EP 64 A’Lelia Bundles: Joy Goddess, Legacy and Aging with Purpose

What does it look like to stay vibrant, visible, and powerfully creative in your 70s? I was honored to chat with A’Lelia Bundles - renowned journalist, bestselling author, and great-granddaughter of the unforgettable A’Lelia Walker, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Her new book, Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, is more than a biography. It’s a vibrant celebration of a woman who helped shape a cultural revolution. Through storytelling, archival research, and deep ancestral reverence, Bundles brings Walker’s world to life—her salons, her sparkle, and her spirit of joy. But this episode isn’t just about the past. It’s about how we live with purpose today. A’Lelia shares what it’s like to launch a major book tour in her 70s, travel city to city sharing deeply personal stories, and keep her energy high while honoring a legacy that’s emotional, powerful, and still unfolding. We also get candid about the realities of aging—especially as a Black woman navigating decades of bias and invisibility. A’Lelia doesn’t hold back: she talks about the pushback, the underestimation, and the moments that demanded resilience and radical self-trust. What emerges is a joyful, resonant, and wise conversation about owning your age, doing meaningful work, and sharing your truth—without apology. Highlights from the episode:The surprising hustle behind launching Joy GoddessStaying emotionally strong while telling a family story in publicHow ageism shows up—and how she rises above itThe freedom and fire that come with being in your 70sWhy joy isn’t frivolous—it’s legacy This conversation is a must-listen for anyone exploring what it means to age with intention, expression, and impact. 👉 Order Joy Goddess here. 👉 Follow A’Lelia Bundles via her website here. Your story matters. Your joy is powerful. Your age is not a limitation—it’s an asset. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I"d love to learn how you"re shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.