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In this week's thought-provoking episode, Barb sits down with Barb Wade, leadership coach and speaker, to explore the dramatic evolution of women’s roles in society. From the traditional expectations of the past—where women were often confined to caregiving and homemaking—to today’s landscape of greater economic power, personal choice, and independence, the two Barbs dive into how these shifts have reshaped family dynamics, careers, and self-identity.

Drawing on Barb Wade’s expertise in leadership and personal development, they discuss how women are redefining success, family life, and navigating the complexities of modern independence. Through personal stories and insightful analysis, this conversation highlights both the progress made and the challenges that remain—from family structures to shifting gender roles in relationships.

Whether you’ve lived through these changes or are witnessing them unfold, this episode offers a compelling look at how far we’ve come—and what’s next for women in an ever-evolving world.

Reach Barb Wade at https://barbwade.com/

Find the resources mentioned in this episode here: https://barbwade.com/breakthrough/

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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Downsizing isn’t just about sorting through belongings—it’s about untangling the emotions tied to a lifetime of memories. In this fun, light-hearted episode of What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers, Barb sits down with Richard Ferguson once again, founder of It’s Time to Downsize, to explore the practical and emotional challenges of letting go.

Why do we hold onto things we no longer need—and how do we finally release them? Richard shares his expert insights on navigating the sentimental weight of possessions, from family heirlooms to forgotten keepsakes.

Thinking of downsizing? Contact Richard at https://www.itstimetodownsize.ca/.

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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Tim is back, but this time with his better half--the infamous, Barb Wade. In this heartfelt episode, Barb Desmarais sits down with Barb & Tim and they share their extraordinary journey of rekindling their relationship after eight years of divorce. Their story isn’t just about romance—it’s about growth, true friendship, and the complexities of co-parenting their special needs children through life’s ups and downs.

Barb and Tim open up about the challenges they faced while apart, the personal transformations they underwent, and how they ultimately found their way back to each other as stronger, more compassionate partners. They discuss the delicate balance of blending their renewed relationship with their parenting roles, offering wisdom for anyone navigating divorce, reconciliation, or raising children with unique needs.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about second chances, the power of change, and what it truly means to build a family—and a love that endures.

Find Barb Wade at barbwade.com.

Find Tim at timwadecoaching.com.

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this refreshingly honest episode, Barb welcomes back her longtime friend Kelley Riley (and Season 1 alum), to challenge the notion that travel must be a partnered experience. Kelley, an unapologetic solo traveler, shares her philosophy of wandering the world on her own terms.

Kelley pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to travel alone for the sheer joy of it, offering practical tips for dining, sightseeing, and navigating new cities without compromise. She and Barb discuss how to navigate cruises and why sometimes the richest connections are the ones we make with strangers when the pressures of romantic pursuits are not on the table.

From the logistics of collecting travel points to the profound personal growth that comes from complete independence, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional travel. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or someone who's never dared to book a single ticket, Kelley's perspective will inspire you to embrace the freedom of going it alone—and loving every minute of it.

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this candid and relatable episode, Barb sits down with our good friend and co-host, relationship coach Tim Wade, to dive into the modern world of online dating. They discuss navigating the emotional rollercoaster of rejection and ghosting, and Tim shares his personal experiences and insights into the complexities of finding love in the digital age.

Barb and Tim explore the nuances of online dating, including the challenges of putting yourself out there, the sting of rejection, and the baffling phenomenon of ghosting. They discuss how to maintain resilience and self-confidence while searching for meaningful connections, and Tim offers practical advice for boomers who are new to the online dating scene or looking to improve their experience.

With a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt advice, this episode sheds light on the realities of dating in today’s tech-driven world. Whether you’re actively swiping, considering dipping your toes into online dating, or simply curious about the journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

Connect with Tim at https://timwadecoaching.com/

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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If you're a retiree, you're probably spending more time in your home and this episode will tickle your designer veins and perhaps inspire you to freshen up your space. Barb welcomes renowned interior designer Leo Santana to explore the transformative power of interior design. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Leo shares his expert insights on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and deeply personal.

Together, Barb and Leo dive into the essential elements of design, starting with the importance of light—how natural and artificial lighting can set the mood and how it can react with your wall colour. They discuss the magic of colour and how choosing the right palette can evoke emotions and tie a room together. Leo also emphasizes the role of balance in creating harmony, the impact of texture for added depth and interest, and the art of establishing focal points to draw the eye and anchor a room.

From practical tips for boomers looking to downsize or age in place, to creative ideas for infusing personality into your home, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a complete novice, Leo’s passion for creating meaningful spaces will leave you excited to reimagine your own surroundings.

Get in touch with Leo at https://dnovodesign.com/ or find him on his social media channels:

Instagram: @dnovodesign & @leo.santanadecor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dnovodesign/

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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Tim is back! And both he and Barb explore the ever-evolving world of friendships just a bit further. Part 2 and a continuation of our Season 10 finale, they dig a bit deeper on the rise of online connections to the complexities of sibling relationships and the uncomfortable reality of friendship break-ups. This conversation dives deep into what it means to build, maintain, and sometimes let go of the people in our lives.

Tim shares his unique insights on how technology has reshaped the way we form friendships, offering both opportunities and challenges. Together, Barb and Tim discuss the nuances of online friendships—can they be as meaningful as in-person connections? They also tackle the often-overlooked dynamic of sibling friendships.

Finally, they don’t shy away from the awkward truth: sometimes friendships end. Whether it’s a slow fade or a dramatic break-up, Barb and Tim offer thoughtful advice on how to navigate these difficult moments with grace and self-awareness.

Want to connect with Tim? Visit his website at http://timwadecoaching.com.

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In the spirit of St. Valentine, Barb sits down with a remarkable couple whose love story defies time and distance. After losing touch for nearly two decades, Felicia Barlow Clar and Paul Clar found their way back to each other and have now been happily married for 15 years.

Join us as they share their incredible journey of separation, personal growth, and the serendipitous moment that brought them together again. From the challenges of rebuilding a connection after 18 years of no contact to the joys of creating a new life together, their story is a testament to the enduring power of love and second chances.

Barb explores the importance of staying open to life’s unexpected twists. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply love a good comeback story, this episode will inspire you to believe in the possibility of reconnection and the beauty of starting over.

Tune in for a touching conversation that reminds us it’s never too late to rewrite your story—and that sometimes, love finds its way back when you least expect it.

Find Barb on Instagram @barbjanet .

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!