Beyond Retirement

Episode Summary In this deeply reflective episode, Jacquie speaks with J. Paul Nadeau, a man who spent his career saving lives through high-stakes negotiation, and later had to negotiate with something much closer to home: his own regrets. As a decorated detective, international peacekeeper, and crisis negotiator, Paul's professional identity was shaped by purpose and intensity. But what happens when that role ends? In retirement, Paul was confronted by what he calls "the ghost of missed opportunities" — a quiet but persistent voice of self-doubt and regret that tries to convince us our best years are behind us. Together, Jacquie and Paul explore what it takes to keep growing after life's big chapters have closed. They talk candidly about mental health, the ongoing nature of personal development, and how we can choose — day by day — not to let regret write our story. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth doesn't stop when the job ends. In fact, that might be exactly when it starts to matter most. Key Topics * Confronting identity loss after retirement * Understanding the "ghost of missed opportunities" * Emotional recovery after decades in high-pressure roles * Choosing daily growth over passive regret * The life-changing power of mindset, self-talk, and forgiveness Memorable Quotes * "The ghost of missed opportunities… it comes for all of us. The key is not letting it win." * "You didn't leave your value behind when you left your job." * "Growth is a choice we make — again and again — no matter how old we are." Listener Takeaways * Reflect on one regret you've been carrying. Is it still shaping how you see your future? * Ask yourself each week: What do I need more of right now? * Reframe your timeline — you're not behind, you're just in a new season of life. * Make one small move toward something you've always wanted to try. Resources & Links * J. Paul Nadeau's website: https://www.jpaulnadeau.com * Book: Take Control of Your Life * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulnadeau

Reinventing yourself after retirement is an option we all have.  It doesn't need to be a flashy, public spectacle. It can be as simple as deciding you're going to start choosing YOU first for a change. Maybe you've always wanted to take a pottery class; well, now you can! Or maybe you have a book hiding inside you, clawing to get out. Now's the time! You don't need anyone's permission... just follow what makes your eyes light up and your heart sing.

In this candid conversation, Jacquie reconnects with friend and guest Robaire Nadeau, a seasoned professional who is choosing reinvention over retirement. Robaire shares what it means to return to university at "north of 60", why age shouldn't define what's possible, and how personal passion can become the compass for a new chapter of life. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start again, this conversation is a warm reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity, lean into your potential, and reimagine your future. Following his retirement from full-time legal practice, Robaire founded the Centre for Contextual Negotiation™, where his team teaches others to navigate complex conversations, not with tricks or tactics, but through deep listening, presence, and perspective-taking. He sees negotiation not as argument, but as the art of helping people get to the heart of what matters. In one of the episode's more unexpected twists, Robaire introduces his alter ego as a mentalist, someone who blends performance, psychology, and human insight. He describes his work as "Magic for the Intelligent Mind." This practice allows him to connect with people on an emotional and philosophical level, challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity. It's not about deception; it's about awakening awareness. If you're interested in having Robaire work his magic on your group, reach out to him at https://stateofmind.ca [https://stateofmind.ca/]

In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on the powerful insights from her recent conversation with cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston—and explores what they mean for life after work. Retirement isn't just a financial shift—it's a cognitive, social, and emotional transformation. Jacquie walks listeners through the science behind memory changes, crystallized intelligence, and the identity shift that often hits after leaving full-time work. She discusses why cognitive challenges, social connection, stress management, and focused attention are critical pillars of brain health in retirement—and how to cultivate them intentionally. From avoiding multitasking burnout to using meditation and green tea to protect your hippocampus, this episode is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to help you thrive. Key Topics: * How identity and purpose shift after retirement * Why social interaction is a cognitive necessity, not a luxury * The dangers of retirement multitasking—and how to stay focused * Real ways to manage chronic stress for brain protection * The role of movement, mindfulness, and daily habits in long-term brain health Thought to Ponder: Are you structuring your retirement years for brain engagement, or letting distraction take the lead? Try This: Choose one activity this week that offers all three benefits: social connection, cognitive challenge, and joy.

Dr. Therese Huston discusses why cognitive changes in later life don't always signal decline and how to stay mentally strong with simple, science-backed strategies. Key Topics Covered: * The difference between normal memory lapses and concerning cognitive decline * How the brain actually gets better at certain things with age * Why "brain training" apps might not be as effective as you think, and what works better * The surprising link between movement and memory * How multitasking, stress, and  even retirement routines can cloud mental clarity * Daily strategies for staying sharp without overhauling your life * The emotional impact of memory concerns and how to manage that inner dialogue Action Steps: * Replace multitasking with focused, single-task attention once per day * Build a new memory-friendly habit around your existing routine (e.g., walking while reviewing your to-do  list) * Reframe "forgetting" as a cue to slow down, not as a failure * Grab your own copy of Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science You can contact Dr. Huston via her website: https://theresehuston.com Don't forget to check out her new book, Best Brain Ever, hitting stores on December 2, 2025!