Revolutionize Your Retirement Radio

Dorian Mintzer
  • 4.5 (13)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Retirement isn’t just the end of a career, it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, meaning, and growth.  Revolutionize Your Retirement is a podcast designed to help you navigate this transition with purpose, confidence, and joy. Featuring insightful conversations with leading experts in retirement and longevity. Each episode explores real-world topics like money, purpose, identity, relationships, lifestyle, and health, all aimed at helping you redefine what “retirement” means for you. Whether you’re planning ahead or already living your next chapter, these conversations offer practical tools and inspiration for embracing the years ahead with curiosity and vitality. Because retirement isn’t just an age or a financial number, it’s a chance to live well today while building confidence for tomorrow. More About the Host Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., Ph.D., BCC (Board Certified Coach) is a coach, therapist, teacher, and writer with extensive clinical experience.  She previously taught in a graduate gerontology program at Regis College in Wellesley, MA , and was part of the faculty for the Certified Professional Retirement Coaching 2.0. program.   She is the co-author of The Couples Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Creating an Amazing New Life Together and a contributor to numerous other books and articles on aging, relationships, and purpose. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, NPR, ABC Evening News, and The Today Show. Her TEDx Talk, “Embracing Your Bonus Years: A Time to Grow, Learn, and Evolve,” captures her belief that later life is a time for reflection, reinvention, and renewed purpose. Through her podcast, coaching, and teaching, Dr. Mintzer continues to empower people to live their later years with intentionality, vitality, and joy. Dr. Mintzer also hosts the monthly Revolutionize Your Retirement Interview with Experts Series, an engaging webinar held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, offering fresh perspectives to help professionals and the public alike embrace the opportunities of the “bonus years.”  Visit RevolutionizeRetirement.com to Join the next interview Live

  1. Oct 13

    Smart Over Heart: Why Money Decisions Are Never Just Rational with David Dean Holland

    I was so glad to welcome David Dean Holland back to the show, it's always a treat to reconnect with him, and this time we got to dig into his book, Smart Over Heart, which looks at the emotional side of money that so often gets left out of the financial planning conversation. David is a CPA and CEO of Holland Financial, and after decades as a financial planner, newspaper columnist, and radio host, he's now producing his 12th season of Plan Stronger TV on public television. What I love about his work, and about this conversation, is that he never treats money as just numbers. He talks about people. We covered a lot of ground together. David explained why he titled the book Smart Over Heart rather than Smart Without Heart, the goal isn't to shut down emotion around money, but to be prepared for it. Especially when fear is often the engine behind scams and hasty decisions. We talked about how couples can get money conversations going even when one partner tends to check out, and why he sometimes recommends what he calls "the 2x4 approach", a direct, no-nonsense conversation about what happens if one spouse can no longer manage the finances. From there we moved into windfalls and inheritance; the pitfalls David has seen when people come into sudden money, why lifestyle creep can quietly erode even a large sum, and how trusts can build in guardrails so wealth arrives with a little more wisdom attached. We also spent time on long-term care, which one listener rightly named "the elephant in the room," and David walked through the first practical steps: naming a healthcare surrogate, clarifying preferences, and understanding what a plan actually needs to address. Toward the end, we got into how to talk with adult children about money and estate plans without it feeling like a formal sit-down, what a fiduciary really is (and isn't) and why the term gets used pretty loosely in the industry, and David's answer to a listener's question about how to interview a prospective estate planning attorney the same way you'd interview any other professional you're about to trust with something important. If you're thinking about retirement, money, and the relationships tied up in both, I think you'll find a lot in this one to sit with. Smart Over Heart is available wherever books are sold, and you can learn more about David's work at PlanStrongerTV.com. What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    Smart Over Heart: Why Money Decisions Are Never Just Rational with David Dean Holland

  2. Sep 8

    Interviews With Experts: The Power of Dreams In Later Life with Rick Moody

    In this episode, Dorian welcomes back her friend and colleague Rick Moody to talk about his forthcoming book, The Power of Dreams in Later Life (available for pre-order now, releasing in November). Rick shares several real dreams — his own and others' — and walks through how to read them for meaning, why dreams remain vital no matter your age, and what they can teach us about self-knowledge, aging, and mortality. Key Topics Discussed: You never outgrow dreaming. Rick emphasizes that the capacity to dream — and to learn from dreams — doesn't fade with age. If anything, dreams become a richer resource as we accumulate more life to draw on. "Dreams show us what we already know, but do not yet see." This is Rick's central thesis, repeated throughout the conversation as the lens for interpreting any dream. Keep a dream journal. Rick has recorded his dreams for decades and encourages listeners to write theirs down (or record them) as soon as they wake, before the details fade. Gestalt dream theory. Rick's guiding principle: assume every person, object, and detail in a dream represents some part of the dreamer. Recurring dreams and nightmares. Rick compares them to a bill collector who keeps calling until you "get the message." He advises that a nightmare recurring for years is a signal to see a psychotherapist, and stresses that dream work complements therapy but isn't a replacement for it. Mortality and "you never know when your time will come." Rick recounts being on a plane at LaGuardia Airport preparing for takeoff on September 11, 2001, and the perspective that experience gave him on aging, worry, and denial. Worry, guilt, and regret aren't always bad. Rick pushes back on the idea that these feelings should simply be eliminated — they can point us toward what actually deserves our attention. Universal dream symbols to watch for: a house with unknown rooms, losing control of a car (a steering wheel that won't work), and driving someone else's car. Closing takeaway: Be aware of your dreams, write them down, and pay attention — even if you don't often remember them. As Rick puts it, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, "This is the oldest day you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be for the rest of your life." Notable Quotes: "Dreams show us what we already know, but do not yet see." "It's never too late to understand yourself." "Everything in a dream is you, the dreamer." "In dreams begin responsibilities." — W.B. Yeats, quoted by Rick "Dreams are your own internal app... an app just tells you where you are. You have to plug in where you want to go." About Rick Moody: Rick Moody is a gerontologist, author, and longtime positive aging pioneer, as well as a climate change advocate. His new book, The Power of Dreams in Later Life, is available for pre-order now and will be released in November. Connect with Rick: hrmoody@yahoo.com — he personally replies to messages from readers. What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

  3. Aug 11

    Solo Aging and Estate Planning With Jay Zigmont and Sara Zeff Geber

    What happens to your care, your finances, and even your pet if you don't have kids to make decisions for you? In this interview, Dori sits down with Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, who coined the term "solo ager," and Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP®, founder of Childfree Trust, to dig into one of the most overlooked pieces of retirement planning: who makes decisions for you when you can't, and who's there to help you build the life you want as you age. Sara and Jay bring two complementary perspectives — Sara's decades of work helping people think through housing, relationships, and support systems as solo agers, and Jay's work building an actual fiduciary structure (Childfree Trust) for people who don't have someone to name as power of attorney or executor. Together they cover why people put off estate planning, what documents you actually need, how to build a "team" even if you don't have family nearby, and the surprisingly common reason people finally get their paperwork done (hint: it involves a pet). Sara Zeff Geber, PhD coined the term "solo ager" and is the author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults. Her upcoming book, Solo Aging for Dummies (AARP/Wiley), is out next spring. -Learn more at sarazeffgeber.com. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, and author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money. -Learn more at childfreewealth.com and childfreetrust.com. What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    Solo Aging and Estate Planning With Jay Zigmont and Sara Zeff Geber

  4. Jul 14

    The Artichoke Assessment

    In this episode, Dorian welcomes back Renee, founder of Positivity Pro, for her third appearance on the show. Renee returns to talk about her new book, The Artichoke Assessment, a guide that uses the humble artichoke as a powerful metaphor for self-discovery, career transitions, and finding what truly brings you joy. Renee explains why she chose the artichoke over the more familiar "peeling an onion" metaphor: an onion makes you cry and leaves you with nothing at the center, but an artichoke has real layers (called bracts), a challenging "choke" you have to work through, and a tender, nourishing heart waiting underneath. She shares the story of the dinner party where the idea was born, walks through how she's used the artichoke as an assessment tool with real clients, and connects it to Japanese principles like Ikigai, Kaizen, and Chado that emphasize patience, intention, and small steady steps. Whether you're navigating retirement, a career change, or simply feel like something is missing even though life looks good on paper, this conversation offers a gentle, reflective framework for slowing down and reconnecting with what really matters. About Renee Renee is the founder of Positivity Pro and has spent many years working with individuals and organizations through transitions and change. She is the author of The Artichoke Assessment, a guide built around using the artichoke as a metaphor and tool for self-reflection, and previously co-authored an earlier, much longer book back in 2007. Renee is known for bringing humor, warmth, and a deep well of client experience into her work helping people find clarity and joy in their lives. Connect with Renee Website: positivitypro.comEmail: renee@positivitypro.comText: 646-327-2119Book: The Artichoke Assessment, available on Amazon or directly through ReneeWhat to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    The Artichoke Assessment

  5. Jun 9

    Solving for X in Retirement: Is It Identity, Joy, or Legacy? With Michael Kay

    In this episode of Revolutionize Your Retirement, host Dori Mintzer talks with Michael F. Kay about what it really means to transition from career to retirement. They explore identity, purpose, joy, and the challenge of redefining success beyond a job title. Michael shares insights from his book How to Craft Your Chapter X and offers practical tools to help listeners navigate this important life transition with intention and authenticity. Connect with Michael F. Kay LinkedIn Website Podcast How To Craft Your Chapter X What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    Solving for X in Retirement: Is It Identity, Joy, or Legacy? With Michael Kay

  6. May 12

    The Importance of Rituals and Gathering With Bruce Feiler

    In this episode of the Revolutionize Your Retirement Interview with Expert Series, host Dori Mintzer welcomes back author Bruce Feiler to discuss his new book, A Time to Gather, and why rituals matter more than ever. Together, they explore how rituals help people navigate transition, reduce loneliness, and create connection in a fragmented world. Bruce shares the personal experience that sparked the book, including his family’s transition from an empty nest to a full nest and back again, and how that led him to study group rituals around the world. He explains the difference between individual life transitions and collective “group quakes,” and why modern people are increasingly creating bespoke rituals for divorce, illness, grief, retirement, and other major life changes. This rich conversation also explores examples from Bruce’s research, including divorce parties, grieving circles, rituals for loss, and customized ceremonies that help people face shame, fear, and uncertainty with support from others. Bruce outlines five core elements of an effective ritual: boundaries, stakes, compromise, empathy, and hope. Connect With Bruce here: Website: https://www.brucefeiler.com/ Substack: https://brucefeiler.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips  LinkedIn:   / brucefeiler   Instagram:   / brucefeiler   Youtube:    / @brucefeilervideos    A Time To Gather: How Ritual Created the World and How It Can Save US, is available from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and from independent booksellers. Prior to the book’s release date of May 19th, you can order a signed copy from Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY. Go to https://brucefeiler.substack.com/about to find the link.  What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    The Importance of Rituals and Gathering With Bruce Feiler

  7. Apr 14

    Retirement: Another Graduation with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

    This episode features retirement transition expert and former lawyer Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, author of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, in conversation with host Dori Mintzer about how high achievers can rethink retirement as a creative “encore” rather than an ending. Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving Big Law, the contrasting retirement examples of her father and grandfather, and what she’s learned from 16 years of helping professionals design more intentional, energizing next chapters.​ Together they explore how to bridge identity beyond job titles, move from a life dominated by work to a richer “mosaic” of relationships, wellbeing, contribution, and play, and shift from reacting to others’ demands to actively creating your own structure, time use, and definition of fulfillment. Through stories of clients who rediscovered passions like jazz, community leadership, and even Broadway, Elizabeth illustrates practical tools—such as “shaking the snow globe” with reflective questions, experimenting instead of seeking instant mastery, and using annual and daily planning to align time with what matters most.​ Key ideas: Retirement as another “graduation,” where you carry forward your enduring self rather than your business card.​Shifting from a monolithic work‑centered life to a flexible mosaic that includes health, relationships, learning, service, and joy.​Moving from a reactor mindset (responding to others’ agendas) to a creator mindset (designing your own days, experiments, and projects).​Using small, low‑risk experiments to explore new interests and locations instead of needing a fully formed plan from day one.​ Connect with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons Website & programs: encoraco.com​LinkedIn: Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons​Book: Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement (available via major booksellers)What to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    Retirement: Another Graduation with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

  8. Mar 17

    Securing Your Financial Future with Kerry Hannon

    In this conversation, Kerry Hannon, senior columnist and on‑air expert at Yahoo Finance and award‑winning author of 14 books, including Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future. Kerry explains why Gen X has become the “test market” for do‑it‑yourself retirement, how credit cards, student loans, and career instability have left many feeling unprepared, and why she still believes Gen X can absolutely get back on track.​ You’ll hear about the shift from pensions to 401(k)s, the squeeze of caring for aging parents while raising kids, and the very real impact of rising healthcare costs and economic uncertainty. Kerry also shares hopeful, highly practical strategies—paying down debt, using retirement calculators, working with fiduciary financial planners, and even creating a vision board—to turn anxiety into action. Along the way, Dori and Kerry explore working longer by choice or necessity, navigating ageism, redeploying your skills, and the power of multigenerational connection at work and in life. Connect with Kerry Hannon: LinkedIn: Kerry HannonWebsite: KerryHannon.comBook: Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future by Kerry Hannon and Jana HeronWhat to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

    Securing Your Financial Future with Kerry Hannon
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About

Retirement isn’t just the end of a career, it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, meaning, and growth.  Revolutionize Your Retirement is a podcast designed to help you navigate this transition with purpose, confidence, and joy. Featuring insightful conversations with leading experts in retirement and longevity. Each episode explores real-world topics like money, purpose, identity, relationships, lifestyle, and health, all aimed at helping you redefine what “retirement” means for you. Whether you’re planning ahead or already living your next chapter, these conversations offer practical tools and inspiration for embracing the years ahead with curiosity and vitality. Because retirement isn’t just an age or a financial number, it’s a chance to live well today while building confidence for tomorrow. More About the Host Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., Ph.D., BCC (Board Certified Coach) is a coach, therapist, teacher, and writer with extensive clinical experience.  She previously taught in a graduate gerontology program at Regis College in Wellesley, MA , and was part of the faculty for the Certified Professional Retirement Coaching 2.0. program.   She is the co-author of The Couples Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Creating an Amazing New Life Together and a contributor to numerous other books and articles on aging, relationships, and purpose. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, NPR, ABC Evening News, and The Today Show. Her TEDx Talk, “Embracing Your Bonus Years: A Time to Grow, Learn, and Evolve,” captures her belief that later life is a time for reflection, reinvention, and renewed purpose. Through her podcast, coaching, and teaching, Dr. Mintzer continues to empower people to live their later years with intentionality, vitality, and joy. Dr. Mintzer also hosts the monthly Revolutionize Your Retirement Interview with Experts Series, an engaging webinar held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, offering fresh perspectives to help professionals and the public alike embrace the opportunities of the “bonus years.”  Visit RevolutionizeRetirement.com to Join the next interview Live

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