The Retirement Wisdom Podcast

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.”

Parenting doesn’t end when your kids grow up — it just changes. And for many, that shift can be confusing, frustrating, and even painful. How do you move from being the authority to being a supportive “peer”? And what do you do when your hopes for your adult children don’t align with who they’ve become? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Francine Toder, a clinical psychologist to discuss her new book Your Kids are Grown: Parenting 2.0 – With Strategies for Moving On. Drawing on decades of research, therapy, and her own lived experience, Dr. Toder shares practical wisdom on how to navigate this often-overlooked stage of family life. You’ll learn how to let go, listen with empathy, and focus on your own growth while building stronger, healthier relationships with your adult kids — and perhaps, rediscovering yourself in the process. Francine Toder joins us from California. __________________________ Bio Francine Toder, Ph.D. is an emeritus faculty member of California State University, Sacramento and is a clinical psychologist retired from private practice. She is the author of 5 books. Her newest book is Your Kids are Grown: Parenting 2.0. Her extensive writing on diverse topics appears in magazines, professional journals, newspapers, blog sites and as edited book chapters. She resides in the San Francisco Bay area where she tries to practice the cello daily. ___________________________ For More on Francine Toder Your Kids are Grown: Parenting 2.0. Website ___________________________ Previous Podcast Conversations with Francine Toder The Vintage Years – Dr. Francine Toder Inward Traveler – Francine Toder PhD ___________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like All Grown Up – Celia Dodd How to Reconnect with an Estranged Adult Child – Tina Gilbertson ___________________________ Mentioned in This Podcast Episode How Did the Latchkey Kids of Gen X Become the Helicopter Parents of Gen Z? by David French ___________________________ 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 Leveraging Curiosity “…when you step back and realize that that other person or those other persons are not you and you are curious about learning about them, then that becomes positive. I think when you try to equalize power, you know, when your kids are really young, when they’re under 18 or 21, you have all the power legally, socially, everyone expects that. And then to suddenly switch off and recognize this human as an independent person with their own ideas, thoughts, values, wishes, plans, it’s pretty tough. And so one of the goals is to equalize power and to realize that advice offered by one adult to another. is acceptable but needs to be two-way. Give help only if it’s invited. This is probably the hardest thing that parents, whether you’re parenting a newly empty nest child or you’re parenting a, you know, a 35 or a 50-year-old child.” On What Adult Children Want “Let’s start with what they don’t want. What was effective before won’t work now. Role modeling, which is effective with children, is experienced as patronizing. Rewarding positive behavior is interpreted as demeaning. Providing guidance is seen as meddling. So you can’t do that. Limit setting is irrelevant. You can’t do that with adult children. You can do that with kids and it’s really hard to let go of that. If you’re supporting them and they’re, they’re still in college or they’re in their 20s, but they’re kind of floundering financially. You may feel like you have power, but if you do that, you’re going to alienate them. You have to be able to negotiate with them. The teacher-learner model is obsolete. So it has to be a new model. And there’s really much to learn from our adult kids, if we step out of our parent as teacher role.” On What Matters Most “Listening. Adult kids want you to hear them but not to problem solve for them. So in conversation with them, listen more than 50 percent of the time. It doesn’t mean listening where you’re listening for a break in what they’re saying, so you can jump in and rehearse in the meantime what you are wanting to say because that won’t work. Because they’re adults, they have their own ideas about things. Be more curious and have more wonder than advice-giving. Be open to hearing about who they are because they may have very different ideas than you, and they may have merit.You don’t have to see the world exactly like they do. You haven’t failed if they don’t mirror you exactly, and empathic listening. Try on their ideas. Be open to hearing what they think. Because they’re adults, they have their own ideas about things. Be more curious and have more wonder than advice-giving. Be open to hearing about who they are because they may have very different ideas than you, and they may have merit. You don’t have to see the world exactly like they do. You haven’t failed if they don’t mirror you exactly, and empathic listening. Try on their ideas. It’s true that today everything is very polarized, but be open to hearing because if you’re not open to hearing it, then you can’t have a relationship.”

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.”      

Want to create a retirement your boss will envy? Design it. New group program starts on October 3rd. Six weeks to a new direction. Learn more __________________________ Most of us know about lifespan and healthspan—but have you thought about your joyspan?  Gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight is the author of  Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half. She shares her research and practical wisdom on how to extend not just the years of our lives, but the years we will truly enjoy living. Drawing from her “Joyspan Matrix” and decades of experience, Kerry, a nationally recognized advocate for positive aging, offers a fresh perspective and new thinking on thriving in later life for your consideration. We discuss: The importance of joyspan alongside lifespan and healthspan What she’s learned from her longest running case study (her Mom) Lessons from her grandmothers’ contrasting approaches to aging The four pillars of the Joyspan Matrix: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give Why connection is as vital as medicine How purpose can change our biology and well-being Practical ways to spark curiosity and joy through personal projects Kerry Burnight joins us from Southern California. ________________________ Bio Dr. Kerry Burnight, America’s Gerontologist, is sparking a revolution to make older better. Fed up with the fear-driven, anti-aging hysteria, hundreds of thousands of people turn to “Dr. Kerry” for her practical, effective and uplifting approach to navigating longevity. Her approach to aging is based upon a profound truth: the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life. Efforts to maximize lifespan and even healthspan don’t address the whole picture. Longevity is meaningless if you don’t like your life. Burnight introduces the critical concept, “joyspan,” based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose. She earned her PhD in Gerontology at the University of Southern California. Dr. Burnight taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She was an invited speaker to the U.S. White House at the Elder Justice Summit and at the U.S. Department of Justice. She has appeared on CBS News, NBC News, The Doctors, Money Matters, and The Dr. Phil Show. ___________________________ Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half Website On CBS Mornings with Gayle King and team (4 minutes) ____________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Thinking Better to Live Better – Dr. Woo-kyoung Ahn Ageism Unmasked – Dr. Tracey Gendron The Joy Choice – Dr. Michelle Segar ____________________________ 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 the Joy Span Concept        “So the three-legged stool: lifespan, how long you live; health span, how long you live a healthy life; and joy           span, how long you enjoy living. And I think between those three pillars, we really can dig into some really           interesting longevity topics.” On Expectations Shaping Reality It wasn’t because one was just lucky, and it also wasn’t just because of genetics. It was these internal characteristics and a decision on the part of both of them, that what they expected old age to be like was in fact that way.” On Genetics and Lifestyle Choices Some studies show that it is 25%. Others show it as low as 13%. So regardless, what that shows us is that at least 75% isn’t genetic, and that’s where the effort, knowledge, and decision every single day really comes into play.” On Taking Initiative We’ve got to be proactive and you have to kiss a lot of frogs, right, so it takes a few putting yourself out there until you find someone, but the good news is the world is a lonely place and by reaching out and connecting you’re solving the problem of two people.” On Purpose and Giving It could be as simple as, hey I’ve got some extra lemons in my yard, I’m gonna go next door, hand them to my neighbor, maybe strike up a conversation… And that giving is life-changing not only for that next-door neighbor, but equally if not more so for you.” On Embracing Your Age There is so much value in the experience of being older… I’ve been 30, but I’ve also been 40, 50, 60, 70, whatever. And I’m going to reach out. And when you don’t make a big deal about it or when you show up embracing your age, the younger people love it as well.”

September 7th is Grandparents’ Day! Celebrate the grandparents in your life or reflect on your own grandparenting journey. This is a special Retirement Roundtable episode, where we invite previous guests to engage in a conversation with each other. Returning are Ted Page, author of the new book Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood, and Kerry Byrne, founder of The Long Distance Grandparent. They’re bringing different perspectives on, and experiences with, one of retirement’s most complex yet rewarding roles: modern grandparenting. This isn’t the hands-off grandparenting of yesteryear. Today’s grandparents face unique challenges. They must actively build connections, learn, leverage, and adapt to emerging technologies; and navigate changing family roles and dynamics, walking the delicate line between sharing wisdom and overstepping boundaries. We Discuss: How grandparenting has evolved Why modern grandparenting requires more intentionality How humor and fun create trust and lasting bonds How to navigate different parenting philosophies with adult childrenLeveraging technology while staying mindful of balance The powerful impact of sharing family stories and traditions Ways to create meaningful experiences across generations Kerry Byrne joins us from Toronto, and Ted Page joins us from Vermont. _______________________________ For More on Ted Page Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood Blog: GoodGrandpa.com – Nurturing the Next Generation _______________________________ For More on Kerry Byrne The Long Distance Grandparent FREE Printable Cheat Sheet to Help you Connect with your Grandchild from a Distance _______________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Long Distance Grandparent – Kerry Byrne PhD Good Grandpa – Ted Page The Mindful Grandparent – Dr. Shirley Showalter _______________________________ Mentioned in This Podcast Conversation Dr. Becky ________________________________ 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 Grandparenting ” Be there for them.” – Ted Page On Connection “Having a relationship with a grandparent is not a nice to have. We know from the research, that, you know, having this relationship affects children in a number of different ways from adolescents well into adulthood. And so I think that this is the difference, this intentionality, and this awareness of the importance of the relationship.” – Kerry Byrne On Humor “At one point my grandchild asked, where are Mom and Dad? And I said, Mom and Dad have left to join the circus, but before they left they asked me to tell you that they loved you very much, but what they really want to do is train bears. And I remember my grandkid looking at me with this look of first, he was a bit stunned, but then he kind of shook his head and said, ‘Oh, okay.’ And for me, that was just my sense of humor, but he picked up on it right away. He was two. So I think that sense of fun, having that sense of humor, you got to be who you are. And that starts when they’re just so little. And before you know it, they’re the ones who are, telling jokes and playing around with us.” – Ted Page On Encouragement “So if you come to it with a place of curiosity, and also remembering that the most important role that you can play is as I call it the GEO, the Grand Encouragement Officer. That means like you’re the family cheerleader. And by that it’s a Grand Encouragement Officer requires encouraging and cheering the parents on. as well because they are parenting in a bit of a different context right now.” – Kerry Byrne    

Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of Coa, discusses the vital practice of emotional fitness alongside physical health. She explores how emotionally fit individuals approach life with resilience and curiosity, highlighting playful strategies that can improve well-being. Anhalt introduces practical methods for enhancing communication in relationships, such as the 'relationship retro' exercise. She emphasizes the need for ongoing emotional work, especially during retirement, urging listeners to embrace new connections and cultivate their emotional health.

How much have you invested for the financial side of your retirement? How about the non-financial side? Join us for six Fridays starting on October 3rd and get moving on your roadmap. Learn more here. ____________________ Transitions are rarely easy, whether you’re leaving your career or any other life chapter that has helped define you. Cassidy Krug knows this firsthand. A 2012 Olympian in diving, she grew up immersed in the sport—coached by her parents, competing at Stanford, and training for years beyond. When she reached her dream of competing at the London Games, she also knew it was time to move on. In this conversation, Cassidy Krug shares the lessons she learned about navigating major life transitions—from sport to career, and from an “all-in” life to an “à la carte” one. She talks candidly about the identity shifts, the uncertainty of new beginnings, and the importance of reflection, interpretation, and community. Her story offers inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone facing their own turning points, especially those contemplating or entering retirement. Cassidy Krug joins us from Los Angeles. _______________________ We Discuss The emotional challenges of retiring from something when you still love what you do Why we tend to cling too long to what we do—and what helps us let go The critical role of interpreting your story, not just reacting to change How asking for help (and informational interviews) opened new doors in her career Creating an “à la carte” life after diving, balancing career, creativity, and relationships The value of curiosity and trying new things—even when you’re used to being an expert Why investing in community matters so much after leaving a team or workplace The best advice she received (and what she wishes she had) about embracing change _________________________ Bio  Cassidy Krug is the author of Resurface: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Biggest Transitions. She is a former Olympic diver, a writer, and a brand and innovation strategist based in Los Angeles. She graduated from Stanford with an English degree and she won two NCAA diving titles there. ___________________________ For More on Cassidy Krug Resurface: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Biggest Transitions Website ____________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Portfolio Life – Christina Wallace Strategic Quitting – Julia Keller Edit Your Life – Elisabeth Sharp McKetta The Skill Set for Life’s Transitions – Bruce Feiler _____________________________ 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 Transitions “Change is something that happens to you. Transition is how you choose to react to that change. But the real work is in interpretation—deciding how you want to remember and carry that story forward.” On Redefining Success “First of all, just by asking the question, what does success look like for me? What do I want in my retirement? And it’s not going to be a status quo answer that’s given to you by your career. Maybe for a very long time, you wanted to get the next promotion to get the next pay raise, or to have more responsibility. And all of a sudden, like that ladder is gone and you ask yourself, what does success look like for me now? Maybe success looks like showing up as well as I can and having a positive impact on my family. Maybe success looks like finding people who are still in the workforce and mentoring them and helping them to guide them to make the right decisions. Maybe success looks like making an impact in a totally different sphere, but bringing all the skills that I learned in the workplace to a non-profit or to a different arena. But you really do have to sit and reflect and ask that question of yourself and not expect that the world is necessarily going to tell you anymore what it means to live a successful life.” On Quitting “Every time I’ve quit something, it’s directed my life in ways I didn’t see coming—and that I’m immensely grateful for.” On Moving Forward “Don’t try to replace what you’re leaving behind. Honor it. Then look for the pieces you loved and carry them into your next chapter.” On Interpreting Your Story “And for me, I choose to think back on the Olympic experience as one that I’m really proud of, rather than one that I messed up and I’m regretful for. Absolutely, it takes choice. It takes a lot of reflection. It takes taking the first swell of emotions, whatever that might be, and questioning it, and looking at  from a broader perspective with a longer lens, but I do think that we,  always have a choice in how we interpret our own stories.  And I think it’s so important to get that right according to how we want to feel about ourselves.” On Trying New Things…and an à la carte life “..at first it’s scary because when you have an all-in-one life, so many decisions are made for you. So many choices are just obvious because you have only one thing at the middle. And so when you don’t anymore, the balancing of things, the trying to decide what the right path is, you have all those questions more often. But I think answering those kind of questions constantly –  Am I doing what I want to do? Am I being fulfilled? How do I shift maybe some time and energy away from this and into this other thing? That’s been such a fulfilling part of what my life has been since I started living this à la carte life. In general, I don’t love trying new things. I love being good at things. And so it’s always hard to put myself in that situation where I don’t feel the same level of accomplishment as I did when I was the best in the world diver. That said, for me, once I get into them a little bit, so once, you’re in day two, day three, day four, once I started trapeze and started to feel the process of learning and growing and was exploring new sides of myself, then it grew into a passion for me.”

Six Fridays This Fall to Design What You’ll Be Retiring To Starts on October 3rd Learn more here – Limited to 10 participants. Take the first step toward shaping your future – register now. ________________________ On this episode of The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, we’re joined by Carl Landau, creator and host of I Used to Be Somebody. Carl brings warmth, humor, and introspection as he explores the twists and turns of retiring after an entrepreneurial journey. He shares why letting go of your work identity, redefining purpose, and discovering a mix of new creative outlets—like podcasting, documentary filmmaking, and pickleball—can light up your retirement. Carl reminds us that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping, and that reinvention can be both fun and fulfilling. What You’ll Learn How Retirement is an Evolving Process—finding your way takes some time, especially for high achievers Why Setting Boundaries is Key —how to avoid turning hobbies into a new full-time job… and losing your freedom How Letting Go Frees You—who you were doesn’t define who you’ll be next Why Saying “No” is a Game Changer— create space for what truly matters now to you, not for other people’s agendas How to Build Your New Life  — develop a meaningful life plan, not just a financial one for retirement Carl Landau joins us from Sacramento, California. _________________________ Bio Carl Landau is the founder of Pickleball Media. He has been an entrepreneur since the age of 26 and started and sold three successful media companies, published five magazines (software development, winemaking and craft brewing industries). He currently hosts the popular podcast I Used to be Somebody, inspiring 50-plus-year-olds how to build their (un)retirement good life. He’s the co-author of the book, Pickleball for Dummies. ________________________ For More on Carl Landau I Used to Be Somebody Pickleball for Dummies ________________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like Your Identity Beyond Your Job Title – Laverne McKinnon Lessons Learned in Retirement That Can Help You – Judith Nadratowski The Art of a Balanced Life in Retirement – Dr. Marybeth Crane ________________________ 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 Identity in Retirement “About three months ago, I was playing [pickelball] with this guy and explaining to him how to play a short game…He’s a big time like doctor, and all I had absolutely no idea. And no one makes a big deal what they did. And no one cares. So I think that’s sort of a surprise too.” On Mistakes to Avoid “The other big regret is people don’t think in advance about what they want to do in retirement. In retrospect, they didn’t get give enough thought to it, and  felt like they wasted that first year – and wish that they hadn’t, especially with longevity. If you’re in your 60s, and you’re in pretty good health, there’s a good chance you’re going to  live to 90. It’s a long time. So you want to get the most out of it. We’ve said it a million times: more people think about that two week vacation than they ever think about what to do for the next 25 years. So I think that’s the biggest mistake people make.” On Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone “About four years ago, I saw this ad on Facebook. The local theater in Sacramento, was offering for the first time, a Stand Up Comedy Workshop. And I knew if I thought about it long enough, I would not do it. And this is something that I’ve talked about for a long time. In your family, they’re just rolling their eyes at this point because you’ve said this like a dozen times. So my whole thing is like to do it. So I just paid the 400 bucks to take the workshop. And it was just five classes. And then the final was that we had to do stand up, at least a five minute stand up, for over a hundred people, in a live audience. And mine ended up being 14 minutes. The guy had me close it – and it was incredible. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. But boy, what a high when it’s done. And Joe, the really funny thing is the guy who taught it, who’s a professional comedian, said, Hey, you’re really good. You should do this. You could do this. And I have zero interest in doing it. I just wanted to try it and do it. And that’s all I needed to do. And that was really nice.”

Don’t leave your retirement to chance. Design It. Join us for six Fridays starting on October 3rd and get moving on your roadmap. Learn more here. __________________________ On this episode of The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, we’re joined by Nathalie Martin, author of The Inspired Retirement, an excellent new book that will help you reframe what it means to retire well. In today’s conversation, she challenges the assumptions many people bring to retirement—and shares how mindfulness, clarity, and intention can lead to a more inspired next chapter. What You’ll Learn Why the ‘three plagues’ of aging are avoidable How three non-financial pillars of retirement are gamechangers How mindfulness and movement can enhance your life Why one-size-fits-all approaches to purpose miss the mark—and what to do instead A practical exercise to prioritize what matters most in your life as you plan for retirement Nathalie Martin joins us from New Mexico. __________________________ Bio Nathalie Martin is a chaired professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she teaches mindfulness and law as well as elder law, commercial law, and consumer law. A longtime yoga and meditation teacher and practitioner, she also teaches contemplative practices in varied settings, from hospitals and senior centers to law school classrooms. Nathalie is the author of over forty articles and nine books, including Lawyering from the Inside Out and Yoga for Lawyers, and her legal scholarship has been cited by the US Supreme Court. With The Inspired Retirement, Nathalie brings her decades of experience and expertise to a general audience. __________________________ For More on Nathalie Martin The Inspired Retirement: Purpose and Passion in Your Next Adventure Website: nathaliemartinmindfulness.com ___________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile Happier Hour – Cassie Holmes, PhD Live Life in Crescendo – Cynthia Covey Haller ____________________________ Mentioned in This Podcast Conversation Being Mortal by Atul Gawande ____________________________ 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 Mindset & Joy “And I even quote Dr. Seuss that It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how. And so we really do have to return to that childlike state, when we can remember what it felt like not to have a lot of obligations. So that’s what I think of joy as and also the mindset issue that we talked about, Joe, that it’s so important not to assume that from here on out, it’s just downhill. And that can add years to our lives.” On Mindfulness Practices “I’m going to start by just telling you what the science says are the primary benefits of these practices. I mean the first thing is reducing stress, that’s kind of the entry point for most people. It does calm us, but it also improves brain function. So reduces stress, improves the brain. Second one, increases productivity, so you can get more work done in less time, and who doesn’t want that. And then finally, it helps us learn more about ourselves, and as a result, find more meaning and purpose in our lives. And I’ve benefited from all of these things. I am very Type A by nature and have really learned the hard way that you can miss a lot of stuff when all you do is work. I just felt like something had to change, like a lot of other lawyers and other professionals who just work all the time. So these practices literally changed my life. I mean, they even helped me change my professional life to something that was more suited to what really was important to me. And it’s just been amazing.” On Retirement “Step out of the fast lane and into the vast lane.” _________________________