Re-think Retirement - a Next-Up Podcast

From Classrooms to Craftsmanship: Megan Rowland-Mitchell's Journey of Reinvention

In this inspiring episode of the Rethink Retirement podcast, we sit down with Megan Rowland-Mitchell, a true testament to the idea that it's never too late to learn something new and reinvent yourself. Born on the Isle of Wight, Megan was eager to explore beyond her small island community. After training as a teacher in Exeter, she pursued a vibrant career in London, only to find her true passion teaching English abroad in the stunning Alps.

Megan's journey took an unexpected turn when her father's illness brought her back to the Isle of Wight. Balancing a part-time job with caring for her parents, she faced the difficult realities of life and loss. Her father’s passing left her with not just memories, but a box of broken jewellery—pieces that would spark her next great adventure.

Tune in to hear Megan's transformative story: how she turned a box of broken heirlooms into a thriving jewellery business, and the lessons she learned along the way. From classroom to craftsmanship, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that unretirement can be a time of renewal and new beginnings.

Annie Stirk: Embracing a new chapter in her 70s as a model

After a diverse career encompassing teaching, lecturing, demonstrations, and television work, 74-year-old Annie Stirk has embarked on an exciting new journey as a model. For 35 years, Annie worked as a food stylist for television programs, spending five years each on "This Morning" and "Open House." She later established her own PR agency, Absolutely Food, where she delighted in telling incredible stories for her clients. While her husband retired, Annie's passion for work persisted, leading her to edit for Yorkshire Life and launch the "Time of Your Life" initiative.

One morning, a Facebook advert seeking models caught her eye. Responding to it led to numerous photo shoots, propelling her into the modeling world. Annie’s new career quickly gained momentum, landing her appearances on the BBC series "Take a Hike" and on billboards nationwide for meatless sausages. She also organized events like Silver and Sassie at Yorkshire Fashion Week and "Find Your Midlife Magic," empowering women to achieve great things. Embracing the freelance lifestyle, Annie's philosophy is simple: opportunities arise when you meet new people and say yes to new experiences.

Seas of Resilience: Amelia Dalton's journey from darkness to mastery

Embark on an extraordinary voyage with us as we delve into the captivating life story of Amelia Dalton, a true maritime maverick. In this podcast episode, we uncover the twists and turns that shaped Amelia's remarkable odyssey and led her to become a trailblazer in the world of seafaring.

Amelia's adventure began with a chance encounter in the Western Isles and the acquisition of a Danish boat, setting her on a path that would lead to unexpected destinations and profound transformations. 

Against the backdrop of a male-dominated industry, Amelia defied expectations and carved out her place as a commercial skipper, becoming the first female to do so in her sector. Her journey was fraught with challenges, yet through it all, Amelia remained undaunted, fuelled by a fierce determination to seize every opportunity that came her way. As she reflects on her experiences, she shares invaluable insights into the power of resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the transformative nature of adversity.

Amelia's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the enduring power of the sea to heal and inspire. From the rugged beauty of Scotland's islands to the far-flung corners of the globe, she has journeyed fearlessly, embracing life's challenges with courage and grace.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be inspired by Amelia's incredible journey, and discover the endless possibilities that await when you refuse to let life's storms define you.

Frances Harper's journey from secretary to filmmaker - a new start after 60

Frances Harper, a former secretary, embarked on a remarkable journey into filmmaking at the age of 60, inspired by a BBC Radio Suffolk story. Intrigued by Louise, a young sex worker, Frances felt compelled to share her story properly. Despite having no prior experience with a video camera, Frances purchased one and learned the ropes quickly.

Motivated by a newfound purpose, Frances reached out to Louise and proposed making a documentary to shed light on her life. The two formed an unexpected bond, with Frances not only documenting Louise's struggles but also actively supporting her by securing better living conditions. The resulting film caught the attention of the local BBC News office, leading to Frances being commissioned for a half-hour special that aired in February 2008.

Get ready to be inspired by Frances’ unlikely journey of empathy and impact. Her journey from secretary to filmmaker not only showcased her adaptability and determination but also brought attention to the plight of a young woman facing adversity. The experience left a lasting impact on Frances, reshaping her perspective and prompting positive changes in Louise's life.

 

There's no such thing as old age! Dancing through the decades with Jane Waring, Happy Dance.

In this uplifting episode of Rethink Retirement, we are thrilled to be joined by Jane Waring, the creative force behind Happy Dance, as our special guest. With over 30 years of experience in teaching dance, Jane is not only a qualified ballet dancer and choreographer but also a compassionate advocate for promoting joy and well-being through movement, especially among those aged over 55.

Join us as we dive into Jane's inspiring journey and the heart-warming story behind Happy Dance. Discover how she combines her extensive dance expertise with a passion for fostering connections and creating memories. Jane has a unique talent for bringing older individuals together to relive the magic of music and dance from various decades.

Jane firmly believes that age is just a number, and there's no such thing as being too old to enjoy the freedom of dance. With carefully choreographed routines catering to all fitness levels, Happy Dance ensures that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate and revel in the joy of movement.

Not only does Jane share her insights into the physical benefits of dance, but she also discusses the emotional and social impact it has - making it an inclusive and empowering community for all.

As we chat with Jane, she opens up about her personal philosophy—that life is meant to be embraced fully, and it's never too late to start. She reflects on the importance of taking oneself seriously and encourages everyone to seize every opportunity for self-expression and connection.

Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as we explore the power of dance, the beauty of shared memories, and the ageless spirit that Jane Waring and Happy Dance bring to people's lives. Tune in for a dose of positivity, laughter, and a celebration of the timeless joy found in movement and music.

Paul Owen dispels the misconception of sales and suggests that unretirement could be the perfect time to explore this path

Paul Owen not only believes in the skills of 50+ generations but he reckons these are the people who are the best sales people – yet seriously overlooked. Paul dispels the negative stereotypes around sales and says anyone older has been selling all their lives – from convincing a child to go to bed on time to persuading a friend to join you at a particular pub or restaurant.  These are all forms of selling!

Paul is a seasoned expert in sales coaching and is now applying his skills in new ways. He has learned from his parents who declined mentally when they gave up teaching and believes this period is no longer a time to stop and slow down the way it used to be. He argues individuals over 50 have huge untapped potential in sales, emphasising their life experiences are what qualify them.

Is Michael Skapinker’s journey the perfect unretirement story?

Listen to how Michael Skapinker planned his future and created a wonderful mix of life after work at the Financial Times.

Were there challenges?  Yes.  Michael says the biggest was transitioning from a fact-based career to one that was more emotionally focused. His journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating similar shifts in their post-career life

If you want to be inspired and get practical tips and ideas for your own journey after full time work (or that of a loved one) this podcast is a must for you.  Michael's story shows that unretirement can be a dynamic phase of life where you can continue to grow, learn, and contribute to society in meaningful ways. But you have to plan for it.  Is his journey a blueprint for a successful unretirement?

From corporate career to an empowered unretirement and personal fulfilment - Elton Mouna shares his story and advice on embracing change fearlessly.

In this episode, Victoria and Trevor are joined by Elton Mouna; former hospitality MD who has run three pubs; has been Head of Retail Marketing and Head of PR and Corporate Communications at Fuller's and the MD of London Pub Co Remarkable Pubs.

Metaphorically speaking, Elton has walked the hospitality industry walk and this has given him the knowledge and experience to talk the hospitality industry talk. He now has what he calls a wobby for a living (that's a work and hobby combo)! Elton talks about, writes about, broadcasts about and podcasts about the hospitality sector.

In this episode of the Rethink Retirement podcast, Elton explains how you can benefit from your years of hard work in 'unretirement', by getting out there and using your contacts. He redefines the perspective that most people have on how to network. 

"Work hard to get yourself noticed by people because they will then promote you" he says. He also shares his thoughts on striving for happiness. 

The next big demographic shift is on the horizon says Avivah Wittenberg-Cox.

Victoria Tomlinson is joined by Avivah Wittenberg Cox in this latest podcast episode, as they discuss the future of retirement, the value of intergenerational collaboration, and the business case for embracing the aging workforce.

Avivah is a thought leader renowned for her expertise in gender and generational balance. With over 20 years of consulting, coaching, and writing on these topics, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation.

“We need good, educated talent and a lot of that is over 50 and nearing what was traditionally retirement. Using the word retirement is staying in an old paradigm – which is that we had this 3-stage life of education, then work, then retirement. This model is obsolete and no longer entirely relevant. Now it’s about the 4-quarter life, and different ages and different stages require different things.”

Why should corporates, professional firms and public sector organisations care about how people retire? Listen now to find out and prepare to reshape your perspective on retirement and the potential of an age-diverse workforce.

From BBC Radio Producer to Teaching Fellow: A Career Shift Story with Layla Painter

Podcast Description: In this episode, we speak with Layla Painter, a former BBC Radio producer who made the decision to take voluntary redundancy and transition into teaching media students at university level.

Layla shares her journey of discovering new opportunities and utilizing her skills in a different way. She talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers and offers advice for those looking to make a similar transition.

Join us as we dive into Layla's inspiring story of taking a leap of faith and finding a fulfilling career path.