136. From Newspaper Jokes To 40 Million Views with Leighton Hart

Send Jay comments via textEver catch yourself thinking, “If I really tried, I’d be good at that”? This protective thought often keeps us from taking risks, especially during midlife transitions. In this compelling episode, we sit down with Leighton Hart, the creator behind Leighton Writes, to explore the journey of modern midlife reinvention.Leighton shares his insights on navigating early creative sparks, blogging while raising young kids, falling silent during corporate seasons, and eventually deciding to build a public voice online. He emphasizes that showing who you are is more impactful than simply telling, and explains how to maintain a clear personal brand while doing brand stewardship effectively.We also dive into the messy aspects of this transition: the sting of criticism, the urge to quit just before achieving momentum, and the identity shifts accompanying the empty nest phase. Leighton’s grounding message is simple: chase your curiosity, take the shot, and avoid the regret of wondering what could have been.Key Highlights & Takeaways:Discover the spark that fuels creativity and storytelling.Learn how to build a public voice with a personal brand on social media.Understand the realities of entrepreneurship at 40 and 50.Explore the importance of consistency and resilience in your journey.Embrace the power of curiosity in creating a fulfilling second act.Leighton Hart Bio: Leighton Hart is the creator behind Leighton Writes, a fast-growing social media presence known for its humor, insight, and relatable take on mid-life reinvention. Before becoming a full-time creator, Leighton spent two decades building and selling businesses. Leighton also serves as a content creator and marketing strategist for Turtleson, a national men’s apparel brand, where he helps shape storytelling, social strategy, and ambassador relationships. His content offers a grounded, funny, and encouraging perspective for anyone navigating the middle stretch of life or seeking a fresh creative spark.Find Leighton Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, WebsiteSupport the showSUPPORT THE MISSION: If this episode provided you any value or insights, please Follow and Save the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your "Save" is a vital signal that helps us reach the Top 50 Education charts and reach more families navigating change.WORK WITH JAY (1:1 PRIVATE ADVISORY): You’ve spent decades building the framework of your life. If you find that you’ve finally outgrown the very life you’ve engineered, general advice isn’t enough. You need strategic perspective. Jay works with parents ready to create their second act. Explore his Private Advisory👉 Click here.THE WISDOM COUNCIL (VIP COMMUNITY): Gain exclusive access to proprietary frameworks and early-release content for just $5/month. 👉 Join the Council.GUEST INQUIRIES: Ready to share expert insights with our audience? Connect with Jay Ramsden on PodMatch. 👉 Inquire here. OFFICAL GEAR: This Empty Nest Life MerchandiseENJOY THE SHOW? Leave a review us on ...