In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim Lee sits down with
Natalie Rodgers, an energy healer and holistic wellness practitioner, for a
thoughtful conversation about aging well, managing stress, and taking a more
intentional approach to health after 55.

Natalie shares her philosophy on holistic wellness and explains how energy
healing and meditation can support emotional balance, nervous system
regulation, and overall well-being as we age. She breaks down these concepts
in the second half of the episode, Natalie talks about her vision for building
collaborative holistic wellness centers. She explains how bringing together
multiple disciplines under one roof allows for a more personalized,
supportive approach to care. Natalie walks listeners through a variety of
services offered in holistic clinics — including meditation and energy work,
naturopathic and integrative medicine, regenerative and anti-aging therapies,
lymphatic support, red light therapy, and reflexology — explaining what
these services are designed to support and how they work together.

Key Topics Discussed:
• What holistic wellness really means
• Energy healing and nervous system regulation
• Meditation as a practical tool for aging well
• Lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental awareness
• Medication education and organization
• Why collaborative wellness centers matter
• Understanding holistic and regenerative services
• Empowerment and informed decision-making after 55

About Our Guest:
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
Facebook Groups- Retired Life Wish You Were Here

What does retirement really look like when you’re not fully there yet?


In this special roundtable episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, all six partners come together — three couples, three lifelong friends, and six people navigating very different stages of retirement. Some of us are fully retired, some are semi-retired, and some are still working full-time while dreaming about what comes next.


At the heart of this conversation is a unique bond that started decades ago when Kim, Maria, and Nancy were college roommates. Life took each of us in different directions — careers, marriages, military service, career changes — but retirement brought us back together in an unexpected way.
This episode is an honest, relatable look at retirement as a transition, not a finish line. We talk about balancing work and life, navigating change as couples, redefining purpose, and how building Retired Life, Wish You Were Here has helped all of us prepare for the next chapter — even before it officially begins.


If you’re retired, planning to retire, or just wondering what life after 55 can look like, this episode is for you.


What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why retirement isn’t one moment — it’s a journey
How three couples navigate different stages of work and retirement
The power of lifelong friendships in shaping your next chapter
What it’s like when one partner is retired and the other is still working
How career changes and reinvention affect retirement plans
How Retired Life, Wish You Were Here grew from an idea into a shared purpose
Advice for listeners who aren’t retired yet but are thinking ahead
 
Meet the Partners
Kim & Stuart — One still working, one fully retired from military service, building community and creativity together
Mumy (Maria) & Bill — One working full-time, one retired, finding shared purpose and joy in retirement planning
Nancy & Dave — Navigating career changes and dreaming forward together while still working full time
 
Why This Episode Matters
So many retirement conversations focus on what happens after work ends. This episode is about what happens before — the planning, the mindset shifts, the fears, the excitement, and the friendships that make the journey meaningful.


Listener Takeaways:
You don’t have to wait until retirement to start living well
Retirement looks different for every couple
Community and connection matter more than timelines
Purpose doesn’t disappear — it evolves


About the Show:
Retired Life, Wish You Were Here is a lifestyle podcast for people 55+ who are turning the page into their next chapter — with curiosity, joy, and community. Through real conversations, inspiring guests, and shared stories, we explore what it means to build a fulfilling retired life… even if you’re not quite there yet.


Merchandise Mention
Celebrate your retired life (or your future retired life!) with our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise — including mugs, tumblers, wine glasses, beach bags, and apparel designed to make this season of life fun and connected.
👉 www.retiredlifewywh.com

Brenda Sulmonetti turned to painting in her fifties, trading a conventional career for the canvas. In a few short years she developed a signature contemporary-impressionist voice — rich in color, light, shadow and emotional resonance — and gained representation with galleries and design-world clients. Her journey is a living testament to reinvention: it’s never too late for a second act. Episode Focus / Theme: 

• Reinvention in later life — rediscovering creativity post-career / post-retirement
• The emotional, practical, and spiritual journey of starting anew
• Translating passion into purpose — building a meaningful second act
• Encouragement and guidance for listeners seeking their own reinvention

  Key Highlights / Talking Points (we’ll discuss on the show): 

• What sparked Brenda to pick up a paintbrush after retirement
• Overcoming self-doubt, starting from scratch, finding her style
• Her early steps: studio setup, experimentation, discovery
• First successes: first sale, first gallery representation, first collectors
• The power of consistency, daily creative practice, and community/support
• Advice for listeners: how to begin — even if you’ve never painted before or feel it’s “too late”
• The meaning, purpose, and joy she draws from art — especially in “second life”
• What’s next: future art plans, dreams, and continued evolution

  Websites & Social Media / Where to Find Her Work Platform / SitePurpose / What You’ll Find

- Official Website / Online Studio — SulmonettiStudio.com Portfolio, shop of available paintings, bio, contact info, exhibitions & events 
- Gallery Representation Page — DK Contemporary Gallery (dkGallery.us) Selected works, artist profile, gallery representation info
- Artist Profile & Portfolio Archive — ArtworkArchive.com (Brenda-L. Sulmonetti) 


Full catalogue of works (sold and available), past exhibitions, contact / inquiry info
Instagram — @sulmonettistudio
Facebook — Brenda Sulmonetti

Podcasts, Merchandise, and everything we do can be found at retiredlifewywh.com!

[email protected] email us ideas or if you would like to be a guest.

Welcome to Retired Life, Wish You Were Here — the podcast where we explore what happens when the chapter we call “retirement” becomes the launchpad for something new and amazing

In this conversation, Darryl shares:
His long career in healthcare and how it shaped his view of service, stress, and human stories.
What prompted him to turn to writing — and why medical mysteries became his genre of choice.
How the writing class he and I attended together helped him find his voice and embrace the process.
How applying his professional experience gives his fiction authenticity while still being entertaining.
What “retirement” means to him today and how creativity has become a key part of his next chapter.
His advice for anyone listening who is thinking: “What’s next for me?”
What projects are on his horizon and how you can follow his work.

Whether you’re already retired, nearing that milestone, or simply curious about reinvention, this episode will inspire you to lean into your next act with purpose, joy and a healthy dose of suspense!

Guest Info & Links:
Website: www.DarrylBollinger.com  
Facebook: Darryl Bollinger Author  
Books to check out: Treatment Plan, The Healing Tree, The Cure and more.  

Connect with Us:
We believe retirement isn’t the end — it’s an open door to new adventures. Visit Retiredlifewywh.com for episodes, merchandise and ways to stay connected.

In this honest and empowering conversation, Stuart Lee leads a heartfelt discussion with men in mind — identity, aging, intimacy, and how to thrive when life enters its next season. Joined by life coach and wellness guide Tristan Eldridge, we explore what happens when men step away from their careers, face changes in their bodies, and confront the quieter challenges no one talks about. Kim Lee joins as co-host with warmth and humor, bringing the balance only a trusted partner can offer. Together, we break down the myths of “masculinity,” open the door on sexual health after 55, and highlight the new ways men can find purpose, confidence, and closeness in retirement. This is an episode meant for husbands, wives, partners — and honestly, anyone who wants to understand aging from the inside out.

🌟 Key Topics
We Cover How retirement affects a man’s identity and sense of purpose
The emotional shift away from the “provider” role
Sexual health without shame: ED, libido changes, and communication
Redefining intimacy and connection beyond performance
How hobbies, fitness, and friendships support healthy aging
Masculinity reimagined for the modern senior
How partners can support each other through physical and emotional changes
Why humor is one of the best tools for aging well

🎧 Why This Episode Matters Men don’t always talk about what’s happening inside — emotionally or physically. This episode opens space for real conversations, real solutions, and a chance to enhance connection with your partner, family, and community. It fits beautifully into the Retired Life, Wish You Were Here mission: helping retirees live boldly, love deeply, laugh often, and embrace every season of life with confidence.

🧭 About Our Guest — Tristan Eldridge Tristan is a life coach, performance specialist, and mentor who works with men and women seeking clarity, health, and purpose in their next chapter. Known for blending practicality with inspiration — and a little humor — he guides people into stronger relationships with themselves and their partners.

❤️ Perfect For:
Men entering or already in retirement
Couples navigating intimacy changes
Anyone wanting to understand aging from a man’s perspective
Listeners craving honest, elegant conversations about the realities of getting older

🔗 Connect With Us Follow Retired Life, Wish You Were Here for more episodes, stories, and lifestyle inspiration at retiredlifewywh.com 

Check out our merchandise, events, and upcoming guest lineup at retiredlifewywh.com

In this episode, Kim and Stuart sit down with their friend Charles Minter, a financial advisor who brings fresh perspective on what money really means after 55. Instead of complicated jargon, Charles talks about how to enjoy the years ahead with confidence—turning savings into lifestyle, making smart choices about Social Security, and preparing for surprises without losing sleep. Charles shares stories from his career and life experience, making finance less about numbers and more about freedom, purpose, and fun in retirement.  

Talking Points & Questions Covered  

• The big shift: saving years vs. retirement years
• How to feel confident spending what you’ve saved
• Simple “buckets” approach for money now, soon, and later
• Social Security timing—when does it make sense to wait?
• Smart ways to help kids or grandkids financially
• How to plan for healthcare and “what ifs” without fear
• What money mistake he sees most often in retirees
• One or two “wish you were here” stories where money created memories, not stress

 The conversation reminds us that retirement isn’t about penny-pinching—it’s about making choices that let you live fully and sleep well at night.

What happens when you and your spouse sell nearly everything, buy an RV, and decide to spend retirement exploring the open road? That’s the story of Dave and Carolyn Kaga, who for the past five years have been traveling full-time, chasing new horizons and proving that retirement can be the most adventurous chapter of all.

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim and Stuart Lee sit down with the Kagas to hear how they made the bold decision to let go of “stuff,” what life is really like in an RV, and the joys and challenges of traveling as a couple. From budgeting and healthcare on the road to favorite destinations and unexpected surprises, this conversation is packed with practical insights and heartfelt stories that will inspire seniors to consider their own adventures.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Dave and Carolyn decided to sell everything and start fresh on the road.
How downsizing can bring freedom and joy in retirement.
Tips for couples traveling together full-time — balancing space, patience, and teamwork.
How RV life keeps retirees active, social, and engaged.
Their favorite destinations, hidden gems, and “must-see” spots.
Reflections on purpose, health, and what it means to truly live retired life on their own terms.

Perfect For:
Couples looking for shared adventures in retirement. Retirees curious about RV travel or full-time life on the road. Anyone dreaming of simplifying, downsizing, and making room for experiences over things.

Planning your next adventure? Don’t forget your Retired Life, Wish You Were Here gear — from mugs and shirts to travel bags, perfect for RV life or wherever the road takes you. Visit retiredlifewywh.com.

Cruising isn’t just about big ships, buffets, and Broadway shows. In this episode, hosts Kim Lee and Stuart Lee talk with travel expert Kim Este Campbell dive deep into the world of expedition cruises and theme cruises—two exciting options that are drawing more and more 55+ travelers who want something unique. From exploring the glaciers of Alaska to joining a jazz cruise on the Caribbean, this episode shows you how to match your personal passions with unforgettable journeys at sea. 

What We Cover

Expedition Cruises 101: What makes them different from traditional cruises (smaller ships, immersive excursions, cultural connections).
Bucket-List Destinations: Antarctica, Galápagos, Alaska, Arctic Circle—what makes these expedition trips worth it.
Theme Cruises: From music and food to wellness and faith-based gatherings, how theme cruises create instant community and friendships.
Accessibility for Retirees: How seniors can enjoy active expedition trips (with different activity levels) and still feel safe and supported.
Costs & Planning Tips: Why expedition and theme cruises can be more expensive, and what to look for when booking.
Kim Este’s Insider Tips: The best ways to find deals, plan early, and choose the right cruise line for your lifestyle.
Making it Social: How retirees can combine friend groups, family, or even grandkids on a theme cruise for a shared memory of a lifetime.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Connect with our guest, Kim Este Campbell at Beste Travel Design, and don’t forget to subscribe to Retired Life, Wish You Were Here wherever you listen to podcasts. 

👉 And before you pack your bags, grab your Retired Life merch—mugs, shirts, and totes perfect for documenting your next adventure! Visit retiredlifewywh.com to shop now.

🌊🚢 Ready to sail beyond the ordinary? Forget buffets and crowded decks—retirement cruising just got an upgrade!

In our latest Retired Life, Wish You Were Here podcast, Kim Lee and travel expert Kim Este Campbell dive into: 
✨ Expedition Cruises – glaciers, wildlife, bucket-list adventures
🎶 Theme Cruises – music, food, wellness & more, with your tribe
👫 Travel that connects you with people and passions you love

Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about choosing the adventure that fits YOU. 🗺️💙

#RetiredLifeWYWH #TravelAfter55 #CruiseLife #ExpeditionCruise #Cruise #Retired #ThemeCruise#BesteTravelDesigns #Adventure #podcast #retirement #retirementplanning

What’s the real secret to aging well? It might just be your circle of friends. Strong friendships can keep you young, happy, and even healthier. Join me and my closest friends as we laugh, reminisce, and reflect on why community matters so much in retirement. This story isn’t just our story - it’s an invitation to reflect on your own friendships. 

Retiredlifewywh.com

#retiredlifewishyourwerehere
#turningsexty
#lifeafter55
#activeretirement

Entrepreneur Dana Jones, founder of Turning Sexty, joins us to talk about aging boldly with confidence, style, and joy. Learn how to feel celebrated, inspired, and yes—sexty at 60

#Turningsexty.com
www.turning60.com
[email protected]
[email protected]