In this episode of The Random and Wonderful, Grace Simmons chats with Heike Yates, a wellness coach and passionate traveler. Heike shares insights from her journey to "Pursue Your Spark," a movement dedicated to helping women rediscover themselves at every stage of midlife. From managing work-life balance to integrating wellness into everyday life, Heike dives into the importance of self-discovery and staying active. She also shares memorable travel stories, like her “6 for 60” adventure in Hawaii, and offers advice for cultivating a joyful, balanced life.

Heike Yates is a Midlife Health and Fitness Expert with over 35 years of experience. She empowers midlife women to break free from limiting beliefs and outdated habits, turning challenges into simple, actionable steps that help them truly thrive. Heike’s approach goes beyond fitness and nutrition; she focuses on helping women get unstuck, build strength, develop a resilient mindset, and boost their energy. As the founder of Pursue Your Spark, Heike also hosts a popular podcast that reflects her mission to inspire real transformation. Outside of coaching, she’s an avid triathlete and adventurer, always embracing new challenges in the great outdoors.

• Pursuing Your Spark: How Heike’s journey led her to create a movement focused on igniting and sustaining passion in midlife.
• Defining Midlife and Rediscovering Purpose: Heike’s insights into the changes women experience between 40 and 80, and the importance of self-care and honest reflection.
• Work-Life Boundaries and Self-Care: Heike’s transition from constant work to finding balance, prompted by her husband’s gentle “wake-up call.”
• Incorporating Wellness into Travel: Heike’s approach to active vacations, including hiking, biking, and embracing local culture to stay physically and mentally fit.
• Adventure and Growth Through Travel: Heike’s “6 for 60” Hawaii trip, where she and her husband worked for a week and then took a week of vacation, fully embracing both adventure and relaxation.

• "I realized that many women dim their light as they get older. Pursuing your spark is about reigniting that light and finding what truly makes you feel alive."
• "It’s not just about the vacation—it’s about immersing yourself in local culture, discovering the hidden gems, and truly experiencing a place."
• "After three miles of running, all the world’s problems are solved."

• Find and Pursue Your Spark: Rediscovering purpose in midlife involves honest reflection, whether through journaling, physical activity, or deep conversations.
• Create a Balance Between Work and Life: Setting boundaries is crucial for health and relationships. Heike’s story of balancing work and vacation in Hawaii shows how mindfulness can enhance productivity and personal joy.
• Integrate Wellness Into Everyday Adventures: Whether at home or traveling, wellness can be a natural part of life. Heike encourages staying active by exploring your surroundings and engaging with local communities.

• Pursue Your Spark (Heike Yates' website)
• REI Trail App (for finding hiking trails across Maryland and beyond)