H.Douglas Ellsworth

Dying to Retire Podcast

Education EN ↓ 46 episodes

I’m Doug — Baby Boomer, conservative gringo married to a Latina, and a guy with an eclectic work career that ended with retiring from the federal government. This podcast is its own show now. Real conversations about retirement, the political circus we’re all living through, and what it actually looks like to walk away from the grind and build a life in Latin America. I’ll cover the real ups and downs of transitioning from worker bee to just let me be — including why so many of my coworkers mentally clocked out long before they officially retired. They weren’t lazy. They were preserving their...

Author

H.Douglas Ellsworth

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jun 30, 2026

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Episodes

#046: The Casa Douglas TP Rule, Media Narratives, Front-Line Karma, and Second-Rate Standards 30.06.2026

In this episode, we look at how divisive identity politics crash head-first into the real world. I share a story about my brother-in-law getting a dose of workplace karma as a new manager, and draw on my thirty years of management experience to contrast today's manufactured divisions with the unshakeable bonds forged in the 1980s military. True solidarity isn't based on skin color or checklists—it...

#045: Sewer Lines, Get Off The X, Northern Ireland, and the Two-Degree Delusion 23.06.2026

In this episode, I skip the usual Casa Douglas construction update and talk about what's happening back in Maryland instead. The house decided it wasn't getting enough attention, so the main sewer line failed, followed by the outside drain line needing replacement. Thousands of dollars later, I'm still waiting on the county inspector so they can finally approve the work and let the contractor fill...

#044: Retirement Dreams, Building Casa Douglas, Self-Driving Cars for Seniors - Oh My! 16.06.2026

In this episode of 'Dying to Retire,' I share updates on his upcoming move to Guatemala, where his new home, Casa Douglas, is nearly ready. He discusses the logistical challenges of settling into a new country, from furnishing the house to navigating local traffic. I also tackle the contentious issue of aging drivers and the rise of self-driving technology, questioning whether these advancements a...

#043: My Guatemala Residency Appointment, RENAP, Uber, and El Salvador's Mega Prison 09.06.2026

In this episode, I walk you through my actual residency appointment at Guatemalan immigration — start to finish, what it looked like on the ground, how long it took, and what happened when RENAP put the wrong birthday on my DPI. Then I get into Uber in Guatemala, what most Westerners need to get over before they get in one of those cars, and one driver who used a 45-minute rush-hour ride to explai...

#042: She Wasn't Ready for Guatemala, Bank of Mom and Dad, and Then Some! 02.06.2026

In this episode, I discuss my niece's reaction to both the house being built and the community of the gated community outside of Antigua, Guatemala. Then I get into the Bank of Mom and Dad problem for retirees, a state-by-state retirement cost breakdown that explains why the expat conversation is growing on both sides of the aisle, and a take on a study claiming the best aphrodisiac for women is w...

#041: Update on Casa Douglas - Building in Guatemala, Social Security Changes and Then Some! 26.05.2026

In this episode, I cover a construction update on Casa Douglas — the retirement home going up outside Antigua, Guatemala — a Covey-based tool I built to help those thinking about retiring abroad stop wasting time on the wrong videos and online content, and the Social Security proposal that has me rethinking when to file. Plus: a family event, a Gen Z teacher, and a Wicked reference that should con...

#040: How U.S.-Born Kids Can Get Guatemalan Citizenship (Step by Step)! 13.09.2025

Can your U.S.-born child get Guatemalan citizenship? The answer is YES—and in this episode of *Dying to Retire*, I walk you through the process step by step. This video was inspired by a viewer’s question and my own family’s situation. My wife’s nieces and nephews were born in the United States, but their parents are Guatemalan. Like many families, they wanted to know if their kids could claim Gua...

#039: The Toilet Upgrade Every Retired Guy Should Know! 05.08.2025

Living with IBS or Crohn’s can make bathroom visits tough, but a simple upgrade can bring real relief. A bidet, like the Kohler model, offers a gentle, effective solution to enhance your comfort and health. I’m just a retired guy on the exciting journey to Guatemala residency, and like many expats and slow travelers, I’m hunting for the perfect dream retirement home in Central America. But trust m...

#038: Is Black Fatigue Just a SMALL Part of America's REAL Problem? 24.06.2025

Are you, like me, fed up with America’s “B” fatigue and blame game? In this no-BS episode of Dying to Retire, I tackle the exhaustion from generational blame, calling out elite individuals, not Boomers or the Silent Generation, for ongoing economic chaos. Beyond “B” fatigue, Americans are drained by the reparations grift pushed by millionaires and politicians on the left and their useful idiots th...

#037: Part 2: Guatemala Residency Paperwork - Nightmare to Navigable! 24.06.2025

Join me as I navigate the intricacies of securing permanent residency in Guatemala, sharing insights on the immigration process. I break down the cost of obtaining apostilles, certifications, and notaries that your Latin lawyer will submit to the Guatemalan government, as well as the timelines involved, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar move to Guatemala. You can explore...

#036: What Are The BEST Retirement Activities for Federal Retirees? 07.05.2025

f you're a federal retiree looking for the best retirement activities, then this video is for you! From travel to hobbies to financial planning, we'll cover it all. Start living your best retirement life today! #federalworkers #retirementactivities #retiredlife #FederalRetirees #RetirementActivities #DOGERetirements

#035: 5 Brutal Life Lessons Every Man Needs to Know! 07.05.2025

Uncover 5 brutal life lessons every man must know to not just survive, but truly thrive! Passed down from man to man, brother to brother, father to son, Boomer Doug shares invaluable wisdom gained from years of hard work, overcoming cancer battles, and his incredible expat journey to Guatemala. From the dangers of burnout to the truth that fun doesn’t equal happiness, these lessons resonate whethe...

#034: Maryland Wants to Make Your Soda Cost 32 Cents MORE? 07.05.2025

Unpacking Maryland’s proposed soda tax chaos! HB 1469—a 2-cent-per-ounce hit on Coke, Gatorade, even Diet Pepsi. Lawmakers swear it’s for kids and a $3 billion budget mess, but with Fed layoffs piling up and grocery bills soaring, something stinks. This nanny-state tax grab could break Marylanders’ backs, from lost restaurant jobs to business flights and residents bolting. Seattle’s tax flopped, P...

#033: Inside the Maryland Utility Scam That Stole Billions 14.03.2025

Shocking Maryland utility bills revealed! Have you ever wondered how a staggering nearly $600 Pepco and Washington Gas charges add up to over $7,000 a year while concealing a dirty little secret? In this episode, discover why half your bill isn't for power or gas—it's packed with hidden fees, taxes, and EMPOWER Maryland charges you don't even use or benefit from! Maryland ranks as the third worst...

#032: What Social Security Could Have Been: Are Our Retirement Dreams Lost? 03.03.2025

Uncover the shocking truth about Social Security and dive into retirement planning. Explore what your Social Security benefits could have been if government spending, taxpayer dollars, and mismanagement by elected officials, bureaucrats, and non-profits hadn't derailed them for decades. Shocking revelations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) expose fundamentally flawed federal gov...

#031: What You Must Know Before Moving To Guatemala 18.02.2025

Welcome to "Dying To Retire," where we eliminate the stress of retiring overseas, kicking off our journey in Guatemala with Part 1 of our residency paperwork adventure! If you're a conservative boomer or someone with dreams of living abroad, hit that bookmark before this video disappears faster than your retirement funds! Relocating to Guatemala or anywhere else isn’t a quick decision, despite wha...

#030: Trump's Federal Employee Exit Plan: Retire Now or Wait? 06.02.2025

Join me in my car as we dive into the Trump Administration's unique offer for federal employees to opt for early separation with pay until September 30, 2025. This video discusses why this could be a golden opportunity for those in their late 50s or 60s, particularly if you're eligible for retirement and have a solid investment in TSP or other retirement plans. Here's why you should consider Trump...

#029: How To Score Paradise: A Pre-Homebuyers Guide to Guatemala 02.02.2025

Embark on a journey with me to discover the best retirement homes in Antigua, Guatemala! I dive into the real estate world, focusing on preparing for my upcoming seminar trip to meet real estate companies, explore gated communities, and assess the towns for the perfect retirement spot. This video is your essential guide if you're contemplating a reverse green card strategy for retirement. Learn ab...

#028: H1B Visa Secrets NO ONE Tells You About 03.01.2025

Explore the hidden truths behind H1B visas in my latest video on Dying To Retire. I delve into how tech companies, Congress, and lobbyists manipulate data to promote the H1B visa program, focusing on how they use aggregated data to mask the real impact. This isn't about wage suppression or racial biases but a critical analysis of how data can be presented to deceive. Perfect for those concerned wi...

#027: Month One Hearing Aid Review: The GOOD, The BAD, and The SURPRISING! 02.01.2025

Here's my one-month update on my journey with the Oticon Intent 1s, my first-ever hearing aids. I'll share what I've come to appreciate, like clearer sounds and minor annoyances, like the occasional hiss or squelch. If you're curious about hearing loss solutions in retirement, this video's for you. Plus, I've got a question for the men: when do you take your hearing aids off at the barber, especia...

#026: FIRST TIME Trying Hearing Aids What to Expect! 13.12.2024

Join me as I explore the wild ride of getting my first hearing aids in "Did Unmuting My Life Set Me Up for Trouble? My Hearing Aid Story." If you're a retired Boomer or nearing retirement, this video dives into the humorous and unexpected aspects of hearing loss and hearing aid use. From the surprise of hearing everyday noises to the challenges of social eavesdropping, we'll discuss retirement lif...

#025: The Shocking Truth About Blue Sky Sessions You Need to Know 08.12.2024

Dive into the irony of Blue Sky Sessions and BlueSky Social in this episode of Dying to Retire! Discover why these "innovative" practices might be as useful as a "printer without paper." We explore the evolution of Blue Sky Sessions, a corporate fad aimed at problem-solving but often leaving front-line workers who need real change. I'll share my firsthand experiences, revealing how these sessions...

#024: Losing My Best Friend: The Unspoken Love for Our Pets 03.12.2024

Experience the profound journey of losing a beloved pet in retirement, most often a loyal dog. In this heartfelt video from 'Dying to Retire,' we explore 'Losing My Best Friend: The Unspoken Love for Our Pets,' where, for many men, a dog might be one of the few sources of unconditional love in their lives. Understand the pain and process of pet loss from a man's perspective, discussing the emotion...

#023: FEMA Calls Trump Supporters Vicious Dogs! (Just A Boomer Bitchin’) 19.11.2024

A FEMA supervisor's shocking claim: Trump signs as threats, akin to vicious dogs, led to aid avoidance. This incident reveals a deeper issue: America's drift from its core values. We delve into how this impacts retirees, threatens political freedom, and erodes disaster relief ethics. Join us to unpack this assault on America's foundations. ========================== Hi! It's Doug. Welcome to my jo...

#022: Stay Out of Latin America, Celebs! (Just A Boomer Bitchin’) 11.11.2024

In this episode of "Dying to Retire," we dive into why celebrities and political figures considering moving to Latin America post-election might want to reconsider. From Nayib Bukele's no-nonsense approach in El Salvador to Javier Milei's economic chainsaw in Argentina, the region is focused on real change, not Hollywood drama. ========================== Hi! I'm Doug. Welcome to my journey to reti...

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