Act Three Cara Gray

Special Offer for My Listeners:
As a gift to my listeners, I am offering a free 60-minute zoom session with me to chat about where you are at and do a bit of dreaming about your next chapter! You can book time with me via: https://CaraGray.as.me/60minutes. I will also put this link in the show notes or reach me via email at cara@goodmorningfreedom.com. I love this work. I love helping people discover how to live inspiring lives. And I look forward to meeting you and hearing about your journey!
Transcription of Episode:
This is episode 24 of the Act Three podcast, the final episode of Season 2 and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my previous guests for their time and thank my growing audience for their support. If you are enjoying this podcast, please make sure you are following it. And if you are really enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. That would mean the world to me.
Today is going to be a solo podcast. I realized that while I have been busy interviewing others about their Third Act, I’ve never taken the opportunity to introduce myself.
So here I am! My name is Cara Gray and I am a certified retirement coach - which means I help my clients plan the non-financial part of their retirement. I assume clients that come to me have worked closely with their financial advisors over the years and have planned well for their future. But I do find that the focus has been on money and not about how they are really going to live their lives. I look at these years as an incredible opportunity to design what you want your life to look like. When has there been a time where you have the freedom to make decisions and actually thoughtfully plan how you want to spend your time. Who you want to spend it with. Where you want to live. We’ve often been constrained by the limitations of our careers in terms of time and geography and now that is over! 
You should also know that I struggle with the word “retirement”. I’ve even chosen to call this podcast Act Three as an alternative. But using the word retirement helps my communication -  it’s more clear what I do - which is a relatively new field. And when I use the word retirement, think of Serena Williams. Think of Tom Brady. Think of younger people who are obsessed with the concept of FIRE which means they have reached financial independence and can now choose how they want to spend their time. That’s the vibe I operate from.
I look at this time in your life as a beginning. What have you always wanted to do, but haven’t had the time to explore? It’s possible that you haven’t even let yourself have those thoughts and dreams because you’ve been so busy with your life and your job over the years. You may want to start a new venture. You may want to try on another totally different career. You may want to be a mentor for the next generation and work part-time at a startup. You may want to travel the world. You may want to learn about and become an expert in a totally new field like artificial intelligence or wine or horticulture. Or maybe you want to write a book and launch a speaking career. The point is that absolutely anything is possible! And what I do is help you uncover the possibilities and start dreaming them into your reality.
We are also going to talk about the very big word that is PURPOSE. Some of you have been lucky enough to have had careers that gave us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Others of you can’t exactly use that word to describe your life’s work, but you did feel needed and essential and those concepts are similar and need to be replaced as you transition to our next chapter. Now that you are going to have the opportunity to choose how you spend your time you can intentionally choose to live with purpose and that, my friends, is a gift. I also want to share that this work is my purpose and I feel grateful to be helping others discover theirs.
In my client work we also look at thi

Julie Danis is not just a former marketing executive but also a writer, storyteller, and an advocate for creative exploration. In this episode, Julie shares her diverse career journey, her transitions, and how she has embraced her third act with a vibrant mix of creativity, resilience, and openness to new experiences.
Show Notes:
[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and sponsorship note from Good Morning Freedom.
[00:01:00] Julie Danis’s introduction and career background.
[00:02:00] Julie shares insights from her solo show, "Life's Too Short and So Am I," and her ongoing journey in exploring different identities and careers.
[00:04:00] Deep dive into Julie’s major career shifts from marketing and advertising to storytelling and writing.
[00:06:00] Memorable moments from her career, including global insights and the intricacies of market research.
[00:10:00] Transition from corporate roles to creative pursuits, including her stint at Second City and writing for the Chicago Tribune.
[00:14:00] Discussion on the 2010 layoff and attending the More Magazine reinvention conference 
[00:16:00] The role of reinvention in Julie’s life and career, influenced by coaching and self-discovery.
[00:18:00] Exploration of the documentary film writing process and its impact on Julie’s career trajectory.
[00:20:00] Reflections on navigating freelance work 
[00:22:00] Current projects, including live storytelling and ongoing writing efforts.
[00:24:00] Julie’s honorary role as the council general of Liechtenstein in Chicago.
[00:28:00] Final thoughts and advice for listeners approaching retirement and looking to reinvent their third act.
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/

Episode Description:
In this enlightening episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray chats with Alex Hayes-Griffin, a former banker who transitioned to a fulfilling career as an independent advisor and coach. After a dynamic banking career, Alex shares insights on planning for the next life stage, embracing new identities, and finding personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone contemplating or navigating significant life transitions.
Key Moments:
[00:00:00] Introduction to Act Three and today's guest, Alex Hayes-Griffin.
[00:01:00] Alex’s banking career and his pivot to independence.
[00:02:00] The realization and planning phase before transitioning out of banking.
[00:05:00] The pivotal moments leading to Alex's decision to leave banking.
[00:08:00] The impact of the pandemic on Alex’s transition and personal life changes.
[00:10:00] Challenges faced during the transition and overcoming them.
[00:13:00] Alex's approach to learning and embracing new skills post-banking.
[00:18:00] Experiencing freedom alongside anxiety and the complexities of significant life changes.
[00:20:00] Personal growth and changes experienced since the transition.
[00:22:00] Advice for others contemplating a significant career or life change.
[00:26:00] Supporting his wife's entrepreneurial journey with Wondercoat.
[00:30:00] Alex’s ideal client and where to find his coaching services.
Resources Mentioned:
To connect with Alex for coaching or advisory services, visit AHGXAI.
Wondercoat: Boutique business specializing in Dachshund coats, founded by Alex’s wife.
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
 

Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Joan Rosenthal: Cara introduces Joan, detailing her impressive background in finance and her impactful transition to philanthropy.
Early Career Challenges: Joan shares her experiences starting out in a predominantly male industry during the 1970s, highlighting the challenges and societal expectations of women at the time.
The Transition to Philanthropy: Joan discusses her decision to retire early and shift her focus towards nonprofit work, motivated by a desire to contribute more directly to societal improvement.
Involvement in Nonprofit Organizations: An in-depth look into Joan's roles in various organizations, with a focus on her passion for education and supporting underserved communities.
Wellmet Philanthropy: Joan delves into her involvement with Wellmet Philanthropy, a women's giving circle that funds emerging organizations and leaders, explaining the process and the impact of collective philanthropy.
Advice for Transitioning to Act Three: Joan offers advice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retirement, including how to find organizations that match personal passions and how to leverage professional skills for nonprofit success.
Key Quotes:
"You're not done at retirement; you're just transitioning to a stage where you can choose to focus on what truly matters to you." - Joan Rosenthal
"The power of collective giving is immense. Through Wellmet Philanthropy, we've been able to support initiatives that truly make a difference in people's lives." - Joan Rosenthal
Joan’s Philanthropic Ventures:
www.wellmetphilanthropy.org
www.friendsny.org
www.Bronxworks.org
www.Wpti.org
Find a women’s giving circle: https://philanos.org/
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
 

About Chris Farrell:
Chris Farrell is an esteemed voice in the realms of business, economics, and personal finance, contributing to platforms such as Minnesota Public Radio, Marketplace from American Public Media, and several notable publications. He is the author of impactful books like The New Frugality, Unretirement, and Purpose and a Paycheck, which challenge traditional narratives around aging, retirement, and the workforce.
Episode Highlights:
The Redefinition of Retirement: Chris discusses his journey into exploring the theme of retirement and how longevity, improved health, and a desire for continued purpose are reshaping what retirement looks like.
Unretirement and The Third Act: Unpacking the concept of 'unretirement,' Chris shares insights into how people are choosing to blend work, purpose, and leisure in their later years, moving away from the notion of retirement as a full-stop to active, engaged living.
Combating Ageism in the Workplace: With anecdotes and evidence, Chris addresses the progress made in fighting age discrimination and the value that experienced workers bring to the economy.
Intergenerational Collaboration: Debunking myths of generational conflict, Farrell highlights the shared values across generations in the workplace and the richness that diverse experiences bring to societal progress.
Gig Economy and Retirement Planning: Offering perspectives on the gig economy as a flexible work option for retirees, Chris encourages an experimental mindset towards post-retirement work, emphasizing the importance of social security, Medicare, and personal savings in planning for retirement.
Purpose, Passion, and Planning: Echoing the mission of Good Morning Freedom, Chris and Cara discuss the importance of finding purpose and passion in retirement, stressing the significance of financial literacy and proactive planning for a fulfilling third act.
Guest's Upcoming Projects:
Chris hints at another book in the early stages of development, promising more insightful explorations into the themes of work, retirement, and purpose.
Host’s Comments:
Cara Gray reflects on the enlightening conversation with Chris Farrell, reiterating the importance of rethinking retirement as an opportunity for growth, learning, and meaningful engagement. She encourages listeners to explore their passions and consider the non-financial aspects of retirement planning through Good Morning Freedom’s retirement blueprint package.
Closing Remarks:
Chris Farrell’s insights into the evolving landscape of retirement underscore a shift towards a more purpose-driven, engaged, and flexible approach to the later stages of life. This episode invites listeners to contemplate their own 'act three,' encouraging a reimagined perspective on retirement that embraces opportunity, purpose, and continued contribution.
Chris’ Books:
Purpose and a Paycheck
Unretirement
The New Frugality
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
 

Guest Introduction:
Joan Pagano, a leading authority in strength training for women and bone health, shares her vast experience and knowledge. With a career that began in 1988, Joan has dedicated herself to empowering women through exercise, specifically focusing on strength training and osteoporosis prevention. Her work, including a comprehensive 10-part series on the best exercises for osteoporosis prevention, has made her a respected figure in the fitness industry.
Celebrity Training Insights:
Joan shares fascinating anecdotes from her time training Jacqueline and Carolyn Kennedy, offering a glimpse into her approach to personalized fitness and the importance of strength training at any age.
The Path to Specializing in Women's Strength Training:
Discover how Joan’s career path and personal experiences led her to specialize in strength training for women, particularly those recovering from breast cancer and those at risk for or living with osteoporosis.
Key Takeaways from "Strength Training Exercises for Women":
Joan discusses the highlights from her book, emphasizing the importance of starting with bodyweight exercises and progressing based on individual needs and goals. She underscores the empowering nature of strength training and its benefits for overall health and well-being.
Customizing Exercise Programs:
Learn how Joan tailors exercise programs to meet her clients' specific health histories, objectives, and lifestyles, ensuring that each program is both safe and effective.
Debunking Strength Training Myths:
Joan addresses common misconceptions about strength training, highlighting the adaptability of strength training routines to meet current needs and goals rather than constantly increasing intensity.
Finding the Right Trainer:
Tips on how to find a qualified trainer, including the importance of certifications from reputable organizations and the value of word-of-mouth recommendations.
Exercises to Avoid with Osteoporosis:
Joan provides crucial advice on which movements to avoid if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, stressing the importance of modifying exercises to prevent injury.
Looking Ahead:
Joan shares her insights on the future of women's fitness, particularly the growing awareness and education around strength training for bone health.
Conclusion:
Cara and Joan wrap up the conversation with details on how listeners can find more information, access Joan’s resources, and the importance of incorporating strength training into one's fitness routine.
For more information and resources from this episode, visit Joan Pagano’s website at Joan Pagano Fitness and check out her book, "Strength Training Exercises for Women," available on Amazon.
www.joanpaganofitness.com
www.facebook.com/JoanPaganoFitness
www.linkedin.com/in/joanpagano
www.twitter.com/JPaganoFitness
www.youtube.com/user/joanpagano
www.pinterest.com/jpaganofitness
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This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
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