Michelle McIvor
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In this episode of Beyond PR, host Shawna MacDonald welcomes Canadian journalist and author Michelle McIvor for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about her journey from journalism to authorship, focusing on her bestselling book, The Glow Code. Michelle reflects on her early career writing for Reader's Digest and her experience as a ghostwriter for a tribute to Terry Fox, which involved interviewing iconic Canadians like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. She shares how her own midlife transition—marked by questions about aging, wellness, and friendship—spurred her to write The Glow Code, a book blending expert research with her lived experience. The process took three years, involved over 40 interviews, and required immense personal vulnerability, especially in writing the emotionally challenging chapter on evolving friendships. Despite the difficulties, the book resonated widely, becoming a bestseller and sparking powerful conversations about pro-aging, self-acceptance, and the evolving nature of relationships. Michelle also discusses her current role at Efka Health, a virtual healthcare provider for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, and her ongoing desire to write another book when the right idea emerges. Key takeaways include: aging is not a problem to fix but a natural, expansive part of life; friendships evolve and that’s okay; personal narrative strengthens nonfiction writing; writing a book while balancing a full-time job is possible with discipline and support; and authenticity in storytelling creates the most meaningful impact. The episode radiates warmth, honesty, and inspiration, celebrating resilience, self-compassion, and the power of storytelling.
Aging is not something to fear—it’s a natural, expansive part of life that should be embraced.
Friendships change in midlife, and that evolution is normal, not a failure.
Personal narrative makes nonfiction more relatable and impactful than pure expertise.
Writing a book while working full-time requires discipline, support, and a strong personal vision.
The best stories often come from the hardest chapters to write.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Early Career
Shawna MacDonald introduces Michelle McIvor, a Canadian journalist and author, and reflects on their long-standing professional relationship dating back nearly 20 years to their time at Reader's Digest.
Ghostwriting the Terry Fox Tribute
“I was so excited to chat with him. I grew up in Edmonton and so I was very excited to get on that phone call.”
The Birth of The Glow Code
“I wanted something different for me, for my daughter and for all women.”
The Writing Journey and Personal Vulnerability
“The hardest chapter... was the chapter about friendships and how they change in midlife.”
The Impact and Response to The Glow Code
“I want to be a pro-aging advocate. Since writing the book, I would say I've really landed on this idea that I want to age and live well.”
“I want to be a pro-aging advocate. Since writing the book, I would say I've really landed on this idea that I want to age and live well.”
“The hardest chapter... was the chapter about friendships and how they change in midlife.”
“Aging just means living. And I love that because I want to live. I want to age.”
Host
Guest
The Glow Code
book
Michelle McIvor
person
Terry Fox
person
Shawna MacDonald
person
Wayne Gretzky
person
Reader's Digest
organization
Sidney Crosby
person
Dr. Stacy Sims
person
Steve Nash
person
Calgary Herald
organization
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