What do doctors and scientists do in retirement? In this week’s episode, Betsy speaks with Bob Vesilis, a former anesthesiologist, about his art practice and how he transitioned from medicine to becoming an artist.

About the guest:

Bob Vesilis, a retired anesthesiologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has returned to painting, collage, and piano playing in his retirement. His artistic work has evolved from more traditional, representational painting to a more abstract, intuitive approach, where he starts without a fixed plan and lets the work develop organically. Bob sees his artistic practice as a way to tap into his creativity and find new channels of self-expression, similar to how he found research and problem-solving in his medical work to be a creative outlet.

Resources:

The Failure Of Success Creativity Study, Dr. George Land

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFD5UdGTOmw&t=70s

Do Schools Kill Creativity? Sir Ken Robinson, TED Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY

Values: Building a Better World For All by Mark Carney: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61965810-values

Follow the show:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_creative_midlife/

Website: https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

I am thrilled to share my conversation with John-Morgan Bush, Dean of Juilliard Extension. We talk about creative aging, Juilliard Extension, and how music and the performing arts can help us live more enriched lives.

John-Morgan advocates for the importance of lifelong engagement with the arts, explaining that older adults bring a unique depth of emotional experience to their creative pursuits. He highlights how arts participation can combat loneliness, provide a sense of agency and choice, and significantly enhance quality of life. He tells why the word “amateur” has been banned at the Extension and how they are working to bring these ideas to senior living communities.

About the guest:

John Morgan Bush is the Dean of Juilliard Extension. He is a professional classical musician (French horn) with extensive teaching experience, having worked with students ranging from 6 to 102 years old. He served as the Director of Learning and Learning Programs for the League of American Orchestras and previously taught at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Featured Show Music: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony Performed by Purchase Symphony Orchestra, March 6, 2026.

Resources:

• Learn More About Juilliard Extension: https://www.juilliard.edu/stage-beyond/juilliard-extension
• Read US Surgeon General Report on Loneliness (2023): https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf?ueid=a6a91c99b86e9539783269cb1d6db6fe
• Can Art Therapies Become Public Policy? Learn from the Jameel Arts and Health Lab https://www.jameelartshealthlab.org/
• NYT Article on Amsterdam’s Singing Circle:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/arts/music/amsterdam-concertgebouw-singing-circle.html

• Connect with John-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-morgan-bush/

Follow the show:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_creative_midlife/
Website: https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

When you watch a movie, do you ever wonder about the people in the background? What would it be like to work as an extra in the movie business and how do you get that work anyway?

In this episode, I talk with Deidre Michael, a former lawyer, about how she became a model and movie extra. It took Deidre following her curiosity to start this new phase of her life. What is something you are curious about, and where could that curiosity take you? Submit your story on my website contact form – https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com/contact.

Remember – it’s never too late to follow your muse!

Resources from the episode:

https://www.backstage.com/

Follow the show:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/4tL6rcp
Website: https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

While you're learning to be creative, I'm learning how to do a podcast. In this episode, I reflect on the fantastic first year of the show, podcasting as an older woman, what AI means for our creativity, the connection between creativity and brain health, and what I’ll be exploring on the show in 2026.

What is a creative project you are either working on or afraid to start? Write on the contact form on my website -- https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com/

Remember – it’s never too late to follow your muse!

Your Creative Midlife was recently featured in Esquire! Click the link below:
https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/health/a70233480/creativity-longevity-hack/

Follow the show:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/4tL6rcp
Website: https://www.yourcreativemidlife.com/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

Few of us would dare attempt to become a filmmaker at 65, but that is exactly what Melissa Davey did when she retired from corporate life. Her second documentary, "Climbing Into Life" profiles Dierdre Wolownick, the oldest woman to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan. Wolownick was guided through the climbing process by her son, Alex Honnold, famous for his free solo climb up El Capitan. Melissa recounts how she discovered Wolownick’s story, the process of producing and directing the film herself, and the challenges and successes of navigating the film festival circuit, where the movie has won multiple awards. She speaks about her growth as a filmmaker, her current projects, and offers advice and encouragement to other potential midlife creatives.

Topics Covered in the Podcast:

• Her growing confidence as a filmmaker, as she produced and directed this film independently
• How she applied and was accepted into 19 film festivals. She has won 10 awards, a surprising success in the competitive festival circuit.
• How her new creative life keeps her energized, motivated and happy
• Her advice to listeners interested in a midlife creative endeavor: just start and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Interviewee Background:

Melissa Davey is a filmmaker who transitioned from the corporate world to a creative career later in life. At age 65, after a day on the set with a famous Director, she decided to take a risk and left her career to jump into the unknown. Pursuing her dream of becoming a filmmaker became a reality in late 2018 when Melissa completed her first film, Beyond Sixty, a feature length documentary about women over the age of sixty. During 2019 Melissa’s film was accepted by and screened at 8 film festivals throughout the United States and Canada, winning awards and confirming that it is never too late to learn something new.

Reousrces:

• Listen to Melissa Davey's first interview with Betsy on The Latest Version podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-a-bend-in-the-road-97066344/episode/episode-33-melissa-davey-filmmaker-on-253692875/
• Watch the trailer for Climbing into Life on Melissa Davey's website: https://melissadavey.com/climbing-into-life/
• Follow Melissa Davey's work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/climbing_into_life/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

We've been following the journey that my guest, Graham Broyd, has taken as a first time author from developing a personal story into a manuscript that was published by Forbes imprint Advantage Press. In August, I was honored to be asked by Graham to help him launch Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard on its publication. Here we are at the Scarsdale Golf Club talking to a packed house about his journey as an author and as the book subject, a 20-year-old student from England, hitchhiking across America.

Covered in the podcast:

• The Formative Power of Youth: Broyd repeatedly returned to the idea that his seven-week journey at age 20 was the crucible in which his adult character was forged
• The Value of "Unplugged" Experience: The interview highlighted a journey undertaken without the safety nets of modern technology, revealing a trend of looking back at such experiences as authentic builders of self-reliance and resourcefulness
• The Evolution of Business Publishing: The story of how Forbes, a business publisher, embraced his personal memoir suggested a trend in publishing where "life learning" narratives from business leaders are seen as valuable, moving beyond traditional how-to business guides

Interviewee Background:

Graham Broyd is a recently retired former CEO and banker. As a 20-year-old student from England, he won a scholarship to study at the Library of Congress. Instead of focusing solely on his studies, he embarked on a seven-week, largely unplanned hitchhiking trip across the United States. This journey formed the basis of his debut book, which has been published by Forbes imprint, Advantage Press.

This conversation was recorded by George Gerbacia at The Scarsdale Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, on August 14th.

Resources:

• Read Graham's book here: https://advantagebooks.com/books/backpack-jacket-surfboard/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

What does it take to be a stand-up comedian in midlife? Jane Condon has been at it for several decades and gives us the inside scoop of what it really takes to get in front of audiences, develop material, and even recover when a routine bombs.

Jane Condon shares insights into her comedic style, drawing from her life as a wife, mother, and resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, and her persona as an Upper Crust Rosanne (as described by Associated Press). Key topics include the importance of persistence, (illustrated by her story of sleeping in her car for an audition), developing material, the necessity of "bombing" to improve, and how she has used humor to navigate difficult life events, including her sister's illness and even MC-ing funerals. She offers encouragement and practical advice to others, especially women in midlife, who might want to try stand-up comedy.

Topics include:

• Why persistence is the critical element of success in comedy
• The lengths she has had to go to get an audition, such as sleeping overnight in her car on the streets of Manhattan, which she felt was a necessary step to be seen and heard.
• She has embraced her age and says showing her flaws and vulnerabilities on stage is a way to connect with audiences.
• The moving reason behind her comedy “mission.”
• Why “bombing” is an essential part of the comedic process: "if you don't bomb, you're not doing it right."
• Practical advice for aspiring midlife comedians, including classes, support groups, and creating unusual local venues.

Interviewee Background
Jane Condon is a successful stand-up comedian who started her career at age 37. A graduate of Wellesley College, Condon's comedy focuses on topics like marriage, kids, politics, and aging. Living in Greenwich, Connecticut, she has been dubbed an "upper crust Roseanne" by the Associated Press. She won the "Ladies of Laughter" contest and has appeared on "Last Comic Standing." She performs in a variety of venues, from comedy clubs to corporate events and assisted living centers.

Links:

• Learn more about Jane Condon at www.janecondon.com
• Follow Jane Condon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcondon4/?hl=en

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!

Graham Broyd was a popular guest when I interviewed him back in February, as his book, Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard was in the final editing stages. Now his book has launched and is selling very well.

Graham, a former banker, shares the surprising amount of work involved in selling a book after publication. His personal promotion efforts include leveraging his network, hosting book launch events in the US and London, and appearing on podcasts. He also shares surprising industry statistics on book sales and how his publisher has utilized online platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and Net Galley to reach a wider audience.

Graham’s efforts are paying off: his book is on track to be in the top 10% of books sold this year, even before the holiday buying season. Graham is already at work on his next book, "Faster Than You at 60", and he previews the incredible backstory of one of the sprinters he profiles.

Topics covered:

• Selling the book. How Graham leveraged his extensive personal and professional network to generate sales.
• The strategy to expand sales beyond “friends and family.”
• The shocking real statistics about the book industry. Through his marketing efforts, Graham’s book is on track to place in the top 10% of all books published in the US for 2025.
• The digital marketing strategy reaching readers outside his network.
• The psychic rewards of reviews from strangers who connected with the book's themes.

Interviewee Background:

Graham Broyd is a British-American former banker who has transitioned to being an author in his midlife. He is also a competitive track athlete, running short-distance races and competing for the US team in his age group, a passion that has inspired his next book, currently in the works

Resources:

• Read Graham's book here: https://advantagebooks.com/books/backpack-jacket-surfboard/

Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!