Retire There with Gil & Gene
GIl & Gene, Bleav
Gil and Gene are dreaming of their future. Ideas of how they will spend their retirement days abound. They just don't know where in the world they will spend them. Join them each week as they explore a new potential retirement location. On each podcast, Gil and Gene chat with retirees who describe life in their adopted city. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us and/or follow us!
Email: gg@retirethere.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirethere_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Retire-There-Podcast-100063594093051/
Email: gg@retirethere.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirethere_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Retire-There-Podcast-100063594093051/
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 11, 2025 • 1h 9min
Retire in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal - EP 210
Retire in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal! EP 210
Bill and Jola Mansfield lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 30 years before deciding to move to Europe to be closer to their son in Helsinki, Finland and Jola’s mother in Poland. While many places across Europe captured their interest, it was Portugal’s island of Madeira — with its lush mountains, vibrant flowers, and scenic hiking trails — that truly stole their hearts. It’s no wonder Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of Europe.” The couple eventually settled in the city of Funchal, a charming old European town nestled in a tropical-like paradise, and have no regrets.
Discover more about Bill and Jola’s European adventure in Episode 210 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #funchal #madeira #portugal #madeiraportugal #funchalcity #madeiraisland @funchal_municipio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Apr 27, 2025 • 50min
Retire in Nazare, Portugal - EP 209
After spending most of their lives in Northern California, Matt and Dawn had planned to wait a few more years before retiring to Europe. But everything changed when they decided to move to Nazare, Portugal, on the Silver Coast, while still working. They say the Silver Coast offers many of the best aspects of Northern California—without the downsides.
As The Unretirees, they launched A Guide to Unretirement Abroad to help others make the leap to living overseas while still earning an income. Their website, TheUnretirees.com, is a hub of resources, and their fun, educational YouTube channel shares tips on everything from visas to flexible work options.
If you’re dreaming of a life abroad while staying financially secure, Matt and Dawn show that it’s never too early to unretire.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #nazare #nazareportugal #portugal #theunretirees #unretirees #movingtoportugal #americansabroad #silvercoast #silvercoastportugal #leavingcalifornia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Apr 13, 2025 • 52min
Retire in Garner, Raleigh, North Carolina - EP 208
Eileen Vorbach Collins and her husband Hugh had retired to Florida, but after growing weary of repeatedly fleeing hurricanes, they decided it was time for a change. Wanting a place that wasn’t too cold, they settled in a 55+ community in Garner, North Carolina, just outside Raleigh—making them “halfback retirees,” a term which refers to retirees who move from the Northeast to Florida, only to relocate halfway back to states like the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, or Georgia. Although Eileen once believed she was too young for a 55+ community, she took the leap. Find out if she's thriving in North Carolina on Episode 208 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Eileen Vorbach Collins is the author of Love in the Archives: A Patchwork of True Stories about Suicide Loss. Her website is LoveInTheArchives.com.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #garnernorthcarolina #garnernc #raleigh #raleighnorthcarolina #raleighnc #northcarolina #nc #loveinthearchives #eileenvorbachcollins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 10min
Retire in El Valle de Anton, Panama - EP 207
Patty Blue Hayes, an author and former communication coach, shares her transformative journey from California to El Valle de Antón, Panama. After a challenging divorce, she embarked on a cross-country RV trip that ultimately led her to fall in love with Panama. Patty discusses the hurdles of navigating a tricky real estate market and the trials of renovating her fixer-upper home. She also highlights the vibrant community and food culture, all while emphasizing personal growth and resilience through her relocation.

Mar 16, 2025 • 60min
Retire in Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - EP 206
Diane made a life-changing decision—she was done with suburban living and yearned to return to the energy of the city. She initially considered condos and co-ops in New York City, where her three adult children lived, but quickly realized the Big Apple was out of her financial reach. Declaring that she had “broken up with New York City,” Diane expanded her search to cities within a two-hour train ride of New York.
Her journey led her to Philadelphia, where she found herself drawn to the charm of Old City—a neighborhood renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and affordable living. Diane purchased a one-bedroom condo in a renovated factory building for $306,000.
To hear more about why Diane fell in love with the City of Brotherly Love, tune in to Episode 206 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Additionally, if you’re interested in publishing a book, check out Diane’s company, Rebel Books Press at https://rebelbookspress.com/
Diane has authored fiction and non-fiction books, including The Last Invention: The Day Death Died and How to Stop Project 2025
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #oldcity #oldcityphilly #efrethsalley #philadelphia #philly #pennsylvania #visitphilly, #historicphilly #libertybell #phillygram #igers_philly #rebelbookpress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
Retire in Arles, France - EP 205
Karen Espig took early retirement from her government job in Ottawa, Canada, to dedicate more time to her passion for art. Concerned that her pension wouldn’t provide a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, she explored more affordable options in Europe. She initially settled in the small town of Pogradec, Albania, which met her financial criteria but ultimately felt isolating and unfulfilling. After two years, Karen discovered a far better fit in Arles, a charming town in the south of France renowned for its rich artistic heritage. It seems she has truly found her place in Arles! To hear more about Karen’s journey from Albania to France, tune in to Episode 205 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Learn more about Karen’s art and travels go to Karen’s website, KarenEspig.com. Karen has written two books on Albania. They are Albania: A First-Timer’s Guide for Visitors & Expats and Pogradec, Albania: Tips for Tourists, Slow Travellers, & Digital Nomads. She has also published a number of date and birthday books.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #arles #arlesfrance #france #thesouthoffrance #southoffrance #pogradecalbania #albania #karenespig #karenespigart Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
Retire in Coronado, Panama - EP 204
Greg Kitzmiller and his wife, Jen, dreamed of retiring early after years of hard work and enduring chilly Michigan winters. However, since they were still in their 50s, they faced the challenge of securing affordable health insurance, as their jobs would no longer cover it once they retired. In their search for a warm, budget-friendly destination with excellent healthcare, they found Coronado, Panama. This charming beach town offered stunning condos, a relaxing atmosphere, and a lower cost of living. The couple found their perfect spot in a condo community with a country club, and they couldn't be happier with their decision. Tune in to Episode 204 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to explore the ins and outs of condo living in Coronado, Panama!
Greg’s website about living in Panama is 2RetireInPanama.com. His book on the subject is Retired in Panama: A Comprehensive Guide for Retiring and Adventuring in Panama. Murder in Eagle Cove is Greg’s first mystery novel.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #coronado #coronadopanama #panama #retiredinpanama #2retireinpanama Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 22min
Retire in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii & Prescott, Arizona - EP 203
Carol Fahy had always dreamed of living in the tropics, and after talking to expats, she decided to stay in the U.S. She and her husband, Gene, moved to Oahu, Hawaii, but Gene, a car enthusiast, missed long drives. To satisfy this, they bought a second home in Prescott, Arizona, which is a unique rammed earth home. You can learn more about their experience of splitting time between Hawaii and Arizona in Episode 203 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
For more about rammed earth homes, check out the website of Aerecura Sustainable Builders or https://www.aerecura.ca/.
Carol recommends two books on Hawaii: (1) Big Happiness: The Life and Death of a Modern Hawaiin Warrior, by Mark Panek and (2) Plague Doctors: How Hawaii Battled the Pandemic, by Jonathan Dworkin, MD.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #prescott #prescottarizona #prescottaz #arizona #rammedearthhomes #aerecurasustainablebuilders #kaneohe #kaneohehawaii #oahu #hawaii Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
Retire in Rennes, France - EP 202
A murder in Philadelphia set Theresa Conroy on an unexpected path to discovering her love for France. But the story behind this revelation is likely not what you think. Over the years, she returned to the country multiple times with her husband, and it wasn’t long before the idea of living there took root. During a trip to Rennes, France, the couple instantly felt it was the place they were meant to be. To learn more about their journey and what drew them to France, tune in to Episode 202 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Theresa and her husband, Don Russell, write about their transition to life in France on their blog called “Yo France,” found here: https://yofrance.substack.com/
Theresa’s website on yoga for people with Parkinson's disease is YogaForParkinsons.com.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #rennes #rennesfrance #france #bretagne Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
Retire in North Las Vegas, Nevada - EP 201
Doreen Hall Vann is a native Hawaiian who has always loved the state and thought she would never leave. That all changed when one of her daughters relocated to the mainland. Doreen pulled up her stakes, along with her husband and young son, and moved to North Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to her daughter who was starting a family. However, her daughter later returned (!!!) to Hawaii but Doreen decided to remain in Nevada. Hear why Doreen stayed in North Las Vegas on Episode 201 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #northlasvegas #nevada #lasvegas #hawaii Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


