The Ikigai Way: How to Uncover Your Purpose with David Marlow
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
Release Date: 03/25/2025
Ep 86 - Living Between Chapters with Toni Petrillo
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this deeply insightful and refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with retirement coach and former financial services executive Toni Petrillo, founder of Retire with Intention. We explore the emotional complexities and personal transformations that often define life after full-time work, diving into the hidden challenges retirees face, particularly around identity, relationships, and what Toni calls the “messy middle.” From evolving partnership dynamics to redefining self-worth and navigating the in-between, this episode offers both practical wisdom and warm reassurance for anyone...
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Ep 85 - Find Your Voice: Podcasting as Purpose with Matt Halloran
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this powerful and entertaining episode, I'm delighted to be joined by podcasting legend Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth. Together, we explore why podcasting isn't just a tool for business; it’s a deeply human medium that offers purpose, connection, and even legacy in retirement. Whether you're a financial planner looking to build trust with your audience or you're approaching retirement and searching for a creative outlet to share your story, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and encouragement. From storytelling to encore careers, legacy creation to building an...
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Ep 84 - Solving the Retirement Income Puzzle with Dr. Jeff Brown
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this episode, I had the privilege to sit down with world-renowned economist Dr. Jeff Brown to explore one of retirement's most misunderstood tools, annuities. But this isn’t your typical dry financial chat. Together, we unpack why guaranteed income might be the key to unlocking joy, confidence, and peace of mind in retirement. With a perfect blend of behavioural science, practical wisdom, and a few sporting analogies thrown in for good measure, this conversation tackles the emotional and psychological dimensions of spending in retirement. If you’ve ever thought annuities were boring or...
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Ep 83 - The 7 Pillars of Aging Responsibly with Tony Taylor
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this energising and heartfelt episode, I'm joined by Tony Taylor, a retired entrepreneur turned healthy ageing coach, functional medicine practitioner, and the creator of the 7 Pillars of Ageing Responsibly. After facing the retirement cliff edge head-on, Tony rebuilt his life with purpose, resilience, and a relentless curiosity. Together, we explore what it really means to age well in today’s world, beyond the money talk and the small, intentional choices that lead to a longer, stronger, more connected life. What You'll Learn: Why retirement often starts with confusion, not...
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Ep 82 - Why You Should Write a Book in Retirement with Helen Wilkie
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of Humans vs Retirement, I sit down with The Executive Book Coach, Helen Wilkie to explore why retirement may be the ideal moment to write the book you've always dreamed of. From memoirs to how-to guides, legacy to creativity, Helen shares practical insights and soulful encouragement for anyone curious about turning lived experience into lasting written impact. Whether you're scribbling down notes already or just entertaining the idea, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn Why retirement can be the most powerful time to write a book ...
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Ep 81 - Who Will Get My Money When I Die? with Stuart Ritchie
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Stuart Ritchie, chartered tax advisor, estate planning expert, and author of Who Will Get My Money When I Die, to explore one of the most emotional and misunderstood aspects of later-life financial planning: inheritance tax. This episode isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s about taking control. Whether you’re planning for your own legacy, thinking about your children’s future, or simply want to make sure the government doesn’t get more than its fair share, this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why inheritance tax is about more...
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Ep 80 - The 10 Commandments of Retirement with Fritz Gilbert
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
What really matters in retirement? After the spreadsheets are done, the portfolio’s in place, and the paycheque has stopped, what's left? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Fritz Gilbert, author of Keys to a Successful Retirement and founder of The Retirement Manifesto, to explore the non-financial side of life after work. We dive into the real questions: How do you stay fulfilled? Where do you find purpose? And how do you avoid the emotional pitfalls so many retirees never see coming? Fritz shares his “10 Commandments of Retirement”, a personal code he...
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Ep 79 - What Will I Do All Day? with Patrice Jenkins
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
In this uplifting and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Patrice Jenkins, author of What Will I Do All Day?, to explore the real heart of retirement beyond financial plans. Together, we dig into why retirement is not simply about staying busy, but about rediscovering meaning, purpose, identity, and joy. Patrice shares insights from her decades of counseling and interviews with retirees, offering a compassionate, practical guide to navigating the messy, magical transition into post-career life. What You Will Learn Why financial readiness alone doesn’t guarantee a happy retirement. ...
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The Four Phases of Retirement with Dr. Riley Moynes
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
Summary In this powerful and insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Riley Moynes, author, speaker, and creator of the viral TED Talk on "The Four Phases of Retirement," which has amassed nearly 5 million views. Together, we unpack why retirement is far more of a human problem than a financial one, and why so many retirees struggle despite having "enough" money. Riley shares the emotional, psychological, and personal transitions that retirees face and offers an actionable framework to help listeners navigate their post-work lives more meaningfully. What You Will Learn The Four Phases of...
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The Ikigai Way: How to Uncover Your Purpose with David Marlow
The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
Episode Summary In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, I sit down with David Marlow, veteran leader, coach, and author of The Ikigai Way to explore how the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai can powerfully guide us into a more fulfilling and purposeful retirement. From personal stories of career transitions to uncovering identity after work, David shares how aligning our inner essence with what we do can transform our experience of aging, retirement, and meaning in life. What You’ll Learn What Ikigai really means (beyond the Instagram-friendly Venn diagram) How to align your essence...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, I sit down with David Marlow, veteran leader, coach, and author of The Ikigai Way to explore how the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai can powerfully guide us into a more fulfilling and purposeful retirement. From personal stories of career transitions to uncovering identity after work, David shares how aligning our inner essence with what we do can transform our experience of aging, retirement, and meaning in life.
What You’ll Learn
- What Ikigai really means (beyond the Instagram-friendly Venn diagram)
- How to align your essence and purpose with daily life, before and after retirement
- The power of experimenting, curiosity, and continuous self-discovery
- How to reframe retirement from “ending” to “uncovering”
- Practical tools and reflections to help you discover your own Ikigai
Key Topics Discussed
- David’s winding journey from disc jockey to Marine to transformation leader, and how Ikigai was always there
- Redefining purpose outside of career or job titles
- The emotional transition into retirement and how to handle the "grief" of identity loss
- Why older adults are uniquely primed for deep reflection and discovering Ikigai
- The mental and physical health benefits of having a clear sense of purpose
- How to use Ikigai as both a lens and a mirror in your second half of life
- Shifting from rigid goals to aspirational living
- The importance of community, relationships, and intergenerational mentoring
Books & Resources Mentioned
- The Ikigai Way by David Marlow – A modern guide to discovering your essence and purpose
- David’s newsletter: IkiQuest on Substack – Daily reflections and community around Ikigai
- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr – Discussed in reference to life’s two halves and spiritual maturity
- Harvard Study on Adult Development – Cited as supporting evidence for the power of purpose and connection
- Blue Zones research – Referenced regarding community, longevity, and purpose in Okinawan culture
Memorable Quotes
“Ikigai is expressing your essence in harmony with whatever you’re doing—whether that's career, relationships, hobbies, or just life.” – David Marlow
“You don’t find your Ikigai—you uncover it.”
“Ask yourself: What’s your tennis ball? What makes you forget to eat?”
“Retirement isn't about leaving something behind. It's about leaning into what’s always been within you.”
Takeaway Exercise
Ask yourself two powerful questions:
- When was the last time you had a truly great day? What were you doing? Who were you with?
- What’s one thing you do that makes you forget to eat?
Use your answers to start mapping out the threads of your own Ikigai.
Connect with David Marlow
Final Thought
Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already navigating the transition, this episode reminds us that purpose doesn’t end when work does. With small steps and deep reflection, you can uncover a life of fulfillment, alignment, and joy—your Ikigai.
Humans vs Retirement
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