Chapter X with Michael Kay

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...

What lies beneath the surface of your thoughts? Today, we're going deep into the stories we carry within ourselves with my guest, Kevin Burk. The stories we tell ourselves, often without realizing it, shape our reality and beliefs about ourselves and our situations.   Kevin B. Burk is the Headmaster of The Real Astrology Academy and the creator of the Human Game, a philosophy based on the idea tha...

Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo were long-time colleagues at Fidelity Investments. Their careers took an unexpected turn when the unexpected offer of an early retirement landed in their laps—and it sparked a whole new perspective on what retirement truly means.   In their research, they noticed a gap in the retirement planning discussion. While finances often take the focus, the life planning piece w...

To start off the new year, I decided to try something new. Each month, our Chapter X community gathers on Zoom to discuss a specific topic. And today, you're in for a treat—this podcast episode features a recording from our final Chapter X meeting of the year.   During this gathering, we reflected on 2023 and our aspirations for 2024: What lessons did it bring? What changes are we seeking or what...

Welcome to a special rerun episode that holds a special place in my heart. Today, we're revisiting a profound conversation that delves into life's transitions and the invaluable lessons they offer.   Looking back at our lives often reveals the defining moments that shaped our paths. But how do we take those lessons and apply them to our next chapter? That's the theme of today's conversation.   It'...

Mark Weber spent his career helping the wealthy transfer their wealth efficiently. He attended hundreds of meetings with attorneys and their clients, navigating the ins and outs of estate planning. But something was missing—hardly anyone talked about their values or the legacy they wanted to leave.   It dawned on Mark that advisors had a chance to go beyond just taxes and talk about the impact peo...

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.   During this unexpected pause, Greg dove into a brand-new project. He started writing his very first novel, weaving his expertise from healthcare into fascinating det...

Growing up before 1970 meant a diet heavy on margarine and potato chips—we just lacked awareness of nutrition. Today, we're armed with much more knowledge. Yet, navigating through varied advice can be bewildering, especially if you were raised with different beliefs.   At the core of our pursuit for health and well-being lies the desire to become the best version of ourselves. So, how can we show...

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.    Today, we're peeling back the layers of conventional retirement wisdom to explore how the art of time optimization can transform these post-career years into an unparalleled phase of enrichment and purpose.   As a Certified Professional Retirement co...