Beyond Retirement

Jacquie Doucette
  • 4.8 (23)
  • 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. Letting Go of the Clock: Real-Life Retirement - with Lynda Camire

    1D AGO · VIDEO

    Letting Go of the Clock: Real-Life Retirement - with Lynda Camire

    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 retirement What happens when there’s no daily agenda Struggles with identity when you no longer say “I work for…” Learning how to stop watching the clock Her passion for cooking and possibly turning it into something more Travel dreams that are still on the horizon Why “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/podcast https://zencastr.com/Beyond-Retirement Or wherever you usually listen to podcasts!

    32 min

  2. 2025-12-28 · VIDEO

    Episode 273 - Tough Negotiations

    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?

    6 min
  3. Don't Let the Ghost of Missed Opportunities Win - with J.Paul Nadeau

    2025-12-21 · VIDEO

    Don't Let the Ghost of Missed Opportunities Win - with J.Paul Nadeau

    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 Topics Confronting identity loss after retirement Understanding the “ghost of missed opportunities” Emotional recovery after decades in high-pressure roles Choosing daily growth over passive regret The 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 Takeaways Reflect 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 & Links J. Paul Nadeau’s website: https://www.jpaulnadeau.com Book: Take Control of Your Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulnadeau

    41 min

  4. 2025-12-14 · VIDEO

    Reinvention

    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.

    7 min
  5. Reinvention at Any Age with Robaire Nadeau

    2025-12-07 · VIDEO

    Reinvention at Any Age with Robaire Nadeau

    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

    31 min

  6. 2025-11-30 · VIDEO

    Brain Health in Retirement

    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.

    14 min
  7. Staying Sharp: Brain Science for a Better Retirement with Dr. Therese Huston

    2025-11-23 · VIDEO

    Staying Sharp: Brain Science for a Better Retirement with Dr. Therese Huston

    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 dialogueAction 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 ScienceYou 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!

    57 min

  8. 2025-11-16 · VIDEO

    Purpose Matters More in Retirememt

    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.

    7 min
See All (275)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

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
    275
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 - Beyond Retirement - Jacquie Doucette
  • Show Website
    Beyond Retirement

You Might Also Like