The Retired Mindset

Bob Preston

The Retired Mindset podcast is about living your BEST life in retirement. We’ll dive into mental and physical health, staying young at heart, and maintaining connections during the "third trimester" of life’s journey. Bob's vision is to help you—yes, both men and women—unlock your full potential, reconnect with what makes you uniquely YOU, embrace aging, and thrive as you transition away from your career. 

  1. 6d ago

    What's Wrong With Today?

    Send us Fan Mail “Maybe someday” can sound mature, responsible, even wise and it’s also where a lot of dreams quietly go to die. We’re pulling on that thread and asking the one question that cuts through delay, second-guessing, and the endless mental rehearsal: What’s wrong with today? KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED We talk about the retirement mindset behind procrastination and why “being practical” can sometimes be fear in a clean outfit. Yes, real limitations matter: money, health, mobility, family needs, and the unpredictable parts of aging. But practicality should guide the next step, not shut the whole idea down. We also explore the way our brains push back the moment something excites us: What will people think? What if I get hurt? Do I need permission? Those questions can be wisdom, or fear pretending to be logic. We challenge the “maybe someday” habit and ask how many dreams quietly die inside those two words. We sort out the difference between practical wisdom and fear so we can take one real step toward the life we keep postponing: • the hidden comfort of “someday” and why it feels safe   • practical constraints versus using practicality as a shield   • how retirement freedom can turn into procrastination   • the pressure to have the whole plan before starting   • a simple test to spot fear, trauma, or past mistakes   • a Friday assignment to pick one “maybe someday” and act today   Bob shares a personal example of starting The Retired Mindset without having it all figured out and how that first step led to results he couldn’t have predicted. You’ll leave with a simple Friday assignment to pick one “maybe someday,” test what you’re truly waiting for, and take a small action today, whether that’s making a call, starting a habit, or opening an honest conversation. If you’re 50+ and focused on aging well, holistic longevity, and building a meaningful retirement, this short episode is designed to move you from delay to momentum. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more people can find the question that changes everything. CALL TO ACTION: Click subscribe, give us a like, click my bio to learn more, or better yet, go to our website, theretiredmindset.com, to book a discovery call with me today and find your best life in retirement.  Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  2. Aug 7

    Where Soul Meets Body

    Send us Fan Mail “Where soul meets body” sounds like a slogan until you sit with it and realize it might be the missing piece in your retirement plan. We take five focused minutes to explore why this phrase sits at the center of the Retired Mindset and how it points to a life that feels aligned, not just busy or “healthy” on paper. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED We explore what “where soul meets body” really means and why it becomes the heart of a fulfilling retirement mindset. We challenge the idea that health is solely physical and point to holistic longevity, in which purpose, relationships, spirit, and daily choices work together.  “Where soul meets body” as a personal discovery, not a fixed definitionPresence moments that reveal what matters, from nature to stillness Alignment between outer life and inner life in retirementWhy physical optimization alone can miss the point Holistic longevity across the seven trails, each one strengthening the others A simple weekend reflection to clarify priorities and reinvention We talk through the many ways people experience that meeting point: faith, purpose, spirituality, meditation, prayer, or simply slowing down long enough to hear yourself again. Sometimes it shows up in ordinary awe, hiking in the mountains, walking the beach, sitting by a lake, watching a sunset, and feeling fully present. None of those answers are wrong, because this is not about chasing a perfect definition. It is about discovering how to make your outer life match your inner life. Then we challenge the usual retirement wellness script. Yes, exercise, nutrition, sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, VO2 max, wearables, and supplements matter. But if your body improves while your relationships fall apart, your purpose fades, your spirit feels empty, your mind declines, or your wonder disappears, have you really become healthier? That is where holistic longevity and the seven trails come in: integrated health, where every part of who you are works together rather than competing. CALL TO ACTION: So here's your five-minute Friday challenge for the weekend. Sometime today, Saturday, or Sunday, find 10 quiet minutes. No TV, no phone, no distractions. Just ask yourself one simple question: What does where soul meets body mean in my life today? Write it down- whatever comes to mind, put it on a piece of paper, fold it up, stick it in your wallet, kind of like you would with a Chinese fortune from a fortune cookie, or put it in your purse like you might, you know, something- a note or important receipt. If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend who is redefining retirement, and leave a review with your take: where does your soul meet your body? Learn more about The Retired Mindset and The Seven Trails to Holistic Longevity: The Retired Mindset Website Click on subscribe or the link in our bio, follow us, email me, or better yet, book a discovery call on our website.   Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  3. Jul 31

    What Does Retire Mean?

    Send us Fan Mail Send Us a Voicemail! The word “retire” has a secret built into it, and once you hear it, you can’t unhear it: it literally means “to withdraw.” That single definition quietly shapes how millions of people picture life after work, as if the next chapter is supposed to be smaller, slower, and safely in the background. I’m not buying it, and in this Five Minute Friday, I push back hard on the idea that retirement equals stepping away from life.  KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: I challenge the hidden story inside the word “retire” and why it can push us toward shrinking our lives. I reframe retirement as a transition into identity, purpose, and holistic longevity, not a retreat from contribution.  • The French root of “retire” meaning to withdraw or draw back.   • How retirement language can imply slowing down and fading out.   • Redefining retirement as redrawing your life and pulling forward.   • Shifting from “what do I do” to “what do I become now”.   • Why identity, purpose, curiosity, love, and growth do not retire.   • My own reinvention after a corporate career through writing, podcasting, therapy, and coaching.   I talk through why language matters in retirement planning and how the common retirement script can steal momentum before you even start. Then I offer a different frame: retirement as redrawing your life, not pulling back. The key shift is moving from the occupation question “What do I want to do for a living?” to the identity question “What do I want to become now?” That’s where purpose in retirement comes alive, and it’s also where healthy aging and holistic longevity stop being buzzwords and start becoming daily choices that improve your health span.  I also share my own transition after leaving a corporate career and how new work emerged that never appeared on any retirement checklist: building The Retired Mindset, writing a book, hosting a podcast, training as an associate marriage and family therapist, and coaching others through one of life’s biggest changes. You’ll leave with a simple challenge for the next time someone asks if you’re retired, plus a practical way to answer that points toward growth, curiosity, and contribution.  If this reframing hits home, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s nearing retirement, and leave a review so more people can find a better retirement mindset. What are you moving toward next? CALL TO ACTION: Learn more about The Retired Mindset and The Seven Trails to Holistic Longevity: The Retired Mindset Website Click on subscribe or the link in our bio, follow us, email me, or better yet, book a discovery call on our website.   Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  4. Jul 29

    Purpose Doesn't Have to Retire, ft. Kathy Eldon

    Send us Fan Mail Send Us a Voicemail! Retirement can be a relief, but it can also quietly steal something essential: the feeling that you have a reason to get up and go. From a sunlit morning in Malibu, we talk with author, filmmaker, and Creative Visions Foundation founder Kathy Eldon about purpose as a daily practice, not a résumé line. We dig into the difference between being driven and being purposeful, why purpose can change over time, and why the most meaningful work often starts after a major life shift. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: Purpose is not a single grand mission, and it does not end when work ends. Kathy Eldon and Bob Preston talk about turning grief into service, using creativity to heal, and finding everyday ways to stay connected to what makes life meaningful: • Driven vs purpose and why money alone is not enough   • How travel and other cultures widen perspective and keep curiosity alive   • Dan Eldon’s story and the importance of being present for people we love   • Transforming loss into a force for good through storytelling and service   • Role models, mentors and why purpose evolves over time   • Ways to reignite purpose in retirement through joy, generosity, connection   • Creative Visions Foundation and the idea of creative activism   Kathy shares how early experiences, travel, and cross cultural living shaped her worldview and strengthened her belief that we are connected. Then the conversation turns to the story that changed everything: the death of her son Dan Eldon, a 22-year-old Reuters photojournalist killed in Somalia after documenting famine and conflict. Kathy speaks with clarity about grief, resilience, and the power of “last words,” and how she chose to transform loss into a force for good through storytelling, service, and creative activism. We also get practical about finding purpose after retirement: shaking up routine, following what brings joy, and letting that joy benefit someone else, even in small ways. If you care about holistic longevity, meaning, and connection, this one stays with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a review so more people can find the show. CALL TO ACTION: Connect with Kathy: KathyEldon.com Learn about The Creative Vision Foundation: CreativeVisions.org Learn more about The Retired Mindset and The Seven Trails to Holistic Longevity: The Retired Mindset Website Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  5. Jul 24

    The Retired Mindset Relaunch!!

    Send us Fan Mail In this Five Minute Friday episode, Bob shares why the Retired Mindset paused for a few months, is now relaunching, and what changed after months away living a “bucketlist dream” and rethinking what retirement really requires. We are moving from a mindset-only view to a holistic longevity approach built around health span, daily intention, and a next chapter with purpose. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: Relaunching the Retired Mindset as an integrated platform starting August 1Stepping away to live life, navigate personal changes, and find new creative directionThe Mammoth Mountain winter and how immersion creates personal momentumWhy retirement can shake identity when work structure disappearsWhy positive thinking fails without energy, nutrition, relationships, and purposeDefining holistic longevity as improving health span, not just living longerThe daily, integrated practices that support thriving in retirementWhere to learn the Seven Trails to Holistic Longevity and what’s coming nextRetirement can feel like freedom right up until the structure disappears and the big questions move in. Who am I without my role? What matters now? And what am I optimizing for in the years ahead? After a long pause and some major life changes, I’m back with news that reshapes everything I thought the Retired Mindset was about. I spent the winter living a longtime dream in Mammoth Mountain, working on the mountain safety team and logging more than 100 days on skis. It was exhilarating, but it also became an unexpected lab for real change. Somewhere between ski lifts, cold mornings, community, and recovery, I saw the gap in the classic “just think positive” retirement advice. Mindset matters, but it breaks down fast if your body is worn out, your energy is low, your nutrition is off, your relationships are strained, or your sense of purpose is fading. That’s why I’m relaunching the Retired Mindset on August 1 as a true integrated platform focused on holistic longevity and improving health span. This is about living better, not simply living longer, by aligning how we move, eat, connect, and choose purpose each day. I’ll also be back to weekly podcasting, plus our Five Minute Friday rhythm. Subscribe, share this with a friend planning their next chapter, and leave a review so more people can build a retirement where soul meets body. CALL TO ACTION THIS WEEKEND! Visit the Retired Mindset website at theretiredmindset.com to learn about what I call the seven trails to holistic longevity. Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  6. Jan 10

    Five Minute Friday 10: Expanding Your World

    Send us Fan Mail Travel in retirement is about far more than sightseeing — it’s about staying mentally sharp, physically active, and deeply engaged with life. In this Five Minute Friday episode of The Retired Mindset, host Bobby P records on location from Munich, Germany, in the Marienplatz in front of the world-famous Glockenspiel, sharing insights on the mental, physical, and personal development benefits of traveling in retirement. From cognitive stimulation and natural movement to lifelong learning and expanded perspective, this episode encourages retirees to view travel as a powerful tool for growth, curiosity, and connection.  KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: Travel in retirementBenefits of international travel for seniorsMental health and cognitive benefits of travelPhysical activity through travel and walkingLifelong learning in retirementPersonal growth after retirementRetirement lifestyle designExpanding worldview in retirementActive and engaged retirementCORE THEMES COVERED: Mental Benefits of Travel in RetirementExperiencing new languages, cultures, and environments activates the brain, improves cognitive flexibility, and keeps the mind engaged well into retirement.Physical Health Through Active TravelWalking cities, exploring neighborhoods, and moving naturally throughout the day supports balance, endurance, and overall vitality without the pressure of formal exercise.Continued Learning and Personal DevelopmentTravel becomes a living classroom, offering lessons in history, culture, humility, and curiosity through real-world experience rather than structured education.Expanding Perspective and WorldviewExposure to different ways of living fosters empathy, gratitude, and the understanding that fulfillment in retirement doesn’t follow a single formula. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Retirement travel supports both mental sharpness and physical vitalityLearning and growth continue long after leaving the workforceTravel encourages curiosity, adaptability, and opennessYou don’t have to travel far — intention matters more than distanceCALL TO ACTION THIS WEEKEND! Plan One Intentional TripChoose a destination that offers cultural, historical, or personal growth opportunities.Walk when possible, explore on foot, and allow movement to be part of daily discovery.Engage With CuriosityTry local foods, learn simple phrases, and observe how others live their daily lives.*Reflect and IntegrateAfter returning home, reflect on what the journey taught you about yourself and your approach to retirement. Travel in retirement isn’t about escaping life — it’s about expanding it. When you challenge your mind, move your body, and open yourself to the world, retirement becomes a season of growth rather than retreat. Because in retirement… Soul Meets Body. Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  7. Jan 2

    Five Minute Friday 9: Stepping Into 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Hello Mindsetters! We took a short break during the holidays, but we're back and ready to bring you great new content for the New Year in 2026! As we step into 2026, this Five Minute Friday is a moment to pause, reflect, and intentionally move forward. Bob looks back on 2025 as a transformative year—one defined by a shift into a new retired mindset grounded in intention, optimism, and creativity. That shift led to the creation of The Retired Mindset podcast as a creative outlet and community space for sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and encouragement for those navigating retirement with purpose. This episode invites listeners to honor the blessings and lessons of the past year while embracing 2026 as a season of fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and meaningful growth. With gratitude as a foundation and optimism as a guide, retirement becomes not an ending—but an intentional redesign of life. Key Themes Reflection on a transformative year in retirementGratitude for lessons learned and blessings receivedEmbracing creativity and purpose after leaving traditional workViewing retirement as a fresh chapter, not a finish lineSetting goals rooted in intention rather than obligationFacing challenges with confidence and self-beliefLiving each day as a gift waiting to be unwrappedKey Takeaways Retirement is a redesign, not a retreat. It’s an opportunity to reimagine how you live, create, and contribute.Looking back with gratitude brings clarity moving forward. Reflection helps guide better decisions in the future.Creativity fuels the soul in retirement. New outlets and ideas keep purpose alive.Optimism is a daily choice. It shapes how we approach both opportunity and adversity.Each day matters. Treat every day as a gift and an invitation to live fully.Challenges are part of the journey—but so is resilience. You’ve overcome obstacles before, and you will again.Reflection Question for Mindsetters As you begin 2026, what lessons from the past year do you want to carry forward—and what new dreams are you ready to pursue? Closing Thought Retirement is a journey best traveled with intention, gratitude, and an open heart. In this next chapter, remember, in retirement: Soul Meets Body. Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

  8. 12/11/2025

    Episode 5: Roaming with Purpose, Ft. Outdoors Photographer Alan Kassan

    Send us Fan Mail In this soulful and scenic episode, recorded amidst mountain winds coming off of Lake McLeod in the Eastern Sierra, host Bob Preston sits down with longtime friend and nature photographer Alan Kassan. In retirement, Alan traded his career and office life for wide-open skies, rugged alpine trails, and a custom Sprinter van built for adventure. Together, they explore what it means to retire with intention and purpose —not away from something, but boldly toward a life filled with passion, creativity, and connection to the natural world. From the Sierra Nevada to Yosemite to the eastern edge of Highway 395, Alan shares how the road became his teacher, his retreat, photography studio, and his canvas. Episode Sponsor: Find The Good In retirement, there is a need for a shift in all of our mindsets, so we built an apparel brand to do just that. We're here to focus on the good and build a community of people looking to encourage others to do the same. Shop today for hats, hoodies, shirts, and the like. Use the promo code: BOBPRESTON for exclusive discounts on merchandise!  https://www.findthegoodbrand.com Themes: 1. Retiring Toward Something Meaningful Alan’s journey illustrates the mindset shift that makes retirement transformative: choosing purpose over pause, exploration over stagnation, and curiosity over comfort. 2. Roaming with a Purpose: Alan dives into nature while traveling in his customized Sprinter van—off-grid camping, favorite routes along Highway 395, the challenges behind the scenic Instagram moments, and the incredible payoff of waking up exactly where inspiration strikes. 4. Photography as a Passion Photography became more than a hobby—it became a new identity that gave Alan structure, creativity, and personal meaning in retirement. He shares how being behind the camera helped him slow down, pay attention, and live more mindfully. 5. Beginning a Creative Journey at Any Age: For listeners dreaming about writing, painting, photographing, or building something new, Alan offers grounded, heartfelt advice: Start small. Start messy. Just start. Key Takeaway: Retirement Is a Beginning, Not an Ending: Letting go of a career opens space for reinvention, self-discovery, and ambitious personal adventures. Call to Action: If this episode inspires you, take an intentional step toward something that sparks curiosity or joy. Whether it’s a creative pursuit, a new outdoor habit, or simply exploring a passion you’ve put off—start today. 👉 Check out Alan’s photography: https://www.aklightplay.com 👉 Join The Retired Mindset Community: • Like the video • Subscribe to the channel • Leave a comment sharing your biggest insight • Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it Join us as we post new episodes weekly! We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail Connect with Bob: BobbyP@theretiredmindset.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TheRetiredMindset.com.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Retired Mindset podcast is about living your BEST life in retirement. We’ll dive into mental and physical health, staying young at heart, and maintaining connections during the "third trimester" of life’s journey. Bob's vision is to help you—yes, both men and women—unlock your full potential, reconnect with what makes you uniquely YOU, embrace aging, and thrive as you transition away from your career. 

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