Retire & Aspire - Just Getting Started

Scott Armstrong
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In the history of human kind, we are the first generation to have this much wealth, healthspan or mobility. Being able to retire today is truly a winning lottery ticket. But the question is, do you know how to cash yours in? For the vast majority of the 10,000 retiring every day, the answer is not yet. This podcast will explore topics such as identity change, purpose and relevance with a strong smattering of adventure and keys to vitality. Join us to create your unique Retire & Aspire pathways and cash in your winning lottery ticket.

Episodes

  1. Aug 11

    Retirement Money: How to Spend, Share, and Protect What You’ve Built

    You’ve spent decades saving for retirement—but will you actually allow yourself to enjoy what you’ve built? When the regular paycheck disappears, even financially prepared retirees can struggle to make the shift from accumulating money to spending it. Fear of running out can lead people to put off meaningful experiences, withdraw socially, or hold onto more than they will ever need. In this conversation, Scott speaks with Monique Madan, Managing Partner at MVP Wealth, about making thoughtful financial decisions before and during retirement. Monique explains why your greatest retirement regret may not be spending too much, but waiting too long to travel, connect, and experience the life you worked so hard to create. They also explore protecting your finances from risky investments and financial abuse, preparing for the realities of gray divorce, and giving money to your children while you are still here to see the difference it makes. Whether you’re preparing to retire or already navigating your work-optional life, this episode will help you think differently about spending, security, and the legacy you want to create. Connect with Monique Madan Learn more about Monique and the financial planning services offered by MVP Wealth: www.mvpwealth.ca Connect with MindSwitch Visit mindswitch.ca to access resources, events, and tools designed to help you create a meaningful work-optional life.

  2. Jul 14

    How Hope and Humor Can Transform Your Next Chapter

    How do you move forward when life takes an unexpected turn? Just one month after retiring from a 43-year career as a pastor, Dr. Brad Miller received a life-changing prostate cancer diagnosis. Instead of allowing fear to define his future, he made a different decision—one rooted in hope, humor, and purpose. In this inspiring conversation, Scott and Brad explore how major life transitions, whether retirement, illness, or unexpected setbacks, can become the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Brad shares how laughter became part of his healing journey, why purpose matters more than ever after 60, and the practical mindset shifts that helped him move from surviving to truly living. Whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating a health challenge, or simply wondering what comes next, this episode is a powerful reminder that your story is far from over. In this episode: How a prostate cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a new purposeWhy humor can be a powerful tool for resilience and healingThe surprising lesson Brad learned from his granddaughtersHow retirement can become the beginning of a meaningful new chapterWhy loneliness and loss of identity affect so many retireesBrad's ACTS framework for living with purpose:ActionConnectionThinking intentionallyServing othersHow to create a personal legacy instead of simply passing timeWhy it's never too late to reinvent yourself Connect with Dr. Brad Miller Visit Brad's website to learn more about his work, listen to the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, and explore his resources on hope, humor, and purposeful living: www.cancerandcomedy.com Connect with MindSwitch Visit mindswitch.ca to access resources, events, and tools designed to help you create a meaningful work-optional life.

  3. Jun 30

    What Happens After Your Career? Finding Purpose In Your Work-Optional Life

    What happens after the excitement of retirement begins to wear off? For many people, the first months of retirement feel like a well-earned vacation filled with travel, family, and freedom. But eventually, a new question emerges: What's next? In this solo episode of Retire & Aspire, Scott explores why so many people struggle to find purpose after leaving their careers and how to reconnect with the passions, creativity, and dreams that may have been waiting for decades. Drawing from his own journey of leaving a secure banking career to build a wildlife sanctuary, Scott shares practical tools to help you move beyond simply staying busy and begin creating a truly meaningful work-optional life. In this episode: Why the "honeymoon phase" of retirement eventually comes to an endThe difference between staying busy and living with purposeHow your career identity can make it difficult to embrace new passionsScott's unexpected journey from banker to wildlife sanctuary founderWhy creativity needs space—and how to create itThe value of personal retreats and quiet reflectionHow to use an "interest radar" to discover new passionsWhy it's never too late to reinvent yourselfHow small steps can lead to your next meaningful chapterConnect with Scott Visit mindswitch.ca to access resources, events, and tools designed to help you create a meaningful work-optional life.

  4. Jun 16

    Adventure Travel After 50: Why Your Biggest Adventure Is Still Ahead

    What if retirement isn't about slowing down—but finally speeding up toward the experiences you've always wanted? In this episode of Retire & Aspire, Scott sits down with award-winning travel writer and adventurer Mary Charleson of Carry On Queen to explore why adventure travel is becoming one of the fastest-growing lifestyle trends for adults over 50. Together they discuss how travel builds confidence, expands your perspective, creates meaningful friendships, and can help you rediscover who you are beyond your career. Whether you're considering your first solo trip, a guided adventure, or simply looking for inspiration for your next chapter, this conversation offers practical advice and plenty of encouragement. Why travel changes after age 50 The rise of solo travel and women's travel groups Group travel vs. independent travel How adventure travel builds confidence and resilience Travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond Slow travel, wellness travel, and multi-generational travel Safety concerns and how to travel smarter How to step outside your comfort zone without feeling overwhelmed Beginner-friendly adventure travel ideas Mary's favorite travel experiences from around the world Mary Charleson is an award-winning travel writer, marketing strategist, and founder of Carry On Queen. Her work has appeared in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, Zoomer, and Travel Awaits. Through her writing and travel experiences, she inspires others to embrace curiosity, confidence, and lifelong adventure. Connect with Mary Website: carryonqueen.com Connect with MindSwitch Visit mindswitch.ca to access resources, events, and tools designed to help you create a meaningful work-optional life.

    Adventure Travel After 50: Why Your Biggest Adventure Is Still Ahead

  5. May 23

    How your finances change when you transition to work-optional life.

    Steve Bridge, CFP, joined me on this episode, where the focus was on the unexpected financial challenges many transitioning to work-optional life encounter. From not spending enough, to when to take CPP and OAS, to how much one needs to have in this inflationary environment (and to live to 95 or beyond;), we covered a lot of ground in 23 minutes.

    How your finances change when you transition to work-optional life.

  6. May 8

    Selling your business - with Randy Friesen

    Preparing yourself and your business for the next phase, what ever that might be for you, will give you greater peace of mind and more dollars in your pocket. Join Randy and I as we outline the challenges and best practices, with true stories from the trenches.

    Selling your business - with Randy Friesen

  7. Apr 25

    Back to School? Convince me....

    Some of us loved it! Others, not so much. Regardless where you fall on this relationship continuum with school, learning is great for you, and your next phase of life. In this episode we talk student life with Michael Shouldice of Athabasca University and the why's and what's of a mature learner experience in 2026. We also chat with someone who is currently taking a face-2-face class with students who could be his grandchildren. Hear what these educational ground breakers are doing and whether it is a fit for you. Cheers, Scott

    Back to School? Convince me....

  8. Apr 5

    Meaningful exercise when you are 55+

    Those 10,000 steps? The arms curls on the machine? They are not nearly enough according to PJ Wren, fitness instructor of the year in Canada last year. Your goal is to be as fit as long as possible. Every day doing the right types of workout programs keeps you more mobile (think of that great next trip) and independent.

    Meaningful exercise when you are 55+

  9. Mar 28

    Personal Leadership - your secret weapon

    Society just doesn't know yet what to do with the newly transitioned who can live another 30-40 years of full of vibrance, you may have to lead the charge. From the Olympics to the classroom, Dr. Jennifer Walinga offers insights and tips that are both honest and encouraging. Enjoy! Cheers, Scott

    Personal Leadership - your secret weapon

  10. Mar 3

    We will be the first...

    Transitioning to work-optional life (formerly known as retirement) in 2026 and beyond is uncharted territory. No previous generation has had this much health span, wealth and mobility. In this episode, we lay out the six foundations or controls you get to work with to create a fulfilling next phase of your life, a phase that can easily last 30 years or more.

    We will be the first...
  • 10 Episodes

About

In the history of human kind, we are the first generation to have this much wealth, healthspan or mobility. Being able to retire today is truly a winning lottery ticket. But the question is, do you know how to cash yours in? For the vast majority of the 10,000 retiring every day, the answer is not yet. This podcast will explore topics such as identity change, purpose and relevance with a strong smattering of adventure and keys to vitality. Join us to create your unique Retire & Aspire pathways and cash in your winning lottery ticket.

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