.com

Want to learn more?
The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply

Are you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way.

Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic.

Highlights
The moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorce
Feeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young children
The power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophy
Rebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validation
Starting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversity
Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you
Parenting through messy times and embracing vulnerability
Advice for anyone facing an unplanned life shift
The importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”
Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby
02:16 — The Big Shift in 2020
03:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life
04:03 — Life in Wichita
04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage
06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce
08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce
08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self
14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust
17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love
18:06 — Building a New Home and Life
19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds
20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing
20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs
20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert
20:58 — Building Inner Trust
21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust
21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust
22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding
23:49 — Support from Friends
24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships
27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times
28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency
29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability
30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self
31:39 — Letting Go of Control
32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues
33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors
35:44 — Closing Reflections

Resources Mentioned
Timely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/
We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/

Want to learn more?
The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply

What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.

Highlights
Embracing aging and the excitement of turning 40
Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your forties
The inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”
Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”
Balancing ambition with softness and clarity
Reflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learning
Defining Act Two: living and leading with intention
Challenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of age
Insights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful life
What to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversations
Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 40
00:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors
02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season
02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture
02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness
03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments
04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution
04:42 — Reflecting on Act One
05:25 — Defining Act Two
10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?
13:14 — Excitement for the Future
14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom
14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice
16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations
17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second Act

Resources Mentioned
Lean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 Report
Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)
Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)
Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second Act
If you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.
Want to learn more?
The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply

Are you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community.

Highlights
The meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”
Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisis
How to clarify what truly matters and set new boundaries
The difference between proving yourself and believing in yourself
Upcoming interviews with women navigating their own second acts
Tools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapter
Honest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and more
Encouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year begins
Invitation to join the written companion on Substack
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Welcome
01:08 — Reflecting on 2025
01:20 — Introducing the Second Act
01:58 — Defining the Second Act
02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint
02:45 — Clarifying What Matters
03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act
03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills
04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries
04:54 — Interviews and Stories
05:37 — Coaching and Tools
06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act
06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year
07:10 — Believing in Yourself
08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026
Resources Mentioned
The Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinell

Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together.
Want to learn more?
The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.