Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray

Keep Digging with Dr. Smiti Nathan

 "Archeology isn't just about digging up the past—it's about understanding the present, empowering local voices, and uncovering the stories that shape our shared humanity."
In this thought-provoking and delightfully human conversation, Stacey sits down with Dr. Smiti Nathan, an archaeologist, educator, and storyteller who is redefining how we connect with history. Dr. Nathan shares her unexpected journey into archaeology, sparked by a high school career test, and how that path has led her from the classrooms of George Washington University to fieldwork in Ethiopia and Oman. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at what modern archaeology entails, breaking the myths of "Indiana Jones-style" exploration and emphasizing the importance of ethical practices, cultural respect, and community collaboration. Dr. Nathan also dives into her passion for public education and storytelling through her popular YouTube channel, where she brings overlooked aspects of history—like ancient menstruation practices and plant archaeology—to life.
With humor, humility, and insight, Dr. Nathan discusses everything from working with Omani women farmers to the challenges women still face in male-dominated academic fields. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of cultural travel, or someone curious about how stories shape our world, this episode is a must-listen.
What You'll Learn:
What archaeology really looks like beyond the Hollywood tropes
The difference between excavation, surveying, and laboratory work
How Dr. Nathan's research in Oman and Ethiopia reveals untold cultural narratives
Why cultural respect and local collaboration are non-negotiable in fieldwork
The role of storytelling in making history accessible and inclusive
How women are both reshaping and underrepresented in archaeological scholarship
The emotional and intellectual joys of building international research relationships
Dr. Smiti Nathan is an archaeologist, educator, and digital storyteller whose work spans continents and disciplines. She has conducted fieldwork in Ethiopia, Oman, Greece, and India, specializing in archaeological survey, GIS mapping, archaeobotany, and ethnoarchaeology. Dr. Nathan is also the creator behind a successful YouTube channel where she makes history accessible, engaging, and representative by highlighting overlooked topics and voices. Her mission is to use storytelling to connect people with the past in meaningful ways.
Connect with Dr. Smiti Nathan:
YouTube
Website: smitinathan.com
Instagram
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The Traveling Nanas: The Wild Adventures of Sandy & Ellie

"We don’t go on vacation. We go on adventures. And every adventure just revs us up for the next one."
In this extraordinary episode, host Stacey chats with the inspiring best friends Sandy and Ellie—aka "The Traveling Nanas"—about their unforgettable journey around the world in 80 days at age 81. What started as a whimsical idea became a viral sensation, leading to TV appearances, a book deal with Penguin Random House, and a platform to share their deep wisdom on friendship, loss, and fearless living. From run-ins with the KGB on the Trans-Siberian Railway to narrowly escaping Syria during the onset of war, Sandy and Ellie offer a masterclass in embracing adventure at any age. Their stories will make you laugh, cry, and reimagine what's possible, whether you're 31 or 81.
What You’ll Learn:
How to travel the world safely and affordably on a tight budget
Why second-class train seats and local inns make for the best travel stories
The magic of spontaneous friendship and universal connection
How to face grief and loss with courage and curiosity
The behind-the-scenes story of their book "Here We Go" and unexpected fame
Why age should never be a barrier to exploring the world
Sandy and Ellie - The Traveling NanasLifelong adventurers, Sandy and Ellie became best friends at age 60 through mission work in Zambia. In their 80s, they set out to travel the world in 80 days, earning viral fame for their joy, resilience, and zest for life. Their upcoming book, Here We Go, chronicles their travels and the transformative power of friendship and faith.
Connect with the Nanas:
Instagram: @thetravelingnanas
TikTok: @aroundtheworldat80 
YouTube: Around the World at 80 
Facebook: Around the World at 80 
Book: Here We Go (Penguin Random House)
On Kindle
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Cyberbullies vs. a Mother’s Love: The Erin Popolo Story

💙 Important Note: Today’s episode contains conversations about suicide. If this topic is sensitive for you, please take care while listening. If you need support, call 988 in the U.S. or reach out to crisis resources near you.
"When you hand your child the world through social media, you're also giving the world access to them."
In this heart-wrenching yet empowering episode, Stacey sits down with Erin Popolo, a courageous mother who shares the devastating story of losing her 17-year-old daughter, Emily, to suicide after relentless cyberbullying. Erin walks us through Emily's life—her gentle spirit, her struggles with mental illness, and the increasing isolation and cruelty she faced online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erin opens up about the unimaginable grief of that loss, the horrifying experience of her daughter's funeral being targeted by online bullies, and how she's transformed her pain into activism. From founding Emmy's Champions to advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), Erin is now on a mission to protect children and hold social media platforms accountable. This is an urgent, deeply human conversation about love, loss, and the power of purpose.
What You'll Learn:
The reality of cyberbullying and its psychological impact on teens
How COVID-19 and virtual learning exacerbated Emily's mental health challenges
The dangers of social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram
Why current laws do little to protect kids online and how KOSA aims to change that
Practical ways parents can recognize and respond to signs of online bullying
The importance of parental engagement and delaying kids' access to social media
How to be an "upstander" and teach children empathy and kindness
Erin Popolo is a devoted mother turned activist following the tragic loss of her daughter Emily to suicide in 2021. Erin is the founder of Emmy's Champions, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about cyberbullying and mental health, offering scholarships, and organizing community events like the annual Kindness Fair. She also works with national organizations such as Parents for Safe Online Spaces (PSOS) and advocates for federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Through her relentless work, Erin is fighting to ensure no other parent has to endure the pain she lives with daily.
Follow & Support Erin:
Emmy's Champions: www.emmyschampions.com
Parents for Safe Online Spaces (PSOS): www.parentssos.org/
Instagram: @emmyschampions
Facebook: Emmy's Champions
Resources & Links:
Mallory's Army: https://mallorysarmy.org
Attitudes in Reverse: https://air.ngo
If this episode moved you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and follow the podcast. More importantly, visit the PSOS website to learn how you can support the Kids Online Safety Act. Contact your representatives. Be part of the change. Protect our children. #BeKind #EmmysChampions #PassKOSA
#Cyberbullying #StopCyberbullying #OnlineSafety #DigitalWellbeing #KindnessOnline
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Pregnant, Penniless, and Powerful: Wendy Alexander’s Turning Point

"When a woman finds her strength and continues to go, she will eventually succeed."
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Stacey sits down with Wendy Alexander—career coach, activist, and survivor—to explore her extraordinary life journey. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Wendy shares how early encounters with racial injustice shaped her spirit of resistance and ultimately forged the foundation of her purpose. From leading youth protests to surviving domestic violence and financial ruin, Wendy’s story is one of incredible resilience and radical reinvention.
Listeners will gain intimate insight into Wendy’s transition from surviving trauma to thriving as a successful career strategist, author, and global coach. Along the way, she reveals how midlife women can reclaim their confidence, purpose, and power in a rapidly evolving world—and why it’s never too late to begin again. Wendy speaks candidly about motherhood, mental health, menopause, starting over, and her passion for lifting others into lives they love.
What You’ll Learn:
What it was like to grow up during apartheid in South AfricaHow trauma impacts identity, self-worth, and decision-making
Strategies for rebuilding after domestic violence, financial hardship, and personal loss
The importance of therapy and self-inquiry in healing and transformation
How to approach job hunting, networking, and negotiation with authenticity
Why midlife is the perfect time for career reinvention
How to integrate AI into your professional life without fear
The value of emotional intelligence in leadership and life
Wendy Alexander is a globally recognized career strategist, writer, and speaker who empowers midlife professionals to reboot their careers with purpose and passion. Having endured and overcome systemic racism, financial loss, and personal trauma, Wendy brings lived experience and deep compassion to her coaching work. Her business, Happy Career Hub, helps clients across Australia and around the world navigate professional transitions with confidence and clarity.
Connect with Wendy:
Website: HappyCareerHub.com
LinkedIn: Wendy Alexander
If this episode sparked something in you—whether it inspired, challenged, or opened your eyes to new possibilities—don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a thoughtful review, and share it with someone who could benefit from Wendy’s journey. For more behind-the-scenes moments and a sneak peek at future guests, join us on social media.
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Midlife Without Borders: From Foreign Service to Finding Home — Alison Krupnick

"Big and small dreams are worth paying attention to – everyone deserves joy, however they choose to find it."
In this deeply moving and empowering episode, Stacey reconnects with her cousin, Alison Krupnick, whose life story unfolds across continents, careers, and challenges. From her time as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer working on the frontlines of refugee resettlement, to navigating multiple cancer diagnoses, to her bold relocation to Portugal, Alison shares how she continually embraced change, pursued meaning, and reclaimed joy. The conversation traverses topics like international diplomacy, healthcare inequity, the reinvention of identity post-career and motherhood, and the healing power of food and community. With warmth and insight, Alison offers a rare perspective on resilience, adaptability, and making a new life on your own terms.
What You’ll Learn:
What it means to live through reinvention multiple times in a single lifetime
Insights into the life and responsibilities of a Foreign Service Officer
The emotional weight of approving or denying refugee cases
Navigating multiple cancer diagnoses and how the U.S. healthcare system fails many
The power of empathy, perspective, and rediscovering purpose later in life
What it takes to move abroad and build a meaningful new life
How food became a thread connecting identity, creativity, and joy
Alison Krupnick is a writer, former Foreign Service Officer, education advocate, and expat currently living in Portugal. With a career that has spanned international diplomacy, communications, and community organizing, Alison is also the author of Ruminations from the Minivan: Musings from a World Grown Large, Then Small. Her essays have been featured in publications such as the Harvard Review and The New York Times. Alison writes a Substack newsletter and continues to explore life through travel, cooking, and cultural immersion.
Connect with Alison:
Book: Ruminations from the Minivan
On Kindle
Substack: https://alisonkrupnick.substack.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akrupnick/
If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟
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The Real Cost of Caregiving—and Why AARP’s Amy Goyer Still Chooses Love

“Caregiving isn’t about perfection—it’s about doing your best, choosing to care, and finding ways to keep your own tank full along the way.”
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Amy Goyer, AARP's National Family and Caregiving Expert, shares her decades-long journey of caring for multiple family members while also working full-time. From supporting her grandparents with Alzheimer's to navigating her parents' complex health issues, and even serving as the primary caregiver for her sister, Amy's story is filled with lessons on resilience, love, loss, and the critical importance of self-care. She and host Stacey explore the emotional realities of caregiving, including guilt, relief, burnout, and the importance of community support. Amy also offers practical resources from AARP, tips on legal and financial planning, and strategies for filling your own “tank” so you can better care for others. This is a must-listen for anyone in the caregiving role or preparing for it.
What You’ll Learn:
How caregiving often chooses you—and how to adapt when it does.
Why self-care isn’t selfish and how to integrate it into your daily routine.
Navigating the emotional complexities of guilt, grief, and relief.
Practical tips for legal, financial, and long-term care planning.
How to access and leverage AARP's wealth of caregiver resources.
The power of connecting with other caregivers for support and shared wisdom.
Amy Goyer is AARP's National Family and Caregiving Expert, with over 40 years of experience working in the field of aging and caregiving. She has personally cared for her grandparents, parents, and sister, giving her a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Amy is the author of multiple books, including Juggling Work and Caregiving, and is a sought-after speaker and advocate for family caregivers nationwide.
#caregivertips #AARP
Connect with Amy:
Facebook Group: AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group
Book: Juggling Work and Caregiving
Book On Kindle
Social Media 
Linked In
Facebook
Instagram
x.com/amygoyer 
Youtube 
If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟
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I Got Old, Darling with Constance McCashin

Hollywood, Hormones & Reinventing Life After 50
In this poignant and wildly engaging episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey sits down with the ever-insightful and endlessly witty Constance McCashin. Best known for her role as Laura Avery on the long-running primetime soap Knots Landing, Constance opens up about her bold pivot from Hollywood actress to licensed therapist. Together, they explore themes of aging in the spotlight, the marginalization of mature women in media, the deeply personal influence of her sister with Down syndrome, and the profound power of human connection. This is more than a conversation—it’s a tribute to resilience, humor, and the audacity to reinvent.
What You'll Learn:
Why Constance McCashin left a successful acting career for mental health advocacy
The challenges and triumphs of aging in an image-obsessed industry
How her sister's life shaped her path as a special education teacher and therapist
Behind-the-scenes tales from Knots Landing and working with Hollywood legends
Insight into the realities of eating disorders, therapy, and the human need for connection
The unique intersection of acting and psychotherapy
Constance McCashin is an American actress and licensed clinical social worker. She gained national fame portraying Laura Avery on Knots Landing for nine seasons and later transitioned into a second career in mental health. Holding multiple advanced degrees, including in psychology and social work, Constance now practices as a therapist specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma. Her approach blends warmth, humor, and deep empathy—qualities that shine through both her on-screen performances and therapeutic work.
Connect with Constance McCashin:
IMDb Profile
Knots Landing Reunion Interview (YouTube)
If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟
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Born to Stand-Up: Why It’s Never Too Late to Be Funny

"It’s never too late to find your marvelous."
In this inspiring and laugh-out-loud episode, Stacey sits down with Felicia Madison, stand-up comedian, comedy booker, and the force behind the West Side Comedy Club and FUNY (Funny University of New York). Once a stay-at-home mom who felt like something was missing, Felicia took a leap in her 50s to try stand-up comedy—and never looked back. From her first class to running a top NYC club, Felicia shares how she transformed midlife uncertainty into a thriving comedy career. The two delve into ageism in comedy, the thrill (and terror) of open mics, and the surprising joy of being a late bloomer. Full of wit, wisdom, and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if it's too late to start over.
What You’ll Learn:
Why it's never too late to discover your passion
How Felicia went from comedy student to club booker and performer
The realities and rewards of being a woman in comedy later in life
How comedy helps women reclaim visibility and voice in midlife
Felicia’s insights on talent, tenacity, and why kindness matters in showbiz
Tips for women over 50 who want to try stand-up (or anything new!)
Felicia Madison is a New York-based comedian, producer, talent booker, and founder of Funny University of New York (FUNY). She began her comedy career in her 50s after years as a stay-at-home mom, quickly rising in the scene with her signature observational wit and savvy show production. She now runs the West Side Comedy Club, nurturing rising comedians and bringing diverse voices to the stage. Her YouTube special "Better Than Sex" has garnered thousands of views and she recently appeared on the new pilot of "America's Funniest People."
Connect with Felicia:
Website: feliciamadison.com
Instagram: @feliciamadisoncomedian
YouTube: Felicia Madison Comedy
West Side Comedy Club: westsidecomedyclub.com
If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟
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She Turned $100K in Debt Into Confidence and Control – Cat Ford-Coates

"Photography creates legacy on both sides of the lens. When it captures your essence, it proves that version of you exists."
In this inspiring episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey chats with internationally awarded Master Photographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Cat Ford-Coates. From a bullied teen to a global visual storyteller, Cat shares her unconventional journey into portrait photography, her brief detour into opera and sake brewing, and how photography ultimately became her soul-aligned calling. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of seeing and being seen. Learn how Cat empowers individuals and fellow creatives through powerful imagery and business mentorship, redefining success one portrait at a time.
What You’ll Learn:
How Cat Ford-Coates turned personal pain into creative power
Why transformational portrait photography is more than "just a picture"
The story behind Cat’s pivot from sake brewing to building a thriving photography business
How she's helping photographers go from struggling to six-figure success
Insights into pricing, boundaries, and valuing creative work without apology
Why visibility matters, especially for women and mothers
How confidence and authenticity fuel business and legacy
Cat Ford-Coates Cat Ford-Coates is one of only a handful of internationally awarded Fellow Master Photographers with The Portrait Masters. As CEO of Atelier Unforgettable in Asheville, NC, Cat leads with artistry and intention—creating legacy-driven portraits and brand campaigns for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. Beyond the studio, she’s a sought-after speaker, educator, and founder of The Studio Takeover, a business coaching platform empowering photographers to master both craft and commerce. Her work has earned multiple Telly and Communicator Awards and has been featured on FOX, NBC, CBS, and more.
Connect with Cat:
Website: catfordcoates.com
Atelier Unforgettable: atelierunforgettable.com
Instagram: @catfordcoates
The Studio Takeover: thestudiotakeover.com
If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟
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Prove Them Wrong: Ellen Busch Reclaims Her Power

"From academic death sentence to unstoppable resilience, Ellen Busch reveals how she rewrote her life story."
In this powerful and transformative episode, host Stacey sits down with Ellen Busch—author, coach, speaker, and survivor—to explore her remarkable journey of overcoming dyslexia, surviving an abusive marriage, and forging a life of empowerment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a time when it was poorly understood, Ellen was told she had no future. 
With the unwavering support of her parents, she defied expectations, earning advanced degrees and excelling in healthcare and technology. Her story takes a turn through deep personal trauma, including psychological abuse, before she discovers strength, healing, and transformation through rigorous self-development programs, including training with retired Navy SEALs. Ellen's story is one of hope, resilience, and an unshakable belief that it's never too late to reclaim your power.
What You'll Learn:
The impact of early labels and how they can shape self-worth
Practical strategies for overcoming learning differences like dyslexia
The warning signs and psychological traps of narcissistic abuse
The power of consistent breath practice and holistic healing
How elite-level training can foster confidence and resilience
Why it's never too late to reclaim your life and redefine your story
Ellen Busch is an American author, coach, and speaker best known for her memoir, (dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence Into My Life’s Greatest Adventure. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Ellen overcame tremendous odds to become a champion for dyslexia awareness and domestic abuse survivors. Her professional background includes roles in the medical technology industry, and she holds a bachelor's in Health Science and an MBA. Ellen also trains in elite personal development programs led by Navy SEALs and is a certified Unbeatable Mind coach. She currently lives in Colorado, embracing her love for skiing and the outdoors.
Connect with Ellen:
Official Website: https://www.ellenbusch.com/
Instagram: @ellenbusch1500/
Facebook: @ellen.busch.2025/
Empowered by Ellen Busch on Amazon
Empowered by Ellen Busch (Kindle)
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