Retired Life Wish You Were Here Podcast

On this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim welcomes Nancy Pitts, a cardiac rehab technician and recent retiree who helped Kim during her recovery after heart surgery.
Now Nancy is stepping into her own new chapter! We talk about moving from a working routine into retirement, making time for yourself, and how helping others recover can shape the way you look at your own future.


Join us for a conversation about:
The excitement—and uncertainty—of newly retired life.
Lessons from working in cardiac rehabilitation.
Staying active, connected, and motivated.
Finding purpose when your days are finally your own.
What Nancy hopes to enjoy in this next chapter.


Whether you’re counting down to retirement or already figuring out “what now?”, pull up a chair and join us!


Sponsored by Poole Engineering & Surveying.
Support the show and shop our merchandise at http://retiredlifewywh.com. Subscribe and tell us: What was—or will be—the first thing you do when you retire?

A major health event, chronic pain, or limited mobility can change how we see ourselves and our future. Kim and Stuart Lee sit down with life coach Tristan Eldridge to discuss overcoming fear, staying connected, continuing to move safely, and keeping life from becoming smaller when health changes the plan. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about adapting, finding purpose, and continuing to live fully at every age.

#RetiredLifeWishYouWereHere #HealthyAging #MovingForward #LifeAfterSurgery #ChronicPain #PositiveAging

What happens when life looks good on the outside, but something still feels missing on the inside?

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, hosts Kim Lee and Maria Barnette sit down with Tiana Gooden and Kimberly Peacock, the founders of  Creating Joy Counseling.

Together, they explore a topic that resonates with many retirees and adults navigating life’s transitions: feeling stuck, disconnected, or no longer like the person you once were.

Whether you’re adjusting to retirement, coping with the loss of a spouse, navigating divorce, caring for others, or simply wondering what’s next, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope.

Tiana and Kimberly discuss how chronic stress affects the body and mind, why major life changes can impact our sense of identity, and what steps people can take to reconnect with themselves and rediscover joy.

This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that it’s never too late to create a life that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful.


In This Episode

 Why so many people feel lost during major life transitions

 The emotional side of retirement that no one talks about

 How chronic stress affects the nervous system

 Signs you may be disconnected from yourself

 Healthy ways to navigate grief and loss

 The connection between daily habits and emotional wellness

 What “creating joy” really means

 Practical steps to start feeling better today


Memorable Takeaway

“Joy isn’t something we have to wait for. It’s something we can intentionally create through connection, self-awareness, healthy habits, and giving ourselves permission to move forward.”


Learn More About Our Guests

Creating Joy Counseling

Website: creatingcounseling.com
Creating Joy Counseling


Kimberly@ creatingjoycounseling.com (850) 710-0145

 Tiana@ creatingjoycounseling.com(850) 290-3095

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Poole Engineering & Surveying.

For decades, Poole Engineering has helped shape communities throughout the Florida Panhandle through professional engineering, land surveying, and development services. Their commitment to quality, integrity, and relationships makes them a trusted partner for projects large and small.


Connect With Retired Life, Wish You Were Here

Follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend who could use a little encouragement today.

And don’t forget to check out our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise—because retirement isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new adventure.

#RetiredLifeWishYouWereHere #CreatingJoy #MentalWellness #RetirementLife #LifeAfterRetirement #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #EmotionalWellness #LifeTransitions #FindingJoy #RetirementPodcast #PurposefulLiving #ActiveRetirement #GriefSupport #StressManagement

What happens when the person you planned your future with… is no longer part of that future?
In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim sits down with Tammy McCabe, who shares her journey of losing her husband Greg to early Alzheimer’s—and what it really looks like to move forward after that kind of loss.


This conversation goes beyond grief. It’s about identity, loneliness, rebuilding, and finding your way in a life you didn’t expect.


Joining the conversation is life coach Tristan Eldridge, who offers simple, honest guidance on how to take those first steps forward—without guilt, pressure, or a timeline.


If you’ve experienced loss through death, divorce, or illness… this episode is for you.
You’re not starting over.
You’re starting forward


KEY TAKEAWAYS
  *   Grief isn’t just about death—it can begin long before
  *   Losing a spouse also means losing identity and future plans
  *   There is no timeline for healing
  *   Moving forward is not replacing—it’s continuing
  *   Small steps can rebuild a meaningful life.

What happens when the person you planned your retirement with begins to fade… years too soon?

In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with Tammy McCabe, a nurse anesthetist who cared for her husband—an anesthesiologist—after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia at just 59.

Tammy shares what it’s really like to love, support, and care for a spouse through the progression of this disease—from the first signs, to the daily realities of caregiving, to the quiet moments of connection that still shine through.

This conversation is for anyone facing dementia, caregiving, or the unexpected loss of the future they once planned.

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 What We Talk About

Recognizing early signs of dementia
Hearing and processing a life-changing diagnosis
The emotional reality of caregiving
Staying connected as memory fades
Practical steps families should take early
Navigating the final stages with dignity
Finding purpose and healing after loss

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 Key Takeaway

Caregiving is one of the hardest roles a person can take on—but it is also one of the deepest expressions of love.

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 Helpful Resources for Caregivers

Alzheimer’s Association
    24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
    Support groups, education, and care planning tools
Family Caregiver Alliance
    Practical guides, caregiver support, and state-by-state resources
National Institute on Aging
    Easy-to-understand medical info on Alzheimer’s and caregiving
Eldercare Locator
    Connects you to local caregiving services and support

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 Simple First Steps if You’re Starting This Journey

Get power of attorney and medical directives in place early
Build a support team (family, friends, professionals)
Don’t wait to ask for help—caregiver burnout is real
Find a support group (even online can make a difference)

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 About the Show

Retired Life, Wish You Were Here shares real stories of retirement—the joy, the challenges, and everything in between—helping you navigate this chapter with purpose and connection.

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 Stay Connected

Follow along, share this episode with someone who needs it, and check out our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise—because every season of life deserves to be lived fully.

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 Hashtags

#AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #RetiredLife #WishYouWereHere #DementiaCare #CaregiverLife #LifeAfterLoss #HealthyAging #SupportCaregivers

What looks like a party… is actually something much bigger.

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with a leader from the Bay County Parrot Heads to talk about community, connection, and giving back — all wrapped in a whole lot of fun.

Because being a Parrot Head isn’t just about the music…
it’s about finding your flock.
🌴 WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:
  *   What it really means to be a Parrot Head
  *   The “Party with a Purpose” mission
  *   How this group gives back to the community
  *   Why friendships matter more than ever in retirement
  *   How to find your people and get involved

🌴 CONNECT WITH THE BAY COUNTY PARROT HEADS
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PcParrotheads/
Website (Parent Organization):
https://phip.com

🌴 WHY THIS MATTERS:
Retirement isn’t just about slowing down — it’s about opening up.
Groups like the Parrot Heads show how fun, purpose, and community can come together to create something really special.

🛍️ RETIRED LIFE MERCH
Check out Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise at https://retiredlifewywh.com/ — perfect for your next beach day, boat ride, or sunset with friends.

Because retirement isn’t the end of the story…
it’s where the fun really begins.

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim Lee sits down with Natalie Rogers for a deeper conversation about what it really means to feel good as we age — not just accept how we feel.


For many adults over 55, fatigue, low energy, brain fog, and physical decline are often labeled as “normal aging.” But this episode challenges that assumption and asks a more important question: how much of what we experience is truly inevitable, and how much deserves a closer look?


Natalie shares her perspective on how the body changes over time, particularly around energy, hormones, and inflammation, and why so many people begin to feel different — or worse — as they move through their 50s, 60s, and beyond. The conversation focuses on awareness, not alarm — helping listeners better understand their bodies without jumping to conclusions or quick fixes.


A major portion of the discussion centers on peptides — what they are, how they function in the body, and why they are gaining attention in longevity and wellness conversations. Natalie explains peptides in approachable terms, describing them as signaling compounds that help the body communicate and respond more efficiently.


Kim and Natalie talk through what people should realistically understand about peptides — including where they may support the body, where expectations should be cautious, and why education is critical before exploring any advanced therapy.


The episode also touches on the broader idea of regenerative and personalized wellness, emphasizing that no single treatment replaces foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management.


This is not a conversation about chasing youth or quick solutions — it’s about staying engaged, asking better questions, and recognizing that feeling well is still worth pursuing at any age.

Key Topics Discussed:
• Rethinking “normal aging”
• Energy, fatigue, and feeling good after 55
• Hormonal shifts and inflammation
• What peptides are and how they function
• Why peptides are gaining attention
• Realistic expectations around advanced therapies
• The importance of building a strong foundation first


About Our Guest:
Natalie Rogers is a holistic wellness practitioner and energy healer who focuses on meditation, lifestyle awareness, and integrative approaches to well-being. She is expanding her work into collaborative wellness centers that incorporate both foundational and advanced wellness strategies.

Final Takeaway:
Feeling good as we age isn’t about chasing extremes — it’s about awareness, education, and being willing to question what we’ve been told is “just part of getting older.”

Connect:
Connect with Natalie Rodgers
[email protected]
Call- 850-382-0147


Connect with Retired Life, Wish You were Here
Email [email protected]
Website- Retiredlifewywh.com
Facebook page- Retired Life Wish You Were Here
Follow on Instagram- retiredlife_wishyouwerehere
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In this episode, we dive into the world of outdoor living with Les and Darlene Lewis, owners of American Patio and Fireplace. With over 32 years of experience, they share how the "backyard" has evolved from simple PVC furniture into a sophisticated extension of the home.
For those in the 55+ community, outdoor spaces have become a vital hub for social connection, physical health, and family memories. Les and Darlene discuss the shift from traditional dining sets to "outdoor living rooms" and the rise of the full-scale summer kitchen, featuring everything from pizza ovens and pellet grills to specialized refrigeration.
Key highlights from this episode include:

• Design for You, Not Resale: Why seniors should prioritize their own cooking style and comfort over future home value.
  
• The "Order of Operations": How to plan an outdoor kitchen by starting with the grill (the "diamond") and ensuring adequate prep space.
  
• Safety and Maintenance: Essential tips on gas safety (LP vs. natural gas), ventilation under roofs, and choosing low-maintenance furniture.
  
• The Power of Simplicity: Why retirees should avoid over-crowding small spaces to maintain mobility and ease of use.
  

Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet Tuesday night by a linear fireplace or hosting 30 people for a Super Bowl bash, this episode provides the roadmap to building a space where "retirement dreams come true"

Estate planning is one of those things many people know they should do—but often delay. In this episode, Kim and Stuart Lee sits down on Retired Life with estate planning attorney Owen Goodwyne to talk about why having a clear plan in place is one of the most important gifts you can leave your family.


Estate planning isn’t simply about dividing assets. It’s about protecting your independence, reducing stress for your loved ones, and making sure your wishes are honored the way you intend. Owen explains how many assets actually pass by operation of law, sometimes producing outcomes very different from what people expect.


Owen discusses the unique challenges that arise with blended families, estranged relationships, and second marriages, as well as why ownership structures—such as Tenants in Common versus Right of Survivorship—can significantly impact what happens to property and business interests.


They also explore the importance of Durable Powers of Attorney, planning for special needs beneficiaries, and the many practical details families often overlook—such as where a will is kept, how financial accounts are accessed, and how to organize important records so loved ones aren’t left searching during a difficult time.


The conversation also touches on online wills versus professional planning, what families should understand about probate, and how thoughtful planning can ensure legacy wishes—including charitable giving and pet care provisions—are carried out properly.


Estate planning ultimately isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about creating clarity and peace of mind for the people who matter most.

Sponsor:
This episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here is sponsored by Poole Engineering & Surveying, helping shape communities across the Florida Panhandle through thoughtful design and infrastructure planning.


And of course, don’t forget to check out Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise and resources as we continue sharing stories, ideas, and conversations that celebrate living retirement to the fullest.


Goodwyne & Roberts, P.A.
Email [email protected]
Poole Engineering & Surveying, Inc
Email: Poole-eng.com
Retiredlifewywh.com


Show Notes:
Estate Planning: Protecting Your Wishes and Your Family
Guest: Owen Goodwyne: Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets after death — it’s about protecting your independence, reducing stress for your family, and making sure your wishes are honored.


In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim and Stuart Lee talk with estate planning attorney Owen Goodwyne about the practical steps retirees should take to organize their affairs and avoid common legal pitfalls.


They discuss how assets can pass by operation of law, the importance of planning for blended or estranged families, and why understanding ownership structures like Tenants in Common vs. Right of Survivorship matters.


Owen also explains the role of Durable Power of Attorney, how to plan for special needs beneficiaries, and the many details families often overlook — from where a will is stored to organizing financial accounts and important records.


The conversation also covers online wills, probate, charitable giving, and ensuring your legacy wishes are carried out clearly.

Building Healthy Communities is a global grassroots movement led by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. The Physicians Committee focuses on preventing and treating chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer, emphasizing a "prevention over pills" approach.


Healthy Communities organize a wide variety of events for the community:
Plant-based potlucks, cooking demonstrations, and restaurant visits
Documentary screenings, book clubs, and expert lecture presentations
Volunteer days, community outreach, and advocacy


If you are interested in more information please visit https://www.pcrm.org/buildinghealthycommunities

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildinghealthycommunitieslmws.

If you would like to discuss starting a group please email Kimberly Peacock at [email protected]

For Info on Retired Life, Wish You Were Here contact us at [email protected]

Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Retired Life Wish You Were Here
Web- www.retiredlifewywh.com