The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast

Why You Should Give Bridge a Chance in Retirement with Brian Reynolds

Ep 110: Many retirees are looking for ways to stay mentally engaged, prevent cognitive decline, and find meaningful ways to connect with others, especially during long, isolating winters here in New England. That’s where ​Bridge comes in. Studies have shown that playing Bridge regularly can improve memory, strengthen problem-solving skills, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But it’s not just about brain health; Bridge is also a social game that fosters friendships and community, whether played in person or online.
Our guest today is a professional Bridge teacher and co-founder of The Bridge Teachers, a company that helps people of all ages, especially beginners, discover the joy of ​Bridge. Whether you’ve never picked up a deck of cards or you’re looking for a new way to challenge your mind, today’s episode will show you why ​Bridge might just be the perfect activity for your retirement.
Chapters:
Welcome, Brian Reynolds! [2:22]
What are the basics of the game? [12:11]
Bridge and aging. How can the game contribute positively to the aging population? [24:04]
What are some digital opportunities for retirees looking to learn and play Bridge? [33:23]
How can Bridge help us grow as people, outside of the game? [37:24]
What’s one piece of advice for someone considering trying Bridge for the first time? [49:05]
What does Retirement Success look like to Brian? [50:28]
Episode Conclusion. [54:10]

Balancing Medications, Nutrition, and Fitness to Live Healthier and Age Better with Amy Wilson

Ep 109: Today’s episode dives into a topic that is crucial as we age: how to balance medications, nutrition, and fitness to live healthier and age better. As we grow older, medications often become a regular part of our lives, helping us manage chronic conditions and improve our quality of life. But how do we know we’re using medications effectively—and not relying on them at the expense of healthier habits like nutrition and exercise?
We’re also witnessing a trend of medications being used as shortcuts for weight loss, raising important questions about their long-term sustainability and effectiveness compared to traditional approaches like proper diet and fitness.
Our guest today is uniquely qualified to guide us through this conversation. She’s an expert in pharmacy, nutrition, and fitness, and she’s here to share insights on how we can take control of our health by making smarter choices about the tools we use—whether that’s medications, food, or fitness routines.
So, if you’re looking to strike the right balance and live a longer, healthier life, you’re in for a treat!
Chapters:
Welcome, Amy Wilson! [2:20]
What are some of the most common mistakes made when managing medications in older adults? [10:41]
What are some pros and cons of using common weight loss medications? [17:31]
How can we work with healthcare providers to ensure we’re only taking necessary medications? [24:31]
How will Amy Wilson find her personal Retirement Success? [41:12]
Episode conclusion. [43:20]

Battling Loneliness and Building Connection with Brandon Lee

Ep 108: Today’s episode explores one of the most significant challenges we face as we age: loneliness. Loneliness doesn’t always stem from being alone; it often comes from feeling unseen or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. This is a topic that many of us struggle with in silence, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our guest today, Brandon Lee, is no stranger to this conversation. He’s an entrepreneur, coach, and writer whose work focuses on helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others. Through his own experiences and insights, Brandon has developed tools to help us combat loneliness by fostering meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
From finding the courage to share our true selves to learning how to build communities that support us, today’s episode will offer practical tools and strategies to help you feel seen, supported, and connected—no matter where you are in life.
So, if you’re ready to take a step toward overcoming loneliness and creating deeper connections, stay tuned. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Chapters:
Welcome, Brandon Lee! [2:06]
Why is feeling ‘seen’ so critical for connection? [10:04]
What can retirees do to form deeper connections at this stage of life? [18:24]
What are some ways to take “small risks” as a way to deepen conversations? [24:18]
How can people stay motivated and patient while trying to build their community? [37:30]
What’s one takeaway for overcoming loneliness? [40:33]
How will Brandon find his personal Retirement Success? [43:39]
Episode Conclusion. [46:59]

Why Getting Better Sleep is the Key to Aging Better with Barry Krakow, MD

Ep 107: Today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast touches on a topic that impacts every single one of us but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: sleep. As retirees seek to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, getting good-quality sleep is often overlooked as a critical key to success in aging well.
In this episode, we’ll explore why improving sleep quality is one of the most powerful ways to boost physical, emotional, and cognitive health in retirement. We’ll uncover how better sleep helps prevent memory decline, manage stress, and even reduce risks for chronic illnesses like heart disease. From identifying common but overlooked sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to practical strategies for achieving restorative, high-quality sleep, this episode will provide actionable insights for our listeners.
So, if you’re ready to learn how prioritizing sleep can unlock more energy, clearer thinking, and greater vitality in retirement, stay tuned! We’ve got a fantastic expert to guide us through why sleep truly is the key to aging better.
Chapters:
Welcome, Dr. Barry Krakow! [2:55]
What happens to our bodies when we experience bad and broken sleep over time? [11:20]
How can we emphasize quality sleep over quantity of sleep? [19:34]
What are common disruptions that prevent people from achieving critical sleep stages? [35:49]
Where can people start tonight to improve their sleep quality? [42:53]
How will Dr. Barry Krakow find his personal Retirement Success? [45:14]
Episode conclusion. [47:45]

Designing Your Life with Intention: A Blueprint for Fulfillment and Legacy with Sherri Parks

Ep 106: Today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast explores a topic that’s both deeply personal and incredibly powerful: how to design your life with intention. As retirees, you’ve spent decades achieving goals and caring for others. But now, you have the opportunity to reflect on what brings you joy, pride, and meaning—and to ensure that your next chapter aligns with the legacy you want to leave.
We’ll be joined by a Life and Career Coach who specializes in helping individuals clarify their purpose, set meaningful goals, and make the most of every area of life—whether that’s relationships, personal growth, or even rethinking how we approach the end of life. From uncovering the moments you’re most proud of to exploring what you still wish to experience, we’ll discuss how to live a life with no regrets and plenty of intention.
So, if you’re ready to rediscover what fulfillment means to you and craft a life that truly reflects your values and aspirations, stay tuned. This conversation is one you won’t want to miss!
Chapters:
Welcome, Sherri Parks! [2:17]
How can people begin to design their lives with intention? [15:10]
How do people intentionally nurture relationships in their lives while also staying true to their personal goals? [22:52]
What strategies can people use to maintain balance when focusing on the five key areas in life? [32:56]
How will Sherri find her personal Retirement Success? [42:54]
Episode Conclusion. [45:41]

Planning Your Retirement Travel in 2025 and 2026 with Jess Rhinehart

Ep 105: Today’s episode visits the theme of travel and the evolution of travel since our last travel-themed episode. As retirees look to make the most of their newfound freedom, travel becomes an essential way to explore the world and discover new experiences. But as travel trends evolve, how can retirees align their adventures with meaningful goals—whether that's staying active, bonding with family, or prioritizing longevity?
In this episode, we’ll explore the biggest travel trends set to define 2025 and 2026, and how they can help retirees build more enriching, intentional travel experiences. From new ways to combine wellness and longevity with exploration, to small-group, interest-based trips that open doors to deeper connections, these trends offer retirees exciting opportunities to travel in ways that align with their lifestyles and values.
We’ll also dive into how retirees can maximize comfort and efficiency while traveling, from premium services that offer peace of mind to luxury experiences that make the journey itself just as exciting as the destination. Whether you’re dreaming of a personalized luxury cruise, a journey by private train, or traveling with family to create lifelong memories, we’ll cover how to approach these trends thoughtfully and avoid the overwhelm of modern travel logistics.
Chapters:
Welcome, Jess Rhinehart! [2:40]
How have traveler behaviors, preferences, and expectations shifted in recent years? [7:53]
What happened in the Cruise industry since COVID? [16:05]
How is interest-based travel expanding? [18:36]
What are some of the latest technological advancements or tools in the world of travel? [28:44]
How is Jess going to find her Retirement Success? [34:24]
Episode conclusion. [36:26]

Embracing Lifelong Learning and New Challenges with Anne Montgomery

Ep 104: A few weeks ago, we were talking with one of our listeners, and she shared something that struck us. After retiring from a long and successful career, she found herself feeling unfulfilled. She said, 'I spent years looking forward to retirement, but now that I’m here, I don’t know what to do with myself. I feel like I’ve lost my purpose.'​ It made us realize that many retirees, while they’ve planned carefully for their finances and even their social lives, often overlook the importance of continued personal growth. How do you find new challenges to take on when your career is behind you? How do you keep learning, growing, and staying curious when the structure of a job no longer defines your days?
Our goal today is to explore how embracing lifelong learning and new challenges can give you a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. Whether you're already in retirement or approaching it, this episode will provide inspiration and practical steps to help you continue growing and thriving in this next phase of life. So, if you're ready to make your retirement years as fulfilling as possible, stay with us for some valuable insights.
Chapters:
Welcome, Anne Montgomery! [2:34]
Embracing Lifelong Learning and New Challenges. [23:13]
Dealing with Setbacks and Frustrations. [44:07]
How is Anne Montgomery going to find her personal Retirement Success? [55:49]
Episode conclusion. [57:30]

Being a Caregiver for Mom from a Son's Perspective with Mark Steven Porro

Ep 103: Many of us imagine our retirement years filled with travel, relaxation, and time to pursue long-neglected hobbies. But for some, the reality of retirement brings new responsibilities, particularly in the form of caregiving for a loved one. While caring for a parent or a loved one can be rewarding, it can also be incredibly challenging—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Today, we’ll explore the complexities of caregiving: How do you balance the emotional weight of watching a parent age with the practical needs of their care? What do you do when the roles of parent and child are reversed? And how can we find lightness and connection even in the most trying moments?
Whether you’re currently caring for a loved one, anticipating that responsibility, or simply want to hear a story of resilience, love, and humor, this episode will be filled with insights and inspiration for anyone navigating the caregiving journey.
Chapters:
Welcome, Mark Steven Porro! [2:45]
Mark’s background and relationship with his mother. [5:38]
Mark’s caregiving experience. [24:19]
Reflecting back on Mark’s time spent caregiving. [38:04]
How will Mark find his personal Retirement Success? [53:08]
Episode Conclusion. [57:13]