What if aging wasn’t a slowdown, but an invitation to go bigger?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, Monique sits down with Judy Katz, an accomplished ghostwriter, author, publisher, and storyteller who found her true calling at 65 and is still creating, writing, and building at 85.

Judy challenges everything we’ve been taught about aging, boldness, and self-confidence. She shares why she’ll never retire, how fear keeps women from telling their stories, and why it’s never too late to do the work that matters most.

With warmth, humor, and unapologetic honesty, this conversation explores storytelling as empowerment, writing as legacy, and why women must stop waiting for permission to begin.

This is a conversation about longevity without limitation.
Boldness without apology.
And choosing purpose at any age.

If you’ve ever thought “maybe it’s too late”, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Explore

• Why Judy refuses to retire and what keeps her energized at 85
• How aging stereotypes quietly limit women’s choices
• The real reason women hesitate to write their stories
• Why boldness is built, not inherited
• What actually makes a powerful story worth telling
• The four types of aspiring authors (and where most women get stuck)
• How storytelling becomes legacy, healing, and impact
• Why “service mentality” matters more than job titles
• What Judy would tell her 30-year-old self about money, courage, and timing

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Judy Katz and her journey
02:54 – Challenging the myths around aging and relevance
05:40 – Why boldness is learned, not inherited
08:30 – Fear, self-doubt, and waiting too long to begin
11:15 – What actually makes a story worth telling
14:14 – How Judy helps people uncover the right book
17:04 – Trauma, resilience, and storytelling as empowerment
19:50 – Why women hesitate to write (and how to move past it)
22:32 – Career advice, self-advocacy, and knowing your value
25:18 – Service mentality vs. entitlement in work and life
28:04 – Money, legacy, and what Judy wishes she’d done sooner
38:08 – How to connect with Judy + special listener offer

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Judy Katz is a book collaborator, ghostwriter, publisher, and marketer who has completed more than 60 books across memoir, business, and social impact.

Her work includes award-winning and bestselling titles such as Angel of the Ghetto and A Question of Respect, a Wall Street Journal bestseller. At age 65, Judy began helping others become successful authors — and at 85, she continues to write, mentor, and redefine what’s possible in a third act.

Judy is passionate about changing the conversation around aging, empowering women to tell their stories, and helping people write the book they were born to write.

Attention Possibility Seekers: Mention Monique or the Possibilities podcast and Judy will offer a complimentary 20–30 minute consultation to help you identify what book you should write!

This podcast is part of our mission to amplify women who are redefining work, life, and leadership.