Radiant Rebellion

Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell

By: Karen Walrond

Narrated by: Karen Walrond

Join Karen Walrond, author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto, in this intriguing investigation into how we can reclaim aging, cultivate joy, and resist ageism.

During her own year of transition—a milestone birthday, a wedding anniversary, the emptying of the nest—Walrond, in the buoyant and luminous style her listeners have come to love, does a deep dive into dimensions of getting older, including health, beauty, spirituality, connection, adventure, and meaning and purpose. Through conversations with social workers and neurologists, activists and clergy, Walrond satisfies her curiosity about why the dominant culture treats aging as a time of dwindling capacity. She also embarks on a series of experiments that help her rebel against convention: letting her hair go naturally gray, going on a silent retreat, revamping her health practices, and plotting her next adventure.

Internalized ageism is not our only option; we can write a different story of aging than the one we've been handed. With wisdom from luminaries who light our way, Walrond helps us radiantly rebel against the fads and assumptions that hold us back, redefine the adventure of getting older, and create a shining future of expanded potential. We might even raise a little hell while we're at it!

©2023 Karen Walrond (P)2023 Tantor

thoughtful, reflective, authentic, energized

this book reads like a long cup of tea with a good friend. the author offers vulnerable reflections while shining a bright light on challenges the accepted in learning from others. so authentic. conversational. easy. and inspiring

Reclaim joyful aging!!

Absolutely loved this book. I listened to it on Audible (twice). Probably need to buy the book so I have it as annual read. Why did I love it? I have been on a personal journey exploring wellness and what it means to be aging with attitude.
This book is so relatable to anyone (especially women) who want to reclaim joy-filled aging. Karen Walrond perspectives (strive for consistently over intensity), authenticity and vulnerability helps us rethink our definitions that we associated with aging. Powerful insights are shared through diverse interviews and ideas that invite self-reflection about how we can reclaim our health (don’t say I feel old, say I feel energized), to feeling good about how we look (to go gray or not journey) and most importantly ways to incorporate meditative practices (30 minutes for me). She also includes self reflection guide. One of Karen’s best quotes "Personally, I'm far more interested in being radiant than young. Radiant, after all, is timeless." Highly recommend.

A Nice Memoir

A nice reflection of life at 50+. Not really a “how to” book but rather the author’s own personal reflections. Some light mentions of yoga & Ayurveda that I appreciated but I do wish the author would have consulted with an Ayurveda MD or coach versus regular MD for that portion (ref: food as “medicine”) because the physician had a different opinion than what most devoted to Ayurveda would have. Food is indeed medicine, especially when gratitude is practiced. Calling it medicine doesn’t imply that something is wrong or needs to be fixed - it implies nourishment. The author seems incredibly kind and like the kind of person you’d love to have a cup of coffee or walk with - a good and patient friend. Here’s to growing older. 🙌🏼

Another masterpiece!

Another beautiful gem! I identified so thoroughly with this book, with your point of view on aging wonderfully & gracefully! I’ve been excitedly looking forward to my 50th birthday. I’ve laughed every time I’ve had to remind my hairdresser that I’m no longer interested in coloring my hair. I’m enjoying the freedom of having an adult child. Thank you for the Radiant Rebellion, Ms. Walrond. I plan to buy a few more copies for friends & family.

I adore Karen!

My adoration began with the Lightmaker’s Manifesto and was amplified by her new book. I’m not sure if as a gay man, I am her target audience, but she has a loyal follower with one.

Since turning 50, loosing my husband and accepting the gift of aging, I’ve searched for meaningful work and I’ve been blessed to find it now twice with Karen. Her book resonates so deeply with me as I’ve truly felt more alive, more curious and have made significantly more contributions to society and my personal growth in my 50s.

I hope there are more books to come!