Episodes

  • Ep 84 - Solving the Retirement Income Puzzle with Dr. Jeff Brown

    Ep 84 - Solving the Retirement Income Puzzle with Dr. Jeff Brown
    Jun 27 2025

    In this episode, I had the privilege to sit down with world-renowned economist Dr. Jeff Brown to explore one of retirement's most misunderstood tools, annuities. But this isn’t your typical dry financial chat.

    Together, we unpack why guaranteed income might be the key to unlocking joy, confidence, and peace of mind in retirement.

    With a perfect blend of behavioural science, practical wisdom, and a few sporting analogies thrown in for good measure, this conversation tackles the emotional and psychological dimensions of spending in retirement.

    If you’ve ever thought annuities were boring or unnecessary, this episode might just change your mind (and your future).

    What You’ll Learn

    • Why most people don’t buy annuities, and why that might be a huge mistake

    • The “under-annuitisation puzzle” and what it reveals about human behaviour

    • How guaranteed income permits retirees to spend with confidence

    • Why planning to “live to 90” is a dangerous oversimplification

    • The impact of cognitive decline on financial decision-making

    • How framing retirement as a complex human problem changes everything

    • Innovative policy ideas and product designs that could change the retirement game

    Key Topics

    • Lifetime income vs lump sum: the psychology behind the choice

    • Framing effects: how a few words can change your retirement plan

    • Complexity theory in financial planning

    • The power of defaults and nudges in retirement decisions

    • Emotional burden of wealth vs income in later life

    • The link between guaranteed income and happiness in retirement

    • The decline of cognitive ability and how annuities can provide protection

    • The role of tech and AI in the future of retirement advice

    Resources & Mentions

    • TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association)

    • License to Spend white paper – Blanchett, Finke

    • Health and Retirement Study (HRS), US

    • From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks

    • The End of History Illusion – Gilbert, Wilson, & others

    Stay Connected

    Want more thought-provoking conversations like this one?

    • Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

    • Visit humansvsretirement.com for tools, downloads, and insights

    • Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it; you might just save them (and their family) from future chaos.

    • Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement

    • Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

    • Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix

    • Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective! It helps spread the word.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep 83 - The 7 Pillars of Aging Responsibly with Tony Taylor

    Ep 83 - The 7 Pillars of Aging Responsibly with Tony Taylor
    Jun 18 2025

    In this energising and heartfelt episode, I'm joined by Tony Taylor, a retired entrepreneur turned healthy ageing coach, functional medicine practitioner, and the creator of the 7 Pillars of Ageing Responsibly. After facing the retirement cliff edge head-on, Tony rebuilt his life with purpose, resilience, and a relentless curiosity. Together, we explore what it really means to age well in today’s world, beyond the money talk and the small, intentional choices that lead to a longer, stronger, more connected life.

    What You'll Learn:

    • Why retirement often starts with confusion, not celebration

    • How to build your own "power hour" to set up each day with intention

    • The vital difference between lifespan and healthspan

    • How to avoid the three silent killers of retirement: complacency, disconnection, and loss of purpose

    • Why strength training, sleep, and curiosity may be more important than your pension pot

    • The overlooked power of cross-generational relationships

    • What resilience really means, and how to build it at any age

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Tony’s personal story: from business owner to active ageing advocate

    • The cliff-edge effect of retirement and how to navigate it

    • The 7 Pillars of Ageing Responsibly:

      1. Sleep

      2. Resilience

      3. Purpose

      4. Complacency

      5. Strength

      6. Curiosity

      7. Connection

    • How to rethink your day-to-day structure in retirement

    • Why men need to do a better job of building social connections

    • Cold showers, olive oil, and “shopping bag carries” as unlikely tools for longevity

    • Why mindset is the ultimate muscle to train

    Resources & Mentions:

    • Tony’s blog: Aging Responsibly

    • Book: The Sleep Book by Dr. Guy Meadows

    • Mentioned: Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now

    Stay Connected:

    Want more thought-provoking conversations like this one?

    • Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

    • Visit humansvsretirement.com for tools, downloads, and insights

    • Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, you might just save them (and their family) from future chaos.

    • Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement

    • Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

    • Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix

    • Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective! It really helps spread the word.
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    59 mins
  • Ep 82 - Why You Should Write a Book in Retirement with Helen Wilkie

    Ep 82 - Why You Should Write a Book in Retirement with Helen Wilkie
    Jun 6 2025


    In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of Humans vs Retirement, I sit down with The Executive Book Coach, Helen Wilkie to explore why retirement may be the ideal moment to write the book you've always dreamed of. From memoirs to how-to guides, legacy to creativity, Helen shares practical insights and soulful encouragement for anyone curious about turning lived experience into lasting written impact. Whether you're scribbling down notes already or just entertaining the idea, this episode is for you.

    What You’ll Learn

    • Why retirement can be the most powerful time to write a book

    • The difference between a book being your legacy vs holding your legacy

    • How the writing process helps you rediscover purpose, identity, and structure

    • The most common obstacles that stop people from starting and how to overcome them

    • The importance of editing, time-blocking, and defining your “why” before writing

    • How ghostwriting and book coaching work (and why it’s not cheating)

    Key Topics

    • Creativity in the second half of life

    • How to write a book after retirement

    • Purpose and identity beyond work

    • Memoirs, business books, and other nonfiction options

    • Fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome

    • Writing as an experience, not a task

    • Turning vague ideas into a finished manuscript

    • Legacy, storytelling, and honouring your life

    Resources & Mentions

    • Helen Wilkie’s free gift: How to Write a Memoir PDF and 20-minute exploratory session
      Email Helen at: helen@theexecutivesbookcoach.com with subject line: “Memoir Guide”

    • Helen’s memoir: Rare Steak, Red Wine, Hot Tango

    • Recommended reading: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

    • Learn more about Helen: https://theexecutivesbookcoach.com

    Stay Connected

    Want more thought-provoking conversations like this one?

    • Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

    • Visit humansvsretirement.com for tools, downloads, and insights

    • Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, you might just save them (and their family) from future chaos.

    • Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement

    • Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

    • Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix

    • Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective! It really helps spread the word.
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    55 mins
  • Ep 81 - Who Will Get My Money When I Die? with Stuart Ritchie

    Ep 81 - Who Will Get My Money When I Die? with Stuart Ritchie
    May 29 2025
    In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Stuart Ritchie, chartered tax advisor, estate planning expert, and author of Who Will Get My Money When I Die, to explore one of the most emotional and misunderstood aspects of later-life financial planning: inheritance tax. This episode isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s about taking control. Whether you’re planning for your own legacy, thinking about your children’s future, or simply want to make sure the government doesn’t get more than its fair share, this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why inheritance tax is about more than just money, it’s about clarity, fairness, and family harmony The critical role of wills and why DIY ones often cause more harm than good What lasting power of attorney actually does and why it’s vital even if you’re married How to avoid common traps when it comes to gifting, trusts, and tax bills Why talking to your family before you die might be the greatest gift you give them Key Topics Wills and the rules of intestacy: what really happens if you don’t plan The psychology of leaving a legacy: control, conflict, and clarity Power of Attorney: the two types and the risks of not setting one up Blended families, second marriages, and planning with complexity in mind Lifetime gifting and the 7-year rule explained Life assurance, pensions, and the new inheritance tax reforms The emotional and practical costs of poor estate planning Resources & Mentions Stuart Ritchie’s book: Who Will Get My Money When I Die? – available on Amazon Stuart’s firm: www.ritchiephillips.co.uk The Economist & Kaiser Family Foundation study on end-of-life priorities UK Government: Rules of Intestacy Reflection Exercise "What do I want to happen to my money, my possessions, and my responsibilities after I’m gone?" Take 15 minutes today to reflect on this question. If you were to pass away tomorrow: Do you have a valid will in place? Have you named executors and powers of attorney you trust? Have you had conversations with those closest to you about your wishes? Do you know the potential tax implications of your estate? Clarity now brings peace later, for you and everyone you love. Stay Connected Want more thought-provoking conversations like this one? Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Visit humansvsretirement.com for tools, downloads, and insights Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—you might just save them (and their family) from future chaos. Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective! It really helps spread the word.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep 80 - The 10 Commandments of Retirement with Fritz Gilbert

    Ep 80 - The 10 Commandments of Retirement with Fritz Gilbert
    May 7 2025
    What really matters in retirement? After the spreadsheets are done, the portfolio’s in place, and the paycheque has stopped, what's left? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Fritz Gilbert, author of Keys to a Successful Retirement and founder of The Retirement Manifesto, to explore the non-financial side of life after work. We dive into the real questions: How do you stay fulfilled? Where do you find purpose? And how do you avoid the emotional pitfalls so many retirees never see coming? Fritz shares his “10 Commandments of Retirement”, a personal code he created before stepping away from corporate life and how each one has guided his journey. From “Make No Obligations” to “Keep Eternity in Mind,” these principles offer a practical, heartfelt framework for anyone who wants to retire with intention, freedom, and joy. What You’ll Learn Why mindset matters more than money in retirement How to create your own guiding principles for life after work The 90/10 Rule: Why most people focus on the wrong things before retiring How Fritz skipped the “retirement depression” so many experience Why giving yourself space and grace in your first year can change everything How to find (or rediscover) your purpose in the second half of life The surprising power of legacy, contribution, and shared purpose Key Topics Discussed Fritz’s “10 Commandments of Retirement” and how they’ve held up over time The emotional challenges many retirees face and how to prepare for them What it means to shift from saving to spending, from doing to being The founding story of Freedom for Fido and how it brought deeper meaning to retirement The role of mindset, curiosity, and experimentation in building a rich post-career life Why “retirement planning” must include much more than your finances How to craft your own post-career mission, values, and personal compass Resources & Mentions The Retirement Manifesto Blog Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert – Buy on Amazon Fritz’s article: The 10 Commandments of Retirement Freedom for Fido Charity Your Next Step Want to retire well? Start by writing your own commandments. Define your values, your purpose, and what a great life looks like before you leave work. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Follow & connect with Fritz: LinkedIn Subscribe to Humans vs Retirement on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Connect with Dan: LinkedIn Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode helped shift your perspective!
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ep 79 - What Will I Do All Day? with Patrice Jenkins

    Ep 79 - What Will I Do All Day? with Patrice Jenkins
    Apr 25 2025
    In this uplifting and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Patrice Jenkins, author of What Will I Do All Day?, to explore the real heart of retirement beyond financial plans. Together, we dig into why retirement is not simply about staying busy, but about rediscovering meaning, purpose, identity, and joy. Patrice shares insights from her decades of counseling and interviews with retirees, offering a compassionate, practical guide to navigating the messy, magical transition into post-career life. What You Will Learn Why financial readiness alone doesn’t guarantee a happy retirement. The emotional stages of transitioning into retirement and why patience is crucial. How to rediscover passions, build social portfolios, and embrace “space.” Why successful retirements often include a form of meaningful "work." How to avoid the trap of being "busy but unfulfilled." Simple frameworks to plan your next two years, not just your next thirty. Key Topics Discussed The difference between hiding out and holding out when nearing retirement. The importance of purpose, agency, and intention in retirement planning. Why internal validation matters more than external praise after leaving work. How relationships - spouses, adult children, friendships - evolve post-retirement. Embracing play, experimentation, and curiosity in later life. Strategies to transition through the inevitable “messy middle” of change. How to think differently about work as part of a fulfilling retirement. Resources Mentioned What Will I Do All Day? by Patrice Jenkins Patrice’s Website — patricejenkins.com Richard Leider’s The Power of Purpose Book Mention: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins Memorable Quotes "Retirement is not about keeping busy. It’s about living meaningfully and purposefully every day." — Patrice Jenkins "Work gave you structure, identity, and purpose — but your next chapter can too. It just takes intention." — Patrice Jenkins "Perhaps work kept you so busy that you forgot what you used to love. It's time to remember." — Patrice Jenkins "You don't have to figure out your whole retirement — just the next two years." — Dan A Takeaway Exercise The 'What Lit You Up?' Reflection Grab a pen and a notebook. Reflect and jot down: What activities made you lose track of time when you were 10 years old? What hobbies or interests did you abandon during your working years? What would you do with a free afternoon if no one was watching? Circle one that sparks excitement and design a small experiment to try it out in the next two weeks! A Final Thought Retirement isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a new one. The key isn’t to stay busy; it’s to stay true. Stay curious. Stay purposeful. Whether you're months away from retirement or years in, there’s always an opportunity to dream, to experiment, and to build a life you’re excited to wake up to. Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please: Subscribe to The Humans vs Retirement Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts Leave a rating and review, it really helps! Share this episode with someone who’s thinking about (or struggling with) their retirement journey. Download for free my whitepaper - The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - The Retirement Fix
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Four Phases of Retirement with Dr. Riley Moynes

    The Four Phases of Retirement with Dr. Riley Moynes
    Apr 1 2025
    Summary In this powerful and insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Riley Moynes, author, speaker, and creator of the viral TED Talk on "The Four Phases of Retirement," which has amassed nearly 5 million views. Together, we unpack why retirement is far more of a human problem than a financial one, and why so many retirees struggle despite having "enough" money. Riley shares the emotional, psychological, and personal transitions that retirees face and offers an actionable framework to help listeners navigate their post-work lives more meaningfully. What You Will Learn The Four Phases of Retirement and why most people will experience them. Why retirement is not just a financial challenge but a deeply human one. The common emotional and psychological struggles retirees face. How retirees can proactively prepare for the non-financial aspects of retirement. The importance of purpose, identity, relationships, and service to others in retirement. How to avoid becoming a "statistic" in retirement dissatisfaction. Key Topics Discussed Dr. Riley Moynes' personal career journey and how he developed the Four Phases of Retirement. Why traditional financial services fail to prepare people for the real challenges of retirement. A deep dive into each of the Four Phases: The Vacation Phase – The early, carefree, "holiday" phase of retirement. The Loss and Lost Phase – The period of disillusionment marked by loss of purpose, identity, relationships, and routine. The Trial and Error Phase – The experimental stage of trying new activities, facing failures, and re-finding purpose. The Reinvent and Rewire Phase – The fulfilling phase where retirees give back, often through service, and thrive with renewed purpose. The emotional impact of retirement and why depression, divorce, and dissatisfaction spike for many retirees. The predictable pattern of retirement struggles and why awareness is key. Why simple joys and purposeful service are at the heart of a successful retirement. Books and Resources Mentioned The Four Phases of Retirement: What to Expect When You're Retiring by Dr. Riley Moynes Dr. Riley Moynes’ viral TED Talk — "The 4 Phases of Retirement" Mention of Fritz Gilbert’s blog, The Retirement Manifesto Kübler-Ross Change Curve (Grief & Loss framework referenced in discussion) A Takeaway Exercise Your Unique Ability Reflection Dr. Moynes recommends this simple but powerful exercise: Write down the top 5 things you love to do and know you do really well. Reflect on 5 key wins, successes, or achievements in your life so far. Look for patterns and connections between the two lists. Ask yourself: Can I apply these skills, passions, or experiences to new areas in retirement? How can I use these to serve others and find fulfillment? This introspection can help you transition into the most meaningful phase of retirement. A Final Thought Retirement is not a finish line, it’s a transition into one of the most complex and potentially fulfilling stages of life. But it requires intentionality, emotional awareness, and often hard inner work. As Dr. Moynes reminds us, it’s not about endless vacations or financial spreadsheets; it’s about redefining purpose, reconnecting with joy, and ultimately serving something bigger than yourself. Retirement is a human challenge, not a maths problem. The sooner you embrace that, the smoother and more fulfilling your transition will be. Humans vs Retirement The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 📩 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway!
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    53 mins
  • The Ikigai Way: How to Uncover Your Purpose with David Marlow

    The Ikigai Way: How to Uncover Your Purpose with David Marlow
    Mar 25 2025
    Episode Summary In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, I sit down with David Marlow, veteran leader, coach, and author of The Ikigai Way to explore how the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai can powerfully guide us into a more fulfilling and purposeful retirement. From personal stories of career transitions to uncovering identity after work, David shares how aligning our inner essence with what we do can transform our experience of aging, retirement, and meaning in life. What You’ll Learn What Ikigai really means (beyond the Instagram-friendly Venn diagram)How to align your essence and purpose with daily life, before and after retirementThe power of experimenting, curiosity, and continuous self-discoveryHow to reframe retirement from “ending” to “uncovering”Practical tools and reflections to help you discover your own Ikigai Key Topics Discussed David’s winding journey from disc jockey to Marine to transformation leader, and how Ikigai was always thereRedefining purpose outside of career or job titlesThe emotional transition into retirement and how to handle the "grief" of identity lossWhy older adults are uniquely primed for deep reflection and discovering IkigaiThe mental and physical health benefits of having a clear sense of purposeHow to use Ikigai as both a lens and a mirror in your second half of lifeShifting from rigid goals to aspirational livingThe importance of community, relationships, and intergenerational mentoring Books & Resources Mentioned The Ikigai Way by David Marlow – A modern guide to discovering your essence and purposeDavid’s newsletter: IkiQuest on Substack – Daily reflections and community around IkigaiFalling Upward by Richard Rohr – Discussed in reference to life’s two halves and spiritual maturityHarvard Study on Adult Development – Cited as supporting evidence for the power of purpose and connectionBlue Zones research – Referenced regarding community, longevity, and purpose in Okinawan culture Memorable Quotes “Ikigai is expressing your essence in harmony with whatever you’re doing—whether that's career, relationships, hobbies, or just life.” – David Marlow “You don’t find your Ikigai—you uncover it.” “Ask yourself: What’s your tennis ball? What makes you forget to eat?” “Retirement isn't about leaving something behind. It's about leaning into what’s always been within you.” Takeaway Exercise Ask yourself two powerful questions: When was the last time you had a truly great day? What were you doing? Who were you with?What’s one thing you do that makes you forget to eat? Use your answers to start mapping out the threads of your own Ikigai. Connect with David Marlow IkiQuest Newsletter on Substackdavidmarlow.comDavid on LinkedInThe Ikigai Way Final Thought Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already navigating the transition, this episode reminds us that purpose doesn’t end when work does. With small steps and deep reflection, you can uncover a life of fulfillment, alignment, and joy—your Ikigai. Humans vs Retirement The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement Whitepaper The Humans vs Retirement Sketchstore Book in a Time For us to Chat About Your Retirement Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 📩 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway!
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    1 hr