MEaningful MEtirement™

Ceci Zak
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Sep 1

    When Your Body Says "Enough": Linda DaSilva on Identity, Health & Reinvention

    What if the greatest obstacle to creating your best life isn't your age—but the identity you've been holding onto? After decades of building a successful career in healthcare, Linda DaSilva found herself facing an unexpected crossroads. Lingering health challenges, workplace stress, and a growing sense that her professional identity no longer reflected who she truly was forced her to ask a life-changing question: Who am I beyond my career? In this deeply honest conversation, Linda shares how losing a job in her 50s became the catalyst for discovering her authentic self, and how years later, her body sent unmistakable signals that it was time to let go of a career that no longer aligned with her values. Together, we explore the powerful connection between our minds, our bodies, and our identities—and why true well-being begins when we listen to what our lives are trying to tell us. • Why your career is something you do—not who you are. • How chronic stress and toxic environments can manifest as physical illness. • The surprising power of the mind-body connection and emotional awareness. • Why peace, purpose, and authenticity matter more than titles and compensation. • How manifestation, spirituality, and trusted relationships helped Linda navigate life's biggest transitions. • Why it's never too late to consciously create your next chapter. Linda's story is a powerful reminder that retirement isn't simply leaving work—it's becoming more of who you were always meant to be. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is listen to our bodies, honor our values, and choose a life that brings peace instead of pressure. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, follow, rate, and share the podcast. Together, we're redefining retirement and helping people consciously create lives filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. About Linda DaSilva Linda is a respected healthcare executive whose career was built on leadership, business development, and developing meaningful relationships. Throughout decades in corporate leadership, she became known for her integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the organizations she served. Today, Linda's greatest passion is helping others recognize that success isn't defined by titles or achievement—it's defined by living in alignment with your values, protecting your well-being, and having the courage to become more of who you truly are. Her journey is a beautiful example of what it means to intentionally create a meaningful 3rdTHIRD.

  4. Aug 25

    Choosing Yourself: Cathy Broski on Creativity, Courage & Creating a Life You Love

    What if the life you've always wanted begins the moment you choose yourself? For years, ceramic artist Cathy Broski built a successful career while quietly living with physical pain, emotional exhaustion, and a relationship that no longer reflected who she was becoming. Everything changed when she stopped asking how to fix everyone else—and started asking a different question:"What do I want my life to look like?" In this deeply personal conversation, Cathy shares how mindfulness, creativity, and one small intentional choice at a time helped her transform pain into purpose and create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom.This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn't happen overnight. It happens one decision, one habit, and one courageous choice at a time. In this episode, you'll discover how to: * Stop living on autopilot and intentionally create the life you truly want. * Turn pain, uncertainty, and life's transitions into opportunities for growth. * Create a compelling vision for your future—and use it to guide your daily decisions. * Replace unhealthy habits with small actions that build lasting change. * Learn why accountability and consistency matter more than perfection. * Find joy in everyday moments and gratitude for the life you're creating. * Embrace the freedom that comes from realizing: "you get to choose". Whether she's creating beautiful ceramic art, mentoring fellow artists, leading workshops around the country, or helping others reconnect with their authentic selves, Cathy reminds us that it's never too late to become who you were always meant to be. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or wondered if it's too late to change your life, this conversation will inspire you to take your next bold step. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, follow, rate, and share the podcast. Every subscription helps us inspire more people to create lives filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom in their 3rdTHIRD. About Cathy Broski Cathy is an accomplished ceramic artist, educator, and workshop leader whose work has inspired collectors and students for more than three decades. Growing up between St. Louis and rural Missouri, Cathy developed a lifelong love of creativity, nature, and artistic expression that continues to shape her work today. Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Cathy is passionate about personal growth, mindfulness, and helping others reconnect with their authentic selves. Through years of intentional self-discovery, she transformed personal hardship into a life guided by purpose, gratitude, creativity, and service. Today she teaches not only the art of ceramics, but also the power of choosing your future one intentional step at a time.Her story beautifully illustrates that MEtirement isn't about slowing down—it's about finally living the life you were meant to create.

  5. Aug 21

    Choose Curiosity Over Comfort with Pete Madden

    What if the secret to a meaningful 3rdTHIRD isn't retirement at all?In this episode, real estate investor and lifelong learner Pete Madden challenges the conventional idea of retirement and shares why curiosity, health, community, and staying engaged matter far more than stepping away from work.From raising two daughters and embracing life as an almost-empty nester to discovering the power of better sleep, eliminating ultra-processed foods, leveraging AI, and caring less about what others think, Pete offers a refreshing perspective on creating a life that stays vibrant, relevant, and fulfilling.This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, humor, and a powerful reminder: the goal isn't to stop living—it's to keep growing. About Peter MaddenPeter is a seasoned real estate investor and industry leader known for his disciplined, client-first approach and decades of experience navigating complex investment decisions. A graduate of Skidmore College, Pete has built a career rooted in curiosity, independent thinking, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.Today, he continues to explore new ideas, technologies, and opportunities while focusing on what matters most—family, health, meaningful relationships, and lifelong learning. Pete brings a candid, practical, and often humorous perspective on how to live fully, stay intellectually engaged, and create a life of freedom and fulfillment in the 3rdTHIRD.

  6. Aug 18

    Freedom to Choose: Renee Tannenbaum on Purpose, Adventure & Creating Your Best 3rdTHIRD

    What if retirement wasn't about slowing down—but finally having the freedom to become more of yourself? After an extraordinary global career leading commercial organizations across some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Renee Tannenbaum discovered that the greatest reward wasn't leaving work—it was gaining the freedom to choose how she wanted to live. In this heartfelt conversation, Renee shares how she gradually transitioned into MEtirement, why purpose matters more than titles, and how staying curious, active, and connected has allowed her to create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. Together, we explore why waiting until "someday" can be one of life's biggest regrets, how our identity naturally evolves beyond our careers, and why health, relationships, adventure, and giving back become the true measures of success in our 3rdTHIRD. If you're wondering what comes next after a successful career—or simply want to make the most of the years ahead—this conversation will leave you inspired to start living intentionally today. • Redefine retirement as a season of freedom and possibility • Shift your identity from career success to purposeful living • Create fulfillment through service, mentoring, and giving back • Prioritize your health so you can enjoy the life you've worked so hard to build • Let go of "stuff" and focus on experiences that truly matter • Build new friendships and community at every stage of life • Stop waiting for someday—and start living today Whether she's mentoring future leaders, serving on advisory boards, helping families experiencing homelessness, skiing the mountains of Colorado, or planning her next adventure, Renee reminds us that growing older isn't about becoming less—it's about becoming more fully ourselves. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, follow, rate, and share the podcast. Every download helps us inspire more people to consciously create lives filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. About Renee Tannenbaum Renee is a globally respected pharmaceutical executive, board director, advisor, and mentor whose leadership career has spanned organizations including Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Novartis, Elan, AbbVie, Halozyme, and Bench International. A pharmacist by training, Renee has spent decades helping organizations grow while developing leaders and advancing patient care. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Renee is known for her unwavering commitment to family, mentorship, lifelong learning, and adventure. Whether she's skiing, horseback riding, traveling the world, serving on boards, or giving back to her community, Renee exemplifies what it means to intentionally create a meaningful life in your 3rdTHIRD. Her story reminds us that retirement isn't the end of our contribution—it's an opportunity to choose how we want to make our greatest impact.

  7. Aug 4

    Reinventing Yourself by Finding Joy After Loss: Dr. Kimberly Harms on Resilience and Purpose

    What happens when the identities you've built your life around are suddenly taken away?Dr. Kimberly Harms knows that question all too well.After losing her son to suicide, supporting her husband through a liver transplant, and being forced into an early retirement from a successful dental career, Kimberly faced a choice: remain trapped by loss or reinvent herself once again.In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Kimberly shares how she climbed out of what she calls the "grief pit," discovered new purpose, and learned that retirement isn't a retreat from life—it's an invitation to become more fully yourself.You'll learn:• Why resilience is more than simply surviving• How to move through grief without becoming defined by it• The difference between a life of achievement and a life of significance• Why purpose evolves throughout every stage of life• How service, gratitude, and self-love create lasting joyMost importantly, Kimberly reminds us that even after life's greatest losses, it is still possible to create a future filled with meaning, connection, and hope.Because your next chapter isn't about what you've lost—it's about who you're becoming.About Dr. Kimberly HarmsKimberly is a dentist, author, speaker, grief counselor, humanitarian, and advocate for widows navigating life's transitions. A former national spokesperson for the American Dental Association, Kimberly has transformed profound personal losses into a mission of helping others find hope, healing, resilience, and purpose. Through her writing, speaking, humanitarian work, and devotion to her children and six grandchildren, she continues to create a legacy of service while inspiring others to embrace joy, significance, and possibility in their 3rdTHIRD.

  8. Jul 29

    Rise Again by Choosing Yourself After Life Changes Everything - Taren Grom

    What happens when everything you thought defined you… is suddenly gone? In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, Taren Grom shares what it looks like to rebuild your life after back-to-back “life quakes”—selling her company, losing her mother, and losing the identity she had carried for decades. There was no roadmap. No plan.Just a blank page—and a choice. Taren opens up about: Moving through grief, numbness, and uncertainty Letting go of identity tied to career and titles Choosing herself—her health, her time, her joy Rebuilding a life rooted in energy, freedom, and intention From double hip replacement… to daily movement… to preparing to jump out of a plane—this is what it looks like to come back to life. Because the truth is: Your next chapter doesn’t begin when things are perfect—it begins the moment you decide to rise. About Taren Grom Taren is the co-founder of PharmaVOICE and a respected industry storyteller who spent more than two decades elevating the voices of innovators and changemakers across the life sciences sector. After a pivotal period of personal and professional transition, she stepped into a new chapter defined by resilience, reinvention, and self-prioritization. Today, Taren is focused on living fully—investing in her health, exploring new experiences, and finding meaningful ways to give back, particularly in support of women and community impact. She embodies what it means to move forward—not by having all the answers, but by having the courage to keep going and transitioning. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

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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,

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