Retirement Rebel

Hello there, and thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of "Retirement Rebel". It's Siobhan Daniels here, and I'm so glad you're joining me today. In this episode, I'm chatting with the amazing Liz Kay, a true testament to living life boldly after 60. Now, let's dive into what you can expect from our conversation.
Firstly, we'll explore Liz Kay's invigorating dedication to surf lifesaving, a passion she's pursued actively since her mid-50s. If you've ever felt the yearning for the ocean or the thrill of trying something new, you'll love hearing Liz talk about her experiences of winning world championship medals. Her story highlights how it's never too late to dive into new adventures and chase after those dreams, especially the ones that seem daunting at first.
We'll also get into the fascinating journey of Liz's recent honeymoon adventure with her new husband. Picture this: biking thousands of miles, surfboards in tow. It's not just about the physical challenge; it's about the connection you build with yourself and your partner when embarking on such a unique journey. If you've ever found yourself yearning for exploration and the open road, this part of Liz's life will resonate deeply with you.
Lastly, Liz shares insights about embracing life at a crossroads, a point many of us face as we enter our 50s and beyond. It's about taking stock, asking the pivotal questions about your purpose, and then deciding to live life with enthusiasm and boldness. Her experiences affirm that this stage of life is not just about winding down but is a time ripe with potential for growth and newfound passions.
So, grab a cup of tea, make yourself comfortable, and let’s uncover the possibilities of life after 60 together with the extraordinary Liz Kay. I hope this episode will not only inspire you but also encourage you to rethink what's possible in your own journey. Enjoy the conversation!

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction to Liz Kay: Embracing Life After 60 In this episode, I introduce my guest Liz Kay, who embodies living life to the fullest in her 60s. She shares her adventures and achievements, including winning world championship medals in surf life saving.
01:35 - Adventurous Spirit from Childhood Liz recounts how her adventurous spirit was sparked in her youth through camping and outdoor activities, encouraged by her parents and supportive community leaders like her guide leader.
04:08 - Career Path and Academia Liz reflects on her academic choices and how, despite a career in botany, her interests always leaned towards outdoor activities and adventures, highlighting the crossroads many face when choosing career paths at a young age.
08:58 - Facing Challenges and Embracing Change Liz discusses the significant life changes in her late 40s and 50s, navigating menopause, a divorce, and her determination to say 'yes' more often to life's opportunities, leading her to transformative experiences.
13:35 - Rediscovering Passion Through Surf Life Saving Liz shares how joining a surf lifesaving club helped her rediscover joy and community, inspiring her to compete and win in national competitions, and how the club's inclusive spirit attracted more participants.
15:58 - Breaking Age Barriers in Sports We discuss how age categories in competitions encourage participation, with Liz and her team demonstrating that age is no barrier to competitive success, a sentiment that resonates with many of our listeners.
20:54 - Cycling Adventures and Honeymoon Exploration Liz recounts her recent honeymoon adventure, cycling over 3,500 miles with her husband, proving that remarkable feats and adventures are achievable at any age with the right mindset and preparation.
27:00 - The Importance of Staying Active and Community Support Highlighting the importance of community and staying active, Liz explains how her environment in Bude fosters longevity and happiness amongst its community members, inspiring women to embrace life boldly.
34:43 - Encouragement and Advice for Women Over 60 Liz offers advice for women facing menopause and life changes, encouraging them to embrace new opportunities and remain active in their communities as a way to cultivate happiness and fulfilment.
37:00 - Inclusivity and Positive Ageing I wrap up our conversation by underlining the overarching theme of our discussion: that through positive ageing and breaking stereotypes, women can redefine their post-60 years as a time of empowerment and adventure.

Guest info

Links and Resources

Surf Life Saving GB
Martin Dorey (Liz's husband and author)
Roscoff, France (cycling starting point)
Sagres, Portugal (cycling endpoint)
Butt of Lewis (location in Scotland relative to seaweed baths)
Electric bikes
Cold Water Swimming
Jo Mosley (paddleboarded the Leeds Liverpool Canal)
Centre for Ageing Better (campaign against ageism)

Quotes

Finding Solace in Community:
"I think made me feel there was somewhere to go and escape to and talk to these people on a Sunday night and just forget all the stuff going on at home and just enjoy that, really."

Inclusive Evolution in Surf Life Saving:
"I think it's had a really interesting effect on surf life-saving championships because I think other clubs took the same route and saw us having fun, saw us including everybody, not just the elite athletes, and encouraging everyone to come and join in."

The Key to Longevity and Happiness:
"The more active you are, the longer you live and the happier you are."

Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
Instagram: Siobhan - Host
Instagram: Matt - Producer
Podcast Production: www.kult.media
Buy My Book: Retirement Rebel

Sign Up For My Newsletter
This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Support Retirement Rebel
Copyright 2026 Siobhan Daniels
Mentioned in this episode:
🎵 Discover All About the Music with composer Neil Brand!
Discover new music and rediscover old favourites as Neil and his famous guests — including Mark Kermode, Annika Rice, Bruno Tonioli, and Keith Primer Jones — explore the songs that have shaped their lives. With Neil at the piano, each episode uncovers what makes this music so powerful, personal, and unforgettable.

Listen now to All About the Music, available on all major podcast platforms.

https://www.allaboutthemusicpod.com/

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of "Retirement Rebel". I'm Siobhan Daniels, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we redefine what it means to embrace life after 60. Together, we'll explore the vibrant possibilities that life still holds for us, breaking away from the traditional expectations of retirement.
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tricia Cusden, an inspiring woman who launched her own makeup range, Look Fabulous Forever, at the age of 65. This episode is especially relevant for you if you're at a point where you're questioning your purpose and direction post-retirement. Tricia candidly shares her own existential crisis and how it led her to pursue a passion that not only fills her life with purpose but also empowers other older women to embrace their beauty with confidence.
We dive into the challenges and triumphs that come with ageing, offering insight into how important it is to remain curious and passionate about life. For anyone who's felt marginalised or voiceless as they approach their sixties, our conversation offers a fresh perspective on how to reclaim your narrative and see ageing as a time of potential rather than limitation. It's all about living boldly, cherishing our laughter lines, and defying societal expectations.
So, as you listen, think about how you can apply these empowering messages to your own life. Let Tricia's story inspire you to seize new opportunities and explore passions you may have set aside. Thank you for being a part of our rebellious tribe, and I hope you enjoy this enlightening episode. Let’s get started on redefining what retirement looks like for you.

Key Points:

00:00 - Embracing Entrepreneurship at 65 In this episode of "Retirement Rebel," I'm chatting with Tricia Cusden, a remarkable woman who decided to redefine her life by launching her own makeup range, Look Fabulous Forever, at the age of 65. We dive into her journey, discussing the existential crisis she faced in her sixties and how it led her to create a successful business.
01:43 - Empowering Older Women Tricia shares her passion for empowering older women. Through her makeup and skincare range, she addresses the lack of suitable products for mature skin, shifting the narrative from anti-ageing to embracing our years with pride. We discuss her distaste for the beauty industry's focus on youth and how she's challenging those norms.
03:39 - Finding a New Purpose in Life As women often experience existential questions in their sixties, Tricia reflects on how she navigated this phase. She talks about her leap into the business world from a background in management training and coaching, driven by her love for makeup and entrepreneurial spirit.
10:04 - Celebrating Pro-Ageing A significant part of our conversation centres around Tricia’s pro-ageing philosophy. She passionately advocates for celebrating laughter lines and wisdom gained over the years, rather than succumbing to societal pressures to remain perpetually youthful.
16:44 - Challenging Ageism and Finding Voice We explore how Tricia navigated potential age-related challenges when starting her business. Her story serves as an empowering example of how age can be a strength rather than a barrier, providing reassurance to many who feel sidelined as they grow older.
27:58 - The Joy of Lifelong Learning Tricia's zest for life doesn't stop at business. She shares her dedication to staying mentally and physically active by learning new skills and embracing travel. Her stories of solo adventures and newfound hobbies offer inspiration for leading a vibrant life post-60.
35:41 - Staying Curious and Engaged The conversation highlights the importance of staying curious about the world. Tricia explains how keeping her brain active through learning and exploration plays a crucial role in her continued vitality.
45:59 - Inspirational Takeaways Wrapping up, I emphasise the key lessons from our talk with Tricia, including breaking ageist stereotypes and pursuing passions irrespective of age. This conversation is a compelling reminder that life after sixty can be just the beginning of new and exciting chapters.

Guest info

Tricia Cusden is a remarkable example of reinvention and growth, showcasing a dynamic approach to balancing various roles throughout her life. Initially, she focused on raising her two daughters, later pursuing a degree as a mature student at the age of 38. This marked the beginning of her professional journey, which started with a career as a management training consultant. She eventually founded her own consultancy, Tricia Cusden Consultancy, which she ran for 16 years until 2012.
At the age of 65, Tricia embarked on a new venture, driven by her frustration with the beauty industry's lack of focus on mature women. She launched Look Fabulous Forever, a makeup brand specifically designed for women over 55, in 2013. This business not only addressed a gap in the market but also allowed her to combine her passion for makeup with her entrepreneurial spirit. Tricia's journey is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to start anew and pursue one's passions, inspiring many with her resilience and adaptability. Today, Look Fabulous Forever is a successful brand, run alongside her daughters, and has become a leading voice in the mature beauty market.

Links and Resources

Look Fabulous Forever
Younger (film)
Chanel
Creative Cosmetics
Tricia's Super Troopers
Tricia Cusden Instagram

Quotes

How Menopause Impacts Your Skin:
"So you go through the menopause, you lose oestrogen. Even if you have a bit of HRT, that will help, but you're still losing collagen; you're losing elastin..."

Breaking Age Barriers in Business:
"I get invited on quite a lot of platforms to speak, and I'm often speaking to younger people. In fact, I'm always the oldest person in the room because, you know, it's a business context, so they don't expect people, you know, I'm now 76, so they don't expect people of my age to actually be in a room talking about business. And I get a lot of women come up to me afterwards and say, God, this is so inspirational."
The Importance of Curiosity:
"If you stay open and curious and you you look at something in the world that you don't understand, you go, well, I don't understand this, but I could find out about it."

Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
Instagram: Siobhan - Host
Instagram: Matt - Producer
Podcast Production: www.kult.media
Buy My Book: Retirement Rebel

Sign Up For My Newsletter
This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Support Retirement Rebel
Copyright 2026 Siobhan Daniels
Mentioned in this episode:
🎵 Discover All About the Music with composer Neil Brand!
Discover new music and rediscover old favourites as Neil and his famous guests — including Mark Kermode, Annika Rice, Bruno Tonioli, and Keith Primer Jones — explore the songs that have shaped their lives. With Neil at the piano, each episode uncovers what makes this music so powerful, personal, and unforgettable.

Listen now to All About the Music, available on all major podcast platforms.

https://www.allaboutthemusicpod.com/

Hello, and welcome to another inspiring episode of "Retirement Rebel." I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we delve into the stories and experiences of those who've dared to redefine what life after 60 can truly be. It's not just about ageing; it's about living boldly and embracing this incredible phase of life with vigour and joy. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or taking a leisurely walk, I want you to feel the excitement and possibility in the air.
Today, I'm particularly excited to introduce you to Danielle Sellwood, a truly pioneering documentary maker. We dove into some deeply impactful topics that , I believe, will resonate with you. First, we explored the empowering theme of redefining ageing. Danielle shared her journey as a filmmaker, highlighting her commitment to challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with growing older. Her documentaries are not just films; they're movements that remind us there's so much potential and vibrancy after 60. I know you'll appreciate how her work aligns with the values of positive ageing and empowerment, something we hold dear here at "Retirement Rebel."
We also tackled the important subject of representation, especially concerning the under-representation of women's stories in sports and adventure. Danielle’s passion for ensuring that women's stories, particularly those of older women, are visible and celebrated really shines through. She embodies the spirit of advocating for positive change and building a community where these voices can be heard. If you've ever felt unseen or unheard in your pursuits, her story will uplift and inspire you.
Lastly, we journeyed into Danielle's personal history as an international canoeist. It’s a testament to the power of staying active and finding new paths, even after we think our mainstream careers might be over. Her athletic journey is a reminder that life is full of exciting twists and turns, and there’s always another adventure awaiting us. These themes of personal growth, adventure, and community are at the heart of what this podcast is about, and I'm certain you'll find Danielle's story as motivating as I did.
So, let's dive into this conversation with Danielle Sellwood and explore all the vibrant possibilities life after 60 holds. Thank you for being here and for being part of this Retirement Rebel community. Let’s embrace this journey together!

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction to the Episode In this episode, I introduce Danielle Sellwood, a pioneering documentary maker. We focus on her work in redefining ageing, particularly through sports and adventure documentaries that highlight the stories of women, older adults, and the disabled community.
00:45 - The Importance of Women's Visibility Danielle shares her commitment to making women, especially as they age, more visible in the media. She discusses her career evolution from sportswear designer to documentary maker, driven by a sense of justice and fairness.
02:39 - The Challenge of Sportswear for Women Danielle discusses the historical lack of sportswear for women and her efforts to change it. She reflects on the "shrink it and pink it" mentality and the importance of creating functional and stylish sportswear for women, particularly those dealing with menopause.
08:17 - The Role of Sport in Aging We delve into Danielle's perspective on the importance of maintaining physical activity as we age. She advocates for the community and enjoyment aspects of sports, regardless of the level of competition involved.
09:47 - Danielle's Documentary 'Younger' Danielle talks about her documentary 'Younger', which follows older female athletes and aims to shift the perception of ageing. She emphasises the empowerment found in community and the pursuit of personal goals, regardless of age.
13:34 - Challenging Stereotypes and Finding Joy We discuss how the film helps in shifting societal perceptions of ageing. Danielle shares insights on how people, including herself, find joy and purpose in activities they love, challenging stereotypes about older adults.
17:47 - Masters Athletics and Opportunities in Aging Danielle explains the concept of masters athletics and how it offers continual opportunities for older individuals to compete and excel, showcasing ageing as a journey with phases of growth and achievement.
30:17 - Making Films Accessible Danielle highlights her current project, a documentary about a blind woman aiming to swim the channel. She discusses the importance of accessibility in films, aligning with her advocacy for inclusivity.
37:52 - Embracing Authenticity Lastly, we reflect on the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how Danielle's commitment to genuine narratives empowers those she features and inspires audiences to embrace life fully at any age.

Guest info

Danielle Sellwood is a pioneering documentary filmmaker celebrated for her impactful work in reshaping perceptions of ageing and highlighting under-represented stories, particularly those of women in sports and adventure. Her journey into filmmaking was motivated by a desire to address the lack of diverse representation in these genres. Before transitioning to filmmaking, Danielle was an accomplished international canoeist, which has infused her storytelling with a deep understanding and passion for sports.
Danielle's career path has been marked by significant milestones. She co-founded Sportsister, a groundbreaking sports website and magazine for women, in 2008 and later directed visual campaigns for the Women's Sport Trust. Her filmmaking career began as a response to the limited narratives in sports and adventure films, leading her to create thought-provoking documentaries that challenge societal norms.
Her films, such as "Untethered" and "Younger", showcase her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. "Untethered" tells the inspiring story of Melanie Barratt, a blind Paralympian who becomes the first blind woman to swim the English Channel, while "Younger" celebrates the achievements of older female athletes. Danielle's work is characterised by its emphasis on authenticity and personal storytelling, making her a true innovator in her field.
Through her company, Find It Film, Danielle continues to produce documentaries that inspire and educate, using techniques like open captions and audio descriptions to ensure her films are accessible to a wide audience. Her dedication to storytelling and her passion for promoting diverse voices have established her as a leading figure in documentary filmmaking.

Links and Resources

Danielle Sellwood
Documentary: Younger
Documentary: Untethered
Photographer: Alex Rotas
Film Distributor: Tull Stories
Melanie Barrett, subject of the documentary Untethered
Sky Sports New Focus Fund
British Sign Language (BSL)

Quotes

Commercialisation in Women's Sport: Balancing Progress and Grassroots Support"
"Things have massively improved, but we still have a way to go. But a lot of it is about commercialisation. I mean, I sort of struggle with that because you don't want it to go so far that everything is a commercial consideration because, obviously, I'm massively interested in grassroots sports and everyday people as well as the elite athletes, and we need to make sure that, you know, it doesn't just become about a bland glossiness in elite sport, and that's where all the money goes. It needs to go all the way through."

Intergenerational Appeal:
"So it's appealing to young women, middle aged women, and older women alike, you know, because it gives them all a sense of what we are capable at of as women at whatever age you are because it is heartwarming."

Overcoming Shyness for a Greater Cause:
“I'm not a natural self promoter. I find it really hard to promote myself, but I feel so strongly about the the fact that these women have trusted me with their stories, and their...

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Retirement Rebel. I’m Siobhan Daniels, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have you joining me today. Whether you’re a long-time listener or you’re just discovering the podcast, know that you’re part of a vibrant community where we challenge norms and celebrate the exciting, adventurous possibilities that life beyond 60 has to offer.
In today's episode, I'm speaking with the wonderfully talented Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy-writing accountant with a unique knack for infusing humour into the journey of ageing and reinvention. As you know, I'm passionate about breaking down stereotypes related to ageing, and Valerie shares this commitment. She discusses how she is navigating the comedy world, which is often dominated by younger perspectives, to carve out a space that resonates with older women. If you’re someone who feels that traditional entertainment overlooks vibrant, witty voices in their fifties, sixties, and beyond, Valerie’s journey is sure to inspire you.
We also delve into the importance of uplifting and supporting older women through positive comedy, a subject close to my heart. Valerie believes strongly in creating spaces where women can gather, laugh, and have honest conversations about their shared experiences. It’s a refreshing thought, isn’t it? That our shared laughter and personal stories can serve as powerful tools in combating ageism. For those of you looking to embrace life with positivity and perhaps a bit of cheeky humour, this conversation offers plenty of food for thought.
Finally, we touch upon the sheer joy of rediscovering old passions and stepping into new ones as you age. Valerie shares her own experiences about shifting from the structured world of accounting to the creative, unpredictable realm of comedy. It's about embracing the freedoms that come with having a wealth of life experience and using that to try something new. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but felt it was too late, let Valerie’s journey encourage you to take that leap.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive deeply into this engaging conversation with Valerie Troy, where we’ll laugh, reflect, and redefine what it means to age boldly. Thank you for being here and being part of this revolution in ageing.

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction to Valerie Troy I introduce Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy writer and accountant, who is using comedy to address reinvention as we age. Valerie believes there's a growing need for entertainment that caters to women in their fifties, sixties, and beyond.
01:28 - Valerie's Early Life and Comedy Roots Val shares her background, growing up in the West of Ireland, and how being the youngest of three siblings shaped her personality. She explains how storytelling, rather than traditional joke-telling, has been a significant part of her comedic style.
04:59 - Transition from Accounting to Comedy Valerie discusses her journey from a 20-year career in accounting to following her passion for storytelling and comedy. She reflects on how she used her time after leaving accounting to rediscover her love for writing.
10:54 - Positive Comedy about Women We explore the importance of writing positive comedy focused on women, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote an uplifting narrative that resonates with older female audiences.
14:21 - The Creation of "Men O' Paws" Val talks about co-writing the comedy-drama "Men O' Paws," a story centred around a 51-year-old woman pressing pause on dating men. This project aims to showcase the humour and realities of women's reinvention journeys.
26:00 - Importance of Supporting Female Comedians Valerie discusses the under-representation of women, especially older women, in comedy. She highlights how transformative it is to find and support female comedians and create spaces where they can thrive.
32:25 - Reimagining Life and Trying New Things We delve into the concept of reinvention, not just as a fresh start but as revisiting forgotten passions. Valerie shares how trying comedy has enriched her life and emphasises the joy of exploring new opportunities at any age.
38:07 - Confidence and Ageism in the Workforce Val reflects on the challenges women face when returning to the workforce, particularly the issue of confidence. We discuss how ageism can be combated by recognising the value older women bring to all areas of life.
41:10 - Embracing Rebellion and Personal Growth Valerie describes moments of feeling rebellious and how embracing a rebellious spirit can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Her experiences resonate with the message of living life boldly and authentically.

Guest info

Val Troy is a Dublin-based comedy writer known for her creative and humorous storytelling. She is currently developing her debut women's commercial fiction novel, showcasing her versatility in writing across different genres. Val collaborates with other writers, including Orla Doherty, with whom she co-wrote the screenplay "Men Oh! Pause," which was longlisted for the Female Pilot Club. This project was inspired by Orla's humorous real-life experiences, and their collaboration began through an online writing group moderated by Irish crime writer Sam Blake and journalist Maria McHale. Val's background as a "comedy-writing accountant" and mother of three teenagers adds depth to her comedic perspective, often drawing from life experiences to craft engaging narratives.

Links and Resources

Valerie Troy's Comedy Writing Partners
Writers Inc (Online Writing Group)
Funny Women (Organisation)
The Madonna Effect: Reinvention Stories (Show)
Deirdre O'Kane (Comedian)
Emma Dorn (Comedian)
Michael McIntyre (Comedian)
Dalkey Book Festival (Event)
Electric Picnic (Festival)
Female Pilot Club (Screenwriting Competition)
Men O' Paws (Comedy Drama by Valerie Troy and Orla Doherty)
Barbara Scully (Author and Former Podcast Guest)
Marian Keyes (Author)
Lynne Parker (Founder of Funny Women)
Valerie Troy's Instagram: val.troy
Valerie Troy's Website: valtroy.com

Quotes

Comedy's Ethical Boundaries: A Perspective:
"I certainly don't enjoy comedy where people are taking a swipe at sections of society, whether it's being ageist or misogynistic or racist or homophobic. I don't think it's acceptable to take a swipe as your job or if you're selling a ticket to a show to take money from people and then take a swipe at people in society."
Take the Leap:
"And if the worst case scenario is survivable, then just do it."

Empowerment Through Laughter:
"I 100% did it for myself. And I made a little bit of time, and I put a lot of effort into it, and I practiced it, and I just made it happen. And that has set off this crazy sequence of events of producing comedy shows, and we've had Deirdre O'Kane and Emma Dorn, and we've had serious headliners at our shows, which are 95% women, and they are mostly women 35, over 40, packed out in a room of 250 people having a laugh."

Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
Instagram: Siobhan - Host
Instagram: Matt - Producer
Podcast Production:

Hello there, and welcome to "Retirement Rebel." It's a joy to have you with us today as we dive into fascinating conversations about life after 60. In today's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jane Ashley, an inspiring woman whose zest for life and determination to embrace every moment is something I think you'll find both relatable and empowering.
As we began our discussion, one of the key topics we explored was Jane's rebellious spirit, which sparked during her school years. She shared how attending an all-girls school set certain expectations, but her path led her to challenge those norms. This idea of rebelling against societal expectations is central to our podcast because, as many of us know, reaching a certain age doesn't mean slowing down or fitting into predetermined roles. It's about seizing the day and writing your own story, just as Jane has done.
Another profound aspect we touched upon was the influence of personal loss on Jane's outlook towards ageing and living adventurously. Having lost her husband and sister at young ages, Jane's narrative is a testament to resilience and finding purpose amidst tragedy. In our chat, we really delved into how such life events can be catalysts for a renewed zest for life, encouraging us all not to take a single day for granted.
Lastly, we dove into the adventures Jane embarked on in her later years, from running marathons to solo travelling. It's parts like these where the essence of our podcast truly shines — breaking free from ageist stereotypes and embracing thrilling possibilities beyond traditional retirement. It's my hope that by sharing these stories, you too might feel inspired to explore new passions, whether it be an adventurous trek, learning a new skill, or simply finding the courage to pursue long-held dreams.
So, as you listen today, I invite you to reflect on how these themes resonate with your own life. Whether you're here to seek inspiration, motivation, or just to find a community of like-minded individuals redefining what it means to grow older, know that you're in the right place. Let's continue this journey of embracing our rebellious spirit and living boldly together.

Key Points:
00:01 Embracing Life After Loss I introduce Jane Ashley, who has faced significant loss but has used those experiences to fuel her zest for life. Jane's story is a powerful reminder of resilience and living each moment to the fullest as we age.
00:46 Redefining Retirement I share the podcast's mission of highlighting women who redefine aging by living boldly and pursuing adventures beyond the traditional expectations of retirement, inviting listeners to join this empowering journey.
02:12 Jane's Early Rebellious Spirit Jane recounts her childhood and the early signs of her rebellious nature during her school years, highlighting how different circumstances instilled in her a desire to break away from societal norms even at a young age.
05:40 Academic Struggles and Discoveries Jane opens up about her academic challenges and eventual discovery of her passion for psychology, emphasizing the importance of finding one's path despite societal pressures.
09:16 Overcoming Tragedy and Finding New Paths Jane shares her journey through personal loss with the tragic passing of her husband and later, her sister. These hardships shaped her outlook on life and led her to prioritize family, education, and personal growth.
14:32 Finding Solace in Running After her husband's death, Jane turned to running as a means of coping with grief and stress. This segment explores how physical activity supports mental health and the inspirational beginning of her marathon-running journey.
20:59 Adventures in Solo Travel and Exploration Jane's experiences with solo travel illustrate the empowering nature of such adventures. This segment highlights the liberation and self-discovery that can emerge from exploring the world independently.
31:07 Creating a Lasting Impact Reflecting on her role as a mother and a role model, Jane hopes to inspire younger generations—especially women—to seize life’s opportunities, showing by example that age is no barrier to new ventures.
34:09 Embracing Age with Confidence By embracing aging with positivity and gratitude, Jane challenges fears around getting older. Her outlook promotes seeing aging as a privilege, highlighting the significance of quality life experiences over quantity.
37:40 Looking Forward I preview the next episode with Valerie Troy, a comedy writing accountant, who brings laughter and perspective to the idea of reinvention and comedy for women over 50.

Guest info
Jane Ashley embarked on a transformative journey by moving several hundred miles from home to Manchester to pursue a degree in psychology. Despite initial reservations from her family—largely due to the fact that few relatives, except her cousin Andrew, had attended university—Jane was determined to forge her own path. Embracing the vibrant life in Manchester, she quickly felt at home, immersing herself in both the city and her studies. Her time at university was not only academically enriching but also personally fulfilling, marking a pivotal chapter in her life.

Links and Resources
Guinness Trust
Great North Run
Meningitis Research
London Marathon
Manchester 10K
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Highway 1
Inca Trail
Annapurna Circuit trek
Portuguese Coastal Camino
Santiago De Compostela
Countdown

Quotes
Running for Recovery:
"That was for my mental health. Yeah. At the time, I'd had to take quite a few months off work because I was struggling."

Walking the Camino Solo:
"And that to to me, that's about about being a rebel sort of thing. People said, you do it on your own."

Inspiring Wanderlust:
"I hope that I inspire my children. That's primarily to get out and make the most."

Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk
Instagram: Siobhan - Host
Instagram: Matt - Producer
Podcast Production: www.kult.media
Buy My Book: Retirement Rebel

Sign Up For My Newsletter
This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Support Retirement Rebel
Copyright 2026 Siobhan Daniels
Mentioned in this episode:
🎵 Discover All About the Music with composer Neil Brand!
Discover new music and rediscover old favourites as Neil and his famous guests — including Mark Kermode, Annika Rice, Bruno Tonioli, and Keith Primer Jones — explore the songs that have shaped their lives. With Neil at the piano, each episode uncovers what makes this music so powerful, personal, and unforgettable.

Listen now to All About the Music, available on all major podcast platforms.

https://www.allaboutthemusicpod.com/