Geoff Javer: Finding Identity, Community, and Healing in the Second Half of Life

Geoff Javer: Finding Identity, Community, and Healing in the Second Half of Life

From Innerspace: Deep, Meaningful Conversations with Brett Kaufman by Brett Kaufman

March 30, 2026 · 1h 20m

About this episode

Geoff Javer shares his journey of identity, community, and healing through various life experiences and career changes.

Geoff Javer is a lifelong friend of Brett's, and in this episode, they sit down to unpack a journey that spans five decades. From growing up navigating childhood trauma to finding an identity as the "party kid" in high school, Geoff shares how he struggled to fit into the traditional academic box due to dyslexia. A major wake up call in college led to an 18 year career climbing the ranks in the corporate insurance world, where he finally found the validation he had been seeking. Geoff eventually took a massive leap of faith to buy a drive thru convenience store. Twelve years later, he is not just serving a rural community, he is finding deep happiness and connection in the daily grind. Geoff also opens up about his newfound passion for gardening and photography, proving that it is never too late to try something entirely new and find profound mental healing in the second half of life.

People in this episode

Host: Brett Kaufman

Guest: Geoff Javer

Topics covered

  • identity
  • community
  • healing
  • childhood trauma
  • career change
  • mental health

Keywords

  • identity
  • community
  • healing
  • dyslexia
  • career change
  • gardening
  • photography

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: corporate insurance

Places: rural community

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