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. 1d ago

    Retiring Retirement: Why Your Next Chapter Can Be Bigger Than Your Career – Anne Van Leynseele

    In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie speaks with Anne Van Leynseele, creator of Preferment, about why the traditional idea of retirement may no longer serve today’s retirees. Anne believes that after decades of building careers, raising families, and meeting obligations, the post-career years should be viewed as a promotion rather than a withdrawal from life. We explore the identity challenges many people face when work ends, why so many retirees feel lost despite having financial plans in place, and how curiosity, purpose, and intentional exploration can help create a fulfilling next chapter. Anne shares practical examples of people who rediscovered forgotten passions, found new communities, and built meaningful lives around activities they genuinely enjoy. Key Topics CoveredWhy retirement was designed for a different eraThe concept of “Preferment” and what it meansIdentity loss after leaving a successful careerWhy hobbies alone often aren’t enoughExpanding interests into meaningful life themesThe importance of physical, intellectual, and social engagementAdapting passions as circumstances changeRelationships and marriage after retirementLearning to say no and let go of obligationsBuilding a life based on joy rather than achievement Guest LinksWebsite: rarifiedlife.com Related Episodes#296 - Michael Kay – Chapter X and Finding Purpose#302 - Sandy Laneville – Building Community After Retirement#312 - Marianne Oehser – Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement (coming soon) ********************* Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion, a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

    Retiring Retirement: Why Your Next Chapter Can Be Bigger Than Your Career – Anne Van Leynseele

  2. Aug 23

    The 10 and 10 List: A Simple Way to Design Your Next Chapter

    Show NotesIn this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie explores a surprisingly common retirement challenge: knowing you have freedom but having no idea what to do with it. Inspired by a recent conversation with Norman Calvo, she shares a practical exercise called the “10 and 10 List”, a simple way to generate possibilities without needing to discover your life’s purpose first. If retirement feels open-ended, uncertain, or lacking direction, this episode offers a gentle framework for creating momentum through curiosity and experimentation. Key IdeasWhy retirement often feels harder than expectedThe hidden challenge of losing structureWhy your mind goes blank when asked what comes nextBuilding your “possibility muscle”Creating a 10 and 10 ListUsing small experiments instead of big commitmentsHow to evaluate new activitiesTurning curiosity into action Reflection QuestionsWhat activities have you always been curious about?What interests did you set aside during your working years?Which possibilities feel energizing rather than obligatory?What is one small step you could take this week?How might experimentation create clarity? Related EpisodesNorman Calvo: Retirement as ReinventionLiving Intentionally After RetirementRebuilding Purpose Through Curiosity 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 *************************** Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion, a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

  3. Aug 16

    Rejecting the Default Life in Retirement - with Norman Calvo

    What happens when the career that defined you for decades… no longer fits? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette talks with Norman Calvo, a mortgage banker of 44 years who decided (in his 60s) to run half marathons, take singing lessons, and eventually perform a sold-out one-man cabaret show in Times Square. Norman shares what it looks like to step outside the “default life,” why tiny changes compound into big identity shifts, and how to move forward even when you feel awkward, judged, or unsure who you are without your job title. If you’re approaching retirement (or already there) and you feel a quiet restlessness, this conversation will help you reconnect with what excites you and start designing a next chapter that’s aligned, intentional, and fully alive. Key Topics Covered: Identity After Retirement — Letting go of career labelsLiving Intentionally — Moving beyond routineCourage to Change — Taking small stepsReinvention Later in Life — Trying new thingsPractical Next Steps — How to begin change About the Guest: Norman Calvo spent over four decades as a successful mortgage banker before reinventing his life in his 60s through fitness, singing, and coaching. Today, he helps others move beyond routine and rediscover purpose, energy, and excitement in later life. Connect with Norman: Substack: https://normancalvo.substack.comWebsite: https://www.againstthenorm.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-calvo-9792844Facebook: https://facebook.com/norman.calvo.5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvo.norman Beyond Retirement themes discussed: Purpose & Meaning in RetirementIdentity After WorkResilience & Emotional StrengthHealth, Fitness & Aging WellCreating a Fulfilling RoutineCourage, Confidence & Taking ActionLife Transitions & Reinvention Topics: life after retirement, identity after retirement, retirement purpose, living intentionally, retirement mindset, reinvent yourself, retirement transformation 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 **************** Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion, a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

    Rejecting the Default Life in Retirement - with Norman Calvo

  4. Aug 9

    Retirement Identity: Life After Work Goes Away

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie delves into who we become after we retire. Most of us are familiar with our "work identity", but many people struggle to define who they are after retirement. Key ideas retirement leaves a void in our personal identityas humans, we long to belong somewherewhat happens when the honeymoon phase is doneredefining our identity is a great opportunity for discoveryexperimentation is good Reflection Questions What do I want to be now?How can I figure out what interests me? 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 **************** Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion, a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

  5. Aug 2

    Rethinking Retirement as an Identity Transition – with Dr. Andi Simon

    In this episode of the Beyond Retirement podcast, Jacquie Doucette speaks with corporate anthropologist Dr. Andi Simon about why retirement is far more complex than simply leaving work. Drawing on decades of research and interviews, Dr. Simon explains how retirement often creates an identity gap between who we were during our careers and who we are becoming next. The conversation explores how people navigate this transition, why freedom without structure can feel draining, and how curiosity, community, and intentional design can help retirees build meaningful lives beyond their careers. Key Topics CoveredRetirement as a cultural and identity transitionWhy freedom without structure can feel unexpectedly drainingThe stages of retirement: honeymoon, awakening, and restructuringThe importance of curiosity and experimentation after leaving workHow retirees rebuild purpose and communityHow organizations could better prepare employees for retirement TImestamps00:00 Introduction and what a corporate anthropologist studies 04:00 Why retirement is such a complex cultural transition 11:00 What successful retirement transitions have in common 18:00 Curiosity, identity, and asking the deeper “why” questions 22:00 What organizations could do differently about retirement 25:00 Reframing retirement as a stage of becoming 33:00 Advice for people struggling with the transition Guest Links: Website: https://www.andisimon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon Book: Rethink Retirement, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636184278 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 ************** Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion. It is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity, and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging with Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com Mentioned in this episode: Aging with Purpose and Passion Reinvention After 50 Starts With One Question: What’s Next? Aging With Purpose and Passion is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion, wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

    Rethinking Retirement as an Identity Transition – with Dr. Andi Simon

  6. Jul 26

    Retirement Is a Choice: Designing Life with Intention

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on how we can give meaning to our lives in retirement. Key Ideas retirement doesn't automatically have meaningtaking time to relax as you begin retirement can be helpfulthe little voice in your head can help you find directionfinding structure for your day is imperativepurpose doesn't have to be "big" Questions to Reflect On What gives you energy?What tasks/activities do people often ask you for help with?What problems around you could you help solve? 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 Mentioned in this episode: Reinvention Rebels Reinvention Rebels, hosted by Wendy Battles, is for women in midlife and beyond who are ready to consciously design the next chapter of their lives. Through stories of women 50 to 90-plus who are starting businesses, finding love, taking on big challenges, and rediscovering their confidence, Wendy reminds listeners that reinvention doesn’t have an expiry date.

  7. Jul 19

    Finding Joy and Purpose: Real-Life Retirement - with Sandy Laneville

    What happens when retirement becomes an opportunity to build something meaningful rather than simply step away from work? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette sits down with Sandy Laneville to explore how retirement can become a time of contribution, connection, and personal growth. Sandy’s journey began with a career in municipal recreation before she chose to stay home to raise her children. Over the years, she continued to find ways to contribute — volunteering in the community, serving as deputy reeve in her municipality, launching a pickleball club, leading women’s retreats, and teaching senior fitness classes. Through her story, Sandy illustrates that retirement is not about slowing down completely — it’s about choosing how you want to spend your time and energy. From helping seniors stay active to building community programs and supporting neighbors, Sandy shows how purpose can evolve through every stage of life. Her central message is simple but powerful: follow what brings you joy, listen to that inner voice encouraging you to try something new, and remember that you don’t have to be an expert to make a meaningful difference. Key Topics Covered Purpose Beyond Career Why many people still need a sense of contribution after leaving paid workFinding fulfillment through volunteering and community involvement Identity Transitions Adjusting from career roles to family and community rolesDiscovering leadership and personal strengths later in life Staying Active in Retirement How movement and balance training support independenceSmall daily habits that can improve physical health Community Connection The importance of avoiding isolation after retirementBuilding friendships and support networks among seniors Creating Opportunities Starting local initiatives like fitness groups or pickleball clubsWhy you don’t have to be an expert to introduce new activities Following the Voice of Joy Recognizing what brings you energy and fulfillmentLetting joy guide decisions in retirement Questions to Reflect OnWhat activities genuinely bring you joy right now?Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for?How could you contribute to your community in a small way?Are there relationships you could strengthen by reaching out more often?What would retirement look like if you designed it intentionally? Resources Matthew Kelly's book, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy, https://amazon.com/dp/1635825644 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 ************** Don't forget to check out Reinvention Rebels and grab your free gift: https://reinventionrebels.com/100 Reinvention Rebels, hosted by Wendy Battles, is for women in midlife and beyond who are ready to consciously design the next chapter of their lives. Through stories of women 50 to 90-plus who are starting businesses, finding love, taking on big challenges, and rediscovering their confidence, Wendy reminds listeners that reinvention doesn’t have an expiry date.

    Finding Joy and Purpose: Real-Life Retirement - with Sandy Laneville

  8. Jul 12

    Finding Meaning When Retirement Doesn't Go According to Plan

    In this episode of Beyond Retirement, I talk about how purpose can emerge in surprising places when life changes direction. Inspired by my conversation with Marilyn Raichle, this reflection explores how presence, listening, and small moments of connection can transform the way we experience retirement. Many people enter retirement with a clear picture of what life will look like — travel, hobbies, freedom, and time to relax. But life doesn’t always follow the plan. Health changes, family responsibilities shift, and unexpected roles appear. This episode explores how meaning often grows not from perfectly planned lives, but from how we respond when those plans change. Sometimes the most meaningful chapters begin when we slow down enough to notice the people and experiences around us. Key Topics Covered: Why retirement rarely unfolds exactly as plannedThe difference between being a caregiver and a care partnerHow listening and presence deepen relationshipsFinding purpose in unexpected roles and experiences Questions to Reflect Upon: Where might meaning be showing up in your life right now?How comfortable are you with letting life unfold without a plan?What small moments of connection could you notice more often? 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 ***************** Don't forget to check out Reinvention Rebels and grab your free gift: https://reinventionrebels.com/100 Reinvention Rebels, hosted by Wendy Battles, is for women in midlife and beyond who are ready to consciously design the next chapter of their lives. Through stories of women 50 to 90-plus who are starting businesses, finding love, taking on big challenges, and rediscovering their confidence, Wendy reminds listeners that reinvention doesn’t have an expiry date. Mentioned in this episode: Reinvention Rebels Reinvention Rebels, hosted by Wendy Battles, is for women in midlife and beyond who are ready to consciously design the next chapter of their lives. Through stories of women 50 to 90-plus who are starting businesses, finding love, taking on big challenges, and rediscovering their confidence, Wendy reminds listeners that reinvention doesn’t have an expiry date.

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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
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 - Beyond Retirement - Jacquie Doucette
  • Show Website
    Beyond Retirement