Beyond Retirement

Jacquie Doucette
  • 4.8 (67)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What really happens after retirement? If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering what now?, you’re not alone. The world is full of financial advice for retirement, but there’s far less about how to actually live a fulfilling life once the 9-to-5 ends. Beyond Retirement is the podcast that explores what comes after the career chapter. Whether your retirement was planned or unexpected, joyful or jarring, you’ll find real stories, honest conversations, and practical inspiration here. Join host Jacquie Doucette as she shares her own journey and speaks with people who’ve reimagined life after work—some fully retired, some shifting gears, and all discovering new meaning in this next stage. From finding purpose to building community, embracing play, and navigating change, we’ll explore how to create a life that truly fits. Because retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Let’s figure out what comes next, together.

  1. 3D AGO

    Connection & Purpose in Retirement

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on a conversation that lingered long after the microphones were off: Scott Walker's retirement-fueled decision to reunite his college band, The Resisters, with help from Lutefish technology. The episode explores how rekindling old passions can restore connection, identity, and joy, and why retirement is less about stopping and more about returning to the parts of ourselves that were always there. What you'll hear in this episode Why Scott's line "You can't make new old friends" hits so deeply in retirementHow distance doesn't have to mean disconnection, and how technology can bridge the gapThe idea of a secret identity: the passions we set aside during the busy middle chapter of lifeA simple reflection prompt: What did you get lost in before adulthood took over?Why structure matters (and why motivation often follows action)How shared purpose builds real connection and why loneliness isn't solved by staying busyPractical takeaways to help you reconnect with people and passions in your own retirement Key takeaways Old friendships are a unique kind of wealth. People who knew you before titles and responsibilities can help you reconnect with who you are.Technology is a tool, not a threat. Used intentionally, it can support real human connections across distance.Your early passions are clues. The things you loved before life got busy often point toward what will feel meaningful now.Structure creates momentum. Weekly rituals and commitments make it easier to begin even when you feel rusty.Connection is the reward. The activity may be the excuse, but the deeper outcome is belonging. READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    9 min
  2. Who Are You Without Your Job? Reconnecting Through Music After Retirement – Scott Walker & Lootfish

    MAR 29

    Who Are You Without Your Job? Reconnecting Through Music After Retirement – Scott Walker & Lootfish

    What if your retirement party skipped the awkward speeches and rubbery chicken… and turned into a real rock show? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette talks with Scott Walker, a newly retired executive-turned-musician, and the team behind Lootfish about reconnecting with passion and friendships after retirement. You’ll learn how to rediscover old interests, rebuild meaningful connections, and create a fulfilling post-career life. Scott shares how he reunited his college band after decades apart and used Lutefish to rehearse weekly across multiple states—leading to a retirement-party performance at Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta) that was equal parts meaningful, terrifying, and unforgettable. But the bigger story isn’t just the tech—it’s what came back to life for Scott: friendship, identity, creativity, and a return to the parts of himself that got packed away during the “35-year detour” of career and family. If you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I without my job?” this conversation offers a grounded, practical way to start answering it. What We Cover: Rediscovering identity after retirement — Returning to passions that were set aside during career yearsThe power of music and shared experiences — How creative outlets strengthen connection and fulfillmentTechnology enabling connection — How Lootfish allows musicians to collaborate remotely in real timeRebuilding long-term friendships — Staying connected through consistent shared activityCreating a meaningful retirement event — Turning a retirement party into a milestone experience Key takeaways Retirement isn’t the end of your identity—it can be the return to it.Connection gets easier when you’re doing something together (not just “catching up”).A deadline can be a gift: it creates momentum, practice, and follow-through.Your “secret identity” is often hiding in what you loved as a kid.Technology can support what matters most: relationships, joy, and meaning. About the Guests: Scott Walker is a recently retired executive who returned to his early passion for music after stepping away from a 35-year career. By reconnecting with his former bandmates and performing again, he has redefined what retirement can look like. Alongside him, Patrick Finn and Whitney Winkles are part of Lootfish, a company focused on helping musicians collaborate remotely through low-latency technology, enabling real-time online music. Links: The Resistors - https://theresistors.comTheir story: https://lutefish.com/blogs/the-hook/finding-the-groove-again-38-years-later-with-a-little-help-from-a-lutefish-stream Lutefish: https://lutefish.com/Evan Walker - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1s9kO42Yz9yhP7RGDI08d9 NAMM – National Association of Music Merchants – https://namm.org Smith’s Olde Bar Atlanta – https://sobatl.com If this episode sparked something for you, take five minutes today and ask yourself: What did I love so much between ages 10–20 that I lost track of time? Then choose one small step to bring it back—one song, one sketch, one page, one conversation. And if you know someone approaching retirement who’s worried about “what comes next,” share this episode with them—it might be the permission they didn’t know they needed. Beyond Retirement Themes Discussed: Purpose & Meaning in RetirementIdentity After WorkPersonal Growth & Lifelong LearningResilience & Emotional StrengthCommunity & ConnectionCreating a Fulfilling RoutineCourage, Confidence & Taking ActionLife Transitions & Reinvention Topics: retirement identity, life after retirement, reconnecting with old friends, hobbies after retirement, music and aging, creative outlets in retirement, building community, remote collaboration, staying connected after retirement, meaningful retirement activities

    29 min

  3. MAR 22

    Move, Reno, Repurpose - How to Decide

    In this solo reflection episode, Jacquie unpacks the biggest insights from her conversation with Kim Costa (author of Live in Your Wheelhouse) and translates them into practical questions listeners can use to evaluate whether their current home still fits the life they want in retirement. The throughline: your home isn’t just a building—it’s a support system for your health, relationships, routines, and sense of peace. Why this matters (the “retire TO” connection) Retirement isn’t only a financial transition—it’s a lifestyle transition. Jacquie invites listeners to think proactively about what they’re retiring to: a daily rhythm, a community, and an environment that supports who they are now (not who they were 20 years ago). What we covered Why a “forever home” can stop fitting as your life evolvesThe idea of evaluating your home based on how it supports your lifestyle—not just your stuffKim Costa’s Wheelhouse Method: looking at life in eight dimensions to spot what’s out of syncOptions beyond moving: renovating, downsizing, repurposing rooms, and experimenting with new routinesThe often-forgotten role of spirituality/grounding and nature in retirement happinessTiming: avoiding the stress of waiting too long (or moving too quickly)Living authentically in your “third life” and letting go of stereotypes about what retirement should look like Key takeaways Your home should support your life stage. What worked at 25 may not work at 55 or 65.A home decision is also a life decision. It impacts your mobility, energy, relationships, and joy.Not every solution requires a move. Small changes can create big alignment.Don’t ignore the “soft” needs. Peace, sunlight, nature, and spiritual grounding matter.Plan before it becomes urgent. The best moves are made from choice, not pressure. WANT TO KICKSTART YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    13 min
  4. Retirement Lifestyle: Are You Living in Your Wheel House? - with Kim Costa

    MAR 15

    Retirement Lifestyle: Are You Living in Your Wheel House? - with Kim Costa

    Kim Costa, a top 5% Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes & Sotheby’s International Realty and creator of the Wheel House Method, shares how to use a Wheel-of-Life approach to decide whether to stay, go, or renovate in retirement. You’ll hear why “home” is more than square footage, how life changes create a “void” your current space may no longer fill, and how to make choices that support enjoyment and personal growth in your next chapter. What we cover Why retirement is a “third life,” not an endingThe Wheelhouse Method: using eight life areas to clarify what’s working and what isn’tHow life changes (empty nest, health shifts, career ending, family moving) can make a once-perfect home stop fittingDownsizing options: lock-and-leave living, reducing maintenance, and freeing up equityPractical ways to stay put: “shut down” unused floors, adjust thermostats, and reduce cleaning/expensesRepurposing rooms for who you are now (hobbies, writing, yoga, podcasting)The most neglected area on the wheel: spirituality (connection to nature, grounding, sunlight)Avoiding “should” decisions (e.g., moving somewhere because it’s what people do)Try-it-first strategies: house-sitting, seasonal stays, and inviting family to test a destination homeBiggest regret drivers: moving too fast, not thinking it through, and market pressure Key takeaways Your home should match your current life stage. What worked at 25 may not work at 60.Fix the pain point—but don’t create a new problem. Consider health care access, finances, and connection before you leap.Enjoyment is allowed. Retirement is a season to reclaim what you loved—and design your space to support it.Small changes count. You can often improve fit by repurposing rooms and reducing unused space. Connect with Kim: Website: lifestylefoundations.comSocials: KimECosta Her new book, Live in Your Wheel House, available now for preorder; ships March 24th! https://amazon.com/dp/B0GKTB5Z7C

    35 min

  5. MAR 8

    Midlife is a Launch Pad: Reimagining Retirement for Personal Fulfillment

    In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie digs a bit deeper into the idea Sairan Aqrawi brought up in her interview: that we all have "hidden gems" within us, and that as we hit midlife, we have the opportunity to uncover them. Recommended Actions Allow yourself time for reflectionExperiment and exploreBuild a supportive communityReframe your mindset about agingGive back or mentor othersTake care of your body and mind If you're struggling to figure out your next step, reach out! Talk to me at retireabc@gmail.com READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    13 min
  6. Midlife is PRICELESS - not a CRISIS!

    MAR 1

    Midlife is PRICELESS - not a CRISIS!

    In this inspiring episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie sits down with Sairan Aqrawi, a civil engineer, certified coach, and founder of the Gem Thrive Academy. From STEM to soul-searching, Sairan shares how she helps women over 50 rediscover their “hidden gem” — a unique passion, gift, or calling buried under years of work, family, and obligation. Whether it’s painting, public speaking, or building furniture in your garage, your gem doesn’t need to make money to be meaningful. Sairan’s bold, no-nonsense approach helps women reclaim midlife. To find out more about Sairan and the GemThrive Academy, visit sairanaqrawi.com

    36 min

  7. FEB 22

    Navigating Retirement Surprises

    What happens when your carefully planned retirement takes an unexpected turn? On this week’s solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflected on this question. Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone planning their next chapter: Build Your Lifeline Early: Relationships with family, friends, and community are just as crucial as financial planning. The support Susie and Tony received made all the difference during their toughest days.Nurture Your Anchors: Whether it’s faith, creativity, volunteering, or something else—identify what keeps you grounded. Start strengthening those anchors now, so you’re ready when challenges arise.Embrace Flexibility: Plans are important, but adaptability is essential. The most meaningful moments often come from the unexpected detours and from helping others, even while facing your own trials. Retirement is a new beginning—sometimes bumpy, but always full of opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose. READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY? Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/ Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

    17 min
  8. Retirement Interrupted: Reclaiming the Plan when it Changes

    FEB 15

    Retirement Interrupted: Reclaiming the Plan when it Changes

    On this episode of Beyond Retirement, host Jacquie Doucette welcomes Soozie and Tony Cisneros, a couple whose retirement dreams took an unexpected turn. Just as they prepared to embark on new adventures together, both received life-changing cancer diagnoses—on the very same day. In this candid conversation, Soozie and Tony share the shock and uncertainty of facing treatment, the ways their family and community rallied around them, and the powerful role faith played in their journey. From setbacks to milestones, and finally reclaiming their freedom, their story is one of resilience, hope, and finding new meaning in life after the unimaginable. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers inspiration and wisdom on facing the unexpected and supporting one another along the way. Key Topics Covered:· Retirement Expectations vs Reality o Planning a life of travel and freedom o Receiving simultaneous cancer diagnoses · Navigating Treatment as a Couple o Different journeys: radiation vs non-surgical care o Emotional and logistical challenges of supporting each other · The Role of Family and Faith o Support from kids, including shaving their heads o How spiritual grounding helped them persevere · Redefining Retirement After Illness o Embracing each day with intention o Reframing 'lost time' as a second chance · Lessons in Resilience o What they’ve learned about strength and partnership o Advice for others facing unexpected setbacks

    29 min
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4.8
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

What really happens after retirement? If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering what now?, you’re not alone. The world is full of financial advice for retirement, but there’s far less about how to actually live a fulfilling life once the 9-to-5 ends. Beyond Retirement is the podcast that explores what comes after the career chapter. Whether your retirement was planned or unexpected, joyful or jarring, you’ll find real stories, honest conversations, and practical inspiration here. Join host Jacquie Doucette as she shares her own journey and speaks with people who’ve reimagined life after work—some fully retired, some shifting gears, and all discovering new meaning in this next stage. From finding purpose to building community, embracing play, and navigating change, we’ll explore how to create a life that truly fits. Because retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Let’s figure out what comes next, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacquie Doucette
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 - Beyond Retirement - Jacquie Doucette
  • Show Website
    Beyond Retirement

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