Discovering "the new you" after you retire and defining your true purpose takes many people by surprise. Carl interviews successful advertising executive, best-selling author/speaker and one of the leading voices on Retirement Happiness, Tom Marks.

Tom founded his own advertising agency, TMA+Peritus way back in 1983. He has written the bestseller "The Second-Best Business Book Ever Written" and his latest book is "Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive's Story of Enlightenment and Revelation."

Tom was born in Chicago. His mother was a designer with her own company and his father was an advertising executive. His dad's biggest claim to fame was that he was the marketing genius behind Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn. "It was an idyllic childhood," he says. Growing up he always wanted to be in the advertising biz like his father and after graduating from Claremont McKenna College, he founded his own agency. He says he made the mistake of not having any clients at the start. "It was hard in the beginning but once you turn a corner, it's a dream." His clients included McDonald's, Footlocker, Honeywell and California Avocados to name just a few.

After working very long hours and weekends for decades, Tom had a retirement AHA moment. "I just felt like I was losing my mojo. I didn't want to work weekends or nights anymore. I could feel myself slowing down." His transition into retirement did not go well, however. "In a word, it was horrible! I made a lot of mistakes." He tells us he just started doing what other people were doing and lost his individualism. Tom made lots of lists. "I was on a hamster wheel and I needed to get off."

So he consulted friends for suggestions and one said he should write a memoir. "I discovered the writing process was fun for me." His latest best-seller is about finding your own path to happiness in retirement combined with a poignant, funny memoir. Tom lives in Tucson with his wife and has two more books coming out this year.

Tom Mark's Advice to Finding Happiness in (Un)retirement:

• "Be careful about what you read (about retirement.) So many of the books on retirement are about the "how" and not the "why."

• "In retirement, we are no longer defined by our professions. We shouldn't be defined by our possessions. We can be whoever, whatever, whenever we want to be. It's the part of life when individualism is at its greatest opportunity and importance."

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• More about Tom Marks

• Tom's newest book Coming of Age In Retirement

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage

• I Used to be Somebody World Tour: Croatia

• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the "I Used to be Somebody" blog.

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Tags:    Podcast   Blog   Unretirement   I Used To Be Someday   Ad Exec   Tom Marks   Coming of Age in Retirement   Author   Transition  

​​​​​​​Ok, this is a BIG DEAL! Carl interviews a retirement legend in this 100th EPISODE!

Carl chose retirement expert/book author/speaker/do-gooder Fritz Gilbert as his 100th podcast guest. Fritz's award-winning blog, The Retirement Manifesto, is focused on helping people achieve a great retirement. Since 2015, Fritz has written 441 articles and 1 million words about how to live your best life in retirement. Fritz retired after more than three decades in corporate America, where he progressed through the various levels of a multinational corporation serving the global aluminum industry. He's still changing lives, read on!

Fritz grew up in the small town of Hillsdale, MI with his parents and two older sisters. His father was a college professor and his mother a teacher. This meant their summers were free to explore the great outdoors, one of Fritz's true passions. It's no surprise that Fritz was a curious, hi-energy kid. He says he wanted to be an NFL punter growing up, then to be a doctor. He attended Wittenberg University in Ohio. He says, "My father always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be." On a whim as a senior, he interviewed with an aluminum industry exec that evolved into a highly successful 33-year career.

Tired of the corporate world's politics, he retired in 2018. But, three years before retirement and this is important, he started thinking and strategizing about what his ideal retirement life would look like in 2015. "I got out at 55," he tells us.  He started a blog, which he had never done before and kept on writing. He wrote the 10 Commandments of Retirement, which focuses on attributes to keep in mind daily in retirement, such as; have a great attitude, pursue your passions, stay flexible to change, try new things and more. "I would have never dreamed that 10 years later the blog would become so successful with over 16,000 followers. I was curious and I took that first step!"

He wrote and wrote about not just the financial parts of retirement, but the equally (if not more so) purpose parts of retirement. "I love the relationships I've had too. It's a deep subject, I'm still writing. It's turned into something I love to do." Recently Fritz decided not to do a full-time blog after 10 years so he has time to pursue other passions. He loves to mountain-bike in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, spend time with family, work in the garden, and lots more.

Fritz is also helping his wife with her passion, Freedom for Fido, a community group that builds fencing for low-income families that have dogs chained in the yards. They've built 187 fences in 6 years with the coordination of several hundred volunteers. "It's created this incredible network, we're getting exercise building fences, and I can't even begin to tell you about the impact we're making on the community." Just like that little kid in Hillsdale, Fritz is still high-energy, loving the outdoors and still curious!

Fritz Gilbert's (Un)Retirement advice:

• "Learn to listen and follow your curiosity. Look for things that might interest you and take that step."

• "The path to fulfillment and enjoyment is to just try new things. Do as many as you can. Some will hit and some will miss. But enjoy the ones you like and keep going!"

• The 90-10 Rule: People focus 90% on the financial part before retirement. It's amazing--once you're in retirement, you spend about 10% thinking about the financial part and 90% thinking about what you are going to do now. It's the purpose side of retirement that people need to think about before they retire."​​​​​​​

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• More About Fritz Gilbert

• Fritz's Retirement Manifesto Ten Commandments of Retirement

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die​​​​​​​

• I Used to be Somebody World Tour: Croatia and New England Baseball and Brew

• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter 

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the "I Used to be Somebody" blog.

Tags:    Unretirement   Retirement Manifesto   Blog   Podcast   Interview   Fritz Gilbert   Author   I Used To Be Somebody   Carl Landau  

​​​​​​​Carin Stutz has been Somebody -- an icon in the food service and restaurant world for decades. Carl interviews her about her meteoric career starting in service and working her way up to Division VP for Wendy's International, Exec VP for Applebee's, President of Global Business Development for Brinker International (Chili's Grill & Bar, Maggiano's Little Italy, etc.) and now the good work she is doing to give back to the restaurant industry she loves. Her industry awards and accolades are a very long list.

After college she started as a management trainee for Wendy's and quickly fell in love with the restaurant biz. "I think I learned early on that you have to advocate for yourself," she says. Carin has held top-level positions at seven different restaurant organizations, where she led hundreds of franchises across multiple brands in 34 countries.

Carin (un)retired two years ago at age 67. Her Mom was ill and she says she started realizing that quality of life can deteriorate quickly. "You start thinking about how much time you have left. It was a wake-up call." Carin now sits on nine boards and has founded a global network called GLEAM, which is 100% volunteer-run and provides mentoring and career enhancement opportunities to those in the restaurant industry. "I feel so much has been given to me. I wanted to give back," she adds.

When not mentoring, volunteering, and speaking all over the country, Carin spends time traveling with her husband, enjoying family and friends and tries to attend two concerts a week. She says, "Just say YES to more things. Get outside. Do something. Stay active!"

Carin Stutz's (Un)retirement Tips:​​​​​​​

• "What do you do when the applause dies? (After a big career.) You ultimately have to recognize your own accomplishments because it really does stop and you need to be okay with that."

• "I was working all the time so I didn't have hobbies when I (un)retired. I started thinking about what I didn't have in my life and what I could have now."

• "Have friends! There's something about friendship that lifts you up and just enriches your soul."

• More about Carin Stutz

• Sponsored by: How to Retire and Not Die

• Sponsored by: Capital Advantage

• I Used to be Somebody World Tour: Croatia

• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the "I Used to be Somebody" blog

Tags:    Podcast   (Un)retirement   Carl Landau   Carin Stutz   Food Service   Restaurant   Blog   Interview   Wendy's   Pay It Forward  

It's been a few years now since I ended my full-time career and (un)retired. I have had more time for myself and everything else in general with not so many stressful demands on my time. I've noticed my perspective about some things has changed. Am I a weirdo or do you notice it in (un)retirement too?

In my full-time career, I felt like my schedule was always at warp speed, even bringing my laptop on vacation. (Ok, I still do that.) But I'm actually enjoying becoming sort of "Zen-like" about very ordinary things that I either hated to do or rushed through to do.

I'm a different guy now! Here's what I mean:

Trash/Recycle Guy: Once a week, we need to put out the trash can at the curb and every-other-week the recycling. I find that now I'm somehow in some sort of a contest with my next- door neighbor, Norman, who can get the cans out faster than anyone on the street. (Full exposure, I'm sure my neighbor has no idea about this supposed contest.) And when I take a walk around the neighborhood now, I'm even picking up the knocked over empty trash cans that are laying in the street. I'm this guy now?

Laundry/Football Guy: I hate doing laundry. Yet somehow I'm now looking forward to doing laundry and folding clothes while I watch football/basketball/baseball. (Did you know there is actually only 18 minutes of live action during a typical NFL game?) My wife appreciates this new laundry guy very much.

Stretch/Meditate Guy: I am an A-personality type guy that never allowed down time for anything. Now I find myself every morning spending at least 15-20 minutes of mindful stretching on a yoga mat and meditating to some music. My 17-year old cat, Felix, joins in on the yoga-mat-fun and "stretches" with me. He thinks this is his new daily routine too. (Imagine him waving his tale in my face, jumping over me and generally bothering me to the beat of the tunes.) So even the cat likes this guy.

Breakfast Tea Guy: I drank glasses of Diet Coke every morning for 45 years. A month ago, I decided to stop. I feel so much better now! I really can't believe the difference. Since I don't care for coffee, I am now a cup or two, tea-drinker with honey and a little-spoon to go with it. Yep, that's me now. I start the day relaxed and calm, vs. hyped up on diet coke. Everyone likes this guy.

Feelings Guy: I don't end any phone call or visit with my daughters without saying "I love you so much." I'm telling my college friend and roommate from 45 years ago that I love him. What in the hell is happening to me? But I think I like this empathetic, Kumbaya guy.

I sure hope this continues. I wonder what changes will happen next. What about you?

Tags:    The Carl Diary   unretirement   Discover   Blog   Pickleball   I Used To Be Somebody   Carl Landau   Who am I now?  

Carl interviews Andrew Evans, JD, MLS, MAT this week. Drew is a man of many talents and the secret's out--librarians are tons of fun! After getting a law degree, Drew was Head of Reference and Adjunct Professor for the Washburn University of Kansas Law Library for 16 years. He also happens to be a black belt in the martial arts and taught self-defense and martial arts at Washburn's Kinesiology department. Among his many other accolades, Drew served as Parliamentarian for the Kansas Library Association and has been the recipient of the prestigious Kansas Library Association Presidential Award.

But Drew didn't stop there. After pivoting from law librarianship, he started his own Martial Arts studio, plus he's a legal research/editor/ law book reviewer and wait for it...............The Pickleball Librarian, a popular video influencer of all things Pickleball. His videos and blog posts reach players all over the world. He says he started saving for retirement as a young person and now that has allowed him to pursue all his passions.

Drew's father was in the military and this family has lived all over the world. Drew lived in Malaysia, Hawaii, Arizona, New Jersey and Colorado--all before college in Kansas. (Fun Fact: At least 50% of our podcast guests either are from military families or who had fathers who moved the family often for work.) Drew credits that experience with always being able to welcome the newcomer in the room.

He says being a martial arts expert helps his pickleball game. (The inherent eye-hand coordination and keen ability to anticipate opponents' moves in martial arts are a definite advantage on the courts.) Always a teacher and wanting to help others, Drew continues to teach martial arts and now also teaches pickleball. He's also still very busy as the Pickleball Librarian. "I'm a little resistant, but I'm exploring new developments in tech and social media. You have to try new things!"

At 52, Drew has already had a few careers. He says he might someday want to have a sales career in pickleball at the national level, but he's having too much fun at the moment. "Enjoy (un)retirement and embrace it!"

Drew's (Un)retirement Tips:

• "It's good to develop a routine and it's easy to get caught up in playing pickleball (or other pursuits) all the time. But make sure to always schedule a physical rest day each week."

• "Don't get "stuck" when you try new things. If it isn't fun, go on to something else."

• "You have to find mentors at every stage of life. We still have those opportunities now--be humble and willing to learn."

• More about Drew Evans

• Sponsored by: Capital Advantage

• Sponsored by: The Monkey Creative

• Sponsored by: How to Retire and Not Die

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the “I Used to Be Somebody” blog.

Tags:    Drew Evans   librarian   pickleball   martial arts   unretirement   The Pickleball Librarian   Blogger  

This week Carl interviews the remarkable Renel Brooks-Moon. If you haven't heard of her, you probably know her famous voice. Renel has been a big-time radio personality in the San Francisco/Bay Area for over two decades, one of the major markets in the country. For her second act, she is now the public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants. She has earned a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame as the first woman in history to be the public address announcer for a World Series game and championship game in ANY professional sport. (Note: Carl has a super-fan gush going on in this interview.)

Renel was born and raised in the Bay Area and loved to entertain, even as a young child. She comes from a family of trailblazers—her father was the first black high school principal in San Francisco and her mother was also an educator. She gets her deep sense of community service from her parents, who were long-time community activists. She went to Mills College and after graduation started an entry-level job for a Bay Area radio station, eventually doing every single job there. “I fell in love from Day One,” she tells us. She was finally offered a nightspot on air in 1985, not expecting it to ever become a career. But everything clicked. “Once I turn on that microphone, it’s where I belong!”

Renel went on to have a very successful career in radio, meeting Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner and even singing once with Lionel Richie. Renel was in her element. When she got the call from the San Francisco Giants, she blazed a trail again. She feels a responsibility to be a role model for girls and women in both radio and major league sports. “When I was a little girl, there was no representation for that.” She inspires little girls everywhere to go after their dreams. Renel notes, “For some reason, I ended up in two very male-dominated professions, but I love the work.”

She’s had many highlights in her second act, whether it’s making history, interviewing baseball legends or giving her voice and influence to community service. Now, after 22 seasons with the Giants, Carl asks her what her third act might be. “Who knows? I've always wanted to have my own talk show!” We won't be surprised when that happens.

Renel’s (Un)Retirement Tips:

• Network: “Networking is very important, no matter what your career is or where you are in it. Every job I've had is because of a relationship.”

• Serve your community: "The most rewarding part of any job I've had is to use my voice for community service.”

• Try it now: "If you've had something you've always wanted to do since childhood, and you are still thinking about it, there’s no reason not to try it now.”

• Keep moving: “Stay on top of it. Take care of yourself, listen to your body. Mental health is just as important as physical health.” 

• More about Renel Brooks-Moon

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the “I Used to Be Somebody” weekly blog.

Tags:    interview   blog   baseball   san francisco   world series   san francisco giants   unretirement  

Even the challenges of the past two years have not stopped our podcast guests from moving forward. We checked in with some of our guests on the show to see what's new in their lives since the interview or if they have any words of wisdom to share with our audience.

Click and listen to the original interview...

Joe Pulizzi: Godfather of Content Marketing: Make Your Own Good Luck!

Well, I just can't retire. After selling my previous company, I launched The Tilt in April 2021, a newsletter for content creators who want to be content entrepreneurs. Now, just a few weeks ago, we announced CEX - Creator Economy Expo, an event for content creators held May 2-4, 2022 at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur.

Jim Roddy: Media Exec Turns Biz Coach with "The Walk on Method"

I’ve been named President & CEO of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), North America’s largest community of technology solution providers serving the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis markets. I will continue to share insights on the RSPA Blog, host the award-winning RSPA Trusted Advisor podcast, and evangelize the lessons from my book The Walk-On Method To Career & Business Success. https://www.gorspa.org/rspa-announces-ceo-transition/

Mark Shaiken: Discovering his Wonderful "Afterlife" Beyond 41 Years of Law

I sent my latest legal thriller off to the editor, entitled “Automatic Stay.” In the new book, 3J and Pascale are back with six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

My hope for 2022 - peace, love, and health. A guy can dream, eh?

Richard Haiduck: Life Science exec Shifting Gears to First Time Author at 73

In writing my book, I had an opportunity to hear stories from retirees exploring their next stage and it was a privilege to hear their candid tales. However, it felt like something was missing. Wouldn't this group like to meet in person and share their yarns? So we had a party and people came from near and far and were able to actually meet each other. Half of the stories from the book were represented and a good time was had by all.

Val Haller: Music Maven with a Good Beat!

The pandemic continues to challenge the music industry with canceled concerts and festivals (we do both) – requiring creative pivots to bring artists & fans together. Our popular house concert series (Chicago) is in big demand and I’m posting daily about music news on social media (@valslist Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Twitter). Our music community is vibrant and we'd love to have you! Whether you're a superfan or casual listener, we'll keep you in the know. sign up for our mailing list!

Chris Welles: Safari Vacation + Rhino = Life-Changing Second Act

My update on the business front has been challenging. COVID and the global supply channel issues have been a double whammy for American Rhino. While Rhinos don't hibernate, the business has certainly been slumbering. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as it enables us to kinda hit the reset button. We will be scaling back our product line substantially in 2022 and just concentrating on our sneakers which are our most popular item. We should be able to get a good supply of shoes and we will introduce new styles and colors in early 2022. Keep an eye for updates on kicks!! Happy new year to your loyal listeners from the Big Rhino.

Mike Branon: Construction Mogul Turns Zen Pickleball Instructor

My (UN)solicited (UN)retirement advice –– UNplug! Life is precious. Live more of it firsthand rather than through a device. Travel and chat and hug as much as possible (or as Covid allows). Free your mind from the political and social media noise living rent-free in your head. Live in the world you can actually affect — relationships, nature, your physical and emotional state. Sing, laugh, dance, and misbehave just a little. No regrets!

Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Creating Your Own Dream Job

Since the March episode, I have continued my (un)retirement schedule of balancing career coaching and travel. We did a 7200-mile road trip to New Mexico and Colorado to see the lunar eclipse, as well as a week in Costa Rica. On the coaching front, I’m hosting 12 Days of Coaching a free event that runs through Jan 6, 2022.

Melissa Davey: M. Night Shyamalan Chance Encounter Launches Film Director Second Act

After two years of Covid lockdowns, including paused filmmaking, canceled trips, and loss of the many face-to-face interactions I am accustomed to, I am very hopeful that the new year will bring us closer to a less restrictive life. I am looking forward to resuming plans for a second film and getting out to see so many friends and family that have been put on hold. Finally, a goal is a trip to a faraway land.

Dan Blank: Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship!

In 2022, I am most looking forward to approaching my mission with fresh eyes. To consider anew how I can best help writers and creators, and double down on ensuring they find success in sharing what they create.

Cinde Dolphin Interview: Big-Time Beer Exec Becomes Unlikely Entrepreneur

"Bad news travels at the speed of light and good news travels like molasses" - Tracy Morgan.

My invention - the KILI Medical Drain Carrier - initiated the process for a US patent six years ago. December 12, 2021, the US Patent and Trademark Office notified us that we were awarded Patent #D938580. Within 48 hours an associate informed us of a knockoff product selling online - by a business partner!

Jerry Reynolds: Former NBA Exec, Broadcaster, and Sacramento Legend!

The last year has been very interesting as I do a twice a month podcast for an NBA and Kings fansite, The Kings Herald. Since I no longer work for the Kings, it is a lot easier to discuss the negatives of the team (a lot!) Also, I plan to spend a lot more time in Tahoe, as my wife of 54 years loves it there. Finally, I just try to make up for lost time with family, as there was too much travel over the years but I have plenty of time now. Me and my man cave recliner will continue our love affair. All the best and stay safe!

Andy Robin: Big Time High Tech Exec Living the Tapas Life

I’m working on my third round of self-taught French since I’m going to Bordeaux next year to visit some of the top chateaux. Vive l’vin!

Paul Ollinger: Former Facebook Exec Turns to Comedy

In 2022, I look forward to more engaging podcast conversations on Crazy Money and performing comedy all over the country. For those in or near Los Angeles, I will be headlining The Venice West in Venice on February 3 with very special guest Wendy Liebman. Tickets are available here.

Bob Franceschelli: Big Time Beer Exec Turns into Pickleball Fanatic

Bibi and I recently updated our long-standing Bucket List. Our sections include Religion, Family, Volunteer, Consulting/Work, Travel/Leisure, Sports/Health, Education, and Miscellaneous. A favorite “repeat” is readying to embark on our 4th year of making maple syrup from trees on our property. Reasonably easy, so fun, and rewarding: but clearly some of the most expensive liquid known to mankind. A “newbie” on the list, from just this week, is earning my level 1 IPTPA (pickleball) teaching certification. In essence, we have the framework and embrace continuous improvement to evolve, refresh and improve. I’m constantly learning from others and especially from my mistakes!

Dan Kennedy: Biz Publisher Creates Zen Life!

In January I will begin teaching at UCD in person, after nearly a two-year sentence to a remote island called Zoom. I'll be masked, but whatever......(we've all learned to shrug). This year's 42 MBA students will keep me on my toes. Hopefully, they'll learn to stand tall with their critical thinking about business matters and life itself, which is mostly what I teach. Oh, and they're masked as well. Breathe deep...project my voice...and pray for successful discussions!

Scott Miller: "Roger That" -- Pilot, Professor, Broadcaster, and Tiki Aficionado!

Currently, I am applying to a number of Ph.D. programs to improve my chances of becoming a full-time professor in aviation after I retire from my airline. In the meantime, I am still enjoying my Hawaii flying.

Robin Pajaro: Former Chef Gets Her Groove Back!

My business goal in 2022 is to learn and take steps to identify and attract my ideal client. I’d like to break into the corporate world of events. A few things I've learned over my first year of being in business is not to let the fear of losing or gaining a client by lowering your price. It’s very important to see what businesses in your field are charging, but more important is to know your own self-worth. I saw a great quote, not sure of the author, that says, “Anything or opportunity that is meant for you can never pass you by.” This quote reduces stress and gives me comfort because I know that after I've put the hard work in, I will attract the client that’s perfectly aligned with me and my business philosophy.

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the “I Used to Be Somebody” weekly blog.

Tags:    unretirement   update   new year   dealers choice   recap   2022   resolutions   changes   blog   interview  

Carl talks with Bob Franceschelli, a former top exec for Anheuser Busch, CEO for a new cardiac rehab program, present Board Member of USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), and more. Bob "goes for the whole nine yards" -- he really feels like anything and everything is possible. This is exactly Bob Franceschelli‘s vision for how he’s living his (un)retirement.

Bob grew up in an Italian family outside of Springfield, MA. As a college student, Bob took some marketing classes. “I have always liked being involved in a lot of different things with a lot of different people, having fun along the way. I did a case study on the beer industry and the lights just went on.”

Planning his next steps, he took an internship in college with a beer distributor, offering to work for free in exchange for help getting interviews after graduation. Bob’s rising career at Anheuser Busch (AB) included show product placement, working with the Rolling Stones and George Strait among others. He developed and built alliances with smaller craft brewers. In 2001, he led the test development and product launch of Michelob Ultra. In 2010 and after 28 years with AB, Bob went on to rejuvenate profit at the Pritikin Longevity Center, commuting every week from his home in St. Louis, Mo. to Miami. He then developed and launched their new intensive Cardiac Rehab division.

Always interested in living a healthy lifestyle, Bob, now 62, had to make some decisions. “I had a 6.5 hour back surgery in 2008, due to broken vertebrae and a disc issue … and have two 4” and two 5” screws in my back. Then, in 2015 … I had a total hip replaced. I truly feel blessed to be as mobile as I am to play Pickleball … and part is the lifestyle--- eat right, exercise, healthy mind--- and part was surgical.”

Bob and his wife now play Pickleball several times a week, and he is a 4.5 level player (!) as well as a Board Member for the USAPA. Bob and his wife have created a detailed bucket list that they review and update often—whether it’s taking off to rent an RV and touring the parks in Utah and Colorado for a couple of weeks or daily stuff like learning to make maple syrup from their own backyard trees—and wanting to play much more pickleball, of course.

Bob Franceschelli’s Top Tips:

• “It’s important to have a mindful approach to (un)retirement. You have to really think and plan for what you really want to do.” 

• “The key to this (un)retirement thing (for me) is that I love having structure but I also love having some flexibility. Get out there and just try something!”

• More about Bob Franceschelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfranceschelli/

• This Week's Sponsor is LoveMyHeartStudy.com or call (866) 955-1594

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the “I Used to Be Somebody” weekly blog.

Tags:    Bob Franceschelli   blog   interview   Anheuser Busch   CEO   pickleball   unretirement  

The science is in—but some people still fear that taking a quick nap during the day will mean they can’t sleep well at night. Not true! As we age, we need to think about our energy in a different way. Power naps are the answer!

In fact, the length of your nap and the type of sleep you get helps determine many brain-boosting benefits.  A 20 to 30-minute power nap is good for alertness and motor learning skills, plus it helps boost memory and enhance creativity. (Warning: if you nap longer than 30 minutes, you’ll likely feel sluggish, groggy, and more tired than before.)

Nappers are in good company: Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Napoleon, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and George W. Bush are known to have valued an afternoon nap.*
 

Think of it more like setting a daily pace that works for you now. When we were all younger, it was full steam ahead. But our bodies have different requirements as we age and taking into account our need for a balance of energy and rest is critical to good health.

Not convinced yet?

Try these 3 quick tips:

1. Find a quiet place to lie down, mid-afternoon. Before 3pm is ideal.

2. Set a timer and calm your mind. (Do not look at your mobile device!)

3. Practice. Yes, you can train your body and brain to rest.

Of course if you have real trouble sleeping at night/insomnia or you’re just not a good napper, then a mini-doze during the day might not be right for you. But if you feel a little tired in the afternoon and want to rest up to rev up, try a daily power nap. ZZZZZZZZZ.

P.S. Sleepjunkies.com suggests a Nappuccino! A “caffeine nap,” or a quick cup of something caffeinated followed by sleep, outperforms both a nap or caffeine independently. Because caffeine takes about 20 minutes to kick in, drinking a cup right before a 10- to 20-minute nap means the caffeine will start working just as you wake up, leaving you feeling refreshed and alert.
 

* (https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/napping)

Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the I Used to Be Somebody weekly blog. 

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