Reinventing Retirement

Cathy Paessun

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Personal Journals
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Real-life stories of everyday people who are redefining what retirement can look like.

3d ago

Jeff Darbee Conversation, Chapter 3 of 3: Stories, Opportunities and What’s Next

Cathy and Jeff continue their conversation with a focus on the stories that shaped his work, the opportunities that appeared along the way, and how each step naturally led to the next. Jeff reflects on early writing projects, memorable preservation efforts, and the moments that revealed how much history and architecture mattered to him. He shares examples of projects that succeeded, projects that did not, and what those experiences taught him about preservation and community. Their discussion moves through the practical realities of restoring historic structures, the role of federal tax credits in saving buildings across Ohio, and the way Jeff and Nancy built a consulting practice that grew from one opportunity to the next. Jeff also talks about family influences, travel, and the importance of paying attention to what genuinely interests you as you move into retirement. Cathy closes the chapter with Jeff’s thoughts on staying curious, staying healthy, and continuing to look for the next meaningful thing, whatever shape it takes. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
3d ago

Jeff Darbee Conversation — Chapter 2 of 3: Following the Path That Found Him

Cathy continues her conversation with Jeff Darbee, exploring how his life and work evolved into a version of retirement that still feels full of purpose. Jeff reflects on the moment he and Nancy realized they no longer needed to work for income and could instead choose projects that brought joy, curiosity, and meaning. He talks about shifting from consulting to writing, teaching, and volunteering, and how that change let him focus on the parts of preservation and history he loves most. Jeff shares stories from the study abroad programs he and Nancy have led for Ohio Dominican University. They have taken seventy-seven students to Rome and other historic cities, helping many of them travel outside the country for the first time. He describes how students come alive when they experience new cultures, new architecture, and new ways of seeing the world. Cathy and Jeff discuss how mentoring young people has become a natural extension of his work and how it keeps both him and Nancy energized. The conversation also traces Jeff’s path back to his early influences. He recalls his father’s work at Old Sturbridge Village, his own teenage years spent interpreting history in costume, and the unexpected way a newspaper editorial led him to the Ohio Historical Society. Looking back, Jeff sees how his interests in architecture, railroads, and storytelling quietly shaped a career that feels less like a plan and more like a path that revealed itself over time. This chapter is a warm reflection on legacy, curiosity, and the way passion can guide a life forward long after traditional retirement begins. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
3d ago

Jeff Darbee Conversation, Chapter 1 of 3: A Retirement That Isn’t Really Retirement

Cathy talks with Jeff Darbee, a familiar name in Central Ohio and a lifelong advocate for historic preservation. Jeff and his wife, Nancy, have spent fifty years protecting and celebrating the architecture that defines communities across the region. Their story begins with the dramatic 1976 demolition of Columbus’s Union Station arcade, an event that not only sparked a movement but also brought Jeff and Nancy together. Jeff shares how that moment shaped a career devoted to preserving history, from consulting on the renovation of the Ohio Statehouse to documenting the expansion of Ohio Stadium. He reflects on how passion for the past has kept him busier than ever in what most people would call retirement. Today, he continues his work through WOSU TV’s Columbus Neighborhoods series, where his “Driving with Darbee” segments bring local history to life for viewers across the state. The conversation explores how Jeff and Nancy transitioned from full‑time preservation work to mentoring the next generation of consultants, helping them carry forward the mission of protecting Ohio’s architectural heritage. Cathy and Jeff discuss why preserving the physical artifacts of history matters, how communities like German Village have thrived because of it, and why curiosity about the past remains essential to shaping the future. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring start to a three‑part conversation about purpose, legacy, and how a lifelong passion can turn retirement into reinvention. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Jul 30

Unretirement in Real Life with Richard Eisenberg

Cathy talks with Richard Eisenberg, an award‑winning journalist and author who has spent nearly fifty years covering personal finance, retirement, and the changing landscape of work later in life. Richard shares how his career evolved from writing for young adults to focusing on people over fifty, and how his own path led him to what he calls unretirement. He explains why he left full‑time work at 65, how he shaped a life that blends part‑time writing, volunteering, learning, and family time, and why he considers himself retired even though his wife insists he is not. They explore how retirement is shifting across generations, why Gen X approaches it differently, and how identity, purpose, and meaning play a central role in this stage of life. Richard talks about the challenges facing freelancers, the realities of Social Security and Medicare, and the importance of planning for longer lives. He also shares stories from his volunteer work and how unexpected experiences can help shape a new sense of purpose. The conversation highlights how retirement is no longer a single decision but an ongoing process of adjusting, experimenting, and redefining what work and life look like. Richard’s perspective offers reassurance, clarity, and inspiration for anyone navigating their own next chapter. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Jun 29

Expert on a Topic Series: When Home Is More Than a House: The Emotional Side of Downsizing and Moving

Thinking about downsizing, relocating, or aging in place? Choosing where and how to live during retirement is about much more than real estate. It is about emotions, family, independence, and creating the life you want for the years ahead. In this episode of Reinventing Retirement: Health and Wellness, I sit down with Jim Perry, an experienced real estate professional, to discuss the emotional and practical challenges older adults often face when deciding whether to remain in their current home, move closer to loved ones, downsize, or explore new living options. In this conversation, we explore: Why housing decisions become more complex during retirement The emotional connection many people have with a home they’ve lived in for decades How family relationships influence relocation decisions The challenges and rewards of downsizing a lifetime of belongings Finding the right balance between independence, safety, and quality of life Common concerns about aging in place How to prepare emotionally for a major housing transition Practical tips for making confident and informed real estate decisions later in life Whether you’re planning your own retirement, supporting an aging parent, or simply thinking ahead, this discussion offers valuable insights to help you navigate one of life’s most important transitions with confidence and clarity. Retirement isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. With thoughtful planning and the right mindset, your next move can become an opportunity for greater freedom, comfort, and peace of mind. If you found this conversation helpful, please like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who may be facing similar housing decisions. What housing decisions are you considering for your next chapter? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Jun 29

Health & Wellness Series: Hydration for Adults 60+ Expert Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy

In this insightful episode of Reinventing Retirement, host Dr. Cathy Paessun talks with registered dietitian and co-founder of Well Balanced Nutrition, Lucy Hayhurst, about an often overlooked but critical topic: hydration for adults over 60. As we age, our bodies go through changes that make it harder to recognize thirst and maintain proper fluid balance. Lucy explains why hydration becomes more important after 60 and highlights the common risks seniors face when they do not drink enough fluids, including fatigue, confusion, and other health issues. Throughout the conversation, Lucy shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to help older adults stay properly hydrated in their daily lives. From understanding how much water is enough to recognizing early signs of dehydration, this episode provides useful guidance for seniors, caregivers, and family members. Whether you are over 60 or caring for someone who is, this discussion offers clear and actionable advice to support better health, energy, and overall well-being through proper hydration. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
May 11

Sue Hines: Old Friends, New Chapters

Some conversations feel less like interviews and more like coming home, and this one is exactly that. Cathy sits down with someone she’s known for more than fifty years, a friend whose life has woven in and out of her own since childhood. Sue’s retirement story is shaped by resilience, creativity, and a quiet determination to keep moving forward, even when life hands you more than your share. Sue spent her career supporting others, keeping things running, and being the steady presence every workplace depends on. Retirement opened a different kind of space, one where she could finally give time to the creative instincts she’d tucked away for decades. What started as simple crafting has grown into a joyful, ever‑expanding world of making, teaching, experimenting, and rediscovering parts of herself she never had time to nurture before. Cathy and Sue talk about friendship that spans a lifetime, the unexpected turns that shape us, and the way reinvention often begins with the smallest spark. Sue’s story is a reminder that retirement isn’t about slowing down; it’s about shifting into a life that feels more like your own. A warm, heartfelt episode that celebrates creativity, connection, and the beauty of beginning again at any age. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Mar 4

Destiny Burns: Military Work to Urban Winery

Destiny Burns joins Cathy for a conversation that feels like a roadmap for anyone wondering what reinvention can look like in life’s later chapters. Destiny’s story begins in Cleveland, winds through the Navy as a Russian linguist, moves into intelligence and the defense industry, and even includes a chapter as a volunteer firefighter in her late forties. Through each transition, she discovered that her core values stayed steady while her “why” evolved, a pattern she eventually captured in her book My Why and I? A Rebel’s Guide to a Why‑Centered Lifestyle. As she explains, living a why‑centered life is a deliberate choice, one that requires staying aligned with what matters most and being willing to realign when life shifts. That commitment eventually brought her home to Cleveland, where she created something entirely new: an urban winery built inside a hundred‑year‑old auto garage. Destiny describes it not as a wine business but as a relationship business, a community hub where connection is the real product and the wine is simply the glue . She shares the three tenets that guide everything she does—good wine made fun, celebrate Cleveland, and drink wine and do good—and how those principles shape her team, her partnerships, and her impact. From hosting fundraisers to supporting local artists to donating wine to neighborhood theaters, Destiny has built a business that reflects her values as much as her entrepreneurial spirit. As the conversation turns toward retirement, Destiny offers a refreshingly honest look at what comes next. She talks about the realities of running a business that never stops, the importance of planning for an eventual transition, and the freedom that comes from knowing your purpose beyond your job. She imagines a future rooted in impact and adventure, perhaps working with nonprofits or using her hard‑earned experience to strengthen her community in new ways. For listeners navigating their own next chapters, Destiny’s story is a reminder that purpose does not retire. It evolves, expands, and invites us to follow it with intention. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Mar 4

Growing Younger: Diana Howes on Tango, Flexibility, and a Life in Motion

Diana Howes joins Cathy for a conversation that feels like a celebration of what reinvention can look like when you stay open, flexible, and willing to follow joy wherever it leads. Diana describes her life today as one filled with movement, connection, and purpose, much of it centered around Argentine tango. What began as a way to strengthen her knees turned into a passion that brings her exercise, community, and what she jokingly calls her eight hugs a day. She talks about the closeness of the dance, its social nature, and the delight of learning something she had always wanted to do but never had time for while raising four children. Her path into retirement was shaped by a lifetime of taking leaps and trusting that the net would appear. After decades in insurance and investments, she shifted into virtual bookkeeping long before remote work was common, a move that gave her the freedom to be with her children as their lives took them to different cities. When her daughter had what Diana calls a miracle baby, she moved to Charlotte to help. When her son and daughter‑in‑law in Los Angeles were expecting twins, she packed up again and headed west. She describes herself as a minimalist with a suitcase and a storage unit, choosing furnished rooms and month‑to‑month living so she can stay close to family and keep her life flexible. Diana reflects on the realities of aging, the desire to sit less, the importance of staying mentally and physically active, and the joy of being surrounded by younger people who keep her engaged. She talks about her commitment to “growing younger,” a mix of mindset, movement, whole foods, and purpose. And she shares her newest dream with a smile: to become a dancer everyone wants to dance with. It is a reminder that reinvention does not require grand gestures. Sometimes it looks like choosing connection, choosing movement, and choosing to stay open to the next beautiful thing. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Feb 13

Retirement in Full Volume: Cathy Paessun Talks with Ron Franke‑Polz

Cathy Paessun sits down with longtime friend and lifelong music tinkerer Ron Franke‑Polz for a conversation that begins in snowy northern Indiana and quickly opens into a story about coming home. Ron reflects on what it’s like to return to the town where he grew up, now just a couple of miles from his childhood house, and how familiar places feel both unchanged and completely new. As Cathy notes, it’s a full circle moment that sets the stage for a thoughtful look at the twists and turns of his working life. Their conversation moves into Ron’s parallel worlds of engineering and music, from garage bands in high school to recording sessions in his basement studio today. He shares how technology, curiosity, and a few lucky encounters helped him build a creative second act that spans local musicians, old bandmates, and even cross‑state collaborations. Cathy draws out the humor and heart in his stories, including the unexpected ways retirement opened space for new projects and revived passions. Ron also talks candidly about easing out of corporate life, adjusting to the rhythm of retirement, and discovering that weekdays are now the best days of the week. From rebuilding a pond path with a tractor to navigating the realities of health, finances, and time, he offers a grounded look at what reinvention can feel like in real life. The episode closes with a glimpse of what he’s exploring next, hinting at both the playful and the profound. Reinventing Retirement is the property of Dr. Cathy Paessun and is produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.

10 Episodes

Real-life stories of everyday people who are redefining what retirement can look like.

Creator

Cathy Paessun
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Copyright

©Cathy Paessun
Show Website

Reinventing Retirement