Third Act Unscripted's Podcast
Third Act Unscripted is a podcast and community dedicated to individuals embracing the transformative phase of midlife, often referred to as the "third act" of life. Hosted by Annie Clay and Katie Swartz, the show delves into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful change. Through authentic conversations and reflective storytelling, the podcast encourages listeners to intentionally create their next chapter and become the person they truly long to be. Whether it's rediscovering passions, making significant life transitions, or seeking deeper self-awareness, Third Act Unscripted offers insights and inspiration for crafting a life aligned with one's true self.
Episodes
27 episodes
27. Rachel Wixey's Third Act Reinvention
In this episode, Katie and Annie are joined by mindfulness teacher and entrepreneur Rachel Wixey, who shares her inspiring journey of leaving behind a successful business to pursue a life aligned with her purpose. Together, they explore what it...
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42:59
26. The Mothering Shift No One Talks About
In this candid, unfiltered episode, Annie and Katie grab a metaphorical cup of coffee and dive into what it means to be a mom in midlife. They explore the surprising shift in maternal instinct, the pressure to uphold holiday traditions, and the...
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21:00
25. How to Summon the Courage to Change Your Life
In this heartfelt episode, Katie and Annie dive deep into the question many of us face when entering our third act: How do we find the courage to make meaningful change? Inspired by a Simon Sinek video, the duo challenges the myth that c...
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29:03
24: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Stacey Kauffman's Path to Fulfillment
In this powerful episode of Third Act Unscripted, Katie and Annie sit down with Stacey Kauffman, founder and CEO of SK Collective and The Rising. Stacey shares her courageous journey from media executive to purpose-driven en...
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51:34
23. From Microsoft to Me: Finding Myself in Rural Ireland
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, Tanya Montasterio shares her powerful journey of leaving behind a high-powered tech career and a picture-perfect life in Washington to move—sight unseen—to a tiny village in Ireland. What began ...
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43:46
22. 5 Things You Can Do TODAY to Get Unstuck in Your Third Act
In this episode, we’re tackling that all-too-familiar feeling of being stuck in your third act. Whether you're unsure of what’s next or just caught in the loop of same-old routines, we’re sharing five simple things you can do right now...
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18:55
21. Big Changes Require Community
When you're on the brink of big change, there's one essential ingredient you can't do without: community. In this episode, Annie and Katie dive into why creating or joining a supportive group is vital during major life transitions, especially i...
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22:13
20. Stay or Go: Listening to Your Inner Compass
In this episode, Katie and Annie dive into the restless feeling that often emerges in the third act of life—the quiet urge to grow, to move, or to reimagine what “home” means. From boredom as a soul nudge, to resisting the pull of people-pleasi...
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35:56
19. The Courage to Live Now
In this episode, we dive deep into the bold, heart-led decision to live life on your terms—right now. Whether it’s leaving a job, shifting a long-held belief, or admitting that what once lit you up no longer does, this conversation...
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37:05
18. That Crazy Idea Might be the Right Idea!
In this episode, we explore the freedom and fear that come with midlife reinvention. We talk about why this stage feels so unfamiliar, how biology and culture play a role, and why it’s time to welcome your “crazy” ideas for the future. Whether ...
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Episode 18
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39:24
17. Don’t Force it! Learning to Trust the Process.
In this episode, Annie and Katie share personal stories and powerful insights about the importance of releasing control and learning to trust the natural unfolding of your third act. From a fog-filled mountain in Spain to unexpected clarity spa...
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Episode 17
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26:56
16. Tests, Allies & Enemies: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
This week, Annie and Katie continue exploring the Hero’s Journey—focusing on the phase where things start to get real: tests, allies, and enemies. They share personal stories of unexpected connections, online trolls, and moments of clarity that...
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Episode 16
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22:28
15. Not a Failure, Just a Test: Rewriting the Story of Setbacks
Episode Description:In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, Katie shares the hilarious and humbling experience of completely flaming out on a Spanish test while studying abroad. But what starts as a funny story quickly r...
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Episode 15
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25:26
14. Using the Hero's Journey & Myths to Navigate Your 3rd Act with guest Allison Stieger!
In this enlightening episode, Annie and Katie sit down with mythologist, author, and speaker Allison Stieger to explore how mythology and the "heroic journey" can help us navigate life's transitions, particularly in the third act. From un...
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58:57
13. The Shadow Within: Embracing the Power of the Unseen Self!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, Annie and Katie dive into the concept of the shadow—a term popularized by Carl Jung to describe the unexpressed or rejected aspects of ourselves. They explore how understanding ...
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28:26
12. Returning Home to Your True Self!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, Katie and Annie dive deep into the often subtle, yet powerful signs that signal the start of a midlife transition. From feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction to low-grade anxiety an...
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27:57
11. Soul Friends: The Importance of Making New Friends in Your 3rd Act!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, Annie and Katie explore two essential components of thriving in life’s third act: building deep, authentic soul friendships and embracing the possibility mindset through Party P...
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18:03
10. Messages from the Subconscious: What Dreams Reveal About Your 3rd Act Journey!
What if your dreams were trying to tell you something important? In this episode, we explore how dreams can serve as guideposts on the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Annie and Katie share personal dream experiences—some unsettlin...
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43:33
9. Turning Darkness into Light: Embracing Life's Greatest Challenges with Reverend Sefui Anil
In this episode, Annie and Katie sit down with Reverend Seifu, a former Microsoft executive turned Zen Buddhist priest and the Executive Director of Spiritual Directors International. Together, they explore themes of transformation, finding ali...
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53:01
8. Put Your Higher Self in the Driver's Seat!
In this episode, Annie and Katie dive deep into the ego and the higher self—two parts of our inner world that shape how we experience life. They share personal stories, insights, and practical strategies for recognizing and navigating the te...
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38:43
7. Trusting the Grand Plan!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, co-hosts Annie Clay and Katie Swartz explore the extraordinary magic that unfolds when we let go of control and trust the journey. Sharing deeply personal stories, they dive int...
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36:12
6. Living on Purpose In Your 3rd Act!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, co-hosts Annie Clay and Katie Swartz share practical tips and personal stories about finding passion and purpose in the "Third Act" of life. From exploring curiosity to embracing a possibility m...
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24:37
5. Answering the Call to Adventure!
In this episode of Third Act Unscripted, co-hosts Annie Clay and Katie Swartz explore the transformative journey of answering the call to adventure. They discuss how to recognize the subtle (or not-so-subtle) signals p...
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36:51