What Happens Next

What if the way you think about aging is actually shaping how you age?

In this episode, Chris Daems explores the groundbreaking "Counterclockwise Study" by Ellen Langer, revealing how mindset, environment, and the stories we tell ourselves can directly influence our physical and mental wellbeing.

Chris dives into how a group of men in their 70s and 80s experienced measurable improvements in memory, strength, posture, and even appearance, simply by immersing themselves in an environment that encouraged them to act younger.

This video challenges common beliefs about retirement, aging, and what is possible in later life. Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a financial planner, Chris shares why those who thrive in retirement are not just financially prepared, they bring curiosity, openness, and a powerful mindset into their next chapter.

💡 Key topics covered:

* The power of mindset and identity in aging * How your internal "story" shapes your future * Why it is never too late to change * Practical ways to redefine your next chapter

If you are in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, or planning ahead, this is a must-watch.

David Reeve discusses his groundbreaking work helping people navigate major life losses and transitions. This conversation goes beyond financial planning to address the emotional and practical aspects of rebuilding life after significant change or loss.

David introduces the 'Life Map' concept a holistic framework for understanding life transitions that extends far beyond money. While financial planning provides essential structure, David emphasizes that true transitions require addressing purpose, meaning, identity, and well-being.

Key Takeaways: - Life transitions are about much more than financial management - A holistic approach to change includes emotional and practical dimensions - Understanding purpose and meaning is critical during transitions - Well-being encompasses multiple life areas beyond finances - The 'Life Map' provides framework for comprehensive transition planning

David works with people navigating significant life changes, helping them understand that traditional financial advice, while important, doesn't address the deeper questions around purpose, values, and identity that emerge during transitions.

Whether you're facing loss, retirement, or major life change, this conversation offers perspective on building resilience and creating meaningful next chapters. Join us as we explore what truly matters when planning for life's transitions.

In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems unpacks why small, time-limited, and reversible actions help you navigate change with clarity and confidence. Instead of betting everything on one big, irreversible decision, you run tiny experiments for change: little tests that let you learn what actually fits before you commit.

Drawing on Anne-Laure Le Cunff's book Tiny Experiments, Chris shows how to think like a scientist or an engineer, taking one small step at a time. Whether you are questioning your routine, wondering if your ladder is up the right wall, or simply want more autonomy over your time, this is a genuine mindset shift: treat life as a lab, not an exam, and learn through doing rather than endless deciding.

Expect personal stories, client insights, and practical examples you can try straight away to start shaping your next chapter. If this resonated, please like, comment, and subscribe to help us support more people in navigating what is next with purpose and intention.

Roland Butcher and Dr Sasha Sutherland share honest insights about finding balance in your 50s and 60s, touching on topics that many of us struggle with quietly.

This conversation explores how life gets busy, how we fall out of balance, and what it really takes to get back on track. Sasha discusses her open water swimming practice, while Roland reflects on the importance of making time for physical wellness even when life is hectic.

Key insights include: (1) You must make time for exercise and wellbeing it doesn't happen by accident; (2) Mentorship and resilience go hand-in-hand when navigating change; (3) Purpose provides the foundation that helps you prioritize your health; (4) Community and connection matter during transitions; (5) Finding your people and building strong relationships is as important as financial planning.

About the guests: Roland and Sasha are experienced in helping people navigate midlife transitions while maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing. They understand the competing demands on your time and offer practical wisdom.

Discover how to stay balanced, build resilience, and lean on mentorship as you navigate what's next.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores the idea of the "third place", somewhere that is not home or work but gives you community, connection, routine, and a sense of belonging.

For decades, work can provide social interaction almost automatically. When you retire or gradually step away from your career, that structure can disappear. Chris explains why this can increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation in retirement, particularly during the first few years, and why finding a third place can be an important part of planning your next chapter.

Your third place could be a golf or padel club, Parkrun, Men's Shed, walking group, community choir, gardening club, University of the Third Age group, or somewhere completely different.

Chris also shares two practical exercises to help you assess your current social connections and discover a community that works for you, including the simple three visit rule.

Retirement planning is not only about having enough money. It is also about creating a life with purpose, community, wellbeing, and meaningful social connection.

What does it truly mean to be wealthy and how can we build a meaningful life beyond work, money and traditional retirement?

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems speaks with Gavin Dixon, leader of King's Church and King's Money Advice Centre (KMAC), about financial wellbeing, community, purpose and the transitions we face in our 50s, 60s and beyond.

Gavin shares powerful insights from his work supporting vulnerable people struggling with debt, financial abuse, mental health challenges and major life changes. He explains why debt is often accompanied by shame and isolation, how compassionate financial advice can transform lives, and why removing financial worry can be a form of wealth in itself.

Chris and Gavin also explore the dangers of the traditional "learn, earn and stop" retirement model. They discuss how purpose, faith, friendship, service and strong relationships can help us create fulfilling lives long before retirement arrives.

You'll hear moving real-life stories of people escaping overwhelming debt, rebuilding their confidence and discovering that wealth is about far more than the money in your bank account.

When was the last time you learned something that genuinely changed the way you think?

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores why lifelong learning is one of the most important investments you can make in your 50s, 60s and beyond. While many people see retirement as a time to slow down, the research tells a very different story. Staying intellectually curious can help maintain cognitive health, improve wellbeing and give your next chapter greater purpose and fulfilment.

Chris shares the latest evidence on lifelong learning, explains why curiosity is essential for a life well lived and introduces a simple 30 Day Learning Challenge that anyone can start today. You'll also discover practical learning platforms including MasterClass, Babbel, Coursera, Udemy and FutureLearn, plus ideas for combining learning with social connection, physical activity and personal growth.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems speaks with author and business founder Hugo Brooks about ambition, success and how our goals evolve through our 50s, 60s and beyond.

After more than 30 years building businesses and advising major global brands, Hugo reached a turning point. When his wife asked whether he truly wanted to repeat the same cycle again, he began questioning what had driven him for so long. That question led to his book, Ambition, and a deeper exploration of how ambition shapes our careers, relationships and sense of purpose.

Chris and Hugo discuss why ambition is not a destination, but a powerful human drive to make tomorrow better than yesterday. They explore "hero", "move up" and "be better" ambitions, the difference between moving towards success and running away from fear, and why many people climb the ladder only to discover it is leaning against the wrong building.

The conversation also examines retirement, artificial intelligence, changing definitions of work and how to build goals that reflect your values, life stage and changing world.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores the science and practical benefits of journaling — and why taking time to reflect could be one of the most powerful habits you develop as you move through a career transition, retirement, or simply rethink what you want from life.

Drawing on research from psychology and positive psychology, Chris looks at why effective journaling isn't simply about writing down your emotions. The real benefits come from using reflection to develop greater self-awareness, identify patterns, practise gratitude and understand what genuinely gives you energy and meaning.

Chris also shares four practical journaling prompts you can start using today, including questions around energy, gratitude, identity and the small experiments you're making in your life.

Are you feeling stuck in your 50s or 60s? Wondering what comes next but unsure where to start? In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems shares a powerful idea that can help you move forward without making risky, life-changing decisions.

Many people spend months or even years thinking about the next chapter of their lives. Whether it's retirement planning, a career change, relocating, volunteering, or finding a new purpose, the pressure to make the "right" decision can leave you frozen. Chris explains why the answer isn't a massive leap—it's a small experiment.