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This week, I’m joined by Cliff Ravenscraft. He is one of the true pioneers of podcasting and a coach who has helped tens of thousands of people find their voice.
Today, he is helping people to build confidence and rethink what is possible in the second half of life. He truly believes the best years often begin when you decide to rewrite your story.
Cliff spent more than a decade in his family’s insurance business before discovering that his true calling wasn’t behind a desk, but rather behind a microphone.
What started as a podcasting hobby became a full-time career, launching him into coaching, entrepreneurship and global influence.
It was Cliff who patiently guided me into launching my first podcast almost 12 years ago.
Now in his 50s, Cliff is not slowing down. In fact, he’s returning to his roots with fresh energy and deeper clarity about what matters most.
This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone wondering how to step into a new mission later in life. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- First, why podcasting became Cliff’s passion and how he used it to transition out of a career that no longer fit what he wanted to do with his life.
- Second, the surprising moment when his father encouraged him to pursue his dream, and why that blessing made all the difference in Cliff’s success.
- Third, how Cliff helps people over 50 to discover purpose by reconnecting with what they really want and how journaling plays a key role in determining your desires.
- Fourth, what it means to operate in your “zone of genius” and how Cliff used that idea to restructure his life and reduce the hours he needs to work while increasing his impact.
- Finally, Cliff challenged me on the ways seasoned citizens who choose recreation and relaxation are still contributing to society, but in different ways that don’t involve work.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start something new, Cliff’s story will inspire you to think again.
He is a very busy guy for someone in his early 50s. A lifelong communicator and business/life coach, Cliff has helped more than 40,000 people launch podcasts or fine tune their businesses.
Now, he encourages others to find meaning and momentum after midlife.
Cliff reminded us that the second half of life isn’t just about doing less, rather it’s about doing what matters most to you.
Whether that’s starting a business, launching a podcast, or simply sharing your wisdom, Cliff believes your voice still has power after turning 50. In fact, your purpose may just be getting started.
Cliff also shared one of the most practical and freeing tools I’ve heard in a long time. He calls it the “50 Things I Want” exercise.
People write down 50 things they want to do, to own or to visit. It’s not prioritized, just a rambling list from the top of your mind.
The caveat is you cannot ask yourself if it is even possible to do or receive. Nor can you care what others think about what’s on your list.
From there, you narrow down the 50 to your Top 10 dreams, then prioritize that list into your Top 3 goals. At the end of the exercise, you will have your Top 3 goals, Top 10 dreams and Top 50 bucket list items.
If you’re feeling stuck, that journaling prompt could help you discover new clarity about who you are and what you want next.
That exercise prompted Cliff to take up amateur radio and utilize new technology to help other people get into podcasting or improve their shows.
To connect with Cliff directly, send him an email at cliff @ cliffravenscraft.com. You can also visit PodcastingAtoZ.com to learn about his next group coaching session, or go to CliffRavenscraft.com to explore his coaching and mastermind programs.
As Cliff said, the first 50 years were just preparation. The best part of your story might be just beginning.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
