Second Act Stories annual “Best of” episodes give us an opportunity to re-share remarkable stories, and welcome new listeners by giving them a good taste of what we do here: profile people who have made major life and career changes to pursue a more rewarding life in a second act career. We’re selecting two “Best of 2023” episodes to share with you. Andy Levine selected his favorite interview conducted by co-host Scott Merritt in the past year, and Scott is reciprocating this week. Scott's pick for 2023 is “Sweeter Days Ahead: How Baking Transformed Janie Deegan's Life.”
In 2009, Janie Deegan returned home from college with a serious alcohol and drug problem. Eventually, she found herself homeless and living on the streets of New York City.
Fast forward to today...she is the owner of "Janie's Life Changing Baked Goods," a thriving business with three, NYC bakeries and booming e-commerce division. At the center of her success is the "pie crust cookie" -- essentially a baby pie that comes in five, different flavors. Her company and her cookies have been featured on Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, CNN and The New York Times.
The company is dedicated to helping other young women through mentorship and second chance employment. As Janie shares in the podcast, "The person you show up for at the interview is the person we're looking at. We're not doing background checks...we have formerly incarcerated employees, homeless staff and those with addiction problems. It's been really beautiful to see how people blossom when they are given a chance."
Interested in trying Janie's pie crust cookies? They come in apple, pecan, triple berry, chocolate and cherry and can be ordered from www.JanieBakes.com.
Fired at 64...An Entrepreneur at 66
Exiting the Courtroom: A Trial Lawyer Finds Nature Photography
Not Just For Kicks: NFL Place Kicker Returns For Diploma 33 Years Later
Honey, I Just Bought A Liquor License: Sharon Starts A Wine Store
Goodbye GE...Hello JC: Father James Martin's Second Act
Acting Is Her Second Act: A Public Relations Star Finds A New Role
James and the Perfect Burger: Redemption With A Side of Fries
The Last Laugh: 81-Year Old Man Tries His Hand At Stand-Up Comedy
Ready for Some Expert Advice? 23 Minutes with Marci Alboher
Getting Benchwarmers in the Game: Retired Engineer Keeps a Promise
From "Late Night with Conan" to Rikers Island
Goodbye Journalism…Hello Baked Goods
An Investment Banker Goes Back to School
Second Life Bikes is Her Second Act
From Big Law to Methodist Minister
A Doctor's Passion Takes Him to Uganda
A Second Act That's Clean and Sober
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Reaching your Goals
Insights@work
Second Life
Radical Candor: Communication at Work
The Ken Coleman Show