Beyond Retirement

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In this inspiring episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie sits down with Sairan Aqrawi, a civil engineer, certified coach, and founder of the Gem Thrive Academy. From STEM to soul-searching, Sairan shares how she helps women over 50 rediscover their “hidden gem” — a unique passion, gift, or calling buried under years of work, family, and obligation.Whether it’s painting, public speaking, or building furniture in your garage, your gem doesn’t need to make money to be meaningful. Sairan’s bold, no-nonsense approach helps women reclaim midlife.

What happens when your carefully planned retirement takes an unexpected turn? On this week’s episode of Beyond Retirement, I reflected on this question.Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone planning their next chapter:Build Your Lifeline Early: Relationships with family, friends, and community are just as crucial as financial planning. The support Susie and Tony received made all the difference during their toughest days.Nurture Your Anchors: Whether it’s faith, creativity, volunteering, or something else—identify what keeps you grounded. Start strengthening those anchors now, so you’re ready when challenges arise.Embrace Flexibility: Plans are important, but adaptability is essential. The most meaningful moments often come from the unexpected detours and from helping others, even while facing your own trials.Retirement is a new beginning—sometimes bumpy, but always full of opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose.

On this episode of Beyond Retirement, host Jacquie Doucette welcomes Soozie and Tony Cisneros, a couple whose retirement dreams took an unexpected turn. Just as they prepared to embark on new adventures together, both received life-changing cancer diagnoses—on the very same day. In this candid conversation, Soozie and Tony share the shock and uncertainty of facing treatment, the ways their family and community rallied around them, and the powerful role faith played in their journey. From setbacks to milestones, and finally reclaiming their freedom, their story is one of resilience, hope, and finding new meaning in life after the unimaginable. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers inspiration and wisdom on facing the unexpected and supporting one another along the way.Key Topics Covered:· Retirement Expectations vs Realityo Planning a life of travel and freedomo Receiving simultaneous cancer diagnoses· Navigating Treatment as a Coupleo Different journeys: radiation vs non-surgical careo Emotional and logistical challenges of supporting each other· The Role of Family and Faitho Support from kids, including shaving their headso How spiritual grounding helped them persevere· Redefining Retirement After Illnesso Embracing each day with intentiono Reframing 'lost time' as a second chance· Lessons in Resilienceo What they’ve learned about strength and partnershipo Advice for others facing unexpected setbacks

Retirement doesn’t need a master plan. In this follow-up solo episode, Jacquie Doucette reflects on Lynn Katz’s journey from school principal to author and community leader, showing how freedom, curiosity, and small daily goals can guide a deeply fulfilling retirement. Whether you’re newly retired or still figuring it out, this episode offers practical insight into designing a path that fits you—not someone else’s vision.Key Topics Covered Intentional Retirement ChoicesNo burnout, just clarity Passion RediscoveryChildhood dreams reignited in retirement Goal Setting Over SchedulingDaily writing targets instead of rigid routinesFlexibility fuels sustained engagement New Experiences in Later LifeSaying yes to unexpected roles and hobbies The Power of OpennessEmbracing “flailing” and slow startsStaying curious and adaptable Community and LearningLifelong learners never retireConnection as a pillar of post-work life

What if happiness wasn’t something that happened to you, but something you chose—even in retirement?In this solo episode, Jacquie reflects on a powerful message from her recent conversation with musician Ron Sowell: “It’s all up to you.” Drawing on stories from Ron’s life and the profound example of Viktor Frankl, she explores the idea that happiness isn’t about perfect circumstances, it’s about how we choose to engage with the season we’re in.If you’re navigating the years beyond your career, wondering how to find meaning, joy, or direction, this episode invites you to reclaim your agency. Because growing old may be inevitable, but growing disengaged is not.Key Topics Covered: The difference between aging and growing old - Why vitality is a daily choice, not a number What it means to “choose happiness”  - The difference between agency and toxic positivity Ron Sowell’s example of a life built on alignment  - Choosing passion over security, and never looking back Viktor Frankl’s lesson from the Holocaust  - How mindset becomes a final freedom, even in suffering Reframing retirement as a meaningful phase  - Finding joy, purpose, and connection regardless of circumstancesMUSIC CREDIT: Ron Sowell - It's All Up to You (used with permission)

Ron Sowell is a lifelong musician, singer-songwriter, and performer who has spent decades exploring the transformative power of music. From stage performances to songwriting workshops, Ron’s life offers a rich example of how creativity and personal growth can intertwine—especially in the years beyond traditional career paths. Ron shares the pivotal moment he stepped off the law-school track and committed to music for life, the joy and meaning he finds in performing and mentoring, and the simple daily practices that keep him grounded and strong as the years add up. We talk Mountain Stage, creative purpose beyond “traditional retirement,” and why gratitude, meditation, and consistent movement are non-negotiables for staying vibrant. Key takeaways: * Purpose isn’t a job title. Ron never planned to “retire” from the thing that gives him energy—music. * Daily anchors matter: meditation, gratitude, and some form of strength/mobility work are simple but compounding. * Creative contribution evolves with age: performing, producing, and coaching other artists are natural extensions of a lifetime in music. * Community keeps you sharp: bandleading at Mountain Stage means constant learning and collaboration with top-tier musicians. Connect with Ron via his website: https://ronsowell.com or @RonSowellMusic ​

Retirement is supposed to be relaxing… so why does it sometimes feel louder than ever?In this solo episode, I reflect on a conversation with my friend Lynda Camire — and explore what happens when retirement doesn’t deliver the peace we expected. Lynda retired with a plan. But within days, she found herself checking the clock, wandering into her old office, and feeling overwhelmed by a surprising emotion: boredom.This episode is about the hidden noise that surfaces after the structure of work disappears — and why that noise isn’t a sign of failure, but a signal worth listening to.What You’ll Learn: Why boredom in retirement feels more like pressure than peace How unstructured time can trigger unexpected emotions The link between boredom and mental clutter Why retirement doesn’t quiet your mind — it confronts it How to reframe boredom as an invitation to experiment, reflect, and grow Key Takeaways: Structure disappears faster than purpose appears. Mental clutter loves a vacuum. Boredom can be a bridge, not a wall. You don’t need a five-point plan. You need a small spark.Questions for Reflection: Is this boredom… or is this mental clutter in disguise? Am I judging myself for not being productive? What have I stopped doing that I used to enjoy? What am I trying not to feel right now?If you’ve recently retired and find yourself feeling restless or “off,” this episode is for you. You’re not broken — you’re human. And you’re not alone. Tune in to learn how boredom might just be pointing you toward your next chapter.

What really happens when you close the laptop for the last time and step into retirement? In this candid episode, I sit down with my friend Lynda Camire, who recently retired from a long-standing career in finance with the Canadian government. She may not have had a retirement party, but she does have a lot of honest insights about what happens when the structure of the 9-to-5 disappears.Lynda shares how she planned her retirement, and how that plan didn’t include just how bored she’d be in the first few days. From wandering into her home office out of habit to watching the clock like she was still on the job, Lynda’s story is a refreshing reminder that even a well-planned retirement can feel disorienting at first.We talk about:The emotional surprise of Day One in retirementWhat happens when there’s no daily agendaStruggles with identity when you no longer say “I work for…”Learning how to stop watching the clockHer passion for cooking and possibly turning it into something moreTravel dreams that are still on the horizonWhy “if you’re unsure about retirement, you’re probably not ready”Whether you’re counting down the days to your own retirement or already in it and wondering “what now?”, this episode offers a real, grounded perspective on navigating the unknown with a little humour, honesty, and Thai food.Links & Resources:Lynda's episode is part of our ongoing season focusing on Mental Health, Enjoyment, and Personal Growth in retirement.Know someone struggling with the early days of retirement? Share this episode with them.Listen to more episodes at:https://beyondretirement.ca/podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Beyond-RetirementOr wherever you usually listen to podcasts!

The toughest negotiation of all isn't with someone else... it's within yourself. It occurs when you have to decide whether to stagnate or grow. Do you want to just stop? Sure, it's easier not to forge ahead sometimes, but it's not easier to live with the result.The pain of regret or the pain of making change... which will you choose?

Episode SummaryIn this deeply reflective episode, Jacquie speaks with J. Paul Nadeau, a man who spent his career saving lives through high-stakes negotiation, and later had to negotiate with something much closer to home: his own regrets.As a decorated detective, international peacekeeper, and crisis negotiator, Paul’s professional identity was shaped by purpose and intensity. But what happens when that role ends? In retirement, Paul was confronted by what he calls “the ghost of missed opportunities” — a quiet but persistent voice of self-doubt and regret that tries to convince us our best years are behind us.Together, Jacquie and Paul explore what it takes to keep growing after life’s big chapters have closed. They talk candidly about mental health, the ongoing nature of personal development, and how we can choose — day by day — not to let regret write our story.This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t stop when the job ends. In fact, that might be exactly when it starts to matter most.Key TopicsConfronting identity loss after retirementUnderstanding the “ghost of missed opportunities”Emotional recovery after decades in high-pressure rolesChoosing daily growth over passive regretThe life-changing power of mindset, self-talk, and forgivenessMemorable Quotes“The ghost of missed opportunities… it comes for all of us. The key is not letting it win.”“You didn’t leave your value behind when you left your job.”“Growth is a choice we make — again and again — no matter how old we are.”Listener TakeawaysReflect on one regret you’ve been carrying. Is it still shaping how you see your future?Ask yourself each week: What do I need more of right now?Reframe your timeline — you’re not behind, you’re just in a new season of life.Make one small move toward something you’ve always wanted to try.Resources & LinksJ. Paul Nadeau’s website: https://www.jpaulnadeau.comBook: Take Control of Your LifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulnadeau

Reinventing yourself after retirement is an option we all have. It doesn't need to be a flashy, public spectacle. It can be as simple as deciding you're going to start choosing YOU first for a change. Maybe you've always wanted to take a pottery class; well, now you can!Or maybe you have a book hiding inside you, clawing to get out. Now's the time!You don't need anyone's permission... just follow what makes your eyes light up and your heart sing.

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

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 healthThought 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 declineHow the brain actually gets better at certain things with ageWhy “brain training” apps might not be as effective as you think, and what works betterThe surprising link between movement and memoryHow multitasking, stress, and even retirement routines can cloud mental clarityDaily strategies for staying sharp without overhauling your lifeThe emotional impact of memory concerns and how to manage that inner dialogueAction Steps:Replace multitasking with focused, single-task attention once per dayBuild 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 failureGrab your own copy of Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain ScienceYou can contact Dr. Huston via her website: https://theresehuston.comDon'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 SummaryIn 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 & TakeawaysWhat is Purpose (really)?Purpose in 7 Words or LessTrigger Events and Why Retirement QualifiesBeliefs, Wants & Talents: Your Personal DNAReal-Life Case Study: “Make It Simpler”Why It’s Never Too Late to Define Your PurposeHow 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🧠 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 talentsPhase 2: Build your purpose statementPhase 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 RetirementThe Good Life: Exploring the Non-Financial Aspects of a Great Retirement Golden Years: Embracing Life Beyond RetirementIf 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.