What are you waiting for?
How many times have you told yourself you'll get around to it someday?
Someday you'll pick up the guitar again.
Someday you'll take that trip.
Someday you'll start the business, write the book, learn the skill, or pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting in the wings.
But what if life's too short for someday?
My guest is musician Ray Toole, the creative force behind The Yellow Room, a musical community that brings together talented musicians from multiple generations to perform live, connect through music, and celebrate the joy of making music together.
Ray's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reconnect with what you Love. After spending more than 30 years working as a train conductor, Ray picked up his guitar again during COVID and began playing more seriously than ever before. And here's the remarkable part: he believes he's a better musician today at 65 than he was at 25.
In our conversation, Ray takes me back to his early days growing up during the golden era of rock and shares how music became a lifelong passion.
We talk about balancing creativity with careers and responsibilities, the joy of mentoring younger musicians, and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge later in life when you continue to follow what lights you up.
One phrase came up again and again during our conversation: “Life's too short.” In fact, Ray once hosted annual “Life's Too Short” parties! His philosophy is simple but powerful: don't wait for someday.
Whether you've always loved music, have a passion you've put on the back burner, or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to create, connect, and contribute, I think you'll find inspiration in Ray's story.
This Episode
🎸 How Ray fell in love with music and the electric guitar
🎸 Growing up in the incredible music culture of the 1970s
🎸 Keeping a lifelong passion alive while navigating careers and responsibilities
🎸 Why picking up the guitar again during COVID changed everything
🎸 The story behind The Yellow Room
🎸 The joy of bringing musicians from different generations together
🎸 Why Ray believes he's a better musician at 65 than he was at 25
🎸 What Aging has taught Ray about creativity, performance, and purpose
🎸 Why mentorship matters at every age
🎸 Ray's advice for anyone thinking about returning to music—or pursuing a long-forgotten dream
If there's something you've been wanting to do, create, learn, or experience, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting.
Connect with Ray Toole and watch his fab music videos on these platforms:
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
Songs mentioned during our delicious conversation:
Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Israelites
Led Zeppelin – Over the Hills and Far Away
Keep On Smilin' – The Wet Willie Band
Coca-Cola's Ad – I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing
If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.
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Ande ♥
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