The Retirement Wisdom Podcast

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.” _________________________    

Design Your Next Chapter  Joe Tarantino joins us to share his retirement journey – going from balancing family and work responsibilities to embarking on an ambitious cycling goal.  A lifelong learner, Joe opens up about how setting a personal moonshot goal helped him transition into retirement with purpose. He wrote a book chronicling his cycling experiences. He offers candid insights on caregiving, identity shifts, and why it’s essential to replace the structure and social interactions that work once provided. Joe Tarantino joins us from Ohio. _________________________ Bio Joe Tarantino has cycled through all 50 U.S. states, crisscrossing a vast network of roads and trails. With 25 marathons and other endurance events under his belt, he retired from a successful 35-year career in the aerospace industry as a chemist, engineer, and operations manager, in response to God’s call to a different direction in his otherwise comfortable life. While pursuing his cycling, he seeks to inspire others to chase their dreams through his writing. __________________________ For More on Joe Tarantino Pale Pink Roads __________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Unlock Positive Aging with Outdoor Adventure – Caroline Paul Not Too Late – Gwendolyn Bounds The Benefits of a New Challenge – Joe Simonetta Big Goals – Caroline Adams Miller ___________________________ 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 Challenge of Early Retirement “You leave the work site, and you just don’t have the social interaction that you used to.” On Finding Purpose “Don’t settle for all these good things when there’s something great you could be going after. You’ve got all this open time. Make sure it’s spent doing good stuff, even great stuff.” ________________________ 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.  

Own your retirement. Design It. Join us for 6 Fridays starting on October 3rd and get unstuck. Registration is open for the next two Design Your New Life in Retirement Groups. The Very Early Bird discount ends on 7/31. Learn more here. _________________________ On this episode of The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, we explore the transformative mindset that can reshape retirement from a winding-down phase into a period of renewal and growth. Cyn Meyer unpacks why purpose and energy—not just finances—should drive your post-career life, sharing the Rewire Retirement Method and the neuroscience behind deliberate reinvention. What You’ll Learn Cyn’s backstory that led her to get involved in the retirement space Why your retirement can be a spiral upward, not a slow fade down How her Five Rings of Retirement redefine life after work The science of neuroplasticity and how it supports intentional change How tuning into your inner energy can spur you forward How daily gratitude practices, especially with your partner, can deepen connection Cyn Meyer joins us from California. _______________________ Bio Cyn Meyer is the creator of the Rewire My Retirement program and is a modern certified life coach committed to helping older adults turn their retirement years into their best years, full of purpose and passion. She founded Second Wind Movement in 2018 as a valuable resource dedicated to older adults who are striving for healthy, active, and engaged retirement lives. _______________________ For More on Cyn Meyer The Rewire Retirement Method _______________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like The New Happy – Stephanie Harrison Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile Growing Old, Staying Rad – Steven Kotler _______________________ 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 Gratitude “When we are in a state of gratitude, fear is obliterated, right? They are polar opposites. The fear cannot exist while you’re in a state of gratitude.  I always say you have your own passions, purpose, and growth path in retirement. Your spouse has theirs, and then you have your couple’s activities together, right? And so sometimes things get intermingled and very challenging. And we feel that we don’t have control over our spousal dynamic, right? Because we have ours, they have theirs, and then, but we’re sharing life together. And so I highly recommend Gratitude Journaling , but gratitude, gratitude journaling about your spouse specifically, because that really changes the dynamic. And you really end up focusing on, you know, the wonderful aspects about them, and it really obliterates the annoyances while you’re in that state. So if we like literally put in our reps and practice that, it changes the dynamic in addition to you doing your own work on your own growth path. That just makes it more seamless I have found.” On Retirement “Retirement is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new growth journey.” On Energy “What energizes you are your authentic wants; what drains you are the external ‘shoulds.’” On Identity “You may leave the workforce, but your uniqueness has never left you.”    

What’s next? Design it. The Very Early Bird discount ends today 7/31. Get unstuck. Learn more here. Register here. ___________________________ What if you stepped out of your comfort zone? Lee Gale Gruen shares her inspiring journey from 37 years as a probation officer to becoming an actor, author, lecturer, dancer, and a Physics Club member in retirement. Initially lost after retiring, she stumbled upon a senior acting class that changed everything—helping her find a new identity, connection, and new pursuits. Her story offers the template for a roadmap for retirees who may be struggling to find purpose by stepping up to try new things, overcoming fear, and staying curious. Because let’s face it,  retirement is not the end of the line — it’s an opportunity to reinvent yourself. You’ll Learn: What it’s like to be a docent How volunteering can unlock new purpose The importance of trying new (and returning to old) interests What to do when fear holds you back How to find opportunities using local resources Lee Gale Gruen joins us from California. __________________________ Bio Lee Gale Gruen (Lee Gale is her first name) lives in the East San Francisco Bay area. She has two children and three grandchildren. She graduated from UCLA and had a 37-year career as a probation officer. After retiring, she became an actress, author, speaker, and blogger. She has appeared in television, films, commercials, theater, and print. She performs regularly at medical schools, portraying patients for student training, and was one of six supporting exercise/dancers in the  Jane Fonda Prime Time Firm & Burn” workout DVD. Her transition to becoming an actress in her senior years has been written about in Time Magazine, the Los Angeles Times newspaper, AARP Life Reimagined, and in Marlo Thomas’ book, which profiles women who have reinvented themselves. Lee Gale has had several articles and short stories published, including in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She is also a public speaker, lecturing on senior reinvention. She has published a memoir as well as a self-help book that complements her public lectures on senior reinvention. She has written a screenplay of her memoir titled the same as the book: “Adventures with Dad.” Lee Gale blogs at LeeGaleGruen.wordpress.com under the same title as her lecture and self-help book, “Reinventing Yourself in Your Retirement Years.” _____________________________ For More on Lee Gale Gruen Reinventing Yourself and Your Retirement Years: Find Joy, Excitement, and Purpose After You Retire Website ______________________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like The Second Fifty – Debra Whitman Make Your Next Years Your Best Years – Harry Agress, MD Retirement Rookies – Stephen & Karen Kreider Yoder _______________________________ 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 Finding a New Direction “Find something that excites you, that sets you on fire. That will motivate you.” On Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone “Try something you’ve never done before. You may discover a whole new world that you never knew about…I had no idea. I stumbled my way through and I discovered all kinds of things. And I hope some of the things that I’ve said today will. help people and encourage people to take that giant step. It’s not a wilderness, it’s full of opportunities.” ___________________________  

Are you ready to unlock a great life in retirement — or are you stuck in neutral? Registration is open for the next two Design Your New Life in Retirement Groups. The Very Early Bird discount ends on 7/31. Get unstuck. Learn more here. Register here. ___________________________ It turns out that one of the hardest habits to break in retirement isn’t work — it’s saving. Richard Sheffield joins us to share his deeply personal and sometimes humorous story of transitioning from a performance-driven corporate career to a more intentional and enjoyable life in retirement. A former executive at UPS, and author of Spend Your Damn Retirement Money!: Beat the Spending Fear to Find Your Dream Retirement, Richard opens up about his struggle to shift from a lifelong saver’s mindset to embracing enjoying the money he worked so hard to accumulate. He discusses how outdated retirement plans, old success signals, and societal expectations can lead us astray, even long after we’ve walked away from work. But through self-reflection, rewriting his financial plan, and reconnecting with what brings him joy, Richard found the freedom to spend boldly, live fully, and say yes more often. You’ll discover: Why many retirement plans need to be reviewed periodically – and sometimes reworked The emotional blocks that prevent smart people from moving from accumulating to spending Why your intentional spending matters more in retirement The surprising benefits of getting creative with how you spend Why it can be wise to give now, not just later Richard Sheffield joins us from Miami. ________________________________ Bio Richard Sheffield is a former executive and writer who shares thoughtful essays on retirement, identity, and personal reinvention. After a long career in the corporate world, Richard turned to writing as a way to make sense of his experience — and to help others navigate their own journeys into retirement. He’s a popular contributor on Medium, where his honest takes on life after work resonate with thousands of readers. Now fully embracing a bigger, bolder, and more intentional approach to life, Richard writes about finding meaning beyond metrics and spending in ways that spark joy. ________________________ For More on Richard Sheffield Richard Sheffield on Medium Spend Your Damn Retirement Money!: Beat the Spending Fear to Find Your Dream Retirement __________________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like How to Retire – Christine Benz Unretired – Mark S. Walton 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 Rewriting Your Retirement Plan “I was watching my net worth go up and patting myself on the back — but I realized I was living the wrong plan. It was time to update it. None of the bad things happened. Why was I still playing defense?” On Breaking the Productivity Trap “You have to find a way to break that productivity cycle. Your worth isn’t tied to being useful anymore. Sometimes, it’s okay to just have a day where you don’t do anything.” On Giving While You’re Alive “If someone’s going to spend that money on something dumb, it might as well be you — and it might as well be fun.” _______________________ 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.