The Retired Mindset® - Seven Trails™

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 Hey Mindsetters! TGIF and welcome to The Retired Mindset’s second rendition of Five Minute Friday! 

Podcast Host, Bob Preston, shares his biggest surprise about retirement —  it’s harder than it seems. Most of us spend years dreaming about retirement: freedom, travel, long mornings, no deadlines. But when it finally arrives, you realize… this is a massive life shift: one that touches your identity, your routine, and your sense of purpose. 

Main Reflection
For decades, work gave Bob structure, direction, accountability, and even self-worth. He didn’t realize how much of who he was was tied to that professional identity until it was gone. 

 And he learned something: you can’t just subtract work. You have to replace it with something meaningful. 

Personal Story / Turning Point
It took me a good six months to find my footing. He started paying attention to what gave him energy — what made him feel alive, curious, and connected.
And for Bob, that meant three things: 

1. Giving back — donating my time as an advocate and ambassador.
2. Mountain life — living part-time in the Eastern Sierra and skiing as much as I can (without going full-on ski bum).
3. Storytelling — creating, sharing, and connecting through The Retired Mindset.

Insight / Lesson
It’s not just about staying busy — retirement is about redefining success.
In your career, success is measurable: goals hit, deals closed, teams led.
In retirement, it’s quieter. It’s found in peace of mind, connection, giving back, and learning something new.

That’s the real growth in retirement — learning to slow down without losing purpose,  to enjoy the moment without needing constant validation,
and to stay curious about what’s next, even when there’s no formal roadmap.

Wrap-Up / Close
So yeah, it’s hard. But it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever take.  Retirement isn’t an ending — it’s an evolution. Give yourself grace. Stay curious. Keep exploring.  Because the best version of yourself? It hasn’t retired at all — it’s just getting started.

Key Takeaways 

• Retirement is a significant identity shift, not just a lifestyle change.
• You don’t just lose a job — you lose structure, community, and rhythm.
• The secret is to replace work with something meaningful that gives you purpose and energy.
• Redefine success — it’s now about peace, connection, and curiosity, not performance metrics.
• Give yourself time and grace — your next chapter might just be your best yet.

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/

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Hello Mindsetters! Welcome to Episode 3 of The Retired Mindset—and trust us, this one is something special. 

Podcast host Bob Preston's guest today is aviation royalty. Rogers E. Smith—“Rog” to his friends—is a former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot, Air National Guard veteran, and NASA test pilot who spent nearly two decades at the legendary Dryden (now Neil Armstrong) Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. 

During his incredible career, Rog flew some of the world’s most advanced aircraft: the X-29, X-31, F-15, F-16, and F-18 jets. But his crown jewel? Eight years in the cockpit of the SR-71 Blackbird—the world’s fastest airplane. We’re talking 85,000 feet and over Mach 3—more than 2,300 miles per hour. Yes, faster than a speeding bullet. 

Beyond his jaw-dropping resume, Rog is a man of humility and depth. One of his quotes that stuck with me is:  “Money is necessary, but it’s not a sufficient ingredient for fulfillment in life.”

That wisdom is what makes this conversation perfect for The Retired Mindset—a deep look at how purpose and passion evolve when the afterburners of our careers shut off and we enter new airspace: retirement.
 
We recorded this episode on location in beautiful Coronado, California, and we’re releasing this story in two parts.

• Part 1 (this episode): Rog’s incredible aviation journey—from fighter pilot to NASA test pilot—and the lessons learned along the way.
• Part 2 (coming soon): Rog’s personal philosophy on leadership, passion, and life after NASA, including his work today as a consultant, volunteer, and member of the Mountain Host and Safety Team at Mammoth Mountain.

Key Takeaways:

• The mindset and courage it takes to fly experimental aircraft at Mach 3+
• Why humility and curiosity matter more than speed or status
• Rog’s reflections on fulfillment beyond career achievements
• How to carry leadership, purpose, and passion into retirement

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/

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 Hey Mindsetters — TGIF! In this very first Five Minute Friday, Bob kicks off a brand-new series of short, on-location mini-episodes designed to bring you quick bursts of insight, fun, and adventure every Friday — all in five minutes or less. 

Broadcasting from the beach in Del Mar, Bob shares the story and purpose behind The Retired Mindset and what listeners can expect in the episodes ahead. This isn’t a retirement finance show — it’s about redefining what life after the 9-to-5 can truly look like. 

What You’ll Learn 

 🌴 The  FMF Format: Five-minute solo episodes recorded from inspiring real-world locations. 

💡 The Vision: Why The Retired Mindset is about mindset, meaning, and rediscovery — not money management.

 🧠 The Focus: Exploring mental and physical well-being, staying young at heart, and maintaining meaningful connections in retirement.

 🔥 The Inspiration: Hearing from people who’ve reinvented themselves and found joy, purpose, and adventure in their next chapter. 

Key Takeaways 

• Retirement isn’t the end — it’s a new beginning defined by mindset, not money.
• Freedom and fulfillment come from curiosity, connection, and continued growth.
• Staying active and young at heart keeps both the body and soul thriving.
• Everyone’s retirement journey is unique — and worth celebrating.

Resources Mentioned

• 🌐 TheRetiredMindset.com
  — episodes, resources, and Bob’s recommended reads
• 📚 Bob’s Blinkist Library (for fellow 5 AM club members!)

Quote of the Episode

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/

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In this special episode, The Retired Mindset host, Bob Preston, goes solo to share a heartfelt reflection on the concept of Trail Angels—the kindhearted individuals who have profoundly impacted his life and hiking adventures. Bob discusses how he came to his decision to retire and highlights the importance of the inspiring people he met along the way on his retirement journey, emphasizing how their kindness propelled him forward. 

Key Takeaways:     

• What Are Trail Angels? Originally a term used by long-distance hikers, Trail Angels are those generous people who provide water, food, guidance, or simply a comforting smile when hikers and backpackers on long treks need it most. They exemplify pure kindness and selflessness in the wilderness.
• The Power of Kindness in Hiking and Life. The real motivation to keep going on challenging trails like the John Muir Trail isn’t just the scenery—it's the people. Trail Angels can appear at just the right moment to offer support and encouragement, reminding us of the importance of compassion and community.
• Metaphorical Trail Angels.  Beyond the trails, Bob explains his metaphor: that Trail Angels are not just on the trail, but everywhere, providing the everyday acts of kindness that help us navigate life's journey. These are friends, strangers, or mentors who show up just when we need them most, guiding us forward, in Bob's case, on his road into retirement.
• A Personal Reflection. This episode is a personal tribute to those who have been Bob's Trail Angels—both in the wilderness and in life—and the profound impact their kindness has had on his retired mindset.

Closing Thoughts:
No matter where we are, we can all be Trail Angels for others, offering support, guidance, and kindness that can change a life. So whether you’re climbing switchbacks in the High Sierra or navigating the winding trail of retirement, keep your eyes open for Trail Angels. Learn from them. Appreciate them. And when you can, be one yourself. Because that’s where the real trail magic is.

If you’ve met a Trail Angel—out in the wilderness or in life—we would love to hear your story. Please share it with us, and perhaps it will inspire someone else to follow their own path. You can email us or, better yet, join the community on our website or one of our social media pages and share your story with a post.

Until our next episode, keep moving, keep noticing, and remember—there’s always a little trail magic just around the bend, Where Soul, Meets Body.

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/

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Many of you are aware that Bob has been a podcaster for years, but you may not know that he has just launched a new one! It’s called The Retired Mindset, and it's now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all the major podcast platforms. It's also available on our website, theretiredmindset.com, along with a wealth of other great information and resources.

In Episode 1, Hear All About It, Bob is flying solo to introduce The Retired Mindset and tell our listeners what this podcast is all about. Listen in as Bob shares a glimpse into his current retired mindset, which can apply to every person, regardless of their retirement status, financial resources, or health.

Key Takeaways

• Bob has been planning and brainstorming in stealth mode for about a year on this new passion project.
• The Retired Mindset is NOT about crunching numbers, wealth management, or managing finances in retirement. There are hundreds of podcasts already dedicated to those topics.
• Instead, this podcast is all about living your BEST life in retirement: physical and mental health, staying young at heart, and maintaining connections with your community.
• Moving forward, Bob will feature guests sharing their inspiring retirement journeys, experts sharing their research, and discussions on how to thrive and rediscover what makes you uniquely YOU in this new chapter of life. 
• Let’s embark on this exciting podcast journey together to explore the incredible potential of our humanity in retirement. 

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/

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Our Episodes with Bob Preston are Coming Soon! Starting in late September 2025 we will be adding new episodes weekly! In the meantime, to whet your appetite and create curiosity, here is a sneak peek "trailer" that will also serve as the audio/video for each episode post. Enjoy and get excited for new content coming to you shortly! 

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or licensed therapist, and this podcast is not a substitute for advice from a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. 

Join us as we post new episodes weekly!

We would love to hear from you! Send Us a Voicemail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523292/fan_mail/new

Connect with Bob: 

https://linktr.ee/bobbyptrm

Website: https://theretiredmindset.com/ 

Listen on: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetiredMindset

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retired-mindset/id1838534053

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DrNVv6ArJEHlwp56bRgJF

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-retired-mindset-292983096/