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]