How do you survive when the person you can’t live without begins to destroy you?

In this powerful episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Elizabeth Gilbert joins Chip Conley to share the raw story behind her new memoir, All the Way to the River. She opens up about walking alongside her partner through addiction and relapse, confronting her own patterns of codependency, and finding healing through recovery and surrender. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at love, loss, and what it really takes to stand on your own two feet.

Tune in now to hear Elizabeth Gilbert as you’ve never heard her before.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert

03:06 All the Way to the River book

06:06 Why it took 7 years to write

07:21 A forensic look at repeating patterns

10:36 Love vs. addiction in relationships

13:49 How Liz met Raya & their evolving bond

19:55 Confessing love during Raya’s illness

25:31 Grief, loss, and missing her friend

27:18 Writing in solitude & surrendering to truth

35:00 Surrender, recovery, and true powerlessness

41:21 Dark thoughts & God’s voice

45:15 What sex & love addiction means for Liz

51:36 12-step practices & six years of abstinence

54:35 Reflections on MEA and retreat power

58:22 Wisdom bumper sticker

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#MidlifeChrysalis #ElizabethGilbert #AllTheWayToTheRiver #GriefJourney #AddictionRecovery #LoveAndLoss #Codependency #HealingFromTrauma #12StepRecovery #SexAndLoveAddiction #SpiritualGrowth #MemoirWriting #MidlifeWisdom #EmotionalSobriety #LifeLessons

What happens when one of America’s most celebrated pastors dares to question everything?

In this unfiltered conversation, Rob Bell, once dubbed the “punk rock pastor” and author of the explosive bestseller Love Wins, opens up about the controversy that made him Christianity’s most talked-about heretic, why he walked away from his megachurch at the height of fame, and how midlife pushed him to reinvent himself.

From faith and psychedelics to wisdom traditions, AI, and the art of living an unpigeonholable life, Rob’s journey is as provocative as it is inspiring. Whether you see him as a rebel, visionary, or outlaw, one thing’s clear: you won’t walk away from this episode thinking the same.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Meet Rob Bell

02:08 Following a Calling & Evolving

05:16 Early Life & First Sermons

11:04 Starting Mars Hill Church

13:02 Performance Art Preaching

15:01 Controversy & Pushback

16:44 Rise to Time’s 100 Most Influential People

21:10 Leaving the Church & Midlife Transition

26:25 Reinventing in His 40s

29:58 Evolving Faith & Moving Beyond Doctrine

31:46 The Greatest Unlearning

35:00 Surfing, painting & daily rituals

38:15 Reconnecting with Spirituality

40:25 On Psychedelics & Temples

44:57 From Knowledge to Wisdom

51:16 Redefining Intelligence

54:56 Rob’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker

57:47 Closing Reflections

Chip shares key takeaways on creativity, freedom, and living beyond expectations.

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#RobBell #MidlifeChrysalis #PunkRockPastor #LoveWins #SpiritualJourney #MidlifeTransitions #FindingPurpose #WisdomTraditions #SpiritualAwakening #FaithAndCreativity #LeavingReligion #SpiritualGrowth #Unpigeonholable #MidlifeSpirituality #CareerEvolution

What if aging wasn’t about slowing down—but about leveling up?

In this powerful conversation, Marc Freedman, founder of Encore.org (now CoGenerate), unpacks the surprising history of retirement, why communities like Sun City reshaped how we see aging, and how we can flip the script on what it means to grow older. From encore careers to intergenerational mentorship, Marc shows why midlife is no dead end—it’s a launchpad for purpose, impact, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive after 50, find meaning in your “second act,” or simply stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode will change how you see the road ahead.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:39 Marc Freedman as Chip’s “modern elder”

02:46 How aging became feared, not revered

04:26 Why older people are no longer revered

07:30 Rise of retirement communities

13:14 Why people question retirement as a goal

15:56 Marc’s personal view on retirement

18:36 The origins & evolution of CoGenerate

24:10 Why intergenerational connection matters

27:46 What CoGenerate does to help

31:52 Big policy ideas for the future

37:31 Tips for those nearing retirement

44:15 Upcoming workshop with Chip

48:47 Wisdom bumper sticker

50:51 How does Marc measure success

54:00 Wrapping up

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#MarcFreedman #EncoreCareers #ModernElder #MidlifeReinvention #FindingPurpose #LifeAfterRetirement #GenerationalCollaboration #CrossGenerational #AgingWell #WisdomAtWork #EncoreOrg #CoGenerate #ModernElderAcademy #SecondActCareers #PurposeDrivenLife