Just Ripe

About Just Ripe

Just Ripe is a podcast for anyone who’s realizing that growing older isn’t a crisis, it’s a season! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where you fit, what’s next, or how to stay inspired as time moves on, this show is for you. Each episode brings together Dr. Rob, freshly over 50 and venturing into uncharted territory, and Sir Ric, in his 70s with wisdom to match. That duality creates a conversation that’s dynamic, relatable, and real — a back-and-forth between curiosity and experience, humor and reflection, the now and the next. Together, they explore the real, raw, and sometimes ridiculous parts of aging: shifting identities, changing bodies, rediscovering purpose, evolving relationships, and finding joy in the process. Listeners in their 40s, 50s, and 60s will recognize themselves in Rob’s questions. Those further along will find grounding and connection in Ric’s stories. Together, that mix makes Just Ripe a space for everyone navigating the middle and beyond... the beautiful, sometimes bumpy road between who we were and who we’re still becoming. We call on our ”Ripe Voices” — guests who are both subject-matter experts and on the same journey as us— to share insights and stories from every angle. It’s blending the art and science of growing older, wrapped in humor, honesty, and a touch of humanity. Listeners are invited to join the conversation too by sending in questions, comments, and reflections that shape future episodes. We chose the name Just Ripe because it’s exactly how we see this season of life: full of flavor, experience, and richness that only comes with time. We’re not past our prime, we’re in it. The apple in our logo captures that perfectly. It’s timeless, familiar, and symbolic of growth, knowledge, and renewal. From green to red, tart to sweet, it represents transformation and proof that with patience and light, life only gets better. At Just Ripe, we believe that aging isn’t about decline. It’s about deepening, becoming more grounded, more intentional, and yes, more deliciously human. Like fruit on the vine, we don’t expire… we ripen!

Publisher

Sir Ric & Dr Rob

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jan 2026

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Episode 15 - Finding Your Way Forward... and Back

   What happens when the life you’ve successfully built no longer feels like the life you’re meant to keep living? Wendy McCauley Brand reflects on the early experiences that shaped her, becoming a mother, a career that moved through sports, nonprofit and corporate leadership, and the burnout that led to a major pivot at 50. Through family, achievement, change, and the experience of writing her book, Wendy explores how our identities evolve, why success can mean something very different as we get older, and the importance of remaining open to explore what comes next.

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Episode 14 -Distilling the Entrepreneurial Spirit

   What happens when the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped your past keeps calling you toward what’s next? Steve Ison reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial family, the lessons he learned from his father, and the courage it took to leave an established career in commercial insurance to enter an industry he knew little about and build Rebecca Creek Distillery. Through risk, reinvention, personal and professional setbacks, unexpected opportunities, and 16 years of building a brand, Steve explores how his definition of success has evolved, why he learned not to let the business define his life, and what continues to drive him toward new opportunities, a lasting legacy, and whatever comes next.

3. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Episode 13 - A Perfectly Imperfect Path to Being

   What happens when the path you never planned becomes the one that helps shape who you are? Coach Chris Castillo reflects on growing up as one of 11 children, a career that took several unexpected turns, finding his calling in coaching, and the profound impact of losing his father to suicide. Through family, relationships, loss, leadership, and decades of investing in others, Chris explores how our experiences can reshape the way we define success, influence the people around us, and continue discovering who we are becoming.

4. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Episode 12 - Just Us: Season 1 Recap

   What do you get when two people from different generations come up with the idea for a podcast about navigating life's next stages? In this special Just Us Season 1 finale, Sir Ric and Dr. Rob step away from the guest chair to reflect on the conversations that shaped the show and how creating Just Ripe changed them along the way. Together, they revisit memorable moments from Season 1, share behind-the-scenes stories from launching the podcast, discuss why stories often teach us more than theories, and explore the value of choosing progress over perfection. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or are just discovering Just Ripe, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and carry a few lessons from Season 1 into your own journey.

5. 

   1 Jul 2026

   Episode 11 - Reimagining the Retirement Dream

   What happens when you finally reach the life you worked so hard to create and discover it isn't exactly what you expected? Joanne Clark reflects on her journey from marketing executive to retiree, author, and entrepreneur. Several years into retirement, she found herself questioning long-held assumptions about fulfillment and purpose. Through honesty and perspective, Joanne explores the difference between being busy and being fulfilled, how life's transitions can challenge our expectations, and what it means to continue evolving in the next chapter and beyond.

6. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Episode 10 - Lessons Don't Follow a Timeline

   How do life's early challenges shape the person you become and aspire to be? In this episode, Dr. Alejandro Góngora reflects on growing up fast after his father's incarceration at age 14 and the responsibility that came with it. He shares how those experiences fueled a lifelong passion for helping students and families realize their potential through education. Alejandro also opens up about becoming a husband and father later in life, and how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on success, purpose, and what matters most. Through resilience, service, and reflection, this conversation explores the experiences that continue to guide how he leads, parents, and lives today.

7. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Episode 9 - Shaken, Not Stirred!

   What happens when life forces you to let go of control and see yourself and others differently? In this episode of Just Ripe, Sylvia “Sly” Cosmopoulos shares her journey from growing up and finding her place in the restaurant business to becoming a respected voice in the beverage world. Along the way, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her perspective, including personal struggles, physical and mental challenges, and the unexpected moments that became catalysts for growth. Sly opens up about confidence, identity, recovery, and the importance of having people beside you during life’s hardest seasons. She also shares how her relationship with her partner helped reshape the way she approaches connection, vulnerability, and what truly matters moving forward.

8. 

   20 May 2026

   Episode 8 - Life Can Reshape the Way You Show Up

   What happens when life evolves and the traditional path no longer feels like the right fit? In this episode, Lori Castillo reflects on her journey from first-generation college graduate to corporate executive to entrepreneur. She opens up about the influence of her parents, long-distance seasons with her husband, her battle with breast cancer, and helping care for her mother with dementia. Through honesty and perspective, Lori shares how life’s challenges can reshape priorities and how we show up for the people who matter most.

9. 

   6 May 2026

   Episode 7 - Finding Perspective in All Life Offers

   What does it look like to step away from what once defined you and move toward a life that feels more aligned with who you are becoming? In this episode of Just Ripe, Jay Johnson reflects on a journey shaped by his upbringing in Florida, personal challenges, and pivotal life transitions. From supporting his wife through cancer to walking away from a high-level executive role in search of something more meaningful, Jay shares how perspective is often forged in life’s most difficult moments. He explores the importance of being intentional with how we spend our time, staying open to new experiences, and continuing to pursue what brings fulfillment while holding onto the lessons that shaped us along the way.

10. 

    22 Apr 2026

    Episode 6 -The Moments that Shape Your Why

    What shapes the path you choose and the purpose you carry forward? Former mayor of San Antonio, Ed Garza reflects on his upbringing, the influence of family and community, and the early loss of his mother that helped shape his perspective on life and service. From those formative experiences, he shares how his passion for public service took root and evolved over time. Along the way, we get to know Ed beyond the titles, explore how he thinks about “quiet time” and what’s next, offering a thoughtful perspective on purpose, growth, and investing in the next generation.

11. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Episode 5 - Never Too-th Late for A Nice Smile

    What does it mean to take better care of something you use every single day, but rarely think about? Dr. Levi Jurich helps us “brush up” on dental hygiene with a conversation that’s light, easy, and surprisingly insightful. From everyday habits to the small things we tend to overlook, he shares practical reminders to keep your teeth—and overall health—in a good place. We laugh a lot along the way, get to know Dr. J beyond the chair, and close with his Just Ripe moment—bringing a simple but meaningful perspective to how we care for ourselves.

12. 

    25 Mar 2026

    Episode 4 - A Life in Travel… From Reflections to Pointers

    What does it mean to travel with intention—not just across the world, but through the seasons of your life? In this episode of Just Ripe, Monica Colby shares her journey from discovering travel by accident to building a 40-year career helping others explore the world. She offers insights into the travel industry, how her perspective has evolved, and why our reasons for traveling shift over time—along with practical pointers to make the most of your travel experiences and the importance of creating meaningful memories with the people we love.

13. 

    11 Mar 2026

    Episode 3 - Keep Teeing Off on Life

    What does it mean to stay steady through life’s biggest changes? In this episode of Just Ripe, Kurt Martin reflects on a childhood shaped by frequent moves in a U.S. Air Force family, a 34-year career in the beverage industry, and retiring early. He shares perspective on losing his wife to cancer, raising two young daughters on his own, and learning to show up for others while navigating grief. We talk about retirement, resilience, relationships, and why golf remains more than a game. Because sometimes strength is found in simply choosing to keep playing through life’s toughest rounds.

14. 

    25 Feb 2026

    Episode 2 - Keep the Fire Burning - Even While Selling Fire Trucks

    Are you growing by design or by default? In this episode of Just Ripe, we’re joined by John Gellhausen, entrepreneur and owner of Fire Truck Solutions, whose path spans corporate banking leadership to building something new later in life. We explore career transition, entrepreneurship after corporate life, keeping relationships strong, and staying open to opportunity while understanding your limits. John shares perspective on recognizing the moments best suited for your stage of life and continuing to grow with intention.

15. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Episode 1 - Planning Your Pocket with Purpose

    What if you stopped planning for retirement and started planning for life? In this episode of Just Ripe, we’re joined by Chris Powers, Partner at Merit Financial, to explore planning for what’s next—where money supports purpose, not just an exit date. We talk about the evolving role of a CFP® as both financial advisor and life-planning partner, why life doesn’t end after work, and how being intentional with the next stage can create more choice, flexibility, and confidence. This conversation offers perspective and ideas—not prescriptions—on using money to support the life you want to live BOTH now and in the chapters ahead.

16. 

    8 Jan 2026

    Episode 0 - Welcome to Just Ripe (Trailer)

    In this short teaser, Dr. Rob and Sir Ric introduce Just Ripe — a podcast about life’s seasons, meaningful transitions, and the moments that help us grow wiser, lighter, and more fulfilled along the way. This is where honest conversations live — not preachy, not overly technical — just real talk about purpose, perspective, and the chapters that come after “what’s next.” In this episode you’ll hear: Why this show exists and who it’s really for The kinds of stories, guests, and conversations you can expect How each episode aims to leave you thinking — and smiling Why it’s never too late to ripen into your best season Dr. Rob is a coach, consultant, and storyteller who believes our richest years often begin when we finally blend wisdom with wonder. Sir Ric brings life-tested insight, humor, and heart to every conversation — the kind of friend who reminds you that the journey is better when you don’t take yourself too seriously. This episode is your invitation to what’s ahead. Follow Just Ripe and join us for the conversations to come — new episodes launching soon.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Just Ripe

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.