I Used to be Somebody (Carl Landau)
Explore every episode of I Used to be Somebody
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sep 2021 | Andy Robin: Big Time High Tech Exec Living the Tapas Life | 00:32:40 | |
Carl loves tapas, so he was all in for this week's conversation with Andy Robin, author of the new book, The Tapas Life. Apparently Carl is the first interviewer that really wanted to talk about grilled sardines--one of those little savory and delicious Spanish bites. It turns out that tapas are actually a metaphor for creating a new life plan for your second act of life, by exploring a wide variety of wonderful options out there and trying out new experiences. Andy has had an unconventional path, from his early years of growing up in the U.S. and Mexico, to dropping out of college and forming a computer biz with his dad, and then eventually becoming a big time exec in the high tech world of Silicon Valley. He's got so many wonderful tips and ideas to help you create your own rewarding second act of life in his new book, and he shares many of them in this episode. • More about Andy Robin and "The Tapas Life:" https://www.tapaslife.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/andy-robin-interview-savoring-life-to-the-fullest • This week's sponsor is: lovemyheartstudy.com • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | Steve Hoffman: Food Writer and Author of French Countryside Experience! | 00:55:59 | |
How does a Tax Preparer from Minnesota end up moving his family to a little village in the French Countryside end up becoming an award-winning food writer and publishing his memoir about the experience with a big-time book publisher? Today's guest Steve Hoffman's story is so unlikely. Back in 2012, Steve dreamed of living in France with images of swimming in the ocean on the coast and then sipping with a wonderful glass of Rosé. The reality was that he brought his wife and two children to a hard-working, hot and dusty winemaking village. No one spoke English. To say the beginning of this adventure was rocky is a understatement. Once Steve and his family stepped back and let their French experience evolve on its own, it was transformative. It's all shared in his memoir, "A Season for That, Lost and Found in the Other Southern France". Steve still lives two lives. For 6 months a year, he runs his self-stated "boring" job of tax preparation that pays well and the other half of the year is devoted to his creative life, winning a James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. • More about Steve Hoffman: https://www.sjrhoffman.com/ • Steve's book "A Season for That": http://tiny.cc/z37uzz • Episode Content: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | Denise "Larana" Cerreta: James Beard Award for Humanitarian of the Year | 00:38:59 | |
Carl is a bit out of his all-business comfort zone when he interviews Denise "Larana" Cerreta, who has embarked on amazing spiritual journey and had successful businesses along the way. It all starts when Larana closed her acupuncture practice to open One World Everyone Eats Cafe. Her vision became one of the first community cafes in the world run 100% on donations-- you pay what you wish. The cafe was a huge success and Larana then founded the non-profit One World Everybody Eats foundation. The culmination was receiving a prestigious James Beard Foundation for Humanitarian of the Year in 2017. Denise also spent a year following the Dead and Company (formerly the Grateful Dead) and then wrote a book about her experience. Now she's entrepreneur again--listen to hear more! • More about Denise "Larana" Cerreta: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/2017-james-beard-foundation-humanitarian-of-the-year-denise-cerreta • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Denise-Larana-Cerreta-Interview-James-Beard-Award-for-Humanitarian-of-the-Year • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 10 May 2022 | "Sudden" Sam McDowell: All-Star Player with Hall of Fame Second Act | 00:57:00 | |
What a thrill this week for Carl to meet one of his childhood heroes, "Sudden" Sam McDowell, star of his beloved 1960's Cleveland Indians. Sam was a five time all-star pitcher who was deemed to be the next Sandy Koufax. He was a young superstar under great pressure, however. Sam tells us his career was fueled by alcohol and addiction. You don't need to be a sports fan to be inspired by Sam's amazing second act. After he was "thrown out of baseball", Sam's life hit rock bottom. He lost everything -- his family, his job, his will to go on. But Sam recovered and turned it all around in a big way. He became the very first sports psychologist and counselor for professional sports teams. His programs continue to help hundreds of players and their families deal with the same addictions he suffered. Fun fact: The popular TV Show "Cheers" based their Sam Malone character on Sam. • Sam's new book, The Saga of Sudden Sam: https://tinyurl.com/45nbruc6 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Sam-McDowell-Interview-All-Star-Player-with-Hall-of-Fame-Second-Act • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Dat Truong: High Tech Exec to Best Pho and "Grandma's Secret" | 00:57:05 | |
This is one of the best interviews we've ever had. Talk about an unlikely story! Dat Truong grew up in Vietnam and at 5 years old escaped just days before the fall of Saigon. He had careers on Wall Street and Silicon Valley but it wasn't until he moved to Portland, OR that he found his way to a life that he feels truly fits who he is today. What is "Grandma's Secret"? You're going to need to listen to find out! • More about Dat Truong: • Lela's Bistro: https://www.lelasbistro.com • Episode Content: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | Maxine Clark: Build-A-Bear Mega Founder Turns to Social Entrepreneurship | 00:49:16 | |
We have a celebrity sighting this month on the show......Maxine Clark. She is one of the true innovators in the retail industry. At age 48 she became a first-time entrepreneur and founded Build-A-Bear Workshop. Within just a few years, she took her company public on the New York Stock Exchange. Most importantly, she's had a big impact on millions of children and adults from their Build-A-Bear experience. What makes her story even more amazing is what Maxine is doing now her 70's... • More about Maxine Clark: https://clarkfoxstl.com/team/maxine-clark • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Maxine-Clark-Interview-Build-A-Bear-Mega-Founder-Turns-to-Social-Entrepreneurship • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | Suna Kneisley: "Kitty Hotel" Second Act Success Story! | 00:46:58 | |
We've gone CAT crazy this month on the podcast. They say cats have 9 lives. Our guest Suna Kneisley is probably on life #5. Her story starts in Korea where she was born. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest where she was the only Asian kid in town. At 12 years old, she helped run her family's 24-hour donut shop. In her 20's, Suna lands in Silicon Valley as a marketing exec at Intuit and Oracle. Eventually, she launched her own real estate investment company. And this is when things get even more interesting. She sees an opportunity and pounces on the Cat business, running a non-profit and buying a successful boutique Cat Hotel as a third, maybe 4th act. It's a super fun story full of lots of twist and turns. Suna is full of optimism and has some great (un)retirement advice for you! • More about Suna Kneisley: • Pat's Boarding House for Cats: https://patsplaceforcats.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Suna-Kneisley-Interview-Kitty-Hotel-Second-Act-Success-Story • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 06 Apr 2021 | Henry Schulman: Legendary Sports Beat Writer Swings for the Fences in (Un)Retirement | 00:57:08 | |
What a super fun conversation this week with Henry and Carl. Henry Schulman has been the beat writer for 30+ years covering the San Francisco Giants. He just retired a couple of months ago, so it's an interesting perspective from an (Un)Retirement newbie. The conversation is about way more than just sports. Henry raised by his Jewish immigrant parents who were also Holocaust survivors. He is very honest and frank about all the ups and downs in his career and life. His battle with cancer (and recovery) and all that entails being on the road for a long career. And Carl who is a lifelong Giants fan, couldn't help himself to ask about his relationship with the SF Giants' former star Barry Bonds. It's a no-holds-barred conversation. Henry is definitely going to squeeze fun and discovery into every minute of his new (Un)Retirement life and he shares his optimism for an adventurous future!
• For more about Henry Schulman: https://sanfranballscribe.blogspot.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Henry-Schulman-Interview-Its-Really-Not-Just-About-Baseball • This Week's Sponsor is The Monkey Creative: https://themonkeycreative.com • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | Ted Bahr: Drone King turns into 60's Rock Art Gallery Owner | 00:48:09 | |
This week's interview is a super fun one! There is something in this episode for everyone. What do the Grateful Dead, high tech 1980's, the advent of drones and psychedelic artwork have in common? Ted Bahr! You'll learn what it was like to be in the middle of the crazy, high tech world of magazine publishing at its explosion in the 1980's. Plus, Ted's journey from a prestigious media executive with a wife, 3 kids and a big mortgage who went for broke to become an entrepreneur for the first time in his 40's. At the height of the recession, Ted put all his chips on the table again with one of the first trade shows all about world of commercial drones. Today, Ted is living his childhood dream with the coolest second act in the world---as a gallery owner, collector and exhibitor of rare 60's rock vintage posters and artwork. • More about Ted Bahr and Bahr Gallery: https://www.bahrgallery.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Ted-Bahr-Interview-Drone-King-turns-into-60s-Rock-Art-Gallery-Owner • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 14 Dec 2021 | Carl Landau: Celebrating Episode #50 -- Our Host Reveals it ALL! | 00:42:21 | |
Do you like surprises? Our host Carl Landau is surprised by Diana Landau aka wife/content wrangler/blogger when she interviews HIM for a change. Yes, for one special episode the mic gets turned around and Carl is on the hot seat answering questions about his life and weird journey from challenged student (before anyone knew that dyslexia was a thing) to successful entrepreneur and publisher to third act podcaster and mediocre pickleball player. You'll find this lively conversation entertaining, while Diana is enjoying her day in the host chair and grilling her guest. (Well, maybe just little.) At the conclusion they reveal a surprise about the future of the I Used to be Somebody show. • More about Carl Landau: https://pickleballmediahq.com/team • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/carl-landau-interview-celebrating-episode-50 • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 07 Sep 2020 | I Used to be Somebody -- Episode 0 | 00:02:30 | |
I Used to Be Somebody is for Baby Boomer Entrepreneurs and Execs who had big careers. Each week we interview cool, inspiring people about their retirement challenges and why and how they figured it out—turning this phase of our lives into an incredible, rewarding reality. I’m also using myself as a test case. Through the sharing of personal stories of challenge and success, we can all achieve so much more! Oh, and we talk a little about Pickleball. | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | Stephanie Stuckey: Rebuilding Stuckey's a part of Americana | 00:50:26 | |
This month's guest Stephanie Stuckey brings Carl down memory lane. He has great childhood memories of begging his mom for a Stuckey's Stop, a popular roadside oasis in the 60's! Apparently, there are millions of people that have the same memory. At its height, there were over 350 Stuckey's stores across the country filled with candy, novelty toys and their world famous pecan log rolls. Stephanie's grandfather sold the business in 1964 and over the course of time the Stuckey's stores were in a state of disrepair. The brand was practically extinct when Stephanie bought back the business in 2019. She and two business partners have totally rebranded and modernized the company. The Stuckey's story and Stephanie Stuckey's personal life journey from a public defender to politician to entrepreneur are truly inspiring. • More about Stephanie Stuckey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Stuckey • More about Stuckey's: https://stuckeys.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Stephanie-Stuckey-Interview-Rebuilding-Stuckeys-a-part-of-Americana • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | Bob Tuschman: Former Food Network Exec Now Gets High Ratings in the Classroom | 00:54:22 | |
Carl talks with Bob Tuschman, former Food Network Senior Vice President and General Manager. He has had many other cool job titles, as you will learn when you listen.To say Bob “worked his way up to the top” is an understatement! From production assistant to Diana Ross’s personal assistant, from “Good Morning America” producer to the Food Network, Bob seized every opportunity that came his way. Now happily teaching at NYU, Bob give some great (Un)Retirement advice that people really need to plan for their retirement. And he provided the process he created to develop a successful Second Act / (Un)Retirement Happy Life. (Un)Retirement Advice: 40:02 Pickleball Life Lessons with Mo: 48:40 More About Bob Tuschman Past: https://wwhttps://www.foodnetwork.com/profiles/talent/bob-tuschman/bio Now: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/bob-tuschman
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| 19 Oct 2021 | Dan Kennedy: Biz Publisher Creates Zen Life! | 00:40:02 | |
Super interesting episode this week with Carl's guest, Dan Kennedy. This is a first-- a guest who lived in a monastery with no talking and contact with the outside world in his youth. That experience had an amazingly positive effect on Dan Kennedy's life and Second Act. He had a big time career as a biz publisher mentoring hundreds of business people along the way and now is teaching MBA students. He even makes inroads in attempting to teach the Zen philosophy to our curmudgeon host.
• More about Dan Kennedy: https://gsm.ucdavis.edu/profile/daniel-kennedy
• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/dan-kennedy-interview-biz-publisher-creates-zen-life
• Sponsored this week by LoveMyHeartStudy.com:
• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 11 May 2021 | Jack Gallagher: Comedian, Writer, Actor, Musician, and Larry David's Doctor! | 01:02:17 | |
We've got a super entertaining interview this week with the very talented and funny Jack Gallagher. He is nationally known because he was a regular at the Improv in the '80's when comedy clubs were super hot, had appearances on the Tonight show with Johnny Carson and Conan, is an award winning television host of a PBS series, and has a recurring role on the hit HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm". But Carl knows Jack best because of Jack's eight incredible one man shows he's written and starred in. Just like his shows, Jack will make you laugh and cry and just think of the world in a little different way. • More about Jack Gallagher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Gallagher_(comedian) • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jack-Gallagher-Take-a-Chance • Subscribe to the free "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | Renel Brooks-Moon: Former Radio Personality Breaks Barriers as Baseball Announcer | 00:43:58 | |
Warning: Carl turns into super-fanboy this week when he gets a chance to talk with Renel Brooks-Moon. She has broken barriers as a baseball announcer whose accomplishments are enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan like Carl, you will be inspired by the incredible second act story of how a young woman of color breaks into the world of radio in the '80's, co-hosts the highly popular "morning zoo" show and then became the beloved public address announcer of the San Francisco Giants. Twenty-two years later and 3 World Championships later Renel is still inspiring girls and young woman around the world. Plus one oldish Jewish host. • More about Renel Brooks-Moon: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Renel-Brooks-Moon-Interview-Former-Radio-Personality-Breaks-Barriers-as-Baseball-Announcer • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 14 May 2024 | Martinus Evans: Founder of Slow AF Run Club | 00:39:24 | |
The Martinus Evans story is a very surprising one. As an adult he had many jobs, including a career as a suit salesman at The Men's Warehouse. Being on his feet 10 hours a day caused him hip pain. He saw a doctor that said, "Your hip hurts because you're too fat. You should walk to lose weight." Martinus was shocked and angered by his doctor's words. And then he turned that into the goal to run a marathon. He's never looked back. Martinus launched a blog, 300 Pounds and Running, is an 8-time marathon runner, formed the Slow AF Run Club that now has 30,000+ members, graced the cover of Runner's World and is now a bestselling author of th book The Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run. In his common sense, wickedly funny way Martinus inspires all of us to get off the couch and work toward for our dreams! • More about Martinus Evans: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Martinus-Evans-Interview-Founder-of-Slow-AF-Run-Club • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal and Arizona Pickleball Adventure: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | Dan Blank: Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship! | 00:36:37 | |
Dan Blank was "the art kid" in school who eventually grew up to become a pioneer in the new age of Content Creation. In the midst of the last recession, he then made the bold move to first-time entrepreneurship and launched WeGrowMedia. Now 12 years later, Dan has helped thousands of other people launch their new businesses successfully. Dan has tons of solid (Un)Retirement advice and he helps his clients (and our listeners) learn how to effectively clarify. communicate and collaborate to accomplish their Second Act goals. It's not surprising that often as we grow older, we tend to get more fearful of failure. Dan talks about ways to stay on track and focus on the projects of our dreams. • More about Dan Blank: https://wegrowmedia.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dan-Blank-Interview-The-Best-Kind-of-Road-Map • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | Paul Giobbi: High Tech Entrepreneur Starts "The Exit Club" | 00:46:03 | |
Carl talked to big-time entrepreneur Paul Giobbi about what it's like to build a company into a high tech power house, sell the business interest and then face a midlife retirement. It sounds easy but it's not. Paul has been on an amazing journey for the past 4 years and we take you with us on the ride. It all started when Paul was 11 years old and he went to work in the family publishing and events business. Instead of participating in school sports, he spent his time working. He eventually left the family business and worked in tech. In 2000, he co-founded Zumasys, a fast-growing technology company. Over two decades later, Paul sold off his business interest. Like many people, the transition has not been an easy one for him. "When you decide to step away from your primary act in life, it challenges your relationships, your identity, your ego." He tried to find a peer group for mid-life advice to minimize the sudden isolation and lack of purpose but couldn't find one. So he started "The Exit Club", to connect with others going through the same transition. Paul reflects on it all and says, "It took a while to learn who I am was not my business". • More about Paul Giobbi: • More about Paul Walks: https://paulwalks.com/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Paul-Giobbi-High-Tech-Entrepreneur-Starts-The-Exit-Club • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: | |||
| 08 Jun 2021 | Tim Jordan: From Print Biz to Cool Coffeehouse Vibe | 00:47:21 | |
We all sit in a coffeehouse or restaurant and think, "I'd like to start my own!" With no experience in roasting coffee beans or baking deliciousness, and a few glasses of wine, Tim Jordan and Jason, his future business partner, did exactly that. Tim talks about his midlife crisis that lead him to his decision to leave a big-time printing career to start Old Soul Company as a first-time entrepreneur. He shares how he overcame some of the pain points and craziness of starting a new biz as well as his own personal journey to find happiness in life. • More about Tim Jordan and Old Soul Co: https://oldsoulco.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Tim-Jordan-Interview-From-CEO-to-Old-Soul • Subscribe to the free "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe
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| 16 Mar 2021 | Chris Welles: Safari Vacation + Rhino = Life Changing Second Act | 00:39:31 | |
About 10 years ago, Chris Welles took a big family trip (which he was hesitant to go on) to East Africa. The safari adventure was transformative for him. He fell in love with Kenyan wildlife and more importantly, the people. Chris's story is amazing! He ended up giving up his very successful executive recruiting business and without any experience whatsoever in the apparel business, he launched American Rhino. He also created a foundation to help support Kenyan wildlife conservation, as well as the local communities. There are so many life lessons learned in this episode. Plus a ton of laughs shared between Chris and Carl.
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| 14 Sep 2021 | Michael Clinton: Former President of Hearst Magazines -- Don't Retire...Rewire! | 00:39:09 | |
This week Carl has a great conversation with the amazing Michael Clinton who had a big time career as an executive at two of the most iconic publishing houses in the world Hearst and Conde Nast. In his mid-forties he thought "he was the most boring person in the world" and started a portfolio of travel and adventures. Becoming a private pilot, writer, photographer, traveling to 124 countries, and completing a marathon in seven continents. It's all in his new book ROAR -- Into the Second Half of Your Life! • More about Michael Clinton: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Clinton • Michael's book ROAR: https://roarbymichaelclinton.com/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/ • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 23 Sep 2020 | Moira McGarvey Black: From Media Exec to Best-Selling Author | 00:41:42 | |
Moira McGarvey Black never plans on retiring! After a lucrative career with Conde Nast in NYC, (working for GQ, Allure, Lucky, etc.) in 2007 Moira pivoted to becoming an executive recruiter. Ten years later, McGarvey Black decided to pursue her passion and a new career as a writer. Three best-selling novels later, the psychological thrillers explore searching for the real truth. Always unafraid to try new things, Moira’s next novel will be a romantic comedy. Carl and Moira talk about changing careers without fear and never looking back. (Un)Retirement Advice: 20:22
More About Moira McGarvey Black: http://www.mcgarveyblack.com
• Subscribe: I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 16 Feb 2021 | Val Haller: Music Maven with a Good Beat! | 00:44:14 | |
Our show is now way more cool with this week's guest, Val Haller. She is the founder of Val's List, which is a boutique music site unlike any other. She creates awesome playlists just for 50+, so they can easily get to know new groups on the scene. Val is a high energy, right brain-artist-entrepreneur who wants to bring great music to everyone...one note at a time. You'll be motivated whether you're a music aficinanto or novice. A fun listen to someone truly young at heart!
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| 02 Nov 2021 | Mark Shaiken: Discovering his Wonderful "Afterlife" Beyond 41 Years of Law | 00:40:02 | |
Mark Shaiken talks with Carl about what comes next after a big career as a successful attorney. The questions started in his 50’s-- “Well, what else can I do?” The answers were not so easy for him then. “It’s sort of a loaded question,” says Mark. “The truth is there are lots of things we can do.” Carl agreed that sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in something when you're pretty good at it. Decades can fly by. At the 32:23 time mark you can listen to Carl's short update interview, hear from Mark about his wonderful "afterlife" and learn about his first fiction book, a legal thriller, called Fresh Start. The original interview aired one year ago. • Learn more about Mark Shaiken visit: https://www.markshaikenphoto.com/books • Episode Content: • Sponsored this week by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: | |||
| 27 Oct 2020 | Jim Roddy: Media Exec Turns Biz Coach with "The Walk on Method" | 00:41:38 | |
Jim Roddy is our guest this week, talking about his new book, The Walk on Method to Career & Business Success. It takes a unique skill set to have the courage to persevere and achieve your goals as a college athlete, particularly without the benefit of being recruited or having a scholarship. Carl and Jim discuss what it's like to be the underdog and what habits it takes to have a successful career and enjoy (Un)Retirement success.
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| 22 Jun 2021 | Susan Stewart: Golf Pro Turned Successful Specialty Retailer + LBGTQ Leader | 00:45:36 | |
Do you know someone that has a 5th gear level energy for life? That's Susan Stewart! She shares her personal journey growing up queer in Palm Springs, CA. She was a golf prodigy as a child and ended up following that passion and becoming a golf pro. Which eventually led her to a corporate resort merchandising career and then---risking it all to step away from corporate life to open her own amazing and successful store. Susan truly cares about people and has become a community leader who brings everyone together!
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| 22 Sep 2020 | Joe Pulizzi, Godfather of Content Marketing: Make Your Own Good Luck! | 00:48:35 | |
Joe Pulizzi sold his company for $17.9 million in 2016. Back in 2007, the game-changing surge of the Internet mandated that companies would have to develop a new business model to survive and grow. Joe founded the Content Marketing Institute from his living room with one big idea: the powerful concept of Content Marketing. Soon everyone wanted to learn more about how to create a better media brand and provide valuable content. Joe and his wife Pam grew the company quickly and in 2011 launched Content Marketing World, a live event attracting thousands of attendees every year. Carl talks with Joe about how to grow and sell a successful company, and a strategy to figure out what comes next. (Un)Retirement Advice: 35.18 More About Joe Pulizzi: Joe is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, author and podcaster. https://www.joepulizzi.com • Subscribe: I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Jed Smith: Creative Marketing Exec Thrives in Italy as Artist | 01:00:34 | |
We've all been on vacation to some wonderful places in the world and said to ourselves, "I wonder if I could live here?" That is as far as most of us go. Jed Smith -- actually did it! He made the move to Italy in his mid-50's and has thrived there ever since. Jed transformed himself from marketing exec into an accomplished painter, photographer and writer. He loves his new-found Italian culture and lifestyle so much that now he helps others who are interested in moving to Italy. He has truly an inspirational story of a boy who grew up in the South with little confidence and now has taken on the world! • More about Jed Smith: https://italywise.com/contact • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jed-Smith-Interview-Creative-Marketing-Exec-Thrives-in-Italy-as-Artist • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey COMPASS: https://www.mikeownbey.com • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 25 Oct 2022 | Richard Eisenberg: Journalist Money Magazine, People, Yahoo and PBS's Next Avenue on (Un)Retirement | 00:52:00 | |
Carl had the opportunity to meet one of the legends in the personal finance world and a founding father of the (un)Retirement Movement -- Richard Eisenberg. He has spent 40+ years as reporter, editor, writer, producer and popular podcast host for iconic media brands such as Money Magazine, People, Good Housekeeping, Yahoo and MoneyWatch. But what is probably one of the more interesting things we learn about is his advice for others, who are looking to retire now or just recently (un)retired, just like he did just did 9 months ago. A sudden blank calendar can be very scary.......or an exciting opportunity. • More about Richard Eisenberg: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Richard-Eisenberg-Interview-Journalist-Money-Magazine-People-Yahoo-and-PBSs-Next-Avenue-on-unRetirement • Sponsor Capital Advantage: • Sponsor How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsor The Monkey Creative: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | Carl's Comedy Special | 00:48:47 | |
It's summer bonus time in the Landau tiki bar! Yes, in one episode you get to listen to all the goofy "openers" of the podcast episodes--short funny phone conversations for another laugh. At the end is a special treat -- Carl's first stand-up show, 12 minutes of comedy gold! • Website: https://pickleballmediahq.com • Sponsor: Pickleball for Dummies book: https://pickleballmediahq.com/book • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 09 Feb 2021 | Andy Levine: Mr. Second Act Stories Host Juggling His Own Second Act | 00:39:06 | |
This week's interview was different, as Carl interviewed the person that may be the all-time expert about (un)retirement. Over the last 3 years, Andy Levine has interviewed 90+ guests for his own show". He also happens to be in the process right now of creating his own Second Act. He's phasing out of his big-time career and "testing out" 5 completely different acts. It's a lot of trial and error. And predictably he provides a whole boatload of amazing (Un)Retirement advice!
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| 13 Apr 2021 | Melissa Davey: M. Night Shyamalan Chance Encounter Launches Film Director Second Act | 00:52:14 | |
Melissa Davey's story is simply a delight. What is the probability that a 65 year-old successful insurance executive has a chance encounter with a world renowned film director and then is inspired to make her own movie? Just how happenstance led Melissa to create her Second Act would make a great movie script. Her story is one of inspiration and her advice is to always take the detour in life. Now 71, Melissa completed her moving documentary, Beyond Sixty and is inspiring tens of thousands of older people. The film is about the fascinating lives and accomplishments of women in their 60's, 70's and beyond. As Melissa says, "The film brings women's voices forward...and there is still have much time left to do new things." Her story inspired Carl to pursue making his own documentary, a lifelong dream of his. It's never too late! • Melissa Davey's Beyond Sixty Project: https://www.beyondsixtyproject.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Melissa-Davey-Interview-Take-that-Detour • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | Pickleball Bonus Episode | 00:44:08 | |
Carl (also now a co-author) celebrates the debut of PICKLEBALL FOR DUMMIES, now Amazon's #1 best-selling pickleball book. Super fun lead-in with three past guests: comedian Greg Schwem, pickleball aficionado Bob Franceschelli and pickleball author Mike Branon. They muse about their first pickleball experience and their obsession with today's fastest growing sport in America. Mo Nard (Co-Author) chimes in, totally stoked after stepping off her live television interview on the pickleball court. Chuck Menke of USA Pickleball rounds out the episode with a perspective on the sport's popularity and what the future looks like! We'll return to our normal I Used to be Somebody programming in just two weeks (October 25th).
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| 18 May 2021 | Cinde Dolphin Interview: Big-Time Beer Exec Becomes Unlikely Entrepreneur | 00:44:22 | |
You can't help but be pumped up after listening to Cinde Dolphin. Despite some challenges at home she became determined at a young age to be a positive person and an agent for change. And the rest is history! Cinde helped Coors forge a new frontier-- the East Coast markets. Remember when Coors wasn't actually sold "East of the Rocky Mountains"? Along the way, Cinde battled four bouts with cancer and has emerged stronger than ever. She left the beer biz and took a deep dive into social media marketing for the wine industry. Determined to improve the lives of cancer patients, (and because of her experience as a patient), she was spurred on to become a first- time entrepreneur/ inventor in the medical supply industry. Through all her life experiences, Cinde has embraced change and risk. She says, "The shoe can drop at any time, so maybe that's what makes me risk-involved, I can afford to take chances. It makes me appreciate making every day special." • More about Cinde Dolphin: https://medicaldraincarrier.com/news
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| 09 Jul 2024 | Mary-Lou Nash: Moves to South Africa and becomes a Winemaster! | 01:06:39 | |
In 1995, Mary-Lou Nash showed up in South Africa on a whim with just a backpack. And she never left. Today she is a Winemaster of her own brand, Black Pearl Wines, producing some of the best wines in the country and it's even sold in some high profile locations in the US. She was born in England, grew up with a determined New England attitude and has thrived in South Africa. She had no experience in growing grapes, harvesting or making wine. In fact, before arriving in South Africa she was a beer drinker and who occasionally would drink cheap jug wine. Her story is one of taking chances, a lot of hard work and dogged perseverance. She even shares a recent harrowing experience that has led her to an entirely new lifestyle, which she explains and now loves. Mary-Lou Nash is a true inspiration! • More about Mary-Lou Nash and Black Pearl Wines: https://blackpearlwines.com/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mary-Lou-Nash-Interview-Moves-to-South-Africa-and-becomes-a-Winemaster • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal, Pickleball Adventure: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 23 Mar 2021 | Mike Branon: Construction Mogul Turns Zen Pickleball Instructor | 00:42:31 | |
It's been an interesting and wild 60 year ride for Mike Branon. After some ups and downs in life, Mike became an entrepreneur in the 1990's, finding a niche in construction storage units. That business took off to the point that he was able to sell his business and retire at 40 years old. During the past 20 years Mike has reinvented himself many times -- as a microbrewery owner, teacher, philanthropist, world traveler, massage therapist and now a Pickleball Instructor and first-time book author. Mike wrote Pickleball & the Art of Living in 2020 during the pandemic, trapped on a cruise ship near the shores of Australia for 20+ extra days. Mike shares his lessons learned and secrets to a happy, adventurous (un)retirement life. • For more about Mike Branon: https://www.mikebranon.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mike-Branon-Interview-Keep-Moving-Forward • This week's sponsor The Monkey Creative: https://themonkeycreative.com • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Meet the (Un)Retirement Experts -- Paul Long, Gary Sirak and Dr. Ron Kaiser | 01:15:48 | |
THREE for the price of one! What a deal. Yes, we're shaking things up in this episode with a little different format. Instead of just one guest who's had a really interesting second act, we're talking to 3 great minds in the (un)retirement world. With a little twist is that they are from three different age perspectives. Meet Paul Long a former TV newscaster, weatherman, film content creator who just created a movement "New Way Forward" (1:58). Gary Sirak is an author, speaker and financial advisor best known for writing How to Retire and Not Die (30.12) And Dr. Ron Kaiser a psychologist, coach, keynote and TEDx speaker, podcast host and author of REJUVENAGING. (51:04) • More about Paul Long: https://www.newwayfwd.com/story/ • More about Gary Sirak: https://garysirak.com/about-gary/ • More about Dr. Ron Kaiser: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Meet-the-Unretirement-Experts-Interview-Paul-Long-Gary-Sirak-and-Dr-Ron-Kaiser • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | Jordan (Doc G) Grumet: Former Doc Shares How to Live a Regret-Free Life | 00:56:26 | |
It took Carl 89 episodes but he finally found a former doctor who has created an amazing second act. Not just any doctor, "Doc G" has a super popular podcast (Earn & Invest) and is a best-selling author. His story is a dramatic one. After 15 years of being an internal medicine doc he found himself totally burnt out and had some sort of breakdown. He found his passion and voice in becoming a podcast star, talking about investing and giving people life advice on how to find true happiness and purpose. He shares some of the best (un)retirement advice we've ever learned on the show gleaned from his new book "The Purpose Code". Great episode to end 2024! • More about Jordan (Doc G) Grumet: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: | |||
| 12 Oct 2021 | Bob Franceschelli: Big Time Beer Exec Turns into Pickleball Fanatic | 00:43:08 | |
Carl is in seventh heaven having a chance to talk to the one and only Bob Franceschelli who had a big time career at Anheuser Busch and is now "a big muckety muck" in the world of Pickleball. They get to talk about the early days of the craft beer industry and the mindful planning required in developing a new passion in life. A whole potpourri of topics are covered, including their fondness of the Midwest, making homemade maple syrup, RVing, bad batches of homebrew and their mutual love of PICKLEBALL. • More about Bob Franceschelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfranceschelli • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Bob-Franceschelli-Interview-Big-Time-Beer-Exec-and-now-Pickleball-Fanatic • Sponsored this week by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | Joe Saul-Sehy: "Stacking Benjamins" in his Mom's Basement! | 01:02:20 | |
Carl interviews "Stacking Benjamins" host Joe Saul-Sehy. Joe is a former financial advisor and has represented American Express and Ameriprise in media. He left his financial advisor career at age 40 and reinvented himself into what he truly wanted to do. He was the "Money Man" on WXYZ-TV in Detroit and has appeared in countless newspapers and magazines, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and more. And now, his award-winning podcast is one of the most listened to in the personal finance sphere. Plus, he's funny as hell! (Full disclosure: Carl is a total fanboy of the show.) Joe's show Stacking Benjamins has the same tone as the former NPR show "The Car Guys". With Car Guys, you didn't need to be a car person to love listening to the show. Same can be said about Joe's show. You don't need to be financial investment aficionado to love listening. Joe and his cast of characters make it entertaining to listen to a subject matter that is generally perceived as dull to the general public. "Stackers" (reference to the listeners of the show) are anything but bored listening to him and his sidekick Josh Bannerman (AKA OG), Doc G, Paula Pant and of course Mom's Neighbor Doug. Oh, the running gag is that the show is produced in Joe's Moms basement. Joe is a perfect example of an (un)retirement success story. As a young man he was personally a financial disaster. Ironically, he became a very successful financial adviser. But at 40 he realized he liked his job but didn't love it. He sold his business. And 18 years later he's become a financial media star. Helping hundreds of thousand listeners stacking benjamins one at a time! • More about Joe Saul-Sehy: • Joe's Book STACKED: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Joe-Saul-Sehy-Interview-Stacking-Benjamins-in-his-Moms-Basement • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour: • Subscribe to "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | Scott Miller: "Roger That" -- Pilot, Professor, Broadcaster and Tiki Aficionado! | 00:35:06 | |
Who would imagine that they would land their dream job in their mid-fifties? That is exactly what happened when Scott Miller, who even as a boy wanted to fly, finally became a pilot for a major commercial airline. This is a really interesting episode where Scott and Carl talk about facing their fears head on. And Carl is thrilled when he finally gets to talk Tiki with Scott, who has his own "bamboo rendezvous" in his home and is also part owner of the Jungle Bird tiki bar. Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/scott-miller-interview-roger-that-push-past-your-fears Sponsored this week by LoveMyHeartStudy.com: Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Bob Wolfe: The Pinot Guy now Pickleball Guy | 00:55:15 | |
Carl gets his Sideways fix in with his interview with Bob Wolfe. In the movie, actor Paul Giamatti plays a serious Pinot fanatic. In real life, Bob Wolfe is one of the foremost Pinot Noir experts. In fact, people simply refer to Bob simply as The Pinot Guy! There is something for everyone in this fun-filled interview, besides Pinot Noir talk. You'll learn what it's like to grow up in a tiny rural farming town, working on a nuclear submarine, and even what it's like to get a 4:30am call with Donald Trump way back in the day. Bob is totally forthcoming about finding himself at a crossroads in his life. He's figuring out how to step away from the day-to-day of his successful wine business, while also embarking on a completely new second act as a professional pickleball instructor traveling the world. You're going to love this pinot to pickleball story! • More about Bob Wolfe: • Episode Content: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 05 Jan 2021 | #1 Voted Best Episode of 2020 | 00:35:01 | |
The "I Used to be Somebody" #1 voted podcast episode winner goes to (drum roll)...Debb McColloch Debb McColloch explains what it was like to go from a big time job with a $100 million dollar budget and 75+ people working for her to the very next day (retirement), when no one wants your opinion! Whether we want to admit it or not, our career defines some part of our identity. Deborah explains how she figured it all out and gives some great (Un)Retirement advice!
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| 19 Jan 2021 | Richard Haiduck: Life Science Exec Shifting Gears to First Time Author at 73 | 00:46:14 | |
Carl is ecstatic when he discovers that this week's guest Richard Haiduck not only actually plays pickleball, but he knows that Miami University is actually in Ohio not Florida. Richard Haiduck talks about amazing stories he learned when writing Shifting Gears: 50 Baby Boomers Share Their Meaningful Journeys in Retirement. Richard has a remarkable life in his own right. He has had the opportunity to live around the world, been CEO of many successful Biotech companies and created a very rewarding consulting business, where he mentored new CEO's. Richard, age 73, just published his first book and still cycles 3,000+ miles a year! • To learn more about Richard Haiduck visit: https://richardhaiduck.com • This Week we're sponsored by 032 Outsourcing: Call 214.403.3755 or visit: https://032outsourcing.com • To subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter visit: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 12 Jan 2021 | Chris Farrell: Triple Threat -- Journalist, Economist, Radio Host, Purpose and a Paycheck! | 00:45:35 | |
Best-selling author, radio host and economist Chris Farrell combined scholarly research with firsthand reporting to debunk the popular myth that an aging population is a burden on the economy. People in the second half of life can be as creative, innovative and entrepreneurial as their younger peers! To learn more about Chris Farrell visit: https://chrisfarrell.net This Week we're sponsored by 032 Outsourcing: Call 214.403.3755 or visit: https://032outsourcing.com | |||
| 30 Mar 2021 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Creating Your Own Dream Job | 00:40:36 | |
Caroline is a dynamo in every sense. In her college years, she was a very accomplished classical pianist and studied at the world famous Juilliard School. Even though she was incredibly talented, she figured out at this young age that she didn't have a passion for it and quit. She eventually went on to big success as a career coach for some of the most successful companies in the world, appearing as an expert on major TV network business shows, writing columns in Forbes and now has a successful real estate business in Costa Rica. In her spare time, she's a stand up comedian and writing and producing horror films. She is a true inspiration---to follow ALL your dreams and do what makes you happy in life! • For more about Caroline Ceniza-Levine: cenizalevine.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Caroline-Ceniza-Levine-Interview-Do-What-You-Love-to-Do-And-Quit-What-You-Dont • This week's sponsor The Monkey Creative: https://themonkeycreative.com • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 23 Feb 2021 | Devon Zagory: Food Safety Scientist Turns Reluctant Entrepreneur | 00:33:33 | |
Today Carl talks with Devon Zagory -- one of the world's foremost experts on food safety. Not so exciting, you might think. But Devon's life journey has been anything but boring. This hippie college dropout hitchhiked around the world, found clarity in drug exploration and ends up not only graduating from college but obtaining a PHD and a second degree, with a passion for helping poor farmers in rural countries around the world. After years of financial struggles, Devon became a reluctant entrepreneur and eventually a multi-millionaire. It's quite a trip! And now he shares what he is discovering about himself in (un)retirement. It's fascinating. • To subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com • For more information, visit the web blog: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Devon-Zagory-interview-Food-Safety-Superhero | |||
| 11 Jan 2022 | Greg Schwem: Funniest Pickleball Player in the World | 00:45:20 | |
Carl is in "pickleball" heaven this week since he got to interview the very funny Greg Schwem. Not only is Greg a talented comedian but also happens to be a kick-ass pickleball player! Greg talks about the amazing third act (or is it fourth?) he created for himself, as the producer/director/writer/star of the TV show "A Comedian Crashes Your Pad". Greg also shares some great advice for anyone looking to reinvent themselves in the second half of their life. And as a bonus, Carl admits he has own fledgling comedy career. • More about Greg Schwem: https://www.gregschwem.com • More about A Comedian Crashes Your Pad: • Episode Content: https:// • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | Audrey Hitchcock Finds Her Passion Making Buffalo Mozzarella | 00:49:07 | |
Who starts a second act raising water buffalo and making cheese? That's what Audrey and her husband Craig Ramini did. In 2009, Craig went on Craigslist and bought 5 water buffalo. With no qualifications or experience, very little money and a big dream-- that's exactly what this couple did! They became one of the first mozzarella di bufala makers in the U.S. Audrey's path is a love story to her late husband, to her water buffalo, and to finding her life's purpose. • More about Audrey Hitchcock and Ramini Mozzarella: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Audrey-Hitchcock-Interview-Finds-Her-Passion-Making-Buffalo-Mozzarella • Sponsor: Capital Advantage https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die | |||
| 24 Nov 2020 | Mark Shaiken: Discovering his Wonderful "Afterlife" Beyond 41 Years of Law | 00:39:26 | |
Mark Shaiken talks with Carl about what comes next after a big career as a successful attorney. The questions started in his 50’s-- “Well, what else can I do?” The answers were not so easy for him then. “It’s sort of a loaded question,” said Mark. “The truth is there are lots of things we can do.” Carl agreed that sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in something when you're pretty good at it. Decades can fly by. You don't need to be an attorney to learn so much from this interview about being "stuck" and how to figure out how to bust through to the next new thing. Mark wrote a terrific book about this adventure, “And... Just Like That: Essays on a life before, during and after the law” To learn more about Mark Shaiken visit https://www.markshaikenphoto.com To subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter visit https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | Neil "The Media Giant" Haley: Pro Wrestler Turns into Media Giant | 00:35:27 | |
This month's guest was made fun of because he was sooo tall. In 9th grade, Neil Haley was 6'4" and towered over his classmates. He took a lot of teasing and bullying because of it. He says, "When I grew up in the '80's, kids weren't so tolerant of anyone different or odd in anyway". Neil ended up 6'10" and in his 20's became a profession wrestler. Today he's almost 50 years old, has totally embraced his tallness. He's the CEO of "The Media Giant," a marketing agency. He's also one of the most successful podcasters with the "Neil Haley Show", broadcast around the world and syndicated on 150+ radio stations. Neil has had to pivot many times in his life and has helpful advice about taking on new challenges. He's fearless and confident and proud to be giant! • More about: Neil "The Media Giant" Halley: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Neil-Haley-Interview-Pro-Wrestler-turns-to-The-Media-Giant • Sponsor, How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsor, The Monkey Creative: • Sponsor, Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 03 Nov 2020 | Barry Pincus: CFO Connection to Barry Manilow, George Steinbrenner and Martha Stewart! And now a Second Act starts at 67! | 00:39:39 | |
Barry Pinkus is a Financial Wiz who is anything but boring! He's had an exciting career working with the likes of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, Martha Stewart, and a whole line-up of other "characters" he's worked for. Barry's got a hilarious story about Steinbrenner and Jerry Seinfeld (what could be better?). And at 67 is defining a new role for himself! • Learn more about Barry Pincus: https://www.techcxo.com/team_members/barry-pincus • Sign up for our newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | Brian Smith: Founder of UGG | 01:03:52 | |
What a fun interview with the founder of UGG boots! At 29, Brian Smith left the accounting world and Australia and headed to the beaches in Malibu to surf and look for the next big thing. Ever heard of UGG sheepskin boots? He first targeted surfers and surf shops. You need to hear about the super-crazy ups and downs Brian faced into building a new cultural movement and a brand that is today a billion dollar operation. • More about Brian Smith: https://briansmithspeaker.com/about-brian-smith • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Brian-Smith-Interview-Founder-of-UGG • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | Jeannine Barr: Here comes the Judge -- Now Singer / Songwriter! | 00:52:51 | |
Everyone please rise this week on I Used to be Somebody. Carl interviews his first judge ever! Jeannine Barr was an assistant district attorney who decided after 9 years to throw her hat in the political ring, (brave move) and then became a criminal district court judge for 24 years. She oversaw cases on "all the people you are afraid of." She tells us what it was like to have a high profile, elected position as a Texas judge. In another big brave move, Jeannine left the bench and has created a fascinating second act as a storyteller/singer and songwriter. She has a beautiful voice and is also a talented writer. In this interview, she details her journey from confidently directing bailiffs in the courtroom to becoming a first-time singer-- scared to death at her first public singing appearance. I think we can all relate to being a newbie in a brand new environment and Jeannine is unstoppable. Bonus: Jeannine surprises host Carl with a song she wrote just for him. Of course it's titled, "I Used to be Somebody". • More about Jeannine Barr: https://www.jbarrmusic.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jeannine-Barr-Interview-Here-comes-the-Judge-Now-Singer-Songwriter • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures and Taste Vacations: https://www.zephyradventures.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal and Arizona Pickleball Adventure: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Dewey Forward: Night Club Owner Pivots to Popcorn Shop | 00:45:28 | |
We're ending 2023 on a very high note with Dewey Forward. He was a highly regarded concert promoter and nightclub owner that organized over 4,000 concerts. He's worked with with groups like Pearl Jam, REM, Donovan, Bon Jovi and countless others. Dewey started and owned Peabody's DownUnder in Cleveland where he created the precursor to the House of Blues concept. After living the crazy music and restaurant business for over 40 years, he now owns and operates the iconic Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. He's a great storyteller and just funny as hell. What a great way to wrap up year! • More about Dewey Forward and the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop: https://www.chagrinfallspopcorn.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dewey-Forward-Interview-Night-Club-Owner-Pivots-to-Popcorn-Shop • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: • Subscribe to our Newsletter: | |||
| 15 Jun 2021 | Jerry Reynolds: Former NBA Exec, Broadcaster, and Sacramento Legend! | 01:05:00 | |
Carl meets and interviews one of his personal heroes this week in the Tiki bar! Jerry is a living legend in Sacramento and throughout the NBA after serving as head coach (not once but twice), General Manager and Broadcaster. His story is truly a remarkable one! He grew up in poverty in French Lick, Indiana (Jerry is life long friends with superstar Larry Bird) shared the same bedroom with 4 of his siblings and no running water or electricity. He talks about the tragic car accident that ended his own bright basketball career and eventually led him to coaching and fame in the NBA as an Exec and Broadcaster. Great stories about "Larry Legend" and Bill Russell and Carl gets a little nostalgic about his early days as a crazy teenage Cleveland Cavaliers fan in the early '70's. A "country boy" at heart, Jerry is fun, funny and full of (Un)Retirement advice! And for hard core NBA fans check out the end for a bonus outtake.
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| 30 Nov 2021 | Ryan Frederick: Right Place for the Second Half of Your Life | 00:45:04 | |
Not the typical Princeton and Stanford MBA graduate, Ryan Frederick wanted to live in a senior community. His goal was and (still is) to understand how seniors live and find ways to make their environments better. Ryan was in his early 20's when he lived in an Atlanta senior housing development, fascinated about the concept of healthy aging and longevity. He is author of the new book, of "Right Place, Right Time" and is one of the world's experts on helping people figure out where and how they want to live their second half of life. • Learn more about Ryan Frederick and his book, Right Place, Right Time • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/ryan-frederick-finding-the-right-place-the-right-time • Sponsored by Capital Advantage • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy.com | |||
| 05 Oct 2021 | Paul Ollinger: Former Facebook Exec Turns to Comedy | 00:50:48 | |
Great interview this week with the hilarious and successful comedian, Paul Ollinger---who was one of the early Facebook hires way back in 2008 and now he's host of the very popular Crazy Money podcast. But, it's way more than that. Paul's real passion has always been comedy. He shares his insights on forging on a new path when it's totally new and scary. Go for the butterflies. Nervousness means you really care about what you're doing! It's actually a good sign. Paul talks about his obsession with the relationship we all have with money, work, happiness and finding meaning. And as a bonus, Carl gives some amazing midlife dating advice (while his wife rolls her eyes). • More about Paul Ollinger and his podcast Crazy Money: https://paulollinger.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Paul-Ollinger-Interview-Former-Facebook-Exec-Turn-Comedian • Sponsored this week by: lovemyheartstudy.com or call (866) 955-1594 • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | Teri Fahrendorf: Pioneer Brewmaster and Founder Pink Boots Society | 00:41:55 | |
What do pink boots have to do with being a professional craft beer brewmaster? I guess you'll need to listen and find out in this episode. Teri Fahrendorf was headed on the fast track in high tech Silicon Valley in the '80's. But she quickly learned that the cubicle life wasn't for her and she created a second act as one of the first female brewmasters in the emerging craft beer industry. Her amazing journey takes a lot of twist and turns but leads her to accomplishing great things within her industry and founding an organization to assist, inspire and encourage women brewmasters all over the country. • More about Teri Fahrendorf: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Teri-Fahrendorf-Interview-From-Suits-to-Suds • Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscriber to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 13 Oct 2020 | Joan Ryan: Pioneering Sports Columnist to Best Selling Author and World Series Winner! | 00:43:28 | |
Joan Ryan is a trailblazer! She is an award-winning journalist and author of five books. As a pioneer in sports journalism, she eventually became one of the first female sports columnists in the country and was the media consultant for the San Francisco Giants. Joan’s long experience in clubhouses and locker rooms made her realize that successful teams, in any type of organization, can't only be driven by analytics, Culture makes the difference. It's not an either/or question. “Culture is the bedrock of team chemistry and high performance,” she says. So you know what happened next... (Go Giants!) Joan’s latest book, Intangibles: Unlocking the Science and Soul of Team Chemistry is available now. More info about Joan Ryan: http://www.joanryanink.com/biography To subscribe to our newsletter go to: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 10 Aug 2021 | Bonus: The Best of "Pickleball Life Lessons with Mo" | 00:49:46 | |
The funniest and most entertaining part of our show is Carl's discussion each week with Mo Nard about how life relates to pickleball. The crazy thing is that people that don't know or care about Pickleball love this segment. Here's 10 short super fun segments:
• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Pickleball-Life-Lessons-with-Mo • Sponsored by: lovemyheartstudy.com | |||
| 16 May 2023 | Steve Segner: Pet Biz Exec Reinvents Himself, Builds Luxury Hotel | 00:55:01 | |
Who moves to Sedona, AZ in. their 50's and without any experience in the hospitality business, builds a luxury hotel? Steve Segner did! The same guy at 21 years old buys his first pet store while he has another day job. And then ends up becoming a pet biz mogul, by starting a line of regional pet stores and creating and selling one of the first all-natural healthy pet food lines. Whether it's the pet industry or building the El Portal, a top end adobe style hotel -- Steve is the poster child for our (Un)Retirement good life! • More about Steve Segner: https://elportalsedona.com/the-story-of-el-portal-sedona-hotel-by-steve-segner • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Segner-Interview-Pet-Biz-Exec-Reinvents-Himself-Builds-Luxury-Hotel • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, Compass Real Estate: https://www.mikeownbey.com • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 02 Mar 2021 | Mike Drak: Retirement -- Heaven or Hell? | 00:44:00 | |
Mike Drak abruptly experienced "retirement shock". Which in his case, was having a successful career with one company for 36 years (!) and in just one day it all went away. This is an amazing story about how Mike went from a devastating first day of retirement to becoming a leader in the (Un)Retirement movement! You'll laugh and shed a tear while listening to this popular Canadian's poignant journey to his 55+ dream life.
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| 05 Apr 2022 | Corky Logue: Pawn Shop King turns into Pickleball Pied Piper | 00:44:05 | |
Carl has a great time interviewing a true character in the (Un)Retirement world -- Corky Logue. He's a serial entrepreneur who has owned 40+ companies and counting at age 74. A big success came at 47, when he went public with his chain of EZ Pawn stores, leaving the company a few years later with about $30 million in stock. Corky follows the beats to a different drum, needing only 3 hours a night to sleep. And his latest obsession is pickleball. In just the past few years he's built 2 personal pickleball courts in his backyard outside of Austin and one at his ranch. He schedules 45 people a week to play at his courts or what he playfully calls his "Hatley Hospice", (the name of the street where he lives and the courts are located.) He also hosts an amazing happy hour every weekend for his players and their friends and family. We warned you, he's a character. • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Pawn-Shop-King-Turns-Into-Pickleball-Pied-Piper • Sponsored this Month by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | Donna Apidone: Popular NPR Host Now Helps New Audience Find Purpose | 00:50:31 | |
This is a super fun interview with popular NPR radio host and talented interviewer Donna Apidone. Her commitment to her work became a lifestyle, waking up at 1:30am and getting to the studio by 3am and hosting CapRadio's Morning Edition. But, 21 years of hosting the show in a 8 x 8 windowless studio and being consumed by the news led her to a world of meditation. And she is excited now for a new journey and helping others along the way to a calm and complete life. • More about Donna Apidone: https://www.donnaapidone.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Donna-Apidone-Interview-Popular-NPR-Host-Now-Helps-New-Audience-Find-Purpose • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | Adam Bryant: NYT "Corner Office" Columnist moves to his own C-Suite | 00:49:48 | |
This month we have a very thought provoking conversation with award-winning journalist Adam Bryant. He worked for 30 years as a journalist including 18 years as a reporter, editor and columnist at the New York Times. He's probably most famous for his column at the NYT called, "Corner Office" where he interviewed 500+ CEOs. What he learned during these interviews is fascinating and his insights can help everyone in creating their second act. Adam also shares his personal experience about what it was like to give up his dream job at the NYT to start his own C-Suite position. And this month we share the debut segment of "Pickleball Chronicles with Traver". • More about Adam Bryant: https://adambryantbooks.com/about-adam/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Adam-Bryant-Interview-NYT-Corner-Office-Columnist-moves-to-his-own-C-Suite • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/ • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tour Tuscany + Portugal: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/portugal • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 20 Oct 2020 | Michela O’Connor Abrams: Successful CEO, Personal Adversity, New Beginnings! | 00:27:07 | |
Michela O’Connor Abrams charged ahead 30+ years ago as one of the very few female CEOs in magazine publishing. As the CEO of Dwell Media, she grew a small magazine about esoteric design to a global, 7-platform media brand. Then she faced deep personal tragedy four years ago. Michela is now bouncing back with a new future plan and still doing what she loves to do! • More info about Michela O'Connor Abrams: https://www.mocaplussf.com/about | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | Mike Murphy: Political Hack turns Media Pundit | 00:54:00 | |
Carl interviews his first "Political Hack" this month. He chats it up the one and only Mike Murphy who turns out to be one of our all-time funniest and entertaining guests. He had a big time as a Republican political consultant for some of the biggest names -- John McCain, Bob Dole, and even the Governator -- Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's hard to take sides when you listen to Mike, (despite your political view) because he's so damn funny, wicked smart, and not mean spirited. He pokes fun at everyone! Mike Murphy is now the co-host of the very popular "Hacks on Tap" podcast where he's the conservative voice to balance out former White House Obama staffers David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs. They were foes in politics and are good friends in life. They pull back the curtain on what's really happening on the political scene. It's incredibly entertaining. Murphy has gone from political consultant to media darling and most recently has become a writer and producer in the entertainment biz. • More about Mike Murphy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Murphy_(political_consultant) • More about Hacks on Tap: https://www.hacksontap.com/episodes • Episode Content: • Sponsored this Month by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | Dr. Dan Rudd: Psychotherapist, Ironman and Wedding Officiant | 00:56:07 | |
A lot of first take place during big episode #60! Carl interviews his first psychotherapist (and of course tries to get a free therapy session), first Ironman competitor and first wedding officiant. And the crazy thing is that just one man, Dan Rudd has accomplished all these things and more! How does a chubby kid growing up end up competing in 200 triathlons and 8 Ironman competition? Dan will tell you he is not the fastest or strongest, but he has great endurance. Which is a great metaphor for life! Dan loves his second act. He's officiated 35 weddings and 9 celebrations of life. He's truly making a difference in people's lives, throughout his career and now in (un)retirement. • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dan-Rudd-Interview-Psychotherapist-Ironman-and-Wedding-Officiant • Sponsor: The Monkey Creative: https://themonkeycreative.com/pickleball-podcast/ • Sponsor: Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast/ • Sponsor: How to Retire and Not Die book: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/ • Subscriber to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Industry Icon, Super Mentor, and Prolific Podcaster | 00:45:00 | |
Carl interviews Dr. James Beckett, who combined his great love of sports and math to found and build up the largest sports and entertainment collectibles media company in the world. He has led over 5,000 mentoring meetings and now has a daily podcast. Get ready to be inspired! • Check out the Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights podcast • This week we're sponsored by 032 Outsourcing: Call 214.403.3755 or visit: https://032outsourcing.com • To subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter visit: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 21 Sep 2021 | Bob Tuschman: Former Food Network Exec Now Gets High Ratings as NYU Prof | 00:50:48 | |
Carl talks with Bob Tuschman, former Food Network Senior Vice President and General Manager. To say Bob “worked his way up to the top” is an understatement! He started from a lowly production assistant to Diana Ross’s personal assistant, to a “Good Morning America” producer and then to a top position at the Food Network. Bob played a major role in the early TV success of Guy Fieri, Giada, Ina Garten and Bobby Flay. Now happily teaching at NYU, Bob gives some great (Un)Retirement advice on how to create a successful plan for this next stage of life. • More About Bob Tuschman: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Bob-Tuschman-Interview-Former-Food-Network-Exec-Now-Gets-Top-Ratings-at-NYU • Subscribe "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | Dr. Robert Vogel: Beloved College Professor Finds New Stage | 00:49:18 | |
Have you ever reconnected with someone after 45 years? Carl does, when he had the opportunity to talk with his favorite professor, Dr. Bob Vogel from Miami University (Ohio). Bob has had a truly remarkable life teaching communications for 40+ years and then in post-retirement (and in his 70's), he followed his childhood dreams of becoming a professional musician and entertainer. He's now on a national concert tour with comedian/historian Lenny Dave. Carl also announces the super secret-project he and 3 accomplices have been working on the past six month. Tune in to hear the BIG announcement.
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| 25 May 2021 | Kerry Hannon: (Un)Retirement Guru: Finance, Fitness and Fun! | 00:45:04 | |
We had an (Un)Retirement legend join us this week! Kerry Hannon is a celebrity author and TV commentator leading the charge for 50+ year olds around the world! She's written 14 books and is a regular contributor to the New York Times, Forbes, Money and many others, talking about personal finance and career transition for older people. What is most striking is Kerry's zest for life. Her love of writing and a having a true sense of wanting to help people. Kerry said before she takes each assignment she asks, "Is this something that is going to make a difference in someone's life?". This episode has tons of fun as well--talking about the rivalries of Kerry's hometown of Pittsburgh vs. Carl's Cleveland, her appearance on the Dr. Phil Show and her crazy love for horses! • More about Kerry Hannon: https://kerryhannon.com
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| 06 Oct 2020 | Richard Turner: Big Time Trial Attorney Turns Zen Photographer | 00:33:04 | |
Do you ever wonder about completely changing careers even though you're in your 60's? Octogenarian Richard Turner made a bold career/life decision 17 years ago and has never looked back. After working for Governor Ronald Reagan and then becoming a prominent trial attorney, he started feeling his life was centered on conflict. At age 60 he began searching for more meaning in his life. Richard is now a nationally recognized nature photographer, poet and author of the reflective book, "I Can't Always See My Path but I Keep On Walking." In this episode he shares his insights on listening to your inner voice and making a concerted effort to enjoy life to the fullest. For more information, go to https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/richard-turner-interview-from-courtroom-to-darkroom | |||
| 13 Dec 2022 | Drew Evans: Creates his own (Un)Retirement -- The Pickleball Librarian | 00:53:10 | |
Carl interviews Drew Evans who has created the most out-of-the-box second/third acts ever. His story is an interesting one---his dad served in Vietnam and Drew spent his early years growing up in Malaysia. The family eventually lived all over the the world on U.S. Army bases. He grew up always wanting to help others. Drew became a law school graduate who hated being a lawyer. Instead, he followed his passions and became a distinguished law school librarian. (He also happens to be a black belt in martial arts and runs a studio.) Now, Drew has combined his passions (again!) as a librarian and avid pickleballer by becoming a popular social media influencer: The "Pickleball Librarian." • More about Drew Evans, Pickleball Librarian: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Drew-Evans-Interview-Creates-his-own-UnRetirement-The-Pickleball-Librarian • Sponsored by The Monkey Creative: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 13 Jul 2021 | Bonus: The Best of "Worst Jobs" | 00:36:43 | |
What a super fun and entertaining episode! Every week Carl asked each guest a weird ice- breaker question, "What was your worst job?” It's one of our listeners’ favorite parts of each episode because right away, the guest relaxes and gets real. Plus the worst jobs are crazy! • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/what-was-your-worst-job-ever • Sponsored by: lovemyheartstudy.com • Sponsored by The Monkey Creative: themonkeycreative.com • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | Mitch Dunn: Ad Agency Wiz Becomes Pickleball Entrepreneur | 01:01:27 | |
Mitch Dunn is the poster child for what (Un)Retirement is all about. He had an amazing career for 30+ years in the ad agency business, starting at the legendary Leo Burnett agency and eventually worked his way up to Senior VP at Empower. One fateful day his boss "uninvited" him to stay at the agency. This happens to so many talented people that are 50+, as companies want to drop a high salary. But Mitch was prepared! He had started a side hustle by founding the Cincinnati Pickleball Club for the community. He embraced his passion for pickleball and then took it next level. He thought, "What if, I take my passion project and create a for-profit company?" Mitch became a first- time entrepreneur in his mid-fifties. He launched The Pickleball Lodge with a partner. It's the second largest indoor pickleball facility in the country. They already have well over 1,000 members. "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire career!" he says. You will love this episode. It's chock full of savvy (un)retirement advice and we even talk a little bit about our mutual love for Cincinnati chili....and pickleball, of course. • More about Mitch Dunn: https://mitchdunn.medium.com/the-year-of-reinvention-93b9648a6fba • More about The PIckleball Lodge: https://thepicklelodge.com/ • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mitch-Dunn-Interview-Ad-Agency-Wiz-turns-into-Pickleball-Entrepreneur • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour": • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 07 Dec 2021 | Mark Linsz: Top Bank of America Exec now a Second Act Guru | 00:47:42 | |
Do you remember the 2007-2009 financial meltdown? What a scary time in all our lives. But just imagine being at the center of it all, as CFO of Risk Management and Treasurer of Bank of America? This week's guest, Mark Linsz, knows well. • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/mark-linsz-top-bank-of-america-exec-now-a-second-act-guru • Sponsored by LoveMyHeartStudy: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • Subscribe to the “I Used to be Somebody” Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | Doug Villhard: Big Time Entrepreneur Pays It Forward | 00:57:16 | |
Carl plays therapist in the tiki bar with guest Doug Villhard, as Doug talks about his mom who was disappointed if he got an A- on a report card. We think it all turned out OK, since Doug and his business partner recently cashed in on the sale of their software platform company for $30 million. Doug's story is an amazing one, which includes the fun fact that Doug and his wife actually started a high school. Who does that? He has found a new passion in his (un)retirement life by teaching 400 MBA students each year on how to create and innovate to make their budding entrepreneurial dreams come true. • More about Doug Villhard: https://dougvillhard.com/about | |||
| 04 May 2021 | Alan Newman: Real Deal Entrepreneur -- Riskiest Hobby in the World! | 00:38:07 | |
Alan Newman doesn't really have hobbies---if he did, it would be to continually start new companies! Alan is the real deal. He is a serial entrepreneur, part of a rare breed of risk-takers who start up companies as often as they have new ideas. He's started dozens of successful businesses and he seems to have a gift for picking the next new hot markets. Alan founded the burgeoning mail-order Gardener's Supply Company, he co-founded the incredibly popular eco-friendly Seventh Generation line of home products and then he launched a successful micro beer biz as that industry was taking off, the Magic Hat Brewing Company. And the list of companies he creates goes on still today! This episode is compelling not only because of Alan Newman's long list of accomplishments, but also because it's about the man himself. He's brilliant, self-effacing and enjoys chaos, knowing how to find his way through it. (You've also need to listen to see who wins the battle of the sarcastic old Jews this week.) Never bet against a genius dude in a giant white beard from Vermont! • For more about Alan Newman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Newman_(entrepreneur) • Alan Newman's Appearance on "How I Built This": https://www.npr.org/2021/01/22/959614771/seventh-generation-alan-newman-and-jeffrey-hollender • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Alan-Newman-Interview-Life-Way-Outside-the-Box • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Rebecca Davis: Co-Creator of "Join or Die" | 00:47:25 | |
How can you not be drawn in by that title? What the heck? "Join or Die" is a hit documentary playing on Netflix right now. Carl watched the movie and was such a fan of the movie and it's message. It brought back to him some wonderful memories when he was part of a club that he loved -- the Odd Fellows. He was very fortunate and was able to connect with the movie's co-creator, Rebecca Davis. Rebecca was inspired by the work of political scientist and author Robert Putnam, whose earlier work, "Bowling Alone" went viral. Americans had stopped joining clubs and civic organizations. Even the number of dinner parties and picnics had declined. His research showed that those "joining" activities correlated to how Democracy is doing. Rebecca's personal story is an interesting one. She has had a successful career working as a producer with NBC News. "Join or Die" was a passion project for Rebecca. She worked on this film with her brother and co-creator Pete Davis for eight years, working on the movie on weekends and whenever she had time between her busy NBC duties. Initially they were thinking it would be a short Youtube piece, but it grew into what is now an award-winning full-length documentary that is inspiring thousands of people to get off their phones and couches and join or start clubs. You will be totally inspired by this interview and by watching the film. • More about Rebecca Davis: • More about Join or Die: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/ • Episode Content: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Join the "I Used to be Somebody World Tour": • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" newsletter: | |||
| 29 Jun 2021 | Patrick Mulvaney: Chef, Restaurateur + Farm-to Fork and Community Leader | 00:46:39 | |
In Ireland the most important person is a seanchaí (story teller). Their stories keep the community together and thriving. Patrick Mulvaney is such a person. We were honored and a little nervous to serve Patrick a Mai Tai in the Landau Tiki bar this week. Why? Because he's an award-winning chef and owner of an incredible restaurant. Even though Patrick is very busy as a restaurateur he sees his role in the community as way more important. He is a leading force behind the Farm-to Fork movement that has swept the nation, his restaurant during the pandemic served 100,000+ meals to the community and he's also one of the key forces behind the "I Got Your Back Project" that deals directly with the mental health crisis in the restaurant business. This is an episode that you won't forget! • More about Patrick Mulvaney and Mulvaney B&L: https://mulvaneysbl.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Patrick-Mulvaney-Interview-It-Really-Is-A-Wonderful-Life • This week's Sponsor: lovemyheartstudy.com • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 09 Mar 2021 | Ed Casey: Marketing "Doctor Who" and the Pop Culture World | 00:43:28 | |
Carl learns this week from Ed Casey that the brand licensing business is a $292 billion dollar global business. That is Billion with a capital B! Ed likes to say he's in the "smile business". Who doesn't wear their favorite team T-shirt, sip from a novelty mug or treasure cool memorabilia from their childhood? Working in the corporate licensing biz for almost 40 years, Ed's been involved in the marketing of the cult favorite Doctor Who television series, the Cartoon Network properties, tons of major sports leagues and literally hundreds of other brands you know. But it's the past two years of working for himself and experiencing the world of (un)retirement that has Ed totally excited now. He shares the secrets on how to cultivate a new zest for life and why making new connections is so important.
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| 17 Nov 2020 | Debb McColloch: Big Time Housing Director Finds Her Right (Un)Retirement Plan | 00:42:07 | |
Debb McColloch explains what it was like to go from a big time job with a $100 million dollar budget and 75+ people working for her to the very next day (retirement), when no one wants your opinion! Whether we want to admit it or not, our career defines some part of our identity. Deborah explains how she figured it all out and gives some great (Un)Retirement advice! • To learn more about Deborah McColloch and one of the many non-profits she works with, go to New Kensington Community Development Corporation: https://nkcdc.org • Sign up for our I used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Sky Bergman: Professor Turns Filmmaker | 01:00:05 | |
Sky Bergman has a zest for life and wants to share it with you. Her positivity is infectious. An accomplished and award-winning photographer and professor, it is no wonder her university students love her! She's also on a passon mission to capture the beauty of life and wisdom of older people as they tell their stories. Sky released her debut documentary, Lives Well Lived to sold-out live audiences and has two more films in the works. There's no stopping this woman's positive energy! Sky started pursuing her second act in her 50's as a filmmaker. She hit it big with her very first movie, now airing on PBS and all the other streaming services. Make sure you listen in for how she financed her documentary. Sky finds solutions in inventive and creative ways, to be sure. • More about Sky Bergman: • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Sky-Bergman-Interview-Professor-Turns-Filmmaker • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright: Zephyr Adventures: https://www.zephyradventures.com • I Used to be Somebody World Tours: Tuscany, Portugal, Arizona Pickleball Adventure: • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: | |||
| 16 Nov 2021 | Robin Pajaro: Former Chef Gets Her Groove Back! | 00:48:47 | |
Anyone who launches a new business called "Coco's Cocktail Caravan" must be interesting. This week's guest is Robin Pajaro, who has had one of the most adventurous journeys we've heard. At 20, she took a trip to Africa and ends up not coming home for 3 years. She then sailed the seas as a chef on private yachts. She also attended culinary school and spent 25 years in the hospitality industry. Years after working super-hard to establish a name for herself in the Ritz Carlton empire plus a few other gigs, a very unusual offer draws her back into the business and leads her to her passion again--and to a super fun second act. (Or is it 3rd? or 4th?) Either way, Robin's story is a wild ride that you'll love! • More about Robin Pajaro: https://www.themobilecoco.com/about • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/robin-pajaro-interview-former-chef-gets-her-groove-back • This Week's Sponsor LoveMyHeartStudy • This Week's Sponsor Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast/ • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 09 Jan 2024 | Patty Forehand: Elementary School Teacher becomes Stand-Up Comedian | 00:56:45 | |
We start 2024 with a lot of laughs. You're going to love Patty Forehand who was an elementary school teacher for 32 years and now is a successful stand-up comedian who talks about marriage, sex, and growing older. And she is FUNNY! Who doesn't like a 61- year old grandmother who can tell a good dirty joke? Tune in to hear about her chance to work with Michelle Pfeiffer and find out about her weirdest gig ever. Lots of laughs with a woman who has a heart of gold. • More about Patty Forehand: https://www.backstage.com/u/patricia-forehand-1 • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Patty-Forehand-Interview-Elementary-School-Teacher-becomes-Stand-Up-Comedian • Sponsored by How to Retire and Don't Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • I Used to be Somebody World Tour -- First Stop Tuscany: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour • Subscribe to our Newsletter: | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | Edward Hechter: High School Dropout Hits it Big Time as an Entrepreneur and in Pickleball | 01:00:49 | |
Meet the remarkable Edward Hechter, a high school dropout full of surprises. Edward started his career in the high-tech world at 17 years old. He rose through the corporate ranks to executive level and ultimately played a key role in helping this company Website Pros go public. And retired. He missed the challenge of solving business problems but this time came back to the working world as first-time entrepreneur where he and his wife re-launched one of the first online party supply companies out of their garage. Starting with two orders a day, the company eventually grew into a $5 million dollar a year business. And he retired again. The next time he re-entered the biz world was a deep dive into the exploding sport of pickleball. He eventually served as CEO of Pickleball Central, the world's largest pickleball company. And Edward's story takes off from there! • More about Edward Hechter: • Episode Content: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • (Un)Retirement Travel with the Pro, Allan Wright from Zephyr Adventures: https://www.zephyradventures.com/ • I Used to be Somebody World Tours -- Tuscany, Portugal, Pickleball Adventure: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/ • Subscribe to the "I Used to be Somebody" Newsletter: | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Steve Israel: Eight Term US Congressman Now Cool Bookstore Owner | 00:46:28 | |
It took 72 episodes, but Carl finally got a politician on the show. And he got a big time Congressman in Steve Israel. He was an eight-term congressman out of New York who is proud to have been a bi-partisan representative who brought both sides of the aisle together. Since leaving congress, Steve has been a political commentator on CNN, MSNBC and HBO and the author of two critically acclaimed political satires. In 2021, he became a first-time entrepreneur and launched a new dream job--as the owner of an independent bookstore, Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, NY. Former Congressman Israel is very candid about his political life. He is devastated that his district in New York is currently represented by the infamous George Santos. And he sheds some light on the antics of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis while they both were in Congress together. Steve ran for office 8 times and won 8 times(!) and has managed to retain his great sense of humor. His slogan when leaving office was "unindicted and undefeated". • More about Steve Israel: https://government.cornell.edu/steve-israel • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Israel-Interview-Eight-Term-Us-Congressman-Now-Cool-Bookstore-Owner • Sponsored by Mike Ownbey, COMPASS: • Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: • Sponsored by Capital Advantage: • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: | |||
| 09 Nov 2021 | Steven Petrow: Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old | 00:38:59 | |
We had a true celebrity sighting this week on the show. Carl has a great time learning and laughing with Steven Petrow, the award-winning journalist, advice columnist, and book author. Steven is also well known for his appearances on NPR, TED talk fame and Washington Post and New York Times essays on all sorts of subjects, including aging, health and social civility. In this episode, he shares insights with us about his latest book, "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Older". He talks about watching his parents grow older and other difficult subjects in an incredibly personal, honest way---and he does it with humor and grace. Just sit back, listen and enjoy! • More about Steven Petrow: https://stevenpetrow.com • Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/steven-petrow-interview-how-to-age-with-grace-wisdom-humor-and-hope • This Week's Sponsor Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/podcast • This Week's Sponsor LoveMyHeartStudy.com: https://lowercholesterol.study/?utm_source=pickleball&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lovemyheartstudy • Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe | |||
| 10 Nov 2020 | Mike Krukow: Star Athlete with an Incredible 30 year Second Act! | 00:44:40 | |
The one-and-only Mike Krukow was this week's guest. Just so happens Carl is a HUGE San Francisco Giants fan and interviewing one of his personal heroes was a major thrill! Mike was not only a star pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and then the SF Giants, but after his playing days were over, he eventually found his way to broadcasting, becoming one half of the the most famous sports broadcasting duos in the country. Mike shares incredible (Un)Retirement advice.: "Don't EVER retire! What's so wonderful about life is that there are so many new surprises to explore... you just have to look for them." • To learn more about Mike Krukow and how to donate to the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation: https://www.nvchildrenscancer.org/giants/ • Sign up for our I used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com For more information, visit the show notes at https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/mike-krukow-interview-winning-strategies-for-life | |||
| 02 Feb 2021 | Bo Sacks: High Times with Media Renaissance Man | 00:34:08 | |
This weeks' interview with media icon Bo Sacks was surprising and super fun! Bo had some big time jobs with NY publishers McCall's, New York Times Magazine Group, Ziff Davis and others. But his roots were from the Alternative Presses (part of the secret underground newspaper world) in the '60's and then in the '70's he helped start High Times Magazine. Bo has developed a non-traditional approach to (un)retirement, always including a side gig in his life--whether as a lecturer, world traveler, fireman, politician and more! All while running his media consulting business Precision Media Group.
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