Second Act Stories

Welcome to Second Act Stories, a podcast focused on life and career change. In each episode, we bring you the story of a courageous individual who has made a decisive career pivot and is pursuing a more rewarding life in a second act. The stories are in their own words and the words of friends and family that helped them find a new path. Each episode examines the “before” and “after” phases of a life or career relaunch and offers lessons learned.

Suiting Up at 61: Tom Green Aims To Become The NCAA's Oldest, College Football Player 07/23/2026

"Stand By Me" Made Andy Lindberg Famous; Nature Gave Him a Calling 05/27/2026

"Stand By Me" Made Andy Lindberg Famous; Nature Gave Him a Calling If you’re of a certain age, you may not know the name Andy Lindberg. But you definitely know his most famous role. Andy played Lard Ass Hogan in the legendary Rob Reiner film “Stand By Me,” one of the most beloved coming-of-age movies ever made. His scene, the unforgettable “barf-o-rama” at the pie-eating contest, remains one of the most memorable movie moments of the 1980s. It was gross. It was hilarious. It was impossible to forget. Andy was 14 years old when he filmed the scene in Oregon, a local kid doing local theater who suddenly found himself working on a major motion picture based on a Stephen King story and directed by a man who would go on to become one of the great filmmakers of his generation. And then life kept going. In this episode, Andy shares what it was like to be cast as Lard Ass, how he felt about the role as a teenager, what it was like to return to high school after the movie came out, and why he has had to rethink the shame he carried for years about being “the right fat kid in the right place at the right time.” He also shares some wonderful behind-the-scenes stories from the set, including working with Rob Reiner, watching Kiefer Sutherland hold the boom mic, and putting his face into what he estimates were more than 250 pies over the course of filming. To this day, blueberry pie is not exactly his favorite dessert. But Andy’s story doesn’t end with “Stand By Me.” Not even close. After years of acting, including a move to New York and stage work around the country, Andy eventually returned home to Oregon. Today, he is the executive director of , a remarkable camp and natural area on the Oregon coast that helps kids unplug, connect with nature, and experience something increasingly rare: being fully present in a beautiful place. For Andy, running a summer camp is not as different from theater as it might seem. Both involve creating a temporary world; both have a beginning, middle, and end; both can change people in ways they may not understand until years later. In this episode, Andy shares his journey from childhood movie fame to steward of nature, from the stage to the forest, and from one unforgettable movie scene to a life built around helping kids find wonder in the real world. As Andy says, life is long. You can change course entirely. And it’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be. To learn more about Andy’s work, visit . ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: "Between 1 and 3 am" by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/41442765

Restoring Dignity One Load At A Time: Retired Cop Creates Mobile Laundry Service For Homeless 04/20/2026

David Pogue Says Yes to Everything 03/10/2026

David Pogue Says Yes to Everything If you know tech, you know . His resume includes 13 years as the top personal technology columnist for , and prior to that, 13 years as a columnist for magazine. Today he’s a full-time correspondent for the venerable weekly news program . His work there has earned him seven… SEVEN… Emmy Awards. He’s also a five-time speaker, and he’s hosted 20 NOVA science specials on . David is also a prolific author. He’s written or cowritten more than 120 books, including dozens in the Missing Manual tech series, which he created in 1999; six books in the For Dummies line; two novels; his three bestselling Pogue’s Basics books of tips and shortcuts; his practical guide to the climate crisis, ; and his newly released magnum opus, . This is a man who doesn’t sit still. But before he summited the tech world, David climbed to the top of the mountain on Broadway. He spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals. During that time he earned a reputation as the kid who could help people with tech. That reputation led him to the apartments of the Broadway elite, where he gave private lessons to the likes of Cy Coleman, Mia Farrow, Stephen Sondheim, and a host of others whose names you definitely know. In this episode David shares what prompted his love of technology, how it gave way to success on Broadway, and the unusual way it all came together to reveal the path that led directly to the pages of The New York Times and the airwaves of CBS News. How did the magic happen (pun intended; he’s also an accomplished magician and has written a book on magic)? It’s the advice he gives to everyone: “Say yes to everything.” He didn’t have a plan for his career, but he reached the peak in more than one industry. One of the most interesting things, however, is how his career in tech journalism started. Believe it or not, it had nothing to do with wanting to write. In this episode, David shares his journey from Shaker Heights, Ohio to the “Great White Way,” to the pages of The New York Times, and beyond. He also dives deep on two of his legendary CBS Sunday Morning segments: his that created worldwide headlines, and his experience as a . Learn more about David by Googling his name or visiting his . Buy David’s new book, Apple: The First 50 Years anywhere books are sold. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: "Between 1 and 3 am" by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40378215

Second Servings: Paul Giannone 02/16/2026

Second Servings: Paul Giannone Some people change careers. These people rewrote the menu. This week on Second Act Stories we highlight an incredible group of entrepreneurs who traded in wildly different first acts for lives spent building bold, food-focused brands. What connects them isn’t a straight line or a master plan, but the moment they realized it was time for a second serving: to take what they’d learned, trust their instincts, and build something deliciously their own. These are stories of reinvention, risk, and recipes. Proof that sometimes the most satisfying work comes after you decide to start over. Paul Giannone (known to all as “Paulie Gee”) grew up in Brooklyn, NY but moved to New Jersey as an adult. For most of his professional career he worked with AT&T and their subsidiaries as an information technology staffer and eventually a consultant. And candidly he never liked the work – he never felt he was very good at it either. But he needed to support his family so he stuck it out. While he didn’t love his work, he loved pizza — absolutely loved everything about it. And at the age of 56, he took an incredible leap of faith – returning to Brooklyn and opening up Paulie Gees — a pizza restaurant. He’s been remarkably successful and “Paulie’s Slice Shop” followed in Brooklyn as did Paulie Gees franchise restaurants in Chicago, Columbus and Baltimore. Paulie secured 15 different investors that helped him launch the restaurant. But he also took out a home equity loan and put his own “skin in the game” to pursue his dream. It was a big risk but it has all worked out. As Paulie told us, “This is beyond my wildest dreams, I had no idea how happy I could be…I am doing what I was born to do, what I am wired to do.” ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40119855

Second Servings: Anna Vocino 02/16/2026

Second Servings: Anna Vocino Some people change careers. These people rewrote the menu. This week on Second Act Stories we highlight an incredible group of entrepreneurs who traded in wildly different first acts for lives spent building bold, food-focused brands. What connects them isn’t a straight line or a master plan, but the moment they realized it was time for a second serving: to take what they’d learned, trust their instincts, and build something deliciously their own. These are stories of reinvention, risk, and recipes. Proof that sometimes the most satisfying work comes after you decide to start over. Anna Vocino has an impressive dotted with comedic acting roles, sketch comedy appearances on shows including the Lance Krall Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and professional narration work for a number of TV series and documentaries. She has risen to the top of the voiceover industry, lending her vocal skills to an endless array of video games and TV commercials, and she’s even the female voice of the NBC television network. In the midst of a career in entertainment, Anna was diagnosed with Celiac disease and was forced to eliminate gluten from her diet. A gifted cook, she created gluten-free versions of the recipes she loved and posted them to a blog. A circuitous series of decisions led her to co-host a very successful podcast with health entrepreneur Vinnie Tortorich, and her path ultimately resulted in the release of two bestselling . She combined her love of cooking with a passion to create foods that are clean, gluten-free, no sugar added alternatives to the processed options available on most store shelves. Today, Anna is also the CEO of packaged food company , which has realized substantial growth in both distribution and revenue since its launch. Most surprisingly, Anna’s path was not linear. She didn’t set out to embark on a second act, and she didn’t know she was on that path until she looked back and realized it. Learn more about Anna Vocino at . ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40119830

Second Servings: Steve Lewis 02/16/2026

Second Servings: Steve Lewis Some people change careers. These people rewrote the menu. This week on Second Act Stories we highlight an incredible group of entrepreneurs who traded in wildly different first acts for lives spent building bold, food-focused brands. What connects them isn’t a straight line or a master plan, but the moment they realized it was time for a second serving: to take what they’d learned, trust their instincts, and build something deliciously their own. These are stories of reinvention, risk, and recipes. Proof that sometimes the most satisfying work comes after you decide to start over. Steve Lewis is objectively one of the most creative people on the planet. So much so that pure creativity is what motivates him; money just isn’t part of the equation. That doesn’t mean he isn’t successful. He is. Very. But his success is a byproduct of executing his incredible creative vision. Steve originally wanted to be a professional musician – a goal he achieved by the age of 14 – but a botched hand surgery set him down a different path. After college, he followed his passion for comic books, pop culture and community and opened Uberbot, a unique, high-end art gallery and comic book store. That’s where he originally shared the cookies that would become the foundation of Gideon’s Bakehouse. Gideon’s Bakehouse is a fully immersive “tattered Victorian” experience – an entire world with stories, characters and histories – that just happens to sell the world’s best cookies, according to , and and a host of other media. Steve Lewis calls baking a hobby, but his title – Sublime Prince of the Esoteric Order of Cookie – and his accolades say otherwise. This is an inspiring story that chronicles an immensely creative person and his journey to also become one of the world’s most renowned bakers. You can find Gideon’s Bakehouse at , but they don’t ship their products. To try them, you have to visit one of the two Gideon’s Bakehouse locations, at or . ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40119800

Second Servings: Andrew Pudalov 02/16/2026

Author! Author!: Dann McDorman 02/07/2026

Author! Author!: Dann McDorman Have you ever dreamed of becoming a successful writer, but wondered if the moment had already passed? This week, in our “Author! Author!” series, we’re sharing stories from people who answered that question by simply starting - often much later, and after building careers elsewhere. These conversations show how the path to authorship isn’t something you find so much as something you clear, step by step, by leaning into the life you’ve already lived. Together, these episodes capture the heart of Second Act Stories: the idea that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date, and that sometimes the most meaningful work begins after you’ve already lived a few chapters. Dann McDorman always dreamed of writing and publishing a novel. After graduating from Columbia University, he spent a decade pursuing that dream with little impact. “Not only was I never published, I never heard back from a single publisher. I had zero success.” As he hit his 30s, he found his way to a career in broadcast journalism initially working for Fox News but then climbing the ladder as a producer at MSNBC. Starting a family, his dream of being an author was put on the back burner. Today, Dann is the Executive Producer of “” that airs weeknights from 6:00-7:00 pm. During the Covid-19 Pandemic and without a daily commute to the MSNBC Studios, Dann had some extra time on his hands. He started thinking about writing again. With his wife’s encouragement, he wrote a full length mystery novel called . And at the age of 47, his book was published by Knopf Publishing. Dann’s advice to aspiring authors and second act pursuers: “Don’t give up…Stick with it and don’t think it’s too late to be successful.” ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40031295

Author! Author!: Marty Herman 02/07/2026

Author! Author!: Marty Herman Have you ever dreamed of becoming a successful writer, but wondered if the moment had already passed? This week, in our “Author! Author!” series, we’re sharing stories from people who answered that question by simply starting - often much later, and after building careers elsewhere. These conversations show how the path to authorship isn’t something you find so much as something you clear, step by step, by leaning into the life you’ve already lived. Together, these episodes capture the heart of Second Act Stories: the idea that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date, and that sometimes the most meaningful work begins after you’ve already lived a few chapters. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing the Great American Novel, this episode is for you. For most of his professional career, Marty Herman was a business turnaround specialist. He would come into troubled companies, figure out what was wrong and implement a solution. And then he’d move on to the next company. But he always had a love of writing – he even sold a couple of short stories in his life. So at the age of 75, and with the help and encouragement of his youngest daughter Aimee, he published his first mystery novel called “The Jefferson Files.” Since then he’s published four other mystery novels, a book of short stories and a biography of a local jazz musician. Marty loves writing. But he also loves selling his books. Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he attended 200+ book and craft fairs each year and estimates that he’s sold 15,000-18,000 of his books in this manner. to learn more about his work and purchase one of his books. I read his latest mystery, “The First Tuesday Of The Month Murder Files,” and it is terrific. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40031275

Author! Author!: Mark Greaney 02/07/2026

Author! Author!: Mark Greaney Have you ever dreamed of becoming a successful writer, but wondered if the moment had already passed? This week, in our “Author! Author!” series, we’re sharing stories from people who answered that question by simply starting - often much later, and after building careers elsewhere. These conversations show how the path to authorship isn’t something you find so much as something you clear, step by step, by leaning into the life you’ve already lived. Together, these episodes capture the heart of Second Act Stories: the idea that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date, and that sometimes the most meaningful work begins after you’ve already lived a few chapters. Mark Greaney is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His debut thriller, , was published in 2009 and became a national bestseller and Netflix film starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. He wrote twelve subsequent Gray Man novels that have been released to date. He is also the co-author of seven Tom Clancy novels. His latest book, , was released on June 25th, 2024. It is his 25th published work. Before emerging as a top thriller author, Mark spent 20+ years working as a bartender, waiter and midlevel office worker in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. But in his late thirties and after the death of his father, he finally got serious about writing. “I had this amazing epiphany. I was stressed about where I was in life. I didn’t have a good position. And I had a lot of social anxiety. I drove a beat-up car. But it came to me one day that I loved to write and I was doing what I loved. And I realized I was successful even if I never got published…And within two years, I was published. And within four years, I was writing with Tom Clancy. And within twelve years, I had a movie out.” ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40031255

Author! Author!: Peggy Rowe 02/07/2026

Author! Author!: Peggy Rowe Have you ever dreamed of becoming a successful writer, but wondered if the moment had already passed? This week, in our “Author! Author!” series, we’re sharing stories from people who answered that question by simply starting - often much later, and after building careers elsewhere. These conversations show how the path to authorship isn’t something you find so much as something you clear, step by step, by leaning into the life you’ve already lived. Together, these episodes capture the heart of Second Act Stories: the idea that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date, and that sometimes the most meaningful work begins after you’ve already lived a few chapters. has accomplished a lot in her 87 years. She started her career as a schoolteacher in Baltimore, where she and her husband John – also a teacher – raised three sons. It was a pretty normal life by all accounts. But life got extraordinary somewhere along the way. One common thread in the Rowe household was humor, and Peggy had a finely tuned ability to recognize funny and write about it. See, writing has always been her creative outlet. She wrote all the time. She wrote fun poems for her students, which she would later hear them recite on the playground; she wrote short stories that were published in newspapers and magazines; she wrote stories about things that happened in everyday life; and she wrote about her family. Her son Mike (yes, THAT ) loved her stories, but every time she called to share one, he’d tell her, “Mom, don’t TELL me about it; sit down and WRITE about it.” This happened a lot. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Peggy had a wonderful career as an educator, but it wasn’t until long after that came to an end that her real career took off. When she was 80, Peggy’s first book of humor was published. “” became a New York Times bestseller. Then came more bestsellers. “” was Peggy’s next bestselling book, when she was 82. “,” book number three and bestseller number three, was published when Peggy was 84. Judging by the title, it seems Dirty Jobs run in the family. Her fourth book, “,” came two years later. At age 87, Peggy is working on her fifth book and she shows no signs of slowing down. Thankfully. In this inspiring episode, Peggy shares her incredible journey from the classroom to the bestseller list, complete with a few fun stories woven in. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/40031225

Formidable Females: Anne Moss Rogers 01/31/2026

Formidable Females: Anne Moss Rogers This week we’re bringing you a powerhouse series of episodes that celebrate some of the most formidable women to ever take the mic on Second Act Stories. These conversations are fueled by bold decisions, hard-won confidence, and the kind of reinvention that only comes after you’ve lived a little. From breaking the rules to rewriting the script, these women didn’t just pivot; they claimed their second acts with clarity, grit, and momentum. Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, these episodes capture the fire at the heart of our show: fearless choices, earned wisdom, and stories that prove it’s never too late to bet big on yourself. Anne Moss Rogers was at the pinnacle of a 20-year professional career. She opened her own digital marketing agency in 2010. The business grew quickly and by 2015 she and her partner had 9 employees and a growing roster of clients. While her professional life was going especially well, life at home had significant problems. Her son Charles – the younger of two boys – suffered from a combination of depression and drug addiction. The problems began early in high school and escalated. At considerable expense to Anne Moss and her husband Randy, they tried to help by placing him in a therapeutic boarding school followed by rehab. But on June 5, 2015 at the age of 20, Charles took his own life. In the aftermath of her son’s passing, Anne Moss sold her agency and has became a staunch activist for suicide prevention. She launched “” – a blog about the experience. She speaks frequently before both high school and adult audiences. And she has written a powerful book called “” Anne Moss Rogers is a textbook example of what psychologists call “post traumatic growth.” When Charles committed suicide in 2015, she entered an unimaginable cauldron of pain and grief. And she came out the other side stronger and focused on making a difference in the world. And her work is saving lives. We concluded our interview by asking her, “What would Charles think of what you’re doing now?” Anne Moss responded, “I think he would be proud to know that I’m following my heart.” On the first anniversary of Charles death, Anne Moss Rogers recorded an emotional reading of the lyrics of “,” one of many songs that were discovered in her son’s backpack after his passing. It’s about four minutes long and we hope you’ll give it a listen by clicking the link above. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39946475

Formidable Females: Ruth Lavigne 01/31/2026

Formidable Females: Ruth Lavigne This week we’re bringing you a powerhouse series of episodes that celebrate some of the most formidable women to ever take the mic on Second Act Stories. These conversations are fueled by bold decisions, hard-won confidence, and the kind of reinvention that only comes after you’ve lived a little. From breaking the rules to rewriting the script, these women didn’t just pivot; they claimed their second acts with clarity, grit, and momentum. Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, these episodes capture the fire at the heart of our show: fearless choices, earned wisdom, and stories that prove it’s never too late to bet big on yourself. Ruth Lavigne grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father was a doctor (a radiologist) and she used to fill-in the date on patient sheets when her dad reviewed their films at home. As Ruth followed her father around his hospital, she always thought “that will be me someday.” She ended up studying French in college and then business in graduate school. After marrying, starting a family and relocating to California, she found herself working as a banquet waitress in a San Diego hotel. She enjoyed the work and the flexible schedule which gave her time with two kids. Ruth’s dream of becoming a doctor re-emerged one night as she held her oldest daughter Ariel in her arms and told her “you can be anything you want when you grow up.” And Ruth thought, “one day this kid is gonna look back up at me say, so you wanted to be a waitress all your life?” With financial help from her parents and childcare support from her in-laws, she went back to school at 31 to take the necessary pre-med coursework. At 36, she returned home and entered medical school at the University of Cincinnati. At 40 she began a four-year residency to become a radiation oncologist. And at 45-years-of age, she finally became Dr. Ruth Lavigne. Ruth’s story of persistence and overcoming obstacles is as inspirational as they come. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39946460

Formidable Females: Nasim Alikhani 01/31/2026

Formidable Females: Stephanie Stuckey 01/31/2026

Formidable Females: Stephanie Stuckey This week we’re bringing you a powerhouse series of episodes that celebrate some of the most formidable women to ever take the mic on Second Act Stories. These conversations are fueled by bold decisions, hard-won confidence, and the kind of reinvention that only comes after you’ve lived a little. From breaking the rules to rewriting the script, these women didn’t just pivot; they claimed their second acts with clarity, grit, and momentum. Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, these episodes capture the fire at the heart of our show: fearless choices, earned wisdom, and stories that prove it’s never too late to bet big on yourself. is a legendary and iconic thread in the fabric of Americana. Founded in Eastman, Georgia in 1937 by WS “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr., Stuckey’s grew into a roadside empire by the 1970s, with 368 stores in more than 30 states. Part of the charm that made Stuckey’s so iconic were its ubiquitous billboards, more than 4,000 of them, which were dotted along U.S. highways. Stuckey’s was an inextricable part of what became known as “The Great American Road Trip.” Fast forward to 2019, Stuckey’s was on life support. The brand had gone through hard times, and its former stand-alone locations, still identifiable by their teal blue roofs, were now relics of a bygone era. Some were abandoned and boarded-up; others became home to less-than-savory businesses. By this time the brand had changed hands multiple times and become an unprofitable line item on a bigger company’s balance sheet. But Stuckey’s was about to experience a surprising rebirth. In 2019, former Georgia legislator Stephanie Stuckey, a practicing attorney at the time, received a fateful phone call. Stuckey’s, the brand started by her grandfather all those years ago, was up for sale. With no experience in running a business, 53-year-old Stephanie defied the odds (and the advice of virtually everyone she spoke to), cashed in her entire life’s savings, and traded her future to buy back and revive the business bearing her family’s name. Since then, Stephanie has become a legend in the business community. A perfect storm of scrappiness, shrewd business sense and passion, she’s now a bone fide rock star with all the street cred to stage a successful turnaround. And she has the receipts to prove it. Under Stephanie’s leadership, Stuckey’s and its flagship pecan log rolls are back in black. In this episode, Stephanie discusses growing up with an iconic last name, her career as a legislator and attorney, her decision to lay it all on the line to buy back her family’s business, how she’s rebuilt the brand, and what’s next for Stuckey’s. Stephanie chronicles her life on the road at her Instagram account, . Her new book, “,” is available at Amazon or wherever you buy books. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39946395

Rewriting the Playbook: Arrelious Benn 01/26/2026

Rewriting the Playbook: Arrelious Benn This week on Second Act Stories, we’re featuring a series called “Rewriting the Playbook.” This group of episodes features guests whose journeys share a common connection to sports, sometimes front and center, sometimes quietly shaping the path forward. In these conversations, the influence of competition, teamwork, and discipline shows up in different ways, informing career pivots and personal reinvention. Together, these stories explore how the lessons learned on the field can echo long after the final whistle, guiding second acts that are anything but predictable. Arrelious Benn was a star football player at Dunbar Senior High School (Washington, DC) and the University of Illinois. He entered the NFL draft after his junior year in college and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His NFL career with Tampa Bay, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars spanned seven years, twice the league average. But it is also included two ACL tears, a fractured lumbar and a shattered collarbone. After his final season with the Jaguars, he and his family put down roots and decided to open Social House Coffee in the Avondale section of Jacksonville. Replacing a former gun store, his neighborhood shop is all about great coffee and building community. As Benn shares in the podcast, “Football consumed my life for so many years. But I know I only have one body. And I want to see my kids grow up and there are other things I want to do. It’s a breath of fresh air to do something new and be creative.” Benn is now working in what he calls “my first real job.” He spends his days taking customers’ orders, serving coffee/pastries and managing a staff of six. And he couldn’t be happier. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39873445

Rewriting the Playbook: Mike Huber 01/26/2026

Rewriting the Playbook: Fran Tarkenton 01/26/2026

Rewriting the Playbook: Fran Tarkenton This week on Second Act Stories, we’re featuring a series called “Rewriting the Playbook.” This group of episodes features guests whose journeys share a common connection to sports, sometimes front and center, sometimes quietly shaping the path forward. In these conversations, the influence of competition, teamwork, and discipline shows up in different ways, informing career pivots and personal reinvention. Together, these stories explore how the lessons learned on the field can echo long after the final whistle, guiding second acts that are anything but predictable. Fran Tarkenton is unquestionably one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game of football. A true legend who rightfully earned his place in the NFL Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame (for his championship career with the University of Georgia Bulldogs), and on the list of the 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings AND the 50 Greatest New York Giants. In his rookie season in 1961, Fran joined an expansion team called the Minnesota Vikings, and in the first-ever Vikings game he threw four touchdown passes and ran for a fifth, upsetting the great Chicago Bears. At the time of his retirement from the NFL in 1978, Fran owned every significant passing record: 3,686 pass completions, 47,003 passing yards, and 342 touchdowns. Legend. After retirement, Fran became a commentator alongside the one and only Howard Cosell in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth, he landed a job hosting That’s Incredible, one of the biggest sensation TV shows of the 1980s, and he became an early entrant into the software business, a visionary move that launched what would become the longest-lasting and most lucrative part of his illustrious and multifaceted career. At 84.6 years old as of the date of this interview, Fran is as sharp – and as busy – as he’s ever been. His company, Tarkenton, is as highly regarded as it is successful in helping other businesses grow and prosper. All the incredible lessons he learned growing up, on the gridiron, in entertainment, and in his many business ventures coalesce into his leadership of Tarkenton to this day. But Fran claims no responsibility for the success he’s achieved. He attributes it all to the coaching he’s received; in the NFL, from greats like Sid Luckman, Norm Van Brocklin and Bud Grant; and in business, from former IBM CEO John Akers to Walmart founder Sam Walton. In this episode, Fran shares colorful stories about his journey from the streets of Washington, DC; to Athens, Georgia, home of UGA; to the NFL; to entertainment; and ultimately to a wildly successful business career. You can learn more about Fran by Googling his name, and you can learn more about Tarkenton Companies by visiting . ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39873405

Rewriting the Playbook: Michael Strahan 01/26/2026

Key Changes: Rick Beato 01/17/2026

Key Changes: Rick Beato This week we’re sharing a series of episodes that capture one of our favorite themes on Second Act Stories: the moment when life changes key. These Key Changes episodes feature people whose lives have been shaped by music: some who left it behind for something new; others who found their way to it later than expected. Together, they’re the stories we return to when we want to show how reinvention really works, not as a clean break, but as a shift in rhythm, perspective, and purpose. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the show, these episodes reflect the heart of the podcast: bold pivots, unexpected harmony, and second acts that still have plenty to say. is one of the most successful YouTube stars in the world. His channel, , has 3.5 million subscribers and is approaching 600 million views. Among the different types of videos Rick posts are his , , and his on all things music. Rick also has an incredible series of long-form, sit-down with some of the most acclaimed music artists in the world, including , , , , and a group interview with grunge legends . But Rick didn’t find success on YouTube until he was in his mid-50s, following the viral success of a video he posted of his demonstrating his perfect pitch. In fact, he didn’t even launch his channel until he was 54. Prior to his YouTube success, Rick taught music at the college level, he held private lessons (by his estimation, he taught more than 12,000 lessons), he was a music producer and engineer, and he even co-wrote the song “” by the band , which hit #1 on the Billboard Country chart. Rick is also one of the only people in the world who isn’t a rock star to have his own guitars. In this episode, Rick shares his journey from childhood, when he first played the cello, to the classrooms of upstate New York, to his experience working in the music industry, to the incredible success he enjoys today as one of the world’s most well-respected experts on “Everything Music.” ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39767995

Key Changes: Tom Forst 01/17/2026

Key Changes: Dan Spitz 01/17/2026

Key Changes: Dan Spitz This week we’re sharing a series of episodes that capture one of our favorite themes on Second Act Stories: the moment when life changes key. These Key Changes episodes feature people whose lives have been shaped by music: some who left it behind for something new; others who found their way to it later than expected. Together, they’re the stories we return to when we want to show how reinvention really works, not as a clean break, but as a shift in rhythm, perspective, and purpose. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the show, these episodes reflect the heart of the podcast: bold pivots, unexpected harmony, and second acts that still have plenty to say. Dan Spitz is a true pioneer in every sense of the word. As the lead guitarist of legendary band Anthrax, Dan was one of the innovators who birthed the entire genre of thrash metal music. Anthrax is one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands, a group that also includes Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. He sold millions of albums, played on the world’s biggest stages, and saw his music influence legions of acts that would follow. In 1995, as Anthrax continued to reach new heights, something changed. Dan realized his heart was no longer in it, so he quit the band without a plan for what was next. Dan had been exposed to watchmaking at a young age through his grandfather, who owned a jewelry store where he repaired watches in New York’s Catskill Mountains. That childhood experience came rushing back when he stumbled across an ad for the Bulova watchmaking school. The pieces fit together as perfectly as the mechanics of a complicated watch, and Dan enrolled, graduating a four-year program in 18 months. Then he became the first American to be accepted into a Swiss watchmaking school, and his incredible second act was official. Today, Dan is one of the world’s most sought-after master watchmakers. He’s the watchmaker who watchmakers go to when they can’t solve a problem. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the details about the birth of thrash metal, the conflict that led to Dan’s departure from Anthrax, and the journey that led a thrash metal legend become a legend in the world of fine watches. You can learn more about Dan Spitz by visiting his website at , and . ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39767960

Key Changes: Tracy Bonham 01/17/2026

Key Changes: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter 01/17/2026

Key Changes: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter This week we’re sharing a series of episodes that capture one of our favorite themes on Second Act Stories: the moment when life changes key. These Key Changes episodes feature people whose lives have been shaped by music: some who left it behind for something new; others who found their way to it later than expected. Together, they’re the stories we return to when we want to show how reinvention really works, not as a clean break, but as a shift in rhythm, perspective, and purpose. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the show, these episodes reflect the heart of the podcast: bold pivots, unexpected harmony, and second acts that still have plenty to say. is a rock and roll legend. He was the founding lead guitarist in Steely Dan, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers. As a hired gun, he’s played with a who’s who of music royalty, including Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Dolly Parton, Carly Simon… the list goes on and on. From the time he was a child, the mechanically inclined Baxter loved taking things apart to see how they worked and putting them back together. He became an expert guitar repair technician and built custom guitars. He traded a custom white Fender Stratocaster he built in the 1960s to Jimi James, who would later re-emerge as the legendary Jimi Hendrix. In the 1980s, Skunk parlayed his more-than-casual interest in all things technical into a career as a missile defense consultant. After writing a paper that was quickly classified, he received the necessary clearances and now regularly consults with the U.S. government, the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs on topics including counterterrorism and wargaming. Skunk just released a new solo album, his first, called . Please enjoy our exciting deep dive into the second act of one of rock’s greatest guitarists. ******* . We may read your review on a future episode! . . Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Second Act Stories theme music: “Between 1 and 3 am” by Echoes. /episode/index/show/secondactstories/id/39767890

Unbelievable All-Stars: Fraidy Reiss 01/12/2026

Unbelievable All-Stars: Leah Gorham 01/12/2026

Unbelievable All-Stars: Chris Donovan 01/12/2026

Unbelievable All-Stars: Amy Siewe 01/12/2026

Unbelievable All-Stars: Dr. Peter Rork 01/12/2026

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