Shaping Your Retirement Podcast

In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Leslie Mizerak talks with Robin Lezotte, a recent retiree who spent 26 years at job she truly loved. Robin retired on April 30, which also happened to be her birthday. What could have been a simple final day at work became a deeply emotional celebration filled with cards, hugs, memories, and a surprise dinner planned by her husband and daughter. But afte...

Road trips have a way of stripping away routine, role, and expectation. In this short commentary episode, Leslie Mizerak explores how time on the open road can reveal something important about who you are now, especially in retirement. When the usual schedule disappears, what you choose, how you respond, and what you notice can become clues to what matters most in this chapter. Even in retirement,...

Retirement is often described as freedom, but freedom is not the only feeling that can show up. In this mini episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Leslie Mizerak talks about the emotions many people do not expect in retirement, including grief, anxiety, loneliness, and the strange disorientation that can come when a long career ends. These feelings do not mean retirement was the wrong choice. They m...

Retirement can feel unexpectedly quiet when the daily need for your input, judgment, and presence suddenly disappears. In this short commentary episode, Leslie explores the emotional shift from being constantly needed at work to feeling unseen in retirement. The episode reframes that quiet not only as a loss, but as an invitation to turn attention inward and ask what you need now. For more convers...

Many couples prepare carefully for the financial side of retirement. They talk about savings, budgets, timing, travel, and where they might live. But far fewer couples talk about what daily life will actually look like once one or both partners are home more often. This is not a conversation only for couples in trouble. Even strong, loving, committed partnerships can feel the strain of sudden toge...

Retirement can be surprisingly busy. There may be grandchildren to see, hobbies to enjoy, trips to plan, committees to join, and long-delayed projects to finally tackle. But a full calendar does not always equal a fulfilling life. In this short commentary episode, we explore the quiet restlessness that can show up in retirement, even when life looks active from the outside. That feeling is not nec...

Is retirement really about stopping—or about rediscovering what lights you up? In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, we’re joined by Vikash Kanani, Managing Director of Chatsworth Wealth Management, who brings a refreshing perspective on purpose, fulfillment, and legacy in retirement. From the wisdom of Japan’s Blue Zones to the power of the “Happiness Portfolio,” Vikash shares how finding y...

In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, we’re diving into an essential but sometimes overlooked part of retirement: your social life. From work connections that naturally fade to newfound freedom and time, retirement can either expand or shrink your social circle—depending on how intentional you are. Leslie and Jess explore ways to keep (or build!) meaningful relationships after leaving the wo...

What does early retirement really look like? Is it about quitting work—or about creating more freedom and flexibility in your life? In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, we chat with Cory Bittner, CRPC®, co-founder of Falcon Wealth Advisors and host of the Upticks podcast, to explore the realities of retiring early. 💡 Topics we cover: ✔️ How to access your retirement funds before 59 ½  ✔️ T...

🏡 Where Will You Live in Retirement? Exploring Modern Housing Options Retirement is about more than just finances—it’s about where and how you want to live. In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Jess & Leslie explore the evolving world of retirement housing, from 55+ communities to co-housing, communal living, and multi-generational homes. They break down: 🏡 The growing demand for 50+...

In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, we’re joined by Lauren Hunt, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Daybreak Wealth. Lauren takes us through her fascinating career journey—from working on the Chicago Stock Exchange floor at 16 to launching her own financial planning firm. We dive into what successful retirement planning really looks like, including the importance of defining your o...

In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, we dive into the exciting world of traveling in retirement with Kim Huber, travel advisor at AdventuresandCruises.com Retirement is the perfect time to explore new places, visit loved ones, and create meaningful experiences—and Kim shares the top travel trends for retirees, from private group travel to the rising popularity of river cruises. Whether you'...

Are you holding onto things you don’t really need? In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Coaches Leslie & Jess Mizerak explore the emotional and practical challenges of decluttering, downsizing, and preparing for the future with intention. We break down the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning—a mindful approach to letting go—and why simplifying now can help ease stress for yourself and you...

Staying active is key to thriving in retirement! In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, host Leslie chats with Debbie Ivie, a medical exercise specialist and owner of FitRx Performance, about the importance of movement, habit formation, and holistic wellness. From the rise of pickleball to the benefits of meditation for focus and stress management, Debbie shares practical insights for maintai...

In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Leslie and Jess sit down with Kim Knapp, Founder of K-Factor Coaching and author of Ageless Energy. Together, they explore the best ways to build strength and muscle after age 50, for a healthy, strong, and mobile future. We discuss: Myths about building (and losing) muscle at different ages The most important exercises for building strength after 50 Wha...

Meet Jess and Leslie Mizerak- the Founders and Coaches at Shaping Your Retirement.  They share a bit about what listeners can expect upcoming podcasts.  Welcome to Shaping Your Retirement.   Shaping Your Retirement Non-financial Retirement Coaches Jess and Leslie Mizerak believe in shaping a fulfilling life in retirement that represents who you are and what you want to accomplish. For some, that m...