Ep 117: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis explore how the principles of improv can help retirees strengthen relationships and find new ways to connect. Their guest, Chip Brewer, has performed and taught improv for more than 20 years, working with Fortune 100 executives, educators, and students, as well as authoring his debut thriller novel.

Chip shares how core improv lessons like “yes, and,” active listening, and making others look good can bridge generational gaps, spark joy in everyday family interactions, and turn awkward moments into opportunities for deeper trust. From navigating conversations with teenagers, to building shared stories with grandkids, to keeping family gatherings fun and inclusive, this episode offers retirees a playful yet practical toolkit for enhancing connection and meaning in retirement.

Chapters:

Meet Chip Brewer, improv performer, teacher, and author. [00:01–02:44]

From Amsterdam stages to teaching Fortune 100 companies. [03:06–07:19]

 “Yes, and,” active listening, and making others look good. [07:47–13:12]

Using improv to bridge gaps with kids and grandkids. [13:12–27:25]

Why embracing flaws leads to deeper trust. [36:05–39:48]

Simple improv games retirees can try at home. [44:23–48:25]

Chip’s personal vision for a fulfilling retirement. [49:12–50:43]

Ep 116: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis welcome Jenna Biehn, Senior Sales Director at Dirigo Pines, to dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of senior living. Jenna shares her path into the industry and the powerful lessons she’s learned helping families make decisions about retirement living. From the growing shortage of units and caregivers to the risks of waiting until a crisis strikes, she explains why early planning and open family conversations are essential to preserving independence and choice.

Jenna offers a candid look at the innovations and advocacy needed to prepare for the baby boomer wave, while sharing her own vision for retirement success. This episode delivers both practical guidance and a broader view of where senior living is headed in the years ahead.

Chapters:

Jenna’s transition into senior living and what makes the work meaningful [03:07–04:32]

The lack of planning and why families often make decisions in crisis [04:45–05:59]

The looming supply-demand gap in senior living and workforce shortages [09:18–12:44]

How lifestyle expectations are reshaping communities (socialization, enrichment, fitness) [22:21–26:26]

Why planning early preserves choice and independence [27:17–32:10]

Innovative models and advocacy needed to meet future demand [34:35–45:38]

Jenna’s personal vision of retirement success [51:23–54:27]

Ep 115: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis sit down with Princella Seymour—known as America’s Solutionist for the Aging Community and CEO of Complete Elder Solutions—to tackle one of the biggest threats facing retirees today: financial scams. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Princella shares real stories of fraud targeting older adults, why shame often keeps victims silent, and the steps families can take to prevent and recover from scams. From spotting caregiver manipulation to building stronger support systems, this conversation provides essential tools to protect retirement savings and independence.

Chapters:

Princella Seymour’s Journey – Why she’s known as America’s Solutionist for the Aging Community [03:28]

Complete Elder Solutions – Founding the company and addressing retirees’ biggest challenges [04:56]

Princella’s Book: Everything You Need to Know About Me – How documenting wishes helps families and prevents confusion [06:51]

The Rise of Financial Scams – How schemes targeting retirees have evolved [11:41]

Why Older Adults Are Vulnerable – Factors like loneliness, shrinking circles, and trust [16:07]

The Role of Shame – Why embarrassment stops victims from asking for help [20:07]

What To Do If Scammed – Key steps in the first 24–48 hours [26:08]

Aftermath of Fraud – The financial and emotional toll on retirees and families [30:19]

Prevention Strategies – Building support networks and balancing independence with protection [38:30]

Retirement Success – Princella’s personal vision and planning for her future [45:24]

Ep 114: Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. For some, it means stepping up to support a loved one with autism. In this episode, Ben and Curtis talk with Dr. Alexandra Rogers, a retired psychologist and autism advocate, about the unique role many grandparents and retirees play as caregivers.

With warmth and deep experience, Dr. Rogers explores how to better understand autism from the perspective of the individual, how to balance love, advocacy, and boundaries, and how to thoughtfully plan for long-term care and housing. She also offers guidance on how caregivers can recognize when they need support for their own mental health and how to care for themselves while caring for others.

Whether you're helping a grandchild, adult child, or extended family member, this conversation offers practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement for finding purpose and peace in a complex role.

Chapters:

How did Dr. Alexandra Rogers begin working with autism in her career? [04:21]

What does autism look like in everyday life? [11:46]

Why do retirees often become caregivers for family members with autism? [14:19]

What are the emotional challenges of caregiving? [16:09]

What should families know about group homes and other housing options? [20:15]

How can caregivers advocate effectively? [26:52]

How can grandparents support from a distance or without overstepping? [28:31]

What are signs caregivers need mental health support? [32:49]

What does Retirement Success look like for Dr. Alexandra Rogers? [36:24]

Ep 113: What happens when a beloved teacher retires but still has more stories to tell? In this heartfelt episode, Ben and Curtis sit down with Jim Smith—retired social studies teacher, proud grandfather, and creator of the Kenduskeag History Tales Facebook group—to explore how retirement can spark a whole new chapter of community impact.

After leaving the classroom, Jim found purpose by reconnecting with his small town’s past and sharing it through photos, archives, and personal storytelling. From cleaning gravestones to launching a town flag design contest and even helping dedicate a bridge to a fallen WWII soldier, Jim shows how retirement can be a time of deep connection and legacy-building.

Chapters:

How did Jim approach the transition into retirement? [03:54]

What sparked the idea for Kenduskeag History Tales? [09:40]

What challenges did Jim face learning the technology? [18:37]

Who’s engaging with the history project, and how far has it reached? [21:55]

How does Jim uncover and share local stories? [25:09]

What’s the most memorable story Jim has shared? [29:03]

How did the Kenduskeag town flag and bridge dedication projects come to life? [31:39]

How has this work shaped Jim’s identity in retirement? [42:31]

What does Retirement Success look like for Jim? [46:56]

Ep 112: On today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis sit down with Coach Andy Wary, founder of Silverback Strength Training, to break down the transformative power of strength training for older adults. Whether it's walking the dog, chasing grandkids, or just getting up and down stairs confidently, retirees want to stay active and independent, and Andy shows us exactly how to make that happen.

Drawing on his personal journey from childhood to playing Division I football and eventually launching his own fitness business, Andy shares how strength training not only preserves mobility and prevents falls but also supports mental toughness and emotional resilience as we age. He explains how tailored, approachable fitness routines can help people of all ages overcome fear, chronic pain, and self-doubt.

Chapters:

Why does strength training matter so much in retirement? [02:52]

How did Andy’s personal story lead him to coaching? [04:10]

What common challenges do older adults face with mobility and strength? [13:00]

How does strength training improve everyday activities? [18:05]

What’s the right way to start if you have pain or past injuries? [22:15]

Is walking enough, or do we need more? [27:13]

Why is strength training important during weight loss? [29:55]

What does “becoming unbreakable” mean for retirees? [35:17]

What does retirement success look like for Andy? [41:20]

Ep 111: Today’s episode is focused on one of the most complex and emotional decisions retirees and their families face: senior care. When the time comes to consider assisted living, home care, or long-term care, families often feel overwhelmed by industry jargon, pricing structures, and the uncertainty of choosing the right path.

Many seniors accept the pricing presented to them by facilities without knowing there’s room for negotiation or better-suited options available. Others struggle to navigate the differences between private pay and Medicaid-funded communities, unaware of how these choices impact their care and financial future.

Our guest today specializes in helping families cut through the confusion and find the best senior care solutions. If you’ve ever wondered when to start planning, how to navigate the system, or what the real differences are between private pay and Medicaid options, stay tuned - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

Welcome, Kaitlyn Cunningham Morse! [2:45]

What are the key benefits of having a Buyer’s Agent for senior living? [6:30]

What are the differences between private-pay and Medicaid-funded senior care options? [13:44]

How can families plan for care in a way that may allow them to stay in their homes? [20:16]

What steps can be taken today that would help be proactive and avoid last-minute (costly) decisions when it comes to senior care? [30:28]

How will Kaitlyn find her personal Retirement Success? [35:58]

Episode Conclusion. [38:48]

Ep 110: Many retirees are looking for ways to stay mentally engaged, prevent cognitive decline, and find meaningful ways to connect with others, especially during long, isolating winters here in New England. That’s where ​Bridge comes in. Studies have shown that playing Bridge regularly can improve memory, strengthen problem-solving skills, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But it’s not just about brain health; Bridge is also a social game that fosters friendships and community, whether played in person or online.

Our guest today is a professional Bridge teacher and co-founder of The Bridge Teachers, a company that helps people of all ages, especially beginners, discover the joy of ​Bridge. Whether you’ve never picked up a deck of cards or you’re looking for a new way to challenge your mind, today’s episode will show you why ​Bridge might just be the perfect activity for your retirement.

Chapters:

Welcome, Brian Reynolds! [2:22]

What are the basics of the game? [12:11]

Bridge and aging. How can the game contribute positively to the aging population? [24:04]

What are some digital opportunities for retirees looking to learn and play Bridge? [33:23]

How can Bridge help us grow as people, outside of the game? [37:24]

What’s one piece of advice for someone considering trying Bridge for the first time? [49:05]

What does Retirement Success look like to Brian? [50:28]

Episode Conclusion. [54:10]

Ep 109: Today’s episode dives into a topic that is crucial as we age: how to balance medications, nutrition, and fitness to live healthier and age better. As we grow older, medications often become a regular part of our lives, helping us manage chronic conditions and improve our quality of life. But how do we know we’re using medications effectively—and not relying on them at the expense of healthier habits like nutrition and exercise?

We’re also witnessing a trend of medications being used as shortcuts for weight loss, raising important questions about their long-term sustainability and effectiveness compared to traditional approaches like proper diet and fitness.

Our guest today is uniquely qualified to guide us through this conversation. She’s an expert in pharmacy, nutrition, and fitness, and she’s here to share insights on how we can take control of our health by making smarter choices about the tools we use—whether that’s medications, food, or fitness routines.

So, if you’re looking to strike the right balance and live a longer, healthier life, you’re in for a treat!

Chapters:

Welcome, Amy Wilson! [2:20]

What are some of the most common mistakes made when managing medications in older adults? [10:41]

What are some pros and cons of using common weight loss medications? [17:31]

How can we work with healthcare providers to ensure we’re only taking necessary medications? [24:31]

How will Amy Wilson find her personal Retirement Success? [41:12]

Episode conclusion. [43:20]

Ep 108: Today’s episode explores one of the most significant challenges we face as we age: loneliness. Loneliness doesn’t always stem from being alone; it often comes from feeling unseen or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. This is a topic that many of us struggle with in silence, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our guest today, Brandon Lee, is no stranger to this conversation. He’s an entrepreneur, coach, and writer whose work focuses on helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others. Through his own experiences and insights, Brandon has developed tools to help us combat loneliness by fostering meaningful, fulfilling relationships.

From finding the courage to share our true selves to learning how to build communities that support us, today’s episode will offer practical tools and strategies to help you feel seen, supported, and connected—no matter where you are in life.

So, if you’re ready to take a step toward overcoming loneliness and creating deeper connections, stay tuned. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

Welcome, Brandon Lee! [2:06]

Why is feeling ‘seen’ so critical for connection? [10:04]

What can retirees do to form deeper connections at this stage of life? [18:24]

What are some ways to take “small risks” as a way to deepen conversations? [24:18]

How can people stay motivated and patient while trying to build their community? [37:30]

What’s one takeaway for overcoming loneliness? [40:33]

How will Brandon find his personal Retirement Success? [43:39]

Episode Conclusion. [46:59]