Happiest Retirees

The Final Chapter: Retiree Reinvention & The Launch Of Tryin' Ryan

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In the final episode of the Happiest Retirees Podcast, we celebrate the show's journey and launch into our next adventure: the Tryin' Ryan YouTube series. Hear from vibrant retirees like Jill Smith Entrekin (author), Jerri Williams (FBI agent turned author/podcaster/Hollywood consultant), Johnny Hiles (pickleball enthusiast), and Andy Liepman (former CIA turned train conductor).

Transition from podcast listener to YouTube viewer! Follow the Retire Sooner Team channel on YouTube and watch Tryin' Ryan starting April 30th to fuel your post-career passion. Uncover your purpose, embrace new core pursuits, and start living your best retirement life today!

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Retirement’s New Era: How to Thrive in a Life Chapter That Never Existed Before with Eric Thurman

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Retirement today isn’t what it used to be—it's a whole new life chapter! People are spending 20, 25, even 30 years in retirement. So, how do you make those years truly fulfilling? It’s not just about money—it’s about curiosity, connection, and purpose. Dive into why friendships keep you thriving, how gratitude rewires your brain for happiness, and the little things that make a big difference. Retirement trailblazer and author of Thrive in Retirement, Eric Thurman, shares practical tips, a few laughs, and plenty of wisdom to help you live with more joy and meaning.

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Final Approach: A Pilot’s Viral Send-Off and the Flight Plan for a Thriving Retirement with Mark Hardcastle

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

A legendary airline captain’s final flight, a viral send-off, and the unexpected turbulence of retirement—this episode snaps your seat back and tray table into their full upright position. After 40 years of high-stakes decisions and strict schedules, stepping away from the cockpit felt like losing purpose for Mark Hardcastle. Navigating the sudden freedom proved unexpectedly disorienting, but embracing a self-imposed sabbatical opened the door to healing, reflection, and new possibilities. Discover how Mark stabilized his glide path, reclaimed fulfillment, and transformed retirement into the kind of life that takes off after work ends. So deploy the landing gear, clear the runway, and get ready for a happy retirement.

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From Burnout to Revival: How Dr. Jordan Grumet Resuscitated His Purpose and Retirement

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

We’ve all had jobs we didn’t want. I just never considered the idea that doctors might feel that way, too. We tend to elevate them to some higher status, but they’re human, too. In today’s episode, I uncover Jordan Grumet’s incredible journey from a burned-out physician to a fired-up, purpose-driven author and speaker. He opened up about how he escaped the identity trap of his medical career and built a life he loves.

Jordan shares why loving the process matters more than chasing achievements and how anyone can create a meaningful, fulfilling retirement. Plus, we explore his new book, The Purpose Code, and break down how to stop overthinking purpose and start living it. If you’re looking for inspiration, clarity, and a fresh perspective on what retirement (and life) can really be, this episode is for you.

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From Ad Exec To Cartoonist: Retirement Laughs & Lessons In Barcelona With Darryl Kluskowski

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

What happens when a creative powerhouse trades the ad world for a life of storytelling, adventure, and clumsy Spanish in Barcelona? I sat down with Darryl Kluskowski—award-winning cartoonist and children's author—to talk about his journey from agency exec to expat artist. He told me how he finds inspiration in unexpected places (including the bathroom—his latest book, The Flush Files, is certainly on-brand). Tune in for the laughs and stay for the life lessons as he walks me through a typical day of happy retirement in Spain.

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Staying Social, Staying Sharp: Gail Zugerman On Growing Older With Gusto

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:27:46 -0000

Gail Zugerman is a podcaster, golfer, book club enthusiast, and advocate for aging with purpose. She gave me insights from her show Growing Older with Gusto, highlighting the power of social connections, lifelong learning, and maintaining a positive mindset. From golf greens to canasta tables, she proves that retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about finding what fuels you. She also opened up about her dedication to pancreatic cancer research and the importance of keeping your health—and your passions—a top priority.

**Want to support pancreatic cancer research? Visit the Lustgarten Foundation to learn more.

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An Open Mind On The Open Road: Traveling With Mike Taylor

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Mark Twain may be the father of American literature. He’s got a million great quotes; even the apocryphal ones are good. A particularly penetrating one leans into the importance of travel. He called it fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.

The general idea is that only by experiencing different cultures can we hope to overcome our human tendency to fear the world’s other “tribes.” If we stay in our little bubbles, it’s much easier to hate what we don’t know, and our beliefs and customs go unchallenged.

Today’s guest, Mike Taylor, not only loves that Mark Twain quote, he lives by it. He’s been on so many life-changing journeys that I couldn’t even fit them all into the podcast.

Now retired, Mike spent 41 years in the local news business for WLEX-TV in Lexington, Kentucky. Travel is his primary core pursuit. If he’s not spending time with his four adult children or nine grandchildren, he’s probably on the road, on a cruise ship, or in the air above some faraway land.

He shares his journeys on social media. Today, we are lucky to have him share them with us. If you yearn to find retirement happiness beyond your corner of the world, let Mike’s stories be your inspiration.

00:00-40 Years in Journalism

07:01-Falling in Love with Travel

10:31-Retirement is Awesome

13:05-Big Bend TikTok Story

18:15-38 Countries, One Pass

21:54-Nine Grandchildren

25:31-Better than the Alternative

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From Someday to Today: Retirement in Portugal With Cynthia Wilson & Craig Bjork

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Chef Cynthia Wilson and Craig Bjork had envisioned retiring to Portugal "someday," but when COVID brought their bustling food truck business to a halt, "someday" became "today." Despite their contrasting personalities—Cynthia, a creative dynamo, and Craig, the embodiment of laid-back calm—they’ve created a life of joy, affordability, and deep community in Portugal.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a bold retirement, no matter how unconventional, this episode might ignite your passion to pursue it with the same vigor (or even more) as you did your career. Your someday could start sooner than you think.

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Boomer Grandma With A Little Edge With Shannon Nelson

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Every generation tends to blame the one prior for its problems. Right now, the Baby Boomers are taking most of the heat. Today’s guest empathizes with the premise, but she has a few notes.

Inspired by her own family's intergenerational dynamics, Shannon Nelson’s musings about the clash between Boomer and Millennial parenting styles spilled over onto social media. And, well, apparently, a lot of people online can relate. She now has 144,00 followers on Instagram and 52,000 on TikTok. A grandmother of three on TikTok! Not exactly what she thought she’d be doing in retirement.

Shannon’s satirical and good-natured approach sheds light on the evolving language around mental health and the importance of setting boundaries—even when they sometimes go overboard. She has a great relationship with her family partly because she’s learned to keep some thoughts to herself. If she “zips it” about touchy topics like “weight loss,” she can get away with making fun of toddler bento box lunches.

So, even though there’s a chance she’ll trigger your childhood trauma, that is not her goal. She wants every generation to know that we’re all in this together, so we might as well have some laughs and enjoy the ride.

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MARTA: Public Transportation For Retirees

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On my first date with my future wife, I picked her up in an Uber. I played it off as a romantic gesture, but the truth was that I didn’t own a car. I’d given it up because I love public transportation. There’s just something about it. You can clear your head, get work done, and actually see the city rather than focus on the traffic.

Atlanta’s version of the LA Metro is called MARTA. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has 48 miles of rail track, 38 subway stops, and an abundance of bus routes. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Sandy Springs, Buckhead to Brookhaven, And Decatur to Doraville, MARTA is taking people where they want to go today and tomorrow. And it can’t do that without today’s guest.

Donna E. DeJesús joined the team in 1993 and has over 30 years of advanced experience in transit call center and customer service management. She’s now the Director of Customer Service, but I just call her the Queen of MARTA.

Nowadays, I do own a car. I had to have somewhere to put my toddler’s car seat. I don’t get many nights out, but when I do, I ride the light rail or the bus whenever possible. If you find yourself craving the rails, or maybe you’ve retired and just want to drive a little bit less, this conversation can empower you with the tips and tricks you need to get where you want to go via the mode of transportation with which you want to get there.

So pay that fare, sit back, relax, and let Donna DeJesús dazzle you with some MARTA magic.

00:00-Hot MARTA Bochinche

03:58-All Aboard!

05:45-Reduced Fare Program for Seniors

09:36-MARTA Accessibility Committee

13:09-Exciting Updates

15:51-Access to All the Atlanta Fun & Senior Centers

19:21-Mobility Service

21:41-Getting to the Battery

23:12-Art Bound: Performances on the Platform

27:46-MARTA’s Best Kept Secret

30:44-Donna’s Team & Sustainability in Motion

35:31-Music in the Park

36:33-Overhauls and Tech by 2026

41:07-Staying Safe on MARTA

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I Used To Be Somebody With Carl & Diana Landau

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In the first part of our lives, we’re busy working toward a career. Then we’re busy doing it. By the time we’re done, we’ve gotten pretty good at whatever it is we do, so it can be pretty intimidating to try anything else. What if we’re terrible at it?

Carl and Diana Landau want all of us to embrace the idea of being a beginner. As co-authors of the Amazon best-seller Pickleball for Dummies and the team behind the I Used to be Somebody podcast and newsletter, they dedicate themselves to helping people take on new retirement challenges. That is . . . when they aren’t on the pickleball court.

Rather than fear the unknown, why not welcome the opportunity to try something new, more fun, and maybe even more meaningful? But don’t take my word for it; listen to Carl and Diana.

I get it. You used to be somebody. But now? You can be somebody even better.

00:00-Embrace Being a Beginner

03:54-No Gold Watches Here

07:34-A Season of Reinvention

10:49-Freedom to Explore Your Interests

14:15-Reframing Divorce

15:39-Try - and Quit - As Much As You Want

19:21-Core Pursuits

23:56-Make New Friends in Retirement

26:46-Daily Stretches with Felix

28:52-Don’t Wait - Travel!

31:36-I Used to be Somebody: World Tour

36:15-Reflect on Your Reinvention

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The Federal Bureau of Happy Retirements with Jerri Williams

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

I’m a massive fan of books and movies about the FBI. If my wife sees me reading, she can often assume it’s some story about counterintelligence or criminal profiling. One night, I was enjoying a podcast called FBI Retired Case File Review, and it dawned on me that as someone with my own podcast, I could just ask the host to be a guest. To my delight, she agreed.

Jerri Williams retired after serving 26 years as a special agent in the FBI. In addition to her podcast, she does work as a technical consultant for major TV networks and production companies. She’s also the author of several books, both fiction and non-fiction. Through her story-telling and interviews with retired FBI agents, she debunks myths and misconceptions with a mission to show the public who the FBI is and what the FBI does. Her podcast has more than 300 episodes and 10 million downloads, so I think it’s safe to say: mission accomplished.

Jerri said that talking to me gave her an excuse to reflect on what retirement means, and it felt like therapy. Take her words to heart; perhaps it will for you, too.

00:00-Actively Participate

01:42-Am I Doing Retirement ‘Right?’

02:31-26 Years with the FBI

07:25-A Post FBI Position

12:10-300 Episodes

15:34-SEPTA, The Podcast, & Pay to Play

24:51-Are You Happy?

27:22-The Grandparent Do-Over

34:11-TV Consulting

41:53-Crafting an Ideal Schedule

46:02-Find Your Reason to Get Out of Bed

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Carving Out A Spooky Retirement: Halloween With Ken Klinker

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Ken Klinker loves carving pumpkins. He started doing it for his kids 30 years ago. He’d come home from work and head straight to the shed—eager to sculpt some groovy orange gourds. His wife spent so much time alone in the house that she started calling herself “The Pumpkin Widow.”

But retirement has given Ken the freedom to turn that passion into a thriving core pursuit that even pays for itself. He switched to foam pumpkins because they didn’t rot and launched his own Etsy shop. Take a spin down his digital aisles to find some terrific work. I never knew I needed to see John Wayne, Beetlejuice, or Barbie in pumpkin form, but it turns out I did.

Ken and I talked about his evolving art, favorite charity, media appearances, and primary collaborator. You’ll be happy to hear how a balanced retirement has allowed him to revoke his wife’s “Pumpkin Widow” status.

So, pour a cup of hot cocoa, put on your Halloween costume, and listen for ways you might be able to carve out your own happy retirement.

00:00-Ken Klinker Love Pumpkin Carving

04:44-The Birth of the Etsy Shop

06:30-400 Pumpkins on Display

09:00-Pop Culture Patterns

12:54-Ken in the News

17:13-Custom Designs

19:25-Giving Back

21:40-Knowing When to Retire

27:16-Core Pursuits

30:40-Facing Challenges

34:26-The Perfect Day

35:27-Teacher’s Aides

37:38-Grandkids & Advice for Retirees

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In Between Songs: Gregg Russell Is Happy In Harbour Town

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

If you grew up in the South, you’ve probably heard Gregg Russell sing. If you were lucky enough to vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, you’ve probably heard it live. He’s been singing for kids and their families in Harbour Town under a 300-year-old oak tree since 1977. Two of those kids grew up and made a movie about him. The Gregg Russell Story became the #1 trending documentary on Apple TV earlier this summer.

After nearly 50 years of lugging his guitar all over the world as a singer, actor, and entertainer, Gregg considers himself semi-retired. He still loves to perform, but now he has more control over when and where. He’s carved out more time to spend time with family, write children’s books, and even a real estate side business.

Gregg is definitely known for his music, but as he told me, he made his living in between the songs. And even if that set list is a bit shorter these days, he still hits all the right notes.

00:00-The Legend of Hilton Head

07:52-Celebrity Encounters

10:59-Gregg in the Movies

13:04-Talent Runs in the Family

16:23-Semi-Retired

20:43-Singing Under the Oak Tree

27:01-Writing & Investing

29:45-Show Business

41:27-Relief in Semi-Fame

47:31-Advice for the Retirement Phase

50:17-The Gregg Russell Story

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One-Year Anniversary Show

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this very special episode, Ryan breaks out his tuxedo and invites Producer Mallory into the studio to celebrate one year of interviewing happy retirees. They explore some of the most dynamic lessons learned and what they hope the listeners will use as inspiration in their own lives. Break out the champagne glasses and help the gang toast all the smart, brave, resilient, and joyful guests who have taken the time to share their stories. Cheers!

0:00-Lessons from One Year

01:21-Jill Smith Entrekin Keeps Busy

05:34-Ingrid Reckard Got on a Plane

08:25-Richard Eisenberg Unretires

10:34-Gail and Dixon Grimes Reconnected with Previous Hobbies

14:00-Nancy Kruh, the Dabble Master

17:32-Taking a Train at the Santa Barbara Zoo

20:31-Penny Martinez Gives Back

24:00-Tom Georgi’s Favorite Job

27:02-Nancy Volpe Beringer Designs Couture for Disabilities

29:50-MIchael Blowen’s Retired Thoroughbreds

32:39-Edd and Cynthia Staton Moved to Ecuador

35:53-George Jerjian on Takes Risks

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Pelican Persistence and Glass-Ceiling Breakthroughs: Kathy Sperl-Bell’s Guide to Winning at Work and Retirement

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Kathy Sperl-Bell has an abstract painting called “Dinner Time.” In it, a Pelican stares down into the sea as dark shadows betray the location of fish who, unbeknownst to them, are in serious jeopardy. What strikes me about this particular Pelican is his ability to keep his eye on the prize. His hunger is evident. That patient facade is a practiced skill, not a breezy indifference. He knows that accomplishing his goal will require calm focus and repeated effort. Dinner won’t come easy, but if he refuses to quit, his belly will eventually be full.

I don’t know if Kathy had all this in mind when her acrylic brush first touched the wrapped canvas, but it certainly would be apropos of her own story. As a woman trying to succeed in business in the 1960s, it’s amazing her head isn’t scarred from banging against all those glass ceilings. But like that pelican, she never quit. Each challenge strengthened her resolve. Finally, when the moment was right, she founded Active Adults Realty in Delaware in 2009, an independent real estate brokerage focused on helping Baby Boomers plan for retirement. It was a hit.

In 2021, she and her husband, Bill, sold the business and retired to The Florida Keys, where she spends her time focused on core pursuits like blogging about travel and retirement, painting, yoga, pickleball, and listening to as much jazz as she can get her hands on.

There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but they aren’t always so easy to catch. Kathy Sperl-Bell’s inspirational story is full of heartache, hope, hard work, and happiness. Maybe yours is, too.

00:00-Journey to Real Estate

02:42-Live from the Airstream

11:12-“I Don’t Want Any Obligations.”

12:40-A Trip of a Lifetime

16:25-Bucking the Tongue

19:22-From an In-Flight Detective to Director

24:32-A Shared Love of Jazz

26:29-Active Adults Realty

29:45-What Does “Retirement” Mean?

31:29-The Accessibility of Pickleball

34:13-MyRetirementStories.com

36:26-A True Partner

40:11-Perseverance

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The Biggest Risk Of All With George Jerjian

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” George Jerjian gave it a shot. What he noticed was that nothing in nature retires. Polar Bears don’t leave with severance packages, and Komodo Dragons don’t get a gold watch or cake in the office kitchen. Wildlife is typically either growing or dying.

In short, George says the word “retirement” is past its sell-by date and prefers “rewirement” or “refirement.” He says happiness isn’t found by losing our former identity but rather by creating our new one. That might include continuing to work if you enjoy it. But it also might mean going on a safari, eating Ostrich steak in South Africa, or cycling through the rain in Vancouver. The point isn’t that it has to be something exotic but that it should be something that excites you. Maybe even something that scares you.

George says sitting on the beach is not a retirement. It’s a vacation. You can’t vacation for the rest of your life. So figure out what you want to do, then take some risks to do it. It’s hard to venture out of your comfort zone, but as George points out, the biggest risk of all is never taking a risk. To play it safe and then get to the end of your life and realize you never lived.

You get one, wild, wonderful life? What are you going to do with it?

00:00-You Can’t Vacation The Rest of Your Life

03:59-Not a Binary

09:26-An Ego Death

12:55-George’s Epic Break

23:47-Life is a Risk

26:12-DARE Method

32:30-The Fool

35:43-Don’t be an Ostrich

42:44-A Bird with Two Wings

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Ending Ageism With Friendly Vibes: Jan Golden

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Think about the last time you bought a birthday card. You were probably in a hurry, maybe even running late for the party you needed the card for. You scanned the racks, noticing that cards now cost more than the gift. But even more than that was the overwhelming bombardment of “over-the-hill” birthday themes: sagging body parts, balding heads, bad jokes about fading attractiveness. If you found it a little depressing, you’re not alone.

Jan Golden decided to do something about it.

Inspired by a greeting card contest called Changing the Narrative, she combined her graphic design, tech, and creativity skills to create a line of age-friendly greeting cards. As she wound down her primary career, she was able to jump in with both feet. Now, Age Friendly Vibes is thriving, and Jan discovered that she absolutely loves doing it.

Ageism can affect anyone, but it’s often directed at older people. As you plan or execute your happy retirement journey, you won’t always be able to control when it rears its ugly head. But you can decide how to react to it. Listen to Jan’s story and be inspired by her mission to put age-positive sentiments into the world, one greeting card at a time. Now, that’s what I call all the hallmarks of happiness.

00:00-You Can Do Just About Anything

03:29-Transitions & Empowering Older Adults in Tech

09:21-Mindset Matters

10:33-A Birthday Card Contest Turned Etsy Business

15:48-Tradeshows & Strategy

22:06-Immerse Yourself in Something Joyful

28:21-Retirement Rewirement

33:30-Practicality Problems

36:42-Ikigai!

40:50-Core Pursuits & Staying Active

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Uncork Your Bottle of Happiness With Steve Hoffman

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0000

My conversation with Steve Hoffman was deep and engaging, largely due to his eloquence and profound self-reflection. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and a French-loving food & wine writer.

I don't know if one person has ever been both of those things. His writing has garnered significant recognition, winning multiple awards, including the prestigious 2019 James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. His work has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Artful Living. His first book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, was published this year.

Steve doesn’t consider himself retired, but he’s already figured out that even in the present, you can start walking toward your future. He knows who he is, who he wants to be, and where those two things don’t yet line up. I admire his tireless effort to become a better version of himself.

Open a bottle of French wine, cleanse your palette, and get ready to imbibe some happy retirement wisdom from Midwest Francophile Steve Hoffman.

00:00-Introductions

04:44-A Rediscovery of Old Loves

06:32-An “Oscar” in Food Writing

12:16-Tennis for Longevity

15:08-An Ideal Retirement

18:12-Still: The Art of Noticing

20:17-Couch Time

27:36-Compounding Interest in Happiness

33:23-A Home Base to Return To

40:51-Retirement is an Extension, Not an Escape

43:13-A Transitional Character

49:07-Busyness as a Distraction

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It's Your Life: Live It! Beyond Retirement with Jacquie Doucette

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

As Americans, we tend to believe our jobs define us. Think about that last time you met someone new. What’s the first thing you asked? “So what do you do?” How we make a living is so ingrained in our self-worth recipe that we often neglect the other ingredients.

Jacquie Doucette wants to change all that. She says our jobs don’t define us, and she’s dedicated to helping people remember some of those other ingredients. What did you love before you got locked into your career? Is it possible you might still love those things?

Jacquie says retirement means doing what you want when you want. In other words, she can help show you what you love to do now that you have time to do what you couldn’t do before you did what you did. After all, this is your life. You might as well live it. Let’s go beyond retirement with Jacquie Doucette.

0:00-Start

02:02-Beyond Retirement, Beyond Netflix

06:26-A Retirement Guide

08:34-It’s Your Life, Live It

12:36-A Long List of Core Pursuits

17:02-A Perfect Day

18:27-International Pet Sitting

21:39-Retirement “from/to” Paradigm Shift

24:30-Retirement Challenges

29:17-Advice Corner

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Embracing the Beauty of Aging With Hugh Willard

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

After a successful 35-year career as a psychotherapist, Hugh Willard decided to embark on a new journey as a writer. Currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Creative Nonfiction, he authored a book and hosts a podcast about finding beauty in the gray. I have more gray hair than I used to, and sometimes, I feel insecure about it. But it’s funny; my barber recently told me some of her clients would shell out a lot of money for that brownish-gray coloring. And it’s that positive twist that Hugh uses to change the conversation about aging.

Hugh lives in the beautiful city of Apex, North Carolina, which is fitting because as he ages, he seems to be summiting the peak of his own happiness.

00:00-Purpose & Identity

01:13-Pivoting to a New Chapter

03:20-The Osher Institute

06:19-A Generative Direction

09:30-An Unexpected Passion

11:18-Music & Family

15:00-Audrey’s Incredible Journey

17:42-Answering “Who Am I Now?”

27:00-The Default Mode Network

30:22-Intergenerational Connectivity

32:44-Lowercase f failure & Retirement as a Transition

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Recession Blues to Ecuadorian Views: Edd and Cynthia’s Retirement Adventure

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Edd and Cynthia Staton were on track for a happy retirement, but life had other plans. The Great Recession killed their careers, home value, and savings. Instead of throwing in the towel, they devised an outside-the-box solution: moving to Cuenca, Ecuador.

Initially, they were banking on the lower cost of living to make ends meet. Today, their story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. They've transitioned from surviving to thriving! Residing in a 3,000-square-foot penthouse apartment, they can still afford a housekeeper, dine out frequently, and cover health care costs. They even walk to their favorite yoga studio.

Ex-pat life has become more common for retirees in the U.S. According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees drawing Social Security outside the U.S. saw a staggering increase between 2007 and 2017.

Those looking to do so in the future might want to ask Edd and Cynthia for tips. They’ve authored three Amazon #1 best-selling books, are regularly featured in major media, and run their own online program: Retirement Reimagined!

The affordability of living in another country has given Edd and Cynthia the freedom to explore the retirement happiness they’d always dreamed of having. If you’ve ever considered the idea, today’s episode is a must-stop on your itinerary.

00:00-Start

01:51-An Unexpected Path Forward

08:15-Timezone Matters

11:54-Walking Around Paradise

17:44-Retirement Reimagined

24:07-Committed to Community and Health

33:04-Navigating Healthcare

38:42-Life on our Schedule

44:07-Purpose and Play

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From Cinema to Stables: A Retired Film Critic’s Heartwarming Horse Rescue with Michael Blowen

Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Michael Blowen loves “being old.” Those are his words, not mine!

After years as a film critic for the Boston Globe, he snapped. In the middle of an awful movie, he stood up and yelled at the other critics: “How can you endure this?”

Today, he’s so much happier. As the founder of Old Friends, a Thoroughbred aftercare facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, he’s helped turn a modest mom-and-pop operation into a sprawling 236-acre farm with three satellite locations and a herd of over 255 retired former racehorses and breeding stallions.

Retirement, if you can call it that, really suits Michael. He believes age is a free pass to say yes to the fun and no to the dreaded obligations. He’s formed friendships with celebrities like Albert Brooks and Angie Dickson. Every morning, he wakes up with a heart full of gratitude, ready to feed former Kentucky Derby winners. The thrill of it still gives him the chills.

This whole thing started because Michael, as a fan of horse racing, wanted to improve his gambling skills. But whoops! He fell in love with horses and has dedicated his life to improving their lives. Listen to Michael. It might improve your life.

00:00-Start

03:06-It Started with Six

07:45-Old Friends

14:54-Mo Rocca & the “Rocca Generians”

18:11-Recovering Movie Critic

23:18-You Can’t Go Back Up the Stretch

27:10-Retirement’s an Odd Word

29:05-About the Horses

34:47-A Page Out of Their Book

40:11-There’s a Horse in Your Living Room

43:37-Adversity is an Asset

46:11-Let’s Take a Shot at This

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Multiple Streams of Talent with Comedy Legend Phil Hendrie

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

*In the new documentary "Hendrie," some real heavy hitters, like Bill Hader, Judd Apatow, and Kevin Pollak, all discuss their admiration for Phil's unique and hilarious creativity. So, we decided this was the perfect time to reintroduce you to the interview he did for our show.*

Phil Hendrie is not retired, not even a little bit. He’s creating as much content as he ever has. But his story still resonates with happy retirees because he had to make a giant change in the middle of his career. In essence, that’s what retirement is—a change. It doesn’t mean you stop doing anything; it means you start doing more of what you’ve always wanted to do.

After taking his radio show from a tiny local station to national syndication, Phil realized the business had changed. It was no longer viable to do comedy on the radio. So, he got creative and transitioned to a daily podcast instead. Because his talent was versatile, he also picked up acting roles and voice work in movies, television shows, animation, and video games. He even retained ownership of his old radio material to repurpose for fans who wanted to listen. Don’t look now, but that adds up to multiple streams of income, and you know we love that on this show!

The bottom line is that even though Phil Hendrie is not retired, his story can still inspire people who want to be. Between that and his comedy genius, this episode is a must-listen!

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Smokin' Hot Community Service with Craig Miller

Wed, 01 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

At nearly 70 years old, my guest, Craig Miller, is one of the oldest firefighters in the world. He doesn’t get paid for it, and he wasn’t even sure he wanted to do it, but the question that gnawed at him was, “If not me, who?”

In 2023, he shared a startling statistic: “Volunteers comprise some or all of the staffs of more than 85% of fire companies across the U.S., according to an estimate by the National Volunteer Fire Council.” This eye-opening revelation highlights how much responsibility we thrust upon volunteers to keep us all safe.

The funny thing is that Craig could’ve easily been voted least likely ever to battle flames. He’s a public radio guy—you know, the coffee-sipping, tote-bag-toting, academic type. Or, at least, he was, having spent more than 40 years as a broadcaster and journalist. He launched and edited the award-winning Climate Watch multimedia initiative for KQED radio in San Francisco. He’s also an accomplished writer/producer of television documentaries and even co-created a show called “House Detective” for HGTV.

In 2019, he moved from California’s Bay Area to the Catskill Mountains of New York. The local firefighters pursued his services and eventually succeeded in attaining them. But the pleasure has been all Craig’s. Volunteering as a firefighter has become one of the most gratifying features of his entire life.

I spoke with him again after our interview, and he wanted to amend one of his answers. Rather than labeling himself principally as a firefighter, he wanted to go on the record as an “evangelist for volunteerism and community service.” I understand and appreciate the distinction, but when that 911 call rings out in the middle of the night, I’m not sure Craig the evangelist is getting out of bed, but Craig the firefighter sure is. One might even say Craig the firefighter is a damn hero.

00:00-Start

04:57-Good Morning Frankfurt

09:03-Theater of the Mind

10:01-Climate Documentaries & HGTV

15:57-Climate Refugees

19:46-The Birth of Standup

21:02-We’re Not Urban Animals

23:42-65% Volunteers

34:22-Knowing When to Say When

37:48-A Fresh Identity

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Projecting Runway Vibes with Nancy Volpe Beringer

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Nancy Volpe Beringer made history as the oldest designer to ever appear on the hit show Project Runway. At 64, she made it to the finale at New York Fashion Week, using her talent and can-do attitude to promote more sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. You’re in a wheelchair? No problem. A prosthetic leg? Nancy’s got an idea to make your outfit glamorous and runway-ready. She eventually created “The Vault by Volpe Beringer”—the world’s first and only fully accessible designer luxury platform, offering adaptable options and complimentary consultations for the disabled community.

Nancy won the 2022 Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star award. She was named “Best in Philly Fashion Designer for Artsy Dresses” by Philadelphia Magazine for her viral red-carpet design for Grammy nominee and rapper Tierra Whack.

This incredible journey almost didn’t happen. At age 50, Nancy already had a successful career and financial security, but she was miserable. Sure, she’d grown up sewing, but she never dared to dream of becoming a fashion designer. Then, one day, BAM! It all became so clear. Despite the fear of starting over so late in the game, she went for it! No regrets, Nancy.

If fashion is your thing, you’ll love this episode. But hell, if you like the movie Rocky, you’ll enjoy it, too. Like the Italian Stallion, Nancy is a gritty underdog from the mean streets of Philadelphia. She’s never climbed into a boxing ring with Mr. T, as far as I know, but she is definitely a fighter. So, put up your dukes, turn up your volume, and get ready to be inspired.

00:00-Fresh Starts & Accolades

03:09-Inclusive Representation

08:27-Displaced, but not discouraged

12:33-Another Word for Retirement

16:07-I Just Want to Make a Difference

20:27-Tierra Whack at the Grammys

24:17-Make Fear Your Friend

33:18-Working with Legends

35:21-Core Pursuits

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The Aloha Spirit with Dave Kenney

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:22:00 -0000

Don Ho, the famous Hawaiian singer, walked into Dave Kenney’s bar and said, “I like the way you operate.” I don’t know Don Ho, I don’t know that much about Don Ho, but I do know that Don Ho seems to have excellent judgment. I, too, like the way Dave Kenney operates.

Originally from England, Dave’s work in the hotel industry eventually landed him in Hawaii, and understandably, he didn’t want to leave. Since then, he’s owned and operated just about everything: a convenience store, a t-shirt business, a fishing boat, and nine or ten different Honolulu bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, Dave and his wife, Margie, bought a place in Henderson, Nevada, just outside Las Vegas. Now, they hop back and forth between the two. That journey is a common one: Las Vegas has been called “The Ninth Island” because of its sizeable Hawaiian population.

Dave retired at 55, but Margie’s real estate business is booming, and he lends his hoteling expertise whenever she needs it. Otherwise, he does Zumba four days a week, walks several miles daily, and enjoys his afternoon cocktail.

Dave finds a perfect day no matter where he is, and as much as he travels, that could be just about anywhere. For a guy who claims he’s never worked a day in his life, he sure has had a lot of jobs. Maybe that’s the beauty of the Aloha spirit.

When life handed Dave lemons, sometimes he made lemonade. Other times, he traded the lemons for limes and made a gin and tonic to enjoy by the pool. That sounds like a happy retirement to me.

***********

Chapter titles:

00:00-Start

02:24-From First Jobs to Hawaii

09:58-Taste of Honolulu

12:14-Transatlantics

17:19-Staying Fit

21:50-Booze Cruisin’

24:19-Earn a Little, Keep a Lot

30:50-I’m Happy Where I’m At

38:16-Core Pursuits & Identity

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Retirement is The Best Job I've Ever Had with Tom Georgi

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Tom Georgi’s wife, Suzanne, was horrified to discover that by age 60, he had saved enough money to retire. “You’ve got to get another job, she insisted.” Marines know how to follow a chain of command, and there was no wiggle room in this code red. So, Tom took his marching orders.

Being a golf marshal meant miserably early mornings, and dog walking for the animal shelter would track too much dander into the house, so when a friend suggested volunteering at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum in downtown San Diego’s Embarcadero, he gave it a shot.

More than a decade later, he’s never looked back.

Named after a WWII naval battle that helped turn the tide of the war with Japan, the Midway was the United States’ longest-serving carrier of the 20th century and is now an immensely popular tourist destination. As a safety officer, Tom greets guests at the entrance and exit, roams the floor, monitors the flight deck, and loves every minute of it.

Tom spent twelve years on active duty in the Marines, then taught Air Force Officers how to fire the Cruise missile weapon system for General Dynamics and eventually moved to a computer science corporation. That sounds like an exciting career. But without hesitation, Tom says that working at the Midway is the best job he’s ever had, even though it doesn’t pay him a penny.

00:00-Start

04:31-Bend with the Breeze

06:10-A Professional Volunteer

09:14-Hotfooting it For the Grandson

10:49-For the Love of Cruises

14:29-Fully Retired, Semi Planned

17:17-EA-6B Prowler and Yeti

19:50-Facing Challenges

24:54-Midway Naval Museum History

30:01-That’s My Definition of Retirement

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Rookie of the Year with Johnny Hiles

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Johnny Hiles just completed his rookie year of retirement, and his stats are lookin’ really good. He plays pickleball 4-5 times per week and works out even more. He attends a weekly men’s Bible study and volunteers as a greeter every other week at church. He and his wife just took their first trip to Greece and Turkey, with their sights set on taking a big trip at least every other year.

After a full career, Johnny has no regrets about retiring, and he’s hoping his story will help others decide the right time in their own lives.

As a professional, he went by John. Now, more and more people call him Johnny. In a way, retirement has recreated his identity. John had to get up every day and go to work. Johnny gets to explore the world, enjoy his family, and even tackle that honey-do list.

John had to act like a grown-up. Johnny’s far too happy for that.

After a year in the retirement game, it’s safe to say Johnny is well on his way to a promising career of happiness.

***************************

00:00-Johnny’s Identity Shift

02:50-The Big Questions

05:43-Johnny’s Career Journey

08:11-A Very Good Mentor

10:48-Staying Active

12:22-Atlanta Living

14:05-Two Out of Three

16:33-Getting Involved at Church

18:38-The BC Boys Ski Trip

21:00-Doing the Same Stuff, just More of It

22:20-Upsizing Again

26:10-“Retirement Recreated Me.”

27:47-Financial Planning and Confidence

29:19-Retirement is Limitless

31:34-Comparison is the Enemy of Contentment

32:49-A Rookie Season, But…

33:48-Plan, but Go For It

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Volunteering For Service with Penny Martinez

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Penny Martinez started saving money at six and investing at 18. Her goal was to retire early, be debt-free, and find opportunities to give back to her community. She accomplished all three and has never looked back.

Penny volunteered for service throughout her life, but retirement allows her to pursue it full-time. She reads to children in elementary schools, works in the kitchen at an emergency shelter, writes holiday cards to care facility residents, picks up trash, supports a pregnancy center, fights human trafficking, organizes blood and clothing drives, coordinates a local veterans group and community neighborhood watch, puts wreaths on veteran graves, and even dabbles in politics.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, one could argue she’s earned the right to spend more time pampering herself. But that’s not Penny. Oh, she definitely has fun, but she insists that the true joy of life can be found in serving others.

***************************

00:00-Start

01:38-A Service Heart

04:17-First Investments

09:44-You Want It? Go Get It.

13:11-Surviving Cancer. Twice.

15:15-Being Pulled Like Gumby

20:35-Things Didn’t 'Pan' Out

25:18-Everyone Should Give One Hour

35:06-Faith, Family, Foundations

42:27-A Perfect Day

44:25-Thread Kindness Through 365 Days

49:51-Redefining Retirement

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The Purpose Driven Dilettante with Nancy Kruh

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Nancy Kruh didn’t realize she was retired until we asked her to be a guest on the Happiest Retirees podcast. She never really liked the label “retired,” and she certainly doesn’t fit neatly within it.

Nancy’s not the first person to struggle to accept and embrace retirement. And, to be fair, it’s not like she isn’t still out there, doing impressive work. She covers country music for People Magazine and People.com. But unlike during her 25-year career at the Dallas Morning News, she’s not tied to the grind. She works for fun and creative fulfillment. She only writes about the topics that interest her.

Nancy says people call her a dabbler, but she prefers “dilettante.” She’s not afraid to try all sorts of new tricks: oil painting, knitting, video editing, home renovation, playwriting, screenwriting, fiction writing, life drawing, singing in a choir, photography . . . you get the point.

But she’s also not afraid to quit the pursuits that don’t bring her a sense of purpose.

It’s slowly dawning on Nancy that she’s in a new phase of life that allows for more freedom. She’s driven to feel relevant, purposeful, and creative. She doesn’t expect to change the world, but she does want to matter.

I’d say that’s a fairly ambitious retirement plan for a dilettante.

***************************

BONUS: Check out Nancy’s curated Spotify playlist featuring some fantastic female country music artists! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LXSCnDgZHhPp2rDnorZzy?si=76a30b268ad545b0

00:00-Start

02:26-The Glitzy World of People Magazine

11:42-Volunteering Victories

15:35-Be Choosy

21:37-Semi-Retired, Fully Alive

23:19-Retire the word ‘Retired’

25:27-Scriptured Up

29:34-Selfless or Selfish? Nah, Self-ful.

32:32-Wellness Wisdom

40:43-Happiness Blueprint

46:09-Family Bonds & Vibrant Energy

51:47-Dilettante

53:52-A Feast of the Senses

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Wheels of Fortune with Dave Hogan

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Dave Hogan’s favorite core pursuits are writing and cycling.

Whether it’s his fingers on the keyboard or his feet on the pedals, Dave Hogan is on the move. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and former journalist, the now semi-retired author of E-BIKES – Putting the FUN Back into Cycling (and Life) at Any Age is passionate about riding e-bikes and spreading retirement joy.

He runs two blogs: one about retirement and one about e-bikes. If you don’t know what an e-bike is, you’re about to get a crash course. By the end of this interview, you’ll be ready to strap on your helmet and hit the open road.

Dave is nowhere near ready for the rocking chair, and I’m guessing you aren’t, either. What tips does he have for making your retirement years one of the best stages of life? Listen and find out.

00:00-Start

05:14-Dave Hogan’s Background & Career

11:20-What Makes You Happy?

19:49-Love for Writing

26:06-It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy

32:33-Staying Connected

36:00-Knowing When to Quit

41:43-Happiness is Balance

45:50-Everyone’s Road Will be Different

48:45-Living a Fulfilling Life

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Serving up Pickleball Championships with Owen Mitchell

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:27:00 -0000

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. LeBron James, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Brady, and Drake have all made sizable ownership investments in pickleball teams. One of them needs to get today’s guest onto the roster. Owen Mitchell won first place in the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh. He’s also won the Florida state championship for his age group in four of the past five years.

For him, winning is a goal, but not the goal. The sport has helped him find a purpose, and he thinks that’s one of the keys to happiness in retirement. We also talked about his devotion to faith, his love for family, and the marriage seminars he and his wife lead throughout the year.

Owen is a man of action. He’s hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, gone to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back twice, hiked Mt. Whitney, and so much more.

Owen Mitchell thinks about his life as a story; as you’ll hear, he’s writing a real page-turner.

00:00-Start

02:12-Owen’s Love for Pickleball

05:12-The Villages: A Pickleball Haven

07:24-Medicare Benefits You Don’t Know About

08:33-Owen's Approach to Fitness and Health

10:50-Family Dynamics and Proximity

13:02-Owen's Marriage Ministry with His Wife

19:58-Owen's Career

22:19-Financial Discipline

24:55-Extensive Travel and Adventure Hiking

28:15-Pickleball on a Cruise Ship

31:39-The Wave: A Unique Natural Formation

33:22-Goal Setting in Retirement

35:30-Defining Happiness in Retirement

39:28-A Perfect Day for Owen

40:34-Caring for Elderly In-Laws

42:23-Retirement Planning and Financial Decisions

48:27-Less Limitations in Retirement

52:25-Advice for Achieving Happiness in Retirement

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All Aboard! The Happy Retirement Train at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0000

This past summer, my wife and I took our son to the Santa Barbara Zoo, about two hours north of Los Angeles. The featured attraction is a miniature train that runs the perimeter. The train conductors act as tour guides, animal advocates, and stand-up comedians. My happy retiree radar was beeping like crazy, and it turned out to be accurate. So, a few months later, I returned to the zoo with all my recording equipment and caught them in action.

In his primary working years, train conductor Pete Georgi was the co-owner of the Santa Barbara Insurance Agency and President of the Board of the Carriage and Western Art Museum of Santa Barbara. Andy Liepman spent thirty years at the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and ended up as the Deputy Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center.

But now, they’re just two guys who wear overalls and drive a miniature train. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

00:00-Start

02:50-About our guests

07:40-How’d you wind up here?

09:28-Biggest lesson

13:34-About the train

15:10-You do what you want

16:55-Did you have a plan?

17:35-Social aspects of retiring

18:05-Getting your identity back

19:35-You have to DO something

21:54-Pete and the Condor

24:54-Less limitations

27:40-A happy retiree is a busy one

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Motion is Lotion with Nancy Erwin

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0000

Motion is lotion. That’s Nancy Erwin’s motto. The laundry list of health problems she’s faced is only outdone by the longer list of solutions she’s found to overcome them. Her spine has a 75 percent curvature—anything above ten is considered scoliosis. But through a dedication to active core pursuits like yoga, strengthening exercises, pickleball, and cycling, she’s carved out a really happy life in retirement.

After a fulfilling career helping refugees and immigrants learn English in Louisville, Kentucky, she now spends six months of the year in the beautiful ski resort town of Vail, Colorado. She’s spunky and fun; she even waited an extra month to retire so she wouldn’t miss the school Halloween party. Talk about starting retirement off with a bang!

Life has thrown Nancy a lot of curves, starting with the shape of her spine. But through passion, dedication, and curiosity about the world, she’s straightened it all out.

00:00-Start

02:36-What were you doing?

09:35-What made you want to retire?

13:14-Servas International

17:13-Unique Core Pursuits

18:33-Multiple streams of income

21:20-Pickleball!

25:50-Core pursuits make you happier

28:37-“You’re a miracle”

30:51-Grandparents have more fun

32:27-Did you have a plan?

37:16-Your perfect day

40:48-Choosing the right volunteering

44:01-Social groups

46:45-The President of Health

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Multiple Streams of Talent with Phil Hendrie

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0000

The bottom line is that even though Phil Hendrie is not retired, his story can still inspire people who want to be. Between that and his comedy genius, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00-Start

02:27-Stumbling into Radio

10:31-Two Kinds of People

19:06-It’s an Instinct

20:36-Big Mistakes?

24:09-Backstage Pass

28:36-Did You Have a Plan?

33:09-See it as an Opportunity

35:55-Would You Say That to a Child?

41:52-Phil’s Pursuits

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Retirement Shock with Mike Drak

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:08:00 -0000

After working in the banking industry for thirty-eight years, Mike Drak was exhausted. With high blood pressure and low motivation, he searched for an exit. To his surprise, the bank showed him the door. Instead of quitting for free, he was now flush with freedom and a severance at fifty-nine years old.

The retirement honeymoon didn’t last.

After a few weeks, he was miserable. His wife and friends were all still working. He had the free time he’d been dreaming of but no longer felt the desire to pursue his favorite activities. He was experiencing what he now calls retirement shock. After an arduous journey of self-discovery, he found his way to the other side. He’s authored two best-selling retirement books, is a Senior Contributor at Booming Encore, and dedicates his time to helping other retirees avoid the mistakes he made. In other words, he’s happy.

00:00-Start

02:08–“let me start at the beginning…”

05:06–Miserable?

06:58–The money is important, but…

07:20–The Ikigai Process

10:21–Giving is living

12:29–What makes a happy retiree?

16:35–Tiers of retirement

20:00–Finding purpose with pets

22:00–Core pursuit finder

27:32–The Iron Man

31:29–Retirement rulebreakers

32:50–Mike’s perfect day

35:00–Travel!

38:34–Find your tribes

40:46–“The Mexican Fisherman”

42:22–Recreating your identity

45:35–Redefining retirement

47:10–Where to find Mike

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To Carnegie Hall and Beyond with Gail & Dickson Grimes

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:32:00 -0000

The realities of life—raising a family and earning a living—don’t always leave us much time to pursue our dreams. So when retirement rolled around, Gail & Dickson Grimes jumped full force back into theirs. On today’s episode, we’ll find out how they took a love for the clarinet all the way to the hallowed stage at Carnegie Hall and how the journey has given them a more robust and happy retirement.

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00:00-Start

03:31–How’d you get to Carnegie Hall?

9:00–Keep going forward

11:27–Experience = insight

13:20–Do something, but not too much

14:27–For the love of travel

18:45–Two meetcute marriages

22:10–Clarinet to corporate to clarinet

23:50–Wellness

27:11–Gail’s garden

28:27–A perfect day

33:10–Spirituality

38:00–Bochinche report

40:20–The biggest challenges

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Unbelievably Unretired with Richard Eisenberg

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:07:00 -0000

Richard Eisenberg is often met with a furrowed brow and a question: “Didn’t you retire?” “Yes,” he says. And then, without skipping a beat, he cranks out another freelance article or co-hosts another episode of his podcast. He knows that the happiest retirees stay busy, but he does it on his own terms. After a prolific career writing and editing for outlets like USA Today, Good Housekeeping, and CBS MoneyWatch, Richard spent ten years as the Managing Editor and Money and Work Channels Editor for PBS Next Avenue. There, he was able to help people find their purpose. Somewhere along the way, he found his.

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend!

00:00-Start

02:14–Ikigai

05:23–Let’s talk books

06:55–About family

10:44–Defining “Unretirement”

13:15–Marriage in retirement

15:43–Next Avenue: Sesame St. for 50+

17:27–Make your own choice

21:15–Balance free time

25:05–Pets in retirement

26:51–Cherry-pick your joy

29:30–Where to find Richard

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Ingrid Reckard Doesn’t Like Being Unhappy

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:05:00 -0000

Ingrid Reckard says some people like being unhappy; she just isn’t one of them. On the day of her retirement, she was already on a plane to Costa Rica. That’s how much she loves traveling. It’s her number one core pursuit. Chances are, it’s near the top of your list, too. But Ingrid was so passionate about it that she became a certified travel advisor. Now, the exotic locales come with tax write-offs. In today’s episode, Ingrid tells us about the search to discover her passion and how she turned it into a reality.

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend!

00:00-Start

02:07–“I don’t like to be unhappy.”

03:30–More money, less taxes

04:31–If not now, when?

06:24–Be your authentic self

08:10–Costa Rica, etc.

11:10–“Shoulder Season”

17:53–How to contact Ingrid

19:12–Safe solo travel

21:02–Your best $2 chuck

22:15–Finding community

26:17–A purposeful retirement

29:38–Wake up thankful

31:44–Choose your own happy

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Let’s Get Started with Jill Smith Entrekin

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:01:00 -0000

Jill Smith Entrekin taught high school literature for over thirty years, but retirement allowed her to write some herself. She’s now published two books, with a third on the way. On the Happiest Retirees podcast, we emphasize the importance of core pursuits—activities that evoke passion and purpose in life. Jill has so many that she had to skip one just to make it to our interview. Life has thrown her some scary hurdles, but Jill found a way to keep going. If you’re looking for guidance on overcoming grief, finding purpose, and being happy, you do not want to miss this episode.

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend!

00:00-Start

00:10-Intro to Jill

01:44–Let’s get started

03:39–How did you find your core pursuits?

05:10–Jill’s first story

08:00–“File 13”

09:26–A family affair

12:06–Finding confidence

15:43–Revise, revise, revise

21:10–The next adventure

26:05–“Just DO it.”

26:36–Jill’s faith

32:05–Supportive relationships

35:09-"I am not a Mullygrubber."

36:14–Big Fish tales

37:46–Importance of movement

39:58–Solitude isn’t lonely

42:10–Jill’s next book

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