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