In my new podcast Chapter X with Michael Kay, we’re tackling that question from many angles with my thought-provoking guests.
Think health, fitness, relationships, money and the latest thinking on how to live vibrantly and passionately into the triple digits.
For Larry O’Nan, retirement wasn’t about slowing down. It was a chance to step into a new chapter of intentional living and service.
We’ve all heard the ‘find your why’ advice, but what if it’s not about that at all? Today, my guest is Blair Dunkley, and I’ll keep it simple: this conversation is going to be mind-filling, mind-expanding, and honestly, mind-blowing.
As a writer, I’ve often heard my peers talk about the “evils” of AI over the past couple of years.
Imagine a man who truly wants to connect with his partner. He carefully picks his words, hoping to create that closeness. But somehow, it all falls flat. Frustration builds in his partner, yet he can’t quite put his finger on what’s going wrong. Why does this keep happening?
Imagine the possibilities when men come together in a supportive atmosphere. In the Chapter X community, I’ve seen firsthand how this freedom allows us to be our true selves—and that’s where real growth happens.
Today, I’m excited to catch up with my high school friend, Kenny Hersch. His story is truly one of a kind, and I think you’ll find this conversation with him an absolute joy.
David Rynick was a big deal in college—serving on the university senate, co-captaining the wrestling team, and enjoying much attention. But despite all his achievements, he wasn’t happy.
When is the right time to start asking yourself life’s big questions?
In this episode, we tackle the tough challenges men face with vulnerability and how embracing your true self can transform your relationships.
When we find something that drives us forward, life takes on new meaning and fulfillment.
It’s a roadmap to finding fulfillment and happiness, regardless of where you find yourself on life’s journey.
In 2015, Brian Feutz began feeling the tug towards retirement. He went headfirst into a journey of discovery, diving into the ins and outs of retirement planning, wondering what the future held, and whether he was financially ready for it all.
What if stress isn’t the enemy we thought it was? Our guest today suggests that certain aspects of stress can actually be powerful motivators. But here’s the catch: there’s a sweet spot, and most of us tend to overshoot it.
“We can’t control the world around us but we can certainly control how we respond to it.”
What could be more crucial than knowing our purpose as we enter Chapter X?
Today, we’re catching up with Richard Eisenberg, who embarked on his “unretirement” journey in 2022.
Doctors told Justin he was in perfect health, but he knew it was a lie.
When Jerry Werner retired, he found himself in an unexpected slump. Getting hit by the retirement blues was a surprising experience for someone as goal-oriented and optimistic as the former Navy SEAL.
In a world where fresh starts are often romanticized but rarely explored, my guest today takes us behind the scenes of his own transformative journey.
Finding your mission in life is no easy feat, but Ken Mifflin cracked the code.
Life is more than chasing a bigger paycheck or a career fixated on it.
What lies beneath the surface of your thoughts?
Their careers took an unexpected turn when the unexpected offer of an early retirement landed in their laps.
To start off the new year, I decided to try something new.
Today, we’re revisiting a profound conversation that delves into life’s transitions and the invaluable lessons they offer.
Mark Weber spent his career helping the wealthy transfer their wealth efficiently. But something was missing—hardly anyone talked about their values or the legacy they wanted to leave.
In 2019, Greg Vigdor decided to take a break after working in healthcare for four decades. His plan was to relax for a few months before returning to work. However, the outbreak of a global pandemic threw a curveball into his plans.
Growing up before 1970 meant a diet heavy on margarine and potato chips—we just lacked awareness of nutrition.
Imagine retirement not as the end of a journey but as the beginning of an entirely new chapter—one where time becomes your most precious currency.
Rabbi Steven Kusher had originally planned to retire at 70. However, at 65, he began feeling fatigued, noticing the strain of evening meetings and realizing his body was signaling a need to slow down.
We often mistake experience for wisdom. But it’s not.
If you’re married and thinking about skipping this one, I’d suggest you pause and consider sharing it with the single men in your life, whether they’re single due to widowhood, divorce, or other circumstances.
As Rabbi Andy Warmflash’s professional life came to an end and his parental duties dwindled, his world was flipped on its head.
In a world filled with endless choices, it’s all too easy to fall into the analysis trap, especially while redefining the next chapter of our lives.
What it means to take a sip of retirement before fully embracing the entire experience.
Today, we delve into an issue that affects more than 80% of the population at some point in their lives: back pain.
Kent spent 25 years in the world of television production. Yet, he realized that much of his TV work was fueling the sensory overload that plagues us today.
In a world where masks are often worn, authenticity simply means living by your core values.
Today, we’re revisiting a truly extraordinary conversation.
If you’re ready to unlock the secrets of joyful aging, stick around.
Retirement takes on a new dimension when experienced as a couple. Yet, it’s an aspect that is often overlooked.
Discovering his late father’s manuscript not only led Rob to confront his own grief, but also provided deeper insights into his father’s perspective on embracing joy, seeking laughter, and infusing creativity into every facet of life.
You might recognize today’s guest from his work as a bestselling author, philosopher, and consultant, but there’s so much more to his story.
Curious about the emotions shaping your financial decisions? Join us as we dive deep into the hidden psychology of financial life planning.
Leaving work behind marks the beginning of a journey where we release control and surrender to life’s unfolding path.
At just 35 years old, Colin Kingsmill had already ticked off every box on his life’s checklist. He had it all: education, a great lifestyle, the perfect location, and a successful career.
Imagine a life where each step, every lesson, and every ounce of wisdom transforms you into a fulfilled, empowered individual.
Have you ever experienced that nagging feeling that something in your life is amiss, leaving you feeling unsettled or even miserable?
Don’t let a lifetime of learning, knowledge, and experience fade away.
There’s an entire world of hidden opportunities waiting for us, but it’s up to us to take the first step and initiate that chain reaction.
What if being a man is about embracing growth, authenticity, and the courage to shine your brightest light?
If you’ve ever wondered what lies on the other side of mental health battles, join us as we explore the transformative story of a man who has navigated the storm and come out stronger, wiser, and ready to share his wisdom.
In a world where conformity often reigns, creativity is the rebellion that fuels progress and transformation.
You gain wisdom with age, but sometimes it comes hand in hand with a nagging sense of regret.
Good news: You don’t have to become a meditation master to experience the benefits of mindfulness. In fact, you don’t need any special skills or equipment at all.
Are you ready to make a change but don’t know how to start?
We’ve all felt weighed by the burden of expectations.
Max Friedman has spent his career uncovering and writing about the lives of others, but now he turns the focus onto his own family’s past.
Join us today as we explore some common misconceptions about how we treat our bodies and what’s truly important for a healthy lifestyle.
Do you ever wonder what kind of legacy you’ll leave behind for your loved ones? Sure, your will might divvy up your tangible assets, but what about your values, stories, and wisdom?
In a world filled with information overload and conflicting advice, it can be hard to know what to believe when it comes to nutrition.
Is it possible to find enjoyment in the process of working towards our goals rather than just the end result?
Your health is your greatest asset, but navigating the ever-changing healthcare system can be a challenge.
Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions without really living the life you want?
Who says you have to slow down after retirement?
Get ready for an episode that may challenge everything you think you know.
Eating well doesn’t have to mean a boring diet.
Have you always dreamed of expressing yourself through art but felt limited by a lack of creativity?
Today we bring you the inspiring journey of Damian White, a 30-something-year-old poet who has triumphed over homelessness twice.
Life presents us with a wide array of possibilities. Some things we choose, and others are just beyond our control.
Do you struggle to have difficult conversations with your adult children?
Whether you’re married or partnered, there will be times when you need to have difficult conversations.
Following his dreams of becoming a screenwriter in Hollywood, Clint Arthur found himself working behind the wheel of a taxi cab.
Chapter X isn’t a solo affair for those who are married or partnered.
Discover the 3 things that happier people do differently.
It takes a brave person to try something new, knowing they may not be “good” at it.
In 2015, Kevin Roth was diagnosed with stage-three melanoma. He packed his bags for San Diego and created a “New Story” for his life.
What if the trick to finding purpose was really about lowering expectations?
Think about how you feel after listening to the news. Do you feel energized and positive?
What does it take to achieve the extraordinary? Mindset is a vast part of becoming an Olympic champion.
This week on the Chapter X podcast, our friend Richard Eisenberg is back with an update on his own retirement.
How to avoid boredom in a long, unfulfilling retirement.
Shooting for achievement doesn’t always lead to happiness.
The human mind has only one need: the perpetual need to express our authentic identity.
Rediscovering your old interests may hold the clues to what you should pursue next.
Can eating specific foods help with brain health? The latest research says yes.
The average life expectancy has increased by almost ten years in the last century, but living a long life that’s also happy and healthy isn’t so common.
One of the perks of leaving work behind is getting more time in our day to create an active lifestyle.
When you’re thrust into the unexpected responsibility of becoming a primary caregiver, it’s hard to know what to do next.
No matter how successful and happy another person seems on the outside, it often has very little to do with their inner state of mind.
We all face trauma, adversity and stressful events in life. It’s how we cope with distressing experiences that can be the difference between living a meaningful life and mentally ‘checking out’ of yours.
Learn how you can better align your natural talents (aka feed your “tigers”).
From childhood and onward, we hear the familiar tune of advice like, “Do what you love,” in our career.
Ever noticed how different you feel depending on your surroundings?
The truth is age doesn’t matter for most goals.
In today’s world, it’s never too late to start a new career.
Have you ever thought about how much your emotions influence your health?
Traditional retirement is seen as a new, exciting chapter of life. What’s not often discussed is how vulnerable it feels to enter this pivotal time of our life.
Tony Hixon is not your ordinary financial planner. After having tragically lost his mom, he approaches financial advice in a different way.
In the summer of 2009, Fred Rutman started experiencing a series of events where he would lose consciousness.
It’s easy to go through life on autopilot. But as we enter this next chapter, it’s important to be more intentional about how we approach the rest of our lives.
Building meaningful friendships with other men can be tough, especially when we are no longer in the workplace.
Hear from Richard on adjusting to “unretirement” in a new world.
It’s time to challenge the stigma that men can’t be sensitive.
Play isn’t just for children, it’s also an important part of adulthood.
Our modern world emphasizes a need for change. Yet when we have major disruptions in our lives, we seek routine and structure. Why is that?
Learn what it really takes to bounce back from life’s biggest challenges.
We often focus on the physical changes of aging, but successful aging is about more than what happens to our bodies.
Times of unrest often introduce new uncertainty to the market. If you’re nervous about your investments, you’re not alone.
“You’re not too old and it’s not too late.”
Life’s opportunities aren’t always planned. And if you’re open to possibilities, the road can be filled with great, unexpected surprises.
Something we often don’t realize until later in life is that time is our single most valuable resource. When work ends, we finally have control over how we spend our time—and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
It’s one thing to define our personal values, but it’s another story to actually live by values and align our actions with what we believe.
In the coming Super Age, there will be more people older than 65 than those under the age of 18.
When opportunity knocks, are you ready to open the door?
Busting out of our comfort zones and opening our eyes up to possibilities takes work. And when it comes to work, we have to see the payoff before we’re willing to actually put in the time and effort.
Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to our thoughts. But why be mindful?
Everyone has a story, why not share yours?
Deciding on a home in the second half of life is not only a financial decision, but also an emotional one.
Jeff Garson began his career as an attorney. After 20 years of running a thriving practice that put him ahead of the game, he experienced a serious business reverse that sent him into a depression.
Today is a special interview as it marks Richard’s entry into his own Chapter X.
Bern Terry had worked successfully for more than 40 years when he was suddenly laid off early into the pandemic. By a twist of fate, he reconnected with Anna Hall only days after losing his job.
Every person has a story that matters. We’ve all lived through experiences that could benefit the lives of others too, if we share them.
With a longer life expectancy than humans have ever experienced before, retirement today is about much more than money.
We already know fitness is good for us. What many of us don’t know is that a specific type of workout can actually slow down the aging process.
Transitions are a reality check, but you don’t have to wait for a crisis to take stock of your life.
Coping with change is no simple feat. But what if you could start embracing change by leaning on those around you?
Today’s guest decided to reinvent himself in the workforce at age 50.
Something that often stops people in their tracks is that feeling that it’s “too late.”
We never know how much time we have left on this earth. Why not do everything we can to make the most of it?
We’re contained in a reliable groove for the majority of our adult lives, that is until we hit retirement.
What if retirement isn’t about a loss of self, but a chance to break free from the “autopilot mode” of our midlife?
When he realized it was almost time to move on from his career, Lee turned to his wife to figure out their next steps together.
What if the key to individual growth starts with slowing down and figuring out what matters most?
In this episode, we take a glimpse into current money matters, timely conversations, and new considerations to make for the next stage.
What does it truly mean to be your authentic self? It starts with showing up in the world in a way that reflects our values.
n 2018, the business Margit Novack had been running for more than two decades was acquired. Suddenly, she found herself without a title or regular work for the first time in her life.
How do you discover your purpose? It’s a big (and important) question we all must tackle to embrace our next chapter.
As adults, it’s important to reconsider what we believe—and why—if we are to move closer to living a life with meaning.
Over the years, I’ve met many who have been focused on saving, investing, and planning for years. While they’re financially secure, they can’t bring themselves to leave work behind yet.
What do the stories we tell ourselves say about us? In many cases, the personal narrative we tell ourselves about our abilities might not be true, but identifying those stories are a starting point to understanding and self-awareness.
After being faced with an unexpected retirement, today’s guest exemplifies inner strength and resolve as he navigates the transition to life after work.
Every month I host Zoom get together for Chapter X, where we share some stories and gain insight from one another.
Every experience, good or bad, teaches us another lesson in life.
We crave routines because they give us comfort, but making a commitment to try new things just might empower you to go after what’s important to you.
From childcare provider to loving companion, being a grandparent means taking on many meaningful roles.
We cover some of the challenges facing us today as restrictions ease and we begin to emerge from the pandemic.
Who leaves a career in law enforcement to follow their passion for art and writing? The answer lies ahead with my next guest, John P. Weiss.
Even when it’s planned for, closing one chapter of our lives and opening a new one is an uncomfortable experience.
It’s no secret that eating a healthy diet is good for us and can help prevent certain diseases. But how does the food we put in our bodies impact our overall well being?
The sky’s the limit when we’re no longer bound by the obligation to make money.
Every disruption represents a new beginning—and the opportunity to transform exploration into growth.
Imagine being confronted with your next chapter without any preparation.
Everyone wants to put their head on the pillow at night and feel peace of mind.
There’s a growing trend of men who are financially prepared to retire, but finding themselves reluctant to step out of the working world for good.
When you were growing up, chances are the messages you received about retirement were about looking forward to a life of “playing golf” and “relaxing” in the afternoon.
Biohacking is the idea of taking control of your body chemistry via investigation.
It’s a blessing to achieve financial security and have the opportunity to work on our lives in areas like health, happiness, and purpose.
Can you think of something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet? Perhaps it’s time to revive your forgotten dreams.
Our lives are a series of beginning and endings. Yet the process of closing one chapter and opening a new one is never easy.
Getting older is an inevitable part of our journey whether we accept it or not. But how could our lives change if we saw aging as a chance to become who we really are?
How well do you connect with other people? If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of building strong social connections and community, you’re not alone.
There’s always something you can do, no matter the circumstances.
Turning 65 doesn’t just bring you cake and an extra birthday candle to blow out. It also comes with decisions about Medicare.
There’s no perfect time to hit pause on your career, reset, and find new motivations.
Do you want to start giving back but don’t know where to start?
There’s a common notion that we engage in activism to keep ourselves busy after our work life ends. But is it really just about occupying our time?
Many of us have spent the core of our adult lives chasing success and happiness, but does accomplishing more really make us happier?
Lifelong learners never settle for staying inside of their comfort zone. Instead, they’re constantly evolving to figure out what fulfillment means to them.
While change is the last thing we want in life, major transitions always have a way of catching up to us. But why do we try to fight change?
When it comes to your health, the reality is your blood pressure check isn’t enough.
How do we replace the idea of achievement with fulfillment?
It’s funny how quickly life becomes dull and unfulfilling when we don’t have things to look forward to each day. But what if the solution was to stop waiting for good things to happen to us?
When we plan for the future, we often make plans with our spouse regarding what will happen to our children or parents. What’s easy to neglect is a realistic plan for life together after retirement.
Have you ever lost passion for an interest you once enjoyed? Here’s why the door to opportunity is still wide open.
The joy of pursuing an unconventional life is the freedom that comes with no limitations.
We usually think of “finding” our passion in life, but what if we start creating our passion rather than trying to find it?
It’s never too late to adopt an active lifestyle, even in retirement.
What happens next after you’re blindsided by an unexpected retirement?
The pursuit of happiness is ingrained in our culture. We spend our lives searching for fulfillment and meaning, but is making ourselves happy a realistic goal?
September 23, 2020
It’s easy to look back on our lives and recognize the events that brought us to where we are today. How can we apply that same level of thinking to the next chapter in life?
September 23, 2020
Retirement isn’t always a choice. Some people are forced into the decision, while others eagerly wait for the opportunity to leave an unhappy career.
September 23, 2020
How do you determine when it’s the right time to give notice and head into the next chapter of life?
September 13, 2020
No matter where you are on the journey to shifting away from work, the reality is the next phase of life is unknown.
September 11, 2020
Navigating your next chapter after traditional work requires a new kind of bravery—especially for men.
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