The Amazing Authorities Podcast

Episode Summary: The Power of Staying Visible: How Andy Lyons Turns Age, Experience, and Community Into a Podcasting Advantage

Host: Mitch Carson
Guest: Andy Lyons
Date: December 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this dynamic and insightful episode, host Mitch Carson welcomes Andy Lyons, serial entrepreneur, podcaster, and champion for pro-aging visibility. Together, they unravel the power of embracing age, leveraging decades of experience, and fostering community—particularly through podcasting. The conversation demystifies societal assumptions about seniors, challenges ageist tech stereotypes, and offers actionable strategies for staying vibrant, connected, and relevant in business and life. Andy also shares the story behind founding the New England Podcasters Group and offers hands-on advice for launching and sustaining a podcast, no matter your age or background.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Embracing Age and Experience as Strength

• The Problem with Hiding Age (01:15–04:14):
  • Andy passionately advocates owning your age instead of minimizing it.

    “The minute you start cutting off some decades and years, you're minimalizing the incredible depth of experiences, lived experiences, and institutional knowledge that you have built over decades. So we just say 65 is 65 or 70 is 70. We embrace this.” — Andy (01:23)

  • She references the World Health Organization’s declaration of retirement as an epidemic, emphasizing the need for ongoing purpose and contribution post-retirement.

Retirement Redefined & The Value of Lifelong Engagement

• Find Passion and Purpose Post-Retirement (04:14–07:26):
  • Both Mitch and Andy debunk the notion that retirement means the end of productivity or learning.

    “If the mind shuts down, the body follows. The mind is our guide.” — Mitch (04:30)

  • Andy highlights striking stories from her podcast "Don’t Be Caged By Your Age," including a guest who became the oldest female ninja athlete in the Guinness Book at 72.

Neuroplasticity & Continuous Learning

• Your Brain Never Stops Growing (05:56–07:00):
  • Andy explains that brains remain “firing on all cylinders” well into later life; lifelong learning is not just possible but essential.

Transitioning from Career to Passion Projects

• Capitalizing on Hidden Talents (07:00–09:32):
  • Andy shares inspiring anecdotes, such as a CPA-turned-successful voice actor at 72.
  • Resources like “Don’t Retire, Rewire” are mentioned for discovering new directions.

Breaking Stereotypes About Senior “Tech Challenges”

• Boomers are Tech Legends (11:44–14:38):
  • Andy shares her viral article, emphasizing that Baby Boomers have consistently adapted and innovated technologically (“manual typewriters to coding to smartphones”).

    “No generation has had to adjust and adapt to technology like ours.” — Andy (12:48)

  • Mitch underscores that assuming elders are “tech challenged” is a limiting, learned mindset.

The Power of Podcasting & Community for Mature Professionals

• The Loneliness of Podcasters and Need for Community (16:22–18:18):

  • Podcasting, while innovative, can be isolating. Andy recognized the need and created the New England Podcasters Group.

    “As we age, finding community is so important. It is the number one ingredient for longevity.” — Andy (16:37)

• Building the New England Podcasters Group (18:18–22:02):

  • Andy describes the organic birth of the group, the use of Facebook and Eventbrite for growth, and the community-focused format with regular meetups and “huddles.”
  • Monetization through memberships ($100/year) ensures sustainability.

• Hybrid Connections and Growth (22:02–24:28):

  • Combining in-person and virtual options, the group now has 40 paid members and consistent monthly attendance.
  • Sponsors and platform discounts help sustain the community.

Podcast Events and the Indie Podcast Movement

• Comparing Podcast Conferences (27:55–30:48):
  • Andy contrasts PodFest (attendee-centric, inclusive) with Podcast Movement (larger, more corporate)—emphasizing the value of community networking.
  • Insights into how major conferences are evolving post-pandemic.

What Makes Mega-Podcasters Like Mel Robbins Successful

• The Long Road to Podcast Stardom (30:48–34:10):
  • Mitch and Andy dissect how figures like Mel Robbins and Joe Rogan leverage previous careers, consistent speaking, and brand clarity—not just downloads.

    “Mel Robbins… just worked the speaking crowd big time. She wrote some books. She then… used this wonderful platform to share a bigger voice of self improvement.” — Andy (31:19)

  • For indie podcasters: Redefining success, focusing on engaged audiences rather than just numbers.

How to Start a Podcast: Andy’s Advice

• Accessible Tools and Mindset (35:12–39:53):
  • Andy demystifies podcast tech with practical steps: hire a producer if needed, use intuitive tools (Riverside, Buzzsprout), practice, and have grace as you improve.
  • She encourages new podcasters to batch-record at least 8 episodes before launching.

    “You just have to have grace with yourself because like anything else you learn, you’re not good in the beginning and that’s okay.” — Andy (37:58)

Skill Building, Practice, and the Art of Conversation

• The Value of Repetition (39:17–40:36):
  • Mitch likens mastering podcasting to martial arts—“reps” are key.
• Extemporaneous Interview Skills (40:36–41:37):
  • Andy discusses how podcasters and speakers alike learn to be authentic and relaxed by doing, not just planning.

Tech Tools and Hosting Platforms

• Choosing Platforms and Evolving Tech Needs (41:46–44:36):
  • Andy details her shift to Riverside for its integrated editing, clip creation, and AI features. She reviews the pros and cons of various tools (Opus Clips, Descript, Streamyard).

Fostering Generosity and Brand Visibility

• Giveaways & Group Culture (27:28–28:53):
  • Andy shares fun touches like personalized bobbleheads and “age out loud and proud” buttons that reinforce community spirit.

Final Takeaways & Ways to Connect

• Staying Vibrant and Visible (45:01–end):
  • Andy invites listeners to engage virtually or in-person with the New England Podcasters Group.
  • Key links: NewEnglandPodcasters.group

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Don’t be caged by your age. Put it out there. Don’t be afraid to be the oldest person in the room.” — Andy (00:52)
• “Retirement is an epidemic, costing societies billions of dollars… after a certain point, what are you going to do, sit there and binge on Netflix? No, you’re going to listen to Mitch, find out how to write a book…” — Andy (02:09)
• “We now have… our energy portfolio that needs real management.” — Andy (08:03)
• “Boomers are tech legends, not tech challenged.” — Andy (11:48)
• “As we age, finding community is so important. It is the number one ingredient for longevity.” — Andy (16:37)
• “Redefine what a successful podcast looks like. Imagine a room of 50 or 100 people—if they showed up for you every week, wouldn’t that be amazing?” — Andy (33:15)

Important Timestamps

• Embracing Age as Value: 01:15–04:14
• Retirement Redefined: 04:14–07:26
• Brain Health & Continuous Learning: 05:56–07:00
• Tech Stereotypes Debunked: 11:44–14:38
• Podcasting Community & New England Group: 16:22–22:02
• Podcast Event Comparisons: 27:55–30:48
• Mega-Podcasters’ Secrets: 30:48–34:10
• Launching a Podcast - How-To: 35:12–39:53
• Recommended Tools & Platforms: 41:46–44:36

Connect with Andy Lyons & New England Podcasters Group

• Website: NewEnglandPodcasters.group
• Instagram: @NewEnglandPodcastersGroup
• Virtual Huddles & Membership: Open to all, with monthly in-person and Zoom options.

Andy’s message is clear: Age is an asset, not a liability. By staying visible and connected—especially through podcasting—anyone can find community, purpose, and fulfillment at any life stage.