This is a podcast where where two guys from Generation X try to navigate this trying stage of life. You might laugh and you might learn something, even if you have not yet had that midlife crisis. Your hosts are Alvin Shultz, an epidemiologist and public health professional, and Jack Eichler, a Professor of Chemistry and education researcher at the University of California-Riverside (and thanks to our friend Aaron, for helping come up with the name of the pod).
Email: midlifecrisespod@gmail.com
Facebook: contact/friend Jack Eichler or Midlife Crises
E32: Finding Happiness & Purpose in the Second Half of Life
In this episode, we discuss the book "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, & Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life" by Arthur C. Brooks.
In the opening segment we get a brief report from Alvin on his recent adventure in the canyonlands of Utah, and we do a Gen Z Word of the Day segment in which we see if Alvin knows what the word "cracked" means.
In the main segment (9:10) we do a deeper dive into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, how the transition from fluid to crystallized intelligence is related to midlife crises, discuss our general agreements and some minor critiques of this general thesis, why most of us tend to lean into our crystallized intelligence later in our careers, and how embracing our crystallized intelligence likely leads to more eudaimonic happiness. We end the discussion reviewing some of Brooks's suggestions for finding happiness later in your career and how these lessons might help you transition to a more fulfilling retirement.
17 Feb 2026
E31: Trends in Midlife Vitality Across Generations & Countries
After a long absence from the podcast we are back. In thefirst segment we read a glowing review of the podcast, we report on our recent midlife crises in action, and give one area where are optimistic about the future. In the main segment (16:30) we discuss an article in which a group of psychologists report on how Gen X midlifers compare to the previous generations in terms of quality of life, and how midlife-aged adults in the U.S. compare to their counterparts in other countries.
As always, please like and subscribe to the podcast, and youcan reach us at midlifecrisespod@gmail.com. You can also follow Alvin Shultz and Jack Eichler on Facebook or LinkedIn.
13 May 2025
E30: The Birthday Episode - The Impact of Reaching a New Decade in Life on the Search for Meaning & Purpose?
We are excited to be back for our 30th episode and to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary of the podcast.
In the opening 10 minute segment we reflect on how the podcast has helped us cope with midlife issues, and Jack tells a story about a recent grad student who recently quit a job in industry to pursue a career in teaching.
In the main segment (11:30) we discuss a paper where researchers try to find evidence that people tend to search more for meaning and purpose in life when they reach a new decade in chronological age. Are men more likely to cheat on their relationships, are we more likely commit suicide, and are we more likely to run a marathon for the first time when we are at a "nine-ender" age? We discuss the research evidence for all these behaviors.
We end the episode by reflecting on our current transition from age 49 to 50 and how this is or is not impacting our search for meaning and purpose in life.
Email: midlifecrisespod@gmail.com
Social Media: message Jack Eichler or Alvin Shultz on Facebook.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,974
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
20 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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