I Used to be Somebody

Carl visited one of his favorite cities in the world -- New Orleans and had the privilege to interview the amazing Nick Mueller, co-founder of the World War II Museum. You do not need to be a history buff to love this episode. Nick was contemplating his first (un)retirement in 1990, when he and Stephen Ambrose (best-selling author and celebrity historian) met over a bottle of sherry and discussed the idea of starting a World War II Museum on a historic site right there in New Orleans. The original idea was to raise one million dollars and have a modest warehouse museum by the water. Thirty-four years later, they have raised $400 million and now operate one of the world's best museums, right in the middle of New Orleans. Nick was the founding CEO of the museum (after his first career) and just retired again last year at age 84. He's a remarkable person and the museum is an incredibly moving experience. Along the way he's made friends and has garnered significant contributions from celebrities Tom Hanks, Tom Brokaw and Steven Spielberg.  Please make sure to listen to the last 6 minutes of the interview. As Nick talks about the lessons learned from WWII, Carl asks him where he thinks our country is headed now. His thoughtful insights are so inspirational and he gives us some needed hope for the future. • More about Nick Mueller: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/about-us/our-team/museum-founders/gordon-h-nick-mueller  • Nick's new book Preserving the Legacy: Creating the National WWII Museum: https://lsupress.org/9780807184493/preserving-the-legacy  • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Nick-Mueller-Interview-Mr-World-War-II-Museum-Co-Founder-and-Former-CEO  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide    • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die    • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour": https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour    • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Probably anyone who loves to travel has thought at one point about what it would be like to travel the entire world. Everyone has that thought but who would actually do it?  This month's guest Wayne Schmidt and his wife Sally quit their jobs in Australia -- sold their house, cars and all their worldly possessions and started their journey in 2017 and have never stopped. Yes, 92 countries later they are living the (un)retirement dream life.  Wayne says he's made every mistake possible but has no regrets. They eventually figured out a lifestyle that works for them. They are "Digital Nomads" that work 2.5 days a week offering a unique business model by providing marketing consulting for ten accounting firms. And the rest is adventure time. It's been one crazy eight years of adventure! Wayne has some very helpful travel and life advice for us all. It's a super fun and thought-provoking conversation. • More about Wayne and Sally Schmidt:  https://www.traveldinestay.com/blog  • Forbes Article about The Schmidts:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2025/02/17/digital-nomads-improve-marriage-by-traveling-to-92-countries  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Wayne-Schmidt-Interview-A-Traveling-UnRetirement-Adventure-92-Countries-and-Counting  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide  • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour" to Croatia in 2026: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/croatia  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

What a great way to kick off the baseball season with a super fun episode about a guy who's whole career was inside the world of sports. Gary Saunders had an exciting career in management and marketing/sales working the minor league baseball circuit. He traveled around the country working for about a dozen different organizations and capped it all with a big time sports exec job at University of Mississippi. You don't need to a sports fan to love this episode. Gary retired to Florida with his wife Eileen. He started what he thought would be a dream retirement and just become a beach bum. Gary who always was a busy guy, soon found himself bored out of his mind and has put together a combination of part-time jobs that as he says, "puts a smile on his face everyday." He went back to his roots and got his dream job being the music/sound guy for the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training team and during the summer works for their minor league affiliate. He's a popular radio DJ with the very cool handle of "HoDad" on the Longboat Luau show. What's a "HoDad"? You'll need to listen to the episode. And get this -- he's also a resident butler at the fancy St. Regis hotel. Plus, a whole lot more. Most importantly he's build a really cool community of friends through each of his part-time jobs. This episode is 100% fun and inspiration! You'll dig it all... • More about Gary Saunders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-saunders-4391635/  • Feature about Gary Saunders: https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2023/feb/22/longboat-luau-is-a-labor-of-love-on-wslr/  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Gary-Saunders-Interview-Sports-Exec-becomes-HoDad-Radio-Personality-and-Minor-League-Baseball-Sound-Machine  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/  • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour": https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Mitch Dunn is the poster child for what (Un)Retirement is all about. He had an amazing career for 30+ years in the ad agency business, starting at the legendary Leo Burnett agency and eventually worked his way up to Senior VP at Empower. One fateful day his boss "uninvited" him to stay at the agency. This happens to so many talented people that are 50+, as companies want to drop a high salary. But Mitch was prepared! He had started a side hustle by founding the Cincinnati Pickleball Club for the community. He embraced his passion for pickleball and then took it next level. He thought, "What if, I take my passion project and create a for-profit company?" Mitch became a first- time entrepreneur in his mid-fifties. He launched The Pickleball Lodge with a partner. It's the second largest indoor pickleball facility in the country. They already have well over 1,000 members. "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire career!" he says. You will love this episode. It's chock full of savvy (un)retirement advice and we even talk a little bit about our mutual love for Cincinnati chili....and pickleball, of course.  • More about Mitch Dunn: https://mitchdunn.medium.com/the-year-of-reinvention-93b9648a6fba  • More about The PIckleball Lodge: https://thepicklelodge.com/  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mitch-Dunn-Interview-Ad-Agency-Wiz-turns-into-Pickleball-Entrepreneur  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/  • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour":  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

How can you not be drawn in by that title? What the heck? "Join or Die" is a hit documentary playing on Netflix right now. Carl watched the movie and was such a fan of the movie and it's message. It brought back to him some wonderful memories when he was part of a club that he loved -- the Odd Fellows. He was very fortunate and was able to connect with the movie's co-creator, Rebecca Davis. Rebecca was inspired by the work of political scientist and author Robert Putnam, whose earlier work, "Bowling Alone" went viral. Americans had stopped joining clubs and civic organizations. Even the number of dinner parties and picnics had declined. His research showed that those "joining" activities correlated to how Democracy is doing. Rebecca's personal story is an interesting one. She has had a successful career working as a producer with NBC News. "Join or Die" was a passion project for Rebecca. She worked on this film with her brother and co-creator Pete Davis for eight years, working on the movie on weekends and whenever she had time between her busy NBC duties. Initially they were thinking it would be a short Youtube piece, but it grew into what is now an award-winning full-length documentary that is inspiring thousands of people to get off their phones and couches and join or start clubs. You will be totally inspired by this interview and by watching the film. • More about Rebecca Davis: https://www.rebeccadavisvideo.com/  • More about Join or Die: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/  • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Rebecca-Davis-Interview-Co-Creator-of-Join-or-Die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/  • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour":  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Carl talked to big-time entrepreneur Paul Giobbi about what it's like to build a company into a high tech power house, sell the business interest and then face a midlife retirement. It sounds easy but it's not. Paul has been on an amazing journey for the past 4 years and we take you with us on the ride. It all started when Paul was 11 years old and he went to work in the family publishing and events business. Instead of participating in school sports, he spent his time working. He eventually left the family business and worked in tech. In 2000, he co-founded Zumasys, a fast-growing technology company.  Over two decades later, Paul sold off his business interest. Like many people, the transition has not been an easy one for him. "When you decide to step away from your primary act in life, it challenges your relationships, your identity, your ego." He tried to find a peer group for mid-life advice to minimize the sudden isolation and lack of purpose but couldn't find one. So he started "The Exit Club", to connect with others going through the same transition.  Paul reflects on it all and says, "It took a while to learn who I am was not my business". • More about Paul Giobbi:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiobbi/  • More about Paul Walks: https://paulwalks.com/  • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Paul-Giobbi-High-Tech-Entrepreneur-Starts-The-Exit-Club • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/  • I Used to be Somebody World Tour:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

It took Carl 89 episodes but he finally found a former doctor who has created an amazing second act. Not just any doctor, "Doc G" has a super popular podcast (Earn & Invest) and is a best-selling author. His story is a dramatic one. After 15 years of being an internal medicine doc he found himself totally burnt out and had some sort of breakdown. He found his passion and voice in becoming a podcast star, talking about investing and giving people life advice on how to find true happiness and purpose.  He shares some of the best (un)retirement advice we've ever learned on the show gleaned from his new book "The Purpose Code". Great episode to end 2024! • More about Jordan (Doc G) Grumet:  https://jordangrumet.com/    • Doc G's Book The Purpose Code:  https://jordangrumet.com/#bookrelease    • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jordan-Doc-G-Grumet-Interview-Hospice-Doc-Shares-How-to-Live-a-Regret-Free-Life  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/   • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/     • I Used to be Somebody World Tour:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/    • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

How does a Tax Preparer from Minnesota end up moving his family to a little village in the French Countryside end up becoming an award-winning food writer and publishing his memoir about the experience with a big-time book publisher?    Today's guest Steve Hoffman's story is so unlikely. Back in 2012, Steve dreamed of living in France with images of swimming in the ocean on the coast and then sipping with a wonderful glass of Rosé. The reality was that he brought his wife and two children to a hard-working, hot and dusty winemaking village. No one spoke English. To say the beginning of this adventure was rocky is a understatement.  Once Steve and his family stepped back and let their French experience evolve on its own, it was transformative. It's all shared in his memoir, "A Season for That, Lost and Found in the Other Southern France".  Steve still lives two lives. For 6 months a year, he runs his self-stated "boring" job of tax preparation that pays well and the other half of the year is devoted to his creative life, winning a James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. • More about Steve Hoffman: https://www.sjrhoffman.com/ • Steve's book "A Season for That": http://tiny.cc/z37uzz • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Hoffman-Interview-Food-Writer-and-Author-of-French-Countryside-Experience • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tour:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We've gone CAT crazy this month on the podcast. They say cats have 9 lives. Our guest Suna Kneisley is probably on life #5. Her story starts in Korea where she was born. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest where she was the only Asian kid in town. At 12 years old, she helped run her family's 24-hour donut shop. In her 20's, Suna lands in Silicon Valley as a marketing exec at Intuit and Oracle. Eventually, she launched her own real estate investment company. And this is when things get even more interesting. She sees an opportunity and pounces on the Cat business, running a non-profit and buying a successful boutique Cat Hotel as a third, maybe 4th act. It's a super fun story full of lots of twist and turns. Suna is full of optimism and has some great (un)retirement advice for you! • More about Suna Kneisley:  https://patsplaceforcats.com/about/meet-the-owners  • Pat's Boarding House for Cats: https://patsplaceforcats.com  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Suna-Kneisley-Interview-Kitty-Hotel-Second-Act-Success-Story  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • I Used to be Somebody World Tour:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/all-tours  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Carl interviews "Stacking Benjamins" host Joe Saul-Sehy. Joe is a former financial advisor and has represented American Express and Ameriprise in media. He left his financial advisor career at age 40 and reinvented himself into what he truly wanted to do. He was the "Money Man" on WXYZ-TV in Detroit and has appeared in countless newspapers and magazines, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and more.  And now, his award-winning podcast is one of the most listened to in the personal finance sphere. Plus, he's funny as hell! (Full disclosure: Carl is a total fanboy of the show.) Joe's show Stacking Benjamins has the same tone as the former NPR show "The Car Guys". With Car Guys, you didn't need to be a car person to love listening to the show. Same can be said about Joe's show. You don't need to be financial investment aficionado to love listening. Joe and his cast of characters make it entertaining to listen to a subject matter that is generally perceived as dull to the general public. "Stackers" (reference to the listeners of the show) are anything but bored listening to him and his sidekick Josh Bannerman (AKA OG), Doc G, Paula Pant and of course Mom's Neighbor Doug. Oh, the running gag is that the show is produced in Joe's Moms basement. Joe is a perfect example of an (un)retirement success story. As a young man he was personally a financial disaster. Ironically, he became a very successful financial adviser. But at 40 he realized he liked his job but didn't love it. He sold his business. And 18 years later he's become a financial media star. Helping hundreds of thousand listeners stacking benjamins one at a time! • More about Joe Saul-Sehy:  https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/about/ • Joe's Book STACKED:  https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/stacked/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Joe-Saul-Sehy-Interview-Stacking-Benjamins-in-his-Moms-Basement • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tour:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

THREE for the price of one! What a deal. Yes, we're shaking things up in this episode with a little different format. Instead of just one guest who's had a really interesting second act, we're talking to 3 great minds in the (un)retirement world. With a little twist is that they are from three different age perspectives.  Meet Paul Long a former TV newscaster, weatherman, film content creator who just created a movement "New Way Forward" (1:58). Gary Sirak is an author, speaker and financial advisor best known for writing How to Retire and Not Die (30.12) And Dr. Ron Kaiser a psychologist, coach, keynote and TEDx speaker, podcast host and author of REJUVENAGING. (51:04) • More about Paul Long: https://www.newwayfwd.com/story/ • More about Gary Sirak: https://garysirak.com/about-gary/ • More about Dr. Ron Kaiser:  https://thementalhealthgym.com/meet-dr-ron-kaiser/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Meet-the-Unretirement-Experts-Interview-Paul-Long-Gary-Sirak-and-Dr-Ron-Kaiser • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Meet the remarkable Edward Hechter, a high school dropout full of surprises. Edward started his career in the high-tech world at 17 years old. He rose through the corporate ranks to executive level and ultimately played a key role in helping this company Website Pros go public. And retired. He missed the challenge of solving business problems but this time came back to the working world as first-time entrepreneur where he and his wife re-launched one of the first online party supply companies out of their garage. Starting with two orders a day, the company eventually grew into a $5 million dollar a year business. And he retired again. The next time he re-entered the biz world was a deep dive into the exploding sport of pickleball. He eventually served as CEO of Pickleball Central, the world's largest pickleball company. And Edward's story takes off from there! • More about Edward Hechter:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardhechter/ • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Edward-Hechter-Interview-High-School-Dropout-Hits-it-Big-Time-as-an-Entrepreneur-and-in-Pickleball • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures: https://www.zephyradventures.com/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal, Pickleball Adventure: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

In 1995, Mary-Lou Nash showed up in South Africa on a whim with just a backpack. And she never left. Today she is a Winemaster of her own brand, Black Pearl Wines, producing some of the best wines in the country and it's even sold in some high profile locations in the US. She was born in England, grew up with a determined New England attitude and has thrived in South Africa. She had no experience in growing grapes, harvesting or making wine. In fact, before arriving in South Africa she was a beer drinker and who occasionally would drink cheap jug wine.  Her story is one of taking chances, a lot of hard work and dogged perseverance. She even shares a recent harrowing experience that has led her to an entirely new lifestyle, which she explains and now loves. Mary-Lou Nash is a true inspiration! • More about Mary-Lou Nash and Black Pearl Wines: https://blackpearlwines.com/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mary-Lou-Nash-Interview-Moves-to-South-Africa-and-becomes-a-Winemaster • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal, Pickleball Adventure:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

This month's guest Stephanie Stuckey brings Carl down memory lane. He has great childhood memories of begging his mom for a Stuckey's Stop, a popular roadside oasis in the 60's! Apparently, there are millions of people that have the same memory. At its height, there were over 350 Stuckey's stores across the country filled with candy, novelty toys and their world famous pecan log rolls.  Stephanie's grandfather sold the business in 1964 and over the course of time the Stuckey's stores were in a state of disrepair. The brand was practically extinct when Stephanie bought back the business in 2019. She and two business partners have totally rebranded and modernized the company. The Stuckey's story and Stephanie Stuckey's personal life journey from a public defender to politician to entrepreneur are truly inspiring. • More about Stephanie Stuckey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Stuckey • More about Stuckey's: https://stuckeys.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Stephanie-Stuckey-Interview-Rebuilding-Stuckeys-a-part-of-Americana • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com 
 • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal, Pickleball Adventure:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

The Martinus Evans story is a very surprising one. As an adult he had many jobs, including a career  as a suit salesman at The Men's Warehouse. Being on his feet 10 hours a day caused him hip pain. He saw a doctor that said, "Your hip hurts because you're too fat. You should walk to lose weight." Martinus was shocked and angered by his doctor's words. And then he turned that into the goal to  run a marathon. He's never looked back. Martinus launched a blog, 300 Pounds and Running, is an 8-time marathon runner, formed the Slow AF Run Club that now has 30,000+ members, graced the cover of Runner's World and is now a bestselling author of th book The Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run.  In his common sense, wickedly funny way Martinus inspires all of us to get off the couch and work toward for our dreams! • More about Martinus Evans:  https://300poundsandrunning.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Martinus-Evans-Interview-Founder-of-Slow-AF-Run-Club  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide  • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com  • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal and Arizona Pickleball Adventure:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour  • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Everyone please rise this week on I Used to be Somebody. Carl interviews his first judge ever! Jeannine Barr was an assistant district attorney who decided after 9 years to throw her hat in the political ring, (brave move) and then became a criminal district court judge for 24 years. She oversaw cases on "all the people you are afraid of." She tells us what it was like to have a high profile, elected position as a Texas judge. In another big brave move, Jeannine left the bench and has created a fascinating second act as a storyteller/singer and songwriter. She has a beautiful voice and is also a talented writer. In this interview, she details her journey from confidently directing bailiffs in the courtroom to becoming a first-time singer-- scared to death at her first public singing appearance. I think we can all relate to being a newbie in a brand new environment and Jeannine is unstoppable. Bonus: Jeannine surprises host Carl with a song she wrote just for him. Of course it's titled, "I Used to be Somebody".  • More about Jeannine Barr: https://www.jbarrmusic.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jeannine-Barr-Interview-Here-comes-the-Judge-Now-Singer-Songwriter • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal and Arizona Pickleball Adventure:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Sky Bergman has a zest for life and wants to share it with you. Her positivity is infectious. An accomplished and award-winning photographer and professor, it is no wonder her university students love her! She's also on a passon mission to capture the beauty of life and wisdom of older people as they tell their stories. Sky released her debut documentary, Lives Well Lived to sold-out live audiences and has two more films in the works. There's no stopping this woman's positive energy! Sky started pursuing her second act in her 50's as a filmmaker. She hit it big with her very first movie, now airing on PBS and all the other streaming services. Make sure you listen in for how she financed her documentary. Sky finds solutions in inventive and creative ways, to be sure. • More about Sky Bergman: https://www.skybergmanproductions.com/about2 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Sky-Bergman-Interview-Professor-Turns-Filmmaker • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright: Zephyr Adventures: https://www.zephyradventures.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tours: Tuscany, Portugal, Arizona Pickleball Adventure: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/tuscany • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

This month we have a very thought provoking conversation with award-winning journalist Adam Bryant. He worked for 30 years as a journalist including 18 years as a reporter, editor and columnist at the New York Times. He's probably most famous for his column at the NYT called, "Corner Office" where he interviewed 500+ CEOs. What he learned during these interviews is fascinating and his insights can help everyone in creating their second act. Adam also shares his personal experience about what it was like to give up his dream job at the  NYT to start his own C-Suite position. And this month we share the debut segment of "Pickleball Chronicles with Traver". • More about Adam Bryant: https://adambryantbooks.com/about-adam/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Adam-Bryant-Interview-NYT-Corner-Office-Columnist-moves-to-his-own-C-Suite • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tour Tuscany + Portugal: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/portugal • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We start 2024 with a lot of laughs. You're going to love Patty Forehand who was an elementary school teacher for 32 years and now is a successful stand-up comedian who talks about marriage, sex, and growing older. And she is FUNNY! Who doesn't like a 61- year old grandmother who can tell a good dirty joke? Tune in to hear about her chance to work with Michelle Pfeiffer and find out about her weirdest gig ever. Lots of laughs with a woman who has a heart of gold. • More about Patty Forehand: https://www.backstage.com/u/patricia-forehand-1 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Patty-Forehand-Interview-Elementary-School-Teacher-becomes-Stand-Up-Comedian • Sponsored by How to Retire and Don't Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We're ending 2023 on a very high note with Dewey Forward. He was a highly regarded concert promoter and nightclub owner that organized over 4,000 concerts. He's worked with with groups like Pearl Jam, REM, Donovan, Bon Jovi and countless others. Dewey started and owned Peabody's DownUnder in Cleveland where he created the precursor to the House of Blues concept. After living the crazy music and restaurant business for over 40 years, he now owns and operates the iconic Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. He's a great storyteller and just funny as hell. What a great way to wrap up year! • More about Dewey Forward and the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop: https://www.chagrinfallspopcorn.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dewey-Forward-Interview-Night-Club-Owner-Pivots-to-Popcorn-Shop • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl gets his Sideways fix in with his interview with Bob Wolfe. In the movie, actor Paul Giamatti plays a serious Pinot fanatic. In real life, Bob Wolfe is one of the foremost Pinot Noir experts. In fact, people simply refer to Bob simply as The Pinot Guy! There is something for everyone in this fun-filled interview, besides Pinot Noir talk. You'll learn what it's like to grow up in a tiny rural farming town, working on a nuclear submarine, and even what it's like to get a 4:30am call with Donald Trump way back in the day. Bob is totally forthcoming about finding himself at a crossroads in his life. He's figuring out how to step away from the day-to-day of his successful wine business, while also embarking on a completely new second act as a professional pickleball instructor traveling the world. You're going to love this pinot to pickleball story! • More about Bob Wolfe:  https://oregonpinotnoir.com/about-1 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Bob-Wolfe-Interview-Pinot-Guy-now-Pickleball-Guy • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We've all been on vacation to some wonderful places in the world and said to ourselves, "I wonder if I could live here?" That is as far as most of us go. Jed Smith -- actually did it! He made the move to Italy in his mid-50's and has thrived there ever since.  Jed transformed himself from marketing exec into an accomplished painter, photographer and writer. He loves his new-found Italian culture and lifestyle so much that now he helps others who are interested in moving to Italy. He has truly an inspirational story of a boy who grew up in the South with little confidence and now has taken on the world! • More about Jed Smith: https://italywise.com/contact • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jed-Smith-Interview-Creative-Marketing-Exec-Thrives-in-Italy-as-Artist • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

This is one of the best interviews we've ever had. Talk about an unlikely story! Dat Truong grew up in Vietnam and at 5 years old escaped just days before the fall of Saigon. He had careers on Wall Street and Silicon Valley but it wasn't until he moved to Portland, OR that he found his way to a life that he feels truly fits who he is today. What is "Grandma's Secret"? You're going to need to listen to find out! • More about Dat Truong:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/datlinkedin • Lela's Bistro: https://www.lelasbistro.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dat-Truong-Interview-High-Tech-Exec-to-Best-Pho-and-Grandmas-Secret • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

It took 72 episodes, but Carl finally got a politician on the show. And he got a big time Congressman in Steve Israel. He was an eight-term congressman out of New York who is proud to have been a bi-partisan representative who brought both sides of the aisle together. Since leaving congress, Steve has been a political commentator on CNN, MSNBC and HBO and the author of two critically acclaimed political satires. In 2021, he became a first-time entrepreneur and launched a new dream job--as the owner of an independent bookstore, Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, NY. Former Congressman Israel is very candid about his political life. He is devastated that his district in New York is currently represented by the infamous George Santos. And he sheds some light on the antics of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis while they both were in Congress together. Steve ran for office 8 times and won 8 times(!) and has managed to retain his great sense of humor. His slogan when leaving office was "unindicted and undefeated". • More about Steve Israel: https://government.cornell.edu/steve-israel • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Israel-Interview-Eight-Term-Us-Congressman-Now-Cool-Bookstore-Owner • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS:  https://www.mikeownbey.com/ • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:  https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We have a celebrity sighting this month on the show......Maxine Clark. She is one of the true innovators in the retail industry. At age 48 she became a first-time entrepreneur and founded Build-A-Bear Workshop. Within just a few years, she took her company public on the New York Stock Exchange. Most importantly, she's had a big impact on millions of children and adults from their Build-A-Bear experience. What makes her story even more amazing is what Maxine is doing now her 70's... • More about Maxine Clark: https://clarkfoxstl.com/team/maxine-clark  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Maxine-Clark-Interview-Build-A-Bear-Mega-Founder-Turns-to-Social-Entrepreneurship  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast  • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

This is a super fun interview with popular NPR radio host and talented interviewer Donna Apidone. Her commitment to her work became a lifestyle, waking up at 1:30am and getting to the studio by 3am and hosting CapRadio's Morning Edition. But, 21 years of hosting the show in a 8 x 8 windowless studio and being consumed by the news led her to a world of meditation. And she is excited now for a new journey and helping others along the way to a calm and complete life. • More about Donna Apidone: https://www.donnaapidone.com  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Donna-Apidone-Interview-Popular-NPR-Host-Now-Helps-New-Audience-Find-Purpose  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast   • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, Compass Real Estate: https://www.mikeownbey.com  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Who moves to Sedona, AZ in. their 50's and without any experience in the hospitality business, builds a luxury hotel? Steve Segner did! The same guy at 21 years old buys his first pet store while he has another day job. And then ends up becoming a pet biz mogul, by starting a line of regional pet stores and creating and selling one of the first all-natural healthy pet food lines. Whether it's the pet industry or building the El Portal, a top end adobe style hotel -- Steve is the poster child for our (Un)Retirement good life! • More about Steve Segner: https://elportalsedona.com/the-story-of-el-portal-sedona-hotel-by-steve-segner  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Segner-Interview-Pet-Biz-Exec-Reinvents-Himself-Builds-Luxury-Hotel • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, Compass Real Estate: https://www.mikeownbey.com  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

What a fun interview with the founder of UGG boots! At 29, Brian Smith left the accounting world and Australia and headed to the beaches in Malibu to surf and look for the next big thing. Ever heard of UGG sheepskin boots?  He first targeted surfers and surf shops. You need to hear about the super-crazy ups and downs Brian faced into building a new cultural movement and a brand that is today a billion dollar operation. • More about Brian Smith: https://briansmithspeaker.com/about-brian-smith  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Brian-Smith-Interview-Founder-of-UGG  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Carl plays therapist in the tiki bar with guest Doug Villhard, as Doug talks about his mom who was disappointed if he got an A- on a report card. We think it all turned out OK, since Doug and his business partner recently cashed in on the sale of their software platform company for $30 million. Doug's story is an amazing one, which includes the fun fact that Doug and his wife actually started a high school. Who does that? He has found a new passion in his (un)retirement life by teaching 400 MBA students each year on how to create and innovate to make their budding entrepreneurial dreams come true.  • More about Doug Villhard: https://dougvillhard.com/about  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Doug-Villhard- Interview-Big-Time-Entrepreneur-Pays-It-Forward • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how- to-retire-and-not-die  • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:   https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter for free:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

This week's interview is a super fun one! There is something in this episode for everyone. What do the Grateful Dead, high tech 1980's, the advent of drones and psychedelic artwork have in common? Ted Bahr! You'll learn what it was like to be in the middle of the crazy, high tech world of magazine publishing at its explosion in the 1980's.  Plus, Ted's journey from a prestigious media executive with a wife, 3 kids and a big mortgage who went for broke to become an entrepreneur for the first time in his 40's. At the height of the recession, Ted put all his chips on the table again with one of the first trade shows all about world of commercial drones. Today, Ted is living his childhood dream with the coolest second act in the world---as a gallery owner, collector and exhibitor of rare 60's rock vintage posters and artwork.  • More about Ted Bahr and Bahr Gallery: https://www.bahrgallery.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Ted-Bahr-Interview-Drone-King-turns-into-60s-Rock-Art-Gallery-Owner • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast  • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die  • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe 

Carl is a bit out of his all-business comfort zone when he interviews Denise "Larana" Cerreta, who has embarked on amazing spiritual journey and had successful businesses along the way. It all starts when Larana closed her acupuncture practice to open One World Everyone Eats Cafe. Her vision became one of the first community cafes in the world run 100% on donations-- you pay what you wish.  The cafe was a huge success and Larana then founded the non-profit One World Everybody Eats foundation. The culmination was receiving a prestigious James Beard Foundation for Humanitarian of the Year in 2017.  Denise also spent a year following the Dead and Company (formerly the Grateful Dead) and then wrote a book about her experience. Now she's entrepreneur again--listen to hear more! • More about Denise "Larana" Cerreta: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/2017-james-beard-foundation-humanitarian-of-the-year-denise-cerreta  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Denise-Larana-Cerreta-Interview-James-Beard-Award-for-Humanitarian-of-the-Year • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl interviews Drew Evans who has created the most out-of-the-box second/third acts ever.  His story is an interesting one---his dad served in Vietnam and Drew spent his early years growing up in Malaysia. The family eventually lived all over the the world on U.S. Army bases. He grew up always wanting to help others. Drew became a law school graduate who hated being a lawyer. Instead, he followed his passions and became a distinguished law school librarian. (He also happens to be a black belt in martial arts and runs a studio.) Now, Drew has combined his passions (again!) as a librarian and avid pickleballer by becoming a popular social media influencer: The "Pickleball Librarian." • More about Drew Evans, Pickleball Librarian:  https://www.facebook.com/PickleballLibrarian • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Drew-Evans-Interview-Creates-his-own-UnRetirement-The-Pickleball-Librarian • Sponsored by The Monkey Creative:  https://themonkeycreative.com/pickleball-podcast • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

This month's guest was made fun of because he was sooo tall. In 9th grade, Neil Haley was 6'4" and towered over his classmates. He took a lot of teasing and bullying because of it. He says, "When I grew up in the '80's, kids weren't so tolerant of anyone different or odd in anyway".  Neil ended up 6'10" and in his 20's became a profession wrestler. Today he's almost 50 years old, has totally embraced his tallness. He's the CEO of "The Media Giant," a marketing agency. He's also one of the most successful podcasters with the "Neil Haley Show", broadcast around the world and syndicated on 150+ radio stations.  Neil has had to pivot many times in his life and has helpful advice about taking on new challenges. He's fearless and confident and proud to be giant! • More about: Neil "The Media Giant" Halley:  https://www.neilhaley.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Neil-Haley-Interview-Pro-Wrestler-turns-to-The-Media-Giant • Sponsor, How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsor, The Monkey Creative:  https://themonkeycreative.com/pickleball-podcast • Sponsor, Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl had the opportunity to meet one of the legends in the personal finance world and a founding father of the (un)Retirement Movement -- Richard Eisenberg. He has spent 40+ years as reporter, editor, writer, producer and popular podcast host for iconic media brands such as Money Magazine, People, Good Housekeeping, Yahoo and MoneyWatch. But what is probably one of the more interesting things we learn about is his advice for others, who are looking to retire now or just recently (un)retired, just like he did just did 9 months ago. A sudden blank calendar can be very scary.......or an exciting opportunity. • More about Richard Eisenberg:  https://www.nextavenue.org/writer/richard-eisenberg • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Richard-Eisenberg-Interview-Journalist-Money-Magazine-People-Yahoo-and-PBSs-Next-Avenue-on-unRetirement • Sponsor Capital Advantage:   https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsor How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsor The Monkey Creative:  https://themonkeycreative.com/pickleball-podcast • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl (also now a co-author) celebrates the debut of PICKLEBALL FOR DUMMIES, now Amazon's #1 best-selling pickleball book. Super fun lead-in with three past guests: comedian Greg Schwem, pickleball aficionado Bob Franceschelli and pickleball author Mike Branon. They muse about their first pickleball experience and their obsession with today's fastest growing sport in America. Mo Nard (Co-Author) chimes in, totally stoked after stepping off her live television interview on the pickleball court. Chuck Menke of USA Pickleball rounds out the episode with a perspective on the sport's popularity and what the future looks like! We'll return to our normal I Used to be Somebody programming in just two weeks (October 25th). More about Pickleball For Dummies: https://pickleballmediahq.com/book More about USA Pickleball: https://usapickleball.org

A lot of first take place during big episode #60! Carl interviews his first psychotherapist (and of course tries to get a free therapy session), first Ironman competitor and first wedding officiant. And the crazy thing is that just one man, Dan Rudd has accomplished all these things and more! How does a chubby kid growing up end up competing in 200 triathlons and 8 Ironman competition? Dan will tell you he is not the fastest or strongest, but he has great endurance. Which is a great metaphor for life! Dan loves his second act. He's officiated 35 weddings and 9 celebrations of life. He's truly making a difference in people's lives, throughout his career and now in (un)retirement. • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dan-Rudd-Interview-Psychotherapist-Ironman-and-Wedding-Officiant • Sponsor: The Monkey Creative: https://themonkeycreative.com/pickleball-podcast/ • Sponsor: Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast/ • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die book: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Subscriber to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

What do pink boots have to do with being a professional craft beer brewmaster? I guess you'll need to listen and find out in this episode. Teri Fahrendorf was headed on the fast track in high tech Silicon Valley in the '80's. But she quickly learned that the cubicle life wasn't for her and she created a second act as one of the first female brewmasters in the emerging craft beer industry. Her amazing journey takes a lot of twist and turns but leads her to accomplishing great things within her industry and founding an organization to assist, inspire and encourage women brewmasters all over the country.  • More about Teri Fahrendorf:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teri_Fahrendorf • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Teri-Fahrendorf-Interview-From-Suits-to-Suds • Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscriber to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

It's summer bonus time in the Landau tiki bar! Yes, in one episode you get to listen to all the goofy "openers" of the podcast episodes--short funny phone conversations for another laugh.  At the end is a special treat -- Carl's first stand-up show, 12 minutes of comedy gold! • Website: https://pickleballmediahq.com • Sponsor: Pickleball for Dummies book: https://pickleballmediahq.com/book • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Who starts a second act raising water buffalo and making cheese? That's what Audrey and her husband Craig Ramini did. In 2009, Craig went on Craigslist and bought 5 water buffalo. With no qualifications or experience, very little money and a big dream-- that's exactly what this couple did! They became one of the first mozzarella di bufala makers in the U.S.  Audrey's path is a love story to her late husband, to her water buffalo, and to finding her life's purpose. • More about Audrey Hitchcock and Ramini Mozzarella:  https://www.raminimozzarella.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Audrey-Hitchcock-Interview-Finds-Her-Passion-Making-Buffalo-Mozzarella • Sponsor: Capital Advantage https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die

Have you ever reconnected with someone after 45 years? Carl does, when he had the opportunity to talk with his favorite professor, Dr. Bob Vogel from Miami University (Ohio). Bob has had a truly remarkable life teaching communications for 40+ years and then in post-retirement (and in his 70's), he followed his childhood dreams of becoming a professional musician and entertainer. He's now on a national concert tour with comedian/historian Lenny Dave. Carl also announces the super secret-project he and 3 accomplices have been working on the past six month. Tune in to hear the BIG announcement. More about Dr. Bob Vogel: https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/mjf/about/faculty-staff/vogel-robert/index.html Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Bob-Vogel-Interview-Beloved-College-Professor-Finds-New-Stage Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die Sponsor: Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast Subscribe to: I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

What a thrill this week for Carl to meet one of his childhood heroes, "Sudden" Sam McDowell, star of his beloved 1960's Cleveland Indians. Sam was a five time all-star pitcher who was deemed to be the next Sandy Koufax. He was a young superstar under great pressure, however. Sam tells us his career was fueled by alcohol and addiction. You don't need to be a sports fan to be inspired by Sam's amazing second act. After he was "thrown out of baseball", Sam's life hit rock bottom. He lost everything -- his family, his job, his will to go on. But Sam recovered and turned it all around in a big way. He became the very first sports psychologist and counselor for professional sports teams. His programs continue to help hundreds of players and their families deal with the same addictions he suffered. Fun fact: The popular TV Show "Cheers" based their Sam Malone character on Sam. • Sam's new book, The Saga of Sudden Sam: https://tinyurl.com/45nbruc6 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Sam-McDowell-Interview-All-Star-Player-with-Hall-of-Fame-Second-Act • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl has a great time interviewing a true character in the (Un)Retirement world -- Corky Logue. He's a serial entrepreneur who has owned 40+ companies and counting at age 74. A big success came at 47, when he went public with his chain of EZ Pawn stores, leaving the company a few years later with about $30 million in stock. Corky follows the beats to a different drum, needing only 3 hours a night to sleep. And his latest obsession is pickleball. In just the past few years he's built 2 personal pickleball courts in his backyard outside of Austin and one at his ranch. He schedules 45 people a week to play at his courts or what he playfully calls his "Hatley Hospice", (the name of the street where he lives and the courts are located.) He also hosts an amazing happy hour every weekend for his players and their friends and family. We warned you, he's a character.  • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Pawn-Shop-King-Turns-Into-Pickleball-Pied-Piper • Sponsored this Month by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl interviews his first "Political Hack" this month. He chats it up the one and only Mike Murphy who turns out to be one of our all-time funniest and entertaining guests. He had a big time as a Republican political consultant for some of the biggest names -- John McCain, Bob Dole, and even the Governator -- Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's hard to take sides when you listen to Mike, (despite your political view) because he's so damn funny, wicked smart, and not mean spirited. He pokes fun at everyone! Mike Murphy is now the co-host of the very popular "Hacks on Tap" podcast where he's the conservative voice to balance out former White House Obama staffers David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs. They were foes in politics and are good friends in life. They pull back the curtain on what's really happening on the political scene. It's incredibly entertaining. Murphy has gone from political consultant to media darling and most recently has become a writer and producer in the entertainment biz. • More about Mike Murphy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Murphy_(political_consultant) • More about Hacks on Tap: https://www.hacksontap.com/episodes • Episode Content:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mike-Murphy-Interview-Political-Hack-turns-Media-Pundit • Sponsored this Month by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Warning: Carl turns into super-fanboy this week when he gets a chance to talk with Renel Brooks-Moon. She has broken barriers as a baseball announcer whose accomplishments are enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan like Carl, you will be inspired by the incredible second act story of how a young woman of color breaks into the world of radio in the '80's, co-hosts the highly popular "morning zoo" show and then became the beloved public address announcer of the San Francisco Giants.  Twenty-two years later and 3 World Championships later Renel is still inspiring girls and young woman around the world. Plus one oldish Jewish host. • More about Renel Brooks-Moon:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renel_Brooks-Moon • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Renel-Brooks-Moon-Interview-Former-Radio-Personality-Breaks-Barriers-as-Baseball-Announcer • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Carl is in "pickleball" heaven this week since he got to interview the very funny Greg Schwem. Not only is Greg a talented comedian but also happens to be a kick-ass pickleball player! Greg talks about the amazing third act (or is it fourth?) he created for himself, as the producer/director/writer/star of the TV show "A Comedian Crashes Your Pad".  Greg also shares some great advice for anyone looking to reinvent themselves in the second half of their life. And as a bonus, Carl admits he has own fledgling comedy career. • More about Greg Schwem: https://www.gregschwem.com • More about A Comedian Crashes Your Pad:  https://acomediancrashesyourpad.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/2022-ready-or-not-here-we-come • Sponsored by Capital Advantage:  https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Do you like surprises? Our host Carl Landau is surprised by Diana Landau aka wife/content wrangler/blogger when she interviews HIM for a change. Yes, for one special episode the mic gets turned around and Carl is on the hot seat answering questions about his life and weird journey from challenged student (before anyone knew that dyslexia was a thing) to successful entrepreneur and publisher to third act podcaster and mediocre pickleball player. You'll find this lively conversation entertaining, while Diana is enjoying her day in the host chair and grilling her guest. (Well, maybe just little.) At the conclusion they reveal a surprise about the future of the I Used to be Somebody show.  • More about Carl Landau: https://pickleballmediahq.com/team • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/carl-landau-interview-celebrating-episode-50 • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Do you remember the 2007-2009 financial meltdown? What a scary time in all our lives. But just imagine being at the center of it all, as CFO of Risk Management and Treasurer of Bank of America? This week's guest, Mark Linsz, knows well. In one of Carl's most interesting interviews, Mark also talks about the stress of it all. At one point, he (bravely) asked his wife, "How am I doing"? Her honest answer changed everything for him. He started thinking beyond his career and more about doing something new and more meaningful. He evenutally left banking and co-founded Your Next Season, an organization to help executives transition successfully to their second or third act. It's been some of the most rewarding work he's done and he's truly excited about it. • More about Mark Linsz and My Next Season: https://mynextseason.com/mark-linsz/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/mark-linsz-top-bank-of-america-exec-now-a-second-act-guru • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the “I Used to be Somebody” Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Not the typical Princeton and Stanford MBA graduate, Ryan Frederick wanted to live in a senior community. His goal was and (still is) to understand how seniors live and find ways to make their environments better. Ryan was in his early 20's when he lived in an Atlanta senior housing development, fascinated about the concept of healthy aging and longevity. He is author of the new book, of "Right Place, Right Time" and is one of the world's experts on helping people figure out where and how they want to live their second half of life.  • Learn more about Ryan Frederick and his book, Right Place, Right Time • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/ryan-frederick-finding-the-right-place-the-right-time • Sponsored by Capital Advantage • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy.com

Anyone who launches a new business called "Coco's Cocktail Caravan" must be interesting. This week's guest is Robin Pajaro, who has had one of the most adventurous journeys we've heard. At 20, she took a trip to Africa and ends up not coming home for 3 years. She then sailed the seas as a chef on private yachts. She also attended culinary school and spent 25 years in the hospitality industry. Years after working super-hard to establish a name for herself in the Ritz Carlton empire plus a few other gigs, a very unusual offer draws her back into the business and leads her to her passion again--and to a super fun second act. (Or is it 3rd? or 4th?) Either way, Robin's story is a wild ride that you'll love! • More about Robin Pajaro: https://www.themobilecoco.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/robin-pajaro-interview-former-chef-gets-her-groove-back • This Week's Sponsor LoveMyHeartStudy https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • This Week's Sponsor Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast/ • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

We had a true celebrity sighting this week on the show. Carl has a great time learning and laughing with Steven Petrow, the award-winning journalist, advice columnist, and book author. Steven is also well known for his appearances on NPR, TED talk fame and Washington Post and New York Times essays on all sorts of subjects, including aging, health and social civility. In this episode, he shares insights with us about his latest book, "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Older".  He talks about watching his parents grow older and other difficult subjects in an incredibly personal, honest way---and he does it with humor and grace. Just sit back, listen and enjoy! • More about Steven Petrow: https://stevenpetrow.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/steven-petrow-interview-how-to-age-with-grace-wisdom-humor-and-hope • This Week's Sponsor Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • This Week's Sponsor LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Mark Shaiken talks with Carl about what comes next after a big career as a successful attorney. The questions started in his 50's-- “Well, what else can I do?” The answers were not so easy for him then. “It's sort of a loaded question,” says Mark. “The truth is there are lots of things we can do.” Carl agreed that sometimes it's easy to get stuck in something when you're pretty good at it. Decades can fly by. 
 You don't need to be an attorney to learn from this interview about being "stuck" and how to figure out how to bust through to the next new thing. Mark wrote a memoir about his adventure, “And... Just Like That: Essays on a life before, during and after the law” At the 32:23 time mark you can listen to Carl's short update interview, hear from Mark about his wonderful "afterlife" and learn about his first fiction book, a legal thriller, called Fresh Start. The original interview aired one year ago. • Learn more about Mark Shaiken visit: https://www.markshaikenphoto.com/books • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/mark-shaiken-interview-figuring-out-what-you-really-want • Sponsored this week by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy   • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:  https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe