SecondWind: Recent Episodes
Joyce Buford
SecondWind was created as a resource for change.It is a source to shine light to your darkness by hearing other women talk about their Defining Moment to transform their lives... to hear about their fears, doubts, discouragements and joys.
So tune in today and listen to the defining moments that changed their lives and began their brighter tomorrows!
SecondWind is a widely listened to radio show with 300,000 plus listeners.
At some point, many of us begin to realize something uncomfortable: when we’re gone, so are our stories. The recipes disappear. The family history fades. The hard-earned lessons, the mistakes, the love stories, the struggles, the funny moments nobody else remembers — all of it can quietly vanish within a generation or two unless someone writes it down. That is why more people are beginning to write memoirs later in life. Not because they think they are celebrities. Not because they believe their lives were perfect. But because they finally understand that ordinary lives are often the most meaningful stories of all. Your children may know you as “Mom” or “Dad.” Your grandchildren may only know pieces of your life. They may never fully understand what you survived, sacrificed, built, overcame, or dreamed about unless you tell them. A memoir is more than a timeline of events. It is a legacy document. A conversation across generations. A chance to say: “This is who I was. This is what I learned. This is what mattered.” And the truth is, wisdom often arrives the hard way. By midlife and beyond, most people have lived through enough to actually have something valuable to say. You have experienced love, disappointment, reinvention, grief, financial stress, parenting, caregiving, aging, friendship, betrayal, resilience, and survival. You understand how quickly life changes and how important it becomes to preserve what was learned along the way. Your memoir does not need to be dramatic to matter. Sometimes the stories that stay with families the longest are the small ones. The grandmother who survived on determination and coffee. The father who worked three jobs and never complained. The single mom who held everything together with duct tape, humor, and exhaustion. The family traditions. The lake house summers. The recipes scribbled on index cards. The stories told around kitchen tables that slowly disappear when nobody records them. Writing a memoir is not about proving you lived an extraordinary life. It is about making sure your life is not forgotten. Second Wind is about this season of reflection and reinvention. The realization that our stories still have purpose — and that sharing them may become one of the greatest gifts we leave behind.
For years, maybe decades, the idea sat quietly in the background. A novel. A memoir. A story only you could tell. Somewhere between raising kids, building careers, paying bills, surviving heartbreak, caregiving, divorces, reinventions, and simply trying to keep life moving, the dream of writing a book got pushed to the bottom drawer. But something changes in midlife. You realize time matters. Your stories matter. And maybe most importantly, you finally have something worth saying. Writing your first book after 40, 50, or even 60 isn’t a late start. It’s often the right start. Younger writers may have energy and ambition, but older writers bring depth, perspective, resilience, humor, grief, wisdom, and lived experience. You’ve survived enough life to understand contradiction. You know people are rarely all good or all bad. You know love is messy, families complicated, and reinvention possible. That’s where real stories live. For many people, writing a book becomes more than a creative project. It becomes a bucket-list goal tied to identity. Proof that the dream didn’t die just because life got busy. It becomes a way to reclaim a part of yourself that got buried under responsibility. The good news? You do not need permission to begin. You do not need an MFA, a perfect office, or a cabin in the woods overlooking a stormy lake while typing dramatically into the night. Though admittedly, the cabin sounds nice. You need consistency more than talent. One page a day becomes 365 pages in a year. One chapter at a time becomes a manuscript. And one ordinary woman sitting at her kitchen table becomes an author. The hardest part is not writing the book. It’s believing your voice deserves to take up space on the page. Second Wind is about exactly this moment in life. The realization that the story is not over. In many cases, it is finally getting interesting.
Easter didn’t start with pastel baskets and chocolate bunnies—and once you see where these traditions actually come from, the holiday takes on a whole new layer of meaning. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck joins Joyce Buford to unpack the surprising history behind our modern Easter celebrations. They explore how ancient spring festivals, symbols of rebirth, and early Christian beliefs merged over time to create what we now recognize as Easter. From the origins of the Easter Bunny (hint: not in the Bible) to why eggs became such a central symbol, Sandra and Joyce connect the dots between culture, religion, and human nature’s deep need for renewal and hope. This conversation goes beyond surface-level traditions and asks a bigger question: what does “resurrection” or “starting again” really mean in our lives today? Whether you celebrate Easter for faith, family, or just the candy aisle, this episode offers a richer perspective on why this holiday has endured—and why it still matters.
Dizziness and vertigo can stop you in your tracks—one minute you’re fine, the next the room feels like it’s spinning or tilting sideways. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck sits down with Joyce Buford to talk about what’s really going on when your balance is off—and why it’s more common than people admit. They break down the difference between general dizziness and true vertigo, what can trigger it (from inner ear issues to stress and dehydration), and why midlife can be a turning point for these symptoms. Sandra and Joyce also explore practical ways to respond in the moment, how to advocate for yourself medically, and what lifestyle shifts can reduce episodes over time. This isn’t about brushing it off or pushing through—it’s about understanding your body, getting the right support, and regaining a sense of stability in your everyday life.
Visualization gets tossed around like a buzzword, but when it’s done right, it’s a practical tool—not wishful thinking. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck joins Joyce Buford to break down how visualization actually works in real life—and why most people do it wrong. They move past vague “vision boards” and get into what it really means to mentally rehearse your next chapter. From rewiring old thought patterns to creating emotional alignment with future goals, Sandra and Joyce explain how visualization helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go. They also tackle the skepticism—why it’s not magic, why action still matters, and how to use visualization to build confidence, clarity, and consistency, especially in midlife transitions. If you’re looking to reset your direction or finally follow through on what you keep saying you want, this conversation offers a grounded, usable way to get there.
What happens when January motivation fades and life quietly slides back into old patterns? In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck sits down with Joyce Buford to talk about the reality most people avoid: starting over… again. March becomes the real beginning—not the performative one tied to resolutions, but the grounded, honest reset that comes after setbacks, distractions, and a little self-awareness. Sandra and Joyce unpack why failure isn’t the problem—quitting is—and how to reframe your timeline so growth actually sticks. They cover how to rebuild momentum without shame, how to use what didn’t work as data instead of judgment, and why reinvention later in life is often stronger, clearer, and more aligned than anything attempted in your 20s or 30s. If your “new year, new you” didn’t survive past February, this conversation offers a smarter way forward—no hype, just practical perspective on getting back in the game. Keywords (comma separated):
The holidays come with a script—family obligations, forced cheer, overstuffed schedules, and the pressure to make everything “magical.” But if you’re a single empty nester, the old script doesn’t fit anymore…and honestly, maybe it never did. In this month’s episode, Joyce Buford cuts through the noise and helps you design a holiday season that feels like a gift, not a gauntlet. Whether you’re celebrating solo, building new traditions, or navigating complicated family dynamics, Joyce brings her signature blend of wisdom and practicality to help you reclaim December on your own terms. We’ll talk about: – How to release the pressure to perform and stop organizing holidays for everyone but yourself – Creating rituals that nourish you, not drain you – Setting boundaries with people who think your time and energy are unlimited – Letting go of guilt about doing things differently this year – Building joy intentionally, instead of waiting for it to show up This isn’t about picture-perfect decorations or pulling off the perfect meal. It’s about designing a holiday that actually brings you peace, connection, and a sense of possibility for the new year ahead. If you’re ready to swap obligation for authenticity—and create a season you genuinely look forward to—this episode will show you exactly where to start.
In a world that worships “yes,” saying “no” can feel like a confrontation—even when it’s the most self-respecting choice you can make. This week on Second Wind, Joyce Buford breaks down the art and necessity of saying no without guilt, apology, or explanation. Joyce explores why women in particular struggle with boundaries, how people-pleasing becomes a form of self-abandonment, and what really happens when you stop over-functioning in your relationships, your home, and your work. If you’re exhausted from carrying everyone else’s expectations, this episode hands you the language, the mindset, and the permission to start choosing yourself. Listeners will learn: The emotional and neurological impact of constantly saying yes Why growing up as the “responsible one” makes boundaries harder How to recognize manipulative guilt, obligation, and pressure Clear phrases for saying no without over-explaining How to build relationships that respect your limits What happens when you finally stop rescuing everyone else This is an honest conversation about reclaiming your time, your bandwidth, and your peace—especially at a time of year when demands fly fast and everyone wants something from you. Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s self-preservation. And it’s a muscle you can strengthen starting today.
The holidays have a way of magnifying everything—joy, stress, uncertainty, and all the emotional “weather” we carry into the season. On this week’s episode of Second Wind, Joyce Buford sits down to talk honestly about navigating major life transitions during the holidays, when expectations run high and real life doesn’t always cooperate. Whether you're coping with an empty nest, a career shift, the loss of a loved one, a move, or the quiet shock of starting a new chapter, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets to what actually helps. Joyce blends her signature clarity and compassion with real-world strategies to steady yourself, reclaim your center, and find meaning even when life feels like it’s been turned upside down. She explores: Why big transitions hit harder during the holidays The emotional patterns that show up when routines and relationships change How to honor grief, nostalgia, and uncertainty without getting swallowed by them Practical grounding tools for staying present through the season Ways to create new traditions that reflect who you are becoming—not just who you were How to find your “second wind” even when you feel depleted Drawing from her coaching work, her own life experience, and themes from the upcoming novel Second Wind, Joyce reminds listeners that change is not a detour—it’s the doorway to your next chapter. And the holidays, complicated as they can be, offer a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and choose how you want to move forward. If you're heading into the season feeling tender, overwhelmed, or on the brink of something new, this episode will meet you right where you are.
The holidays can be complicated once life changes — the kids are grown, the marriage has ended, or the people we used to gather with are no longer around the table. What once felt like a season of family chaos and joy can suddenly feel quiet, lonely, or uncertain. In this episode of Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce explores how to rediscover meaning and connection during the holidays after life’s big transitions — whether it’s an empty nest, a divorce, or simply shifting roles. She shares practical and soulful ways to reclaim joy: creating new rituals, redefining family, and finding gratitude in the space that change brings. Joyce is joined by women who have walked this same emotional terrain — learning to navigate the nostalgia, honor what was, and embrace what’s next. Together, they explore how to reframe the holidays as a season of renewal rather than loss. Because the truth is, when the wrapping paper and expectations are gone, what’s left is the opportunity to create a holiday that fits who you are now.
The holidays can feel complicated once life shifts — the kids are grown, the house is quieter, and the invitations don’t always come the way they used to. This week on Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce and Sandra Beck open up about navigating the holiday season as single, older adults — and how to make peace with celebrating differently. From deciding what events to attend (and which to skip) to handling the awkward “You should come with us!” invitations, they talk candidly about the freedom and the loneliness that can coexist during this time of year. With humor, honesty, and heart, Joyce and Sandra explore how to rewrite your holiday script — one that honors who you are now, not who you were ten or twenty years ago. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to set boundaries, create new traditions, and find joy in simplicity — whether it’s attending a community concert solo, volunteering instead of hosting, or spending a quiet evening reflecting on what truly matters. Because sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself during the holidays is permission — to do it your way.
As life shifts and the years roll on, one thing becomes crystal clear — women need women. On Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce dives deep into the incredible power of female friendships in the later seasons of life. These are the bonds that carry us through loss, laughter, reinvention, and renewal — the soul connections that remind us we’re never walking this path alone. Drawing from Julia Cameron’s It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again, Joyce explores how meaningful friendships nourish not only the heart, but the spirit. Through honest conversation and real stories, she reveals how shared experiences — from morning coffee chats to weekend getaways — help women rediscover joy, purpose, and playfulness. As we age, our circles may grow smaller, but they grow stronger, richer, and more intentional. These friendships become lifelines — offering understanding, wisdom, and a safe space to simply be. Joyce reminds us that cultivating connection in this season of life brings deep peace, lasting fellowship, and a lot of laughter along the way. Tune in and celebrate the beauty of friendship — because together, women don’t just survive; we soar.
Living alone isn’t something to fear — it’s an opportunity to thrive. On Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce shares heartfelt, practical wisdom on how to turn solitude into a season of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you’ve recently divorced, lost a partner, or simply find yourself in a quieter home, Joyce shows how living alone can be not just peaceful — but profoundly fulfilling. Drawing inspiration from It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again by Julia Cameron, Joyce invites listeners to see solitude as sacred space — a time to reconnect with yourself, nurture creativity, and rediscover what truly brings you joy. She shares simple, life-affirming practices to fill your days with meaning: morning routines that center you, journaling to clarify your dreams, and creating rituals that make your home a haven. Living alone doesn’t have to feel lonely. With Joyce’s guidance, you’ll learn how to celebrate independence, cultivate gratitude, and find confidence in your own company. This is your time to flourish, not fade — to design a life that feels rich, purposeful, and completely your own.
When life throws you a curve — whether it’s divorce, the loss of a spouse or parent, or an empty nest that suddenly feels too quiet — it can feel like your story has ended. But as Joyce Buford reminds us on Second Wind with Joyce, every ending is simply an invitation to a new beginning. Drawing from Julia Cameron’s inspiring book It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again, Joyce guides listeners through the process of rediscovering purpose, joy, and creativity in the second half of life. Joyce’s compassionate, no-nonsense approach helps women turn pain into possibility. Through conversations, storytelling, and reflective exercises, she explores how journaling, morning pages, and simple moments of self-discovery can reignite the spark within. Whether you’re rebuilding after heartbreak, redefining your identity post-retirement, or reconnecting with your passions after years of caregiving, Joyce offers the roadmap — and the encouragement — to begin again with grace and grit. Your second wind isn’t a restart — it’s a rebirth. Tune in to Second Wind with Joyce Buford and discover how to transform life’s transitions into your most powerful chapter yet.
In this heartfelt episode of Second Wind with Joyce, host Joyce Buford invites listeners into her own experience of attending a sorority reunion in her 70s. With warmth and honesty, she shares the mix of emotions that come with walking back into a room full of familiar faces—some you haven’t seen in decades, some who remind you of your younger self, and all carrying their own stories of life’s twists and turns. Joyce offers thoughtful tips on how to prepare for reunions, both emotionally and practically: how to embrace nostalgia without getting stuck in it, how to manage comparisons and expectations, and how to focus on connection rather than judgment. She reminds us that reunions can be a time of healing, laughter, and even closure—if you walk in with the right mindset. Whether you’re heading to a high school, college, or sorority reunion—or even a family gathering—this episode will help you approach it with grace, humor, and an open heart. Joyce shows us that at any age, reunions are less about the past and more about celebrating who you’ve become.
On this deeply personal episode of Second Wind with Joyce, host Joyce Buford opens her heart about one of the toughest battles she’s faced—cancer. Diagnosed not once, but twice, Joyce takes listeners through her journey of resilience, courage, and healing. She shares candidly about her mastectomy, reconstruction, and the emotional and physical toll that comes with facing cancer head-on. More importantly, Joyce offers her wisdom to women walking the same road: the fear, the decisions, the recovery, and ultimately, the hope that comes from discovering strength you never knew you had. This conversation isn’t just about survival—it’s about learning to live fully and embrace the “second wind” that life offers after hardship. Whether you’re in the middle of your own health challenge or supporting a loved one, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. With grace, honesty, and encouragement, Joyce Buford shows us that even after a cancer diagnosis, there is life, joy, and renewal waiting on the other side.
When Joyce Buford heard the words “it’s back,” her world stopped. For the second time, she was facing breast cancer in the same breast. The fear was familiar, but so was her determination. On Second Wind with Joyce, she opens her heart about what it means to fight the same battle twice—how she leaned on faith, community, and her own inner strength to navigate the shock, the treatment, and the healing. With raw honesty and hope, Joyce shares the coping strategies that carried her through—from daily practices that kept her grounded, to the mindset shifts that helped her reclaim her power. Her story isn’t just about surviving cancer. It’s about choosing resilience, finding light in the darkest moments, and showing others that a “second wind” is always possible—even when life brings you to your knees.
What happens when the host becomes the guest? On this special episode of SecondWind, we flip the mic around and put Joyce Buford—life coach, speaker, and advocate for women in transition—in the hot seat. For years, Joyce has guided women through seasons of reinvention. This time, she shares her own story of transformation. We ask her the questions she usually asks others: What inspired SecondWind in the first place? How has podcasting changed her own journey as a coach and woman? What keeps women stuck in the second half of life—and how do we unstick ourselves? What advice does she give to women who feel invisible, exhausted, or overlooked? And how does she handle the emotional landmines of loss, betrayal, and starting over? This is more than a conversation—it’s a moment of reflection, celebration, and powerful honesty. If you’ve ever felt like you were too late, too tired, or too lost to begin again… this episode is for you.