Anthony Brooks

Anthony Brooks is a public radio journalist whose work has contributed to national conversations about purpose, reinvention, and the evolving arc of adult life. With more than 30 years at WBUR and NPR as a reporter, producer, editor, and host, he has covered everything from presidential politics to criminal justice, education, and urban affairs. In recent years, Brooks has turned his journalistic lens toward what he calls the “third act” of life—exploring how people reinvent themselves in midlife and beyond. Through WBUR’s The Third Act series, he has interviewed individuals who launch new careers, rediscover long-held passions, or find renewed purpose after traditional retirement age. Brooks draws on personal stories and examines themes around the power of starting something new. His work resonates strongly with retirees and those approaching retirement, offering both inspiration and a compassionate look at what’s possible and what it actually feels like to begin again.