Reinventing Life After 50: Maria Leonard Olson on Resilience, Sobriety, and Embracing Change Open Nesters Podcast Episode (S5 | E187)

[Tessa] In this episode of the Open Nesters podcast, we engage in an enlightening discussion with Maria Leonard Olson, a dynamic figure whose journey of transformation resonates powerfully with those navigating life’s challenges, especially after 50. Maria, a litigator and author of the book “50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life,” shares her story of resilience and reinvention following significant life changes, including a divorce, sobriety, and the transition of becoming an empty nester.

Maria recounts her pivotal experience at 50, where she embarked on an introspective quest to redefine her life. As a birthday gift to herself, she created a list of 50 new things to try, ranging from adventure travel to spiritual practices and personal growth activities. Each endeavor served as a building block in shaping her identity and desires for her next chapter. Her reflections highlight that while life often presents uncontrollable situations, it is our responses that delineate our path. Maria emphasizes the importance of focusing on positivity and progress rather than perfection, a message that she passionately conveys during her talks and interactions.

Throughout the interview, she shares stories illustrating the discomfort and triumph of trying new things, such as her humorous yet enlightening experience singing at an open mic night—an endeavor that challenged her fears and spurred personal growth. A significant theme during their conversation is the importance of community and support. Maria highlights how she intentionally surrounds herself with uplifting individuals who inspire her to embrace her authentic self, moving away from the constraints of her past societal norms and expectations, especially those from her Catholic upbringing.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as Maria delves into her experiences with alcoholism, addiction, and the aftermath of her traumatic childhood, including instances of sexual abuse. She touches upon her multiple stints in rehabilitation, framing these experiences not only as personal failures but as opportunities for deep healing and understanding. Maria’s ability to confront these demons head-on is both harrowing and inspiring, revealing how communication and expressing anger have been crucial in her healing journey. The interview sheds light on her commitment to helping others facing similar struggles, highlighting her work with organizations like AA and Al-Anon, and advocating for emotional honesty and vulnerability.

Intriguingly, Maria shares her recent discovery at age 55 that she is a product of a one-night stand, an unexpected revelation that led her to uncover a unique connection with her biological father—an actor she’d seen on screen throughout her life. This discovery not only transformed her understanding of her heritage but also enriched her personal narrative, leading to a burgeoning relationship filled with humor and deep emotional connection.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and sharing one’s story. Maria encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available today, whether through in-person therapy or online support groups, affirming that they are not alone in their struggles. Her story is one of hope and healing, with an emphasis on the potential for transformation at any age. Both Tessa and Maria express their admiration for the journey they each are on, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in uplifting others.

Maria’s life stands out as an empowering testament to the resilience of the human spirit, urging listeners to embrace change, connect with supportive communities, and take proactive steps toward a fulfilling life after 50. Maria’s insights offer valuable lessons on authenticity, compassion, and the necessity of confronting one’s past to pave the way for a brighter future.

About Our Guest This Week – Maria Leonard Olsen…

is a biracial woman whose parents were forbidden by law to marry in their home state of Maryland in the early 1960s. She is the mother of two children, a lawyer, journalist and author of two children’s books and two non-fiction books. She leads writing/empowerment retreats for women, hosts the “Becoming Your Best Version” podcast and is a co-host of the Inside Out radio show on WPFW-fm, 89.3, in Washington, D.C.

Maria graduated from Boston College and the University of Virginia School of Law, served in the Clinton Administration’s Justice Department, fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption, and has been on the boards of Children’s National Medical Center BOV, the Catholic Coalition for Special Education, GirlsUp and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Washington. While in private practice as a litigator in then one of the then-largest law firms in Washington, D.C., Maria was awarded Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year by the D.C. Bar Association.

She has written for The Washington Post, Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, Parenting, BabyTalk and Washington For Women, and is a contributor to Thrive Global, Up Journey and BreaknLinks. She recently returned to practicing law now that her children are launched. Mommy, Why’s Your Skin So Brown? is her first children’s book.  Healing for Hallie is her second children’s book.  Not the Cleaver Family–The New Normal in Modern American Family, was released in November 2016.  Her latest book, 50 After 50–Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, was published in hardcover in 2018, and in paperback and on Audible in 2019.

Maria has spoken at numerous schools and corporate and nonprofit events, including the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Mixed Remixed Festival in Los Angeles, The Japanese American National Museum’s Family Day, the Washington Independent Review of Books, the National March to End Rape Culture, a motivational speaker at corporate and trade association meetings, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Asian American Month Celebration (as the then-highest ranking Asian American political appointee at the Justice Department). Maria is available for speaking engagements and book or diversity festivals.  Her book talk has been featured on C-Span’s Book TV show, and her latest book was selected for the National Press Club’s Book Fair. She spoke at TEDx CUNY in 2021.

With the extensive marketing experience Maria has had in marketing her titles and helping other authors, Maria began a formal book marketing service in 2020. Check out her Events and News pages to see the opportunities she has made for herself and how she can help other authors add to their book’s exposure.

Resources for You

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