Ep 119: For many retirees, the question of who will serve as a power of attorney or executor is often answered by naming their children, but there is a growing population of "solo agers" who don’t have that traditional safety net. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sara Zeff Geber and Dr. Jay Zigmont to explore how those without children can navigate the complexities of aging, from managing healthcare decisions to protecting their financial legacy. We dive into the creation of the Child-Free Trust, a first-of-its-kind national service that provides professional fiduciary support to ensure you have a dedicated advocate in your corner, regardless of your family structure. Whether you are child-free by choice or circumstance, this conversation offers essential insights into building a secure, independent future and finding a support network that truly has your back.

Chapters:

04:11 – Defining Solo Aging: Dr. Geber defines solo agers as those 60+ who lack children or family they can depend on for support as they age.

05:03 – The Service Gap: Dr. Zigmont discusses the "existential crisis" of finding decision-makers for the 15 million child-free people over age 55 who lack a clear next of kin.

08:40 – Legal Protections: The guests highlight the importance of having legal paperwork in place to avoid falling into court-appointed guardianships or conservatorships.

13:27 – The Risk of Naming Friends: Dr. Zigmont and Dr. Geber discuss why relying on friends—who may be the same age or on vacation—can lead to significant burdens and complications.

17:32 – Child-Free Trust Logistics: A breakdown of the subscription model, which includes document creation, a $999 annual membership, and 24/7 emergency response for medical crises.

20:19 – Intentional Planning: Why solo agers should prioritize senior living communities to maintain social networks and ensure they have access to care as they stop driving or face frailty.

24:00 – Combating Elder Fraud: A look at how professional fiduciaries and trusted account contacts can help protect solo agers from sophisticated scams and abuse.

31:24 – Legacy and Purpose: An exploration of how to leave a meaningful "legacy without lineage" through mentorship, leadership, and leaving the world a better place.

37:12 – Challenges in Rural Maine: Dr. Zigmont explains why retirees in remote areas like Maine must stress-test their plans against limited local caregiving resources.

43:56 – Redefining Retirement Success: The guests share their personal definitions of success, focusing on a "next chapter" filled with meaning rather than a total cessation of work.

Ep 118: Are you feeling stuck in your career but not ready to retire — and definitely not ready to start from scratch? In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis sit down with career strategist Mike Dwyer, founder of Emplana Career, to reveal how professionals in their 50s, 60s, and beyond can pivot into their next chapter without losing all the progress they’ve already built.

Mike brings decades of experience from the private and public sectors and he shares how to outsmart today’s job-market challenges, beat the bots and AI that screen résumés, and use his proven five-day Emplana Career Framework to uncover new opportunities fast. From networking that actually works, to building a personal “career board,” to breaking into leadership roles or mission-driven organizations later in life, Mike gives listeners a playbook for creating meaningful, energizing work in the second half of life.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for me?”, this episode delivers the clarity, confidence, and inspiration to take your next step — without starting over.

Chapters:

Intro & Guest Background – Setting the stage and meeting Mike Dwyer of Emplana Career. [00:01–02:50]

Why Career Pivots Feel Hard – Mike’s journey, the résumé story, and why professionals feel stuck. [02:50–09:05]

Today’s Job Market Realities – AI, bots, applications disappearing, and how to fight back. [09:05–14:47]

Networking & Connection – Getting in the right rooms, networking for introverts, and building real relationships. [14:47–24:59]

The Emplana Career Framework – Mike’s 5-day workbook and how to explore roles without starting over. [19:16–28:32]

Leadership, Culture & Mentorship – Moving into management, evaluating culture, and finding helpful mentors. [28:32–45:18]

Energy from Innovation Ecosystems – How startups and mission-driven orgs unlock opportunities later in life. [49:51–53:10]

Retirement Success – Mike’s vision for easing into retirement with curiosity and purpose. [53:10–54:23]

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]