Episode Summary

In this deeply reflective episode, Jacquie speaks with J. Paul Nadeau, a man who spent his career saving lives through high-stakes negotiation, and later had to negotiate with something much closer to home: his own regrets.

As a decorated detective, international peacekeeper, and crisis negotiator, Paul’s professional identity was shaped by purpose and intensity. But what happens when that role ends? In retirement, Paul was confronted by what he calls “the ghost of missed opportunities” — a quiet but persistent voice of self-doubt and regret that tries to convince us our best years are behind us.

Together, Jacquie and Paul explore what it takes to keep growing after life’s big chapters have closed. They talk candidly about mental health, the ongoing nature of personal development, and how we can choose — day by day — not to let regret write our story.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t stop when the job ends. In fact, that might be exactly when it starts to matter most.

Key Topics

• Confronting identity loss after retirement
• Understanding the “ghost of missed opportunities”
• Emotional recovery after decades in high-pressure roles
• Choosing daily growth over passive regret
• The life-changing power of mindset, self-talk, and forgiveness

Memorable Quotes

• “The ghost of missed opportunities… it comes for all of us. The key is not letting it win.”
• “You didn’t leave your value behind when you left your job.”
• “Growth is a choice we make — again and again — no matter how old we are.”

Listener Takeaways

• Reflect on one regret you’ve been carrying. Is it still shaping how you see your future?
• Ask yourself each week: What do I need more of right now?
• Reframe your timeline — you’re not behind, you’re just in a new season of life.
• Make one small move toward something you’ve always wanted to try.

Resources & Links

• J. Paul Nadeau’s website: https://www.jpaulnadeau.com
• Book: Take Control of Your Life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulnadeau

Reinventing yourself after retirement is an option we all have. 

It doesn't need to be a flashy, public spectacle. It can be as simple as deciding you're going to start choosing YOU first for a change. Maybe you've always wanted to take a pottery class; well, now you can!

Or maybe you have a book hiding inside you, clawing to get out. Now's the time!

You don't need anyone's permission... just follow what makes your eyes light up and your heart sing.

In this candid conversation, Jacquie reconnects with friend and guest Robaire Nadeau, a seasoned professional who is choosing reinvention over retirement. Robaire shares what it means to return to university at “north of 60”, why age shouldn’t define what’s possible, and how personal passion can become the compass for a new chapter of life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start again, this conversation is a warm reminder that it’s never too late to follow your curiosity, lean into your potential, and reimagine your future.

Following his retirement from full-time legal practice, Robaire founded the Centre for Contextual Negotiation™, where his team teaches others to navigate complex conversations, not with tricks or tactics, but through deep listening, presence, and perspective-taking. He sees negotiation not as argument, but as the art of helping people get to the heart of what matters.

In one of the episode's more unexpected twists, Robaire introduces his alter ego as a mentalist, someone who blends performance, psychology, and human insight. He describes his work as "Magic for the Intelligent Mind."

This practice allows him to connect with people on an emotional and philosophical level, challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity. It’s not about deception; it’s about awakening awareness.

If you're interested in having Robaire work his magic on your group, reach out to him at https://stateofmind.ca

In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on the powerful insights from her recent conversation with cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston—and explores what they mean for life after work.

Retirement isn’t just a financial shift—it’s a cognitive, social, and emotional transformation. Jacquie walks listeners through the science behind memory changes, crystallized intelligence, and the identity shift that often hits after leaving full-time work. She discusses why cognitive challenges, social connection, stress management, and focused attention are critical pillars of brain health in retirement—and how to cultivate them intentionally.

From avoiding multitasking burnout to using meditation and green tea to protect your hippocampus, this episode is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to help you thrive.

Key Topics:

• How identity and purpose shift after retirement
• Why social interaction is a cognitive necessity, not a luxury
• The dangers of retirement multitasking—and how to stay focused
• Real ways to manage chronic stress for brain protection
• The role of movement, mindfulness, and daily habits in long-term brain health

Thought to Ponder:

Are you structuring your retirement years for brain engagement, or letting distraction take the lead?

Try This:

Choose one activity this week that offers all three benefits: social connection, cognitive challenge, and joy.

Dr. Therese Huston discusses why cognitive changes in later life don’t always signal decline and how to stay mentally strong with simple, science-backed strategies.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between normal memory lapses and concerning cognitive decline
• How the brain actually gets better at certain things with age
• Why “brain training” apps might not be as effective as you think, and what works better
• The surprising link between movement and memory
• How multitasking, stress, and  even retirement routines can cloud mental clarity
• Daily strategies for staying sharp without overhauling your life
• The emotional impact of memory concerns and how to manage that inner dialogue

Action Steps:

• Replace multitasking with focused, single-task attention once per day
• Build a new memory-friendly habit around your existing routine (e.g., walking while reviewing your to-do  list)
• Reframe “forgetting” as a cue to slow down, not as a failure
• Grab your own copy of Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science

You can contact Dr. Huston via her website: https://theresehuston.com

Don't forget to check out her new book, Best Brain Ever, hitting stores on December 2, 2025!

Do you know what makes YOU uniquely remarkable? If you do, you're probably in the minority of retirees, because most of us haven't spent much time thinking about our purpose in those terms. We can all describe what we did or what our job title was, but that doesn't make us unique. What you bring to the table each time you show up... THAT is what makes you YOU.

Many people call this your "purpose". Whatever you choose to call it, this deep-seated knowledge gives you confidence and helps you make tough decisions... assuming you recognize it and let it guide you.

Learning to recognize what makes you unique gives you a lot of advantages, including (but not limited to):

• establishing your identity
• reducing indecision in the face of choices
• building confidence
• improving communication 

To help you figure out what your unique trait is, think about two significant accomplishments in your life, a personal one and a professional one, and try to identify what was present in those events. Did a talent show itself? What belief(s) can you identify related to the event's success? If you can find a talent, skill, or thread common to both accomplishments, that is a great starting point.

🧭 Episode Summary

In the inaugural guest episode of Season 6, Ian Chamandy of Purpose U explores the power of purpose—and why defining it in seven words or less can transform your retirement journey.

Together, Ian & Jacquie dive into how knowing your unique gift can provide clarity, boost confidence, and serve as a personal decision-making tool—especially during major life transitions, such as retirement.

Whether you feel uncertain about your next chapter or you’re simply looking to make more intentional decisions, this episode will guide you to the core of who you are and what truly matters.

🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways

• What is Purpose (really)?
• Purpose in 7 Words or Less
• Trigger Events and Why Retirement Qualifies
• Beliefs, Wants & Talents: Your Personal DNA
• Real-Life Case Study: “Make It Simpler”
• Why It’s Never Too Late to Define Your Purpose
• How Purpose Can Enhance Relationships with Advisors

💬 Notable Quotes

“Your purpose is your gift—and your job is to share it with the world.”

“Purpose isn’t what you do. It’s the one thing that makes you uniquely remarkable.”

“If everything you do is a means to an end—what’s the end?”

“When you know your purpose, you elevate your confidence… and simplify your decisions.”

📌 Resources Mentioned

• 🌐 Purpose U Course Website
• 🧠 Book Reference: Godel,      Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter
• 🔧 Course Tools: Step-by-step      videos, AI assistant “Wordsmith,” and open forums to support learners
• 📝 Course Framework:
  • Phase 1: Deconstruct past       accomplishments to uncover beliefs, wants, and talents
  • Phase 2: Build your purpose       statement
  • Phase 3: Learn how to live       aligned with that purpose

👤 Ian Chamandy is the co-founder of Purpose U and the creator of the “7 words or less” purpose-defining method. With a background in strategic consulting and communications, Ian has worked with over 400 organizations and now helps individuals unlock the next phase of life with clarity and confidence.

Retirement frees you from living by default. So… what will you choose instead? 

This episode delves into the idea of living with intention...one small step at a time.

It's been a lot of fun these past few years, getting to know so many guests and hearing from multiple listeners with great thoughts about the show.

But the time has come to bring it to a close. Beyond Retirement was started to guide me and all my listeners on the journey to the next stage of life.

Well, I've made it! I'm at the gate to life "Beyond Retirement" and I have to say I'm excited about the future!

As I mention in this episode, I'm looking for suggestions for a title to the book I'm writing about life beyond retirement. If I use your suggestion, I'll send you a copy of the book!! You can send your suggestions here: [email protected] Enter as often as you like!

The possibilities I've thought of so far are:

• Beyond Retirement – Embracing a Fulfilling Life
• Creating A Vibrant Life Beyond Retirement
• The Good Life: Exploring the Non-Financial Aspects of a Great Retirement
• Golden Years: Embracing Life Beyond Retirement

If you like any of these, fire off an email and tell me so!

Thanks for listening. I appreciate you!!

"Beyond Retirement" is a fluid time encompassing all of your time after the flagpost of "retirement" has been passed. This podcast was developed to help listeners figure out their own journey by listening to the musings of the host and her guests as they travelled the road together.

There's no right or wrong journey. There are many detours and U-turns along the way. But in the end, it's the journey that really matters, isn't it. It's not the destination, but how you got there.

Creativity, generosity, gratitude...do they play a role in your life? They should!

Start with gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for in your life. Finding that thing, even if it's small, will help you to grow and your happiness will increase.

Last week, Hugh Willard talked about the intentional aspect of generosity - how, in order to be generous, we have to look inside ourselves. Gratitude helps you be generous. When you are grateful for what you have, you want to share it with others, so they can also feel what you feel.

You don't think you're creative, because you've never been able to draw, or sing, or dance. So what?! There are many other outlets for creativity. Maybe you have an eye for interior design; perhaps you're great at telling stories to children. Maybe you're a whiz at math and can help the neighbourhood kids with their homework. Creativity comes in many forms! Find yours.

Brother David Steindl-Rast – TEDTalk on Gratitude & Happiness:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBsl3j0YRQ