Reinventing Retirement

Cathy Paessun
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Real-life stories of everyday people who are redefining what retirement can look like.

Episodes

  1. FEB 13

    Retirement in Full Volume: Cathy Paessun Talks with Ron Franke‑Polz

    Cathy Paessun sits down with longtime friend and lifelong music tinkerer Ron Franke‑Polz for a conversation that begins in snowy northern Indiana and quickly opens into a story about coming home. Ron reflects on what it’s like to return to the town where he grew up, now just a couple of miles from his childhood house, and how familiar places feel both unchanged and completely new. As Cathy notes, it’s a full circle moment that sets the stage for a thoughtful look at the twists and turns of his working life. Their conversation moves into Ron’s parallel worlds of engineering and music, from garage bands in high school to recording sessions in his basement studio today. He shares how technology, curiosity, and a few lucky encounters helped him build a creative second act that spans local musicians, old bandmates, and even cross‑state collaborations. Cathy draws out the humor and heart in his stories, including the unexpected ways retirement opened space for new projects and revived passions. Ron also talks candidly about easing out of corporate life, adjusting to the rhythm of retirement, and discovering that weekdays are now the best days of the week. From rebuilding a pond path with a tractor to navigating the realities of health, finances, and time, he offers a grounded look at what reinvention can feel like in real life. The episode closes with a glimpse of what he’s exploring next, hinting at both the playful and the profound. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. The post Retirement in Full Volume: Cathy Paessun Talks with Ron Franke‑Polz first appeared on Reinventing Retirement.

    1h 9m

  2. JAN 19

    From Taiwan to Typewriter: TC Brown on Writing His Vietnam-Era Memoir in Retirement

    TC Brown joins Cathy Paessun to talk about his journey from decades in journalism to writing his memoir, “Made in Taiwan: A Naive American’s Chaotic Journey to Manhood in an Exotic Culture During Radical Times.” TC spent nearly five years in the military during the Vietnam era, with most of that time stationed in Taiwan when he was just 18 years old. After his service, he built a long career as a journalist, working at papers including the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Statehouse Bureau and teaching journalism at Ohio Wesleyan before retiring and finally putting pen to paper about those formative years abroad. The conversation digs into what it took to write an honest memoir about being young, far from home, and coming of age during one of the most volatile periods in American history. TC talks about tracking down old buddies from Taiwan, finding letters he’d written to his parents, and using music from the late ’60s and early ’70s to help bring those memories back to life. He’s refreshingly candid about the challenges of self-publishing, marketing a book when nobody knows who you are, and why he decided to keep even the most uncomfortable parts of his story in the final draft. These days, TC stays busy writing songs (he just started playing guitar three years ago), working on his next book, and getting out to the gym and walking as much as possible. His advice for people approaching retirement? Have something in mind that you want to do, whether it’s a hobby or volunteer work, and don’t wait for “later” because sometimes there is no later. Oh, and start saving money early—even just a little bit helps. Made in Taiwan: A Naive American’s Chaotic Journey to Manhood in an Exotic Culture During Radical Times by TC Brown is available on Amazon. (We may earn a commission on purchases through Amazon) Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. The post From Taiwan to Typewriter: TC Brown on Writing His Vietnam-Era Memoir in Retirement first appeared on Reinventing Retirement.

    53 min

  3. 2025-12-03

    From Teacher to Author: A Journey Through China and COVID

    In this compelling episode of Reinventing Retirement, host Cathy Paessun sits down with John McGory, a teacher, journalist, and author whose career has spanned education, politics, real estate development, and international teaching. John shares his unconventional path from eighth-grade government teacher and football coach to lobbyist, developer, and eventually ESL instructor in China. His story exemplifies the twists and turns of a life lived with curiosity and openness to new adventures. At age 60, John made a bold decision that would change his life: he moved to Wuhan, China, to teach English at a university. For six years, he immersed himself in Chinese culture, traveled extensively throughout the country, and built deep friendships with local colleagues and students. He worked part-time for various companies, including Johnson & Johnson, and contributed to Wuhan’s English-language newspaper. This chapter of his life offered him the freedom to pursue his lifelong dream of writing, leading him to complete his first book while living abroad. John’s time in China took a dramatic turn when he found himself trapped in Wuhan at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020. His firsthand experience during the lockdown formed the basis of his book, “The Wuhan Games,” a work of historical fiction that blends his journalistic background with creative storytelling. After being evacuated on the last rescue plane and spending two weeks in quarantine, John returned home to process his extraordinary experience through writing. Now teaching journalistic writing at Ohio Wesleyan University, he’s working on his second book while offering wisdom about retirement: have a plan, stay active, maintain friendships, and don’t beat yourself up about past decisions. His message is clear—face your fears and keep looking forward. The Wuhan Games by John McGory is available on Amazon. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. The post From Teacher to Author: A Journey Through China and COVID first appeared on Reinventing Retirement.

    53 min

  4. 2025-11-18

    Ho Ho Ho Into Retirement

    Tim Pressler spent over 40 years as an attorney before discovering an unexpected calling in retirement—becoming a professional Santa Claus. What started as suggestions from friends led him to Santa school, where he learned everything from posing for photos to creating backstories for curious children. When COVID-19 hit during his first year, Tim adapted by conducting 265 video chats with families across North America, gaining invaluable experience that prepared him for the in-person visits that followed. With the support of his wife (who serves as Mrs. Claus) and his talented children, who helped build his brand, Tim has transformed this passion into a thriving business. Six years later, Tim books 35 to 50 gigs each December, often turning away clients due to his popularity. From intimate home visits to large corporate events and the beloved tree lighting ceremony in Uptown Westerville, he brings joy to thousands while maintaining the professionalism of a licensed and insured business. His story is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities in retirement, staying active and engaged, and finding purpose through service to others. Tim’s journey reminds us that retirement isn’t about stopping—it’s about reinventing yourself and discovering what truly brings you joy. The post Ho Ho Ho Into Retirement first appeared on Reinventing Retirement.

    52 min

  5. 2025-11-05

    Perfect Retirement

    Introducing Kimber Perfect – an active woman reinventing retirement her way. Kim spent her career supporting local government as a communications expert. Now, she’s able to support all the causes and candidates she loves. If you need a dose of inspiration, Kim is Perfect for you! The post Perfect Retirement first appeared on Reinventing Retirement.

    54 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Real-life stories of everyday people who are redefining what retirement can look like.

Information

  • Creator
    Cathy Paessun
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Cathy Paessun
  • Show Website
    Reinventing Retirement