Judy Katz: Reinventing at 65, Trusting Yourself, and Building a Meaningful Third Act

What if the most meaningful chapter of your life hasn’t happened yet?
In this Season 3 episode of The Self-Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn Ledet sits down with Judy Katz, a book collaborator, ghostwriter, publisher, and marketer who didn’t step into her true calling until age 65 — and has since completed more than 60 books, including award-winning memoirs and national bestsellers.

Judy shares the pivotal moment when she realized her long-standing career in PR no longer fit, and how trusting herself — without waiting for permission, validation, or certainty — led her to reinvent her work, her identity, and her impact. Now 85, Judy continues to help others tell their stories, change the conversation around aging, and stop postponing the lives they feel called to live.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that self-trust isn’t about fearlessness — it’s about listening deeply, taking risks anyway, and honoring the voice within that says there’s more for you.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it really looks like to reinvent yourself later in life
• The moment Judy stopped seeking outside validation and trusted her own knowing
• Why “level five listening” is essential to self-trust and meaningful work
• How aging can become a season of expansion instead of limitation
• Why it’s never too late to begin again — and often better when you do
  

Whether you’re navigating a career shift, questioning what’s next, or feeling the pull toward something new but unfamiliar, this episode will meet you with encouragement, clarity, and permission.

⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introducing Judy Katz & the power of reinvention
01:15 – From journalism and PR to a crossroads moment
04:30 – Early independence, courage, and trusting her instincts
07:06 – Ghostwriting as a calling — and helping others find their voice
13:15 – Changing the narrative around aging and possibility
18:07 – Judy’s current work, reflections, and parting wisdom

🔗 Resources & Next Steps

✨ Learn more about Judy & her work: https://katzcreativebooksandmedia.com
Get Judy's Memoir Essays- From 18 to 84: https://a.co/d/5T59Vp1

Email Judy at Jkatzcreative@gmail.com

✨Explore the Self-Trust Identity Map
A gentle, three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming and what your next level is asking of you:
👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map

✨ Learn more about Claimed
Dawn’s private coaching experience for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to trust themselves fully and lead from alignment:
👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed

📩 Have a self-trust story of your own or a question for the show?
Email us at admin@theselftrustcoach.com
or share your story here:
👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory

⭐ If this episode resonated, please take a moment to leave a rating and review — it helps more people find conversations like this.