Retired Life Wish You Were Here Podcast

What happens when life looks good on the outside, but something still feels missing on the inside? In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, hosts Kim Lee and Maria Barnette sit down with Tiana Gooden and Kimberly Peacock, the founders of  Creating Joy Counseling. Together, they explore a topic that resonates with many retirees and adults navigating life’s transitions: feeling stuck, di...

What happens when the person you planned your future with… is no longer part of that future? In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim sits down with Tammy McCabe, who shares her journey of losing her husband Greg to early Alzheimer’s—and what it really looks like to move forward after that kind of loss. This conversation goes beyond grief. It’s about identity, lonel...

What happens when the person you planned your retirement with begins to fade… years too soon? In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with Tammy McCabe, a nurse anesthetist who cared for her husband—an anesthesiologist—after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia at just 59. Tammy shares what it’s really like to love, support, a...

What looks like a party… is actually something much bigger. In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with a leader from the Bay County Parrot Heads to talk about community, connection, and giving back — all wrapped in a whole lot of fun. Because being a Parrot Head isn’t just about the music… it’s about finding your flock. 🌴 WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:   *   What it really means t...

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim Lee sits down with Natalie Rogers for a deeper conversation about what it really means to feel good as we age — not just accept how we feel. For many adults over 55, fatigue, low energy, brain fog, and physical decline are often labeled as “normal aging.” But this episode challenges that assumption and asks a more important question: how muc...

In this episode, we dive into the world of outdoor living with Les and Darlene Lewis , owners of American Patio and Fireplace . With over 32 years of experience, they share how the "backyard" has evolved from simple PVC furniture into a sophisticated extension of the home. For those in the 55+ community, outdoor spaces have become a vital hub for social connection, physical health, and family memo...

Estate planning is one of those things many people know they should do—but often delay. In this episode, Kim and Stuart Lee sits down on Retired Life with estate planning attorney Owen Goodwyne to talk about why having a clear plan in place is one of the most important gifts you can leave your family. Estate planning isn’t simply about dividing assets. It’s about protecting your independence, redu...

Building Healthy Communities is a global grassroots movement led by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. The Physicians Committee focuses on preventing and treating chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer, emphasizing a "prevention over pills" approach. Healthy Communities organize a wide variety o...

Caring for an aging parent is one of the most emotional and complex journeys families face. Many families don’t fail their parents — they simply face a healthcare and caregiving system they were never prepared to navigate. This episode discusses recognizing dementia, navigating caregiving resources, evaluating care facilities, and preparing families before crisis hits. Key Facts About Aging &...

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim Lee sits down with Natalie Rodgers, an energy healer and holistic wellness practitioner, for a thoughtful conversation about aging well, managing stress, and taking a more intentional approach to health after 55. Natalie shares her philosophy on holistic wellness and explains how energy healing and meditation can support emotional balance, n...

What does retirement really look like when you’re not fully there yet? In this special roundtable episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, all six partners come together — three couples, three lifelong friends, and six people navigating very different stages of retirement. Some of us are fully retired, some are semi-retired, and some are still working full-time while dreaming about what comes...

Brenda Sulmonetti turned to painting in her fifties, trading a conventional career for the canvas. In a few short years she developed a signature contemporary-impressionist voice — rich in color, light, shadow and emotional resonance — and gained representation with galleries and design-world clients. Her journey is a living testament to reinvention: it’s never too late for a second act. Episode F...

Welcome to Retired Life, Wish You Were Here — the podcast where we explore what happens when the chapter we call “retirement” becomes the launchpad for something new and amazing In this conversation, Darryl shares: His long career in healthcare and how it shaped his view of service, stress, and human stories. What prompted him to turn to writing — and why medical mysteries became his genre of choi...

In this honest and empowering conversation, Stuart Lee leads a heartfelt discussion with men in mind — identity, aging, intimacy, and how to thrive when life enters its next season. Joined by life coach and wellness guide Tristan Eldridge, we explore what happens when men step away from their careers, face changes in their bodies, and confront the quieter challenges no one talks about. Kim Lee joi...

In this episode, Kim and Stuart sit down with their friend Charles Minter, a financial advisor who brings fresh perspective on what money really means after 55. Instead of complicated jargon, Charles talks about how to enjoy the years ahead with confidence—turning savings into lifestyle, making smart choices about Social Security, and preparing for surprises without losing sleep. Charles shares st...

What happens when you and your spouse sell nearly everything, buy an RV, and decide to spend retirement exploring the open road? That’s the story of Dave and Carolyn Kaga, who for the past five years have been traveling full-time, chasing new horizons and proving that retirement can be the most adventurous chapter of all. In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim and Stuart Lee sit...

Cruising isn’t just about big ships, buffets, and Broadway shows. In this episode, hosts Kim Lee and Stuart Lee talk with travel expert Kim Este Campbell dive deep into the world of expedition cruises and theme cruises—two exciting options that are drawing more and more 55+ travelers who want something unique. From exploring the glaciers of Alaska to joining a jazz cruise on the Caribbean, this ep...

What’s the real secret to aging well? It might just be your circle of friends. Strong friendships can keep you young, happy, and even healthier. Join me and my closest friends as we laugh, reminisce, and reflect on why community matters so much in retirement. This story isn’t just our story - it’s an invitation to reflect on your own friendships.  Retiredlifewywh.com #retiredlifewishyourwerehere #...

Entrepreneur Dana Jones, founder of Turning Sexty, joins us to talk about aging boldly with confidence, style, and joy. Learn how to feel celebrated, inspired, and yes—sexty at 60 #Turningsexty.com www.turning60.com Instagram@turningsexty.com Facebook@turningsexty.com

Thinking about a cruise for your next adventure? In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, hosts Kim and Stuart Lee sit down with luxury travel advisor Kim Este Campbell, co-founder of Beste Travel Design. From her days leading student trips through Europe to curating unforgettable experiences for retirees, Estey shares expert insights on why cruising is perfect for seniors, how to choo...

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we step onto the pickleball court with Tristan Eldridge, the pro at Margaritaville, and coach in the Bay county area, who brings a unique perspective to the fastest-growing sport in America. Tristan teaches that the quality of our shots depends on the quality of our thoughts, and the way we play is influenced by the words we say. Together, we ex...

Think you could spot a scam? You might be surprised — but today Leeah Pridgen from Truist, joins us to make sure YOU can. In this episode of The Retired Life: Wish You Were Here, we sit down with Leah Pridgen, branch manager at Truist Bank, to tackle one of today’s fastest-growing threats—financial scams targeting seniors. Leah shares eye-opening insights on how scammers adapt, the most common fra...

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, LPGA Hall of Famer Becky Sowers shares her journey from professional golf to founding the Lady Links Golf Association. Becky reveals how golf builds friendships, confidence, and community for women 55 and older—while keeping retirement fun and active. From tips for beginners to inspiring stories of women picking up the game later in life, this c...

Kim and Stuart Lee welcome four very special guests, their grandchildren, for a heartwarming, laugh-filled conversation about the joy and connection between grandparents and grandkids. From epic family trips to Colorado, the Bahamas, and cruise ships, to pool days, golfing, and even moonwalk dance lessons, this episode celebrates how younger generations keep retirees active, social, and young at h...

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with the unstoppable Mary Barley — former Miss Tallahassee, Miss Southeastern USA for Bodybuilding, and current Health & Wellness Coordinator for Leon County, Florida. At 75 years old, Mary is living proof that wellness doesn’t retire. 💬 In this episode, you’ll hear: - How Mary’s passion for fitness began and evolved  - Why stre...