My guest on this week’s show was Susan Wurzelbacher, a Los Angeles based expert on attractiveness. Susan shared some ‘tip of the iceberg’ insights into why attractiveness is important, not only in physical cases but in assessing potential business partners / relationships.

We explored how attractiveness and aging go together; how we are being viewed just as we view others; what our facial lines tell/show and; the three components of the Attractiveness Success Factor:

Glamour – which is fairly obvious and actually accounts for the least of the three factors;

Survival Indicators – which focus on one’s health; biological and cellular growth and; the critical importance of drinking water, good hygiene and eating well;

True Beauty Equation – which emphasizes the value in finding and living one’s joy.

Susan cites Shawn Rosenberg, Director of Graduate Political Psychology at the University of California, Irvine, who has been studying the convergence of PA (Physical Attractiveness) and politics for 15 years. Rosenberg claims that “Physical appearance is a significant part of the election equation for voters. Although people will never admit it, appearance can rival issues in the decision-making process.”

Susan also recommended the book, The Wisdom of Your Face by Jean Haner, for those interested in learning some basics about what our faces tell others. Additionally, she shares a favorite study of hers entitled, The Scale of the Trustworthy Face . Her food for thought with this visual analysis is: When we think of humans as a commodity-driven race (meaning we depend on our community affiliation for survival), which of these two faces would you rather in your community? Which would you be more likely to trust? Obviously, there is considerable science behind what most of us see ‘on the surface.’

The key to aging gracefully isn’t waiting until you need to have work done to turn back the hands of time. It’s about taking measured steps early and throughout the entire aging process, along the Continuum of Beauty, to look your best at any age.

Another amazing reinvention story. With an undergraduate degree in Journalism, a J.D. degree, and a successful 19-year career as a litigation and corporate attorney, Deanne Marie finally listened to those voices in her head that were telling her to follow her passion and do what she loved. She retired from practicing law in February 2013 and commenced her transition into becoming an entrepreneur, focusing on interior design and "transformational design."

We learned about how people transition from a larger home to a smaller, more manageable space; the benefits of downsizing; how to figure out what to keep and what to let go; and the difference between 'stuff' and possessions with sentimental value; things with memories.

Deanne talks about how to make your new home "feel" like it's yours, the importance of planning, and what to consider when decorating a new, smaller space. Deanne shared three important considerations for "empty nesters" or people heading into retirement: 1) Have a lifestyle vision; 2) If going for a "fresh start," get a feel for the type of space you want and; 3) Give thought to your quality of life needs and wants.

Deanne is a knowledgeable and credible resource for people looking to downsize and with lifestyle planning and action questions. She stresses the importance of "being prepared." If you are, great! If you'd like some help, contact Deanne at: www.smartsolutionsforbusypeople.com

At the age of 50, Walt Grassl chose to face his fear of stage fright. For several years he worked through myriad programs to cure himself of this "disease." He has since performed stand-up comedy at the Hollywood Improv and the Flamingo in Las Vegas, and was recently accepted to study Improvisation at the prestigious Groundlings School in Hollywood.

Walt chose to retire at 55 after a near 40-year career as an engineer in the Aerospace industry. He hosts the "Stand Up and Speak Up" radio show and authored his first book with the same title.

On this show Walt shares some of the skills he learned and has further developed as a confident public speaker. He talks about how he dismisses the "I can't" label, and his recent transition from the traditional workplace into the world of Encore Entrepreneurship.

As a Baby Boomer, Walt also addresses what he considers essential skills when heading into retirement, including: perseverance, preparation, confidence, self-belief and committing to living a stress-free life. He also speaks to the importance of choice, healthy living, life balance and having fun - for those newly retired.

Much of what Walt shares comes from his own experiences and personal journey. He encourages people to just "Take the first step" and to not be afraid of making mistakes, especially as they head into Life's next act.

A spry, youthful 73, Susan Cooper is an atypical member of the "Silent Generation." But silent she is not. Susan has reinvented herself a number of times yet some constants have carried through her life journey.

Raised in Milwaukee, Susan has been a NFL Green Bay Packers fan since early childhood. And while she has never played the game, she has written a book about professional football and we get to that story on the show. Most of Susan's other writing has been in the technical fields, primarily due to her work as an environmental engineer. Additionally, Susan is an artist who works in pastels, oils, and colored pencils.

Susan has two Master's degrees: one in Physiology and Biochemistry and a second in Geological Engineering. She also earned a Ph.D. in Physiology.

Susan shares her story of personal growth; reinvention; life as a football widow; being intimidated as a retired person; working hard; planning for, entering and then leaving retirement; her new found inspiration as an Encore Entrepreneur; and of course, her passion and soon to be published book, "Football Facts for Females."

Following a decorated and successful career with the United States Navy, Peter Murphy (Captain, USN, Ret.) has transitioned his extensive leadership, financial management and acquisition experience into a new business. Peter is now an American Prosperity Group Franchise Owner, where he specializes in Retirement and Estate Planning.

Over his distinguished Naval career, Peter served as a Comptroller and Financial Management Officer at the Pentagon; as the Commanding Officer of the USS TARAWA; and he concluded his tenure as the Deputy Executive Officer for Naval Aviation and Tactical Systems for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon.

Peter started his professional life as a High School Mathematics Teacher and Football/Baseball Coach. He earned a M.S. degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C. During his Naval years, he earned considerable recognition including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit award, and four Meritorious Service medals.

Peter frequently teaches, speaks and presents to groups of soon-to-be retirees, recently retired people and Baby Boomer audiences on a variety of financial planning matters, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and estate planning. During this show, Peter will focus on Social Security, addressing factors to consider when applying for benefits; when it makes sense to delay benefits; how to estimate your benefits; how to minimize taxes on Social Security and; how to coordinate SS with your other sources of retirement income.

Peter can be contaced at [email protected] or at 505-216-0838.

Dr. Bob Grassberger is a University teacher, a researcher, and an enterpreneur with 30+ years of supplying his customers with the knowledge they need to make better and more informed decisions. Having published over 60 studies on business, economic, and organizational productivity, he now focuses on how to use learning strategically. In this show, Bob talks about how adults learn versus children (andragogy versus pedagogy); the job market after age 55; Encore careers and the importance of mentors and planning; Encore Entrepreneurs; assessing risk for entrepreneurs and; the growing field of Social entrepreneurship.

Learning techniques and strategies for adults tackling new challenges and new adventures with Barbara Allisen (Learn and Play with Mrs. A) who believes that for many, retirement is a new phase for adults just as kindergarten is for kids. Barbara talks about the importance of imagination and creativity in learning at all ages. She also speaks to the learning curve she experienced when transitioning from a salaried position in the traditional workforce to becoming a business owner.

A TogiNet Radio Network Premiere. Host Eric Tonningsen introduces himself, highlights the show's genesis, speaks about the target audience (Baby Boomers) and outlines the show's purpose and format.