Chapter X with Michael Kay

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 Visit Purpose(U) at purposeu.co   Ian Chamandy on LinkedIn  

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   Read “Work, Retire, Repeat” by Teresa Ghilarducci Read “Unretired” by Mark Walton Listen to the Friends Talk Money podcast Next Avenue Read Richard's stories on Medicare for Fortune.com

In 2019, Justin Roethlingshoefer looked like the picture of health from the outside. He was a world championship triathlete and CrossFitter with a successful career in the NHL. But then he started experiencing debilitating headaches combined with stomach issues and insomnia—health challenges he had never faced before.   Doctors told Justin he was in perfect health, but he knew it was a lie. He continued to push for more tests, eventually receiving a colonoscopy and endoscopy that found four precancerous polyps and a precancerous ulcer the size of a quarter in his stomach.   The revelation of his impending health crisis was a wake-up call for Justin to take control of his well-being. Now, as the co-founder of OWN IT Coaching, he aims to redeem global health by educating, empowering, and equipping individuals to take ownership of their well-being. Their mission is to reduce the leading cause of death in the United States—chronic illness, currently at 71%—to below 50% by 2030.   In this episode, we discussed:   Finding his purpose to redeem the health of the world at age 11 Why Justin believes we can use data to take ownership of our health 5 different markers of health that research found can prolong our live How we can access data to determine our health decisions The ways we can educate ourselves about lifestyle changes and health   Connect with Justin   Read “The Power of Ownership” by Justin Roethingshoefer Find out more about testing with Own It Coaching  Own It Coaching  

It’s never too late to adopt an active lifestyle, even in retirement. Today’s guest, Leon Sirulnick, has been retired for 17 years now. His life has been filled with extraordinary adventures—and I can say he’s truly done it on his terms.     Today's guest is very special to me. Back in 2002, I met Leon for the first time in my office. He walked into our meeting, threw a stack of papers onto my desk, and firmly announced he was ready to retire.    That one meeting was a turning point in my financial life planning career. In this episode, you’ll meet the man who I consider to be the father of the Chapter X project, and today, we're replaying this episode to highlight the impact he had on shaping our approach to retirement. Tune in to hear the complete story.   When Leon knew it was time to retirement from his career in television The unexpected reason why his first few weeks of retirement were the toughest How he responds to people when they ask what he does during the days How Leon (and his wife Rhonda) stay socially connected with others Leon’s secret to being able to enjoy an active life in retirement Why one important meeting with him changed Michael’s entire life Links The Paper Clips Project  

When Jerry Werner retired, he found himself in an unexpected slump. Getting hit by the retirement blues was a surprising experience for someone as goal-oriented and optimistic as the former Navy SEAL. Thankfully, a nudge from his son reignited his enthusiasm to finish a book project he'd started to write.   The driving force behind Jerry's book was his desire to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for his grandchildren. From his exciting Navy career to his transition into business leadership, Jerry's path has been rich with diverse experiences.    Today, he reflects on the adventurous journey that has brought him to this point. I came into this conversation with high hopes, and I can honestly say that Jerry exceeded every expectation. As we dive into his story, he candidly shares the highs and lows of his journey.    What's truly inspiring is how Jerry's resilience shines through as he shares what it takes to craft a fulfilling post-career life.   In this episode, we discussed:   How a childhood dream to visit Mars ignited a lifelong journey that shaped Jerry’s life What lessons he learned from being tortured in a prisoner-of-war camp The biggest life lesson Jerry wishes to impart to his grandchildren Why the intensity of reliving difficult memories put Jerry off from writing his book Jerry’s best advice for crafting a meaningful post-career life  Connect with Jerry Follow on LinkedIn

In a world where fresh starts are often idealized but rarely explored, my guest today takes us behind the scenes of his own transformative journey.   I'm truly excited to welcome Howard Epstein, a lifelong resident of Omaha, Nebraska, who recently retired as the Executive Director of The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Now, he's embracing a new role as an adjunct professor at Creighton University School of Law, teaching a class in nonprofit organizations.    With a background that spans family businesses, a 17-year stint in private law practice, and extensive involvement in Omaha's charitable and philanthropic community, Howard has a wealth of experiences to share.    In this episode, we dive into Howard’s fascinating journey—one that navigates through several career shifts. From his days in accounting to managing a fruit and vegetable business, exploring biology, and practicing law, it's a story of adaptation and growth.   We discussed:   How a casual client comment prompted Howard to begin a new career at age 61 Why Howard decided to leave his nonprofit career behind in the last year What the first morning felt like after waking up to a new life chapter The biggest lesson Howard's learned in this past year of retirement What discussions he had with his wife in the decision leading up to retirement The number one piece of advice he would give to folks considering to retire  

Finding your mission in life is no easy feat, but Ken Mifflin cracked the code. Join us today as we unravel the steps of his remarkable journey toward discovering purpose. While not labeling himself as "retired," Ken has skillfully redefined his life around activities aligned with his deepest values.   As a seasoned management consultant and aspiring author with a background at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Andersen Consulting/Accenture, Ken provides unique insights into navigating the transition from a career to a purpose-driven post-professional life.   From his voluntary contributions to his family life in Greenwich, CT, Ken's story offers valuable perspectives on purposeful living in the next chapter. Get ready for an insightful exploration of intentional living, career transitions, and the art of crafting a meaningful retirement journey.   We discussed:   Why your past career is preparing you for what you do in retirement The creative endeavor Ken is working on now (and how it's different from his career) Why we feel pressure once we’ve discerned our mission in life How Ken juggles responsibilities while nurturing his passion project Why you have to intentionally look for a path in this next chapter  

Life is more than chasing a bigger paycheck or a career fixated on it. Our guest today, Rand Selig, suggests that as we step into the next phase after work, it's an opportunity for self-discovery. What's interesting is that the same skills that fueled our career success can now shape this new chapter.   Rand Selig is a seasoned entrepreneur, coach, and roll-up-your-sleeves conservationist with an MBA from Stanford. His expertise in managing global projects adds a unique flavor to our conversation. Based in Mill Valley, California, he shares life's adventures with his wife of 42 years. Recently, Rand authored Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life.    During our talk, Rand reflects on his own career transition and imparts valuable lessons on facing challenges with bravery, persistence, and grit. His philosophy centers around the idea that we can design our own lives. I'm delighted to bring you this thought-provoking and significant conversation—and you might even want to jot some notes down.    We discussed:   How day one felt after Rand left his business behind—and his Chapter X started What stands out as the life lesson that left the biggest mark on Rand  Taking a closer look at the four essential aspects of aging well Why writing your legacy is something to do now (and how it can shape your life) How focusing on the things you can control changes your outlook The difference between success and thriving   Connect with Rand www.randselig.com   Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life 

What lies beneath the surface of your thoughts? Today, we're going deep into the stories we carry within ourselves with my guest, Kevin Burk. The stories we tell ourselves, often without realizing it, shape our reality and beliefs about ourselves and our situations.   Kevin B. Burk is the Headmaster of The Real Astrology Academy and the creator of the Human Game, a philosophy based on the idea that the Universe is made up of stories. He coaches the Human Game Experience, an astrology-based reality role playing game that can give you creative control over the Story of Your Life.    According to Kevin, understanding how these stories work is the key to understanding life. It's a journey into beliefs, stories, and the powerful shift that comes with gaining a deeper understanding. Get ready to explore how this insight can fill our lives with greater joy and happiness.   In this episode, we discussed:   Why we must get creative control over the story of our life’s journey How the stories we tell ourselves unknowingly shape our reality  The three levels of story: plot, character, and theme (and the only one that matters) Why we’re unaware of the stories we tell ourselves about our experiences What can happen when you make tiny adjustments to your stories   Connect with Kevin https://playthehumangame.com/  https://TheRealAstrology.com/coddiwomple

Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo were long-time colleagues at Fidelity Investments. Their careers took an unexpected turn when the unexpected offer of an early retirement landed in their laps—and it sparked a whole new perspective on what retirement truly means.   In their research, they noticed a gap in the retirement planning discussion. While finances often take the focus, the life planning piece was missing. Big questions about purpose, balance, and making the most of the coming decades were left unanswered.   Nan and Lisa connected with 50 people soon-to-be or already retired individuals and absorbed wisdom from their experiences. From there, they leveraged their expertise in transition planning and life coaching to develop a transformative 4-step process that empowers individuals to design their ultimate retirement life.    With their passion for helping others and their profound understanding of the retirement experience, Nan and Lisa are on a mission to inspire and guide people toward a rewarding and fulfilling retirement.   We discussed:   Three common retirement spectrums people typically find themselves How they created a formula drawn from the experiences of fulfilled retirees The key things they observed that distinguished a fulfilled life after work  A four-step blueprint Nan and Lisa developed for planning your own future Why you have to work at retirement to make it something that has meaning  How to shift from a fixed mindset to one that embraces open thoughts   Connect with Nan and Lisa The Future of You  

To start off the new year, I decided to try something new. Each month, our Chapter X community gathers on Zoom to discuss a specific topic. And today, you're in for a treat—this podcast episode features a recording from our final Chapter X meeting of the year.   During this gathering, we reflected on 2023 and our aspirations for 2024: What lessons did it bring? What changes are we seeking or what growth are we aiming for? What insights emerged from both successes and challenges?   I believe that sharing these reflections could offer guidance to those navigating their own journeys—after all, that's what Chapter X is all about. I hope you find this conversation intriguing, engaging, and perhaps it might even inspire you to join our monthly gatherings.   In this meeting, we explored topics such as:   Why managing expectations becomes key in navigating the new experiences and challenges of this stage of life How remaining present and savoring every moment is a necessary challenge for your personal well-being Stoic philosophy and the idea of choosing how we respond to situations The impact of your family upbringing on shaping your outlook on the world Why letting go of worrying about external factors and honing in on what we can control in life is a powerful mindset The emotional hurdles of taking on new endeavors and shielding our self-worth from the judgments of others   Join Us Inside the Chapter X Community https://michaelfkay.com/connect/community/

Welcome to a special rerun episode that holds a special place in my heart. Today, we're revisiting a profound conversation that delves into life's transitions and the invaluable lessons they offer.   Looking back at our lives often reveals the defining moments that shaped our paths. But how do we take those lessons and apply them to our next chapter? That’s the theme of today’s conversation.   It’s truly an honor to reintroduce our guest, Meir Statman. He is a professor of finance at Santa Clara University and has authored two of my favorite finance books. Born in a refugee camp in Germany during 1947, Meir has an incredible life story that he takes us through on the show.    In this episode, Meir shares his insights on maintaining an open mind, the importance of self-discovery, and how life’s stages ultimately prepare us for the transitions ahead.   We discussed:   Why Meir chooses to look at his life through the lens of serendipity How we can use the concept of serendipity as we look to the future How to address the common post-career fear of financial uncertainty The surprising theory of getting satisfaction from saving money vs. spending it The reason why Meir hasn’t retired from teaching in his seventies Why Meir focused on teaching his daughters the value of kindness as they grew   Links The Mental Mistakes We Make With Retirement Spending by Meir Statman

Mark Weber spent his career helping the wealthy transfer their wealth efficiently. He attended hundreds of meetings with attorneys and their clients, navigating the ins and outs of estate planning. But something was missing—hardly anyone talked about their values or the legacy they wanted to leave.   It dawned on Mark that advisors had a chance to go beyond just taxes and talk about the impact people could make and the legacy they could create. He saw this as a way to change minds among Omaha's professional advisors and make the community not just financially richer, but also more generous.   Today, he’s seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in financial services to author, speaker and teacher. In this episode, he unfolds the heartwarming and meaningful journey that led him into this new chapter of his life.   The inspirational idea that prompted Mark’s journey into his Chapter X Why now is the time to start identifying what values we want to pass on The difference between your family legacy vs. community legacy What might have occurred if Mark hadn't prioritized intentional retirement planning Why Mark senses that this particular group faces the greatest struggles in retirement The list of significant career milestones he created to pass down to his children   Connect with Mark Visit A Spectrum of Legacies website Find A Spectrum of Legacies on Amazon  

In 2019, Greg Vigdor decided to take a break after working in healthcare for four decades. His plan was to relax for a few months before returning to work. However, the outbreak of a global pandemic threw a curveball into his plans.   During this unexpected pause, Greg dove into a brand-new project. He started writing his very first novel, weaving his expertise from healthcare into fascinating detective stories. The idea was to entertain readers while enlightening them on health policy, the flaws in the American healthcare system, and suggesting ways readers can improve their own health.   In this episode, explore how Greg transitioned his career passion into storytelling. He shares how he embraced this new endeavor head-on, blending his expertise with the art of page-turning stories.   We discussed:   How Greg launched his career as a author writing medical detective stories The surprising part of retirement that left a major loss in his life What Greg discovered about himself through the process of writing two novels (these lessons are so important) How today’s healthcare system evolved into fighting a losing battle The common dead ends that people face while trying to get healthcare   Connect with Greg Greg on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/gregvigdor   Washington Health Foundation: www.washhealthfoundation.org/book-the-theory-of-irv   Artisan Book Review of The Covid Murders:  https://artisanbookreviews.com/2023/09/03/the-covid-murders-by-greg-vigdor

Growing up before 1970 meant a diet heavy on margarine and potato chips—we just lacked awareness of nutrition. Today, we're armed with much more knowledge. Yet, navigating through varied advice can be bewildering, especially if you were raised with different beliefs.   At the core of our pursuit for health and well-being lies the desire to become the best version of ourselves. So, how can we show up as our best selves every day? According to our guest today, you have to take care of your hormones if you want to live a long life.   Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Dr. Christine Boev, an ICU nurse, health coach, and an expert in fitness and longevity. You cannot help but be inspired by her commitment in helping people live their best lives.   Her goal is youthful longevity with the aim of maintaining optimal mobility during chronologic aging. In this episode, she shares valuable advice on starting small to achieve sustainable health changes through discipline and habits. I know you’ll enjoy this conversation with such a dynamic professional.   We discussed:   This final ingredient is the key to longevity (hint: it’s not just about fitness or nutrition) What are the variables that we can control vs. the things that we cannot control? What checking your testosterone levels can reveal about your health Two common misconceptions about exercise that can prevent us from starting Why getting your mind right to start your day is really critical Christine’s simple recommendations on nutrition and alcohol Connect with Christine Follow @drchristineboev on Instagram

Imagine retirement not as the end of a journey but as the beginning of an entirely new chapter—one where time becomes your most precious currency.    Today, we're peeling back the layers of conventional retirement wisdom to explore how the art of time optimization can transform these post-career years into an unparalleled phase of enrichment and purpose.   As a Certified Professional Retirement coach, David uses his 35+ years of organizational and time management skills to help business professionals craft post-career lifestyle strategies of fulfillment, purpose, and meaning. David is also author of the book, The Time-Optimized Life: Moving Everyday Preparation, Execution, and Control from Finite to Infinite.   Join us as we navigate the intersection of productivity, purpose, and a fulfilling post-career life. In this episode, we discussed:   How David applied the same productivity principles that made him successful in his career to his post-career life Why leaving your career doesn’t mean quitting work altogether The importance of planning how you’ll balance individual vs. couple goals  How to use time management principles to stay connected with your friendships David’s adaptable goal planning system for the different phases of retirement   Connect with David Enter promo code “Michael” to get your free Retirement Time Analysis report https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/rta/   Preorder The Time-Optimized Life book https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/the-time-optimized-life-book/  

Steven Kushner had originally planned to retire at 70. However, at 65, he began feeling fatigued, noticing the strain of evening meetings and realizing his body was signaling a need to slow down.   By June 2018, he retired and received the honorary title of Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Ner Tamid. Eager to venture into uncharted territory, he sought something entirely new.   Throughout his rabbinic career, Steven's creativity had largely been expressed through writing and speaking. Yet, in 2017, anticipating retirement, he tapped into his visual side. He started sharing his photos on Facebook, receiving encouraging feedback from friends and congregation members.   That’s when he wanted to finally—after a lifetime of taking pictures—begin a process of learning how to make pictures. Although he does not formally identify as a photographer, when asked Steven is very comfortable saying that he does serious photography. In this episode, Rabbi Steven shares an extraordinary journey marked by unexpected transitions and explorations.   We discussed:   Steven’s childhood dream to be the shortstop for the Detroit Tigers How he cultivated a reputation as a film aficionado within the synagogue Why Steven decided to retire five years earlier than his initial plan The unexpected emotional challenge of retiring (and a quest for unexplored endeavors)  How he dove into photography with the guidance of a friend  The journey of learning and refining his craft that proved immensely gratifying Connect with Steven https://stevenkushnerphotography.com/portfolio Headshot Photo Credit: Nick Levitin Photography

We often mistake experience for wisdom. But today, our guest challenges this notion. Wisdom isn't just about ourselves; it's about the legacy we craft. How do we become good ancestors and leave the world better than the one we entered?   Join me in a conversation with Nikos Patedakis, a philosopher dedicated to unleashing wisdom and compassion. Brace yourself—the ideas exchanged in our conversation were nothing short of mind-expanding.    Nikos, armed with multiple philosophy degrees, including a PhD, wields wisdom, love, and beauty to transform lives. Through his role as a consulting philosopher and educator, he reshapes individuals, cultures, and our world. In this episode, we explore wisdom traditions and the need to deepen one's understanding of oneself and the mind.   We discussed:   What it means to have a wisdom-based approach to life How to weave a lifetime of your experiences into wisdom Considering your legacy and how you would love to be remembered Why mindfulness makes life much more interesting as you age The concept of ‘training for death’ (and why you shouldn’t put it off) Why leaving work behind isn’t really about filling a void in your life   Connect with Nikos   Free resources on compassion training: https://dangerouswisdom.org/meditations Nikos’ book recommendations on the subject of living well and dying well: The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhat Hanh Dying with Confidence: A Tibetan Buddhist Guide to Preparing for Death by Anyen Rinpoche The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us about Living Fully by Frank Ostaseski How We Live Is How We Die by Pema Chodron The documentary Tukdam Interview with Doug Tallamy about creating the world's biggest national park in your own backyard

Today we're delving into the world of dating. If you're married and thinking about skipping this one, I’d suggest you pause and consider sharing it with the single men in your life, whether they're single due to widowhood, divorce, or other circumstances.   Our guest today is Brad Johnson, the mastermind behind Zero Nonsense Dating. He caught my attention with his unique approach to tackling the challenges faced by men in the dating world. This podcast conversation was unlike any other I've had, and it was both enlightening and entertaining.   Brad founded Zero Nonsense Dating to equip men with practical strategies that yield real results. The dating advice landscape is flooded with content that either focuses on fleeting encounters or doesn't fit every situation. Authentic and practical guidance is hard to find, and often, it's only gained through personal trial and error.    And that's precisely why Brad is here today. He's on a mission to help other men become their best without becoming someone different.   In this episode, we discussed:   The biggest challenges of dating as an introvert vs. extrovert Three common problems with navigating the noise on dating apps  Why older men have advantages in dating that younger men don’t have Reentering the dating scene after decades of being partnered Three worthwhile dating platforms for older men How to find common ground with someone on a first date   Connect with Brad Zero Nonsense Dating Website Get Chapter 1 of Your Dating Life Solved for Free Instagram Facebook  

Episode 159: Finding Yourself with Rabbi Andy Warmflash Title: Finding Yourself with Rabbi Andy Warmflash     As Rabbi Andy Warmflash's professional life came to an end, his world was flipped on its head. He had an abundance of time, but profound questions about his identity loomed. With a lifelong career as a rabbi, his job had defined him.    However, Rabbi Andy was clear about a few things: he wanted to share the wealth of wisdom accumulated during his 40-year career, seek meaningful pursuits, savor life's joys, and, once the pandemic allowed, embark on new adventures and cherish time with his children and grandchildren. A recent move, made together with his wife to be near their kids, had shifted their roles from parenting to the pleasures of grandparenting.   What did this journey teach him? It was a trial by fire, forcing reinvention after a lifelong career. Even with his strengths and experience, he was creating a fresh chapter in his life story. Join us as we explore Rabbi Andy's transformative path and his insights into shaping a fulfilling next chapter.   In this episode, we discussed:   How Rabbi Andy grappled with unexpected guilt after retiring during the pandemic Discovering a profound sense of unburdening after leaving work behind Why Rabbi Andy went to therapy to figure out his identity in retirement  The “hit and miss” search for meaningful volunteer opportunities What lessons Rabbi Andy learned about himself after exiting the workforce The impact of embracing discussions with diverse viewpoints   Connect with Rabbi Andy Listen to the Common Grounds podcast