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Today’s guest is Jim Hinckley. He is a lifelong traveler, storyteller, historian and the founder of Jim Hinckley’s America.
Jim is best known for his deep knowledge of Route 66. But, his story is really about what happens when you stop living on autopilot and choose curiosity, connection and contribution later in life.
In our conversation, Jim shares how reaching his 50s forced him to rethink what success really meant and why chasing meaning mattered more than chasing things.
Here are a few key takeaways from my conversation with Jim.
- First, Jim explains how turning 50 brought a new awareness that life is too short to stay stuck, and how that realization pushed him to build a life centered on travel, storytelling and service.
- Second, he talks about why travel is not just about adventure, but about discovering America’s diversity, breaking out of our bubbles and realizing how much we have in common.
- Third, Jim shares why staying relevant after 50 means learning new skills, embracing technology and being willing to reinvent yourself, even when the learning curve feels steep.
- Fourth, he explains how storytelling, whether through books, podcasts or conversations with strangers in cafes, gives life purpose by preserving history, building community and inspiring others to explore.
- Finally, Jim reminds us that getting older does not mean becoming irrelevant. It can mean becoming freer, more open and more willing to mentor, encourage and contribute in new ways.
You’ll really enjoy Jim’s wisdom, humor and perspective on living fully after 50.
He is the author of more than 20 books, and a passionate advocate for travel, storytelling and community.
What stood out to me most about Jim’s story is how clearly he sees his purpose at this stage of life.
For him, meaning comes from the people he meets on the road, the friendships he has built around the world, and the opportunity to inspire others to explore America and their own possibilities.
After turning 50, Jim chose curiosity over comfort. He chose contribution over accumulation. And he chose to keep learning, adapting and sharing his gifts, even when it meant stepping into unfamiliar territory with technology, writing and public speaking.
Jim’s message is a great reminder that experience and wisdom matters, and there is always something meaningful we can offer, whether that is mentoring, teaching, writing, traveling or simply bringing people together.
If you would like to learn more about Jim, follow his travels or connect with his work, you can find him at www.jimhinckleysamerica.com.
You can also listen to his Coffee with Jim podcast, where conversations feel more like sitting down in a diner and talking about life, travel and the American story.
You can reach Jim directly by email at jimhinkley @ jimhinckleysamerica.com. All 20 of Jim’s books, including his newest titled “Route 66: 100 Years” and “The Route 66 Encyclopedia,” are available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
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.
