Willie Handler was born to Holocaust survivors. Though his home was loving, the trauma his parents endured left deep scars that shaped his life in ways he only came to understand much later.

During the pandemic, Willie began exploring his family’s history and the intergenerational trauma he carried. What started as a way to honor his parents became a transformative journey. It unearthed buried memories, led to tough therapy sessions, and inspired his powerful new book, Out From the Shadows.

Along the way, Willie interviewed nearly 100 others with similar stories. He brings their voices together in a book that sheds light on the resilience of generations shaped by unimaginable pain.

My conversation with Willie left me in awe of his courage. His story is one of reinvention and hope—and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

We discussed:

Why growing up with distant parents left Willie in survival mode

How a HR consultant convinced Willie to retire

When he realized it was time to unearth his survivor experience

The challenges Willie faced in getting the memoir published

His advice for aspiring authors in their Chapter X

Resources:

williehandler.com 

Willie on Substack

Willie on Instagram 

Out From the Shadows

Deep Into the Weeds

The Road Ahead

Loved Mars, Hated the Food

For Larry O’Nan, leaving work behind wasn’t about slowing down. It was a chance to step into a new chapter of intentional living and service. 

With decades of experience guiding faith-based organizations, Larry raised millions for global initiatives and inspired others to lead with purpose. But his journey didn’t stop there.

Redefining what it means to live fully, Larry has embraced failure as a tool for growth, mastered the art of saying no to what doesn’t align with his strengths, and found meaning in every phase of life, even after retirement.

His story is a testament to the possibilities that unfold when we approach each day with intention and courage.

Resources

Follow Larry on Facebook 

Connect with Larry on LinkedIn 

Intentional Living and Giving

Email Larry at [email protected] 

At 70, Edward Doherty ran a virtual Boston Marathon. At 72, he published his first book. If anyone knows the secret to defying odds, it’s him. Ed is a man who radiates optimism—his story not only touched my heart but also reignited my spirit, and I’m sure it will do the same for you.

In this episode, Ed takes us through his journey from the restaurant industry to consulting, after a pandemic-induced furlough. He shares the hurdles he faced and how he turned persistence into his greatest strength.

Ed heads up Ambrose Landen Consulting, helping organizations with strategic planning, leadership development, and employee engagement. At 72, he published his first book, Observations at the Speed of Life.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation on resilience, personal growth, and the legacy we all have the power to create.

We discussed:

• How Ed pivoted after being furloughed during the pandemic

• Why failure is only valuable if you learn something from it

• How Ed’s wife inspired him to become a runner in his 60s

• Running the Boston Marathon virtually around Fenway Park at age 70

• How publishing a book made Ed reflect on his legacy

• The power of optimism in recognizing potential in others

Resources:

Ambrose Landen Consultant

Observations at the Speed of Life

We’ve all heard the ‘find your why’ advice, but what if it’s not about that at all? Today, my guest is Blair Dunkley, and I’ll keep it simple: this conversation is going to be mind-filling, mind-expanding, and honestly, mind-blowing. 

Blair’s here to break down how we can improve our lives by shifting our behaviors with research-backed methods that are both impactful and surprisingly simple. So, get ready to pay attention and maybe even take some notes.

In this episode, he breaks down the difference between mindset and life skills—and why mindset alone just doesn’t cut it. His mind models offer a fresh way of thinking that can help you through life’s transitions, big or small.

We discussed:

The difference between mindset vs. life skills

Why studies question the effectiveness of mindset

Blair’s challenge to the “find your why” framework

Why we often blur the line between remembering and reliving

Using mind models to manage stress and solve problems

Resources

The Three E’s 

Phobia Freedom Formula

The Blair Dunkley Experience

Ultimate Mind Hacking Book (16 Growth Mind Models)

As a writer, I’ve often heard my peers talk about the “evils” of AI over the past couple of years. But truthfully, I don’t know much about it myself, which is why I’m so excited to talk to today’s guest, Justin Simpson.

Justin brings a lifetime of business experience, and now, in his “Chapter X,” he’s exploring the world of AI with new imagination and curiosity. You might be wondering, “What does AI have to do with my stage in life?”

Justin’s goal is to show how AI can be useful for everyone, especially those facing career changes or life transitions. He believes AI isn’t something to shy away from, but something to enjoy and use.

In fact, Justin believes AI offers incredible benefits for everyone, particularly for non-tech folks. Let’s dive in and explore how AI can bring new possibilities into our daily lives.

We discussed:

Why Justin believes AI benefits everyone (not just tech companies)

How to start using AI tools like ChatGPT

3 incredible ways that AI serves small business owners

Using AI as a brainstorming buddy for career transitions

The potential for AI to address loneliness

Resources

Here.Now.AI. 

Imagine a man who truly wants to connect with his partner. He carefully picks his words, hoping to create that closeness. But somehow, it all falls flat. Frustration builds in his partner, yet he can’t quite put his finger on what’s going wrong. Why does this keep happening?

Many men never learned how to connect emotionally in a way that feels genuine to them. Today, we’re diving into this struggle and exploring how men can break free from this cycle.

I’m excited to welcome Owen Marcus, the co-founder of MELD. It's a community focused on helping men reconnect with their emotions and bodies. With over thirty years in men’s emotional wellness, Owen has created programs that blend emotional understanding with peer support to help men, and now women thrive.

What Owen does is incredibly important for living authentically. In this episode, we’ll dive into a major challenge men face today: being disconnected from their emotions. 

We discuss:

What inspired Owen to start working with men 30 years ago

Why society tells men to disassociate from emotions

One simple way to talk to men about their feelings

The impact community and relationships has on men

Owen’s method for reconnecting with your body

Breaking the pattern of emotional distance across generations

Resources

MELD training & community 

Couples retreat in Costa Rica for Valentine’s Day 2025

Imagine the possibilities when men come together in a supportive atmosphere. In the Chapter X community, I’ve seen firsthand how this freedom allows us to be our true selves—and that’s where real growth happens. 

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Bodhi Aldridge, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and purpose. 

Bodhi has traveled the world as a father, grandfather, lawyer, coach, and facilitator. He lives near the beaches of Byron Bay with his wife of 40 years and is a proud father of four and grandfather to ten. 

As we step into our roles as elders, Bodhi believes we have a responsibility to create space for others—especially for women and younger generations, including our granddaughters. In this episode, he shares profound wisdom that just might inspire you to embrace your journey and engage with what truly matters in life.

We discussed:

Three traits Bodhi thinks are important for men

What masculine and feminine energy represent

The key advantage you have as a man

How to become more present in 5 minutes 

The 3 steps of searching for purpose 

How to tackle the belief of 'not being good enough'

Resources:

Enter Bodhi's free course giveaway

Listen to the True Freedom podcast 

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

Today, I’m excited to catch up with my high school friend, Kenny Hersch. His story is truly one of a kind, and I think you’ll find this conversation with him an absolute joy.

Kenny’s symptoms began with minor neurological issues, but it took two years to get a clear diagnosis. Early on, doctors worried it might be ALS, which was a scary idea. It was eventually identified as Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)—a non-fatal condition affecting speech and mobility. Thanks to technology, Kenny can join us today.

In high school, Kenny was a force of nature, and he remains just as remarkable. He’s embraced the mantra “accommodation without surrender” with resilience and positivity that truly inspires.

In this episode, we discussed:

Kenny’s life-altering diagnosis of PLS at 45

What it was like coming to terms with his new way of life

Tools that helped Kenny transition through his health journey

How a newspaper profile transformed him into a local celebrity

The impact he hopes to make through his legacy

Links

Kenny's feature in The Providence Journal 

David Rynick was a big deal in college—serving on the university senate, co-captaining the wrestling team, and enjoying much attention. But despite all his achievements, he wasn’t happy. 

This realization set him on a path to explore what mattered to him beyond just achieving more and pleasing others. Today, David is a Zen teacher with credentials in two lineages and a seasoned life and leadership coach. 

His latest book, Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries, came from 18 months of daily writing during the pandemic. This remarkable collection of essays and reflections is designed to inspire you to live more fully.

In this episode, we chat about David’s journey from college success to finding true fulfillment.  You’ll find it’s a conversation filled with inspiration and joy.

We discuss:

Why early success led David to question happiness and purpose

How he explored dance and pottery as self-expression

Why it took him a decade to appreciate daily meditation

David’s advice for men who are struggling to adjust to retirement

The most common misconception about meditation

Read Wandering Close to Home

Visit DavidRynick.com 

Boundless Way Zen Temple 

Listen to David's Zen talks

When is the right time to start asking yourself life's big questions? My guest, Austin Dowling, who shifted from a corporate attorney to a psychotherapist, is here to discuss the vital role of self-reflection in finding fulfillment in retirement.

Originally from Ireland, Austin is a practicing psychotherapist and executive coach based in New York. He helps professional adults at a crossroads in their personal or professional lives, many of whom struggle with anxiety or a lack of motivation and are striving to reach their full potential.

Austin has navigated some incredible transitions in his own life, and his insights strike at the heart of the challenges many men face in retirement. And here's a little secret: this won't be the last time you hear from us.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear about:

Austin’s path from corporate law to helping people with their mental health

Understanding the roots of our inner critic—and how to manage it effectively

The reasons why men often face an identity crisis post-retirement 

Why you must shed certain habits after transitioning out of your career 

How to build a better community through these small steps

When it’s the right time start asking yourself the big questions

Austin Dowling Psychotherapy 

Austin on LinkedIn

Austin on Facebook