Beyond Retirement

Jacquie Doucette
  • 4.8 (24)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

What really happens after retirement? If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering what now?, you’re not alone. The world is full of financial advice for retirement, but there’s far less about how to actually live a fulfilling life once the 9-to-5 ends. Beyond Retirement is the podcast that explores what comes after the career chapter. Whether your retirement was planned or unexpected, joyful or jarring, you’ll find real stories, honest conversations, and practical inspiration here. Join host Jacquie Doucette as she shares her own journey and speaks with people who’ve reimagined life after work—some fully retired, some shifting gears, and all discovering new meaning in this next stage. From finding purpose to building community, embracing play, and navigating change, we’ll explore how to create a life that truly fits. Because retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Let’s figure out what comes next, together.

  1. From Tourist to Local: Rethinking Overseas Travel After 55 - with Andrew Motiwalla

    1d ago

    From Tourist to Local: Rethinking Overseas Travel After 55 - with Andrew Motiwalla

    What if travel in retirement wasn’t about seeing more places—but about living more fully? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette sits down with Andrew Motiwalla, founder of The Good Life Abroad, to talk about a style of retirement travel that’s changing how people 55+ experience the world: slow travel with built-in community. Andrew shares how his Peace Corps experience in Honduras planted the seed for month-long stays that move you out of “tourist mode” and into real life; routines, local cafés, cultural events, and friendships that form naturally when you stay long enough to be recognized. You’ll hear why The Good Life Abroad is not a tour, how their cohort model works, and how community managers create light, optional touchpoints (like cooking classes, walking tours, and local experiences) that help you feel supported without being scheduled to death. You’ll also love Andrew’s perspective on “joyspan”—the idea that we can intentionally expand the years of joy, purpose, and connection in our lives. For many retirees, identity shifts can feel disorienting. Andrew explains how immersive travel can help you grow through learning, connect through shared values, and adapt to new experiences, often leaving you with more confidence and a bigger sense of possibility than when you arrived. Key Topics Covered Why slow, immersive travel creates deeper learning: Why a month in one place creates a completely different travel experienceCommunity as a foundation for joy in retirement: What travelers feel after week 1, week 3, and week 4 of immersive living & why community can be the most surprising (and meaningful) part of the experienceIdentity shifts after leaving work: Rediscovering purpose through curiosity and explorationConfidence gained from adapting to new environments: Why small discomforts lead to growth & how The Good Life Abroad supports safety, comfort, and independence (55+)Travel as a test‑drive for expatriate life: “Expat-curious” scouting trips to test-drive a city before moving abroadWho this style of travel is best for: (hint: curiosity matters)How slow travel affects your budget: Ballpark pricing for a month-long program and what’s included Listener Offer Beyond Retirement listeners can use the referral code BEYONDRETIREMENT when booking with The Good Life Abroad to receive an exclusive listener discount. Connect with Andrew: Via email: Andrew@thegoodlifeabroad.comOn the web: https://thegoodlifeabroad.com READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    42 min

  2. Jun 14

    When the Job Ends: Rediscovering Who You Are in Retirement

    Retirement is often framed as a financial milestone—but the deeper transition is psychological. When work ends, the identity that came with it often disappears as well. In this solo episode, Jacquie reflects on her conversation with Michael Kay about the idea of “Chapter X”—the stage of life where the structure of career gives way to something far more open-ended. What happens when the ladder of achievement disappears? How do you redefine success when productivity is no longer the main measure of value? And how can curiosity become the compass for designing a meaningful life after work? This episode explores the identity shift that many retirees experience and offers a simple but powerful question that can help you begin writing your next chapter. Key Topics Covered 1. Retirement Is More Than a Financial Transition Why retirement planning often ignores the identity shiftHow work provides structure, meaning, and social identity 2. The Identity Gap What happens when your job title disappearsWhy high achievers often struggle most with this transition 3. The Concept of “Chapter X” Retirement as an undefined chapter of explorationWhy uncertainty can actually be an opportunity 4. Reclaiming Beginner’s Mind Why curiosity matters more than expertise after retirementLearning to try new things without pressure to master them 5. Redefining Success Moving from productivity-based identity to meaning-based livingDesigning days around values instead of expectations Reflection Questions: If someone asked who you are today—without referencing your career—how would you answer?What parts of your identity were shaped by your work?Where could curiosity lead you in this next stage of life?What does success look like for you now?What small experiment could you try this month? READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    10 min
  3. Solve for X: Finding Purpose and Joy After a High-Performing Career - with Michael Kay

    Jun 7

    Solve for X: Finding Purpose and Joy After a High-Performing Career - with Michael Kay

    Michael F. Kay spent decades as a CPA and financial professional before transitioning into life coaching focused on the emotional and identity side of retirement. In this conversation, he explains the origin of “Chapter X” (solve for X) and why many high-performing men reach retirement without a clear picture of what comes next. Together, Jacquie and Michael unpack the universal fears that show up in retirement—relevance, vitality, identity—and why the solution is never one-size-fits-all. Michael shares practical ways to reclaim curiosity, experiment without pressure, and let go of ego-driven competition that no longer serves you. They also talk about the value of remembering past transitions (your first day at work, your first promotion) as proof you already have the tools to navigate change. Michael describes exercises from his book—including writing a multi-perspective eulogy—to clarify values and live intentionally now. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: retirement is your chance to curate your days around meaning and joy, not “shoulds,” deadlines, or status. Key topics discussed Michael’s path: musician → CPA → financial life planner → life coachWhy retirement questions start with: “What does that mean to you?” • The origin of “Chapter X” and the idea of “solve for X”What “X” really is: what gets you out of bed, meaning, purpose, curiosityWhy high-performing men often struggle more with the transitionIdentity beyond the job title: “Who are you when you’re no longer your job?”The danger of “waiting to die” and the sadness of purposeless later yearsDepression in seniors and the pull of living in the pastRetirement as a new transition: reclaiming a beginner’s mindNo one dies from being uncomfortable: normalizing transition anxietyUnlearning: ego, competition, ladder-climbing, and “should”Go-go / slow-go / no-go stages and using vitality wiselyContribution doesn’t have to be big: small acts that lift othersJoy as a filter: if it isn’t joyful, don’t do itCurating your day: energy, sleep, priorities, and flexibilityThe book’s process: progressive exercises + expert chapters (gerontology, psychology, exercise, couples)The eulogy exercise: clarifying values and living them now Action steps: Define your X: Write down what you want to get out of bed for in this season of life.Try a beginner’s mind experiment: Pick one new activity and commit to 3 tries—no pressure to “be good.”Audit your “shoulds”: List the things you do out of obligation; cross out one this week.Recall a past transition: Write about your first day at your first real job—what did you learn about adapting?Create a 2–3 item day: Put only 2–3 priorities on your calendar, leaving space for joy. Connect with Michael: https://michaelfkay.com Grab Michael's book on Amazon

    54 min

  4. May 31

    Intentional Living, Clarity, and the Perfect Average Day

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on her conversation with Jermaine Ee (founder of HeirLight) from Episode 294. She distills Jermaine’s wisdom on living intentionally, defining “enough,” and designing ordinary days that feel truly meaningful. Listeners get practical prompts and small experiments to bring more clarity, gratitude, and purpose into their daily retirement life. Why this matters Retirement isn’t just about filling a calendar—it’s about creating days that genuinely satisfy. Jacquie explores how to step out of comparison, focus on what matters, and design a “perfect average day” that brings joy, not just busyness. What we covered The power of asking: “What would I do every day if money and recognition didn’t matter?”Living with clarity: identifying what truly matters nowDefining “enough” and escaping the comparison trapJermaine’s “tiny list” strategy for whose opinions matterDesigning your “perfect average day” (and why it’s more important than big dreams)Meaning vs. busyness: how to choose fulfillment over a packed scheduleLegacy, conversations, and not waiting for the “perfect” momentBonus tips: new communities, prioritizing health, staying curious, capturing memories Key takeaways Clarity is love in practical form.Comparison is the thief of joy.Designing small, meaningful days matters more than chasing big achievements.Don’t wait to have important conversations or experiences.Retirement is richer when you choose relationships, activities, and routines that energize you. WANT TO KICKSTART YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    11 min
  5. What Is “Enough” for Retirement? Culture, Comparison, and a Life Well-Designed - with Jermaine Ee

    May 24

    What Is “Enough” for Retirement? Culture, Comparison, and a Life Well-Designed - with Jermaine Ee

    What if the goal of retirement isn’t just “more free time”… but a life you’re not trying to escape from? Jermaine Ee is a storyteller based in Los Angeles and the founder of HeirLight, a fast, modern, emotionally intelligent way to create a legally binding will, health care directive, and durable power of attorney. In this episode, Jermaine talks about the pressure to postpone life for a promised future—and how clarity often arrives quickly once avoidance ends. You’ll hear Jermaine’s perspective on defining what is enough (and whose voices shape that definition), why the best days aren’t always the big adventures, and how one conversation with his mom led to a dream trip that changed everything. We also touch on estate planning in a refreshingly human way: not as a fear-based task, but as a way to reduce confusion, protect dignity, and care for the people you love. Key Topics: Why so many people trade their present for a promised futureHow culture shapes our definition of “enough”Living for the weekend vs. designing a good TuesdayThe “small paper” exercise: whose opinions actually matterChoosing relationships that add energy (and reducing time with draining ones)Busy vs. meaningful: saying no more oftenA powerful reminder: ask your parents about their dreamsEstate planning as clarity (not fear): will, health care directive, power of attorney Thoughts to ponder Whose voices are shaping your definition of “enough” right now?What’s one thing you could do on a random Tuesday that would make it a good day?What conversation are you avoiding that would bring clarity to your family?If you asked your parents (or kids) about their dreams today, what might you learn? Action steps (try this in 7 days) Design your “good Tuesday.” Write down 3 small things that would make an ordinary day feel like a win.Do the small-paper exercise. List the 5–7 people whose opinions truly matter—and stop outsourcing your self-worth to everyone else.Start one clarity conversation. Pick one topic you’ve been avoiding (health wishes, finances, family expectations, legacy) and take the first step. Connect with Jermaine: HeirLight: https://heirlight.comJermaine: https://eejermaine.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eejermaine **Since recording this episode, HeirLight has expanded its reach and now offers services in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington. For 50% off the HeirLight service, use: www.heirlight.com/en/podcast

    37 min

  6. May 17

    Retirement Life: Have You Planned for Unexpected Needs?

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie dives into the essential—yet often avoided—topic of long-term care, sparked by key takeaways from her interview with Raymond Lavine. She explores why long-term care planning matters, what can happen when caregiving needs arise unexpectedly, and how listeners can take practical steps now to protect their choices, finances, and family relationships. Why this mattersRetirement dreams often focus on freedom and independence, but the reality is that many retirees will eventually need some form of care—sometimes suddenly. Planning ahead can mean the difference between empowered choices and stressful crisis management. What we coveredHow caregiving needs can disrupt retirement plans—often without warningThe hidden ripple effects: finances, family roles, and household dynamicsThe true cost of care—money, time, energy, and emotional bandwidthRaymond Lavine’s three core planning questions: Where? Who? How?The importance of starting conversations early, before a crisisOrganizing vital documents and communicating your wishesUnderstanding care costs in your areaExploring long-term care insurance and why earlier is betterMaking your home safer, one simple change at a timeProactive steps for those who can’t or don’t want insurance Key takeawaysDon’t wait for a crisis. Planning ahead preserves dignity, options, and family harmony.Start small. Even simple conversations and small home changes make a difference.Know your options. Research care costs, insurance, and local resources early.Empower your family. Clear documents and communication prevent confusion and conflict.Self-care matters. Healthy habits and a safe home reduce future risks. READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Have a chat with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery New to Beyond Retirement? Start Here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com/

    10 min
  7. When Caregiving Changes Retirement: Planning Before the Crisis - with Raymond Lavine

    May 10

    When Caregiving Changes Retirement: Planning Before the Crisis - with Raymond Lavine

    Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom… until caregiving enters the picture. Raymond Lavine is a caregiving planning advocate who helps families prepare for long-term care realities before a crisis hits. He’s the host of the podcast Planning with Purpose: The Caregiver’s Blueprint and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Empathy and Understanding in Business. Raymond shares how his parents’ experiences shaped his work, why even affluent families can get squeezed by care costs, and what changes—logistically, emotionally, and financially—when one person needs ongoing support. You’ll also hear practical ways to reduce stress even if you’re not ready to buy a plan today: decluttering, home modifications, organizing documents, and building habits that make aging at home safer. Key Topics: Why families delay long-term care planning until a crisisHow caregiving reshapes retirement for everyone involvedThe hidden logistics: meds, appointments, finances, bathing, transfers, and constant worryWhy “having enough money” still doesn’t mean care won’t disrupt your lifePlanning choices: where you want care, who will manage it, and how you’ll payUsing care support to stay social, travel, and avoid getting “stuck”What people underestimate most: caregiving is “invisible” until it’s notSimple stress-reducers: declutter, improve lighting, add grab bars, swap knobs for leversKeep documents and passwords in one place (digital + paper) Thoughts to ponder If caregiving started tomorrow, what would change first in your life?Who would coordinate care in your family—and do they know that?What would you want to protect most: dignity, independence, relationships, finances?What’s one small home change you could make this month to reduce risk? Action steps (try this in 7 days) 1) Answer the “3 Care Questions.” Where would I want care?Who would manage it?How would we pay? 2) Create a “one place” folder. Health card/insurance info, key contacts, legal documents, medication list, passwords (securely stored). 3) Do one safety upgrade. Add a grab bar, improve lighting, remove a rug, or swap a doorknob for a lever. Connect with Raymond: Website: https://lavineltcins.com

    1h 3m

  8. May 3

    Beyond the Finish Line: Memoirs, Reflection, and New Meaning in Retirement

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie draws inspiration from her conversation with Henry Quinlan—a publisher, memoirist, and passionate advocate for purposeful living in retirement. The episode explores how telling your story, reflecting on life’s turning points, and embracing new “second acts” can help you find meaning, connection, and fulfillment after the traditional working years. What you’ll hear in this episode Why retirement isn’t just about stopping work, but about moving toward something meaningfulThe power of memoir and storytelling for self-discovery and legacyHow reflecting on your life’s “plot twists” can reveal hidden strengths and new opportunitiesThe value of curiosity, creativity, and staying engaged at any agePractical ways to start writing your story—even if you don’t consider yourself a writerHenry Quinlan’s approach to living with optimism, humor, and purpose in later life Key takeaways Retirement is a new beginning. It’s a chance to design a life that excites you, not just a time to wind down.Everyone has a story worth telling. Memoir writing can clarify your values, celebrate your journey, and leave a legacy for loved ones.Reflection brings meaning. Looking back at challenges and turning points can help you see how far you’ve come—and what you still want to do.Curiosity keeps you young. Stay open to new interests, skills, and connections, no matter your age or background.You don’t have to be a professional writer. Start with small stories, favorite memories, or lessons learned—what matters is capturing your unique perspective. READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Have a chat with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery New to Beyond Retirement? Start Here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com/

    12 min
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About

What really happens after retirement? If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering what now?, you’re not alone. The world is full of financial advice for retirement, but there’s far less about how to actually live a fulfilling life once the 9-to-5 ends. Beyond Retirement is the podcast that explores what comes after the career chapter. Whether your retirement was planned or unexpected, joyful or jarring, you’ll find real stories, honest conversations, and practical inspiration here. Join host Jacquie Doucette as she shares her own journey and speaks with people who’ve reimagined life after work—some fully retired, some shifting gears, and all discovering new meaning in this next stage. From finding purpose to building community, embracing play, and navigating change, we’ll explore how to create a life that truly fits. Because retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Let’s figure out what comes next, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacquie Doucette
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 - Beyond Retirement - Jacquie Doucette
  • Show Website
    Beyond Retirement

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