Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories of people breaking cycles, finding freedom, and leading with courage.
Today’s guest is Sue Hincenbergs (Boomer) — a former television producer turned #1 bestselling author whose debut novel, The Retirement Plan, has taken Canada by storm. Now translated into 20 languages and headed for the big screen, this darkly funny thriller proves that it’s never too late to follow your dreams — or plot a little creative mayhem along the way.
After three decades producing award-winning TV programs, Sue decided at 59 to finally keep a promise she made to herself (and Bruce Springsteen!) at 20: to write a novel. The result? A hit book, a movie deal, and a wildly inspiring story of reinvention.
In this conversation, we explore the humor, humility, and heart behind her success — and why midlife might just be the perfect time to unleash your creative spark.
✨ Other Topics Covered:
How Sue turned a lifelong dream into a #1 Canadian bestseller
The 40-year promise inspired by Bruce Springsteen
Lessons from her TV career that made her a tighter, funnier writer
What makes a great storyteller — and why tension matters
The courage to start something new at any age
What she’d tell her 20-something self about patience, humility, and timing
Why “If not now, when?” became her personal mantra
⏱️ Episode Highlights
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Sue Hincenbergs
00:57 – “If not now, when?”: deciding to write at 59
02:20 – The Retirement Plan — murder, marriage, and midlife reinvention
04:58 – The Bruce Springsteen concert that sparked a lifelong promise
07:45 – From television producer to novelist: learning on the fly
09:39 – How tension and clarity make a great story
13:53 – Editing, rewriting, and the art of brevity
15:43 – Her advice to younger writers and her 20-something self
17:09 – Sue’s card pick: Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal
18:35 – “Why not me?”: believing it’s never too late
💡 Key Takeaways
Dreams don’t expire — they evolve when you do.
If you don’t try, nothing can happen.
Good storytelling blends honesty, tension, and heart.
Courage grows with age (and a sense of humor helps).
It’s never too late to take your creative leap.
📚 About Sue Hincenbergs
Sue Hincenbergs is a former television producer who’s worked on multiple award-winning programs. She lives in Toronto with her (very much alive) husband, her scruffy, middle-aged rescue dog, Kramer, and the rooms full of stuff her three sons left behind. The Retirement Plan is her debut novel.
🌐 suehincenbergs.com
💌 Store Highlight
Sue’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is “Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal.”Featuring a circle of dancing women, it’s a reminder that joy, laughter, and a touch of mischief keep us young at heart.
Explore guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop.
📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host
🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com
📸 Instagram: @yocanny
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny
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