Chapter X with Michael Kay

How to Stop Running on Autopilot After a Major Life Transition

We like to think we're making choices about how we live. But most of the time, we're just repeating patterns we've been running for years. In this episode, I'm joined by Marcy Axelrod, who shares why those patterns are so hard to break and what it actually takes to start showing up differently in this next chapter. Marcy's work explores how we show up in the world. Today, she introduces a 3-part framework for understanding how we operate—and why most of us are only partially present in our lives. In this episode, we covered: -Why most people are operating on patterns they don't even realize -How decades of routine shape the way we see ourselves -The difference between "just showing up" and being fully present -Why stress and fear keep us stuck in old ways of thinking -The idea that we're always playing multiple roles (not just one identity) -A simple exercise to rethink who you are beyond your career Resources Website: www.ChooseToShowUp.com [https://www.choosetoshowup.com/] Instagram: @MarcyAxelrodArt [https://www.instagram.com/marcyaxelrodart/] Instagram: @MarcyAxelrod [https://www.instagram.com/marcyaxelrod/]

When Work Is Your Only Social Life

For a lot of men, their social life is their job. So what happens when that job goes away? In this conversation, Anthony Silard shares what he's learned studying loneliness and relationships—and why so many reach this stage of life without the connections they actually need. He introduces the "four PRs" framework and how those roles shape identity for decades. The problem is, they leave very little room for friendships outside of work and family. Once that structure disappears, many men find themselves starting from scratch. You'll hear about: -The moment a retired executive tried to go back to the office… and couldn't get in -Why work relationships often don't carry over after retirement -The "four PRs" that shape identity (and what they leave out) -Why men often rely on their partner as their entire social network -A striking stat on what happens to men vs. women after losing a spouse -Why some of the loneliest people are surrounded by others -What leaders do that builds real connection (and why it has nothing to do with confidence) Resources Download Anthony's free books: theartoflivingfree.org/freehappinessandfriendshipbooks [https://theartoflivingfree.org/freehappinessandfriendshipbooks/] Available on Amazon: Love and Suffering: Break the Emotional Chains that Prevent You from Experiencing Love [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Suffering-Emotional-Prevent-Experiencing/dp/0981785379]

Why Successful Men Feel Stuck Even When Life Looks Good

Most people go looking for purpose when they feel lost. J.D. Pincus believes that's not where we should start. JD is a social psychologist, researcher, and author of The Emotionally Agile Brain. He's spent decades studying what humans actually need and mapped it into a framework that helps explain why people can feel adrift, even after achieving everything they set out to do. Today, he joins us to talk about those needs and why getting unstuck might start with feeling a little worse before you feel better. You'll hear about: -Why people can feel stuck even when life looks fine -How loss of social connection impacts stability and direction -Why this transition can be especially challenging for men -JD's framework of 12 core emotional needs -Why feeling stuck often comes from unmet needs -Why purpose doesn't always come first Resources: Book: The Emotionally Agile Brain [https://agilebrain.com/emotionally-agilebrain-jd-pincus-book/] LinkedIn: J. David Pincus [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdpincus/] Website: AgileBrain [https://agilebrain.com/]

Why Health Doesn't Have to Decline With Age

We're often told that declining health is just part of getting older. But what if that's not actually true? In this episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Darren Clair, a physician with over 40 years of experience who has spent the last 25 years helping people take a more proactive approach to their health. After seeing the limits of a system focused on diagnosing and prescribing, Darren chose a different path. His work centers on lifestyle, education, and helping people stay healthy in the first place. We'll hear how his perspective evolved over time, what he's learned along the way, and why it's never too late to improve your health. • Why Darren moved away from traditional medicine • How the current system focuses on treating symptoms • The role lifestyle plays in long-term health outcomes • Why many people don't take action until later in life • The difference between prevention and a proactive approach • Why better health often feels like gaining something (not giving something up) Resources: Dr. Clair's Book: Creating a Life of Vibrance [http://vibrancehealth.com/creating-a-life-of-vibrance] Facebook: facebook.com/VibranceHealth [https://facebook.com/VibranceHealth/] Instagram: instagram.com/vibrancehealth [https://instagram.com/vibrancehealth/]

How to Thrive in the Next Chapter of Life

Most of us spend the first half of life building. The second half, if we're paying attention, is when we start asking whether we built the right things. Rand Selig is back on the show and a lot has changed since his first appearance two years ago. What started as a few early conversations has since grown into 100+ interviews and the continued success of his book Thriving, which he recently narrated as an audiobook. Rand spent much of his career running his own investment banking firm. Now he's turned his attention to the questions that tend to matter most in life's later chapters: relationships, legacy, and what it looks like to truly live well. You'll hear about: • How a simple habit made him a better listener (and changed everything) • The self-reflection practice he uses to actually measure his own growth • What finally pushed him to start writing Thriving • Why your purpose doesn't have to be big to be meaningful • The real difference between success and thriving • Why curiosity is one of the best predictors of a good later life Resources Website: www.randselig.com [https://www.randselig.com/] LinkedIn: Connect with Rand [http://www.linkedin.com/in/randselig]