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Act Three episodes
- Joey Salvalaggio
Summary:
In this episode, host Cara talks with oboist Joey Savalaggio about his 19-year career with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and his transition to designing innovative educational programs that use classical music to promote literacy and creativity.
Key Topics Covered:
How Joey first fell in love with classical music and decided to pursue it professionally
Highlights from Joey's tenure as Principal Oboe with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Joey's current work creating musical storytelling programs for students and adults
Using music composition and performance techniques to teach literacy skills
Partnering with local school boards and libraries on creative educational initiatives
The process of writing interactive stories set to music with students
Adapting programs for blind/visually impaired students
Joey's decision to return to his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario after retiring from the MSO
Expanding his programming and finding ways for people to learn more about his work
Get in contact with Joey at Babu Press: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042021054665
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Our new Retirement SWAG Collection - stylish hoodies, sleek t-shirts, and classic baseball caps, each crafted to embody the spirit of retirement. It's not just about kicking back and relaxing; it's about embracing Freedom, stepping into a new phase of being Rewired, and thriving in your Act Three. Our collection celebrates these moments with designs that are minimal yet chic, modern yet timeless - perfect for you or as thoughtful gifts for your retired friends and family. https://goodmorningfreedom.myshopify.com/
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
22 min - Victor Poleshuck
Guest Spotlight:
Victor Poleshuck, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist, shares his extensive experience in the medical field, his active retirement life, and his commitment to lifelong learning and community involvement. Polshuk discusses the challenges and rewards of his career, the transition to retirement, and his current pursuits, including teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, traveling the world, and his involvement in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Key Highlights:
Career Reflections: Victor looks back on his fulfilling career in obstetrics and gynecology, highlighting the evolution of medical practices and his passion for teaching.
Retirement Activities: A deep dive into Victor's retirement life, showcasing his active involvement in education, music, travel, and community service.
Travel Adventures: Victor shares fascinating stories from his travels, including a recent trip along the Silk Route and his plans for future adventures.
Community Engagement: Insights into Victor's contributions to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and his efforts to bring classical music to new audiences.
Family and Legacy: A touching discussion on the importance of family, particularly Victor's involvement in his grandchildren's lives and how this shapes his retirement experience.
Advice for Retirees: Victor offers valuable advice for professionals approaching retirement, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose and staying active.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: https://www.rit.edu/osher/Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: https://rpo.org/ This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Our new Retirement SWAG Collection - stylish hoodies, sleek t-shirts, and classic baseball caps, each crafted to embody the spirit of retirement. It's not just about kicking back and relaxing; it's about embracing Freedom, stepping into a new phase of being Rewired, and thriving in your Act Three. Our collection celebrates these moments with designs that are minimal yet chic, modern yet timeless - perfect for you or as thoughtful gifts for your retired friends and family. https://goodmorningfreedom.myshopify.com/
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
23 min - Natalie Wester
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of "Act Three," host Cara Gray sits down with Natalie Wester, an early retiree, radical reinventor, and champion of authentic living. Natalie shares her remarkable journey from a successful career in public relations to becoming a National State Teacher of the Year, an international solo traveler, and a whiskey distillery bourbon maker. Now living her dream life in Portugal, Natalie discusses the power of permission, the importance of embracing change, and how midlife women can reimagine their futures.
Key Points Discussed:
Natalie's Diverse Career Path: From the first Black officer VP at a prestigious PR firm to an award-winning teacher, and beyond.
Journey to Early Retirement: How personal loss and a desire for happiness led Natalie to retire early and explore the world.
Life in Portugal: Natalie shares why she chose Portugal as her new home and the joys of living on the ocean without the fear of hurricanes.
The Hot Goddess Blog: Natalie's venture into blogging to share unapologetically authentic stories and insights for midlife women.
Dating Abroad: Insights into the international dating scene and Natalie's personal experiences as a single, retired expat.
Advice for Nearing Retirement: Natalie emphasizes the importance of taking one step at a time and not being overwhelmed by the big picture.
Featured Guest: Natalie Wester, early retiree, storyteller, and blogger at the Hot Goddess.
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Our new Retirement SWAG Collection - stylish hoodies, sleek t-shirts, and classic baseball caps, each crafted to embody the spirit of retirement. It's not just about kicking back and relaxing; it's about embracing Freedom, stepping into a new phase of being Rewired, and thriving in your Act Three. Our collection celebrates these moments with designs that are minimal yet chic, modern yet timeless - perfect for you or as thoughtful gifts for your retired friends and family. https://goodmorningfreedom.myshopify.com/
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
The Hot Goddess: Follow Natalie's blog for more stories and insights on living a fulfilling life in retirement at thehotgoddess.com.
Instagram: Connect with Natalie on Instagram @retired_rewired_inspired.
Closing Thoughts: Natalie's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue a life you love. Whether through career changes, international adventures, or personal reinventions, embracing the possibilities of Act Three can lead to profound happiness and fulfillment.
Listen, Share, Subscribe: Don't forget to listen, share this episode with friends, and subscribe to "Act Three" for more inspiring stories and expert advice on living your best life after retirement.
37 min - Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, founders of Lustre
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Act Three," host Cara Gray welcomes Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, founders of Lustre, a platform showcasing retired career women as vibrant, relevant, and fun. They discuss breaking stereotypes of retirement and aging, sharing their experiences as career women and the changes they faced post-retirement.
Key Points:
Journey to Lustre: Erica and Karen reflect on their careers, challenges as pioneering women in their fields, and their distinctive styles.
Founding of Lustre: Motivated by feeling undervalued post-retirement, they created Lustre to redefine retired women's image and role.
Lustre's Impact: Discussion on how Lustre provides a fresh perspective, with stories, events, and a membership program.
Retirement Redefined: Erica and Karen share their visions for Lustre's future and their dreams for retired women's recognition and representation.
Special Moments:
Personal anecdotes from Erica and Karen's careers.
The realization and action against the outdated perception of retired women.
Insights into Lustre's events and the sense of community they foster.
Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to visit Lustre's website (https://www.lustre.net/), consider membership (only $65 annually!), and join the movement redefining retirement for women.
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Our new Retirement SWAG Collection - stylish hoodies, sleek t-shirts, and classic baseball caps, each crafted to embody the spirit of retirement. It's not just about kicking back and relaxing; it's about embracing Freedom, stepping into a new phase of being Rewired, and thriving in your Act Three. Our collection celebrates these moments with designs that are minimal yet chic, modern yet timeless - perfect for you or as thoughtful gifts for your retired friends and family. https://goodmorningfreedom.myshopify.com/
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
31 min - Jenni Antonicic
Guest: Jenni Antonicic, yoga/meditation teacher and former wine professional
Links Mentioned:
Tejas Yoga Studio - Where Jenni teaches yoga classes (in person and online): https://tejasyogachicago.com
Jenni's website: https://www.jennianneyoga.com/
Key Topics Covered:
Jenni's background working in the stressful wine business and how it impacted her health
How she first discovered yoga and the profound personal experiences ("yoga moments") that led her to become a teacher
Who she enjoys teaching yoga to (more mature students) and why
The importance of staying physically and mentally active as you age - the concept of your "comfort zone" vs. overwhelm
How big life transitions like retirement are times of high "neuroplasticity" where you can reshape how you want your next phase to look
How yoga studios can provide community connections, which can be very valuable especially in retirement
Timecodes:
[00:01] Introducing Jenni and her current work as a yoga/meditation teacher
[00:03] Jenni describing her past career in the stressful wine business
[00:10] How Jenni first started taking yoga classes and why she was drawn to continue
[00:15] The "yoga moment" that made Jenni realize she was on the wrong career path
[00:17] Deciding to go through yoga teacher training without initially intending to teach
[00:26] The importance of staying active physically and mentally as you age [00:35] Big life transitions as times of "neuroplasticity" to reshape yourself
[00:36] How yoga studios can provide community connections
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
38 min - Bob Lies
Introduction
Bob Lies has had an extensive career in chemical engineering and supply chain management, holding leadership roles at companies like Dial and Tyson Foods.
After retiring, Bob spent a year as a substitute teacher at a local grade school. He found it very rewarding to help students have those "lightbulb moments".
Bob is now part of the Inspired Leadership Initiative at the University of Notre Dame, discerning what he wants to do next in the "third act" of his career.
Key Takeaways
Early in his career, Bob moved from chemical engineering roles into supply chain because he was interested in the leadership and business aspects. The move to supply chain happened at the right time.
Two big changes during Bob's supply chain career were increased automation in forecasting/planning and improved use of data through technology. This changed how supply chain decisions were made.
As VP of Supply Chain Planning at Tyson Foods, Bob led the company through big challenges - implementing a new ERP system and then navigating COVID-related food supply shifts. It was rewarding to see the leadership team pull together.
Substitute teaching appealed to Bob as a way to do something very different. He found it fulfilling to contribute to those "lightbulb moments" of student learning.
Bob is exploring various roles at Notre Dame including teaching, mentoring, and consulting through the Innovation Center to see what fits for the next chapter.
Bob's advice to others looking to transition careers is that you have to get out of your routine and be open to new experiences. Programs like ILI can facilitate this transition.
Notre Dame's ILI Program - https://ili.nd.edu/
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
26 min - Jeanne Thompson
Summary: Jeanne Thompson shares her experience transitioning from a successful 30-year corporate career to retirement. She gets real about the emotional struggles, loss of identity and purpose, and finding new meaning.
Key Takeaways:
Jeanne spent over 30 years working in financial services, most recently as SVP at Fidelity Investments helping people plan for retirement. Despite her expertise, she still struggled with the transition.
The first few months of retirement were depressing. She lost her sense of purpose, identity, community, and structure. She advises honoring the grief process.
It took time to figure out who she was and what brought her joy outside of work. She found fulfillment in hobbies like pickleball, writing a book, and making videos.
Her advice: Do a self-assessment of your interests and relationships outside work pre-retirement. Stay present - focus on what brings you joy right now, not the past.
She started making videos on TikTok as a creative outlet. Her TikTok blew up (80k views on first video) and led to consulting work. She now has a sizable following.
TikTok handle: @jdawgretires
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
20 min - Frish Brandt
Key Points:
Frish's work at the gallery focused on connecting people through art and examining deeper questions about life, love, loss, etc. This inspired her interest in more spiritual and meaningful conversations later in life.
In 2009, she read an article about palliative care and felt called to have conversations in that space, leading her to eventually create her letter writing service.
As a "letter midwife", Frish guides people through telling their stories and crafting letters to convey what matters most. This is often for people in palliative care or hospice, but she helps all kinds of people write meaningful letters.
A letter writing session involves deep listening, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding the person to find the right words for their letter. She then provides a typed version for them to finalize.
Memorable letters have included a mother writing her values to her young sons, and a woman reconciling with estranged parents. Each letter and conversation is meaningful in its own way.
While emotionally heavy, Frish finds this work energizing and fulfilling. It has deepened her connections with others.
Advice for near retirement: reflect on when you've felt most yourself lately and look to where you get energy. Follow what lights you up.
Frish's website: mylastingletters.com
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
28 min - Dave Evans
Overview
Dave Evans is a lecturer at Stanford, management consultant, and co-founder of Electronic Arts. He is the co-author of the books Designing Your Life, Designing Your Work Life, and Designing Your New Work Life.
The conversation focuses on applying the principles from Designing Your Life to retirement and Act 3 of life.
Key Takeaways
The pandemic caused people to re-evaluate their lives and careers, leading to an increased interest in "designing your life." Many realized that going back to the pre-pandemic status quo was no longer desirable.
Quiet quitting reflects long-standing workplace disengagement and lack of meaning, not a new phenomenon. The difference now is an unwillingness to continue tolerating lack of meaning and purpose at work among younger generations.
Personal practices like meditation, journaling and yoga are important for cultivating awareness and meaning. They help develop capacities for being present and having "alive" experiences.
Impact and meaning are different. Impact comes from accomplishments focused on the future. Meaning comes from experiences of coherence, community, flow and wonder in the present moment.
In retirement and Act 3, wayfinding to discover the next version of oneself often takes much longer than expected. Exploration is a project in itself, not just a quick step to figuring everything out.
Later life can be uniquely satisfying as people gain more freedom and complete earlier accomplishments. The invitation is to not just continue previous patterns out of fear, but discover greater meaning and aliveness.
Mentioned Resources
Books:
Website: www.designingyour.life
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
45 min - Connie Lindsey
In this episode, I interviewed Connie Lindsey, former Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Northern Trust in Chicago. We discussed:
Her career journey at Northern Trust and decision to "rewire" instead of retire
Serving on nonprofit boards and pursuing civic engagement
Writing a book and her goals during this next phase of life
Advice for people nearing retirement: get your finances in order, envision how you'll spend your time, maintain your health
Her new podcast "Joy in the Breakthrough"
https://cantv.org/joyinthebreakthrough/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Rz9C400f5aKeLj2cSxjeB?si=e4a637b1a45b49fc
This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.
Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.a.gray/
25 min
About Act Three
From the publisher's feed
The past few years have caused many of us to rethink how we live our lives. And for those of you approaching retirement, the question becomes more urgent - now what? How do you find new meaning and…
purpose? I'm Cara Gray, a consultant, multi-passionate entrepreneur, and seeker of life's answers. Join me as I explore inspiring conversations with those thriving in their "third act." Hear first-hand as former and current executives, professionals, and creatives share their authentic journeys of self-discovery. Learn how they forged new identities, found community, manage wellness, and uncovered what makes them feel alive. And though each story is unique, they all paint a hopeful picture of how to live with purpose, passion, and vitality at any age. Join me each week as I unlock wisdom and insights from those thriving in Act Three. Because it's never too late to thoughtfully shape the rest of your life.