Hello, and welcome to another episode of Retirement Rebel. I’m Siobhan Daniels, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have you joining me today. Whether you’re a long-time listener or you’re just discovering the podcast, know that you’re part of a vibrant community where we challenge norms and celebrate the exciting, adventurous possibilities that life beyond 60 has to offer.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with the wonderfully talented Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy-writing accountant with a unique knack for infusing humour into the journey of ageing and reinvention. As you know, I'm passionate about breaking down stereotypes related to ageing, and Valerie shares this commitment. She discusses how she is navigating the comedy world, which is often dominated by younger perspectives, to carve out a space that resonates with older women. If you’re someone who feels that traditional entertainment overlooks vibrant, witty voices in their fifties, sixties, and beyond, Valerie’s journey is sure to inspire you.

We also delve into the importance of uplifting and supporting older women through positive comedy, a subject close to my heart. Valerie believes strongly in creating spaces where women can gather, laugh, and have honest conversations about their shared experiences. It’s a refreshing thought, isn’t it? That our shared laughter and personal stories can serve as powerful tools in combating ageism. For those of you looking to embrace life with positivity and perhaps a bit of cheeky humour, this conversation offers plenty of food for thought.

Finally, we touch upon the sheer joy of rediscovering old passions and stepping into new ones as you age. Valerie shares her own experiences about shifting from the structured world of accounting to the creative, unpredictable realm of comedy. It's about embracing the freedoms that come with having a wealth of life experience and using that to try something new. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but felt it was too late, let Valerie’s journey encourage you to take that leap.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive deeply into this engaging conversation with Valerie Troy, where we’ll laugh, reflect, and redefine what it means to age boldly. Thank you for being here and being part of this revolution in ageing.

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction to Valerie Troy I introduce Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy writer and accountant, who is using comedy to address reinvention as we age. Valerie believes there's a growing need for entertainment that caters to women in their fifties, sixties, and beyond.

01:28 - Valerie's Early Life and Comedy Roots Val shares her background, growing up in the West of Ireland, and how being the youngest of three siblings shaped her personality. She explains how storytelling, rather than traditional joke-telling, has been a significant part of her comedic style.

04:59 - Transition from Accounting to Comedy Valerie discusses her journey from a 20-year career in accounting to following her passion for storytelling and comedy. She reflects on how she used her time after leaving accounting to rediscover her love for writing.

10:54 - Positive Comedy about Women We explore the importance of writing positive comedy focused on women, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote an uplifting narrative that resonates with older female audiences.

14:21 - The Creation of "Men O' Paws" Val talks about co-writing the comedy-drama "Men O' Paws," a story centred around a 51-year-old woman pressing pause on dating men. This project aims to showcase the humour and realities of women's reinvention journeys.

26:00 - Importance of Supporting Female Comedians Valerie discusses the under-representation of women, especially older women, in comedy. She highlights how...