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Meet My Next Podcast Guest: Michael James — Built for the Climb
Updated: Sep 29
What if some of the most meaningful chapters of your life are still waiting to be written?
On an upcoming episode of the Well Beyond 50 Podcast, I’m excited to sit down with songwriter and producer Michael James for a conversation about healthy aging, mindset, resilience, family, purpose—and the power of continuing to create after 50.
At 57, Michael is taking a lifetime of experiences and turning them into music.
He is a husband, father of four, songwriter, and producer whose music is rooted in the people, places, struggles, and relationships that have shaped his life.
From Yonkers to North Carolina
Michael spent the first 26 years of his life in Yonkers, New York—a place that remains deeply connected to who he is today.
Growing up, football taught him lessons that extended far beyond the field: discipline, trust, perseverance, and the importance of showing up for the people around you.
Although Michael now calls North Carolina home, Yonkers is still very much part of his story. His song “Raised in the City of Hills” has helped people reconnect with memories, friendships, and a community that helped shape their lives.
And that ability to create connection is at the heart of Michael’s music.
Family at the Center
Behind many of Michael’s songs is something even more important: family.
Michael and his wife, Tamara, have spent more than three decades together and celebrated 30 years of marriage. Together, they have raised four children.
Those experiences have given Michael plenty to write about—love, commitment, gratitude, memories, coming home, and recognizing what truly matters as the years go by.
That perspective is something I’m looking forward to exploring during our conversation because getting well beyond 50 isn’t only about physical health.
It’s also about relationships, purpose, mindset, gratitude, and continuing to find meaning in the life you’re building.
“Built for the Climb”
Michael’s journey hasn’t been without physical challenges.
After two knee replacements and a shoulder replacement, he has learned firsthand about patience, recovery, perseverance, and sometimes simply taking the next step in front of you.
That philosophy can be heard in his music, particularly in “Built for the Climb” and his project More to Give.
There’s a message in that title that I believe will resonate with a lot of us over 50:
The climb may look different than it did when we were younger—but that doesn’t mean the climb is over.
Sometimes life requires us to adjust. Sometimes we have to recover. Sometimes we have to start again. But we keep climbing.
Check out the podcast
YOU WERE BUILT FOR THE CLIMB
Getting older doesn't mean the climb is over.
In fact, after 50, you may discover that you're climbing a different mountain.
Maybe losing weight is harder than it used to be. Maybe you've lost some strength or energy. Maybe your body doesn't recover as quickly. Or maybe you've simply reached a point where you know it's time to start taking your health more seriously.
Don't mistake a harder climb for a sign that you should stop climbing.
You're still here.
You still have goals.
You still have purpose.
And you still have more life to live.
That's why I want to personally invite you to join me Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM for my live webinar:
WHY YOUR BODY CHANGES AFTER 50 — AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
Because after 50, the goal isn't to stop climbing.
It's to become stronger, healthier, and better prepared for the climb ahead.
Join me Tuesday at 7:30 PM.
Your next chapter may require a climb—but you were built for it.
Let's get well—and stay well—beyond 50.
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