Real Retirement

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 real * The three domains of freedom — and why they matter now more than ever * Why fiduciary duty belongs not just in finance, but in every institution * How mindfulness and deep listening shape our ability to lead, connect, and transform Whether 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.georgekinder.com/] https://www.kinderinstitute.com/ [https://www.kinderinstitute.com/] Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@realretirement]

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 [http://pollychandlercoaching.com] LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pchandler1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pchandler1] Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@realretirement]

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/ [https://www.uleadu.ca/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hintsa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hintsa/] Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@realretirement]

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/ [https://boomingencore.com/] * Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose? * Longevity Lifestyle by Design LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-drak-6b401095/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-drak-6b401095/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_rebel/ [https://www.instagram.com/retirement_rebel/] Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@realretirement]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-waldman-0002281/] Website: https://www.newperspectivecoaching.com/ [https://www.newperspectivecoaching.com/] Email: joanne@newperspectivecoaching.com [joanne@newperspectivecoaching.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.waldman [https://www.facebook.com/joanne.waldman] Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@realretirement]