Janie Deegan returned from college with a degree and an alcohol addiction. She found herself homeless and living on the streets of New York City. Today…she is the owner of “Janie’s Life Changing Baked Goods,” a thriving retail and e-commerce business.  sot.ag/mzSp2

Tracy Bonham built a reputation as a “badass rocker” with a #1 song on Billboard’s Alt Rock charts. When COVID-19 shut down live music, she launched Melodeon. Inspired by Sesame Street, the new enterprise aims to teach music to 2-5 year olds. sot.ag/mG69k

Johnathan Bahlatzis worked as an engineer climbing the corporate ladder at General Electric. But a fascination with knife making, led him to launch Kopis Designs as a side hustle in 2016. In 2023, he left GE and now crafts artisan blades fulltime. sot.ag/mJwTk

Sergio Raynal was an top consultant at KPMG. But after a falling out with senior management, he quit and turned a woodworking "side hustle" into a full time pursuit. He builds beautiful furniture and never uses a nail or screw in his work.  sot.ag/mTqn7

Trading Financial Service for Public Service: "On Patrol" with Deputy Royce James... sot.ag/mZXY8

I loved interviewing Robert Markowitz who went from being a defense lawyer to a clown to a children's musician. Discover how he found true passion on the Second Act Stories podcast.   sot.ag/n0pxd

Speaking at a TEDx event – for years I’ve wanted to try this. "The Art of the Second Act" was my topic sharing 5 key lessons from the Second Act Stories podcast. Kicked off with "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands" (yes, the audience sang and clapped with me).

Patty Forehand experimented with comedy after 31 years as an elementary teacher. Once the F-bombs start flying, audiences realize she’s not the proper Southern lady society expects her to be. She has been crushing it in comedy clubs across the South.   sot.ag/n6dqq

Like other working moms, Patrice Meagher struggled with the challenge of work life and raising a family. A specific pain point —pumping breast milk in the office. In March, 2020, she left a lucrative career to launch MilkMate and solve this problem. sot.ag/nb5CL

Donald Loftus had a long career in the luxury beauty industry. But his passion was theatre and he would write plays from 4-7 am before work. Retiring in 2018, he has pursued playwriting on a full-time basis with remarkable success. sot.ag/nfx60

According to Gallup, over 75% of Americans are unhappy at work. If you are in this group, check out TEDx video "The Art of the Second Act." Five key learnings emerge from interviews with 141 people who have made the leap to a more rewarding life sot.ag/nhBHH

Explore how Stephanie Stuckey took a bold gamble to revive Stuckey’s, an iconic roadside brand created by her grandfather. A former attorney, Stephanie cashed in her life savings to purchase and transform a struggling company into a profitable business. sot.ag/nvcRg

Mike Drak, a former Toronto banker, faced "Retirement Shock" after being laid off at 59. He now educates others by authoring three different books on retirement challenges. He also entered his first Ironman Triathlon at the age of 68. sot.ag/nvsPG

Rachel Humphrey spent 20 years as a lawyer But the unexpected departure of a nanny, prompted some serious soul searching. She landed a top role at a major hotel owners association. Today she leads the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance. sot.ag/nx5pc

It's on, Michelle Obama. The Second Act Stories Podcast is nominated for a #Webbys People’s Voice & our top competitor is the former First Lady's podcast. We need your votes to WIN: vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting?f…

Second Act Stories just earned a Webby Awards nomination in the Advice/How-to category . Our competition is some big names...Michelle Obama, Sarah Silverman, Slate and TED Audio. Vote for the extreme underdog at the Webby Awards.  sot.ag/nyGmy

Tiffani Evans' powerful journey following the tragic loss of her 8-year-old son PJ, leading her to form a supportive community of Strong AZZ Mothers. Listen to her inspiring story on the Second Act Stories podcast. sot.ag/nyS6g

Amy Siewe left a safe, lucrative career in real estate to hunt pythons in the Florida Everglades. The 5’ 4”, 120 lbs woman has captured pythons that are over 17 feet long and 180 lbs. Finding and wrestling these animals into submission is her passion.  sot.ag/nDZTB

Dann McDorman always dreamed of writing a novel. After college he spent a decade pursuing that dream with little success. He shifted gears toward a career in broadcast journalism. During Covid-19, he started writing again and completed West Heart Kill. sot.ag/nFKHn

Bartender to Bestselling Author: The Man Behind "The Gray Man" - Mark Greaney is a #1 bestselling author of “The Gray Man” series. But before making it as an author, he spent 20+ years working as a bartender, waiter and midlevel office worker.  sot.ag/nHYfG