Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of Reframe for Resilience, host Dr. Frank L. Douglas welcomes Dr. Deborah Heiser — psychologist, founder and CEO of The Mentor Project, and author of The Mentorship Edge. Dr. Heiser shares a formative personal story that led her to dedicate her life to the emotional and psychological well-being of older adults.

Together, they explore the emotional evolution across the human lifespan, the unchanging core of personal identity, and how reflection, mentorship, and intergenerational connection enhance resilience. Dr. Heiser offers powerful insights into legacy-building, seeing ourselves in others, and the transformative power of mentorship in resolving conflict and finding purpose.

Key Topics:

• A life-changing visit to Dr. Heiser’s grandmother that sparked her career path
• Understanding depression in aging adults
• Emotional development and the concept of “generativity”
• The importance of legacy and mentorship
• How identity remains intact through aging
• “Seeing yourself in others” as a tool for connection and conflict resolution
• Reframing life challenges through mentorship
• How civic engagement fosters resilience
• Tips for using reframing to find better problems to solve

[00:00–02:00] – Dr. Heiser recounts a surprising visit to her grandmother that revealed the emotional impact of depression and the influence of medication

[02:00–04:00] – The transformation of her grandmother and Dr. Heiser’s epiphany to become a "grandma fixer"

[04:00–07:00] – Dr. Douglas reflects on his own journey as a grandfather; Dr. Heiser discusses identity and aging

[07:00–09:00] – Emotional milestones and the developmental phase of “generativity”

[09:00–11:00] – The legacy tree concept by Nobel Laureate Dr. Bob Lefkowitz

[11:00–13:00] – How mentorship helps resolve conflict and fosters emotional resilience

[13:00–14:30] – The relationship between reframing and finding better problemsto solve

[14:30–15:00] – Dr. Heiser’s advice: look around you—everyone can teach you something

Links & Resources:

● Dr. Deborah Heiser's organization – The Mentor Project

● Book by Dr. Heiser – The Mentorship Edge

● Learn more about Safe Haven Dialogues LLC – Safe Haven Dialogues LLC

● Dr. Frank Douglas’ Reframe for Resilience Podcast – Reframe for Resilience

Closing Remarks:

As Dr. Heiser wisely advises, “Look to your left and look to your right — you’re surrounded by people who know something you don’t.” Resilience, she suggests, is built not in isolation but through connection, reflection, and mentorship. Whether you're navigating personal growth, caregiving, or leadership, embracing intergenerational wisdom can help reframe your path forward with greater clarity and compassion.

Stay curious. Stay connected. And remember: there’s always a better problem to solve.