Meet Mel Greenberg | Author. Producer. Midlife Advocate.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mel Greenberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mel, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Life! I know, a bit of a broad brush… But seriously, at its very heart, life – this one magnificnt life we’ve been given, is precisely what inspires me to live, to create, to be. To consider the myriad of stages we progress through over our years, ultimately provides a deeper understanding of the human condition. What motivates some, inhibits others, how we all manage what life tosses our way? These are our stories. This is life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a writer, in one form or another for as long as I can recall! I studied broadcast journalism in college and followed that career path into radio and television copywriting and production. In 2018, at 58 I published my first novel, Running With Our Eyes Closed a story of rediscovery. Life is messy, love is complicated, and empty nesting is not for the faint of heart! In 2013, my nest emptied as my youngest son headed to Kentucky to play football, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing in college. A remarkable transition followed in the wake of that departure. While there wasn’t one “AHA” moment there were changes, signals that life as I’d known it was shifting.. My life of writing personally and professionally helped me navigate the tumultuous waters. I witnessed the sense of loss and uncertainty other parents experienced. I was not alone. It became clear that Empty Nest Syndrome was far more than a cliché. And I was hunkered down in the trenches with the beast. My “AHA” moment appeared cloaked in self-doubt and wonder. My confidence was shot. I had absolutely no idea who or what I was supposed to be now. The so-called golden years were tarnished. I had no plan, and this was foreign territory for me. It was during this time that a story began to take shape. The characters Samantha and Michael came to life. And so, did I! In the two years since its release, my highlights include: Writing the next book in the series due in 2021. I’ve appeared in two international best- selling books, on a global summit panel for coping with and surviving cancer, numerous podcasts and radio and television, founded a hybrid publishing company, and traveled the world speaking, writing, and working on behalf of women and aging with purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh that’s easy! We’d start near my home in Tucson with a hike in Sabino Canyon. Dinner at Charro Steak would be a great way to experience creative local cuisine. A day trip to the winery in Sonoita is a must. There is so much cultural history just south and east of the Old Pueblo. I’d have to include a few rounds of golf at La Paloma Country Club. It’s not only a fabulous, challenging course, but sunset cocktails on the member’s patio simply can’t be beat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has been there every step of my journey. Their unconditional love and support make the successes that much sweeter, the failures momentary setbacks that set me up to charge ahead.

Website: https://www.melmediallc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melgberg/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmediallc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MELMediallc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCak875Y_bO4OUlW1d08-1-Q

Image Credits
Dominic Bonuccelli