What happens when life as you know it is suddenly pulled out from under you?

For Ray Martin, the unraveling of his marriage, the death of his father, and the collapse of his career all came within months of each other. Left with nothing familiar to hold onto, Ray made a choice to let go of clinging to the life he had built.

What began as a six-month sabbatical turned into a 14-year journey across Asia. Along the way, Ray discovered mindfulness and a new definition of success that wasn’t tied to titles, possessions, or status. His experiences became the foundation of his book Life Without a Tie.

In this conversation, Ray shares the lessons he learned from starting over and the six rules of happiness that guide him today.

We’ll cover:

How Ray turned personal loss into a catalyst for growth

The most common regret people share at the end of life

What he discovered during a silent 10-day meditation retreat

The framework Ray calls his six rules of happiness

How to approach life transitions with greater clarity and purpose

Resources:
Life Without a Tie
Life Without a Tie on Amazon
Connect with Ray on LinkedIn

Life after work doesn’t come with a roadmap. But my guest today shows what can happen when you stay curious and keep saying “yes.”

David Danon has worn many hats: sailor, hair stylist, yoga teacher, Hollywood crew member, and musician. Now, in his seventies, he continues to surf, foil, and coach others on healthy aging. His journey is proof that reinvention can happen at any age.

In this episode, David shares:

How sailing and surfing shaped his outlook on life

Why curiosity has opened unexpected doors throughout his journey

The lessons yoga and meditation taught him about resilience and peace

Why vigilance and resolve are essential for healthy aging

The importance of creating purpose beyond career identity

Resources:

Visit David’s website

Self-Realization Fellowship

Some people step into retirement without a clear plan, while others see it as an open canvas. My guest today, Thom Barrett, retired at 55 after a successful career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and chose to fill his canvas with adventure, creativity, and service.

From kayaking off the coast of Antarctica to building furniture in his workshop, Thom has lived a life of bold exploration. Even as he faces stage four cancer, he continues to write, travel, and approach each day with intention.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Thom chose to retire early and pursue adventure

How travel and time in nature became both refuge and teacher

The lessons he’s learned about acceptance, vulnerability, and mindfulness

Why he began writing books and travel reflections during his illness

How he continues to live with purpose and presence despite new limitations

Resources:

The Edge of Now by Thom Barrett

Living While Dying, Chasing My Northern Lights, and more of Thom’s books

Visit Thom’s website