Modeling in the ’90s, Harvard at 40, & Married to a Guns N’ Roses Rockstar | Over 50 and Flourishing

In this episode of Over 50 & Flourishing, I sit down with Susan Holmes McKagan for a conversation about reinvention, courage, and playing the long game. After a successful career as a 90s supermodel, Susan pivoted in her late 40s and enrolled in Harvard Graduate School to deepen and refine her craft as a writer. She shares what inspired that decision, what it felt like to be older than many of her classmates, and how the academic rigor sharpened her writing and strengthened her discipline. We also talk about her nearly 27-year marriage to Duff McKagan of Guns N Roses. How they met on a blind date, what keeps their relationship strong, and what it was really like raising two daughters while navigating life on tour. Susan offers an honest look at the pros and challenges of being married in the rock and roll world and why longevity in love, just like career, requires intention and growth. Chapters 0:00 –Meet Susan Holmes McKagan 7:50 –Modeling Over 50: How the Industry Is Finally Changing 17:58 –Staying Grounded: Midwest Roots in a Wild Industry 21:00 –Going to Harvard Grad School in Her Late 40s 26:19 –Reinvention at 50 30:27 –Her Love Story: Blind Date with a Rock Star 41:54 –Life on Tour: The Pros & Cons 48:39 –Susan Holmes Swimwear & Mother-Daughter Fashion Collab 51:05 –Writing Her Novel "The Velvet Rose" 54:01 –Giving Back with MusiCares 55:39 –The Story Behind Her Fearless Female Protagonist 57:59 –Rapid Fire Questions: Habits, Aging Beliefs & Favorite GNR Song 1:00:28 –Final Thoughts: It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself For more on Susan Holmes McKagan, follow her on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanholmesmckagan/?hl=en Twitter/X: https://x.com/SuHolmesMcKagan Susan’s book, The Velvet Rose: https://a.co/d/0cZfZwW8 Three Chords & The Truth: https://duffmckagan.com/radio-show/ Thanks to my Sponsors: Ritual: Save 25% on your first month at https://Ritual.com/OVER50 Hers: If you want clearer insight into your health, go to https://ForHers.com and schedule your labs Audible: Go to https://Audible.com/BigAgeSeries to start listening today Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove at https://Honeylove.com/OVER50 Manukora: Head to https://Manukora.com/FLOURISHING to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts Bloom Nutrition: Go to https://bloomnu.com and use code OVER50 for 20% off your first order. Keep in Touch: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dominiquesachse.tv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dominiquesachse.tv/book/ Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesachse/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DominiqueSachse/ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dominiquesachse?lang=en YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dominiquesachsetv Have a question for Dominique? Submit it here for a chance to have it answered on the show! https://forms.gle/MpTeWN1oKN8t18pm6 Interested in being featured as a guest? Please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We want to make the podcast even better. Help us learn how we can: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. ---------------------------------------- Subscribe:​ ​http://bit.ly/subdominique​ Watch the latest videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuSYHIQgfhzmQ9dOJI_c3N7L&playnext=1&index=2 Watch ​more Dominique Sachse: Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDHJ901QU_Q&list=PLKUX44R3MbuSDQV7BzvQxMrVeVZfGBCcD Lifestyle Tips & Tricks: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuR3sX61i9QiwnOBr61tEMc_&playnext=1 Most Popular: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuTDh-LeJThrmz5XBrjQxbob&playnext=1 Follow Dominique Sachse: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dominiquesachse Instagram: ​https://instagram.com/dominiquesachse Facebook: ​https://facebook.com/DominiqueSachse Check out my website: ​http://dominiquesachse.tv You can order a copy of my new book LIFE MAKEOVER - Embrace The Bold, Beautiful, & Blessed YOU here: https://www.dominiquesachse.tv/book/ Each product I feature is something I have used and loved and wanted to share with you. I choose 100% of the products I feature and do not ever recommend anything I haven't personally used myself. Links in my description may be affiliated and are a wonderful way to show your support, allowing me to continue spreading beauty and boldness. About Dominique Sachse: Welcome to the official Dominique Sachse YouTube channel! On this channel, you’ll find inspiring “Yes, you can do it!” tips for transformative hair and makeup, fashion - and health and wellness related content for the mature woman who’s in her PRIME! I enjoy sharing my life with you through my vlogs, how-to live YOUR best life through Q & A videos and so much more, all with a touch of faith and affirmation. #DominiqueSachse #Podcast #SusanHolmes