Scott Asmar: The Man & Everything In Between

EP20: Fashion in Midlife: Featuring Stylist and Special Guest, AJ of Beverly Hills

What you wear says more than you think, and midlife is the right time to let your style catch up to who you’ve become. In this episode, Scott Asmar is joined by fashion expert AJ of Beverly Hills to talk personal style, quiet luxury, and how fashion can be both expressive and practical, especially in midlife. From the impact of a well-cut bomber jacket to the psychology behind subtle prints and quality fabrics, AJ shares insights shaped by years in the luxury fashion world, including his start at Cartier and his current work as an image consultant and stylist.
 
Their conversation moves from fashion weeks in Milan and Paris to everyday style choices that make people feel more like themselves. AJ offers advice for men and women who want to feel current without chasing trends, and explains why mixing vintage with new, or designer with basic, can still look intentional. He also opens up about the role of jewelry in personal style and why some pieces are worth the investment, while others are better customized. 
 
For anyone reevaluating their image at midlife, Scott and AJ’s conversation is a reminder that style isn’t about impressing others, but about expressing yourself.
 
Quotes
“Fashion is a lot more important than people think. I mean, you’re in the courtroom, and you’re a lawyer—the way you dress is so important.” (03:32 | AJ of Beverly Hills)
“It’s not about being loud. It’s about the luxury being for you.” (10:36 | AJ of Beverly Hills)
“We forget that sometimes we dress for everyone else, but it’s also for ourselves. Dressing for yourself.” (10:57 | AJ of Beverly Hills)
“You don’t want to dress yourself to the point where you’re aging yourself, and then you don’t want to dress yourself to the point where you look like you’re 18 and it doesn’t work.” (27:21 | AJ of Beverly Hills)
“There’s a lot of ways you can subtly change the type of piece that you’re wearing that will change the way you look, the way you feel, and you’ll just look very fresh and feel great.” (28:46 | AJ of Beverly Hills)
 
Links
Lotus Beverly Hills:
www.lotusbeverlyhills.com
https://www.instagram.com/lotusbeverlyhills/
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP19: Pulling Back the Curtain About Life as a Real Showgirl, Featuring My Acting Coach, Diane Christiansen

Diane Christiansen thought she’d missed her big break. But the path that opened instead led to a life full of creativity, community, and unexpected fulfillment.
 
In this episode, Scott Asmar welcomes Diane, his friend, mentor, and acting coach, to reflect on the stories behind her memoir “The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined 70s on Stage.” She shares how she got her start at 13, fueled by babysitting money and a clear sense of purpose. From that moment on, she poured herself into the work, never waiting to be chosen.
 
What do you do when the opportunity you’ve been waiting for never comes? Diane opens up about her early audition for the Rockettes and the painful truth she uncovered years later, that her mentor never passed along the callback. It’s a moment that could have defined her differently. Instead, it pushed her toward something else entirely.
 
Scott and Diane talk about ambition, mentorship, and the winding nature of a creative life. They look at the ways the entertainment industry has shifted, and the parts that haven’t. There’s a sense of perspective here that only comes with time: the kind that sees rejection differently and understands the value of patience.
 
This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if the missed chances ever really mattered.
 
Quotes
“I don’t think I could have been just like every other girl in the line. I don’t think it was my destiny.” (11:20 | Diane Christiansen)
“The great author Marianne Williamson says in her book, ‘A Return to Love,’ she said, she finds that grist of your mill the most interesting thing about a person. It’s like, what happened to that person to make them great?” (14:01 | Diane Christiansen)
“It had a lot to do with ambition. It had a lot to do with wanting to stay in show business and at that level and being paid well and with those kinds of contracts and with the wonderful people that I got to work with.” (16:53 | Diane Christiansen)
“The things that were difficult, I learned the most from.” (35:01 | Diane Christiansen)
“It’s always a joy when people apply the skills and run with them.” (37:42 | Diane Christiansen)
Links
Connect with Diane Christiansen:
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-last-real-showgirl/?srsltid=AfmBOopIU_UQUjzdoxLncQojXCx-0Ok6jvpHUkPcVLlSI2IG1MtRJYdz 
https://www.instagram.com/the_last_real_showgirl/ 
https://www.christiansenactingacademy.com/
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP18: Our Midlife Chapter Together - Introducing My Cousin, Jacqueline Lion

Saying yes to everyone else gets easier over the years… until one day, you realize how far you’ve drifted from yourself.
 
In this episode, Scott Asmar sits down with his cousin and longtime confidant, Jacqueline Lion, to talk about what happens when life quiets down and you finally have the space to ask: What do I actually want now? They look back on decades of putting others first: raising kids, caring for parents, showing up in their marriages, and they unpack the difference between being generous and losing yourself. Where’s the line between serving others and people-pleasing? And what does it take to start choosing yourself without guilt?
 
Jacqueline opens up about a recent turning point: a solo trip to Armenia to support a powerful documentary about the resilience of the Artsakh people. That experience didn’t just reconnect her with her culture. It reminded her of who she is and what she still wants to create. From that clarity came a bold decision to launch a podcast of her own, focused on motherhood, identity, and the messy beauty of midlife.
 
This episode is full of warmth, honesty, and the kind of insight that comes from lived experience. If you’ve ever felt pulled in every direction but your own, this one will hit home.
 
Quotes
“It’s very hard to serve myself. It’s hard because I feel selfish and I feel stingy.” (08:06 | Jacqueline Lion)
“The first time you say no is so hard, but after that it’s really easy.” (09:39 | Jacqueline Lion)
“I try to accommodate everyone, but I’m not going to accommodate at the sacrifice of my own happiness anymore.” (10:16 | Jacqueline Lion)
“It’s really hard to look internally and say, ‘Where am I? What do I want and how can I achieve what I want without feeling bad for it?’” (10:53 | Jacqueline Lion)
“Every single decade of my life when I have traveled [to Armenia], it has been nothing short of transformative.” (13:46 | Jacqueline Lion)
 
Links
Connect with Jacqueline Lion:
https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinelion/
https://www.instagram.com/theresnoplacelikehomemovie/
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP17: Lenten Reflections Part 2: My Midlife Journey with Christ

Midlife isn’t a crisis. For Scott Asmar, it’s a call to persevere with faith, purpose, and a renewed connection to Christ.
 
In this episode, Scott shares how his relationship with Christ has shaped his understanding of perseverance. He looks at the Lenten season not as a duty, but as a chance to reset, adding intention back into our spiritual lives and reconnecting with the commitments we so often lose sight of after the new year begins.
 
Scott opens up about the difficult seasons that tested him: childhood loneliness, personal loss, parenting challenges. What helped him keep going? A growing faith, a clearer sense of purpose, and the decision to turn toward God instead of away. He shares a conversation with a friend who faced unthinkable hardship and chose to draw closer to Christ in the aftermath, a reminder that we all face that same choice when life doesn’t go as planned.
 
With scripture from James 1:12 and a powerful reflection found in an old church cookbook, Scott invites listeners to reframe Lent as a time for both fasting and feasting, for trading worry for trust, and frustration for gratitude. How do we keep moving forward when everything feels heavy? Where do we find strength when we’re running low? This episode points back to faith as the answer, even when the questions feel overwhelming.
 
Quotes
“One aspect of keeping our goals, one aspect of moving forward is perseverance. And we can see that in the Bible.” (02:37 | Scott Asmar)
“And I look back at my challenges in life, my trials, and how did I get through those? And at the time, I probably didn’t really realize it, but it was through the grace of God who strengthens me.” (07:49 | Scott Asmar)
“When tragedy, a trial, a tribulation of this magnitude happens, there are two ways you can go. You can either go away, you can either take the path and go away from God, or use that, get yourself closer to God.” (09:56 | Scott Asmar)
“It is this time that I don’t worry, try not to worry, and I give it to God and literally say, let go and let God.” (12:44 | Scott Asmar)
“Fast from discouragement. Feast on hope. Fast from suspicion. Feast on truth. Fast from thoughts that weaken. Feast on promises that inspire.” (15:47 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJkNiPyHMY/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP16: My Lenten Reflection - My Midlife Journey With Christ

Midlife can feel like unfamiliar territory, but it might just be the perfect time to rebuild your faith from the inside out.
 
Scott Asmar opens up about stepping back from church after the pandemic and finding his way back to God through scripture, not structure. He shares how reading a single verse sparked deeper understanding, and how faith, trust, and confidence became the cornerstones of his spiritual growth.
 
What does it mean to leave your worries at the altar? And how do you build a relationship with God that feels personal, not performative? This episode is an honest reflection and a quiet challenge to begin—or begin again—with intention.
 
Quotes
“How do you start a friendship with someone? It’s through communication. How is that communication? How do you do that? You talk with the person. And it's the same way prayer with God can be formal as it is in church, or it can be informal as a conversation.” (04:23 | Scott Asmar)
“Our Bible is the autobiography of Christ in his life. And that is where we can begin our journey with him. It doesn’t have to be reading three or four chapters. It can just be reading a verse and meditating on that.” (04:47 | Scott Asmar)
“Trials of life are what build our faith and trust in Christ. It is muscle-building and the faith of believing without seeing.” (06:18 | Scott Asmar) 
“We’d go to church and put all our concerns and pray and put our tray on the altar. And church would end, and we’d go to the altar, and we’d take our tray, and we’d walk outside. And that’s not what God wants us to do. He wants us to leave the tray at the altar.” (07:28 | Scott Asmar)
“It’s not just so much about going physically to church, but it’s understanding who Christ is through the Bible.” (10:40 | Scott Asmar) 
 
Links
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJkNiPyHMY/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP15: A Midlife Father’s Take on Raising 7 Girls With Faith, Love & Family

A father’s presence shapes a daughter’s world in ways that last a lifetime. But as a father, what does it mean to show up, to listen, and to guide without overstepping?
 
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Goshgarian, a father of seven daughters, for an honest conversation about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood. We talk about what it takes to raise strong, independent women, the shift from protector to trusted advisor, and why sometimes the best thing a father can do is simply listen.
 
Justin shares his experiences navigating different personalities under one roof and how faith has shaped his parenting. This conversation is a heartfelt look at the role we play in shaping our daughters’ confidence, choices, and future relationships.
 
Quotes
“I’ve always said the first man in a daughter’s life is her father.” (8:08 | Scott Asmar) 
“Listen to your daughters and don’t try to fix it. Just listen, and honestly, that would be it. And just let your daughters know that you’ll be a sounding board. And when they want help, they will absolutely tell you.” (17:27 | Justin Goshgarian)
“Those moments where you listen, you encourage, you pray—that does a lot for them. That’s all they really needed was just that encouragement, that time. Because when you’re in a low spot, it kind of picks you up, gives you that gumption to keep going.” (19:10 | Justin Goshgarian)
“One thing I've done with all the girls is I've always given them a promise ring. For me, that promise ring means that there's always a reminder of your value and the value that I see in you, the value that God sees in you. And that, I'm always going to be there for you and always be that reminder for you.” (20:53 | Justin Goshgarian)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP14: Alone vs Loneliness: A Deep Dive Into A Common Midlife Experience Featuring Special Guest, Natalie Kazarian, LMFT

Being alone can feel peaceful or isolating. What makes the difference?
 
Scott Asmar sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Natalie Kazarian to explore the line between solitude and loneliness. Can time alone be a source of strength, or does it always signal disconnection? They unpack how intentionality shapes our experience, why some people feel lonelier in a crowd than by themselves, and how to recognize when solitude is helping or hurting.
 
Scott reflects on his own shifts between being alone and feeling lonely, while Natalie shares ways to foster connection, whether through personal reflection, community, or small daily choices. They also break down the role of social media: does it connect us, or does it leave us more isolated?
 
Join Scott and Natalie’s discussion for a compelling look at how we experience being alone and what it takes to build meaningful connection.
 
Quotes
“I believe that that is true loneliness when you don’t feel like there’s anybody there, but that’s different from being alone, which is a very positive thing as I see it.” (05:07 | Scott Asmar)
“Aloneness can lead to feelings and thoughts around reflection, behavior, what we want to do in the future. It’s a really beautiful space. Again, if we’re seeing it in that kind of positive light, the positive sentiment of it, it’s a wonderful place to go for creativity, to understand ourselves better, and honestly, to reflect on the past too, which is not always a bad thing.” (07:11 | Natalie Kazarian) 
“Robin Williams once said, ‘I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.’” (09:45 | Natalie Kazarian)
“And you brought up a point that I hadn’t thought about, actually, is that it is a punishment, as you say, in solitary confinement. So if we as humans, we’re punishing ourselves if we stay in solitude, or if we stay in that state.” (15:21 | Scott Asmar) 
“I also believe that alone time does help you, and a positive thing of loneliness can help you prepare yourself for the next phase so that you can move to the next phase and appreciate where you have been and where you are at now.” (17:58 | Scott Asmar) 
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP13: New Parenting Revelations For 2025 Featuring My Daughter

Parenting doesn’t end when kids grow up, but letting go of the “little kid” lens can open the door to a stronger, more empowering relationship. As a parent, how do you support your kid’s independence while holding onto the close connection you’ve built?  
 
In this episode, Scott reflects on the ways old habits resurface when adult children come home, from driving them to appointments to managing their schedules, and how these actions, though loving, can unintentionally hold them back. Joined by his daughter Alexa, they unpack how these dynamics feel from both sides: Alexa’s need for autonomy and Scott’s struggle to let go of the “little kid” lens.  
 
Through their conversation, they navigate the challenges of redefining the parent-child relationship and reflect on the lessons that come with this transition. If you’d like to learn how to let go while staying present, this episode offers insights and inspiration for parents and children alike.
 
Quotes
“I think both you and I need to work on this, especially me, to work on, again, changing the lens in which I see you, because you are a young woman who is self-sufficient. And that was my goal in raising you, along with your mother. We want to make you autonomous, and know that we support you in everything that you do, and that you can come to us for anything, but you need to make those decisions… I think the guidance changes.” (09:41 | Scott Asmar)
“I’m going through a big transition in my life from being a college student to postgrad. And it’s been hard finding a job and networking with people. And sometimes I just want to vent. In some cases, you’ll just be like, ‘Oh, well, you should do this and blah, blah, blah.’ And it's like, well, don't you think I'm already doing that? …I just need you to listen.” (11:34 | Alexa Asmar)
“The first man in a daughter’s life is her father. And so, as a father, I want to make a good example. We’re not all perfect.” (12:42 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP12: Appreciating My Heritage Through Veterans & Travel

“Everybody has come from somewhere, and everyone has a story. Every story is important.”
 
In this episode, Scott Asmar reflects on his family’s Lebanese roots and his journey to reconnect with that heritage. He shares how his great-grandfather Anton left Lebanon with his bride, Mariam Helu, changing their family name from Asmar to Prieto to start a new life. This shift created a gap in the family’s connection to their past. Years later, Scott felt a deep need to reclaim his family’s original name and legally changed his own back to Asmar, honoring the identity his ancestors left behind. 
 
Scott is joined by his uncle Eric, who shares a powerful story of his grandfather John’s service in WWII. Eric recalls how John courageously defended his fellow soldiers in a fierce battle, capturing the resilience and sacrifice of young men who risked everything for freedom. Through these stories, Scott invites listeners to think about their own family history and the significance of preserving memories for future generations. Heritage matters— it connects us to those who paved the way and grounds us in a shared legacy.
 
Quotes
“My dad said he never fought for medals or things like that. It was just to help the cause and keep his comrades alive if he could.” (15:24 | Eric Prieto) 
“Things may not always be great. We may get upset at certain aspects of the country. But we do live in the best country in the world because of people like my grandfather that fought for us.” (17:41 | Scott Asmar)
“I think every American should be proud of being an American because without the rights that we have in our country, it’s just not the same… And I think our country is striving to be the best that it can be.” (20:12 | Eric Prieto)
“I just urge all of you, especially those that are midlife like me, in their mid-50s, it does help and it does build character to dig into your heritage, regardless of where you came from, regardless of nationality or race or religion. Just get those stories from your family down on paper. Have them be told to you, and start developing that line of heritage and history for future generations.” (21:19 | Scott Asmar)
“Everybody has come from somewhere, and everyone has a story. Every story is important.” (22:05 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP11: Taxiing and Taking Off Again - Redefining My Fatherhood As Kids Graduate

“Fatherhood never stops,” Scott Asmar reflects in this episode as he talks about how being a dad changes as your kids grow into adults. He shares the moment he watched his daughter graduate and realized that parenting doesn’t end with their independence—it just shifts. What does it look like to support your kids when they’re no longer kids? Scott discusses how fatherhood has evolved, with dads becoming more involved at every stage of their children’s lives. He talks about the importance of staying close, carving out intentional time together, and respecting their adult children’s independence. How do you balance being there for your kids while giving them space to lead their own lives? 
 
Scott’s message is clear—fatherhood is a lifelong journey, one that’s built on love, growth, and learning along the way.
 
Quotes
“I had a revelation. And that revelation was that fatherhood doesn’t stop. Just because they’re graduating doesn’t mean fatherhood ends.” (01:30 | Scott Asmar) 
“But sitting through that commencement, it hit me—wait a minute, your duties as a father aren’t stopping. They’re just morphing into something different, something that involves parenting adult children. It was this revelation that fatherhood, like your walk with Christ, is a journey. It continues until you lay your head down for the last time—you will always be a father.” (02:01 | Scott Asmar) 
“Not only am I speaking to fathers who have biological children, but anyone can take on the role of fatherhood. And when you take on that role, you have to understand that it’s a lifelong journey.” (02:58 | Scott Asmar) 
“I was taking inventory of what were the things that I did as a father for her growing up that got her to this point. Some of those things I remember are the words of encouragement and strength that I would instill in both my children, in Alexander and Alexa, and to always fill them with secure thoughts to cultivate independence and phrases like, ‘You know, I know you can do it. You have to know you can do it.’ The goal of raising them, raising children, being a father, is that when we are gone, they are able to carry on.” (05:57 | Scott Asmar) 
“The most important thing that a father has to remember is that the time spent with our children is an investment, and that time is very important… We always have to remember that they’re a sponge; they’re the reason why we’re here, and we need to help them navigate through life. And that starts at a young age.” (09:51 | Scott Asmar)
 
Links
www.fatherhood.gov for resources from the federal government
 
Connect with Scott Asmar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottasmar5/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm