From getting a promotion or becoming a homeowner to losing a loved one or going through a divorce, turning points in our lives are often a catalyst for change and new direction. But turning points can also be quieter, something as simple as a commitment to putting mental health and emotional well-being first. In fact, many of these turning points are what inspired our podcast with the same name.

In collaboration with Boston Globe Media, Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health is comprised of empowering stories from those navigating their mental health and well-being. Clinical therapist and host, Frantzces Lys has dedicated her life’s work to helping people heal by removing emotional blocks and defying the resistance in their lives. On Turning Points, Frantzces engages with athletes, scientists, therapists and entrepreneurs as they discuss their own mental health journeys.

Five seasons of stories

Season one of Turning Points premiered in 2021 with five episodes and another three seasons were released from 2022 to 2024. The episodes included conversations with neuroscientist Jud Brewer, CEO of Black Girl Ventures, Shelly Omilâdé Bell, and Boston Children’s Hospital Physician Dr. Michael Rich—to name a few. From practicing yoga to finding community, each guest shared how they maintain their emotional well-being.

Catch up on all seasons

Season five, which is sponsored by Point32Health company Tufts Health Plan, proves to be just as captivating with stories about finding purpose in retirement, caring for loved ones with dementia and the mental health impacts of menopause. Featured guests include Kyle Robidoux, executive director of FriendshipWorks, James Lubben, an expert on loneliness and isolation, and Teresa Amabile, Harvard Business School professor. Check out full episode descriptions and previews:

E501: Redefining purpose in retirement

What happens when the work that gave our lives structure or meaning comes to an end? When Paul and Jessica reached retirement, it felt like stepping into the unknown, but what they discovered transformed their understanding of aging and life purpose. In this episode, they discuss with host Frantzces Lys how they turned their transitions into their most fulfilling chapters yet. Also featured is Teresa Amabile, a retired Harvard Business School professor, who is studying the psychological transition and identity shift that happens.

E502: The long goodbye: Living with love and loss for dementia caregivers

This episode explores the unique grief and trauma that dementia caregivers face, including insights from Director of the GUIDE Program and Caregiver Therapy Services at McLean Hospital, Marie Clouqueur, on "ambiguous loss" and why dementia caregivers experience higher rates of depression and health problems. Plus, Melissa shares the daily realities of caring for her grandmother with memory loss. This conversation addresses the isolation, anxiety, and overwhelming responsibility that families often face alone when navigating aging and cognitive decline.

E503: The hidden mental health costs of menopause

Annalisa shares her five-year journey from feeling like she was “going crazy” to finding relief through hormone therapy, while Dr. Tara Iyer from Brigham and Women’s Hospital explains the science behind how hormonal changes trigger depression, anxiety and cognitive issues during menopause. If you’re experiencing unexplained mood changes, insomnia or depression in your 40s or 50s, this conversation offers both validation and hope. From the importance of self-advocacy to finding knowledgeable health care providers, this episode shares practical strategies for getting support.

E504: The power of intergenerational friendship

Can a meaningful friendship bridge a 51-year age gap and help combat social isolation? Meet Peter and Pooja, companions whose intergenerational bond proves that friendships can flourish when barriers are broken down. In this episode, explore how Peter and Pooja’s weekly conversations through Boston’s FriendshipWorks program evolved from a simple volunteer match into a life-changing friendship. Also featured is Kyle Robidoux, executive director of FriendshipWorks. He addresses social isolation and loneliness and how community-based friendship programs are strengthening connections.

E505: The impact of loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness isn’t just painful. It’s dangerous, with research showing it can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This episode explores the mental and physical toll of social isolation, especially for aging adults, and the ways connection can restore well-being. With expert insight from former Boston College professor James Lubben, we look at how loneliness fuels depression and anxiety, and why human connection is essential for resilience. Plus, guest Roxy Rocker weighs in with her personal story.

To not miss an episode, follow Turning Points on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher—or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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