Chapter X with Michael Kay

With freedom comes the risk of losing direction. When we're younger, the world feels full of possibilities. But as we get older, our focus narrows—one job, one partner, one path. Over time, our routines can make it harder to see new opportunities.   In this episode, Paul Wilson explains how mental blocks can keep us stuck and shares how to break free and explore what's still out there. After a bic...

Willie Handler was born to Holocaust survivors. Though his home was loving, the trauma his parents endured left deep scars that shaped his life in ways he only came to understand much later.   During the pandemic, Willie began exploring his family's history and the intergenerational trauma he carried. What started as a way to honor his parents became a transformative journey. It unearthed buried m...

For Larry O'Nan, leaving work behind wasn't about slowing down. It was a chance to step into a new chapter of intentional living and service.    With decades of experience guiding faith-based organizations, Larry raised millions for global initiatives and inspired others to lead with purpose. But his journey didn't stop there.   Redefining what it means to live fully, Larry has embraced failure as...

At 70, Edward Doherty ran a virtual Boston Marathon. At 72, he published his first book. If anyone knows the secret to defying odds, it's him. Ed is a man who radiates optimism—his story not only touched my heart but also reignited my spirit, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.   In this episode, Ed takes us through his journey from the restaurant industry to consulting, after a pandemic-ind...

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.    Blair's here to break down how we can improve our lives by shifting our behaviors with research-backed methods that are both impactful and surprisingly simple. So,...

As a writer, I've often heard my peers talk about the "evils" of AI over the past couple of years. But truthfully, I don't know much about it myself, which is why I'm so excited to talk to today's guest, Justin Simpson.   Justin brings a lifetime of business experience, and now, in his "Chapter X," he's exploring the world of AI with new imagination and curiosity. You might be wondering, "What doe...

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?   Many men never learned how to connect emotionally in a way that feels genuine to them. Today, we're diving into this strug...

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 introduce you to Bodhi Aldridge, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and purpose.    Bodhi has traveled the world as a father, gra...

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.   Kenny's symptoms began with minor neurological issues, but it took two years to get a clear diagnosis. Early on, doctors worried it might be ALS, which was a scary idea. It was eventually identified as Primary Lateral Scler...

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.    This realization set him on a path to explore what mattered to him beyond just achieving more and pleasing others. Today, David is a Zen teacher with credentials in two lineages and a seasoned life and leadersh...

When is the right time to start asking yourself life's big questions? My guest, Austin Dowling, who shifted from a corporate attorney to a psychotherapist, is here to discuss the vital role of self-reflection in finding fulfillment in retirement.   Originally from Ireland, Austin is a practicing psychotherapist and executive coach based in New York. He helps professional adults at a crossroads in...

In a world full of noise, it's easy to forget that real happiness can start with reconnecting with who we truly are inside. Today, that's exactly what we're exploring with Amrit Singh, a life coach who helps men discover what they truly want and what makes them happy.   In this episode, we tackle the tough challenges men face with vulnerability and how embracing your true self can transform your r...

When we find something that drives us forward, life takes on new meaning and fulfillment. But true fulfillment isn't just about traditional success—it's about discovering joy and purpose in our everyday experiences, especially as we navigate the second half of life.   Today, we explore this enriching path with a guest whose resilience and purpose have guided his own journey. Alain Dumonceaux joins...

Ever had a friend recommend a book that completely captivated you? That's exactly what happened to me. My friend Bob suggested this book written by a college acquaintance of his, and I decided to grab a copy. Little did I know, it would be one of those extraordinary reads.   As I flipped through the pages, I found myself really connecting with the importance of the author's words. I knew I had to...

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.   He's not just navigated through the transition to retirement, but he's crafted a life filled with meaning and purpose, and I have no doubt you'll find his...

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.   Today I'm speaking with Dr. Stephen Sideroff. This is a conversation you will want to listen to multiple times, or at least have a notepad with you so you can jot down some n...

How does one reach the pivotal moment that propels them into the next chapter of their life? For our guest today, that moment unfolded in a Starbucks, where Jeff Eamers stumbled upon a newspaper ad seeking volunteers for suicide prevention. Having battled his own demons for years, Jeff saw this not just as an opportunity, but as a calling.   In his past life, Jeff wore many hats—writer, director,...

What could be more crucial as we enter Chapter X than knowing our purpose? Today, I'm happy to have Ian Chamandy on board. He's developed a groundbreaking program aimed at helping people define their purpose.    Ian is no stranger to purpose-driven work. As a founding partner of Blueprint Business Architecture, he's helped hundreds of companies define their unique essence in seven words or less. B...

Today, we're catching up with Richard Eisenberg, who embarked on his "unretirement" journey in 2022 after stepping away from his role as Managing Editor for Next Avenue.   Over the past two years, Richard has gracefully navigated this new chapter, balancing writing, mentoring, volunteering, and personal exploration alongside his wife. As he continues to carve out his path, he generously shares his...

In 2019, Justin Roethlingshoefer looked like the picture of health from the outside. He was a world championship triathlete and CrossFitter with a successful career in the NHL. But then he started experiencing debilitating headaches combined with stomach issues and insomnia—health challenges he had never faced before.   Doctors told Justin he was in perfect health, but he knew it was a lie. He con...

It's never too late to adopt an active lifestyle, even in retirement. Today's guest, Leon Sirulnick, has been retired for 17 years now. His life has been filled with extraordinary adventures—and I can say he's truly done it on his terms.     Today's guest is very special to me. Back in 2002, I met Leon for the first time in my office. He walked into our meeting, threw a stack of papers onto my des...

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. Thankfully, a nudge from his son reignited his enthusiasm to finish a book project he'd started to write.   The driving force behind Jerry's book was his desire to leave a lasting and meaningful lega...

In a world where fresh starts are often idealized but rarely explored, my guest today takes us behind the scenes of his own transformative journey.   I'm truly excited to welcome Howard Epstein, a lifelong resident of Omaha, Nebraska, who recently retired as the Executive Director of The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Now, he's embracing a new role as an adjunct professor at Creighton Univ...

Finding your mission in life is no easy feat, but Ken Mifflin cracked the code. Join us today as we unravel the steps of his remarkable journey toward discovering purpose. While not labeling himself as "retired," Ken has skillfully redefined his life around activities aligned with his deepest values.   As a seasoned management consultant and aspiring author with a background at Procter & Gamble, M...

Life is more than chasing a bigger paycheck or a career fixated on it. Our guest today, Rand Selig, suggests that as we step into the next phase after work, it's an opportunity for self-discovery. What's interesting is that the same skills that fueled our career success can now shape this new chapter.   Rand Selig is a seasoned entrepreneur, coach, and roll-up-your-sleeves conservationist with an...