Beyond Retirement

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In this candid conversation, Jacquie reconnects with friend and guest Robaire Nadeau, a seasoned professional who is choosing reinvention over retirement. Robaire shares what it means to return to university at "north of 60", why age shouldn't define what's possible, and how personal passion can become the compass for a new chapter of life. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start again, this conversation is a warm reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity, lean into your potential, and reimagine your future. Following his retirement from full-time legal practice, Robaire founded the Centre for Contextual Negotiation™, where his team teaches others to navigate complex conversations, not with tricks or tactics, but through deep listening, presence, and perspective-taking. He sees negotiation not as argument, but as the art of helping people get to the heart of what matters. In one of the episode's more unexpected twists, Robaire introduces his alter ego as a mentalist, someone who blends performance, psychology, and human insight. He describes his work as "Magic for the Intelligent Mind." This practice allows him to connect with people on an emotional and philosophical level, challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity. It's not about deception; it's about awakening awareness. If you're interested in having Robaire work his magic on your group, reach out to him at https://stateofmind.ca [https://stateofmind.ca/]

In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on the powerful insights from her recent conversation with cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston—and explores what they mean for life after work. Retirement isn't just a financial shift—it's a cognitive, social, and emotional transformation. Jacquie walks listeners through the science behind memory changes, crystallized intelligence, and the identity shift that often hits after leaving full-time work. She discusses why cognitive challenges, social connection, stress management, and focused attention are critical pillars of brain health in retirement—and how to cultivate them intentionally. From avoiding multitasking burnout to using meditation and green tea to protect your hippocampus, this episode is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to help you thrive. Key Topics: * How identity and purpose shift after retirement * Why social interaction is a cognitive necessity, not a luxury * The dangers of retirement multitasking—and how to stay focused * Real ways to manage chronic stress for brain protection * The role of movement, mindfulness, and daily habits in long-term brain health Thought to Ponder: Are you structuring your retirement years for brain engagement, or letting distraction take the lead? Try This: Choose one activity this week that offers all three benefits: social connection, cognitive challenge, and joy.

Dr. Therese Huston discusses why cognitive changes in later life don't always signal decline and how to stay mentally strong with simple, science-backed strategies. Key Topics Covered: * The difference between normal memory lapses and concerning cognitive decline * How the brain actually gets better at certain things with age * Why "brain training" apps might not be as effective as you think, and what works better * The surprising link between movement and memory * How multitasking, stress, and  even retirement routines can cloud mental clarity * Daily strategies for staying sharp without overhauling your life * The emotional impact of memory concerns and how to manage that inner dialogue Action Steps: * Replace multitasking with focused, single-task attention once per day * Build a new memory-friendly habit around your existing routine (e.g., walking while reviewing your to-do  list) * Reframe "forgetting" as a cue to slow down, not as a failure * Grab your own copy of Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science You can contact Dr. Huston via her website: https://theresehuston.com Don't forget to check out her new book, Best Brain Ever, hitting stores on December 2, 2025!

Do you know what makes YOU uniquely remarkable? If you do, you're probably in the minority of retirees, because most of us haven't spent much time thinking about our purpose in those terms. We can all describe what we did or what our job title was, but that doesn't make us unique. What you bring to the table each time you show up... THAT is what makes you YOU. Many people call this your "purpose". Whatever you choose to call it, this deep-seated knowledge gives you confidence and helps you make tough decisions... assuming you recognize it and let it guide you. Learning to recognize what makes you unique gives you a lot of advantages, including (but not limited to): * establishing your identity * reducing indecision in the face of choices * building confidence * improving communication  To help you figure out what your unique trait is, think about two significant accomplishments in your life, a personal one and a professional one, and try to identify what was present in those events. Did a talent show itself? What belief(s) can you identify related to the event's success? If you can find a talent, skill, or thread common to both accomplishments, that is a great starting point.

🧭 Episode Summary In the inaugural guest episode of Season 6, Ian Chamandy of Purpose U explores the power of purpose—and why defining it in seven words or less can transform your retirement journey. Together, Ian & Jacquie dive into how knowing your unique gift can provide clarity, boost confidence, and serve as a personal decision-making tool—especially during major life transitions, such as retirement. Whether you feel uncertain about your next chapter or you're simply looking to make more intentional decisions, this episode will guide you to the core of who you are and what truly matters. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways * What is Purpose (really)? * Purpose in 7 Words or Less * Trigger Events and Why Retirement Qualifies * Beliefs, Wants & Talents: Your Personal DNA * Real-Life Case Study: "Make It Simpler" * Why It's Never Too Late to Define Your Purpose * How Purpose Can Enhance Relationships with Advisors 💬 Notable Quotes "Your purpose is your gift—and your job is to share it with the world." "Purpose isn't what you do. It's the one thing that makes you uniquely remarkable." "If everything you do is a means to an end—what's the end?" "When you know your purpose, you elevate your confidence… and simplify your decisions." 📌 Resources Mentioned * 🌐 Purpose U Course Website [https://www.purposeu.ai/] * 🧠 Book Reference: Godel,      Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter * 🔧 Course Tools: Step-by-step      videos, AI assistant "Wordsmith," and open forums to support learners * 📝 Course Framework: * Phase 1: Deconstruct past       accomplishments to uncover beliefs, wants, and talents * Phase 2: Build your purpose       statement * Phase 3: Learn how to live       aligned with that purpose 👤 Ian Chamandy is the co-founder of Purpose U and the creator of the "7 words or less" purpose-defining method. With a background in strategic consulting and communications, Ian has worked with over 400 organizations and now helps individuals unlock the next phase of life with clarity and confidence.

Retirement frees you from living by default. So… what will you choose instead?  This episode delves into the idea of living with intention...one small step at a time.

It's been a lot of fun these past few years, getting to know so many guests and hearing from multiple listeners with great thoughts about the show. But the time has come to bring it to a close. Beyond Retirement was started to guide me and all my listeners on the journey to the next stage of life. Well, I've made it! I'm at the gate to life "Beyond Retirement" and I have to say I'm excited about the future! As I mention in this episode, I'm looking for suggestions for a title to the book I'm writing about life beyond retirement. If I use your suggestion, I'll send you a copy of the book!! You can send your suggestions here: retireabc@gmail.com Enter as often as you like! The possibilities I've thought of so far are: * Beyond Retirement – Embracing a Fulfilling Life * Creating A Vibrant Life Beyond Retirement * The Good Life: Exploring the Non-Financial Aspects of a Great Retirement * Golden Years: Embracing Life Beyond Retirement If you like any of these, fire off an email and tell me so! Thanks for listening. I appreciate you!!

"Beyond Retirement" is a fluid time encompassing all of your time after the flagpost of "retirement" has been passed. This podcast was developed to help listeners figure out their own journey by listening to the musings of the host and her guests as they travelled the road together. There's no right or wrong journey. There are many detours and U-turns along the way. But in the end, it's the journey that really matters, isn't it. It's not the destination, but how you got there.

Creativity, generosity, gratitude...do they play a role in your life? They should! Start with gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for in your life. Finding that thing, even if it's small, will help you to grow and your happiness will increase. Last week, Hugh Willard talked about the intentional aspect of generosity - how, in order to be generous, we have to look inside ourselves. Gratitude helps you be generous. When you are grateful for what you have, you want to share it with others, so they can also feel what you feel. You don't think you're creative, because you've never been able to draw, or sing, or dance. So what?! There are many other outlets for creativity. Maybe you have an eye for interior design; perhaps you're great at telling stories to children. Maybe you're a whiz at math and can help the neighbourhood kids with their homework. Creativity comes in many forms! Find yours. Brother David Steindl-Rast – TEDTalk on Gratitude & Happiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBsl3j0YRQ

Hugh Willard is a psychotherapist, the author of the new book Finding Beauty in the Gray: Stories and Verse from the Third Age and the host of the podcast Aging Well: Finding Beauty in the Gray [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/aging-well-finding-beauty-in-the-gray/id1615237273]. Hugh has facilitated numerous workshops and taught courses on several topics relevant to folks in the second half of life. Today we talk about the importance of generosity in life, as well as its inherent link to gratitude. Hugh mentions that studies are showing substantial benefits to mental and physical health from increased efforts in generosity and gratitude. While there are many instances in life where we may not feel especially grateful or where our generosity is tested, Hugh points out that by taking the time to delve into our experience of age we can often find something to feel grateful for, or the process can lead us to acting in a more generous fashion than was our first inclination. And this is what gives us the feeling of satisfaction - giving of ourselves, especially in a time when it is difficult. Please connect with Hugh: On his websites: https://hughwillard.com and https://findingbeautyinthegray.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingbeautyinthegray/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082899096505 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-willard-81aa4869/

Wanderlust is a strong desire to wander or travel and explore the world. Last week's episode with the hosts of the Beach Travel Wine podcast really sparked my own wanderlust! This week I talk a bit more about why I believe travel is so important and why it should be part of your retirement plan. You don't have to take off for distant countries; the village next to yours may have some fabulous treasures you've yet to discover. The point is, there is a great big world under our feet and it seems a shame to go through life without experiencing at least some of its diversity and wonder.

Leanne and Lyle McCabe are the hosts of the Beach Travel Wine podcast and they share their passion for travel and the importance of experiencing new things. With 62 episodes under their belts, they take us on a journey through Spain, Italy, London, Paris, and Australia. And they're not stopping there - they give us a sneak peek into their upcoming episodes that will feature the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Leanne and Lyle invite listeners to reach out for travel suggestions and even encourage budding travel enthusiasts to start their own travel podcast. They reveal how podcasting has not only enhanced their travel experiences, but also strengthened their relationship. They share their stories, wisdom, and the joy of not being confined to a traditional retired lifestyle. Lyle takes on the role of the researcher, uncovering fascinating facts about the cities they visit before they even arrive, enriching their knowledge and making their adventures all the more fulfilling. From visiting the Pity Palace in Florence to scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne and Lyle don't let age define their boundaries. They believe that as long as they stay healthy, there's no reason to stop exploring the world. Check out the Beach Travel Wine [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beach-travel-wine-podcast/id1638075234] podcast. Connect with Leanne & Lyle at https://www.beachtravelwine.com/

This episode is a reflection on the topic covered in my conversation with Joe Curry, namely identifying your purpose and values in retirement. It's important to know your values and figure out what your purpose is, but it's not important to keep that same purpose throughout your journey in life. Your purpose can - and probably WILL - change over the course of your lifetime. Understanding this will help guide you in determining how to live your life. "What gets you out of bed in the morning" should be something that you're excited about, something that leads to fulfilment for you. If you haven't figured out what that is, take a look at a couple of resources I offer on my website, a book called Finding Your Why and a short course of the same name. These will both help you move toward what your current purpose in life is, and by redoing the exercises in future, you may discover that your purpose changes over time.

Joe Curry specializes in simplifying the financial lives of people approaching or within retirement. He is the host of the podcast Your Retirement Planning Simplified and is a Certified Financial Planner. Joe is the Owner & CEO of Matthews + Associates, located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, where Joe and his team help Canadian retirees and those within a few years of retirement (work-optional) achieve True Wealth, which Joe believes is a combination of achieving financial freedom, spending time doing the things you love with the people you love, and having the ability to create opportunities for those that matter most to you. Many people don't expect to talk about their values and purpose when meeting with a financial planner. But discussing these fundamental aspects of life can open up new possibilities and help individuals think more deeply about their retirement goals. Joe introduces his Retirement Navigator and shares two sections of the program: understanding core values and finding purpose. He explains how, by clarifying their values and aligning their spending with them, people are better able to plan for a fulfilling retirement. We explore the concept of "unique ability" and how it applies not just to business owners, but also to retirement. We discuss the importance of identifying and prioritizing activities that align with our skills and bring us joy, while minimizing those that don't. And we learn that it's okay for preferences and interests to evolve and change over time, allowing us to adapt and continue evolving. But that's not all! Joe also shares insights on retirement planning strategies, the importance of starting early, and determining if retirement is the right decision for you. He discusses allocating income for retirement expenses, testing the viability of our retirement plans, and he uses examples to better understand values. Throughout the episode, we see how Joe's own values shape his approach to retirement planning. And we discover that retirement isn't just a time to relax and enjoy ourselves—it's an opportunity to reconnect with our core values and start living according to them. Find out more about how Joe can help you: Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ (You will also find the Retirement Navigator on the website) Podcast: Your Retirement Planning Simplified [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/your-retirement-planning-simplified/id1596570969]

Retirement is the time to start doing what you want to do - if you haven't been doing that all along. It's time to figure out what interests you, what motivates you, what inspires you. It's also time to relax, have some fun, take care of your mind & body... basically, to do what you prefer. Be sure to check out Today's Elder, at https://todayselder.ca and Radio Downton, at radiodowntown.ca [https://radiodowntown.ca]

Barbara Waxman, Founder of Odyssey Group Coaching, is an aging advocate who helped define the Middlescence life stage. Her leadership in the coaching field has culminated in the transformative coaching model, Entrepreneurship Turned Inward© and her science informed the Five Essential Elements™ process. Barbara serves as an Advisor to the Stanford Center on Longevity and Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, as well as the Generations Over Dinner Project. Additionally, she is a faculty member at Chip Conley's Modern Elder Academy and an angel investor in the aging and longevity space. Featured in Marin Magazine and Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global, she has also appeared on CBS This Morning and is a frequent podcast guest. Barbara recently authored a chapter in The Successful Health Care Professional's Guide (Springer Publishing) and the report The Future of Resilient Leadership. Barbara previously authored two books examining aging. On today's episode, she talks about the concept of retirement and how it can be so much more than just leisure, by adopting the idea of "preferment," which is investing in oneself and doing activities that bring joy and purpose. On her website, https://barbarawaxman.com/, you can find Barbara's Five to Thrive quiz for achieving optimal health and wellness, which is designed to help people create their own baseline. Barbara suggests examining the story of our lives to find consistent threads and working with coaches to go through lifelines. Additionally, she talks about middlescence and how it's a time of reckoning where individuals have a responsibility to invest in themselves and live life fully. Find out more about Barbara: Middlescence: https://middlescence.co [https://middlescence.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawaxman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraWaxman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarawaxman/?hl=en

Moving to a foreign country is a daunting undertaking, not one to be taken lightly. Do you speak the language? Are you ready for new customs and a new culture? Do you have a support system in place for when things get tough? But it's not all doom & gloom - the opportunities to expand your knowledge of the world, to learn about life "somewhere else" ... that's an exciting draw for many. The most important thing is to go into it with your eyes open. Be ready for things NOT to turn out as you planned; be ready to make changes as you go.

Mike Cobb is the founder and CEO of ECI Development. After vacationing in Belize in 1993, Mike saw the opportunity to help others own properties overseas. Realizing that not everyone wants to be in Belize, the company expanded to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and Portugal. Over the last 27 years, ECI Development has focused on providing customers with a product that fits their specific needs, rather than trying to sell people a cookie-cutter solution. There are basically two types of people who relocate overseas in retirement: those who are running FROM something (local politics, relationships) and those who are running TO something (better weather, improved quality of life). While both types can find new lives as expats, those who are running TO something tend to have better results. Mike points out that there are many things to consider when moving overseas. The language barrier can be a big problem for some people, as can living with various economic classes close together. Many people find it very difficult to be faced with the poverty that surrounds them in Latin America. Cultural differences are also big. Mike suggests that the most important thing to remember when travelling overseas is humility - "We don't know what we don't know". Mike offers his Consumer Resource Guide to assist people in making this transition. The guide contains information on how to prepare for relocation, including a quiz to gauge your preparation level. It also contains information on each of the Latin American countries in which ECI has developments. Download the Consumer Resource Guide by visiting ECI's website at: https://ecidevelopment.com/

Peak performance isn't just for sports. Paying attention to what you're doing, being consistent, always moving forward... these are all part of being the best you can be, which is something we should strive for all the time. This episode is a bit of a recap of last week's chat with Joe Jacobi.