Chapter X with Michael Kay
Navigating your next chapter after traditional work requires a new kind of bravery—especially for men. Michael and his guests speak straight to how to overcome the conditioning of our hard-charging career years and explore what will bring us fulfillment.
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The Stories We Tell Ourselves with John Geraghty
07/02/2025
The Stories We Tell Ourselves with John Geraghty
When John Geraghty was 29, he looked at his life and realized the path he was on wasn’t leading anywhere he wanted to go. Struggling with alcohol, he decided to change everything. That choice set him on a journey of growth and helping others find what lights them up. In this conversation, John shares what he’s learned about why the traditional idea of retirement often leaves people feeling lost, and how discovering your strengths and staying curious can bring meaning to every stage of life. We talk about how small steps, honest self-reflection, and contribution to others can create a life you’re excited to live. We discussed: Why leisure doesn’t lead to lasting fulfillment How to discover your “zone of genius” to build a life that lights you up The importance of identity beliefs in shaping what’s possible Why the idea of flow matters for purpose and happiness Why your most rewarding years may still lie ahead Connect with John:
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Get Busy Living with Alex Potts
06/18/2025
Get Busy Living with Alex Potts
Alex Potts helped thousands of people plan for retirement until it was his turn. And like so many of us, he found himself asking what now? This episode is a special one. Alex isn’t just a respected leader and former CEO. He’s also a longtime friend. We’ve known each other since the ’90s, and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into an authentic, grounded, and service-minded leader. Our conversation explores what it means to live with intention. We talk about resilience, identity, letting go, and how to step into your next chapter with curiosity and purpose. We discussed: The money lessons Alex learned when there wasn’t enough How caregiving redefined what legacy means to him What the first day after stepping down actually felt like Why our purpose changes—and how Alex learned to follow it What a simple “just thinking of you” text can really mean The movie line that’s guided him for 25 years
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When It’s Time to Pivot with Agi Keramidas
06/04/2025
When It’s Time to Pivot with Agi Keramidas
Agi Keramidas made a major life shift when he left behind a stable but unfulfilling life in Greece to follow a calling he couldn’t quite explain. Today, he shares how a midlife awakening (his words) sparked a journey of personal growth. Eventually it would lead Agi to launch his podcast, Personal Development Mastery, and write his book, 88 Actionable Insights for Life. He talks about listening to that quiet voice that says something needs to change. Even when it means starting over in a new country with no safety net. We explore the role of self-awareness, the discomfort that often comes with growth, and how small, deliberate actions can open the door to a more meaningful life. You’ll hear about: Leaving a life that looked “fine” but didn’t feel right How Agi moved to a new country with two suitcases and no real plan Why podcasting opened a door to something more meaningful Building a morning routine that shapes the rest of the day The gap between insight and action (and how to close it) A two-minute exercise for naming your purpose Resources
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You Are Not Your Resume with Rich Alderton
05/21/2025
You Are Not Your Resume with Rich Alderton
When Rich Alderton left his high-powered corporate role on a Friday, signing off millions and fielding nonstop calls, he expected Monday to bring more of the same. Instead, the phone was silent. That stark contrast was the wake-up call: people had been in love with his title, not with him. What followed was a journey into reinvention. Rich stepped away from corporate leadership to help others become more adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, he discovered just how unprepared most of us are for life’s biggest transitions. Today, Rich joins me to talk about how to shift your mindset in the face of uncertainty, reframe fear as opportunity, and rediscover purpose in Chapter X. We discussed: Why we resist change (and how to stop fighting it) The mental tool that makes uncertainty more manageable What personal purpose looks like in life after work How to move from fearing change to finding freedom in it Redefining success when there’s no one left to grade you Resources
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Living the Ikigai Way with David Marlow
05/07/2025
Living the Ikigai Way with David Marlow
David Marlow is known as the Ikigai Guy. I didn’t know that when I first came across his writing. What I did know was that something in his work resonated deeply with me. Today, we talk about what happens when your career comes to a close, and you're left facing the question: who am I now? David shares how he discovered the concept of ikigai, what it means to him, and how it shaped the way he moved through the end of his own career. He offers a thoughtful process for reconnecting with purpose, and for paying attention to the parts of your life that make you feel most alive. We talk about identity, daily rituals, the power of reflection, and how a few small steps can open the door to something meaningful. We also explore: What ikigai means (and what it doesn’t) How to quiet the noise enough to hear what’s true for you Why a beginner’s mindset is key to moving forward What it looks like to create your own “ikiverse” How old memories and stories can point you back to what matters most Resources: Where to find The Ikigai Way:
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Richard Eisenberg Talks Unretirement
04/23/2025
Richard Eisenberg Talks Unretirement
Richard Eisenberg is back. And this time, we’re diving into what his unretirement looks like now. If you don’t know Richard’s story, he’s an “unretired” journalist who writes a column for MarketWatch and freelances for Next Avenue, Fortune, AARP, and Fodor’s. Richard calls this chapter “unretirement” — living it with purpose and intention. Before all that, he was an editor at Next Avenue and Money magazine, and held senior roles at Yahoo! and Good Housekeeping. He’s also the author of two personal finance books and a proud Northwestern grad. In our conversation, Richard shares his latest stories on medical debt, telehealth access, and the renewed value of travel advisors. He also opens up about caring for his mom during her dementia journey and what it taught him about starting financial conversations early. Listen in to hear what Richard’s been up to since the last time we spoke. We discussed: What “unretirement” really looks like in practice The importance of having early financial conversations with aging parents Why telehealth access matters—and what could happen if it’s rolled back A fresh look at travel advisors and how they’re evolving Richard’s book recommendations and resources for deeper learning The challenge of caregiving for aging parents with dementia Resources by Griffin Dunne by Jordan Grumet by Robert Laura
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Letting Go of Old Identities with Jordan Grumet, MD
04/10/2025
Letting Go of Old Identities with Jordan Grumet, MD
What happens when the career you built your life around stops feeling like it fits? Today, I’m talking to Jordan Grummet about what it really looks like to wrestle with purpose—especially during big life transitions like retirement. Jordan opens up about losing his father at a young age, pursuing medicine to honor his legacy, and eventually realizing that career wasn’t fulfilling him. We covered the struggle between societal expectations and our own authentic path, and how to find meaning after a life-altering shift. Jordan, an author and host of the Earn & Invest podcast, brings a perspective shaped by both his work in hospice care and his own experience of stepping away from a path that no longer felt right. It’s a conversation about what happens when we let go of old identities and start figuring out what comes next. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why purpose feels like such a monumental challenge in retirement Jordan’s story of legacy, loss, and what medicine couldn’t give him The slow burn of professional misalignment and how he woke up to it How powerful external voices influence our life choices The Purpose Code path forward into a more meaningful second act Resources
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Planning a Home for Aging in Place with Greg Cantori
03/26/2025
Planning a Home for Aging in Place with Greg Cantori
Only 5% of homes in the U.S. are moderately accessible. Stairways, sunken living rooms, poorly designed bathrooms, and trip hazards are just the start. Greg Cantore’s journey has spanned bicycle mechanics to defense work and leading nonprofit programs. But his mother-in-law’s experience living in a house that wasn’t designed for her needs opened his eyes to the bigger issue. After modifying her home, and later adjusting to her needs in assisted living, Greg realized there was a larger need for accessible, supportive home solutions. Today, he runs Little Deeds, a company dedicated to making homes safer and more accessible for aging individuals. Your home should support you as you age. Find out how Greg is helping make that a reality for so many. We discussed: How universal design makes homes safer and more accessible as we age Greg’s career journey—and how it led him to create Little Deeds The challenges people face with aging in place Simple ways to make your home safer and more accessible Why it’s important to plan ahead with home modifications Resources
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How to Keep Moving & Feeling Great After 60 with Mark Firehammer
03/12/2025
How to Keep Moving & Feeling Great After 60 with Mark Firehammer
You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to stay strong and mobile as you age. My guest, Mark Firehammer, created myFeelness to help men remain functional without grueling workouts or fitness gimmicks. At 43, Mark’s body started pushing back. There were aches, stiffness, and limits he couldn’t ignore. He knew something had to change but wasn’t willing to spend hours in the gym. That led him to rethink movement entirely. Mark found a way to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free through small, mindful movements. Now, he’s helping other men do the same with a system that keeps you moving without intense workouts. If you care about moving well, feeling good, and staying strong as you get older, you’ll want to hear this one. In this episode, we discuss: Simple daily moves to check how well your body is working Why your nervous system is the key to better movement How paying attention to your body can improve your health The problem with mainstream fitness advice and what actually works What it really means to be "Out of Function" (and how to fix it) A small mindset shift that could help you avoid serious health problems Resources:
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Aging Well Starts with a Plan: Dr. Corinne Auman
02/19/2025
Aging Well Starts with a Plan: Dr. Corinne Auman
If you had to make an important healthcare decision today, would you know what to do? My guest, Dr. Corinne Auman, is an expert in aging. She helps people and families figure out senior healthcare, retirement planning, and life’s unexpected changes. She’s a psychologist, CEO of Choice Care Navigators, and author of Keenagers. Most of us don’t think about aging until we have to, like when a parent falls or we realize our own home might not work for us as we get older. Suddenly, we’re faced with tough choices about Medicare, long-term care, and what it means to age well. Today, Dr. Auman shares why planning ahead is so important, how to talk to loved ones about it, and what steps you can take now to have more options later. I think you’ll find this episode both eye-opening and helpful. We discussed: Start planning your future home in your 50s What we often get wrong about retirement communities How to bring your loved ones into the conversation The 3 main phases of retirement Who we can turn to for guidance on our next steps Resources:
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How Women Navigate Life’s Transitions with T. Kari Mitchell
02/05/2025
How Women Navigate Life’s Transitions with T. Kari Mitchell
Today, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of focusing on men’s transitions, we’re diving into the journey women face in their next chapter. My guest, T. Kari Mitchell (TK), is a transformational speaker, author, and integrative wellness coach who has dedicated her second half to helping women reclaim their health, confidence, purpose, and power after retirement so they can truly flourish in their golden years. After 32 years as a teacher, she boldly transitioned into holistic coaching and motivational speaking at 62. Now, through her programs, TK helps boomers overcome challenges and rediscover their potential. We explore the transitions women face, including shifting identities, hormonal changes, and societal expectations. Guys, this is the episode to share with the women in your life because growth is better when we do it together. TK’s energy is contagious, and I think you’ll walk away with a new perspective on how we can all grow into the next stage of life. We covered: The mindset shifts that help women step into their next chapter with confidence How past experiences can open the door to new passions and opportunities The societal challenges that women face as they age (and how to push back) Practical ways men can better support the women in their lives How women can start reclaiming their purpose today Resources
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Boredom is Optional with Paul Wilson
01/22/2025
Boredom is Optional with Paul Wilson
With freedom comes the risk of losing direction. When we’re younger, the world feels full of possibilities. But as we get older, our focus narrows—one job, one partner, one path. Over time, our routines can make it harder to see new opportunities. In this episode, Paul Wilson explains how mental blocks can keep us stuck and shares how to break free and explore what’s still out there. After a bicycle accident and a broken arm in 2017, Paul found a new career path. Now, Paul is a life coach, business coach, and hypnotherapist who helps people overcome feeling stuck through his practice, A Happy Head. He developed the Shift Process, a method that uses small mindset shifts to create big transformations. Paul shares how to remove the mental “blinkers” that limit personal growth, especially as we navigate life transitions like retirement. How a broken arm led to a new career When Paul realized he had found a superpower 3 ways to discover new hobbies or interests What hypnosis can do for you (and what it can’t) The difference one phone call can make for retirees Connect with Paul:
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Out From the Shadows with Willie Handler
01/08/2025
Out From the Shadows with Willie Handler
Willie Handler was born to Holocaust survivors. Though his home was loving, the trauma his parents endured left deep scars that shaped his life in ways he only came to understand much later. During the pandemic, Willie began exploring his family’s history and the intergenerational trauma he carried. What started as a way to honor his parents became a transformative journey. It unearthed buried memories, led to tough therapy sessions, and inspired his powerful new book, Out From the Shadows. Along the way, Willie interviewed nearly 100 others with similar stories. He brings their voices together in a book that sheds light on the resilience of generations shaped by unimaginable pain. My conversation with Willie left me in awe of his courage. His story is one of reinvention and hope—and I can’t wait for you to hear it. We discussed: Why growing up with distant parents left Willie in survival mode How a HR consultant convinced Willie to retire When he realized it was time to unearth his survivor experience The challenges Willie faced in getting the memoir published His advice for aspiring authors in their Chapter X Resources:
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Retirement Isn’t the End with Larry O’Nan
12/11/2024
Retirement Isn’t the End with Larry O’Nan
For Larry O’Nan, leaving work behind wasn’t about slowing down. It was a chance to step into a new chapter of intentional living and service. With decades of experience guiding faith-based organizations, Larry raised millions for global initiatives and inspired others to lead with purpose. But his journey didn’t stop there. Redefining what it means to live fully, Larry has embraced failure as a tool for growth, mastered the art of saying no to what doesn’t align with his strengths, and found meaning in every phase of life, even after retirement. His story is a testament to the possibilities that unfold when we approach each day with intention and courage. Resources Email Larry at
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Never Too Late to Begin with Ed Doherty
11/27/2024
Never Too Late to Begin with Ed Doherty
At 70, Edward Doherty ran a virtual Boston Marathon. At 72, he published his first book. If anyone knows the secret to defying odds, it’s him. Ed is a man who radiates optimism—his story not only touched my heart but also reignited my spirit, and I’m sure it will do the same for you. In this episode, Ed takes us through his journey from the restaurant industry to consulting, after a pandemic-induced furlough. He shares the hurdles he faced and how he turned persistence into his greatest strength. Ed heads up Ambrose Landen Consulting, helping organizations with strategic planning, leadership development, and employee engagement. At 72, he published his first book, Observations at the Speed of Life. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on resilience, personal growth, and the legacy we all have the power to create. We discussed: How Ed pivoted after being furloughed during the pandemic Why failure is only valuable if you learn something from it How Ed’s wife inspired him to become a runner in his 60s Running the Boston Marathon virtually around Fenway Park at age 70 How publishing a book made Ed reflect on his legacy The power of optimism in recognizing potential in others Resources:
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Change Your Life, Not Your Thoughts with Blair Dunkley
11/13/2024
Change Your Life, Not Your Thoughts with Blair Dunkley
We’ve all heard the ‘find your why’ advice, but what if it’s not about that at all? Today, my guest is Blair Dunkley, and I’ll keep it simple: this conversation is going to be mind-filling, mind-expanding, and honestly, mind-blowing. Blair’s here to break down how we can improve our lives by shifting our behaviors with research-backed methods that are both impactful and surprisingly simple. So, get ready to pay attention and maybe even take some notes. In this episode, he breaks down the difference between mindset and life skills—and why mindset alone just doesn’t cut it. His mind models offer a fresh way of thinking that can help you through life’s transitions, big or small. We discussed: The difference between mindset vs. life skills Why studies question the effectiveness of mindset Blair’s challenge to the “find your why” framework Why we often blur the line between remembering and reliving Using mind models to manage stress and solve problems Resources
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Why AI Belongs in Your Next Chapter with Justin Simpson
10/30/2024
Why AI Belongs in Your Next Chapter with Justin Simpson
As a writer, I’ve often heard my peers talk about the “evils” of AI over the past couple of years. But truthfully, I don’t know much about it myself, which is why I’m so excited to talk to today’s guest, Justin Simpson. Justin brings a lifetime of business experience, and now, in his “Chapter X,” he’s exploring the world of AI with new imagination and curiosity. You might be wondering, “What does AI have to do with my stage in life?” Justin’s goal is to show how AI can be useful for everyone, especially those facing career changes or life transitions. He believes AI isn’t something to shy away from, but something to enjoy and use. In fact, Justin believes AI offers incredible benefits for everyone, particularly for non-tech folks. Let’s dive in and explore how AI can bring new possibilities into our daily lives. We discussed: Why Justin believes AI benefits everyone (not just tech companies) How to start using AI tools like ChatGPT 3 incredible ways that AI serves small business owners Using AI as a brainstorming buddy for career transitions The potential for AI to address loneliness Resources
/episode/index/show/chapterx/id/33680477
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Teaching Men to Connect with Owen Marcus
10/16/2024
Teaching Men to Connect with Owen Marcus
Imagine a man who truly wants to connect with his partner. He carefully picks his words, hoping to create that closeness. But somehow, it all falls flat. Frustration builds in his partner, yet he can’t quite put his finger on what’s going wrong. Why does this keep happening? Many men never learned how to connect emotionally in a way that feels genuine to them. Today, we’re diving into this struggle and exploring how men can break free from this cycle. I’m excited to welcome Owen Marcus, the co-founder of MELD. It's a community focused on helping men reconnect with their emotions and bodies. With over thirty years in men’s emotional wellness, Owen has created programs that blend emotional understanding with peer support to help men, and now women thrive. What Owen does is incredibly important for living authentically. In this episode, we’ll dive into a major challenge men face today: being disconnected from their emotions. We discuss: What inspired Owen to start working with men 30 years ago Why society tells men to disassociate from emotions One simple way to talk to men about their feelings The impact community and relationships has on men Owen’s method for reconnecting with your body Breaking the pattern of emotional distance across generations Resources
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Living on Purpose with Bodhi Aldridge
10/02/2024
Living on Purpose with Bodhi Aldridge
Imagine the possibilities when men come together in a supportive atmosphere. In the Chapter X community, I’ve seen firsthand how this freedom allows us to be our true selves—and that’s where real growth happens. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Bodhi Aldridge, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and purpose. Bodhi has traveled the world as a father, grandfather, lawyer, coach, and facilitator. He lives near the beaches of Byron Bay with his wife of 40 years and is a proud father of four and grandfather to ten. As we step into our roles as elders, Bodhi believes we have a responsibility to create space for others—especially for women and younger generations, including our granddaughters. In this episode, he shares profound wisdom that just might inspire you to embrace your journey and engage with what truly matters in life. We discussed: Three traits Bodhi thinks are important for men What masculine and feminine energy represent The key advantage you have as a man How to become more present in 5 minutes The 3 steps of searching for purpose How to tackle the belief of 'not being good enough' Resources:
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Life Throws Curveballs with Kenny Hersh
09/18/2024
Life Throws Curveballs with Kenny Hersh
Today, I’m excited to catch up with my high school friend, Kenny Hersch. His story is truly one of a kind, and I think you’ll find this conversation with him an absolute joy. Kenny’s symptoms began with minor neurological issues, but it took two years to get a clear diagnosis. Early on, doctors worried it might be ALS, which was a scary idea. It was eventually identified as Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)—a non-fatal condition affecting speech and mobility. Thanks to technology, Kenny can join us today. In high school, Kenny was a force of nature, and he remains just as remarkable. He’s embraced the mantra “accommodation without surrender” with resilience and positivity that truly inspires. In this episode, we discussed: Kenny’s life-altering diagnosis of PLS at 45 What it was like coming to terms with his new way of life Tools that helped Kenny transition through his health journey How a newspaper profile transformed him into a local celebrity The impact he hopes to make through his legacy Links
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When Success Isn’t Enough with David Rynick
09/04/2024
When Success Isn’t Enough with David Rynick
David Rynick was a big deal in college—serving on the university senate, co-captaining the wrestling team, and enjoying much attention. But despite all his achievements, he wasn’t happy. This realization set him on a path to explore what mattered to him beyond just achieving more and pleasing others. Today, David is a Zen teacher with credentials in two lineages and a seasoned life and leadership coach. His latest book, Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries, came from 18 months of daily writing during the pandemic. This remarkable collection of essays and reflections is designed to inspire you to live more fully. In this episode, we chat about David’s journey from college success to finding true fulfillment. You’ll find it’s a conversation filled with inspiration and joy. We discuss: Why early success led David to question happiness and purpose How he explored dance and pottery as self-expression Why it took him a decade to appreciate daily meditation David’s advice for men who are struggling to adjust to retirement The most common misconception about meditation Connect with David
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Navigating Life’s Big Questions with Austin Dowling
07/17/2024
Navigating Life’s Big Questions with Austin Dowling
When is the right time to start asking yourself life's big questions? My guest, Austin Dowling, who shifted from a corporate attorney to a psychotherapist, is here to discuss the vital role of self-reflection in finding fulfillment in retirement. Originally from Ireland, Austin is a practicing psychotherapist and executive coach based in New York. He helps professional adults at a crossroads in their personal or professional lives, many of whom struggle with anxiety or a lack of motivation and are striving to reach their full potential. Austin has navigated some incredible transitions in his own life, and his insights strike at the heart of the challenges many men face in retirement. And here's a little secret: this won't be the last time you hear from us. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about: Austin’s path from corporate law to helping people with their mental health Understanding the roots of our inner critic—and how to manage it effectively The reasons why men often face an identity crisis post-retirement Why you must shed certain habits after transitioning out of your career How to build a better community through these small steps When it’s the right time start asking yourself the big questions Connect with Austin
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From The Inside Out with Amrit Singh Reinsch
07/03/2024
From The Inside Out with Amrit Singh Reinsch
In a world full of noise, it's easy to forget that real happiness can start with reconnecting with who we truly are inside. Today, that’s exactly what we’re exploring with Amrit Singh, a life coach who helps men discover what they truly want and what makes them happy. In this episode, we tackle the tough challenges men face with vulnerability and how embracing your true self can transform your relationships. Amrit shares some truly powerful tips on how vulnerability can lead to more joy and fulfillment in both personal and romantic lives. So stick around as we uncover Amrit's personal journey, his tried-and-true techniques, and how he's helping successful men reignite their passion and strengthen their marriages. It's a conversation that shows just how incredible self-reflection and building intentional relationships can be. We discussed: What triggered Amrit's realization in his twenties that he needed to change course How we can reconnect with our true selves beneath all the layers we've built up The most common challenges in making relationships meaningful after retirement What advice Amrit would offer to men who are questioning their relationships Why is exploring our relationships both daunting and rewarding? The source of true fulfillment (beyond external achievements) Connect with Amrit
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The Awakened Man with Alain Dumonceaux
06/19/2024
The Awakened Man with Alain Dumonceaux
When we find something that drives us forward, life takes on new meaning and fulfillment. But true fulfillment isn’t just about traditional success—it’s about discovering joy and purpose in our everyday experiences, especially as we navigate the second half of life. Today, we explore this enriching path with a guest whose resilience and purpose have guided his own journey. Alain Dumonceaux joins us, a man whose own life trials have shaped his passion for helping men align their lives with their deepest values. As the Purposeful Action (Men)tor for the Awakened Man movement, Alain has dedicated himself to showing others how to live authentically. From triumphs at the Culinary Olympics to facing near ruin twice, his journey has driven him to empower others. Now, Alain’s mission is clear: to guide men in rediscovering their life’s purpose through his purposeful action plan, "The Return of The King.” This plan serves as a transformative blueprint for embarking on their Hero’s Quest. In this episode, we discussed: Why we thrive on having something to anticipate in life What we often get wrong about defining our purpose The three mentors who can transform a man’s life Why men need safe spaces for open dialogue What we must remember when confronting our pain One tip to keep in mind whenever imposter syndrome strikes Alain shares his tips for perfecting cooking techniques Connect with Alain
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Redefining Your Worth with David Chernikoff
06/05/2024
Redefining Your Worth with David Chernikoff
Ever had a friend recommend a book that completely captivated you? That's exactly what happened to me. My friend Bob suggested this book written by a college acquaintance of his, and I decided to grab a copy. Little did I know, it would be one of those extraordinary reads. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself really connecting with the importance of the author's words. I knew I had to track down David Chernikoff’s email and invite him to join me for a conversation. David is a meditation teacher, spiritual counselor, and writer who taught psychology and meditation at Naropa University for many years. He currently teaches retreats throughout the United States and is one of the guiding teachers of the Insight Meditation Community of Colorado. And his latest book, Life, Part Two: Seven Keys to Awakening with Purpose and Joy as You Age, is truly eye-opening. It's a roadmap to finding fulfillment and happiness, regardless of where you find yourself on life's journey. How a life-changing event at age 13 molded David's adult years The pressure to succeed and how it affects our self worth Redefining your self-worth beyond achievements in middle age The concept of living on two levels: the relative and the absolute 7 keys to awakening with purpose and joy as you age Why David decided to write a book as he approached 70 Connect with David
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Living Retirement to the Fullest with Brian Feutz
05/22/2024
Living Retirement to the Fullest with Brian Feutz
In 2015, Brian Feutz began feeling the tug towards retirement. He went headfirst into a journey of discovery, diving into the ins and outs of retirement planning, wondering what the future held, and whether he was financially ready for it all. He's not just navigated through the transition to retirement, but he's crafted a life filled with meaning and purpose, and I have no doubt you'll find his story truly inspirational. Brian is a top writer, speaker, columnist, and published author with a unique style that brings a lively perspective to the art of retirement. Whether you’re retired or considering retirement, you don’t want to miss his thought-provoking ideas that challenge the imagination. When he's not sharing his wisdom, you can often find Brian enjoying the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands alongside his wife, whether it's on a boat, trail, bicycle, or kayak. In this episode, we’ll explore: How Brian crafted a encore career through his extensive research on retirement The one simple sentence Brian uses to define retirement What led Brian and his wife to choose the San Juan Islands as their retirement spot Why Brian decided to “practice” retirement on his own—and the steps he took The reason why roughly 40% of people who retire go back to work temporarily One ongoing project that is making Brian’s retirement purposeful The way Brian applied perseverance to this hobby to discover a sense of purpose Resources Read Brian’s Work Connect with Brian Email at
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The 9 Pillars of Resilience with Dr. Stephen Sideroff
05/08/2024
The 9 Pillars of Resilience with Dr. Stephen Sideroff
What if stress isn't the enemy we thought it was? Our guest today suggests that certain aspects of stress can actually be powerful motivators. But here's the catch: there's a sweet spot, and most of us tend to overshoot it. Today I'm speaking with Dr. Stephen Sideroff. This is a conversation you will want to listen to multiple times, or at least have a notepad with you so you can jot down some notes. In fact, you're going to want to listen to this multiple times because it's packed with incredible information and things that I think are essentials in our lives. Dr. Sideroff is an internationally recognized expert in psychology and resilience. Not only has he published groundbreaking research, but he has served as an associate professor at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine. Now, he's sharing his expertise in his new book, "The 9 Pillars of Resilience," offering insights into mastering stress, aging gracefully, and enhancing vitality. In this episode, we discussed: Why stress is the master hallmark of aging The power of confronting unfinished emotional business in Chapter X How we can get past the discomfort of exploring our buried feelings Discovering the starting point for challenging our inner critic Dr. Stephen Sideroff breaks down the nine pillars of resilience How our presence can impact each other unconsciously Connect with Dr. Stephen Sideroff
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A Call to Purpose with Jeff Eamers
04/24/2024
A Call to Purpose with Jeff Eamers
How does one reach the pivotal moment that propels them into the next chapter of their life? For our guest today, that moment unfolded in a Starbucks, where Jeff Eamers stumbled upon a newspaper ad seeking volunteers for suicide prevention. Having battled his own demons for years, Jeff saw this not just as an opportunity, but as a calling. In his past life, Jeff wore many hats—writer, director, producer, counselor—all while battling the tumultuous challenges of bipolar disorder. Now, he's found peace and purpose as a practicing psychotherapist and the voice behind the upcoming Three Moments in Time podcast. He lives in the California desert with his two dogs and 11 chickens. Jeff's journey is one marked by resilience, vulnerability, and the unwavering determination to confront the darkest aspects of the human experience. But a word of caution: Jeff's story is unfiltered and may touch on themes of mental illness that could trigger some listeners. We discussed: The first hospitalization at 21 marked the onset of a series of mental health challenges for Jeff How a major film opportunity brought Jeff from the advertising world to Los Angeles Jeff reflects on the experience of navigating manic highs and depressive lows Why he transitioned from Hollywood to suicide prevention counseling How the sudden loss of his best friend served as a wake-up call Why Jeff decided to pursue a new academic journey at 55 Jeff shares his understanding of the single most crucial factor in healing Connect with Jeff
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Your True Purpose with Ian Chamandy
04/10/2024
Your True Purpose with Ian Chamandy
What could be more crucial as we enter Chapter X than knowing our purpose? Today, I’m happy to have Ian Chamandy on board. He’s developed a groundbreaking program aimed at helping people define their purpose. Ian is no stranger to purpose-driven work. As a founding partner of Blueprint Business Architecture, he's helped hundreds of companies define their unique essence in seven words or less. But Ian's mission goes beyond corporate boardrooms. He firmly believes that every single one of us has a unique purpose waiting to be discovered. In this episode, Ian walks us through his method for defining purpose, showing us how it can transform not only our decision-making but also our personal fulfillment. Through stories and practical advice, he shines a light on the power of aligning our purpose with our values, talents, and aspirations. We discussed: The impact of a simple reminder Ian taped to the wall above his typewriter How we can apply a key business principle to develop our own purpose The magic of defining what makes you uniquely remarkable (in seven words or less) Why discovering your purpose can help you make better decisions Three things that defining your purpose will do as you transition into Chapter X Connect with Ian
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Navigating Unretirement with Richard Eisenberg
03/27/2024
Navigating Unretirement with Richard Eisenberg
Today, we're catching up with Richard Eisenberg, who embarked on his "unretirement" journey in 2022 after stepping away from his role as Managing Editor for Next Avenue. Over the past two years, Richard has gracefully navigated this new chapter, balancing writing, mentoring, volunteering, and personal exploration alongside his wife. As he continues to carve out his path, he generously shares his insights and experiences with us once again. I’m thrilled to reconnect with Richard and dive into his experiences, observations, and ongoing discoveries in Chapter X. From his insights to the latest reads and learnings, it’s a privilege to explore the valuable lessons he's discovered along the way. In this episode, we discussed: How unretirement looks today for Richard two years in What has been the biggest obstacle after leaving his full-time job How Richard and his wife are leaning into what’s important to them The current topics on aging that Richard is exploring with Next Avenue Exploring the ranges of legacies and impact you can leave behind Links to Resources
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