Episode 202: Chasing Dreams at Any Age: Behind the Scenes with Melissa Davey

The Journey of Climbing Into Life

Have you ever thought about reinventing yourself in your later years?

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with filmmaker Melissa Davey for the second time.  

At 65, Melissa took a bold leap into the world of filmmaking after a long corporate career, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passions and tell impactful stories. (You can hear all about her transition on Episode 101)

Embracing Change

Melissa’s journey is an inspiring testament to the idea that age is just a number. In our conversation, she shared her motivations for transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a filmmaker. “I didn't even consider it until when I was 65…. That's the first time I considered the possibility that there was something else that I could do, as opposed to what I was doing,” she said. This desire led her to create documentaries that highlight remarkable women and their incredible stories.

Her second film, Climbing Into Life, centers on Dierdre Wolownick, the oldest woman to climb El Capitan. The film not only showcases Deirdre’s incredible achievement but also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that come with age. Melissa’s passion for storytelling shines through in her work, and she loves to feature the accomplishments of women over the age of 60.  

The Filmmaking Journey

Throughout our discussion, Melissa revealed the behind-the-scenes process of making Climbing Into Life. From financing the film herself to hiring a film crew, she emphasized the importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences.

Melissa also shared insights into navigating the film festival circuit, which can be both exhilarating and daunting. Winning awards for her film has been a gratifying validation of her hard work and dedication, but she reminds us that the true reward lies in connecting with audiences and sparking conversations.

Takeaways for All of Us

This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone contemplating a new path in life, regardless of age. Here are some key takeaways:

1. It’s Never Too Late: Melissa Davey’s story of becoming a filmmaker at 65 proves it's never too late to pursue your passions, offering inspiration for anyone looking to make bold changes later in life.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Insight: You’ll get an exclusive peek into the making of Melissa's latest award-winning film, Climbing Into Life, which highlights the incredible journey of Deirdre Wallinick, the oldest woman to climb El Capitan.
3. Creative and Personal Growth: Melissa shares the personal challenges and breakthroughs she faced during the film's creation, offering valuable lessons on resilience, collaboration, and storytelling that can motivate listeners in their own creative or personal projects.

Join the Fun!

Join my upcoming PLAYshop on October 19th! It’s a chance to explore creativity, connect with others, and discover how to embrace playfulness in our lives. Sign up at www.latebloomerliving.com/play.

A transformative 2-hour PLAYshop designed to help you break free from the stress of adulting and embrace a more joyful existence.

What you'll get:

• Permission to embrace playfulness in every aspect of your life.
• Practical Tools and Techniques: Gain access to a toolkit of practical exercises and strategies to bring more play into your daily routine.
• Inspiration to Take Immediate Action: Learn how to stop feeling weighed down by your to-do list and start living a lighter, more joyful life.

Find out more about Melissa Davey and her films Climbing Into Life and Beyond Sixty 

Listen to my first conversation with Melissa on Episode 101

Listen to my conversation with Dierdre Wolownick on Episode 111