Rita Wilson: How to Be Brave Enough to Start Over At Any Age episode artwork

EPISODE · May 18, 2026 · 51 MIN

Rita Wilson: How to Be Brave Enough to Start Over At Any Age

from The Tamsen Show · host Tamsen Fadal

What if it’s not too late to do the thing you always wanted to do? At 56 years old, Rita Wilson decided to find out, and the woman she became on the other side of that decision is the one she sits down with Tamsen to talk about today on The Tamsen Show. For decades, Rita built one of the most respected careers in Hollywood as an actress and producer behind some of the biggest films of our generation. Then, in her 50s, she walked into a recording studio and started writing her own music for the first time in her life. She is now 69 years old, six studio albums in, currently on tour with her newest and most personal record yet, Sound of a Woman. If you have ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The one question to ask yourself to find your purpose - How Rita started a music career at 56, and what it taught her about the lies we tell ourselves about aging - Why sharing a bathroom with her husband (Tom Hanks) is the secret to their long-lasting marriage - What changed when she stopped trying to be the good girl her parents raised her to be - The questions she wishes she would have asked her mother, and what Tamsen wishes she had asked hers - How a cancer diagnosis impacted Rita’s mental health, and the one form of therapy that helped her stop spiraling Plus, Tamsen opens up in this episode in a way she rarely does, sharing what she dreamed of being as a little girl and reflects on her relationship with her mother. Listen to Rita’s new album! See Rita on tour Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://joinmidi.com/TAMSEN today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Stop putting off those doctor's appointments! Go to https://www.zocdoc.com/TAMSEN to find and instantly book a doctor you love today! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if it’s not too late to do the thing you always wanted to do? At 56 years old, Rita Wilson decided to find out, and the woman she became on the other side of that decision is the one she sits down with Tamsen to talk about today on The Tamsen Show. For decades, Rita built one of the most respected careers in Hollywood as an actress and producer behind some of the biggest films of our generation. Then, in her 50s, she walked into a recording studio and started writing her own music for the first time in her life. She is now 69 years old, six studio albums in, currently on tour with her newest and most personal record yet, Sound of a Woman. If you have ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The one question to ask yourself to find your purpose - How Rita started a music career at 56, and what it taught her about the lies we tell ourselves about aging - Why sharing a bathroom with her husband (Tom Hanks) is the secret to their long-lasting marriage - What changed when she stopped trying to be the good girl her parents raised her to be - The questions she wishes she would have asked her mother, and what Tamsen wishes she had asked hers - How a cancer diagnosis impacted Rita’s mental health, and the one form of therapy that helped her stop spiraling Plus, Tamsen opens up in this episode in a way she rarely does, sharing what she dreamed of being as a little girl and reflects on her relationship with her mother. Listen to Rita’s new album! See Rita on tour Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://joinmidi.com/TAMSEN today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Stop putting off those doctor's appointments! Go to https://www.zocdoc.com/TAMSEN to find and instantly book a doctor you love today! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Rita Wilson: How to Be Brave Enough to Start Over At Any Age

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This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 18, 2026.

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What if it’s not too late to do the thing you always wanted to do? At 56 years old, Rita Wilson decided to find out, and the woman she became on the other side of that decision is the one she sits down with Tamsen to talk about today on The Tamsen...

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