MEaningful MEtirement™

Ceci Zak
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

The MEaningful MEtirement podcast helps people in or approaching retirement move from uncertainty, loss of identity, and emotional drift… to clarity, purpose, and confident action—one decision at a time. Each episode is designed to deliver: One breakthrough insight One identity shift One action you can take immediately All possible through the generosity of @HIGHFIVEMEDIA Avon, Co,

  1. 1d ago

    Stop Waiting to Live: Harrison Brown on Finding Joy, Purpose & Freedom NOW

    “Once I have enough money… Once I achieve that goal… Once I retire… THEN I'll be happy.” Sound familiar? What if the biggest obstacle to living your best life is the belief that you have to wait? In this episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Ceci Zak talks with Harrison Brown, entrepreneur and owner of Recovery IV in Vail, Colorado, about breaking free from limiting beliefs and rediscovering the spark that makes life meaningful. At 39, Harrison brings a refreshingly different perspective to retirement and personal reinvention: joy, fulfillment and freedom aren't rewards we earn someday. They're experiences we can begin creating NOW. Together, they explore the “Once I…” trap, the difference between freedom FROM and freedom TO, how fear and ego shape our identity, and why self-awareness, emotional honesty and supportive communities are essential to personal growth. Harrison also challenges Ceci's own thinking, creating one of the most personal and thought-provoking moments of the conversation. The takeaway? Stop waiting for life to begin. Whether you're 39, 59 or 79, you have the opportunity to consciously create a life that reflects who you truly are. 🎧 What are you waiting for before you give yourself permission to live? About Harrison Brown Harrison is a Vail, Colorado-based entrepreneur and owner of Recovery IV, whose journey of personal transformation has inspired a passion for helping others rediscover what truly makes them feel alive. Through his exploration of self-awareness, emotional well-being, authenticity and human connection, Harrison encourages people to challenge limiting beliefs, embrace vulnerability and reconnect with their inner spark. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: we don't have to wait for success, financial freedom or retirement to begin living a life filled with joy, purpose and fulfillment. #MEaningfulMEtirement #MEtirement #HarrisonBrown #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #LifeTransitions #RetirementPlanning #PurposeDrivenLife #LivingYourBestLife #3rdTHIRD #CeciZak

  2. Nov 3

    The Freedom to Stop Being the Best: Cathy Fyock on Life After Retirement

    What if retirement is your opportunity to stop proving yourself and start enjoying life? Nearly 30 years ago, Cathy Fyock wrote Unretirement, challenging the traditional definition of retirement. Today, at 72, she's living that philosophy—and discovering new freedoms along the way. In this episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Cathy joins Ceci Zak to explore what happens when we let go of the need to always achieve, earn and excel. From finding purpose through meaningful work to rediscovering painting, music, faith and friendships, Cathy shares why life after retirement isn't about being the best—it's about becoming more of yourself. Together, they explore retirement identity, personal reinvention, curiosity and the freedom to consciously create a 3rdTHIRD filled with joy, fulfillment and freedom. 🎧 What would you try if you gave yourself permission to be a beginner again? About Cathy Fyock Cathy is a Certified Speaking Professional, author, speaker, and business book strategist who has helped hundreds of people turn their ideas and experiences into books. Nearly 30 years ago, she challenged conventional thinking about retirement with her groundbreaking book Unretirement. Today, at 72, Cathy continues to redefine what it means to live with purpose, describing herself as a “possibility partner.” Through meaningful work, creativity, faith, and connection, she demonstrates that our 3rdTHIRD isn't about slowing down—it's about letting go of expectations, embracing new possibilities, and creating a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. #MEaningfulMEtirement #MEtirement #RetirementPlanning #LifeAfterRetirement #RetirementReimagined #3rdTHIRD #CathyFyock #PurposeAfterRetirement #LifeTransitions

  3. Oct 27

    Finding Your Place: Linda Young on Creating the Life You Want After Retirement

    You can retire from your job—but have you thought about where, how and with whom you want to live next? In this episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Ceci Zak talks with her friend Linda Young about what it looks like to intentionally design life after retirement. Linda carefully planned the financial side of retirement, right down to her retirement date of 66 years and 7 months. But once work was behind her, she discovered something she hadn't anticipated: despite having family nearby, she didn't have the community and friendships she wanted for this next chapter. Rather than accept that as her new normal, Linda did something courageous. She explored another community, lived there for six weeks and deliberately put herself out there—playing pickleball, joining activities, meeting new people and testing whether this could be the place where she would thrive. It was. Linda ultimately moved, built a new home and created a community filled with friendships, faith, volunteering, quilting, pickleball and new experiences. Today, she's not only welcoming new possibilities—she has become the person welcoming other newcomers into the community. Linda and Ceci also talk candidly about family, financial security, vulnerability, independence, dating and getting clearer about what we need and value as we age. Her story is a powerful reminder that retirement planning isn't only about having enough money. It's about intentionally creating a life you actually want to live. And sometimes that means having the courage to change your Place so you can become more of who you are. 🎧 Listen and ask yourself: Does the life you've built still fit the person you're becoming? About Linda Young Linda spent more than three decades in education before intentionally planning her retirement and beginning an entirely new chapter. A mother, grandmother, traveler, quilter and woman of deep faith, Linda made the courageous decision to leave the community she had called home for decades and create a new life centered around friendship, connection, curiosity and the things that bring her joy. Today, she's embracing travel, pickleball, volunteering, faith, new friendships and new experiences—showing us that sometimes creating your best 3rdTHIRD begins with finding the Place where you can become more of who you are.

  4. Oct 20

    You’re Still Relevant: Melinda Wolfe on Wisdom, Purpose & Connection in Your 3rdTHIRD

    Do we become less relevant as we age—or do we simply need to rethink how we use everything we've learned? In this episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Ceci Zak sits down with longtime friend and accomplished people leader Melinda Wolfe to explore how wisdom, curiosity, purpose and connection can make our 3rdTHIRD one of our most meaningful chapters. After nearly 40 years without taking a meaningful break between jobs, Melinda now has something she deeply values: the freedom to align her days with her priorities. She continues to use her experience through coaching, mentoring, board leadership and nonprofit work while making room for family, health, culture, community and her newest identity—grandmother. One of Melinda's most powerful messages is about relevance. By surrounding herself with people across generations, she shares her accumulated wisdom while remaining curious enough to learn from them in return. Melinda also challenges the idea that this chapter should be entirely about “ME.” For her, meaning comes through connection, community and giving back—leading her to suggest another way of thinking about this stage of life: WEtirement. Her story is a wonderful reminder that you remain relevant, important and essential throughout your life—and your wisdom may be exactly what another generation needs. 🎧 Listen and ask yourself: How could you repurpose your experience to create meaning for yourself AND others? About Melinda Wolfe Melinda is an accomplished Chief People Officer, talent leader, executive coach, mentor, advisor and board leader whose career has focused on helping people and organizations reach their fullest potential. She has shaped talent, leadership and culture at major organizations including Goldman Sachs, American Express, Bloomberg, Pearson and GLG. Today, Melinda brings that experience to executive coaching, mentoring and service on eight for-profit and nonprofit boards, while remaining deeply committed to organizations including ZanaAfrica Foundation and Echoing Green. At 70, she is intentionally combining wisdom with curiosity—giving back, learning across generations, prioritizing health and community, and embracing one of her most joyful new roles: grandmother.

  5. Oct 20

    You’re Never Too Old to Pivot: Olympian Elli Overton on Investing in YOU

    What if the best investment you could make for your future wasn't financial—but an investment in yourself? Three-time Australian Olympian and World Champion swimmer Elli Overton experienced her first retirement at just 26. Suddenly, the clear goals that had guided her life as an elite athlete were gone—and she had to begin figuring out what came next. Today, at 52, Elli is intentionally creating another new chapter. After recognizing that her career in sales and marketing no longer gave her the purpose and human connection she wanted, Elli returned to school for a master’s degree in counseling and began building a future around two things she loves most: connecting with people and helping them grow. In this candid conversation with Ceci Zak, Elli shares the uncertainty and trade-offs behind her choices—including questioning whether going back to school at 50 was financially “responsible,” comparing herself to peers who seemed more secure, and learning to distinguish societal expectations from what she truly values. Her message for anyone wondering whether it's too late to make a change? You're not too old. Listen to what keeps pulling at you. Invest in understanding yourself. Get clear about what matters—and then have the courage to take action. Your 3rdTHIRD doesn't have to begin with retirement. You can start creating it now. About Elli Overton Elli is a three-time Australian Olympian and World Champion swimmer whose life has been an ongoing journey of growth and reinvention. Since retiring from competitive swimming at 26, Elli has evolved through roles as a swim coach, sales and marketing leader, mother and mental health advocate. Now 52, she is completing a master’s degree in counseling while building a career as a counselor and professional speaker. Her story demonstrates a powerful belief: we are always capable of change, growth and learning—and it's never too late to invest in who we are becoming. #MEaningfulMEtirement #MEtirement #3rdTHIRD #RetirementPlanning #LifeTransitions #Reinvention #Purpose #InvestInYourself #SecondAct #PersonalGrowth #CeciZak #ElliOverton

  6. Oct 13

    Never Stop Becoming: Creating a Meaningful Life at Every Age with Lynn Stroud, the Woman That Named me Ceci!

    What if retirement isn't about slowing down—but staying curious enough to keep becoming? This episode is especially close to my heart. My guest, Lynn Stroud, was my mother's dearest friend, has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—and is actually the person who gave me the name Ceci. Lynn and her husband, Bob, retired at 55 and intentionally built a life filled with adventure, travel, family, friendship, community, and purpose. Years later, they made another courageous choice: leaving Ohio and moving to Massachusetts to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren—not because they had to, but because they wanted to be present for the moments that matter most. And Lynn didn't stop there. She embraced her new community with the same curiosity she's brought to her entire life—volunteering, leading, learning, welcoming others, making new friends, and continuing to find meaningful ways to contribute. In our conversation, we talk about identity beyond work, the power of Place, family, community, planning ahead, staying open-minded, and why purpose doesn't have an expiration date. Lynn's advice is wonderfully simple: Don't wait too long. Plan ahead. Stay open-minded. And keep saying yes to life. Her story is a beautiful example of what Meaningful MEtirement is all about: consciously choosing how you want to live your 3rdTHIRD—and continuing to create joy, fulfillment, and freedom along the way. About Lynn Stroud Lynn is a lifelong adventurer, community builder, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother—and someone very special to me: my mother's dearest friend. Lynn and her husband, Bob, retired at 55 and have spent the decades since embracing travel, family, friendship, learning, and new experiences. Today, Lynn continues to reinvent herself—welcoming new residents to her community, creating programs that help others navigate transitions, writing stories for her great-grandchildren, and always finding another reason to say yes to life. Her philosophy is beautifully simple: plan ahead, stay curious, be open-minded, and don't wait too long to create the life you want. Lynn is living proof that your 3rdTHIRD isn't about slowing down—it's about continuing to grow, contribute, connect, and make memories. 🎙️ Listen, follow Meaningful MEtirement, and share this episode with someone who's beginning to wonder: What's next? #MEaningfulMEtirement #MEtirement #3rdTHIRD #Purpose #Relevance #Wisdom #RetirementPlanning #LifeTransitions #CeciZak

  7. Sep 22

    Planning Your 3rdTHIRD Before You Get There: Purpose, Possibility & Reinvention with Joanna Breitstein

    What if you didn't wait until retirement to start creating your 3rdTHIRD? At 49, communications executive and iHUG Foundation founder Joanna Breitstein is already asking what she wants her next chapter to look like—and who she wants to be when she gets there. In this deeply personal conversation with Ceci Zak, Joanna shares how an unexpected lifequake has caused her to reconsider the future she once imagined and begin exploring new possibilities for herself. She talks about slowing down, rediscovering community and friendship, caring for her physical and emotional well-being, and expanding her sense of purpose beyond her career. Joanna also shares what 20 years of leading a nonprofit in Uganda has taught her about service—and why meaningful contribution may come from committing your skills and experience to something that matters to you, rather than simply searching for a new title. Her story reminds us that MEtirement isn't about what you're leaving behind. It's about what you're creating next. And you don't have to wait until retirement to begin. About Joanna Breitstein Joanna is an accomplished communications executive, mother, community builder, and purpose-driven leader. Her career has included senior roles at Merck, supporting Chairman and CEO Ken Frazier, and Organon, where she helped shape the company’s leadership voice, women’s health narrative, and purpose. She is currently Vice President at Penn Quarter Partners. Twenty years ago, Joanna founded the iHUG Foundation, dedicated to expanding education and opportunity for children in Uganda. Today, she continues to balance career, motherhood, community, and service while consciously thinking about the life she wants to create in her 3rdTHIRD. Learn more about Ceci Zak and her work helping people consciously create lives filled with "joy, fulfillment and freedom" at her website.

  8. Sep 8

    WEtirement: Jodi & Jeff Olin on Love, Identity & Creating Your Next Chapter Together

    What happens when retirement isn't just your transition…it's ours? In this special episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Ceci Zak welcomes the podcast's first couple, Jodi and Jeff Olin, to explore what she calls WEtirement—the shared journey of intentionally creating a meaningful life together after decades of careers, raising a family, and building a life side by side. After celebrating more than 40 years of marriage, Jodi and Jeff candidly discuss what surprised them most about retirement, how they balance independence with togetherness, and why a thriving relationship requires both shared adventures and individual passions. Their conversation is filled with warmth, laughter, and practical wisdom for couples preparing for—or already living—their 3rdTHIRD. Create a retirement that strengthens your relationship instead of challenging it. Balance shared experiences with the freedom to pursue your own passions. Build new daily rhythms after leaving the structure of work behind. Shift your identity from professional success to personal purpose and family. Stay curious, active, and mentally engaged throughout your 3rdTHIRD. Discover why volunteering, family traditions, and giving back create lasting fulfillment. Navigate the emotional and financial transition from accumulating wealth to confidently enjoying the life you've built. One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that the strongest relationships don't require couples to do everything together. Instead, they intentionally nurture both "me" and "we." Jodi's deep friendships and volunteer work beautifully complement Jeff's passion for cycling, skiing, travel, and lifelong curiosity, creating a partnership where both individuals continue to grow while growing together. Whether you're single, married, newly retired, or years away from retirement, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on creating a life—and a relationship—filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe, follow, rate, and share the podcast. Together, we're redefining retirement and helping people consciously create their best life in their 3rdTHIRD. About Jodi & Jeff Olin Jodi and Jeff have spent more than four decades building a life centered on family, adventure, curiosity, service, and lifelong learning. Throughout successful careers in executive recruiting, technology, and organizational leadership, they intentionally prepared not just financially for retirement—but personally and as partners. Today, they continue to embrace life through travel, cycling, skiing, pickleball, volunteering, meaningful friendships, family traditions, and investing in future generations. Their story is a powerful reminder that retirement isn't simply about leaving work behind—it's about intentionally creating a shared life where both individuals continue to flourish. As the first couple featured on MEaningful MEtirement, Jodi and Jeff demonstrate that the most meaningful relationships are built on love, mutual respect, curiosity, independence, and the commitment to keep becoming more of who you are—together.

See All (31)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The MEaningful MEtirement podcast helps people in or approaching retirement move from uncertainty, loss of identity, and emotional drift… to clarity, purpose, and confident action—one decision at a time. Each episode is designed to deliver: One breakthrough insight One identity shift One action you can take immediately All possible through the generosity of @HIGHFIVEMEDIA Avon, Co,

Information

You Might Also Like