Happiest Retirees

In the final episode of the Happiest Retirees Podcast, we celebrate the show's journey and launch into our next adventure: the Tryin' Ryan YouTube series. Hear from vibrant retirees like Jill Smith Entrekin (author), Jerri Williams (FBI agent turned author/podcaster/Hollywood consultant), Johnny Hiles (pickleball enthusiast), and Andy Liepman (former CIA turned train conductor).  Transition from podcast listener to YouTube viewer! Follow the Retire Sooner Team channel on YouTube and watch Tryin' Ryan starting April 30th to fuel your post-career passion. Uncover your purpose, embrace new core pursuits, and start living your best retirement life today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

We've all had jobs we didn't want. I just never considered the idea that doctors might feel that way, too. We tend to elevate them to some higher status, but they're human, too. In today's episode, I uncover Jordan Grumet's incredible journey from a burned-out physician to a fired-up, purpose-driven author and speaker. He opened up about how he escaped the identity trap of his medical career and built a life he loves.  Jordan shares why loving the process matters more than chasing achievements and how anyone can create a meaningful, fulfilling retirement. Plus, we explore his new book, The Purpose Code, and break down how to stop overthinking purpose and start living it. If you're looking for inspiration, clarity, and a fresh perspective on what retirement (and life) can really be, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Mark Twain may be the father of American literature. He's got a million great quotes; even the apocryphal ones are good. A particularly penetrating one leans into the importance of travel. He called it fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.  The general idea is that only by experiencing different cultures can we hope to overcome our human tendency to fear the world's other “tribes.” If we stay in our little bubbles, it's much easier to hate what we don't know, and our beliefs and customs go unchallenged.  Today's guest, Mike Taylor, not only loves that Mark Twain quote, he lives by it. He's been on so many life-changing journeys that I couldn't even fit them all into the podcast.  Now retired, Mike spent 41 years in the local news business for WLEX-TV in Lexington, Kentucky. Travel is his primary core pursuit. If he's not spending time with his four adult children or nine grandchildren, he's probably on the road, on a cruise ship, or in the air above some faraway land.  He shares his journeys on social media. Today, we are lucky to have him share them with us. If you yearn to find retirement happiness beyond your corner of the world, let Mike's stories be your inspiration. 00:00-40 Years in Journalism 07:01-Falling in Love with Travel 10:31-Retirement is Awesome 13:05-Big Bend TikTok Story 18:15-38 Countries, One Pass 21:54-Nine Grandchildren 25:31-Better than the Alternative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Cynthia Wilson and Craig Bjork had envisioned retiring to Portugal "someday," but when COVID brought their bustling food truck business to a halt, "someday" became "today." Despite their contrasting personalities—Cynthia, a creative dynamo, and Craig, the embodiment of laid-back calm—they've created a life of joy, affordability, and deep community in Portugal. If you've ever dreamed of a bold retirement, no matter how unconventional, this episode might ignite your passion to pursue it with the same vigor (or even more) as you did your career. Your someday could start sooner than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every generation tends to blame the one prior for its problems. Right now, the Baby Boomers are taking most of the heat. Today's guest empathizes with the premise, but she has a few notes.  Inspired by her own family's intergenerational dynamics, Shannon Nelson's musings about the clash between Boomer and Millennial parenting styles spilled over onto social media. And, well, apparently, a lot of people online can relate. She now has 144,00 followers on Instagram and 52,000 on TikTok. A grandmother of three on TikTok! Not exactly what she thought she'd be doing in retirement. Shannon's satirical and good-natured approach sheds light on the evolving language around mental health and the importance of setting boundaries—even when they sometimes go overboard. She has a great relationship with her family partly because she's learned to keep some thoughts to herself. If she “zips it” about touchy topics like “weight loss,” she can get away with making fun of toddler bento box lunches. So, even though there's a chance she'll trigger your childhood trauma, that is not her goal. She wants every generation to know that we're all in this together, so we might as well have some laughs and enjoy the ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On my first date with my future wife, I picked her up in an Uber. I played it off as a romantic gesture, but the truth was that I didn't own a car. I'd given it up because I love public transportation. There's just something about it. You can clear your head, get work done, and actually see the city rather than focus on the traffic. Atlanta's version of the LA Metro is called MARTA. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has 48 miles of rail track, 38 subway stops, and an abundance of bus routes. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Sandy Springs, Buckhead to Brookhaven, And Decatur to Doraville, MARTA is taking people where they want to go today and tomorrow. And it can't do that without today's guest. Donna E. DeJesús joined the team in 1993 and has over 30 years of advanced experience in transit call center and customer service management. She's now the Director of Customer Service, but I just call her the Queen of MARTA. Nowadays, I do own a car. I had to have somewhere to put my toddler's car seat. I don't get many nights out, but when I do, I ride the light rail or the bus whenever possible. If you find yourself craving the rails, or maybe you've retired and just want to drive a little bit less, this conversation can empower you with the tips and tricks you need to get where you want to go via the mode of transportation with which you want to get there. So pay that fare, sit back, relax, and let Donna DeJesús dazzle you with some MARTA magic. 00:00-Hot MARTA Bochinche 03:58-All Aboard! 05:45-Reduced Fare Program for Seniors 09:36-MARTA Accessibility Committee 13:09-Exciting Updates 15:51-Access to All the Atlanta Fun & Senior Centers 19:21-Mobility Service 21:41-Getting to the Battery 23:12-Art Bound: Performances on the Platform 27:46-MARTA's Best Kept Secret 30:44-Donna's Team & Sustainability in Motion 35:31-Music in the Park 36:33-Overhauls and Tech by 2026 41:07-Staying Safe on MARTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of our lives, we're busy working toward a career. Then we're busy doing it. By the time we're done, we've gotten pretty good at whatever it is we do, so it can be pretty intimidating to try anything else. What if we're terrible at it? Carl and Diana Landau want all of us to embrace the idea of being a beginner. As co-authors of the Amazon best-seller Pickleball for Dummies and the team behind the I Used to be Somebody podcast and newsletter, they dedicate themselves to helping people take on new retirement challenges. That is . . . when they aren't on the pickleball court.  Rather than fear the unknown, why not welcome the opportunity to try something new, more fun, and maybe even more meaningful? But don't take my word for it; listen to Carl and Diana.  I get it. You used to be somebody. But now? You can be somebody even better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm a massive fan of books and movies about the FBI. If my wife sees me reading, she can often assume it's some story about counterintelligence or criminal profiling. One night, I was enjoying a podcast called FBI Retired Case File Review, and it dawned on me that as someone with my own podcast, I could just ask the host to be a guest. To my delight, she agreed. Jerri Williams retired after serving 26 years as a special agent in the FBI. In addition to her podcast, she does work as a technical consultant for major TV networks and production companies. She's also the author of several books, both fiction and non-fiction. Through her story-telling and interviews with retired FBI agents, she debunks myths and misconceptions with a mission to show the public who the FBI is and what the FBI does. Her podcast has more than 300 episodes and 10 million downloads, so I think it's safe to say: mission accomplished. Jerri said that talking to me gave her an excuse to reflect on what retirement means, and it felt like therapy. Take her words to heart; perhaps it will for you, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Klinker loves carving pumpkins. He started doing it for his kids 30 years ago. He'd come home from work and head straight to the shed—eager to sculpt some groovy orange gourds. His wife spent so much time alone in the house that she started calling herself “The Pumpkin Widow.”  But retirement has given Ken the freedom to turn that passion into a thriving core pursuit that even pays for itself. He switched to foam pumpkins because they didn't rot and launched his own Etsy shop. Take a spin down his digital aisles to find some terrific work. I never knew I needed to see John Wayne, Beetlejuice, or Barbie in pumpkin form, but it turns out I did.  Ken and I talked about his evolving art, favorite charity, media appearances, and primary collaborator. You'll be happy to hear how a balanced retirement has allowed him to revoke his wife's “Pumpkin Widow” status.  So, pour a cup of hot cocoa, put on your Halloween costume, and listen for ways you might be able to carve out your own happy retirement. 00:00-Ken Klinker Love Pumpkin Carving 04:44-The Birth of the Etsy Shop 06:30-400 Pumpkins on Display 09:00-Pop Culture Patterns 12:54-Ken in the News 17:13-Custom Designs 19:25-Giving Back 21:40-Knowing When to Retire 27:16-Core Pursuits 30:40-Facing Challenges 34:26-The Perfect Day 35:27-Teacher's Aides 37:38-Grandkids & Advice for Retirees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you grew up in the South, you've probably heard Gregg Russell sing. If you were lucky enough to vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, you've probably heard it live. He's been singing for kids and their families in Harbour Town under a 300-year-old oak tree since 1977. Two of those kids grew up and made a movie about him. The Gregg Russell Story became the #1 trending documentary on Apple TV earlier this summer.  After nearly 50 years of lugging his guitar all over the world as a singer, actor, and entertainer, Gregg considers himself semi-retired. He still loves to perform, but now he has more control over when and where. He's carved out more time to spend time with family, write children's books, and even a real estate side business. Gregg is definitely known for his music, but as he told me, he made his living in between the songs. And even if that set list is a bit shorter these days, he still hits all the right notes.  00:00-The Legend of Hilton Head 07:52-Celebrity Encounters 10:59-Gregg in the Movies 13:04-Talent Runs in the Family 16:23-Semi-Retired 20:43-Singing Under the Oak Tree 27:01-Writing & Investing 29:45-Show Business 41:27-Relief in Semi-Fame 47:31-Advice for the Retirement Phase 50:17-The Gregg Russell Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Kathy Sperl-Bell has an abstract painting called “Dinner Time.” In it, a Pelican stares down into the sea as dark shadows betray the location of fish who, unbeknownst to them, are in serious jeopardy. What strikes me about this particular Pelican is his ability to keep his eye on the prize. His hunger is evident. That patient facade is a practiced skill, not a breezy indifference. He knows that accomplishing his goal will require calm focus and repeated effort. Dinner won't come easy, but if he refuses to quit, his belly will eventually be full.  I don't know if Kathy had all this in mind when her acrylic brush first touched the wrapped canvas, but it certainly would be apropos of her own story. As a woman trying to succeed in business in the 1960s, it's amazing her head isn't scarred from banging against all those glass ceilings. But like that pelican, she never quit. Each challenge strengthened her resolve. Finally, when the moment was right, she founded Active Adults Realty in Delaware in 2009, an independent real estate brokerage focused on helping Baby Boomers plan for retirement. It was a hit.  In 2021, she and her husband, Bill, sold the business and retired to The Florida Keys, where she spends her time focused on core pursuits like blogging about travel and retirement, painting, yoga, pickleball, and listening to as much jazz as she can get her hands on.  There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but they aren't always so easy to catch. Kathy Sperl-Bell's inspirational story is full of heartache, hope, hard work, and happiness. Maybe yours is, too. 00:00-Journey to Real Estate 02:42-Live from the Airstream 11:12-“I Don't Want Any Obligations.” 12:40-A Trip of a Lifetime 16:25-Bucking the Tongue 19:22-From an In-Flight Detective to Director 24:32-A Shared Love of Jazz 26:29-Active Adults Realty 29:45-What Does “Retirement” Mean? 31:29-The Accessibility of Pickleball 34:13-MyRetirementStories.com 36:26-A True Partner 40:11-Perseverance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” George Jerjian gave it a shot. What he noticed was that nothing in nature retires. Polar Bears don't leave with severance packages, and Komodo Dragons don't get a gold watch or cake in the office kitchen. Wildlife is typically either growing or dying.  In short, George says the word “retirement” is past its sell-by date and prefers “rewirement” or “refirement.” He says happiness isn't found by losing our former identity but rather by creating our new one. That might include continuing to work if you enjoy it. But it also might mean going on a safari, eating Ostrich steak in South Africa, or cycling through the rain in Vancouver. The point isn't that it has to be something exotic but that it should be something that excites you. Maybe even something that scares you. George says sitting on the beach is not a retirement. It's a vacation. You can't vacation for the rest of your life. So figure out what you want to do, then take some risks to do it. It's hard to venture out of your comfort zone, but as George points out, the biggest risk of all is never taking a risk. To play it safe and then get to the end of your life and realize you never lived.  You get one, wild, wonderful life? What are you going to do with it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think about the last time you bought a birthday card. You were probably in a hurry, maybe even running late for the party you needed the card for. You scanned the racks, noticing that cards now cost more than the gift. But even more than that was the overwhelming bombardment of “over-the-hill” birthday themes: sagging body parts, balding heads, bad jokes about fading attractiveness. If you found it a little depressing, you're not alone. Jan Golden decided to do something about it.  Inspired by a greeting card contest called Changing the Narrative, she combined her graphic design, tech, and creativity skills to create a line of age-friendly greeting cards. As she wound down her primary career, she was able to jump in with both feet. Now, Age Friendly Vibes is thriving, and Jan discovered that she absolutely loves doing it.  Ageism can affect anyone, but it's often directed at older people. As you plan or execute your happy retirement journey, you won't always be able to control when it rears its ugly head. But you can decide how to react to it. Listen to Jan's story and be inspired by her mission to put age-positive sentiments into the world, one greeting card at a time. Now, that's what I call all the hallmarks of happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My conversation with Steve Hoffman was deep and engaging, largely due to his eloquence and profound self-reflection. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and a French-loving food & wine writer. I don't know if one person has ever been both of those things. His writing has garnered significant recognition, winning multiple awards, including the prestigious 2019 James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. His work has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Artful Living. His first book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, was published this year.  Steve doesn't consider himself retired, but he's already figured out that even in the present, you can start walking toward your future. He knows who he is, who he wants to be, and where those two things don't yet line up. I admire his tireless effort to become a better version of himself.  Open a bottle of French wine, cleanse your palette, and get ready to imbibe some happy retirement wisdom from Midwest Francophile Steve Hoffman. 00:00-Introductions 04:44-A Rediscovery of Old Loves 06:32-An “Oscar” in Food Writing 12:16-Tennis for Longevity 15:08-An Ideal Retirement 18:12-Still: The Art of Noticing 20:17-Couch Time 27:36-Compounding Interest in Happiness 33:23-A Home Base to Return To 40:51-Retirement is an Extension, Not an Escape 43:13-A Transitional Character 49:07-Busyness as a Distraction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Americans, we tend to believe our jobs define us. Think about that last time you met someone new. What's the first thing you asked? “So what do you do?” How we make a living is so ingrained in our self-worth recipe that we often neglect the other ingredients.  Jacquie Doucette wants to change all that. She says our jobs don't define us, and she's dedicated to helping people remember some of those other ingredients. What did you love before you got locked into your career? Is it possible you might still love those things? Jacquie says retirement means doing what you want when you want. In other words, she can help show you what you love to do now that you have time to do what you couldn't do before you did what you did. After all, this is your life. You might as well live it. Let's go beyond retirement with Jacquie Doucette. 0:00-Start 02:02-Beyond Retirement, Beyond Netflix 06:26-A Retirement Guide 08:34-It's Your Life, Live It 12:36-A Long List of Core Pursuits 17:02-A Perfect Day 18:27-International Pet Sitting 21:39-Retirement “from/to” Paradigm Shift 24:30-Retirement Challenges 29:17-Advice Corner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a successful 35-year career as a psychotherapist, Hugh Willard decided to embark on a new journey as a writer. Currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Creative Nonfiction, he authored a book and hosts a podcast about finding beauty in the gray. I have more gray hair than I used to, and sometimes, I feel insecure about it. But it's funny; my barber recently told me some of her clients would shell out a lot of money for that brownish-gray coloring. And it's that positive twist that Hugh uses to change the conversation about aging.  Hugh lives in the beautiful city of Apex, North Carolina, which is fitting because as he ages, he seems to be summiting the peak of his own happiness. 00:00-Purpose & Identity 01:13-Pivoting to a New Chapter 03:20-The Osher Institute 06:19-A Generative Direction 09:30-An Unexpected Passion 11:18-Music & Family 15:00-Audrey's Incredible Journey 17:42-Answering “Who Am I Now?” 27:00-The Default Mode Network 30:22-Intergenerational Connectivity 32:44-Lowercase f failure & Retirement as a Transition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edd and Cynthia Staton were on track for a happy retirement, but life had other plans. The Great Recession killed their careers, home value, and savings. Instead of throwing in the towel, they devised an outside-the-box solution: moving to Cuenca, Ecuador.  Initially, they were banking on the lower cost of living to make ends meet. Today, their story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. They've transitioned from surviving to thriving! Residing in a 3,000-square-foot penthouse apartment, they can still afford a housekeeper, dine out frequently, and cover health care costs. They even walk to their favorite yoga studio. Ex-pat life has become more common for retirees in the U.S. According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees drawing Social Security outside the U.S. saw a staggering increase between 2007 and 2017. Those looking to do so in the future might want to ask Edd and Cynthia for tips. They've authored three Amazon #1 best-selling books, are regularly featured in major media, and run their own online program: Retirement Reimagined! The affordability of living in another country has given Edd and Cynthia the freedom to explore the retirement happiness they'd always dreamed of having. If you've ever considered the idea, today's episode is a must-stop on your itinerary.  00:00-Start 01:51-An Unexpected Path Forward 08:15-Timezone Matters 11:54-Walking Around Paradise 17:44-Retirement Reimagined 24:07-Committed to Community and Health 33:04-Navigating Healthcare 38:42-Life on our Schedule 44:07-Purpose and Play Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Blowen loves “being old.” Those are his words, not mine!  After years as a film critic for the Boston Globe, he snapped. In the middle of an awful movie, he stood up and yelled at the other critics: “How can you endure this?”  Today, he's so much happier. As the founder of Old Friends, a Thoroughbred aftercare facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, he's helped turn a modest mom-and-pop operation into a sprawling 236-acre farm with three satellite locations and a herd of over 255 retired former racehorses and breeding stallions.  Retirement, if you can call it that, really suits Michael. He believes age is a free pass to say yes to the fun and no to the dreaded obligations. He's formed friendships with celebrities like Albert Brooks and Angie Dickson. Every morning, he wakes up with a heart full of gratitude, ready to feed former Kentucky Derby winners. The thrill of it still gives him the chills. This whole thing started because Michael, as a fan of horse racing, wanted to improve his gambling skills. But whoops! He fell in love with horses and has dedicated his life to improving their lives. Listen to Michael. It might improve your life.  00:00-Start 03:06-It Started with Six 07:45-Old Friends 14:54-Mo Rocca & the “Rocca Generians” 18:11-Recovering Movie Critic 23:18-You Can't Go Back Up the Stretch 27:10-Retirement's an Odd Word 29:05-About the Horses 34:47-A Page Out of Their Book 40:11-There's a Horse in Your Living Room 43:37-Adversity is an Asset 46:11-Let's Take a Shot at This Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*In the new documentary "Hendrie," some real heavy hitters, like Bill Hader, Judd Apatow, and Kevin Pollak, all discuss their admiration for Phil's unique and hilarious creativity. So, we decided this was the perfect time to reintroduce you to the interview he did for our show.* Phil Hendrie is not retired, not even a little bit. He's creating as much content as he ever has. But his story still resonates with happy retirees because he had to make a giant change in the middle of his career. In essence, that's what retirement is—a change. It doesn't mean you stop doing anything; it means you start doing more of what you've always wanted to do. After taking his radio show from a tiny local station to national syndication, Phil realized the business had changed. It was no longer viable to do comedy on the radio. So, he got creative and transitioned to a daily podcast instead. Because his talent was versatile, he also picked up acting roles and voice work in movies, television shows, animation, and video games. He even retained ownership of his old radio material to repurpose for fans who wanted to listen. Don't look now, but that adds up to multiple streams of income, and you know we love that on this show! The bottom line is that even though Phil Hendrie is not retired, his story can still inspire people who want to be. Between that and his comedy genius, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 70 years old, my guest, Craig Miller, is one of the oldest firefighters in the world. He doesn't get paid for it, and he wasn't even sure he wanted to do it, but the question that gnawed at him was, “If not me, who?”  In 2023, he shared a startling statistic: “Volunteers comprise some or all of the staffs of more than 85% of fire companies across the U.S., according to an estimate by the National Volunteer Fire Council.” This eye-opening revelation highlights how much responsibility we thrust upon volunteers to keep us all safe. The funny thing is that Craig could've easily been voted least likely ever to battle flames. He's a public radio guy—you know, the coffee-sipping, tote-bag-toting, academic type. Or, at least, he was, having spent more than 40 years as a broadcaster and journalist. He launched and edited the award-winning Climate Watch multimedia initiative for KQED radio in San Francisco. He's also an accomplished writer/producer of television documentaries and even co-created a show called “House Detective” for HGTV.  In 2019, he moved from California's Bay Area to the Catskill Mountains of New York. The local firefighters pursued his services and eventually succeeded in attaining them. But the pleasure has been all Craig's. Volunteering as a firefighter has become one of the most gratifying features of his entire life.  I spoke with him again after our interview, and he wanted to amend one of his answers. Rather than labeling himself principally as a firefighter, he wanted to go on the record as an “evangelist for volunteerism and community service.” I understand and appreciate the distinction, but when that 911 call rings out in the middle of the night, I'm not sure Craig the evangelist is getting out of bed, but Craig the firefighter sure is. One might even say Craig the firefighter is a damn hero.  00:00-Start 04:57-Good Morning Frankfurt 09:03-Theater of the Mind 10:01-Climate Documentaries & HGTV 15:57-Climate Refugees 19:46-The Birth of Standup 21:02-We're Not Urban Animals 23:42-65% Volunteers 34:22-Knowing When to Say When 37:48-A Fresh Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Volpe Beringer made history as the oldest designer to ever appear on the hit show Project Runway. At 64, she made it to the finale at New York Fashion Week, using her talent and can-do attitude to promote more sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. You're in a wheelchair? No problem. A prosthetic leg? Nancy's got an idea to make your outfit glamorous and runway-ready. She eventually created “The Vault by Volpe Beringer”—the world's first and only fully accessible designer luxury platform, offering adaptable options and complimentary consultations for the disabled community. Nancy won the 2022 Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star award. She was named “Best in Philly Fashion Designer for Artsy Dresses” by Philadelphia Magazine for her viral red-carpet design for Grammy nominee and rapper Tierra Whack. This incredible journey almost didn't happen. At age 50, Nancy already had a successful career and financial security, but she was miserable. Sure, she'd grown up sewing, but she never dared to dream of becoming a fashion designer. Then, one day, BAM! It all became so clear. Despite the fear of starting over so late in the game, she went for it! No regrets, Nancy. If fashion is your thing, you'll love this episode. But hell, if you like the movie Rocky, you'll enjoy it, too. Like the Italian Stallion, Nancy is a gritty underdog from the mean streets of Philadelphia. She's never climbed into a boxing ring with Mr. T, as far as I know, but she is definitely a fighter. So, put up your dukes, turn up your volume, and get ready to be inspired. 00:00-Fresh Starts & Accolades 03:09-Inclusive Representation 08:27-Displaced, but not discouraged  12:33-Another Word for Retirement 16:07-I Just Want to Make a Difference 20:27-Tierra Whack at the Grammys 24:17-Make Fear Your Friend 33:18-Working with Legends 35:21-Core Pursuits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Ho, the famous Hawaiian singer, walked into Dave Kenney's bar and said, “I like the way you operate.” I don't know Don Ho, I don't know that much about Don Ho, but I do know that Don Ho seems to have excellent judgment. I, too, like the way Dave Kenney operates. Originally from England, Dave's work in the hotel industry eventually landed him in Hawaii, and understandably, he didn't want to leave. Since then, he's owned and operated just about everything: a convenience store, a t-shirt business, a fishing boat, and nine or ten different Honolulu bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. During the Covid-19 outbreak, Dave and his wife, Margie, bought a place in Henderson, Nevada, just outside Las Vegas. Now, they hop back and forth between the two. That journey is a common one: Las Vegas has been called “The Ninth Island” because of its sizeable Hawaiian population. Dave retired at 55, but Margie's real estate business is booming, and he lends his hoteling expertise whenever she needs it. Otherwise, he does Zumba four days a week, walks several miles daily, and enjoys his afternoon cocktail. Dave finds a perfect day no matter where he is, and as much as he travels, that could be just about anywhere. For a guy who claims he's never worked a day in his life, he sure has had a lot of jobs. Maybe that's the beauty of the Aloha spirit. When life handed Dave lemons, sometimes he made lemonade. Other times, he traded the lemons for limes and made a gin and tonic to enjoy by the pool. That sounds like a happy retirement to me. *********** Chapter titles: 00:00-Start 02:24-From First Jobs to Hawaii 09:58-Taste of Honolulu 12:14-Transatlantics 17:19-Staying Fit 21:50-Booze Cruisin' 24:19-Earn a Little, Keep a Lot 30:50-I'm Happy Where I'm At 38:16-Core Pursuits & Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Georgi's wife, Suzanne, was horrified to discover that by age 60, he had saved enough money to retire. “You've got to get another job, she insisted.” Marines know how to follow a chain of command, and there was no wiggle room in this code red. So, Tom took his marching orders. Being a golf marshal meant miserably early mornings, and dog walking for the animal shelter would track too much dander into the house, so when a friend suggested volunteering at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum in downtown San Diego's Embarcadero, he gave it a shot. More than a decade later, he's never looked back. Named after a WWII naval battle that helped turn the tide of the war with Japan, the Midway was the United States' longest-serving carrier of the 20th century and is now an immensely popular tourist destination. As a safety officer, Tom greets guests at the entrance and exit, roams the floor, monitors the flight deck, and loves every minute of it. Tom spent twelve years on active duty in the Marines, then taught Air Force Officers how to fire the Cruise missile weapon system for General Dynamics and eventually moved to a computer science corporation. That sounds like an exciting career. But without hesitation, Tom says that working at the Midway is the best job he's ever had, even though it doesn't pay him a penny. 00:00-Start 04:31-Bend with the Breeze 06:10-A Professional Volunteer 09:14-Hotfooting it For the Grandson 10:49-For the Love of Cruises 14:29-Fully Retired, Semi Planned 17:17-EA-6B Prowler and Yeti 19:50-Facing Challenges 24:54-Midway Naval Museum History 30:01-That's My Definition of Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny Hiles just completed his rookie year of retirement, and his stats are lookin' really good. He plays pickleball 4-5 times per week and works out even more. He attends a weekly men's Bible study and volunteers as a greeter every other week at church. He and his wife just took their first trip to Greece and Turkey, with their sights set on taking a big trip at least every other year. After a full career, Johnny has no regrets about retiring, and he's hoping his story will help others decide the right time in their own lives. As a professional, he went by John. Now, more and more people call him Johnny. In a way, retirement has recreated his identity. John had to get up every day and go to work. Johnny gets to explore the world, enjoy his family, and even tackle that honey-do list. John had to act like a grown-up. Johnny's far too happy for that. After a year in the retirement game, it's safe to say Johnny is well on his way to a promising career of happiness. *************************** 00:00-Johnny's Identity Shift 02:50-The Big Questions 05:43-Johnny's Career Journey 08:11-A Very Good Mentor 10:48-Staying Active 12:22-Atlanta Living 14:05-Two Out of Three 16:33-Getting Involved at Church 18:38-The BC Boys Ski Trip 21:00-Doing the Same Stuff, just More of It 22:20-Upsizing Again 26:10-“Retirement Recreated Me.” 27:47-Financial Planning and Confidence 29:19-Retirement is Limitless 31:34-Comparison is the Enemy of Contentment 32:49-A Rookie Season, But… 33:48-Plan, but Go For It Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penny Martinez started saving money at six and investing at 18. Her goal was to retire early, be debt-free, and find opportunities to give back to her community. She accomplished all three and has never looked back. Penny volunteered for service throughout her life, but retirement allows her to pursue it full-time. She reads to children in elementary schools, works in the kitchen at an emergency shelter, writes holiday cards to care facility residents, picks up trash, supports a pregnancy center, fights human trafficking, organizes blood and clothing drives, coordinates a local veterans group and community neighborhood watch, puts wreaths on veteran graves, and even dabbles in politics. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, one could argue she's earned the right to spend more time pampering herself. But that's not Penny. Oh, she definitely has fun, but she insists that the true joy of life can be found in serving others. *************************** 00:00-Start 01:38-A Service Heart 04:17-First Investments 09:44-You Want It? Go Get It. 13:11-Surviving Cancer. Twice. 15:15-Being Pulled Like Gumby 20:35-Things Didn't 'Pan' Out 25:18-Everyone Should Give One Hour 35:06-Faith, Family, Foundations 42:27-A Perfect Day 44:25-Thread Kindness Through 365 Days 49:51-Redefining Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Kruh didn't realize she was retired until we asked her to be a guest on the Happiest Retirees podcast. She never really liked the label “retired,” and she certainly doesn't fit neatly within it. Nancy's not the first person to struggle to accept and embrace retirement. And, to be fair, it's not like she isn't still out there, doing impressive work. She covers country music for People Magazine and People.com. But unlike during her 25-year career at the Dallas Morning News, she's not tied to the grind. She works for fun and creative fulfillment. She only writes about the topics that interest her. Nancy says people call her a dabbler, but she prefers “dilettante.” She's not afraid to try all sorts of new tricks: oil painting, knitting, video editing, home renovation, playwriting, screenwriting, fiction writing, life drawing, singing in a choir, photography . . . you get the point. But she's also not afraid to quit the pursuits that don't bring her a sense of purpose. It's slowly dawning on Nancy that she's in a new phase of life that allows for more freedom. She's driven to feel relevant, purposeful, and creative. She doesn't expect to change the world, but she does want to matter. I'd say that's a fairly ambitious retirement plan for a dilettante. *************************** BONUS: Check out Nancy's curated Spotify playlist featuring some fantastic female country music artists! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LXSCnDgZHhPp2rDnorZzy?si=76a30b268ad545b0 00:00-Start 02:26-The Glitzy World of People Magazine 11:42-Volunteering Victories 15:35-Be Choosy 21:37-Semi-Retired, Fully Alive 23:19-Retire the word ‘Retired' 25:27-Scriptured Up 29:34-Selfless or Selfish? Nah, Self-ful. 32:32-Wellness Wisdom 40:43-Happiness Blueprint 46:09-Family Bonds & Vibrant Energy 51:47-Dilettante 53:52-A Feast of the Senses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Hogan's favorite core pursuits are writing and cycling. Whether it's his fingers on the keyboard or his feet on the pedals, Dave Hogan is on the move. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and former journalist, the now semi-retired author of E-BIKES – Putting the FUN Back into Cycling (and Life) at Any Age is passionate about riding e-bikes and spreading retirement joy. He runs two blogs: one about retirement and one about e-bikes. If you don't know what an e-bike is, you're about to get a crash course. By the end of this interview, you'll be ready to strap on your helmet and hit the open road. Dave is nowhere near ready for the rocking chair, and I'm guessing you aren't, either. What tips does he have for making your retirement years one of the best stages of life? Listen and find out. 00:00-Start 05:14-Dave Hogan's Background & Career 11:20-What Makes You Happy? 19:49-Love for Writing 26:06-It Doesn't Have to be Crazy 32:33-Staying Connected 36:00-Knowing When to Quit 41:43-Happiness is Balance 45:50-Everyone's Road Will be Different 48:45-Living a Fulfilling Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. LeBron James, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Brady, and Drake have all made sizable ownership investments in pickleball teams. One of them needs to get today's guest onto the roster. Owen Mitchell won first place in the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh. He's also won the Florida state championship for his age group in four of the past five years. For him, winning is a goal, but not the goal. The sport has helped him find a purpose, and he thinks that's one of the keys to happiness in retirement. We also talked about his devotion to faith, his love for family, and the marriage seminars he and his wife lead throughout the year. Owen is a man of action. He's hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, gone to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back twice, hiked Mt. Whitney, and so much more. Owen Mitchell thinks about his life as a story; as you'll hear, he's writing a real page-turner. 00:00-Start 02:12-Owen's Love for Pickleball 05:12-The Villages: A Pickleball Haven 07:24-Medicare Benefits You Don't Know About 08:33-Owen's Approach to Fitness and Health 10:50-Family Dynamics and Proximity 13:02-Owen's Marriage Ministry with His Wife 19:58-Owen's Career 22:19-Financial Discipline 24:55-Extensive Travel and Adventure Hiking 28:15-Pickleball on a Cruise Ship 31:39-The Wave: A Unique Natural Formation 33:22-Goal Setting in Retirement 35:30-Defining Happiness in Retirement 39:28-A Perfect Day for Owen 40:34-Caring for Elderly In-Laws 42:23-Retirement Planning and Financial Decisions 48:27-Less Limitations in Retirement 52:25-Advice for Achieving Happiness in Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past summer, my wife and I took our son to the Santa Barbara Zoo, about two hours north of Los Angeles. The featured attraction is a miniature train that runs the perimeter. The train conductors act as tour guides, animal advocates, and stand-up comedians. My happy retiree radar was beeping like crazy, and it turned out to be accurate. So, a few months later, I returned to the zoo with all my recording equipment and caught them in action. In his primary working years, train conductor Pete Georgi was the co-owner of the Santa Barbara Insurance Agency and President of the Board of the Carriage and Western Art Museum of Santa Barbara. Andy Liepman spent thirty years at the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and ended up as the Deputy Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center. But now, they're just two guys who wear overalls and drive a miniature train. And they wouldn't have it any other way. 00:00-Start 02:50-About our guests 07:40-How'd you wind up here? 09:28-Biggest lesson 13:34-About the train 15:10-You do what you want 16:55-Did you have a plan? 17:35-Social aspects of retiring 18:05-Getting your identity back 19:35-You have to DO something 21:54-Pete and the Condor 24:54-Less limitations 27:40-A happy retiree is a busy one Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motion is lotion. That's Nancy Erwin's motto. The laundry list of health problems she's faced is only outdone by the longer list of solutions she's found to overcome them. Her spine has a 75 percent curvature—anything above ten is considered scoliosis. But through a dedication to active core pursuits like yoga, strengthening exercises, pickleball, and cycling, she's carved out a really happy life in retirement. After a fulfilling career helping refugees and immigrants learn English in Louisville, Kentucky, she now spends six months of the year in the beautiful ski resort town of Vail, Colorado. She's spunky and fun; she even waited an extra month to retire so she wouldn't miss the school Halloween party. Talk about starting retirement off with a bang! Life has thrown Nancy a lot of curves, starting with the shape of her spine. But through passion, dedication, and curiosity about the world, she's straightened it all out. 00:00-Start 02:36-What were you doing? 09:35-What made you want to retire? 13:14-Servas International 17:13-Unique Core Pursuits 18:33-Multiple streams of income 21:20-Pickleball! 25:50-Core pursuits make you happier 28:37-“You're a miracle” 30:51-Grandparents have more fun 32:27-Did you have a plan? 37:16-Your perfect day 40:48-Choosing the right volunteering 44:01-Social groups 46:45-The President of Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Hendrie is not retired, not even a little bit. He's creating as much content as he ever has. But his story still resonates with happy retirees because he had to make a giant change in the middle of his career. In essence, that's what retirement is—a change. It doesn't mean you stop doing anything; it means you start doing more of what you've always wanted to do. After taking his radio show from a tiny local station to national syndication, Phil realized the business had changed. It was no longer viable to do comedy on the radio. So, he got creative and transitioned to a daily podcast instead. Because his talent was versatile, he also picked up acting roles and voice work in movies, television shows, animation, and video games. He even retained ownership of his old radio material to repurpose for fans who wanted to listen. Don't look now, but that adds up to multiple streams of income, and you know we love that on this show! The bottom line is that even though Phil Hendrie is not retired, his story can still inspire people who want to be. Between that and his comedy genius, this episode is a must-listen! 00:00-Start 02:27-Stumbling into Radio 10:31-Two Kinds of People 19:06-It's an Instinct 20:36-Big Mistakes? 24:09-Backstage Pass 28:36-Did You Have a Plan? 33:09-See it as an Opportunity 35:55-Would You Say That to a Child? 41:52-Phil's Pursuits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After working in the banking industry for thirty-eight years, Mike Drak was exhausted. With high blood pressure and low motivation, he searched for an exit. To his surprise, the bank showed him the door. Instead of quitting for free, he was now flush with freedom and a severance at fifty-nine years old. The retirement honeymoon didn't last. After a few weeks, he was miserable. His wife and friends were all still working. He had the free time he'd been dreaming of but no longer felt the desire to pursue his favorite activities. He was experiencing what he now calls retirement shock. After an arduous journey of self-discovery, he found his way to the other side. He's authored two best-selling retirement books, is a Senior Contributor at Booming Encore, and dedicates his time to helping other retirees avoid the mistakes he made. In other words, he's happy. 00:00-Start 02:08–“let me start at the beginning…” 05:06–Miserable? 06:58–The money is important, but… 07:20–The Ikigai Process 10:21–Giving is living 12:29–What makes a happy retiree? 16:35–Tiers of retirement 20:00–Finding purpose with pets 22:00–Core pursuit finder 27:32–The Iron Man 31:29–Retirement rulebreakers 32:50–Mike's perfect day 35:00–Travel! 38:34–Find your tribes 40:46–“The Mexican Fisherman” 42:22–Recreating your identity 45:35–Redefining retirement 47:10–Where to find Mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you line dance in Bakersfield, California, you know Joel Hoffman. The man who spent his career as a technician and analyst in the oil fields now dedicates much of his retirement to helping folks scoot boots, slap leather, shuffle, and slide their way to a good time. And he loves every minute of it. On today's episode, we'll find out what catapulted him into retirement, which part-time work became lucrative on his terms, and how he ultimately found his way onto the dance floor. 00:00-Start 04:30–“I wanted to retire when I was 55.” 06:08–How did you get here? 11:25–Word of the Day 15:08–Staying connected 18:15–A message 19:38–A plan for retirement 24:45–A perfect day 26:34–Cheers! 29:50–Plan your passions 32:38–Create an identity you like 38:29–Where to find Joel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The realities of life—raising a family and earning a living—don't always leave us much time to pursue our dreams. So when retirement rolled around, Gail & Dickson Grimes jumped full force back into theirs. On today's episode, we'll find out how they took a love for the clarinet all the way to the hallowed stage at Carnegie Hall and how the journey has given them a more robust and happy retirement. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend! 00:00-Start 03:31–How'd you get to Carnegie Hall? 9:00–Keep going forward 11:27–Experience = insight 13:20–Do something, but not too much 14:27–For the love of travel 18:45–Two meetcute marriages 22:10–Clarinet to corporate to clarinet 23:50–Wellness 27:11–Gail's garden 28:27–A perfect day 33:10–Spirituality 38:00–Bochinche report 40:20–The biggest challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Eisenberg is often met with a furrowed brow and a question: “Didn't you retire?” “Yes,” he says. And then, without skipping a beat, he cranks out another freelance article or co-hosts another episode of his podcast. He knows that the happiest retirees stay busy, but he does it on his own terms. After a prolific career writing and editing for outlets like USA Today, Good Housekeeping, and CBS MoneyWatch, Richard spent ten years as the Managing Editor and Money and Work Channels Editor for PBS Next Avenue. There, he was able to help people find their purpose. Somewhere along the way, he found his. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend! 00:00-Start 02:14–Ikigai 05:23–Let's talk books 06:55–About family 10:44–Defining “Unretirement” 13:15–Marriage in retirement 15:43–Next Avenue: Sesame St. for 50+ 17:27–Make your own choice 21:15–Balance free time 25:05–Pets in retirement 26:51–Cherry-pick your joy 29:30–Where to find Richard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ingrid Reckard says some people like being unhappy; she just isn't one of them. On the day of her retirement, she was already on a plane to Costa Rica. That's how much she loves traveling. It's her number one core pursuit. Chances are, it's near the top of your list, too. But Ingrid was so passionate about it that she became a certified travel advisor. Now, the exotic locales come with tax write-offs. In today's episode, Ingrid tells us about the search to discover her passion and how she turned it into a reality. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend! 00:00-Start 02:07–“I don't like to be unhappy.” 03:30–More money, less taxes 04:31–If not now, when? 06:24–Be your authentic self 08:10–Costa Rica, etc. 11:10–“Shoulder Season” 17:53–How to contact Ingrid 19:12–Safe solo travel 21:02–Your best $2 chuck 22:15–Finding community 26:17–A purposeful retirement 29:38–Wake up thankful 31:44–Choose your own happy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Smith Entrekin taught high school literature for over thirty years, but retirement allowed her to write some herself. She's now published two books, with a third on the way. On the Happiest Retirees podcast, we emphasize the importance of core pursuits—activities that evoke passion and purpose in life. Jill has so many that she had to skip one just to make it to our interview. Life has thrown her some scary hurdles, but Jill found a way to keep going. If you're looking for guidance on overcoming grief, finding purpose, and being happy, you do not want to miss this episode. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and share with a friend! 00:00-Start 00:10-Intro to Jill 01:44–Let's get started 03:39–How did you find your core pursuits? 05:10–Jill's first story 08:00–“File 13” 09:26–A family affair 12:06–Finding confidence 15:43–Revise, revise, revise 21:10–The next adventure 26:05–“Just DO it.” 26:36–Jill's faith 32:05–Supportive relationships 35:09-"I am not a Mullygrubber." 36:14–Big Fish tales 37:46–Importance of movement 39:58–Solitude isn't lonely 42:10–Jill's next book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices