I changed my mind. Here's why.
My rollercoaster love affair with Substack.
Hey there, friend.
It’s been a while.
I last posted on Substack on February 14, and not long after, I told many of you this would be my last Substack email.
I was consolidating my writing and moving it to a single home on another platform, one I thought would be easier to manage and more aligned with Wayfinders.
But life, as it tends to do, had other plans.
Since February, a few hundred new people have subscribed here (welcome to you!), without me writing a single new post. That told me something.
It reminded me that this space - our space - was never meant to be just another marketing funnel or communications channel.
This is where I come to share what’s on my heart. To write honestly about midlife, meaning, soul, success, disillusionment, aliveness, and all the beautiful, messy in-betweens.
So… I’m back here on Substack.
If you followed me to the Wayfinders list, thank you.
I’ll still use that for Wayfinders event updates. But if you’re here for the deeper stuff, the winding path between the life you’ve built and the life your soul is aching for, this is where I’ll be sharing it.
Life is Rich
Since the last time I wrote, life has been rich and eventful. Not without its struggles, but mostly filled with beauty.
Winter has finally released its stubborn grip on southern Ontario, and I’m grateful to see it fading in the rearview. I appreciate the invitation to go inward during winter’s quiet solitude, but by this time each year, I’ve always had my fill.
In late March, I travelled to Papua New Guinea to host another Wayfinders Adventure. The theme was connection and belonging, both of which were in beautiful abundance during our time there. And there was also so much stirred within me… reflections I’ll unpack here in the coming months.
With my writing, my upcoming podcast (more on that below), and the soul work we do through Wayfinders, I’ve decided to focus more intentionally on the rich, fertile ground of midlife. It’s a season of life marked by profound internal shifts. Often, it’s a time of reckoning… and sometimes, of rebirth.
At midlife, the glitter of a life shaped by others’ expectations begins to fade. The question arises: Is this really my life?
That question can lead to crisis. Or it can lead to chrysalis.
Through my work, I hope to offer a clearer path toward the latter.
Here’s what’s ahead:
Below is a glimpse of some things I’m up to in the coming months.
🌀 A New Podcast
On Tuesday, June 3, I’m launching a new podcast called A Wayfinder’s Guide to Life, exploring the themes I live and breathe: midlife awakening, soulful living, courageous action, and the village we all need.
The first season - eleven personal, raw episodes - will dive deep into the Hero/ine’s Journey and the wilderness between success and soul, with raw conversations and real stories. More soon.
🗣️ SoulTalks (May 31)
I’m reviving my monthly SoulTalks, a free monthly online gathering for midlife entrepreneurs and leaders, with reflection, conversation, and soul-nourishing connection. Our next gathering is May 31, 12-1 pm. I’d love to see you there.
🌍 Wayfinders 2026 Adventures
Two extraordinary journeys are on the horizon:
→ Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon, deep spiritual heritage, and stillness that echoes.
→ Arabia: A desert pilgrimage with nomads, camels, and soul fire.
These are not vacations. They’re soul rites. If you’re hearing a whisper to go deeper, maybe this is it. Please reach out or apply if you hear the call.
Two more:
I’ve also launched The Young Entrepreneur’s Club, for Toronto-area teens interested in entrepreneurship. If you have (or are) a Toronto teen looking for inspiration from seasoned and successful entrepreneurs and connection with other growth-minded entrepreneurs, email me at mike@way-finders.com.
I’m leaning into doing more men’s work and will host some IRL gatherings for Toronto men in midlife (late 30s-late 50s) to gather, drop the mask, and connect through honest, vulnerable conversation. If you’re interested, please email me at mike@way-finders.com.
Thank you for sticking with me, even through the zigzags.
This newsletter is coming home. And I hope, in some small way, it helps you come home, too.
Talk soon,
Mike