Midlife Strategies for Badass Women is the go-to podcast for bold, brilliant women over 40 who are done playing small and ready to reinvent their lives—without guilt, filters, or apologies. Hosted by Badass Midlife Strategist - Sue Willoughby, each weekly episode delivers unfiltered conversations, real stories of reinvention, and practical strategies to help you break free from the crap that’s holding you back and finally live life on your damn terms. Whether you’re navigating a midlife reset, rediscovering your passions, building confidence, or launching your next chapter—this podcast gives you the mindset shifts, clarity, and community to make it happen. 🔥 Expect: No-BS life advice and midlife strategies that actually work Inspiring interviews with women who’ve transformed their lives Soul-stirring solo episodes packed with truth and action Coaching-style episodes to help you reclaim your purpose, power, and passion This isn’t a podcast about “getting through” midlife. It’s about owning it—louder, wiser, bolder, and unapologetically YOU. Subscribe now and start rewriting the rules of what’s possible in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Episodes
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
What happens when you follow the whispers of your soul—across oceans, over mountaintops, and into the unknown?
In this awe-inspiring episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby speaks with 82-year-old author, aviator, and adventure pioneer Ruth E. Wilson—whose story defies gravity, fear, and convention.
From escaping a troubled home in rural Australia to becoming a world-renowned hot air and gas balloon pilot, Ruth’s journey spans decades, continents, and near-death experiences. She’s flown over the Swiss Alps, survived a shipwreck in shark-infested waters, and been saved by dolphins—and that’s just the beginning.
In this conversation, Ruth shares:
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How a red swimsuit and a secret pageant started it all
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What it feels like to hear your inner voice say “You were born to fly”
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Why fear dissolves when you're living your purpose
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Her spiritual encounters with dolphins, dream-guided balloon designs, and past life memories
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Why positive thought—literally—saved her life in the ocean
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How she honors her intuition and follows her stepping stones through life’s chaos
Ruth also talks about her award-winning memoir Conquering Clouds, how she self-published her second edition at age 82, and why it’s never too late to live a bold, soul-led life.
💫 If you’ve ever doubted your next move or felt afraid to follow your dreams—this episode will lift you up, quite literally.
🔗 Connect with Ruth at https://ruthewilson.comhttps://ruthewilson.com
📘 Order her book Conquering Clouds - https://a.co/d/7Fe7Wlx
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wilson.54379
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwilson6087/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
03:36 Early Life and Stepping Stones
06:56 The Journey into Ballooning
12:33 Experiences in the Sky: Close Calls and Adventures
23:28 Life Lessons from Extreme Challenges
32:05 Inspiration and Legacy
35:57 The Journey of Writing a Book
38:46 Personal Reflections and Emotional Depth
40:11 Recognition and Awards: The OAM
42:00 Career Transitions and New Beginnings
45:42 Embracing Change and Trusting Instincts
47:32 The Power of Choice: Love vs. Fear
48:57 Survival and the Strength of Positive Thinking
52:44 The Ripple Effect of Positivity
55:56 Finding Joy and Sharing Experiences
58:47 Stories of Transformation and Connection
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:
My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/events
Web: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
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