unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode: Still Bobbi: Bobbi Brown on Reinvention, Midlife Entrepreneurship & Finding Purpose After 60
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Guest: Bobbi Brown (Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, Author of "Still Bobbi")
Host: Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode Overview

In this rich, candid conversation, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with makeup and business icon Bobbi Brown to explore themes of reinvention, entrepreneurship in midlife, navigating menopause, aging with purpose, and building a legacy after 60. Drawing on Bobbi's new memoir "Still Bobbi," the discussion moves seamlessly through personal stories, challenges faced by women as they age, the myth of "anti-aging," generational shifts, and actionable advice for women looking to launch new ventures or simply embrace the second half of life with vitality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rejecting the "Anti-Aging" Narrative (01:55)

Bobbi's take: Aging is inevitable; focus should be on vibrancy, not erasing years.
- Quote: “There isn't such a thing [as anti-aging]...nothing's going to anti-age you. There’s things that'll age you quicker, like smoking… But I'm a liver. I just want to be more vibrant and I do that through makeup, what I put in my body, and a positive attitude.” (01:55 – 02:33)
Dr. Haver’s commentary: The abundance of anti-aging advertising is frustrating and misleading for women.

2. Early Influences & Family Resilience (05:05 – 07:28)

Chicago roots: Bobbi reflects on her upbringing, her entrepreneurial grandfather Papa Sam, and the early lessons in business and customer care she absorbed unknowingly.
Strong Partnership: Bobbi’s husband Steve is her partner in both life and business—“a dream catcher” who supports her visions.
- Quote: “I love my husband. He’s always there for me. He calms me down. He also is a dream catcher... and he starts building it.” (06:56–07:28)

3. Creativity and Loss—Personal Family Stories (07:28 – 09:41)

Creative family legacies: Both Dr. Haver and Bobbi share stories of siblings lost to HIV, their impacts, and the pivotal moments that led Dr. Haver to take risks.
Purpose through loss: “A life in creativity… is a life of passion.” (08:59) — Bobbi Brown

4. Starting a Beauty Revolution (10:17 – 13:25)

The no-makeup makeup movement: Bobbi’s signature natural style emerged not from strategy but from practical experimentation and a desire to make women look like their best selves.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ origin story: From selling custom lipsticks out of her home to a chance conversation that led to placement at Bergdorf Goodman and eventual acquisition by Estée Lauder (with a 25-year noncompete).

5. Midlife is Not the End—It’s the Sweet Spot (13:25 – 15:31)

Both Bobbi and Dr. Haver recount how their younger selves saw 60 as retirement age, but now find these years to be the most productive and purposeful.
- Quote: “I couldn’t imagine…like I didn’t have a model…of a woman working on purpose at 60.” — Dr. Haver (13:44)
Bobbi’s transition from corporate leadership to launching Jones Road Beauty after honoring her noncompete.

6. Reinvention after "Losing It All" (15:31 – 18:09)

Emotional journey after exiting her namesake brand: Bobbi speaks openly about feeling lost, the importance of processing grief, the support of friends, and her innate inability to be idle.
- Quote: “I took two whole days off... It was a tough time. And I want people to understand it’s normal to feel bad…and it’s what you do with the information that matters.” (15:36)
Recovery through action: MasterClass, keynote speaking, and dipping back into her passions to find direction.

7. Launching Jones Road Beauty During Adversity (21:56 – 23:36)

Timing: Bobbi launched Jones Road Beauty the day her noncompete expired—amid a pandemic and political upheaval.
Finding the brand name: “I see Jones Road… and I don’t know why, I just blurted out, Jones Road Beauty. And my husband said, I like it. And it was available, and that was it.” (22:48 – 23:36)
Defying naysayers: Pushed ahead despite universal doubts about timing—living true to her scrappy roots.

8. Beauty for Every Age—But Especially for "Us" (24:59 – 26:29)

No defined demographic, but a keen understanding of menopausal and mature skin needs.
Miracle Balm success story: Developed for all ages, but especially celebrated by Dr. Haver and others with maturing, drier skin.
- Quote: “It’s a skin care and makeup in one…It became a pretty much overnight success.” (24:59)

9. Entrepreneurship, Grit, and the Love of the Scrappy Stage (27:13 – 29:53)

Motivation: Bobbi’s drive comes from curiosity and the desire to always improve—not financial need.
- Quote: “I don’t have to work. I work because I love what I do. I’m competitive with myself.” (27:25)
On analysis paralysis: “I don’t like to be stuck... I drink water, I put on music, I dance. It literally unsticks me.” (29:28)

10. Fear, Failure & Resilience (32:44 – 33:37)

Bobbi's philosophy: Failure isn’t real—just redirection.
- Quote: “What is failure?...That just means it’s a big message to do something else. And you learn, especially if you learn from it.” (32:44)

11. Family, Intergenerational Connection & Evolving Definitions of Success (49:21 – 51:51)

Redefining success: Now focused on family, relationships with children and their partners, and communicating effectively.
- Quote: “I love [my daughters-in-law]…we've all really grown and learned and communicated how to work together better...the secret is communication.” (50:18)

12. Staying Mentally and Physically Vibrant (57:31 – 58:41)

Rejecting “retirement”: Both Bobbi and Dr. Haver see constant creation, movement, and connection as keys to joyful, healthy aging.
- Quote: “No one retires. They just shift into doing something else. Even if that’s golf or tennis, that’s what you’re doing now. You’re not retired.” (57:14)

13. Menopause, Medical Advocacy, and Aging Well (59:25 – 62:35)

Bobbi's health transformation: On hormone therapy since perimenopause, emphasizing building the right medical team (functional/integrative + conventional).
- Quote: “It was like a miracle…and I’ve not been off it since… I just feel like I think it keeps me young.” (60:01)
Importance of weights: Regrets over doing only aerobics in youth, now promotes strength training for younger women. (64:03)

14. Advice for Entrepreneurs & Women in Midlife (55:37 – 57:04)

Just start: Evaluate your idea, test, iterate—and realize not everyone needs or is suited to be a founder.
- Quote: “Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur…Well, it’s not for everybody… and a lot of founders need a second person to make sure they are dream catchers.” (55:37)

15. “Unpausing” — Living Unapologetically in the Second Half (68:18 – 68:43)

Permission to live fully: “I think I’ve just given myself permission to do whatever I feel like doing, whatever it is.” (68:18)
Bobbi’s goal: To live joyfully, stay active, and prioritize the people and passions that matter most.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On “anti-aging”: “I want to be more vibrant…not looking to use the term anti-age at all.” — Bobbi Brown (01:55)
On reinvention: “I had no agenda…I didn’t know if anyone would care about me ever again.” — Bobbi Brown (17:35)
On personal loss as a catalyst for change: “That was kind of my big lightning bolt moment to give myself the okay to pivot. 'Cause life's too short.” — Dr. Haver (09:21)
On launching Jones Road Beauty: “People said ‘don’t do it’… I needed to do it.” — Bobbi Brown (22:07)
On entrepreneurship & perseverance: “I don’t let go of something that I want until I get it.” — Bobbi Brown (27:57)
On defining success after 60: “The secret is communication on everything.” — Bobbi Brown (51:12)
On “retirement”: “Retired sounds like some old person sitting in a chair and that’s the quickest way to die.” — Dr. Haver & Bobbi Brown (57:31 – 57:35)
On generational shifts and learning from the young: “I love surrounding myself with a lot of young people…I love teaching, but I also love learning from them.” — Bobbi Brown (53:47)
Advice to younger women: “Instead of wasting your time with aerobics, do weights…It's not about how skinny you are; it's about how strong you are.” — Bobbi Brown (63:59)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

01:55 – Bobbi on "anti-aging" and true vibrance.
06:08 – Papa Sam's lessons: business and dignity.
09:32 – Life pivots from family loss and creativity.
13:25 – Having no models for working women over 60.
15:36 – Grieving the loss of her eponymous brand.
22:48 – Jones Road Beauty: Naming the next venture.
24:59 – Developing Miracle Balm and aiming for universal appeal.
29:28 – Getting unstuck: Small actions move you forward.
32:44 – Philosophy on failure: Just redirection, not defeat.
50:18 – Defining success by family and communication.
55:37 – Entrepreneurial advice: Validate the idea and “just do it.”
59:36 – Bobbi’s personal menopause journey and advocacy.
63:59 – Weight training over aerobics for longevity.
68:18 – Permission to live freely in the unpaused years.

Takeaways for Listeners

Aging isn’t something to “fight” or “reverse”—it’s a platform for reinvention and vibrancy.
Entrepreneurship can (and does!) happen at any age, often driven by purpose, not necessity.
Resilience is built through experiencing setbacks, trusting your gut, and maintaining strong support systems.
Success in midlife is defined by inner fulfillment, relationships, and the freedom to do what feels meaningful.
Physical and mental health are intertwined—movement, nutrition, good medical care, and meaningful connection are essential.
It's never too late to reinvent yourself, and sometimes the best time is the time society says you should “slow down.”

Resources Mentioned

Still Bobbi by Bobbi Brown (memoir)
Bobbi Brown’s beauty lines: Jones Road Beauty
Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s: The New Perimenopause (book), The Pause Life (education platform)
Institute for Integrative Nutrition (health coaching)
National Academy of Culinary Medicine (culinary medicine program at Tulane)

Recommended For

Women navigating midlife or menopause seeking inspiration
Anyone contemplating a career or life shift at any age
Entrepreneurs of all stages—especially those “starting again”
Supporters, caregivers, and family members of aging parents or partners
Medical professionals and advocates for women’s health

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rejecting the "Anti-Aging" Narrative (01:55)

Bobbi's take: Aging is inevitable; focus should be on vibrancy, not erasing years.
- Quote: “There isn't such a thing [as anti-aging]...nothing's going to anti-age you. There’s things that'll age you quicker, like smoking… But I'm a liver. I just want to be more vibrant and I do that through makeup, what I put in my body, and a positive attitude.” (01:55 – 02:33)
Dr. Haver’s commentary: The abundance of anti-aging advertising is frustrating and misleading for women.

2. Early Influences & Family Resilience (05:05 – 07:28)

Chicago roots: Bobbi reflects on her upbringing, her entrepreneurial grandfather Papa Sam, and the early lessons in business and customer care she absorbed unknowingly.
Strong Partnership: Bobbi’s husband Steve is her partner in both life and business—“a dream catcher” who supports her visions.
- Quote: “I love my husband. He’s always there for me. He calms me down. He also is a dream catcher... and he starts building it.” (06:56–07:28)

3. Creativity and Loss—Personal Family Stories (07:28 – 09:41)

Creative family legacies: Both Dr. Haver and Bobbi share stories of siblings lost to HIV, their impacts, and the pivotal moments that led Dr. Haver to take risks.
Purpose through loss: “A life in creativity… is a life of passion.” (08:59) — Bobbi Brown

4. Starting a Beauty Revolution (10:17 – 13:25)

The no-makeup makeup movement: Bobbi’s signature natural style emerged not from strategy but from practical experimentation and a desire to make women look like their best selves.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ origin story: From selling custom lipsticks out of her home to a chance conversation that led to placement at Bergdorf Goodman and eventual acquisition by Estée Lauder (with a 25-year noncompete).

5. Midlife is Not the End—It’s the Sweet Spot (13:25 – 15:31)

Both Bobbi and Dr. Haver recount how their younger selves saw 60 as retirement age, but now find these years to be the most productive and purposeful.
- Quote: “I couldn’t imagine…like I didn’t have a model…of a woman working on purpose at 60.” — Dr. Haver (13:44)
Bobbi’s transition from corporate leadership to launching Jones Road Beauty after honoring her noncompete.

6. Reinvention after "Losing It All" (15:31 – 18:09)

Emotional journey after exiting her namesake brand: Bobbi speaks openly about feeling lost, the importance of processing grief, the support of friends, and her innate inability to be idle.
- Quote: “I took two whole days off... It was a tough time. And I want people to understand it’s normal to feel bad…and it’s what you do with the information that matters.” (15:36)
Recovery through action: MasterClass, keynote speaking, and dipping back into her passions to find direction.

7. Launching Jones Road Beauty During Adversity (21:56 – 23:36)

Timing: Bobbi launched Jones Road Beauty the day her noncompete expired—amid a pandemic and political upheaval.
Finding the brand name: “I see Jones Road… and I don’t know why, I just blurted out, Jones Road Beauty. And my husband said, I like it. And it was available, and that was it.” (22:48 – 23:36)
Defying naysayers: Pushed ahead despite universal doubts about timing—living true to her scrappy roots.

8. Beauty for Every Age—But Especially for "Us" (24:59 – 26:29)

No defined demographic, but a keen understanding of menopausal and mature skin needs.
Miracle Balm success story: Developed for all ages, but especially celebrated by Dr. Haver and others with maturing, drier skin.
- Quote: “It’s a skin care and makeup in one…It became a pretty much overnight success.” (24:59)

9. Entrepreneurship, Grit, and the Love of the Scrappy Stage (27:13 – 29:53)

Motivation: Bobbi’s drive comes from curiosity and the desire to always improve—not financial need.
- Quote: “I don’t have to work. I work because I love what I do. I’m competitive with myself.” (27:25)
On analysis paralysis: “I don’t like to be stuck... I drink water, I put on music, I dance. It literally unsticks me.” (29:28)

10. Fear, Failure & Resilience (32:44 – 33:37)

Bobbi's philosophy: Failure isn’t real—just redirection.
- Quote: “What is failure?...That just means it’s a big message to do something else. And you learn, especially if you learn from it.” (32:44)

11. Family, Intergenerational Connection & Evolving Definitions of Success (49:21 – 51:51)

Redefining success: Now focused on family, relationships with children and their partners, and communicating effectively.
- Quote: “I love [my daughters-in-law]…we've all really grown and learned and communicated how to work together better...the secret is communication.” (50:18)

12. Staying Mentally and Physically Vibrant (57:31 – 58:41)

Rejecting “retirement”: Both Bobbi and Dr. Haver see constant creation, movement, and connection as keys to joyful, healthy aging.
- Quote: “No one retires. They just shift into doing something else. Even if that’s golf or tennis, that’s what you’re doing now. You’re not retired.” (57:14)

13. Menopause, Medical Advocacy, and Aging Well (59:25 – 62:35)

Bobbi's health transformation: On hormone therapy since perimenopause, emphasizing building the right medical team (functional/integrative + conventional).
- Quote: “It was like a miracle…and I’ve not been off it since… I just feel like I think it keeps me young.” (60:01)
Importance of weights: Regrets over doing only aerobics in youth, now promotes strength training for younger women. (64:03)

14. Advice for Entrepreneurs & Women in Midlife (55:37 – 57:04)

Just start: Evaluate your idea, test, iterate—and realize not everyone needs or is suited to be a founder.
- Quote: “Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur…Well, it’s not for everybody… and a lot of founders need a second person to make sure they are dream catchers.” (55:37)

15. “Unpausing” — Living Unapologetically in the Second Half (68:18 – 68:43)

Permission to live fully: “I think I’ve just given myself permission to do whatever I feel like doing, whatever it is.” (68:18)
Bobbi’s goal: To live joyfully, stay active, and prioritize the people and passions that matter most.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On “anti-aging”: “I want to be more vibrant…not looking to use the term anti-age at all.” — Bobbi Brown (01:55)
On reinvention: “I had no agenda…I didn’t know if anyone would care about me ever again.” — Bobbi Brown (17:35)
On personal loss as a catalyst for change: “That was kind of my big lightning bolt moment to give myself the okay to pivot. 'Cause life's too short.” — Dr. Haver (09:21)
On launching Jones Road Beauty: “People said ‘don’t do it’… I needed to do it.” — Bobbi Brown (22:07)
On entrepreneurship & perseverance: “I don’t let go of something that I want until I get it.” — Bobbi Brown (27:57)
On defining success after 60: “The secret is communication on everything.” — Bobbi Brown (51:12)
On “retirement”: “Retired sounds like some old person sitting in a chair and that’s the quickest way to die.” — Dr. Haver & Bobbi Brown (57:31 – 57:35)
On generational shifts and learning from the young: “I love surrounding myself with a lot of young people…I love teaching, but I also love learning from them.” — Bobbi Brown (53:47)
Advice to younger women: “Instead of wasting your time with aerobics, do weights…It's not about how skinny you are; it's about how strong you are.” — Bobbi Brown (63:59)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

01:55 – Bobbi on "anti-aging" and true vibrance.
06:08 – Papa Sam's lessons: business and dignity.
09:32 – Life pivots from family loss and creativity.
13:25 – Having no models for working women over 60.
15:36 – Grieving the loss of her eponymous brand.
22:48 – Jones Road Beauty: Naming the next venture.
24:59 – Developing Miracle Balm and aiming for universal appeal.
29:28 – Getting unstuck: Small actions move you forward.
32:44 – Philosophy on failure: Just redirection, not defeat.
50:18 – Defining success by family and communication.
55:37 – Entrepreneurial advice: Validate the idea and “just do it.”
59:36 – Bobbi’s personal menopause journey and advocacy.
63:59 – Weight training over aerobics for longevity.
68:18 – Permission to live freely in the unpaused years.

Takeaways for Listeners

Aging isn’t something to “fight” or “reverse”—it’s a platform for reinvention and vibrancy.
Entrepreneurship can (and does!) happen at any age, often driven by purpose, not necessity.
Resilience is built through experiencing setbacks, trusting your gut, and maintaining strong support systems.
Success in midlife is defined by inner fulfillment, relationships, and the freedom to do what feels meaningful.
Physical and mental health are intertwined—movement, nutrition, good medical care, and meaningful connection are essential.
It's never too late to reinvent yourself, and sometimes the best time is the time society says you should “slow down.”

Resources Mentioned

Still Bobbi by Bobbi Brown (memoir)
Bobbi Brown’s beauty lines: Jones Road Beauty
Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s: The New Perimenopause (book), The Pause Life (education platform)
Institute for Integrative Nutrition (health coaching)
National Academy of Culinary Medicine (culinary medicine program at Tulane)

Recommended For

Women navigating midlife or menopause seeking inspiration
Anyone contemplating a career or life shift at any age
Entrepreneurs of all stages—especially those “starting again”
Supporters, caregivers, and family members of aging parents or partners
Medical professionals and advocates for women’s health

Still Bobbi: Bobbi Brown on Reinvention, Midlife Entrepreneurship & Finding Purpose After 60

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rejecting the "Anti-Aging" Narrative (01:55)

2. Early Influences & Family Resilience (05:05 – 07:28)

3. Creativity and Loss—Personal Family Stories (07:28 – 09:41)

4. Starting a Beauty Revolution (10:17 – 13:25)

5. Midlife is Not the End—It’s the Sweet Spot (13:25 – 15:31)

6. Reinvention after "Losing It All" (15:31 – 18:09)

7. Launching Jones Road Beauty During Adversity (21:56 – 23:36)

8. Beauty for Every Age—But Especially for "Us" (24:59 – 26:29)

9. Entrepreneurship, Grit, and the Love of the Scrappy Stage (27:13 – 29:53)

10. Fear, Failure & Resilience (32:44 – 33:37)

11. Family, Intergenerational Connection & Evolving Definitions of Success (49:21 – 51:51)

12. Staying Mentally and Physically Vibrant (57:31 – 58:41)

13. Menopause, Medical Advocacy, and Aging Well (59:25 – 62:35)

14. Advice for Entrepreneurs & Women in Midlife (55:37 – 57:04)

15. “Unpausing” — Living Unapologetically in the Second Half (68:18 – 68:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Takeaways for Listeners

Resources Mentioned

Recommended For

Summary

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rejecting the "Anti-Aging" Narrative (01:55)

2. Early Influences & Family Resilience (05:05 – 07:28)

3. Creativity and Loss—Personal Family Stories (07:28 – 09:41)

4. Starting a Beauty Revolution (10:17 – 13:25)

5. Midlife is Not the End—It’s the Sweet Spot (13:25 – 15:31)

6. Reinvention after "Losing It All" (15:31 – 18:09)

7. Launching Jones Road Beauty During Adversity (21:56 – 23:36)

8. Beauty for Every Age—But Especially for "Us" (24:59 – 26:29)

9. Entrepreneurship, Grit, and the Love of the Scrappy Stage (27:13 – 29:53)

10. Fear, Failure & Resilience (32:44 – 33:37)

11. Family, Intergenerational Connection & Evolving Definitions of Success (49:21 – 51:51)

12. Staying Mentally and Physically Vibrant (57:31 – 58:41)

13. Menopause, Medical Advocacy, and Aging Well (59:25 – 62:35)

14. Advice for Entrepreneurs & Women in Midlife (55:37 – 57:04)

15. “Unpausing” — Living Unapologetically in the Second Half (68:18 – 68:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Takeaways for Listeners

Resources Mentioned

Recommended For