Midlife Circus
Self-Improvement
About
Midlife isn’t the end — it’s the evolution of Gen X. Hosted by Brent Drever and Rob Espenel, Midlife Circus is where real conversations meet reinvention. Like any good circus, midlife is part chaos, part wonder — a stage for learning new acts. From careers and relationships to purpose and adventure, Rob and Brent explore the unpredictable, messy, and meaningful middle of life with humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion. Pull up a seat under the tent — and get ready to laugh, reflect, and rediscover what’s possible in Your Next Great Act.
Episodes
- A Guide to Earning Money as a Consultant in Midlife
Rob and Brent discuss the practical steps and mindset shifts required to start a consulting practice in midlife. They cover defining purpose, product, and market, setting billing rates, and the importance of the client relationship.
- Before You Retire: 5 Things We Wish We'd Done First
Rob and Brent discuss five areas of retirement planning: finance, relationships, health, purpose, and adventure. They explore how to prepare for retirement in these areas, including test-driving spending, building health habits, and findin…
- The Midlife Sabbatical: Taking a Career Break in Your 50s with Sarah Hager
Sarah Hager, at 52, took a midlife sabbatical after a 30-year corporate career. She discusses the reasons for her break, her experiences during two years of travel and creative exploration, and her return to work on her own terms, covering…
- Find Your Epic: Why Big Challenges Matter in Midlife
This episode of Midlife Circus explores the significance of taking on big challenges in midlife. Brent and Rob share personal experiences, including ultramarathon racing and Grand Canyon treks, to illustrate how these "epic" endeavors can…
- No More Paycheck: How to Pay Yourself in Retirement
This episode explores retirement distribution planning, including common strategies like the 4% rule and bucket strategies, as well as the impact of annuities and taxes on retirement income.
- Kids Leaving for College: Facing the Empty Nest
This episode of Midlife Circus features Rob and Brent discussing the emotional impact and changes associated with children leaving for college, often referred to as the empty nest. They cover how this transition reshapes family dynamics, c…
- Longevity Fundamentals with Dr. Dennis Lipton
This episode of Midlife Circus features Dr. Dennis Lipton, who discusses longevity fundamentals for midlife, including habits related to sleep, exercise, nutrition, metabolic health, and community. The conversation also touches on biomarke…
- Micro-Adventures Matter
This episode of Midlife Circus features Rob and Brent discussing micro-adventures and simple travel. They explore how spontaneous outings, nearby day trips, and easy adventure planning can foster curiosity, strengthen relationships, and ad…
- How to Give Back in Midlife
This episode of Midlife Circus features Brent and Rob discussing the concept of giving back in midlife, including various methods of supporting nonprofits. They also shine a spotlight on The Cycle Effect, a Colorado nonprofit working with…
- Getting Honest With Your Money — So You Have More Options
This episode of Midlife Circus features Brent and Rob discussing the importance of understanding personal expenses. They explain how clarifying annual spending can simplify financial life and create more options, moving beyond avoidance to…
- The 10-Year Letter to Yourself: Relationships, Health, and What Matters Most
In this episode, Rob and Brent write and read letters to themselves from ten years in the future. Their conversation covers relationships, health, risk, and the shifts that occur in midlife, emphasizing the influence of present choices on…
- Work That Fits Your Life Now: 5 Flexible Ways to Earn in Your Next Chapter
This episode discusses how to earn money in midlife through flexible work options like consulting, freelancing, and nonprofit work. It explores rethinking careers and aligning work with personal identity and life stage.
- Why Not Now? Your Next Great Act Is Waiting
Rob and Brent discuss why traditional retirement no longer fits and how waiting for "someday" can keep individuals stuck. They explore personal experiences, the fear and excitement of change, and the importance of trusting oneself to make…
- Built to Last: The "Big Three" for Midlife Healthspan
This episode of Midlife Circus examines the "Big Three" habits—exercise, diet, and sleep—that influence midlife healthspan. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these factors and the importance of sustainable habits for long-term health…
- The Solo Retreat: Alone With Your Thoughts
In this episode, Brent and Rob explore solo retreats, sharing personal stories and reflecting on how creating space can unlock clarity, creativity, and perspective. They discuss the discomfort that can arise when distractions fade and how…
- Starting Law School at 50: Proof It’s Not Too Late, with our Guest Ron Mayer
Ron Mayer discusses his journey in midlife, including starting law school at age 50. He shares insights on reinvention, managing doubt, and navigating career changes.
- Midlife Meets AI
In this episode of Midlife Circus, Rob and Brent explore the practical applications of AI in midlife. They discuss using AI as a search tool, a thought partner for decision-making, and a creative engine for various tasks, while also touchi…
- Someday Is a Lie: Adventures Expire
In this episode of Midlife Circus, Brent and Rob discuss why adventures and experiences may not last forever. They explore how health, relationships, and energy impact what is still possible and what has already expired, encouraging listen…
- Setting Goals for the Year Ahead
Rob and Brent discuss their intentions and goals for 2026, focusing on health, balance, and personal growth. They reflect on the past year and share their adventures for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of building a community…
- New Habits, New Year, New You
This episode explores the significance of habits, particularly in the context of sleep, life transitions, and midlife changes. Brent and Rob discuss understanding and improving sleep habits, navigating anxiety during transitions, and build…
- Holiday Traditions
In this episode, Brent and Rob explore their cherished Christmas traditions, childhood Santa memories, Christmas tree adventures, and the significance of ornaments. They discuss celebrating Christmas in warmer climates, holiday music and m…
- Repurposed NOT Retired
This episode features a discussion about experiences and challenges faced after retirement, including the difficulty of losing professional identity. It covers finding new opportunities, the importance of experimentation, and creating a ba…
- Hiring a Financial Advisor? Listen To This First
This episode of Midlife Circus features Brent and Rob discussing the critical aspects of hiring a financial advisor. They emphasize the importance of trust, understanding fiduciary duties, and aligning financial goals, along with navigatin…
- Your Life Needs a Quest—Even a Small One
This episode explores the theme of adventures and personal growth, highlighting the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. Brent and Rob discuss various experiences, from climbing Colorado's 14ers to integrating micro-adventures into…
- Navigating Loneliness in Midlife
Rob and Brent explore loneliness in midlife, discussing personal experiences with career changes and the importance of vulnerability and therapy. They differentiate between solitude and loneliness and offer strategies for building connecti…
- Being Bad at Something, On Purpose
In this episode, Brent and Rob explore the significance of learning new skills during midlife. They discuss childhood hobbies, the importance of a midlife learning list, and embracing challenges, with Rob sharing his experiences learning t…
- The Two Numbers Between You and Retirement Freedom
This episode explores the emotional and mathematical aspects of retirement planning. The hosts discuss understanding one's relationship with money, identifying two critical numbers for financial freedom, and addressing emotional challenges…
- Deal Friends vs. Real Friends—The Midlife Sort
Rob and Brent discuss Brent's triathlon training and the challenges involved. The conversation then moves to a deeper discussion about the differences between 'deal friends' and 'real friends' after Brent left his previous company. They ex…
- Midlife: Choose your Own Adventure
In this episode of Midlife Circus, Brent and Rob explore midlife as a "Choose Your Own Adventure," where individuals can decide their next steps. They discuss rewriting scripts, embracing curiosity, and rediscovering passions.
- Leaving the Grind: Now What?
Rob and Brent discuss the transition to semi-retirement. They explore challenges like the inner critic and loneliness, finding meaning beyond money, building new relationships, and creating a fulfilling life portfolio.
- Welcome to the Midlife Circus (Trailer)
In this trailer, Rob and Brent introduce Midlife Circus, a podcast for those navigating midlife. They discuss topics such as reinvention, curiosity, purpose, health, finance, and relationships, embracing the chaos with honesty and humor.