Chapter X with Michael Kay

At 68 years old, Rand Timmerman looked in the mirror and thought his life was over. A decorated Vietnam War veteran and successful attorney, he had been undone by alcoholism and the toll of PTSD. Yet what seemed like the end became the beginning of a new path.   Now more than a decade sober, Rand shares how recovery gave him the strength to take on an extraordinary challenge with his brother: hiking the Appalachian Trail in their seventies. Along the way, they faced storms, solitude, and moments of reckoning that reshaped how Rand understands resilience, purpose, and second chances.   In this episode, we covered:   How Rand faced down alcoholism after decades of success in his career The hidden weight of PTSD and how it shaped his story What it was like to hike more than 1,400 miles of the Appalachian Trail in his seventies The role of grit, faith, and humor in getting through difficult seasons How recovery and service to others gave Rand a renewed sense of purpose   Resources: Visit: Rand Timmerman’s website [https://www.randtimmerman.com/] Email Rand: rand.timmerman@gmail.com [rand.timmerman@gmail.com]

What happens when life as you know it is suddenly pulled out from under you? For Ray Martin, the unraveling of his marriage, the death of his father, and the collapse of his career all came within months of each other. Left with nothing familiar to hold onto, Ray made a choice to let go of clinging to the life he had built. What began as a six-month sabbatical turned into a 14-year journey across Asia. Along the way, Ray discovered mindfulness and a new definition of success that wasn’t tied to titles, possessions, or status. His experiences became the foundation of his book Life Without a Tie. In this conversation, Ray shares the lessons he learned from starting over and the six rules of happiness that guide him today.   We’ll cover: How Ray turned personal loss into a catalyst for growth The most common regret people share at the end of life What he discovered during a silent 10-day meditation retreat The framework Ray calls his six rules of happiness How to approach life transitions with greater clarity and purpose Resources:Life Without a Tie [http://www.lifewithoutatie.com/]Life Without a Tie on Amazon [https://a.co/d/2MhyZ8w]Connect with Ray on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachraymartin/]

Life after work doesn’t come with a roadmap. But my guest today shows what can happen when you stay curious and keep saying “yes.”   David Danon has worn many hats: sailor, hair stylist, yoga teacher, Hollywood crew member, and musician. Now, in his seventies, he continues to surf, foil, and coach others on healthy aging. His journey is proof that reinvention can happen at any age.   In this episode, David shares:   How sailing and surfing shaped his outlook on life Why curiosity has opened unexpected doors throughout his journey The lessons yoga and meditation taught him about resilience and peace Why vigilance and resolve are essential for healthy aging The importance of creating purpose beyond career identity   Resources: Visit David’s website [https://daviddanon.com/] Self-Realization Fellowship [https://yogananda.org/]

Some people step into retirement without a clear plan, while others see it as an open canvas. My guest today, Thom Barrett, retired at 55 after a successful career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and chose to fill his canvas with adventure, creativity, and service. From kayaking off the coast of Antarctica to building furniture in his workshop, Thom has lived a life of bold exploration. Even as he faces stage four cancer, he continues to write, travel, and approach each day with intention. In this episode, we discuss: Why Thom chose to retire early and pursue adventure How travel and time in nature became both refuge and teacher The lessons he’s learned about acceptance, vulnerability, and mindfulness Why he began writing books and travel reflections during his illness How he continues to live with purpose and presence despite new limitations Resources: The Edge of Now by Thom Barrett [https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Now-Mindfulness-Acceptance-Adventure/dp/B0F37ZZBXM] Living While Dying, Chasing My Northern Lights, and more of Thom’s books [https://www.livinglifewhiledying.com/the-books] Visit Thom’s website [https://www.livinglifewhiledying.com/]

Most of my conversations on Chapter X explore purpose, meaning, and navigating life after a career. Today’s episode takes us in another direction. My guest is Dr. Elliot Justin, founder of FirmTech and an expert in men’s sexual health.   Today, we talk about why sexual health is often left out of the conversation in the doctor’s office. We also look at how technology and data can enhance the way men monitor and improve their performance.    Plus, Dr. Justin takes us on his journey from a career in emergency medicine to developing a smart “erection ring” that tracks vital signs most of us don’t think to measure.   We discussed:   How a horse-riding accident set Dr. Justin on a new path The surprising link between nocturnal erections and heart health Why most men who say “I don’t need that” are missing the point How data can help tailor treatments and improve sexual performance Why Dr. Justin says “put a ring on it” applies to more than relationships