Letting Go of the Script in Midlife with Marc Ronick

Why trying something scary can unlock your next chapter

What happens when you’ve spent decades building expertise… and then decide to become a beginner again?

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Marc Ronick for a conversation that’s really about much more than podcasting. 

It’s about play. It’s about fear. And it’s about what can open up when we stop trying to have everything figured out in midlife.

Marc has been in the podcasting world for over 20 years. He’s built community, hosted thousands of conversations, and produced conferences later in life. But recently, he chose to do something that genuinely scared him: he signed up for improv classes.

What started as a professional experiment quickly became personal.

In our conversation, we talk about what it feels like to walk into a room as a beginner when you’re “supposed” to be confident. We explore how play can soften perfectionism, how community can change the way we see ourselves, and why trying something new later in life isn’t a step backward — it’s often a step deeper.

We also touch on:

• Why letting go of the script can feel terrifying — and freeing
  
  
• How building community in midlife can reshape your sense of belonging
  
  
• What happens when passion becomes bigger than fear
  
  
• Why play isn’t frivolous — it’s essential
  
  

This episode isn’t about mastering improv or starting a podcast. It’s about permission. Permission to be curious. Permission to experiment. Permission to surprise yourself.

If you’ve been feeling a nudge to try something new — even if part of you wants to stay safe — this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.

After I attended Marc's Empowered Podcasting Conference this year I posted an episode talking about it and I think it's the perfect companion piece to this episode.  You can find it here:  I Tried Something New… Here’s What Happened. 

Connect with Marc Ronick

You can learn more about Marc’s work, community, and upcoming projects here:

• 🌐 Website: https://www.ironickmedia.com 

• 🎙️ Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/ 

• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcronick 

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcronick 

Marc is the founder of iRonick Media and the host of The Podcasting Morning Chat, a daily live show and community for podcasters. Follow him if you’re curious about podcasting, community-building, or what it looks like to keep growing and experimenting later in life.