About Retirement Unscripted, with Joe, John, and Jeff
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
This episode features Rick Mason, a 75-year-old retired IBM executive whose idea of retirement changed dramatically after raising children with disabilities, including a teenage son with Down syndrome and an adult son with cerebral palsy. He discusses how retirement became less about travel, golf, and leisure and more about family, community involvement, volunteering, teaching, and adapting to life's unexpected challenges, including his own battle with cancer. The central theme is that retirement looks different for everyone, and finding purpose and joy in everyday relationships and circumstances can be more meaningful than following a traditional vision of retirement.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
11 Sept 2026
Don Leyrer
The episode features Don Leyrer, who shares how his transition from corporate entrepreneurship into retirement led him back to his roots in social work and into social enterprise, using his experience and network to help others. The conversation explores the idea that retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work—it can be a continuation of purpose, entrepreneurship, mentoring, and meaningful community involvement, particularly when financial responsibilities become less demanding. Ultimately, Don describes a new definition of success centered on using his time and experience wisely, staying connected to his network, and prioritizing family and grandchildren while leaving a positive legacy.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
5 Jun 2026
Timm Glover
In this episode of Retirement Unscripted, Timm Glover joins us for a thoughtful conversation about whether it’s possible to “fail” at retirement, ultimately arguing that fulfillment comes not from titles, accomplishments, or work, but from a deeper sense of identity, purpose, values, and personal integration. The discussion explores how life’s challenges often awaken self-awareness, why retirement can be an opportunity to reconnect with one’s inner life, and how people of any age can benefit from examining who they truly are beyond their careers and achievements.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
22 May 2026
Bob Friedman
In this episode of Retirement Unscripted, we talk with retired hospice physician Bob Friedman about how years spent caring for patients at the end of life shaped his perspective on retirement, purpose, forgiveness, and living with fewer regrets. Bob shares how nurturing his lifelong passion for music helped him transition smoothly into retirement, turning songwriting, recording, and teaching his grandchildren into a deeply fulfilling new chapter centered on creativity, family, and legacy.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
24 Mar 2026
David Sunderland
In this episode of Retirement Unscripted, the hosts welcome guest David Sunderland, who is approaching retirement with clarity and enthusiasm, sharing how a simple, unscheduled vacation moment sparked his desire to embrace that next phase of life. The conversation explores common retirement challenges—financial readiness, family uncertainty, and identity—while emphasizing that true “freedom” often still includes structure, but one that is self-directed and purpose-driven. Ultimately, the group concludes that retirement is less about having a perfect plan and more about staying open, finding meaningful ways to contribute, and allowing purpose and structure to evolve naturally over time.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
27 Feb 2026
Maggie Kuyper
In this episode of Retirement Unscripted, the hosts welcome entrepreneur Maggie Kuyper for a cross-generational conversation about redefining retirement as freedom of time, identity, and purpose rather than a fixed age or finish line. Together they explore financial anxiety, comparison culture, entrepreneurship, and the evolving meaning of work, play, and legacy in a noisy modern world.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
13 Feb 2026
Clint Smith
This episode explores the universal question, “What’s next?” through a conversation with entrepreneur Clint Smith, who reflects on life after selling the software company he co-founded. Drawing parallels between exiting a business and retirement, the discussion examines identity, purpose, family, creativity, and the anxiety that can follow major life transitions. Clint shares how embracing learning, deepening relationships, and viewing this season as an “intermission” rather than an ending has reshaped his understanding of fulfillment and the possibility of multiple future acts.
Retirement Unscripted is about the period of life where you can reinvent your life in any way you want. It aims to redefine the concept of retirement by uncovering ways in which people spend this time and use it to create incredible new opportunities. Join Joe Fusco, Jeff Cornwall, John Fassnacht, and guests as they explore they're journeys into life after their careers.
15 Jan 2026
Jeff Pickering
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Pickering about his transition toward retirement, focusing on the emotional tipping points, identity shifts, and uncertainties that come with stepping away from a long career in sales. The conversation explores the importance of relationships, intentional friendships, spousal expectations, and embracing openness, learning, and flexibility rather than rigid plans in the next phase of life.
15 Jan 2026
Florence Ricks
In this episode of Retirement Unscripted, we welcome Florence Ricks, who shares her journey of repeatedly “retiring” only to reinvent herself through purpose-driven work, learning, service, and creativity. The conversation reframes retirement as a series of inflection points focused on authenticity, relationships, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
13 Jan 2026
Episode 1
The very first episode. Joe, Jeff, and John discuss their backgrounds and how they are adjusting to a new chapter of life.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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