Podcast
Beyond Retirement
Hosted by Jacquie Doucette · EN
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.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Intentional Living, Clarity, and the Perfect Average Day
4d ago00:11:17Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on her conversation with Jermaine Ee (founder of HeirLight) from Episode 294. She distills Jermaine’s wisdom on living intentionally, defining “enough,” and designing ordinary days that feel truly meaningful. Listeners get practical prompts and small experiments to bring more clarity, gratitude, and purpose into their daily retirement life.Why this mattersRetirement isn’t just about filling a calendar—it’s about creating days that genuinely satisfy. Jacquie explores how to step out of comparison, focus on what matters, and design a “perfect average day” that brings joy, not just busyness.What we coveredThe power of asking: “What would I do every day if money and recognition didn’t matter?”Living with clarity: identifying what truly matters nowDefining “enough” and escaping the comparison trapJermaine’s “tiny list” strategy for whose opinions matterDesigning your “perfect average day” (and why it’s more important than big dreams)Meaning vs. busyness: how to choose fulfillment over a packed scheduleLegacy, conversations, and not waiting for the “perfect” momentBonus tips: new communities, prioritizing health, staying curious, capturing memoriesKey takeawaysClarity is love in practical form.Comparison is the thief of joy.Designing small, meaningful days matters more than chasing big achievements.Don’t wait to have important conversations or experiences.Retirement is richer when you choose relationships, activities, and routines that energize you.WANT TO KICKSTART YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com
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What Is “Enough” for Retirement? Culture, Comparison, and a Life Well-Designed - with Jermaine Ee
2w ago00:37:27Tap to summarizeWhat if the goal of retirement isn’t just “more free time”… but a life you’re not trying to escape from? Jermaine Ee is a storyteller based in Los Angeles and the founder of HeirLight, a fast, modern, emotionally intelligent way to create a legally binding will, health care directive, and durable power of attorney.In this episode, Jermaine talks about the pressure to postpone life for a promised future—and how clarity often arrives quickly once avoidance ends. You’ll hear Jermaine’s perspective on defining what is enough (and whose voices shape that definition), why the best days aren’t always the big adventures, and how one conversation with his mom led to a dream trip that changed everything. We also touch on estate planning in a refreshingly human way: not as a fear-based task, but as a way to reduce confusion, protect dignity, and care for the people you love.Key Topics: Why so many people trade their present for a promised futureHow culture shapes our definition of “enough”Living for the weekend vs. designing a good TuesdayThe “small paper” exercise: whose opinions actually matterChoosing relationships that add energy (and reducing time with draining ones)Busy vs. meaningful: saying no more oftenA powerful reminder: ask your parents about their dreamsEstate planning as clarity (not fear): will, health care directive, power of attorneyThoughts to ponder Whose voices are shaping your definition of “enough” right now?What’s one thing you could do on a random Tuesday that would make it a good day?What conversation are you avoiding that would bring clarity to your family?If you asked your parents (or kids) about their dreams today, what might you learn?Action steps (try this in 7 days) Design your “good Tuesday.” Write down 3 small things that would make an ordinary day feel like a win.Do the small-paper exercise. List the 5–7 people whose opinions truly matter—and stop outsourcing your self-worth to everyone else.Start one clarity conversation. Pick one topic you’ve been avoiding (health wishes, finances, family expectations, legacy) and take the first step.Connect with Jermaine: HeirLight: https://heirlight.comJermaine: https://eejermaine.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eejermaine**Since recording this episode, HeirLight has expanded its reach and now offers services in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington. For 50% off the HeirLight service, use: www.heirlight.com/en/podcast
Transcribe →Retirement Life: Have You Planned for Unexpected Needs?
3w ago00:10:24Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie dives into the essential—yet often avoided—topic of long-term care, sparked by key takeaways from her interview with Raymond Lavine. She explores why long-term care planning matters, what can happen when caregiving needs arise unexpectedly, and how listeners can take practical steps now to protect their choices, finances, and family relationships.Why this mattersRetirement dreams often focus on freedom and independence, but the reality is that many retirees will eventually need some form of care—sometimes suddenly. Planning ahead can mean the difference between empowered choices and stressful crisis management.What we coveredHow caregiving needs can disrupt retirement plans—often without warningThe hidden ripple effects: finances, family roles, and household dynamicsThe true cost of care—money, time, energy, and emotional bandwidthRaymond Lavine’s three core planning questions: Where? Who? How?The importance of starting conversations early, before a crisisOrganizing vital documents and communicating your wishesUnderstanding care costs in your areaExploring long-term care insurance and why earlier is betterMaking your home safer, one simple change at a timeProactive steps for those who can’t or don’t want insuranceKey takeawaysDon’t wait for a crisis. Planning ahead preserves dignity, options, and family harmony.Start small. Even simple conversations and small home changes make a difference.Know your options. Research care costs, insurance, and local resources early.Empower your family. Clear documents and communication prevent confusion and conflict.Self-care matters. Healthy habits and a safe home reduce future risks.READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Have a chat with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryNew to Beyond Retirement? Start Here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com/
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When Caregiving Changes Retirement: Planning Before the Crisis - with Raymond Lavine
4w ago01:03:16Tap to summarizeRetirement is supposed to feel like freedom… until caregiving enters the picture. Raymond Lavine is a caregiving planning advocate who helps families prepare for long-term care realities before a crisis hits. He’s the host of the podcast Planning with Purpose: The Caregiver’s Blueprint and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Empathy and Understanding in Business.Raymond shares how his parents’ experiences shaped his work, why even affluent families can get squeezed by care costs, and what changes—logistically, emotionally, and financially—when one person needs ongoing support. You’ll also hear practical ways to reduce stress even if you’re not ready to buy a plan today: decluttering, home modifications, organizing documents, and building habits that make aging at home safer.Key Topics: Why families delay long-term care planning until a crisisHow caregiving reshapes retirement for everyone involvedThe hidden logistics: meds, appointments, finances, bathing, transfers, and constant worryWhy “having enough money” still doesn’t mean care won’t disrupt your lifePlanning choices: where you want care, who will manage it, and how you’ll payUsing care support to stay social, travel, and avoid getting “stuck”What people underestimate most: caregiving is “invisible” until it’s notSimple stress-reducers: declutter, improve lighting, add grab bars, swap knobs for leversKeep documents and passwords in one place (digital + paper)Thoughts to ponder If caregiving started tomorrow, what would change first in your life?Who would coordinate care in your family—and do they know that?What would you want to protect most: dignity, independence, relationships, finances?What’s one small home change you could make this month to reduce risk?Action steps (try this in 7 days)1) Answer the “3 Care Questions.”Where would I want care?Who would manage it?How would we pay?2) Create a “one place” folder.Health card/insurance info, key contacts, legal documents, medication list, passwords (securely stored).3) Do one safety upgrade.Add a grab bar, improve lighting, remove a rug, or swap a doorknob for a lever.Connect with Raymond:Website: https://lavineltcins.com
Transcribe →Beyond the Finish Line: Memoirs, Reflection, and New Meaning in Retirement
May 300:11:31Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie draws inspiration from her conversation with Henry Quinlan—a publisher, memoirist, and passionate advocate for purposeful living in retirement. The episode explores how telling your story, reflecting on life’s turning points, and embracing new “second acts” can help you find meaning, connection, and fulfillment after the traditional working years.What you’ll hear in this episodeWhy retirement isn’t just about stopping work, but about moving toward something meaningfulThe power of memoir and storytelling for self-discovery and legacyHow reflecting on your life’s “plot twists” can reveal hidden strengths and new opportunitiesThe value of curiosity, creativity, and staying engaged at any agePractical ways to start writing your story—even if you don’t consider yourself a writerHenry Quinlan’s approach to living with optimism, humor, and purpose in later lifeKey takeawaysRetirement is a new beginning. It’s a chance to design a life that excites you, not just a time to wind down.Everyone has a story worth telling. Memoir writing can clarify your values, celebrate your journey, and leave a legacy for loved ones.Reflection brings meaning. Looking back at challenges and turning points can help you see how far you’ve come—and what you still want to do.Curiosity keeps you young. Stay open to new interests, skills, and connections, no matter your age or background.You don’t have to be a professional writer. Start with small stories, favorite memories, or lessons learned—what matters is capturing your unique perspective.READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Have a chat with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryNew to Beyond Retirement? Start Here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com/
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Everyone Says Retirement Will Make You Happy- They're Wrong – with Henry Quinlan
Apr 2600:44:34Tap to summarizeWhat really happens after the retirement celebration ends? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette talks with Henry Quinlan—founder of Omni Publishing Company and a senior achiever at the MIT Age Lab—about what happens after the “retirement glow” wears off. They discuss why many retirees (especially men) struggle with identity and connection, how memoir writing can be both therapeutic and legacy-building, and a simple way to uncover what gives your next chapter meaning.What we coverHow Henry’s retirement became a new mission — 300+ talks to seniors (and why it started)Why men often struggle more — fewer social habits, more identity tied to work and statusThe “what will other people think?” trap — and how it keeps people stuckLetting go of titles — shifting from “who I was” to “what I want now”Memoirs as therapy + legacy — why your grandchildren know less about your life than you thinkMemoir writing tips that matter — write the hard parts, revise, and avoid settling old scoresThe power of anecdotes — the small stories that reveal character and make writing come aliveThe biggest myth about retirement happiness — retirement doesn’t automatically equal happinessA practical first step — remember moments you lost track of time because you were fully immersedKey Topics Covered The emotional transition into retirementWhy men often struggle more than women after leaving workMemoir writing as a therapeutic and legacy-building toolThe myth that retirement guarantees happinessGiving, contribution, and relationships as sources of fulfillmentArtificial intelligence and its impact on seniors and societyHenry Quinlan is the founder and CEO of Omni Publishing Company and a lifelong publishing professional who found renewed purpose after retirement. He now focuses on helping seniors tell their stories, publish memoirs, and rethink happiness and fulfillment in later life. A Senior Achiever at the MIT AgeLab, Henry also speaks widely on retirement, relationships, and artificial intelligence for seniors.Connect with Henry: https://www.goldenyearslibrary.com/One small takeaway:Purpose doesn’t arrive automatically when work ends. Start by identifying what truly absorbs you—those moments when time disappears—and use that as your clue for what to build next.If you enjoyed this episode, follow/subscribe and leave a quick review—it helps more people find Beyond Retirement.Beyond Retirement themes discussed:Purpose & Meaning in RetirementIdentity After WorkPersonal Growth & Lifelong LearningMindset & Self-TalkResilience & Emotional StrengthCommunity & ConnectionCreating a Fulfilling RoutineCourage, Confidence & Taking ActionLife Transitions & ReinventionREADY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com
Transcribe →Living Intentionally: Choosing Curiosity, Rhythm, and Meaning
Apr 1900:11:26Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on insights from her conversation with Dr. Denise Taylor and explores a quieter, more sustainable approach to intentional living in retirement. Instead of asking, “What should I do now?”, Jacquie invites listeners to consider, “How do I want to live now?” The episode focuses on creating rhythm (not busyness), choosing curiosity over striving, and finding meaning that isn’t tied to productivity.What you’ll hear in this episodeWhy intentional living isn’t always about doing moreThe shift from “What should I do?” to “How do I want to live?”How many retirees leave the job—but keep the pace, pressure, and identity of workRhythm vs. routine: listening to your energy instead of living by urgencyWhy stillness can feel uncomfortable (and why it’s often exactly what we need)Curiosity as a key driver of well-being as we ageHow “Back in my day…” thinking quietly closes doors—and how to keep them openThe identity question that can surface after retirement: “If I’m not that anymore… who am I?”Why meaning doesn’t require output, metrics, or a new labelThe difference between working longer because it’s joyful vs. working longer as avoidanceKey takeawaysIntention starts with rhythm, not goals. Your days don’t need to be packed to be purposeful.Rhythm is energy-aware living. Notice when you feel alert, when you need rest, and when you’re simply done.Curiosity keeps the future open. You don’t have to be good at something to explore it.Meaning isn’t the same as productivity. Presence, listening, and care can be deeply meaningful.Not every season calls for acceleration. Some seasons call for integration, simplification, and rest.READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Have a chat with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryNew to Beyond Retirement? Start Here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com/
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Living Intentionally After Retirement: From Striving to Thriving – Denise Taylor
Apr 1200:36:46Tap to summarizeWhat if retirement wasn’t about filling your time — but about choosing how you want to live? In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette talks with Denise Taylor about rethinking life after full-time work. You’ll learn how to shift from striving to thriving, why curiosity is essential for aging well, and how to create a more intentional rhythm in your life.Denise shares how her own “rediscovery” season led her to step back from intensive one-to-one coaching and lean into writing, research, and thought leadership—work that helps not only individuals, but also the professionals who support them. Together, Jacquie and Denise unpack how retirement has changed over the decades (from “finally rest” to “reinvent again”), and why so many high-achievers struggle with identity when the job title disappears.The conversation also moves into a more mindful, grounded view of aging: shifting from constant doing to intentional being. Denise describes the restorative power of nature—especially time spent in her woodland retreat—and offers an alternative narrative to the “work forever” message that dominates many retirement discussions. The episode closes with practical, encouraging ideas listeners can use right now: stay curious, take ownership, savor the small joys, and try the thing you’ve been putting off.What We Cover:The evolution of retirement — From rest and recovery to reinvention and choiceIdentity beyond work — Who you are when your title disappearsBeing vs doing — Why constant productivity may be holding you backCuriosity and aging — How staying curious supports wellbeingIntentional living — Choosing rhythm, meaning, and presence over pressureAbout the Guest:Denise Taylor is a chartered psychologist and later-life specialist who has spent decades helping people navigate retirement and midlife transitions. After years of coaching others, she is now focusing on writing and exploring what she calls “conscious aging”—a more thoughtful, intentional approach to later life grounded in both research and lived experience.Connect with Denise: Website: https://denisetaylor.co.uk/ Substack: https://ageingreimagined.substack.com/Beyond Retirement themes discussed:Purpose & Meaning in RetirementIdentity After WorkPersonal Growth & Lifelong LearningMindset & Self-TalkResilience & Emotional StrengthCommunity & ConnectionHealth, Fitness & Aging WellCreating a Fulfilling RoutineCourage, Confidence & Taking ActionLife Transitions & ReinventionTopics:living intentionally after retirement, identity after work, purpose after retirement, aging well, curiosity and aging, retirement mindset, life after full-time workREADY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com
Transcribe →Connection & Purpose in Retirement
Apr 500:08:30Tap to summarizeIn 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 episodeWhy 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 retirementKey takeawaysOld 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/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com
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Who Are You Without Your Job? Reconnecting Through Music After Retirement – Scott Walker & Lootfish
Mar 2900:29:26Tap to summarizeWhat 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 experienceKey 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 & ReinventionTopics: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
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