The Retirement Wisdom Podcast

I’m Just Asking for a Friend Retirement brings so many tough questions. Share your question (for a friend, of course…) to be answered in an upcoming retirement podcast episode. Click here to leave a voice message or email me at joec@retirementwisdom.com — What really makes for a successful retirement? Financial readiness is only part of the story. After decades in the financial planning world, Joseph Maugeri, a CFP professional and former executive at the CFP Board,  knew what to expect. But when he stepped into retirement himself, he was surprised by  the mental and emotional transition to retirement. In this episode, Joseph shares the lessons he’s learned firsthand—what surprised him, what helped him adjust, and the SHELF framework he built to stay balanced and purposeful in retirement. If you’re planning your own transition or supporting someone who is, Joseph’s insights will help you navigate it with more confidence, patience, and optimism. Joseph Maugeri joins us from Pennsylvania. ___________________________ Bio Joseph V. Maugeri, CFP®  joined the CFP Board in 2011. Prior to his retirement, he was the Managing Director, Corporate Relations, focused on continuing to strengthen and enhance the organization’s connections within the financial services industry. His responsibilities include the growth of CFP® professionals among all channels, marketing initiatives, product development and membership on the Executive Leadership Team. Prior to his appointment at CFP Board, Maugeri was a Vice President and head of the Professional Alliance program at Merrill Lynch; a Director at SEI Investments, Inc., leading its marketing and distribution support services; and worked for more than 14 years as a financial advisor at AXA Advisors, LLC.  He received his Bachelor of Arts from Temple University, an M.S. in Leadership Studies from Northeastern University and has completed a Competitive Marketing Strategy Executive Education program at the Wharton School of Business. __________________________ Two New Designing Your Life groups kicking off in January Early registration discount ends 12/15 Learn more and sign up today  Limited to 10 spots per group __________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Inspired Retirement – Nathalie Martin Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile The Balancing Act in Retirement – Stew Friedman ___________________________ Mentioned in This Episode Let’s Make a Plan – Find Your CFP®  Professional ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ___________________________ Wise Quotes On Resilience & Retirement “People who retire well, I believe, are also resilient. They have handled setbacks in their life and they know and expect that not everything will go perfectly, but their ability to handle and recover from setbacks helps them bounce back. The people who struggle in retirement are in many ways the opposite. They maybe haven’t had time to think or plan about retirement and they may have a failure of imagination about the possibilities, and they also may not have the emotional traits that help them through some of the changes in variable setbacks that they’re going to encounter. They know retirement will be a big change, but they’re unsure how they’ll handle the change and they may not be seeing the upside and opportunities they will have. People in many ways are strangers to themselves. Retirement’s a way that we’re forced to confront who we are and what we’re going to do with the remainder of our lives.” On The SHELF Framework “A few months into my retirement, I realized I needed some structure, something to help me stay focused on the right things each week. I wasn’t looking for a formula for happiness or purpose, those are kind of abstract, and I felt those are more outcomes that take time to achieve. I wanted something more like a roadmap to follow that hopefully leads to those outcomes, if that’s makes sense. And that’s how the SHELF framework came about. It’s something I can pull off the shelf whenever I need to get balance in my life. So,  the S is for socialization. There’s a large body of research that says that socialization can improve your mental and physical health and may even help you live longer. So I make it a point to stay connected, keep in touch with former colleagues… And the second part of the acronym is Health,  I think this is pretty straightforward. We can live 25 or 30 years in retirement. It’s not like it was 100 years ago. So staying active is key. And that means regular exercise eating better, periodic checkups, good health, gives you more energy and it keeps you exploring the world, the future self. E is for Experience. We love to travel, and a couple of months ago,, we made a trip to the Canadian Rockies, which was stunning. But experiences don’t have to be big trips, it can be a concert, a movie, a dinner with friends or family, which also gets you points for socialization. And your goal is to keep adding those moments of awe and joy to your life. And those little moments are important. L is for learning. I’ve always believed in lifelong learning, it keeps your mind sharp and your curiosity alive. In addition to the classes, my wife and I take, we’re also enjoying reading, going to a lecture, and  I joined a book club. She’s joined one as well. So that’s important. And then the last is F and that’s Finance –  my career for the CFP Board,  I can’t forget finances. If they’re managed well could be something that really gives you mental well being. When you don’t have enough to retire, it’s a stressor. So, having a plan you trust, brings peace of mind. We work with a financial advisor and it helps us feel secure and allows us to focus, you know, more on living than wearing. So that’s my SHELF system. It’s not complicated. But it’s something I put together and it helps me check in on what really matters. staying connected, health, curiosity, and being grounded. Everyone’s vision I think will look a little different, but for me, it’s been a simple and practical way to stay balanced in retirement.” On Selecting a CFP® Professional “The CFP Board has a great website, where you can search for CFP® Professionals and filter based on various criteria. It’s a good place to start: cfp.net. But advisors are also required to supply disclosures that answer many questions. But it’s always good to hear it in the advisor’s own words. So, you know, once you meet with an advisor, I think there’s four key questions I’d recommend asking. The first one is, what’s your financial planning process? Will you create a written plan? How often will we review or update it? The second would be what areas do you cover and not cover? Sometimes that’s a surprise to clients. Do you include taxes? Really important in retirement planning, estate planning, or employee benefits, or do you focus mainly on the investments? So the third would be, how do you get paid? This is an uncomfortable question. Many people do not like to ask, but it’s an important one. Yes, the disclosures will have it. But for the average person, understanding these disclosures could be they’re written by lawyers and it’s very difficult to understand. So have the advisor explain how they get paid and make sure you understand, you know, when they charge, you know, whether they charge asset based fees, commissions, flat fees, or a combination. And then I guess the last question would be CFP professionals are required to act as a fiduciary. Sothe CFP professionals, should be able to articulate and clearly explain what that means in practice. So understanding that, what differentiates me and what it means to be a fiduciary. So if you get thoughtful, transparent, and I think detailed answers to these questions, you’ll have a good sense of whether that advisor is the right fit for you.” ___________________________ The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Retirement Wisdom Podcast are solely those of the guests and do not reflect the opinion of the host or Retirement Wisdom, LLC. The Retirement Wisdom Podcast primarily covers the non-financial aspects of retirement. From time to time we may invite guests who discuss other aspects of retirement planning, solely for educational purposes. Listeners are advised to consult qualified financial and/or medical professionals on those matters.

What if your brain’s health in retirement depended as much on who you see as on what you eat or how you move? Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, author of  the new book Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, joins us to reveal how social connection shapes your brain. He explains why isolation is as toxic as chronic stress, how friendship fuels brain resilience, and why your dog might be one of your best wellness allies. In this e, ye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how staying socially engaged literally protects your brain from decline, the science behind “nature’s medicine” — oxytocin — and practical ways to rewire your social habits for longevity, joy, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever wondered why friendships matter more than ever in retirement, this episode will change the way you think about your brain — and your calendar. You’ll learn: Why social interaction is a fundamental pillar of brain health, as critical as sleep and nutrition – and what happens when we don’t get enough of it The invisible pattern of retirement isolation: how time spent alone steadily increases while connections with coworkers, friends, and family decline simultaneously Why text-based communication doesn’t satisfy your brain’s need for connection (and what to do instead to restore the social cues your brain craves) The surprising neuroscience behind why dogs are so good for us—and how they activate the same brain reward systems as human connection Two scientifically-proven exercises you can start today to train your empathy and strengthen the brain regions associated with compassion and social connection Ben Rein joins us from Buffalo, New York. ____________________________ Bio Ben Rein, PhD, is an award-winning neuroscientist, chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, clinical assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo, and a renowned science educator. Dr. Rein’s research focuses on the neuroscience of social interactions, and outside of the lab he teaches neuroscience to an audience of more than one million social media followers. Dr. Rein and his research have been featured on major media outlets including Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America, and he has received awards from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the Society for Neuroscience; and elsewhere. _____________________________ For More on Ben Rein Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection Website You Tube Channel ______________________________ Mentioned in this Podcast Loving Kindness Meditation Affect Dyad excercise ______________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Our New Social Life – Natalie Kerr & Jaime Kurtz The Laws of Connection – David Robson The Self-Healing Mind – Gregory Scott Brown, M.D _______________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ___________________________ Wise Quotes On Why Social Interaction is Essential “As a social neuroscientist, so I have spent a decade studying the biology of our interactions and not just in my own studies, but in reading a ton of literature, there is so much science out there on this. Basically, interacting is really, I consider it a fundamental pillar of wellbeing. And that goes for throughout the entire lifespan. But I think there are especially sensitive periods where we really need interaction. And that is early life. And that is also late life. In early life, it really shapes the development of our brains. And in late life, it sustains the health of our brains.” On the Hidden Crisis of Retirement Isolation “The data show that as we get older, the number of hours we spend alone continues to rise. And similarly, imagine if the amount of fast food you ate went up steadily as you got older, or the amount of hours you slept went down steadily as you got older. We would be pointing at this and saying, oh gosh, this is really not bad. 75 year old people are not sleeping. They are eating fast food. This is super bad for their health, but we are not really looking at the social component of it. And that is why I really point to it and say this is something that actually I think has to be a need-to-have because it is really significant for the brain and body.” On the Nightmare That Changed His Life “That was the first time where I realized I am interested in the organ behind the behavior. I mean, what incredible computational power to be able to do that, that same computational power is behind all those behaviors that I am interested in from a psychology viewpoint. I cannot ignore this anymore. I need to change my major. And I did. And what is funny is the reason I shared the story of The Nightmare is because I actually think it reflects my brain playing out an undesirable future where I do not listen to that inner voice. And I end up in a career that controls me and does not let me do what I want. And I feel distorted. My identity is distorted. And I think that was sort of my subconscious trying to tell me, wake up. It is the brain. Study neuroscience.”

What if retirement isn’t the end of something — but the beginning of something better – and deeply meaningful? Dr. Susan Reid thought she was ready for her next chapter when she retired early from her career as a university professor. But within weeks, she realized she’d gone from 100% full throttle to zero — and felt adrift. That awakening led her on a powerful journey to re-vision retirement — for herself and for the millions of others who feel they’re “not done yet.” In this conversation, Dr. Reid shares the insights from her research and personal experience — about identity, purpose, and how to craft a clear vision for the next phase of life. You’ll hear how to move from “what am I leaving?” to “what am I moving toward?” and how meaning, contribution, and joy can fuel a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life after you leave full-time work behind. If you’re planning your own next act — or helping someone who is — this episode will change how you think about what comes next. Susan Reid joins us from Halifax. _____________________________ Bio SUSAN REID is an award-winning expert on the topic of vision. Until 2021, Susan was a tenured professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. As a teacher, researcher, and keynote speaker, she works at the intersection of marketing, innovation, and user-focused design, with an in-depth focus on the topic of vision, particularly for older adults and entrepreneurs. Her book on Entrepreneurial Vision: A guide for charting and implementing the vision process (co-authored with Charles Crawford). Susan is also the co-founder of Domaine Pinnacle, a pioneering Canadian producer of craft ciders and spirits. When she retired at age 57, after years of helping businesses and individuals develop their visions, Susan realized, to her surprise, that she had not set a vision for her own retirement. This led her to develop a workbook (Re-Visioning Retirement) for people just like her. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University, an MBA from McGill University, and a Ph.D. from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. _____________________________________ For More on Susan Reid Re-Visioning Retirement: A Workbook Website ______________________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Joyspan – Kerry Burnight, PhD The Power of Reinvention – Joanne Lipman When Will You Flip the Switch? – Dr. Barbara O’Neill Make Your Next Years Your Best Years – Harry Agress, MD ________________________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ______________________________ Wise Quotes On Retirement and Meaning “Most people after they retire feel like they’re not done — they want to create meaning, but many don’t know how to go about it.” On Transitioning to Retirement “I went from 100% full-out work to 0% in just a few weeks. That was a real eye-opener — and it made me realize how many others feel the same.” On Vision “Vision is a cinematic preview of the world you want to see. When you hold a clear vision, you stack the deck in favor of success.”

I’m Just Asking for a Friend Retirement brings so many questions! Share yours (for a friend….) Click here to leave a voice message or email me at joec@retirementwisdom.com ____________________________ What does it mean to live life fully — without any unfinished business? Today’s guest, Diane Button, knows the answer. As a compassionate end-of-life doula and author of What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living, she’s spent years walking beside people at the end of life — and she’s learned lessons that help all of us live more fully right now. In this podcast conversation, Diane shares what she’s learned about forgiveness, gratitude and legacy — and how each of us can create peace long before the final chapter. You’ll hear touching stories of regret, reconciliation, and joy — including how one man’s “joy counter” became a simple but profound reminder to notice beauty in everyday moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to live more intentionally, strengthen your relationships, and make sure nothing important is left unsaid — this episode will move you, inspire you, and change how you think about how you want to use your time. Diane Button joins us from California. ________________________ Bio Diane Button is a founding partner of the Bay Area End-of-Life Doula Alliance in Northern California, a frequent podcast guest, and best-selling author of several books related to end-of-life, meaningful living, and the growing impact of death doulas worldwide. She is an instructor at the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program and was a former board member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). She holds a master’s in counseling psychology from Goddard College in Vermont. Her master’s thesis, The Components of a Meaningful Life, became the genesis for her life’s work of supporting people to find meaning, comfort, joy, and peace in life and in death. Diane’s best-selling books have been featured on numerous programs and podcasts, inspiring others to leave a meaningful legacy. Her other books include the best-selling titles Dear Death: Finding Meaning in Life, Peace in Death, and Joy in an Ordinary Day which combines the insights gained from her research on “The Four Pillars of a Meaningful Life,” with over a decade working with hospice and doula clients in their final days and The Doula Tool Kit: The Complete Practical Guide for End-of-Life Doulas & Caregivers, which was co-authored by Angela Shook and Gabby Jimenez. In October of 2022, during the pandemic, Diane wrote an article that went viral article for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper that remains widely-read and one of their most popular articles. What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living is her latest book, written at the invitation of Maria Shriver and published by Penguin Random House. Diane is also a breast cancer survivor. Immediately following her diagnosis of breast cancer at 48, Diane and her young children established the nonprofit Dream of a Better World. Through grassroots fundraisers and local events, they have supported underserved children and families around the world. Their motto is: “You’re never too young or too old to make a difference!” _________________________ For More on Diane Button Website What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living __________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Well-Lived Life – Dr. Gladys McGarey Live Life in Crescendo – Cynthia Covey Haller The Inspired Retirement – Nathalie Martin __________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. __________________________ Wise Quotes On What Matters Most “Death is just one day. All the other days are for living fully.” On Unfinished Business “Just being in the moment, which means pausing which means looking people in the eye, which means having deep conversations…not being afraid to say how I feel to have to live my life with a clean slate – so that I don’t walk around carrying unfinished business with people. More than anything, I say I’m sorry. I say I love you. I say thank you. I show up for my friends and people in my life so that if this were my last day everybody knows that I love them and everybody knows that I’m sorry for the things that I’ve done. I think it’s really important because if we don’t say the words now they build up and at the end of life it can be just so excruciating to watch somebody who hasn’t healed something from their past scrambling to get it done at the end of life. So I think I’ve learned that lesson and I really try to stay on top of that.” On Joy “The real beauty of life lies in the simplicity of an ordinary day — the coffee on the porch, the laughter, the quiet moments. That’s where joy lives.”

What if doing less could actually give you more? Author and minimalist Christine Platt, known as The Afrominimalist, joins us to explore how letting go of clutter—physical and emotional—can lead to a life of greater intention, peace, and purpose. Her new book, Less Is Liberating, challenges the myth that our worth is tied to our busyness or possessions. In this conversation, Christine opens up about her own transformation—from attorney, federal government leader, to writer and minimalist—and shares how living with less helped her rediscover herself after parenting, career, and overwhelm. If you’ve ever struggled with the question “Who am I now?” or felt burdened by the weight of “shoulds,” you’ll want to listen closely. This episode is about redefining freedom—not just freedom from, but freedom for—the life you truly want in retirement. Christine Platt joins us from Washington, DC. In This Conversation, You’ll Learn: – How Christine’s minimalist journey began—and what she discovered about consumerism and identity. – Why overwhelm became her “baseline” and how she learned to listen to her body’s warning signs. – What the “five wells” of wellness reveal about balance and self-care. – How limiting beliefs form—and how they shape our behavior long after we leave work. – The powerful distinction between freedom from and freedom for in retirement. – How to reclaim your time, your energy, and your sense of self. _______________________ Bio Christine Platt is the author of Less Is Liberation: Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm. a multi-hyphenate, multi-genre author whose work centers the journey of personal liberation—inviting readers to examine, release, and reimagine the narratives that shape their lives. From adult fiction and lifestyle to children’s literature and cultural commentary, Christine’s expansive body of work defies genre limitations by centering an empowering throughline: understanding and achieving personal liberation. With each book, Christine affirms what she knows to be true: liberation is not a destination—it is a way of being. And through the power of storytelling, she helps others find their way. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies, Master of Arts in African and African-American Studies, and a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. _______________________ For More on Christine Platt Less Is Liberation: Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm Website _______________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff – Matt Paxton The Joy of Saying No – Natalie Lue Stop People Pleasing – Hailey Magee ________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ________________________ Wise Quotes On Overwhelm “When overwhelm is your baseline, you’ve stopped listening to your body. The work is learning to pause and ask: which of my wells needs care right now?” On Becoming an Empty Nester “I realized I’d spent the majority of my adulthood mothering.It was like all I knew how to do. And so when our daughter went off to college,there were times that the the silence and the space felt very unsettling, right? When, as a writer, you have a project you’re always head down, it’s kind of siloed anyway. But when you don’t have a project, it’s even more quiet. And I just found myself like, filling, filling, trying to just fill that space. And coming to ultimately realize that overwhelm was kind of my baseline, like my body didn’t know, it felt unfamiliar to not be overwhelmed. And like, Man, I should be doing something, I should be doing something. And then I was doing too much. On Less I feel like [less] is a word that unfortunately has gotten a bad rap. I hope this book Less is Liberation: Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm will give it a rebrand. But I feel like we tend to associate that word with scarcity, with loss, with lack – it has like a negative connotation. And almost because we never really fill in what comes after that, which is, it does leave you room for so much more of what you want and enjoy.” On the Five Wells of Wellness “She explained to me the five foundations of wellness. And she said, we look at your physical health – how are you? How’s your body? How’s your movement? How are you resting? How are you eating? We look at your mental health. Are you problem solving? Are you processing new information? Are you reading a book? Are you listening to an amazing podcast, and learning something new each day? We look at your emotional health, are you able to emote? Do you feel your feelings or do you suppress them, escape them, or try to outrun them? And she said, we look also at your social health. What’s your friendship circle like? What are your interpersonal relationships like? And then we look at your spiritual health, which is less about religion and more about how are you feeling? What contributions are you making to the world? Are you doing meaningful work? Have you done meaningful work before you retired? What do you want to do now in terms of volunteering? And she said,  this is not, you know, alternative medicine. This is traditional medicine, I am a licensed medical doctor. And this is the diagnostic tool that we use. And she said, if any one of those areas of health is deemed in need of care, it can be anything from you’re not getting enough rest. If you’re just your physical health is deemed off.” On Identity and Freedom “…as opposed to just, how can I just fill up my calendar? Do I need to be saying yes to everything? I love that you asked about those two facets of freedom, because I think it goes so well with the debt identity. For so long, our careers are a big part of our identity. For so long, mothering was a big part of my identity. And so I didn’t really have the freedom of identity to just be Christine. I didn’t even know what that looked like. There were some people that didn’t even know my name, I was just Mala’s mom. And so, it really becomes a big part of your identity. And then all of a sudden, you’re retired, you have this time. You don’t have the sort of tethering to some of the titles and responsibilities that came with the work that we did. And you just find yourself almost kind of floating, like, who am I? And so that identity really allows us to think about this life that we’re seeking freedom for. And I feel like this is the first time probably since I was a young woman, that I belong to myself. A lot of the beliefs, behaviors, and identities that we know aren’t serving us anymore.” On Overcoming Fear “There’s, there’s fear that is there.Usually like what’s at the crux of it is fear, you know, and I talked to folks that are decluttering their homes for the first time and letting go of things for the first time. There’s a very real fear of: What if I still need this? What if I let this go and it’s a mistake? When it comes to our identities and beliefs, it’s a very real fear. How are people going to perceive me when I’m no longer the person who is so helpful? And it was a very painful experience to see how many of the relationships in my life were transactional…and which are genuine connections.”

What happens when a sleepless baby, a Victorian fixer-upper, and a vineyard come together? For Richard Moran, it sparked a multi-year journey of transformation—from corporate boardrooms to wine country. Along the way, he discovered lessons about serendipity, risk-taking, family, and building a place that lasts for generations. In today’s conversation, Richard shares his story of balancing a high-flying consulting career with the slower rhythms of grapevines, why creating a family gathering place matters in retirement, and the life lessons he lives by. _______________________ Bio Richard Moran is the author of The Accidental Vineyard: An Old House, New Vines, and a Changed Life in Wine Country. Besides being a winemaker and a preservationist, Richard Moran’s background includes serving as a CEO, a college president, a venture capitalist and an author he is an authority on workplace issues and hosts a weekly radio program on KCBS, “In the Workplace” and has written ten books about management. Rich has also served as a director on public and private corporate boards. He lives in California’s Wine Country. Moran has served as a CEO, a college president, a venture capitalist, and a top-level consultant. He is a set of one. He has worked for or with some of the world’s leading organizations including Accenture, Apple, News Corp, American Airlines, PG&E and many others. He prides himself on his matter-of-fact manner of consulting and believes that many parts of the business world are needlessly complicated. Moran holds a Ph.D. in organization behavior but his work is not academic. Research is important but he believes what is just as critical are the observations one can make by being in the “trenches” _______________________ For More on Richard Moran The Accidental Vineyard: An Old House, New Vines, and a Changed Life in Wine Country _______________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Take the Detour – A Second Act Story – Melissa Davey The Portfolio Life – Christina Wallace Edit Your Life – Elisabeth Sharp McKetta _______________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ____________________________ Wise Quotes On Transitioning to a New Life “I was on a conference call with a big time CEO and I was trying to do two things at once. I was clipping grapevines at the same time. And the CEO said, what’s that noise? What’s that noise? And I knew right then that I had switched, I had gone to the country where life is a little simpler than it is trying to meet flights and put together a PowerPoint presentation.” On Creating a Place People Want to Visit “What we wanted to create was a place and we created it. This place is still alive. We didn’t make it into a museum. We live here. And I think finding a place for you and your family at any time in your life, but especially as you grow older where you want people to come visit, you want people in retirement to come and say, Hey, I want to visit. We don’t want to—I don’t want you to drag your ass here just because you’re my grandpa. I want people to come visit and they do.” On Intentions “Actions follow intent. If you know what your intentions are, then you know what your actions are that might lead to that intention.”  

I’m Just Asking for a Friend Retirement brings so many questions! Share yours (for a friend, of course…) Click here to leave a voice message or email me at joec@retirementwisdom.com ____________________________ What if the secret to a longer, healthier, and more purposeful life isn’t about diets or exercise routines, but about connection, purpose, and how we approach aging itself? In this conversation, Ken Stern author of the new book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives.  He shares powerful lessons from his travels across Asia and Europe, where he studied some of the most vibrant societies with a track record of longevity. From intergenerational living to lifelong learning, Ken challenges the way we think about retirement and shows how our later years can be a time of renewal, engagement, and meaning. If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive in the decades ahead, this episode will give you a fresh perspective—and the motivation to design your own path. Ken Stern joins us from Washington DC. _________________________ Bio Ken Stern is the Founder of the Longevity Project, which fosters public conversation on the impact on longer lives on civil society, and engages a global audience through events, research and newsletters. Stern is the host of the award-winning podcast Century Lives, from the Stanford Center on Longevity. Stern is the author of the new book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives. He has also been a regular contributor to a diverse group of publications such as Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and Slate. He is also the CEO of Palisades Media Ventures, a Washington D.C. thought leadership company. Stern was previously the CEO of National Public Radio. Prior to joining NPR, Stern was a senior executive in American International Broadcasting, beginning his media career with Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty in Munich. Stern, a lawyer by training, holds degrees from Haverford College and Yale Law School. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife Beth and their son Nate. __________________________ For More on Ken Stern Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives __________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Super Age – Bradley Schurman Joyspan – Kerry Burnight, PhD Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ____________________________ Wise Quotes On Intergenerational Relationships “The countries I visited were Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Italy, and Spain. And I picked them because they’re among the longest-lived and the healthiest countries, but there are others. I picked them because in some ways they’re actually challenging countries. They’re not ideal. Singapore is hot and notoriously stressful. People in Spain really smoke a lot and they drive terribly. Their income is not as high as other places. There are a lot of things that says they shouldn’t be as healthy as they are. So I wanted to know what was their secret sauce. When you write a book like this, Joe, as you probably know, you do a lot of research in advance and have a lot of conversations. So in some ways it’s not really set up for surprise, but there were things that surprised me. One was, so I’ll mention two things. There are a lot more than that, but I’ll mention two things. One that surprised me, that was uniform across, they all have somewhat different approaches to longevity and social connection. But one thing that was uniform was the deep commitment of each of those societies to intergenerational relationships. In the U.S., back to table 23, we actually think it’s natural to divide people based upon their age. They were all those countries. both directly and indirectly, had all sorts of strategies of bringing the generation together for the good of the young and for the good of the old. So that was one thing that was surprising about sort of the uniformity of that across all those societies.” On Working Longer “In Japan, I met workers in their 80s and their 90s. In Korea, I met people who were engaged in lifelong learning and, gained degrees at the same age. In Italy, people were volunteering into their 80s and 90s, and sometimes it was hard to tell who were volunteers and who was being served. The thing that actually sort of got me is that every time I asked them, all those people, almost 100%, how long they wanted to keep doing what they were doing, whether it was working or learning or volunteering or taking care of family members, the answer is almost uniformly until I can’t. And that was sort of the anthem of the trip, until I can’t. There was no notion that like at 65 I have to turn it off or 62 I’m supposed to stop doing things. The answer was I get vitality from what I do, I get meaning and purpose, and I’m gonna keep doing that until the day I can’t.” On Cultivating New Relationships in Retirement “The first thing I’m going to  say is don’t retire or don’t retire casually, right? Or don’t retire because you think it’s time to retire. So I’ll start with that. But a lot of people can retire and they retire at different ages and I’m very big on the importance of work as part of community, but that’s not going to be for everyone. And even in Japan, which has the highest percentage of older workers, only roughly half of people between 65 and 70 still work. So there are millions of people who can retire. So I think the thing is, the first thing I say is treat those years after retirement the same way you’ve achieved the years before retirement.You have a plan, think about how you’re going to be engaged. Don’t treat those years as any less valuable than the years that preceded it. So maybe work, maybe part-time work, it might be volunteering, it might be lifelong learning, it might be the clubs you’ll join, the groups you’ll form. But treat it with the same seriousness and purpose. It’s really hard, as you said, to often replace those networks. You spend 40 years or so at work building up relationships, talking to people every day. They may or may not be your friends, but they’re your network. They’re the people who you engage with. And then they’re gone. I’m almost in the snap of the finger. And you can’t just replace that unless you’re looking for other ways to engage with people and with ideas.So my friend, Mark Friedman, who’s also written great books on the subject, says that we’re sort of designed like jigsaw puzzles that fit together, the generations fit together. And I think what sort of the evidence shows and these things I saw is that just an enormous value that different generations bring together, it works, and it’s a lot of different contexts.It’s when you have multi-generational workforces, multi-generational work groups, they tend to do better than single generation work groups. They bring different ideas, different experiences, and it’s true in community as well. When you find ways to bring the generations together, people do better. Kids do better, tons of evidence about how that multi-generational having people who aren’t members of the family is actually the single most important thing in terms of childhood development. But it’s also really good for older people, whether you’re 50 or 60 or 70, just the opportunity, the vitality the young people bring to you, the opportunity to learn from other generations to have purpose in raising the next generation.”

Dr. Francine Toder, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Your Kids Are Grown: Parenting 2.0', shares her insights on the evolving dynamics of parenting adult children. She discusses the challenges of moving from authority to supportive peer, revealing common tensions like parental disappointment and the complexities of adult children returning home. Toder highlights the importance of empathy, boundaries, and listening skills in nurturing healthier relationships. She also offers practical tips for parents, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches based on individual child relationships.

Our guest today, Dr. Chris Walinski, is a dentist, researcher, MasterChef contestant, and prostate cancer survivor. His story is an inspiring one of persistence, adaptation, reinvention and turning adversity into advocacy. Chris shares how his childhood independence led to a lifelong passion for cooking, how his wife nudged him into the MasterChef spotlight, and how a life-altering cancer diagnosis reshaped his perspective on food, prevention, and living fully. You’ll learn: – What Chris learned from competing on MasterChef (and from Gordon Ramsay…) – How his cancer journey shifted his mindset on prevention, nutrition, and resilience – The role of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, and gut health in longevity – The top prostate-friendly foods – The importance of cutting back on ultra-processed foods, red meat, alcohol, and sugar – Chris’s lessons on reinvention in midlife and retirement ________________________ Bio Dr. Chris Walinski has been an author, inventor and trusted expert in dentistry for over 25 years and has authored a dental text that has been translated into 10 languages. He is one of the earliest dentists to use lasers in dentistry, Dr. Walinski has been called upon to make presentations around the world at professional conferences and universities. Since 2004, he has taught thousands of doctors on the topics of cosmetics, minimally-invasive dentistry, technology and the use of lasers. His lectures have taken him to almost 50 countries at this point. Dr. Walinski is the Executive Director of the World Clinical Laser Institute and the International Dental Laser Research Institute, and is a Founding member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health. He is a Diplomate and Past-President of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry. He is a proud member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and his Fellowships include the International College of Dentists, The Royal Society of Medicine, The International Association for Laser Dentistry and the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Walinski’s lifelong love of cooking resulted in him competing on this season’s MasterChef on FOX. He also has three lovely children and is married to the love of his life and wife of six years. They live together with their English Springer Spaniel, Lacey. _________________________ For More on Chris Walinski The Prostate Site 3 recipes to try: ‘MasterChef’ alum’s cake, soup, rice – Ohio State Alumni Magazine _________________________ Prostate Cancer Testing Free Prostate Cancer Testing Near You NFL Crucial Catch – FIND A CANCER SCREENING LOCATION NEAR YOU* _________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like How Not to Age – Dr. Michael Greger The Well-Lived Life – Dr. Gladys McGarey Take Charge of Your Well-Being – John La Puma, MD _________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. _________________________ Wise Quotes  On Prevention “…nobody wants to pay for prevention. I started writing some, some notes down because I do a lot of research and if I end up writing a book about how to prevent prostate cancer I might sell 10 copies, but if I write a book about how to treat it once you get it and how to extend your life and how to use food as medicine, that’s what people want to know. And so that’s where the hard part is –  because once you get it, as they say the cow is out of the barn or the horse is out of the barn, now you’re chasing it versus trying to prevent it. Prevention is the big thing. And then there’s a lot of uncertainty when you’re diagnosed because when I was diagnosed, honestly, I didn’t know if I was going to make it until the end of the year.” On Food as Medicine “It just doesn’t come with a lot of warning signs. It really just eats you from inside out. And what I’ve found is that if you find a food that is good for you, chances are it’s because it’s an antioxidant and ultimately it will reduce your inflammation. So for like an anti-cancer plan, you really need to go with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. And those two things together, and actually I would add at this point because you’re reading more and more about it is having a healthy microbiome, gut microbiome. So, he beneficial bacteria that’s in your digestive system. And that’s another thing that we never really thought much about. But if you, there was a study that compared a group of men with advanced cancer versus those who didn’t, and they checked their microbiome and the ones with advanced cancer, they were missing all the beneficial bacteria that helped protect your body.” On Reinventing Yourself “…my message number one would be avoid paralysis by analysis. Just don’t just make a rash decision, but don’t spend all your time thinking about it. Because what I will tell you is that if you direct all your energy, the universe will make a way for you. And if it doesn’t, maybe that’s not the direction you should be going. That’s not your path. It took so many things to go right for me to change industries from one industry to another. And it took so many things when I moved from one location to another. If it’s not right for you, you’ll know. If it’s a struggle to get to where you want to be from one career to another, maybe that’s not your path. And as my wife Veronica tells me on repeat, just follow your bliss and do what makes you happy at this point. And so that would be my recommendation: do what makes you happy, but don’t force it.” The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Retirement Wisdom Podcast are solely those of the guests and do not reflect the opinion of the host or Retirement Wisdom, LLC. The Retirement Wisdom Podcast primarily covers the non-financial aspects of retirement. From time to time we may invite guests who discuss other aspects of retirement planning, solely for educational purposes. Listeners are advised to consult qualified financial and/or medical professionals on those matters.

Join our group and design your retirement. Six Fridays starting on October 3rd. Learn more here. _________________________ Is there more to a great life than happiness and meaning?  Dr. Shige Oishi thinks so. He’s the author of Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life, and he defines psychological richness as a life filled with diverse, interesting, and perspective-shifting experiences. Unlike the well-trodden paths of happiness (contentment) and meaning (purpose-driven focus), psychological richness is about exploration, challenge, and even taking on uncomfortable challenges —because growth lives outside the comfort zone. And retirement is a catalyst to explore this third dimension of life. Yet, psychological richness doesn’t require dramatic change. It’s quite accessible through small shifts, and by simply trying something new. Try new foods, meet someone new, or change your routine. And seize opportunities to be spontaneous and playful. Listen in and learn more about how psychological richness can enhance your life in retirement. Shige Oishi joins us from Chicago. _________________________ Bio Dr. Shige Oishi is the Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago. He is the author of Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life. Dr Oishi is one of the foremost authorities on happiness, meaning, and culture. He is the author of The Psychological Wealth of Nations, and his research has been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. __________________________ For More on Dr. Shige Oishi Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life Website __________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Art of the Interesting – Lorraine Besser, PhD How to Retire – Christine Benz Make Your Next Years Your Best Years – Harry Agress, MD ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You’ll get smarter about the investment decisions you’ll make about the most important asset you’ll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren’t quite done yet, discover what’s next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn’t just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He’s the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. _____________________________ Wise Quotes On Novelty “So these results suggest that if you want to make your life psychologically richer, then try to do something new. Break away from the daily routines once in a while, and acting spontaneously. Our life is very much scheduled and planned, I mean adult lives. So I think sometimes going outside of the schedule and the habit and the routines will definitely make our life richer.” On Playfulness “In addition to novelty, another important part is being playful, and as a professional adult most of us have so many responsibilities and things you have to do and master on the list. So essentially we forget about being playful and the importance of being playful. So when we are five years old, we lived somewhere between reality and fantasy. We never cared about any responsibility because you didn’t have one. Like a dog chasing tennis ball, essentially we have to let ourselves be like a dog or like five years old. So I try to be playful you know once in a while and that really opens up a lot of opportunities. I think really it’s important to have some open, you know, spaces and time on your schedule. And that allow us to be spontaneous. Spontaneously decide to take a walk, go to a museum, stop by a Goodwill store and things of that nature. I think that’s really important. And if you’re short of time, then you can change your commute a little bit. In my case, when I go to the lecture hall, of course, the default is the shortest, most efficient way to get there. But when I have like three minutes and I just, take a different ways and I notice the different buildings, different architectures and trees and benches and things. of that nature. So just changing up a little bit actually helps a lot. If you’re commuting by train, try to get off on one station before or after, explore the different neighborhood. There are a lot of ways to enrich your life.” On Taking on New Challenges “I think once in a while we have to sort of say, Yeah, you know, let’s just see how it goes. And I think that’s the attitude. Let’s try to see if it works. It’s a lot better than, Oh, I think it’s too hard. Instead of: I’m not gonna do this, Emma. I’m gonna just stick with what I know. We have to know that we are so trained, habitually moving toward the familiar and easy. So you have to go opposite, right? [Be open to the] unfamiliar, what’s maybe a little bit more difficult.”