Real Retirement

Yasmin Nguyen & Kathleen Mundy

Welcome to "Real Retirement," a groundbreaking podcast where your hosts, Yasmin Nguyen and Kathleen Mundy, delve into the multifaceted world of retirement beyond the numbers. This isn't your typical retirement discussion; it's a vibrant journey into what retirement truly means in today's world. Each episode of "Real Retirement" brings you compelling conversations with guests who bring a wealth of expertise and authentic retirement life experiences. Our goal? To inspire and educate our listeners to approach retirement with intentionality and a broader perspective. But "Real Retirement" is more than just a podcast. It's a community for those navigating the uncharted waters of retirement, whether you're just starting to plan or are already on this deeply personal journey. We explore a wide array of topics, including: Physical and Mental Well-Being: Understand the importance of health in enjoying a fulfilling retirement.Family Dynamics: Navigate the changing relationships and roles that come with this new phase of life.Retirement Transitions: Learn how to smoothly transition into retirement life.Purpose & Identity: Find meaning and redefine your sense of self post-retirement.Social Connections: Discover ways to maintain and build new social ties.Legacy & Impact: Contemplate the mark you want to leave on the world.What sets "Real Retirement" apart? It's our commitment to authenticity. We bring you real stories from real retirees, discussing real challenges, surprises, joys, heartaches, and the myriad emotions that come with retirement. From addressing family dynamics to confronting identity shifts, we tackle the issues that truly matter to retirees. Join Yasmin and Kathleen as they journey through the honest and often unspoken aspects of retirement. "Real Retirement" isn't just about ending a career; it's about beginning a new, exciting chapter of life with all its complexities and joys. Tune in and be part of a conversation that redefines retirement in the most real way possible.

  1. 06/09/2025

    Episode 22: How to Design a Life of Freedom and Live it Authentically with George Kinder

    What if every moment of your life was truly yours?  In this powerful episode of The Real Retirement Show, we sit down with the legendary George Kinder — father of the life planning movement, mindfulness teacher, and global force for authentic living. With heart, humility, and poetic clarity, George shares how to design a life rooted in freedom, purpose, and presence — and why your dream of living fully can’t wait until retirement. From the serenity of his New England cabin to the bustling streets of London, George reveals his journey of awakening, the power behind his EVOKE® process, and why the future of retirement — and humanity — depends on trustworthiness and values-aligned action. We explore: How to uncover your true purpose and make it realThe three domains of freedom — and why they matter now more than everWhy fiduciary duty belongs not just in finance, but in every institutionHow mindfulness and deep listening shape our ability to lead, connect, and transformWhether you're reimagining your next chapter or simply seeking deeper meaning, this conversation will awaken something in you. Listen in — and begin the journey to your most meaningful life. 00:00 Introduction to the Three Domains of Freedom 01:35 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 01:45 Meet George Kinder: Pioneer of Life Planning 02:56 George Kinder's Journey and Philosophy 06:23 The Power of Trustworthiness and Freedom 08:51 Maintaining Passion and Purpose 10:05 The Serenity Cabin and Nature's Influence 13:37 The Three Dimensions of Freedom Workshops 20:57 Global Impact and Cultural Embrace 23:35 Reflections on Age and Passion 25:01 The Evolution of Fiduciary in Business 26:14 Building Trust in Client Relationships 27:06 The Financial Therapy Movement 28:33 The Importance of Trustworthiness 28:42 Kitchen Table Conversations on Fiduciary 30:32 Life Planning for Everyone 31:47 The Role of Trust in Financial Advice 36:46 Humanity and Global Communication 42:10 The Impact of AI on Humanity 44:25 The Future of Fiduciary Standards 46:57 The Three Domains of Freedom 49:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Meetings About George Kinder George Kinder is a globally renowned thought leader, author, and mindfulness teacher, widely recognized as the father of the Life Planning movement. He is the founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning and creator of the EVOKE® process, which helps individuals align their financial lives with their deepest values and dreams. With over 50 years of mindfulness practice and decades of experience as a financial advisor, George has trained thousands of professionals across 30+ countries to lead with purpose, empathy, and trust. Through his books, teachings, and art, he continues to inspire people around the world to live with greater freedom, authenticity, and meaning. Website:  https://www.georgekinder.com/ https://www.kinderinstitute.com/ Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    57 min
  2. 05/12/2025

    Episode 21: How to Activate Hope and Strengths for a Fulfilling Retirement with Polly Chandler

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen welcome Polly Chandler, a leadership development and transition coach. They explore Polly's journey from academia to coaching, highlighting how she helps individuals navigate major life transitions by leveraging their strengths. Polly shares her innovative approaches, including the use of the StrengthsFinder tool and her concept of a 'Hope Journal,' to inspire people to discover their true calling and find joy and purpose. The conversation delves into topics such as addressing career transitions, finding hope, combating fears, and realizing one's potential using a strengths-based approach. 00:00 Overcoming Roadblocks and Finding Purpose 01:27 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 02:10 Introducing Polly Chandler: A Journey of Reinvention 04:25 Polly's Transition from Academia to Coaching 09:02 The Hope Journal: Finding Hope and Purpose 14:08 Strengths-Based Approach to Life Transitions 22:31 Exploring Strengths and Individualization 23:04 Coaching Through Transitions 23:39 Energy and Alignment 24:20 Understanding and Utilizing Strengths 26:53 Navigating Roadblocks and Comparisons 31:43 The Role of Community and Mentorship 32:35 Optimism, Hope, and Action Plans 39:04 Finding Your Tribe and Passion 42:27 Final Thoughts and Anchors About Polly Chandler Polly Chandler is a Leadership Development and Transition Coach for Polly Chandler Coaching. This career path evolved from an intentional decision to focus on what energizes her most: coaching, mentoring and training facilitation. Her previous career was in higher education where she served as the Chair of the Department of Management and Director of the MBA in Sustainability at Antioch University New England. Polly now coaches individuals and trains teams in many sectors. She is particularly interested in helping people to navigate personal and professional transitions. Her speciality areas are strengths based leadership development, post career reinvention, and serving people and the planet.  Website: http://pollychandlercoaching.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pchandler1 Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    45 min
  3. 05/04/2025

    Episode 20: How to Navigate Beyond 'Shoulds' in Your Retirement with Marilyn Hintsa

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen delve into the evolving concept of retirement with guest Marilyn Hintsa. Marilyn shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting her pivot from a corporate career to becoming a retirement coach. She discusses the pressures and expectations surrounding retirement, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and rejecting societal 'shoulds.' Marilyn also introduces her initiative, Next Chapter Dialogues, which offers group sessions encouraging retirees to explore life after work. Through meaningful conversations and community support, Marilyn helps clients find joy and purpose in their post-career lives. The episode underscores the value of direct conversation, shared experiences, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. 00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Retirement 00:51 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 01:35 Meet Marilyn Hintsa: A New Path in Retirement 02:43 Marilyn's Journey into Coaching 05:17 Challenges and Insights in Retirement Coaching 06:24 The Importance of Group Dynamics 07:15 Mindset Shifts and Overcoming Fear 14:05 Purpose in Retirement 21:48 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability 28:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell About Marilyn Hintsa Marilyn has been on her own retirement journey since late 2019 when she was unexpected “early retired” from a corporate career. Not ready to go out to pasture, she became certified as a leadership coach, decided to use her new skills to help her contemporaries lead themselves into their post-career lives, and set up her practice, ULeadU Post Career Pathing, in 2021.  Since then, her practice has evolved and recently launched Next Chapter Dialogues, a weekly, Zoom-based, guided discussion group that people join on a monthly subscription basis. Next Chapter Dialogues is a powerful opportunity for people anywhere on a retirement journey to travel together in community and, with Marilyn’s guidance, explore topics related to life after work, aging and longevity. Website: https://www.uleadu.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hintsa/ Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    30 min
  4. 04/21/2025

    Episode 19: How to Overcome Retirement Shock and Build a Vibrant Next Chapter with Mike Drak

    In this inspiring episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen sit down with Mike Drak—retired financial services professional turned author, public speaker, and Ironman-in-training at 70—to explore the non-financial dimensions of retirement. Mike shares his powerful journey from retirement shock to personal reinvention, revealing how he overcame fears, embraced purpose, and adopted the principles of a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Together, they discuss the importance of physical vitality, meaningful relationships, and a growth mindset—and why financial advisors must expand their role beyond numbers to guide clients through life’s next chapter. Tune in to hear how Mike is breaking stereotypes and redefining what it means to truly thrive in retirement. 00:00 Discovering Your Purpose and Overcoming Fears 02:00 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 02:43 Meet Mike Drak: Author and Retirement Expert 03:33 Mike's Ironman Challenge at 70 05:24 Redefining Retirement: The Retirement Rebel 08:12 The Concept of Watching Your Life Movie 09:59 Experiencing Retirement Shock 14:57 The Nine Principles for a Fulfilling Retirement 16:41 Longevity and Retirement: Bridging the Gap 18:12 Practical Steps to Extend Your Health Span 19:58 Inspiration from Clive: A Model for Active Aging 20:39 The Importance of Fun and Connection in Fitness 21:49 Balancing Purpose and Consistency in Life 23:08 Financial Mindset in Retirement 24:47 Navigating Finances with a Partner 26:38 The Role of Advisors in Holistic Retirement Planning 31:48 Personal Growth and Overcoming Fears 36:47 Resources for a Fulfilling Retirement 38:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement About Mike Drak Mike is an author, public speaker and recognized authority on the non-financial aspects of retirement. After having spent 38-years in the financial services industry, Mike retired and personally faced what he called “retirement shock”. During this time, Mike found himself on a journey of self-discovery and authored three best-selling books on retirement; Victory Lap Retirement, Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose? and Longevity Lifestyle By Design. Mike is a Senior Contributor at Booming Encore and dedicates his time to helping other retirees design a fulfilling, meaningful retirement lifestyle for themselves. Resources Get both these books for free at https://boomingencore.com/ Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose?Longevity Lifestyle by Design LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-drak-6b401095/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_rebel/ Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    41 min
  5. 04/15/2025

    Episode 18: How to Change Your Perspective for a Fulfilled Retirement with Joanne Waldman

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen welcome Joanne Waldman, a pioneer in retirement coaching with over 30 years of experience. Joanne shares powerful stories and strategies for helping clients transition into retirement, focusing on emotional and personal growth beyond financial planning. From reframing fear to visualization techniques, Joanne provides practical methods to navigate the complexities of retirement. The episode dives deep into her unique approach, her pivotal life moments, and the significant impact of curiosity, love, and open-ended questions in coaching. Joanne also offers insights into the common challenges faced by retirees and emphasizes the importance of planning and communication. Listeners gain valuable tips for making a fulfilling and joyful retirement transition. 00:00 Client's Journey from Fear to Footwork 01:01 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 01:44 Introducing Joanne Waldman: A Trailblazer in Retirement Coaching 03:26 Joanne's Personal and Professional Journey 06:38 Unique Approaches to Retirement Coaching 09:10 Challenges and Niches in Retirement Coaching 11:54 Signature Exercises and Frameworks 18:11 Powerful Client Transformations 21:49 Qualities of a Great Coach 26:49 Top Tips for Retirement Planning 30:27 Final Thoughts and Contact Information About Joanne Waldman With more than 30 progressive years in the career transition field, Joanne is a trailblazer in the retirement coaching world. For 18 years she served as the Director of Training with Retirement Options and has an extensive background as a webinar leader with the International Coach Academy, and Coaching Cognition. She is the owner of New Perspective Coaching where she works with clients to plan their second or third reinvention into retirement. A Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, a Board-Certified Coach through the Center for Credentialing and Education, and through the National Career Development Association in 2009, she was selected as their Career Practitioner of the Year. In 2021, Joanne was honored with the Retirement Catalyst Award from the Retirement Coaches Association. Joanne received a retirement coaching certification through Retirement Options. She is also a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri, a nationally certified counselor and a nationally certified gerontological counselor. Joanne is a co-author of "Out of the Box Retirement-Creative Ideas, Role Models and Possibilities" and has been quoted as a retirement expert in Kiplinger’s, Forbes, Wall Street Journal/Market Watch and Where to Retire magazine. Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-waldman-0002281/ Website: https://www.newperspectivecoaching.com/ Email: joanne@newperspectivecoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.waldman Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    33 min
  6. 04/09/2025

    Episode 17: How to Navigate Solo Aging with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen talk with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, a leading expert on solo aging. Sara shares her journey highlighting the unique challenges faced by solo agers - individuals aging without family support. The discussion explores critical aspects such as choosing living arrangements, including the pros and cons of aging in place versus senior living communities. Sara emphasizes the importance of planning for financial, legal, and social needs, and introduces the concept of home sharing as a viable option for social interaction and care. She also stresses the need for professionals, such as financial advisors and legal experts, to assist solo agers in creating robust support systems. Sara concludes with inspiring stories of solo agers who have proactively planned their futures and offers resources for further learning.   00:00 Introduction: The Biggest Hurdle for Solo Agers 01:22 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 02:05 Meet Sara Zeff Geber: Expert on Solo Aging 03:10 Sara's Personal Journey into Solo Aging 05:29 Defining Solo Aging 09:06 Challenges and Misconceptions of Solo Aging 15:00 Planning for the Future: Financial, Legal, and Social Aspects 18:41 Community and Support Systems for Solo Agers 27:51 Inspiration and Success Stories 32:03 Final Thoughts and Resources   About Sara Zeff Geber, PhD   Sara is the nation’s foremost expert on Solo Aging.  She is an author, professional speaker, and certified retirement coach.  In 2018, Sara was named an “Influencer in Aging” by PBS’ Next Avenue and is a regular contributor to Forbes.com in the areas of aging and retirement.  She has also been featured and quoted in The Journal of Active Aging, Certified Senior Advisor Journal, Next Avenue, Senior Living Foresight, McKnights Living, Senior Housing Business, and many others. Sara’s book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Child-free Adults, was published in 2018, and was selected that year as a ‘best book on aging well’ by the WSJ.    Resources   Website: https://sarazeffgeber.com/  Books: https://sarazeffgeber.com/books/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/  Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    35 min
  7. 03/30/2025

    Episode 16: A Financial Advisor’s Guide to Wealth, Lifestyle & Lasting Memories with Dan Haylett

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, our special guest is Dan Haylett, a UK-based financial partner at TFP Financial Planning. Dan specializes in retirement planning that goes beyond spreadsheets, focusing on the human side of this major life transition. Dan shares his personal journey from a high-pressure career to a fulfilling role where he helps individuals over 50 navigate emotional and behavioral aspects of retirement. We discuss the evolving landscape of retirement, including challenges like redefining purpose, identity, relationships, and spending money. Dan's innovative methods, including sketches and the Humans vs. Retirement podcast, provide valuable insights into breaking outdated norms and designing a fulfilling retired life. The episode offers valuable insights for both retirees and financial planners looking to incorporate more holistic, human-focused strategies in their work. 00:00 Introduction to a Different Kind of Financial Advisor 01:02 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 02:07 Meet Dan Haylett: Financial Planner and Podcast Host 03:47 Dan's Personal Journey and Career Shift 06:32 Holistic Approach to Financial Planning 12:43 Challenges in Retirement Spending 16:29 Reframing Money as Memories and Experiences 23:09 Dan's Confidence and Continuous Learning 26:44 Builder's House Analogy 27:30 Discovering Carl Richards 28:11 The Power of Sketching 28:40 Healthspan vs Lifespan 29:25 Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go Years 31:17 Impact on Business and Clients 33:33 Referrals and Client Engagement 35:42 State of the Financial Industry 39:45 Embracing Uncertainty in Financial Planning 42:59 Advising with Purpose and Identity 43:45 Advice for Advisors 44:58 Future Projects and Innovations 46:56 Humans vs Retirement Podcast 50:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell About Dan Haylett Our guest is someone who is passionate about challenging the outdated narratives around retirement and helping people truly thrive in their second half. Dan Haylett, a financial planner and the Head of Growth at TFP Financial Planning in the UK. Dan specializes in financial planning, retirement planning, and life planning for individuals over 50. Beyond numbers and spreadsheets, he’s deeply invested in the human side of retirement, guiding people through the emotional and behavioral aspects of this major life transition. Dan is also the host of the podcast The Humans vs. Retirement, where he explores the psychological shifts, challenges, and opportunities that come with stepping into retirement. With a background in the asset-management industry and a mission to help 1 million people redefine their retirement experience, Dan brings a wealth of insight, experience, and inspiration to the conversation. Resources The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement  https://artisanal-composer-7982.kit.com/f1ce297731  Give Your Money Away With A Warm Heart, Not A Cold Hand! https://www.humansvsretirement.com/post/give-your-money-away-with-a-warm-heart-not-a-cold-hand Healthspan & Lifespan  https://youtu.be/HeoSDEs5e0Y?si=DHbYAewtkSdmmSHE  The 3 Phases of The Second Half of Our Lives  https://humansvsretirement.myshopify.com/products/the-3-phases-of-the-second-half-of-our-lives Podcast | Humans vs Retirement https://www.humansvsretirement.com/podcast Dan Haylett | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-haylett-retirement-coach/ YouTube | Humans vs Retirement https://www.humansvsretirement.com/youtube Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    53 min
  8. 03/24/2025

    Episode 15: How Gen Xers are Reinventing Retirement with Shelley McIntyre

    In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen explore the evolving concept of retirement for Generation X. Special guest Shelly McIntyre shares her insights on how Gen Xers are breaking away from traditional retirement models and creating vibrant, purposeful lives post-career. With extensive experience in coaching, Shelly offers practical advice on dealing with change, embracing new opportunities, and building a strong support network. Tune in to hear real stories, expert tips, and a deeper understanding of what retirement means for today's Gen Xers. 00:00 Rethinking Retirement: Gen X's New Approach 01:21 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show 02:04 Introducing Shelly McIntyre: Reinventing Retirement 02:56 Gen Xers' Unique Retirement Challenges 06:52 Navigating Corporate Loyalty and Personal Identity 13:15 The Role of Grief in Life Transitions 16:30 Planning for a Vibrant Future 31:37 Finding Your People: Building a Support System 36:44 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Shelly About Shelley McIntyre Shelley coaches post-corporate GenXers who want to design intentional and vibrant third acts. After a long career in technology and corporate strategy, Shelley pivoted to coaching, inspired by seeing smart people get in their own way.  Shelley believes it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and reclaim your identity from corporate narratives.  Through her coaching, she offers potent insights into change, grief, and identity, equipping clients to navigate life’s transitions with self-compassion.  Shelley taps into her love of the arts and making stuff to create unique, transformative coaching experiences. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre/ Website: https://shelleymcintyre.com/ Elizabeth Kupferman's "Ladder of Trust" series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE_Vo8HTTI4&list=PLu8p59ShPS96xgDL1XFr6iYUJo_VTr0c7  Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Real Retirement," a groundbreaking podcast where your hosts, Yasmin Nguyen and Kathleen Mundy, delve into the multifaceted world of retirement beyond the numbers. This isn't your typical retirement discussion; it's a vibrant journey into what retirement truly means in today's world. Each episode of "Real Retirement" brings you compelling conversations with guests who bring a wealth of expertise and authentic retirement life experiences. Our goal? To inspire and educate our listeners to approach retirement with intentionality and a broader perspective. But "Real Retirement" is more than just a podcast. It's a community for those navigating the uncharted waters of retirement, whether you're just starting to plan or are already on this deeply personal journey. We explore a wide array of topics, including: Physical and Mental Well-Being: Understand the importance of health in enjoying a fulfilling retirement.Family Dynamics: Navigate the changing relationships and roles that come with this new phase of life.Retirement Transitions: Learn how to smoothly transition into retirement life.Purpose & Identity: Find meaning and redefine your sense of self post-retirement.Social Connections: Discover ways to maintain and build new social ties.Legacy & Impact: Contemplate the mark you want to leave on the world.What sets "Real Retirement" apart? It's our commitment to authenticity. We bring you real stories from real retirees, discussing real challenges, surprises, joys, heartaches, and the myriad emotions that come with retirement. From addressing family dynamics to confronting identity shifts, we tackle the issues that truly matter to retirees. Join Yasmin and Kathleen as they journey through the honest and often unspoken aspects of retirement. "Real Retirement" isn't just about ending a career; it's about beginning a new, exciting chapter of life with all its complexities and joys. Tune in and be part of a conversation that redefines retirement in the most real way possible.