EPISODE · Apr 9, 2026 · 41 MIN
Ep. 184: It’s Never Too Late: Reinvention, Identity & The Power of Your Story with Leanne Walling
from Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast · host Zach Randes-Friedman
Meet Leanne Walling: author, storyteller, and lifelong reinvention expert Going back to school in your late 60s—and why it’s never too late The inspiration behind The Salt and the Light Express Navigating grief, guilt, and healing through storytelling Growing up Southern Baptist and reconciling faith with identity What it was like being LGBTQ+ in the 80s and 90s Family acceptance, rejection, and everything in between Long-term love: 40+ years in a relationship—what makes it work Why younger generations need to understand LGBTQ+ history Living authentically in a divided world Leanne’s next novel and leaning fully into LGBTQ+ storytelling 📚 Get the Book: The Salt and the Light Express https://www.leeannwalling.com/the-salt-and-light-express/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
What if your most meaningful chapter hasn’t even begun yet? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Zach sits down with author Leanne Walling, who proves that reinvention has no expiration date. After decades of career shifts—from journalism to politics to land use planning—Leanne pursued her Master’s degree in her late 60s and published her debut novel, The Salt and the Light Express. But this conversation goes far beyond writing. Leanne opens up about growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist environment, navigating her identity as a lesbian in the 80s and 90s, and the complicated relationship between faith and authenticity. Together, Zach and Leanne explore grief, love, long-term relationships, LGBTQ+ history, and the courage it takes to live your truth—no matter your age. This is a story about resilience, reflection, and the beauty of starting over. 📚 Get the Book: The Salt and the Light Express https://www.leeannwalling.com/the-salt-and-light-express/
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Ep. 184: It’s Never Too Late: Reinvention, Identity & The Power of Your Story with Leanne Walling
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