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Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!
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Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!

Author: Vona Johnson

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Whether you're already retired, on the brink of retirement, or simply curious about the future, join us on this journey in Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!

Through insightful conversations, stories of courage and resilience, and practical wisdom rooted in biblical truth, Courageous Retirement will empower you to see this best season of life not as an end but as a beginning—a chance to boldly make a difference in a world that shuns God's truth. Join us and discover how to find fulfillment beyond the workplace and embrace a new chapter of purpose and impact.

 

Our host, Christian Retirement Coach Vona Johnson, is not just an author, speaker, and leader in her community. She is also a fellow retiree, sharing her personal journey and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Together with her guests, they illuminate how life becomes richer when you engage your faith, live out your true purpose, and leave a legacy of faith. Courageous Retirement will inspire you to Live Your More!

You can find Courageous Retirement on YouTube, too! https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts

41 Episodes
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What does your life say about your faith? That is a question that can stop us in our tracks. In this touching Christmas episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson invites you to slow down and reflect on the one thing that truly matters. Inspired by her annual Christmas card and a tender memory of her dad during the advanced stages of dementia, Vona shares how a simple phrase he repeated about her stepmom revealed a deep truth about faith, love, and legacy. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:10, V...
Are you approaching retirement but still feel called to more? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with Beverly Smith, a Faith-Driven Executive Résumé Writer and Job Search Strategist, to break down the myths surrounding retirement and explore what it looks like to finish well before or after retirement. Together, we talk about: ✨ Why retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning ✨ How to overcome age bias with confidence and clarity ✨ Ways to align work, callin...
Have you ever watched someone you love drift off the path you thought God had for them? It’s painful—but it doesn’t mean their story is over. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares insight from Scripture and personal experience about what it means to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Discover how to walk in peace, even when others take detours, and how God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory. ✨ In this episode: Why detours ...
When was the last time you checked your spiritual compass? It might be time to wake up your faith and walk in God’s direction again. Have you ever realized you’ve been going through the motions—doing all the right things but missing the deeper purpose behind them? In this heartfelt episode, Vona shares a personal story that reminds us how easy it is to drift from God’s will without even noticing. She explores how to live intentionally, discern truth in a confusing world, and walk boldly in f...
Retirement isn’t just about making your money last — it’s about making your life count. In this special Courageous Retirement episode, host Vona Johnson teams up with guest host Michael Fritzius to co-lead a dynamic panel featuring three experts in purpose, financial planning, and travel. Together, Dan Simon, Mike Perez, and Amanda Hietter discuss how retirement can become your most meaningful, adventurous, and faith-filled season yet. Throughout the conversation you will discover how to: ~...
Is This YOUR Turning Point? Are you truly living out your purpose and showing love to others, as Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27? In this episode, we take a closer look at the Great Commission’s call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) in a world filled with diverse and often conflicting beliefs. Our culture’s “you do you” mentality can easily pull us away from God’s truth and the foundation of our Christian faith. Too often, we slip into going through the motions—tolerating false doctri...
Living with or caring for someone with dementia is one of life’s hardest journeys—but also one filled with moments of unexpected grace. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson sits down with chaplain Ben Boland to share stories of faith, love, and loss after both recently walking with their fathers through dementia. Together, they discuss: ✅ Recognizing early signs of dementia ✅ Finding peace and strength as a caregiver ✅ Why Christians view suffering, life, and death d...
Are you struggling to find meaning and support during tough times? In this heartfelt episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson discusses the profound impact of words and the importance of acknowledging our emotions. Sharing personal stories from her father's recent passing, Vona emphasizes the necessity of community and the power of expressing genuine feelings. Explore how encouragement and spiritual faith can transform grief into a journey of purpose and fulfillment...
What happens when you retire at 47—and you're not even sure what's next? In this episode, Dan Simon shares how stepping away early wasn’t about escaping work, but about faithfully following God’s redirection. Discover the faith it takes to retire early—and the purpose that unfolds when you trust God with your next season. Dan walks us through his journey from climbing the ranks in education to launching a charter school, and eventually stepping into Christian education and consulting. Thr...
We've all had problems we feel helpless to fix. Whether it's an illness, a job situation, an unscrupulous landlord, or an unjust system, there are times when we can't remedy the situation. In this heartfelt finale of season one of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson shares how she is facing problems she cannot fix and offers encouragement for those feeling overwhelmed. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and trust in God's plan. Through touching stories, includ...
Are you an introvert nearing retirement and looking forward to the end of the need to attend networking events? Think again! In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson challenges you to rethink networking as a critical tool for maintaining connections in retirement. Sharing her recent experiences and offering actionable advice, Vona explores how continuing to network can lead to a life filled with purpose, joy, and community during the Best Season. Learn how t...
In this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson discusses the importance of being intentional about the issues we focus on as Christians. Inspired by a quote from a well-known comedian, Vona explores how we can shift our focus from disagreements to responding with love and understanding. She explores love, not in the worldly sense by ignoring sin, but the kind wrapped in truth and forgiveness. She emphasizes the significance of relying on the Bible for truth and provides practic...
In this conversation, Vona welcomes Brandon West to Courageous Retirement, where they discuss the paths of faith and career and how we can use our work as a ministry. Touching on themes of legacy, purpose, and the true definition of success and failure, Brandon shares a lesson on taking risks he learned from David Green, the CEO of Hobby Lobby, and a heartfelt discussion about the struggles of positioning his business as a ministry. Sharing impactful stories and quotes, they exp...
Documenting your experiences can help you process life and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, you will learn how to take your personal stories to the next level so you can leave a profound impact by writing them. Host Vona Johnson welcomes special guest Niels Kwakernaak to explore the significance of sharing personal stories. They discuss how Niels provides practical tips on writing and storytelling, emphasizing the therapeutic bene...
Does the illusion of wasting away in retirement scare you? Do you long to be active, travel, and make new friends? Then listen up! In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Mike Weeks shares his transformative journey into the Senior Olympics. Discover how Mike rejuvenated his life post-retirement by diving into competitive swimming and other sports, leading to better health and new friendships. Mike and host, Vona Johnson, discuss: the impact of having goals, the var...
Are there things you wish you could undo or do-over? We all have them, but you can live regret-free! Join us for an insightful and moving conversation with Leanne Marie Webster about living life 'full out,' free from regrets. In this episode, Leanne revisits a tragic childhood event that shaped her philosophy of living every day to the fullest. We discuss the importance of intentional living, how regrets can reveal what we truly value, and the significance of small, meaningful actions...
Have you ever heard of geocaching? Whether you’re a pro or a complete newbie, you’ll love this conversation with Lisa Breitenfeldt of Cache Like a Girl! Join us as we explore what geocaching is, why people get hooked on it, and how you can embark on this high-tech treasure hunt yourself. Geocaching can add a sprinkle of adventure and connection to your life, no matter where you are. Learn how to get started, what to expect when you find a cache, and discover the community...
It's challenging to answer God's call to more when our family isn't on board, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't do it. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson shares the inspiring journey of Kelly Frasier, who defied her family's skepticism to follow God's call. Fueled by faith and courage, Kelly overcame her fears and built a successful studio for her TV show Fetch the Goodness, which focuses on teaching children about God's identity and the fruits of the spi...
What does courage look like in retirement? For Kellie Frazier of Fetch the Goodness, it meant going far beyond her comfort zone. From  jumping out of airplanes and zip-lining over a Mexican rainforest to embracing radical life changes, Kellie shares her remarkable story of healing after a brain injury, a transformative 40-day fast, and stepping boldly into God's plan to bring children back to Him through a TV show. In this episode, the first of a two-part conversation with Kellie, she turns...
Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and peace, but for many, it is a season when old hurts resurface, reminding us of things that are anything but joyful. Vona Johnson explores the profound theme of forgiveness in this heartfelt episode of Courageous Retirement. Reflecting on personal stories, Christian teachings, and poignant examples, Vona encourages listeners to release long-held hurts and embrace the true spirit of Christmas—granting and receiving forgiveness. Using insights from Lora ...
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