Chapter X with Michael Kay

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...

Steven Kushner 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.   By June 2018, he retired and received the honorary title of Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Ner Tamid. Eager to venture into uncharted territory, he sought something entirely new.   Throughout his rabbinic car...

We often mistake experience for wisdom. But today, our guest challenges this notion. Wisdom isn't just about ourselves; it's about the legacy we craft. How do we become good ancestors and leave the world better than the one we entered?   Join me in a conversation with Nikos Patedakis, a philosopher dedicated to unleashing wisdom and compassion. Brace yourself—the ideas exchanged in our conversatio...

Today we're delving into the world of dating. 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.   Our guest today is Brad Johnson, the mastermind behind Zero Nonsense Dating. He caught my attention with his unique approach to tackling the c...

Episode 159: Finding Yourself with Rabbi Andy Warmflash Title: Finding Yourself with Rabbi Andy Warmflash     As Rabbi Andy Warmflash's professional life came to an end, his world was flipped on its head. He had an abundance of time, but profound questions about his identity loomed. With a lifelong career as a rabbi, his job had defined him.    However, Rabbi Andy was clear about a few things: he...

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. The conventional retirement playbook has been tossed out, ushering in a new era.   Today, we're joined by Campbell Gerrish, a successful entrepreneur, coach, and co-founder of Third Half Advisors (THA), an organization that's helping reshape retiremen...

In Yiddish, there's an expression, " bashert ," meaning that some things are destined to happen. Last September, I had the privilege of attending my first writers' conference, and amid a wealth of wisdom and inspiration, fate led me to a serendipitous meeting with today's guest.    David T. Cohen, a retired attorney turned aspiring novelist, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He spent thr...

Today, we're getting to the root of a problem that plagues 80% of the population at some point in their lives: back pain. Dr. Lysander Jim, a spine health specialist, is here to shed light on this frequently misunderstood problem.   Dr. Jim's journey into the world of medicine was sparked by a simple biology textbook, leading him into the world of chronic pain management amid the fiery debate over...

Today's episode is a special one, born from an unexpected encounter that unfolded in the lobby of the Hotel Matilde in Budapest this summer. As our two-week journey began, I had the privilege of crossing paths with an individual who would soon become not just a fellow traveler but a friend.   Throughout those days in Budapest and the subsequent weeks of our journey, we shared experiences that left...

Kent Weishaus spent 25 years in the world of television production — a realm of celebrities, directing, writing, producing, and navigating the interactions with network executives and large crews. Yet, he realized that much of his TV work was fueling the sensory overload that plagues us today.   Driven by a hunger for purpose, Kent embarked on a career transition into the "helping profession." Tod...

In a world that often encourages us to wear masks, authenticity simply means living by your core values. It's about boldly being yourself, shedding the years spent behind social facades, and embracing the courage to be truly genuine.   Today, we're revisiting a favorite past episode as we dive into part two of our conversation with Parker Palmer. Parker, a renowned writer, speaker, and founder of...

Today, we're revisiting a truly extraordinary conversation—one that left a profound mark on me. I'm replaying this special two-part episode to delve once more into the wisdom shared by a guest who epitomizes living with meaning and purpose.   Having Parker Palmer guest on my show was a dream come true, an opportunity I never imagined would come to fruition. Words like activist, author, and speaker...

Mark Barnes and James Sturtevant, retired educators turned authors, have embarked on a mission to help people redefine aging. Their latest book, Hacking Life After 50: 10 Ways to Beat Father Time and Live a Long, Healthy, Joy-Filled Life , is a treasure trove of wisdom that promises to shift your perspective and ignite a momentum mindset.    Mark is a longtime educator, entrepreneur. He is on a qu...

Retirement takes on a new dimension when experienced as a couple. Yet, it's an aspect that is often overlooked. Today's guests Caryl and Jay Casbon set out to shift this narrative. Their mission: to spotlight the journey of couples navigating this distinct life stage.   Equipped with a motorhome, curiosity, and a desire for real understanding, the Casbons hit the road, covering 15,000 miles across...

Last month, I stopped by a Barnes & Noble store and found myself face-to-face with a book: "The Wisdom of Morrie." You might recall Mitch Albom's heartwarming novel, "Tuesdays With Morrie." Well, this time, the newly released book was authored by Morrie himself and edited by his son Rob Schwartz. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rob today.    A writer, producer, and entrepreneur, Rob Schwartz's jo...

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.   James embodies the idea that resilience is at the heart of a meaningful life. Through his coaching and leadership programs, he has touched the lives of over a million individuals from around the world. He's authored several books, including the bestselling...

Curious about the emotions shaping your financial decisions? Join us as we dive deep into the hidden psychology of financial life planning.    Manisha Thakor brings more than 25 years of financial expertise and a deep commitment to empowering through financial education. A graduate of Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, Manisha honed her skills while working with prestigious money manag...

Leaving work behind marks the beginning of a journey where we release control and surrender to life's unfolding path. Today, we explore that profound moment when the yearning for a deeper purpose becomes undeniable.   Bryan Yates' personal odyssey mirrors the struggles many face: alcoholism, workaholism, business failures, and an unhealthy attachment to achievement. After uncovering his true self-...