The Humans vs Retirement Podcast

• Ep 86 - Living Between Chapters with Toni Petrillo

  In this deeply insightful and refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with retirement coach and former financial services executive Toni Petrillo, founder of Retire with Intention. We explore the emotional complexities and personal transformations that often define life after full-time work, diving into the hidden challenges retirees face, particularly around identity, relationships, and what Toni calls the “messy middle.” From evolving partnership dynamics to redefining self-worth and navigating the in-between, this episode offers both practical wisdom and warm reassurance for anyone feeling unsettled in retirement. What You’ll Learn Why a solid financial plan isn’t enough, and what you need instead The concept of “retiring with intention” and how to do it well How relationship dynamics shift after work ends (and how to prepare) The danger of rushing through retirement's “messy middle” Tools and exercises to rediscover identity, purpose, and self Why curiosity and honest self-reflection are underrated retirement superpowers The real reason so many retirees feel lost, even when everything looks great on paper Key Topics Toni’s journey from financial executive to retirement coach Letting go of your business card and your professional identity The new relationship rules for life post-career Setting boundaries with adult children and grandchildren Rebuilding your relationship with yourself in retirement Understanding and embracing the “messy middle” of post-work life Designing a retirement based on your individual AND shared vision The power of pausing, experimenting, and reflecting The underestimated emotional labour of retiring Why permission, especially to feel, pause, and evolve, is everything Resources & Mentions Retire with Intention — Toni Petrillo’s coaching practice Harvard Online Course: Managing Happiness (mentioned by Toni) Statistics on Grey Divorce in the UK  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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• Ep 85 - Find Your Voice: Podcasting as Purpose with Matt Halloran

  In this powerful and entertaining episode, I'm delighted to be joined by podcasting legend Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth. Together, we explore why podcasting isn't just a tool for business; it’s a deeply human medium that offers purpose, connection, and even legacy in retirement. Whether you're a financial planner looking to build trust with your audience or you're approaching retirement and searching for a creative outlet to share your story, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and encouragement. From storytelling to encore careers, legacy creation to building an ecosystem around your voice, this one goes beyond the mic. What You’ll Learn Why podcasting is the perfect pursuit for your second half of life How telling your story can create a real connection and leave a lasting legacy The simple tools and mindset needed to launch a podcast, even in retirement How podcasting can transform how financial advisers build trust and attract clients Why “giving away your wisdom” isn’t bad business, it’s great business The 4-part formula for powerful content: storytelling, education, entertainment, and call-to-action Key Topics Covered My journey into podcasting and how Matt helped spark it The evolution of podcasting: from radio tapes to legacy libraries Podcasting as therapy, storytelling, and a vehicle for human connection How retirees can use podcasting to reinvent themselves post-career The magic of interviewing clients, friends, and family Building a podcast around your encore career or consultancy Using voice to build trust and deepen client relationships Pitfalls to avoid when starting and how to play the long game Why being proud of your voice is the first step to being heard Resources & Mentions ProudMouth – Matt’s podcasting and marketing company for financial professionals The PodRocket Academy – Free courses to help you launch your podcast Book: Influence by Dr. Robert Cialdini Podcast: Ologies by Alie Ward (Matt’s pick for top-tier podcast hosting) 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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• Ep 84 - Solving the Retirement Income Puzzle with Dr. Jeff Brown

  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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• Ep 83 - The 7 Pillars of Aging Responsibly with Tony Taylor

  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: Sleep Resilience Purpose Complacency Strength Curiosity 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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• Ep 82 - Why You Should Write a Book in Retirement with Helen Wilkie

  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: [email protected] 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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