Modeling in the ’90s, Harvard at 40, and Married to a Guns N’ Roses Rockstar
Author: Dear Media
March 2, 2026
Duration: 1:01:30
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.In this episode, we discuss:Why Susan chose to go to Harvard Graduate School in her 40s after a successful modeling careerWhat it felt like to be the outlier in the classroomHow her writing sharpened and evolved after graduate schoolHow she met Duff McKagan and built a lasting marriage in rock and rollWhat tour life was like while raising a familyThe importance of taking leaps of faith at any ageWhy following your passion matters more than playing it safeHow benefiting from the long game leads to lasting successFor 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 Ritual.com/OVER50 Hers: If you want clearer insight into your health, go to https://ForHers.com and schedule your labsAudible: Go to Audible.com/BigAgeSeries to start listening todayHoneylove: Save 20% off Honeylove at Honeylove.com/OVER50 Manukora: Head to Manukora.com/FLOURISHING to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free giftsBloom Nutrition: Go to 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=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dominiquesachsetvHave 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 courtney@dominiquesachse.tv We want to make the podcast even better. Help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4Please 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.
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