In this fearless and inspiring episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch welcomes Madelon Smid—an unstoppable force of energy, creativity, and resilience. A bestselling author, outdoor adventurer, and mentor, Madelon shares how living with Crohn’s disease, including life-threatening hospital stays, gave her the strength to face every challenge with courage and joy.

Madelon discusses her passion for writing, revealing the process behind her dozens of romance and suspense novels, including favourites like the Daring Heights series and the Sisters in Peril trilogy. She shares how her writing stimulates her mind, while Yoga, kayaking, skiing, and hiking keep her body and spirit strong—even now, in her late seventies.

With refreshing honesty and prairie-born grit, Madelon talks about the importance of pushing past fear, embracing new adventures, and paying it forward by mentoring emerging writers.

🌐 Website: www.madelonasmid.com
📚 Books available on Amazon: Daring Heights Series, Sisters in Peril Trilogy

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music for this episode: ES_Can I See You Again (Instrumental Version) – JAKE $ING, ES_Half Right All the Time (Instrumental Version) – The Eastern Plain, ES_Should’ve Been Me (Instrumental Version) – Gamma Skies, ES_Dance with the Sin (Instrumental Version) – Zorro, ES_Echo (Instrumental Version) – SCENE
Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

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Debbie McCulloch Debbie Mcculloch

Debbie believes that growing older is an incredible gift that needs to be embraced and appreciated. She grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, Canada and the value of family, friends, community and supporting one another were tightly entwined into the embodiment of who she became as an adult. She practiced as a community pharmacist for 40 years, retiring in 2018 and raised 3 children. She loved assisting people of all ages with their healthcare needs as well as building strong relationships with each of her patients. After losing many family members far too early, Debbie became profoundly aware that tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us and that each day is to be cherished. These losses included the horrific murder of her sister who died at the age of 24. After becoming a widow, Debbie became even more passionate about spreading the word that living past age 50 is a privilege and a gift and som Debbie launched her podcast Older and Bolder. Debbie interviews women who are fearless, fabulous and fifty plus. They share stories of resilience, pursuing passion, finding purpose and making a difference for others. This has been a fitting pursuit. Debbie has loved the project and it has inspired countless listeners from around the world.