What Happens Next

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores the idea of the "third place", somewhere that is not home or work but gives you community, connection, routine, and a sense of belonging. For decades, work can provide social interaction almost automatically. When you retire or gradually step away from your career, that structure can disappear. Chris explains why this can increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation in retirement, particularly during the first few years, and why finding a third place can be an important part of planning your next chapter. Your third place could be a golf or padel club, Parkrun, Men's Shed, walking group, community choir, gardening club, University of the Third Age group, or somewhere completely different. Chris also shares two practical exercises to help you assess your current social connections and discover a community that works for you, including the simple three visit rule. Retirement planning is not only about having enough money. It is also about creating a life with purpose, community, wellbeing, and meaningful social connection.

What does it truly mean to be wealthy and how can we build a meaningful life beyond work, money and traditional retirement? In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems speaks with Gavin Dixon, leader of King's Church and King's Money Advice Centre (KMAC), about financial wellbeing, community, purpose and the transitions we face in our 50s, 60s and beyond. Gavin shares powerful insights from his work supporting vulnerable people struggling with debt, financial abuse, mental health challenges and major life changes. He explains why debt is often accompanied by shame and isolation, how compassionate financial advice can transform lives, and why removing financial worry can be a form of wealth in itself. Chris and Gavin also explore the dangers of the traditional "learn, earn and stop" retirement model. They discuss how purpose, faith, friendship, service and strong relationships can help us create fulfilling lives long before retirement arrives. You'll hear moving real-life stories of people escaping overwhelming debt, rebuilding their confidence and discovering that wealth is about far more than the money in your bank account.

When was the last time you learned something that genuinely changed the way you think? In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores why lifelong learning is one of the most important investments you can make in your 50s, 60s and beyond. While many people see retirement as a time to slow down, the research tells a very different story. Staying intellectually curious can help maintain cognitive health, improve wellbeing and give your next chapter greater purpose and fulfilment. Chris shares the latest evidence on lifelong learning, explains why curiosity is essential for a life well lived and introduces a simple 30 Day Learning Challenge that anyone can start today. You'll also discover practical learning platforms including MasterClass, Babbel, Coursera, Udemy and FutureLearn, plus ideas for combining learning with social connection, physical activity and personal growth.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems speaks with author and business founder Hugo Brooks about ambition, success and how our goals evolve through our 50s, 60s and beyond. After more than 30 years building businesses and advising major global brands, Hugo reached a turning point. When his wife asked whether he truly wanted to repeat the same cycle again, he began questioning what had driven him for so long. That question led to his book, Ambition, and a deeper exploration of how ambition shapes our careers, relationships and sense of purpose. Chris and Hugo discuss why ambition is not a destination, but a powerful human drive to make tomorrow better than yesterday. They explore "hero", "move up" and "be better" ambitions, the difference between moving towards success and running away from fear, and why many people climb the ladder only to discover it is leaning against the wrong building. The conversation also examines retirement, artificial intelligence, changing definitions of work and how to build goals that reflect your values, life stage and changing world.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores the science and practical benefits of journaling — and why taking time to reflect could be one of the most powerful habits you develop as you move through a career transition, retirement, or simply rethink what you want from life. Drawing on research from psychology and positive psychology, Chris looks at why effective journaling isn't simply about writing down your emotions. The real benefits come from using reflection to develop greater self-awareness, identify patterns, practise gratitude and understand what genuinely gives you energy and meaning. Chris also shares four practical journaling prompts you can start using today, including questions around energy, gratitude, identity and the small experiments you're making in your life.

Are you feeling stuck in your 50s or 60s? Wondering what comes next but unsure where to start? In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems shares a powerful idea that can help you move forward without making risky, life-changing decisions. Many people spend months or even years thinking about the next chapter of their lives. Whether it's retirement planning, a career change, relocating, volunteering, or finding a new purpose, the pressure to make the "right" decision can leave you frozen. Chris explains why the answer isn't a massive leap—it's a small experiment.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems speaks with transformational coach Geoff Sober about navigating life change, finding purpose, and creating a more meaningful next chapter in your 50s, 60s and beyond. Chris and Geoff explore why change can feel so difficult, how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back, and why journaling can be a powerful tool for clarity, self-reflection and personal growth. They discuss how to cut through life's noise, reframe past setbacks, build resilience, and take small practical steps towards a life that feels more fulfilling. Jeff shares powerful personal stories, including the injury that ended his football dream, the lessons he learned from business and family, and how stillness, journaling and intentional action can help us move forward with confidence.

What if the key to a happier retirement isn't found by looking ahead but by looking back? In this episode of What Happens Next, Chartered Financial Planner Chris Daems shares a simple but powerful 30-minute exercise that helps you uncover what truly matters for your next chapter of life. Instead of chasing endless retirement advice, Chris explains why your happiest memories already contain the clues to building a meaningful and fulfilling future. You'll learn how to identify the moments when you felt most alive, most proud, and most fulfilled, discover the common themes that connect those experiences, and use those insights to make better decisions about how you spend your time in retirement.

What happens when you've built a successful business… but realise it may have come at a cost? In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems sits down with entrepreneur, accountant and family business adviser Raymond Holt for an honest conversation about business ownership, family, identity and what really matters in the next chapter of life.

In this episode, Chris Daems explores the science behind character strengths and explains why understanding what naturally energises you is one of the most powerful tools for designing a meaningful future. Rather than focusing on weaknesses, discover how identifying your unique strengths can improve wellbeing, increase purpose, and help you create a life that feels genuinely fulfilling. Chris introduces the free VIA Character Strengths Survey, developed through positive psychology research by Martin Seligman and colleagues, and shares practical ways to use your results to make better decisions about work, retirement, volunteering, learning, and personal growth.

What does a good week actually look like after you stop working? In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems explores one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning: how you'll spend your time. Most people carefully plan their pensions, investments and retirement income, but far fewer think about the weekly structure, purpose and wellbeing that work used to provide. Chris explains why retirement is not just a financial transition, but a lifestyle transition too. He breaks down five key pillars of a well-balanced retirement: financial wellbeing, physical health, intellectual stimulation, social connection and community contribution. You'll learn how to design a practical "good week" in retirement by building in movement, learning, friendships, volunteering, financial confidence and space for freedom. Chris also shares why preparation can make the difference between feeling fulfilled after work and feeling lost, lonely or unstructured.

What could derail your business and your future when everything seems to be going right? In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems sits down with business protection expert Nathaniel Lee to uncover the hidden risks that many business owners overlook. From shareholder disputes to losing key people, this conversation dives deep into the real-world threats that can destroy business value overnight.   Chris and Nathaniel explore practical strategies to safeguard your company, including shareholder protection, key person insurance, and income protection. They also break down why planning for the worst isn't pessimistic, it is essential if you want to protect your wealth, your team, and your long-term exit strategy.

Retirement should bring freedom, energy and a better quality of life, but stopping work can also remove the routines that quietly support your physical health. In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems explores why retirement can affect movement, strength, sleep, social connection and long-term wellbeing.  Chris shares five simple experiments to help you protect your body in retirement, including walking daily, strength training, exercising with others, improving sleep and designing a healthier morning routine.

Peter shares 40 years of business experience, including successful exits, failed ventures, and lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. This comprehensive discussion covers the critical factors business owners in their 50s and 60s need to consider when planning to sell their company. Whether you've built a thriving business that you want to exit or you're wondering what happens after the sale, Peter's candid insights guide you through the process. He explores the good, the bad, and the unexpected consequences of business transitions, helping you understand that successful exits require careful planning far in advance.

Most people spend years planning how to retire financially, but far less time thinking about what they are actually retiring to. In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems shares six powerful questions to ask before retirement that go beyond pensions, spreadsheets, and retirement age. Chris explores why identity, purpose, relationships, wellbeing, and daily structure matter just as much as financial independence. From asking "Who am I when I'm not working?" to understanding what a good week really looks like, this video helps you think more deeply about retirement planning and the next chapter of life. You'll also learn why knowing your number is not just about having enough money, but understanding what the life you want to live will actually cost. Chris also highlights the importance of talking with your partner, staying socially connected, and creating a meaningful life after work. If you're in your 50s or 60s and thinking about retirement, semi-retirement, or life after work, this conversation will help you prepare with more clarity and confidence.

What does it really mean to live a wealthy life especially in your 50s, 60s, and beyond? In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems sits down with author, coach, and minister David Scarlet for a powerful, deeply human conversation about true wealth, relationships, and meaningful living. Together, Chris and David explore why money alone doesn't create happiness and why the quality of your relationships, your sense of purpose, and your connection to community matter far more as we move into the next chapter of life. Drawing on decades of lived experience, coaching, and insight from studies like the Harvard Study of Wellbeing, David shares why relationships are directly linked to longevity, fulfillment, and emotional health. You'll also hear practical reflections on:  • What "enough" really looks like  • Why listening is more powerful than fixing  • The difference between mentoring and coaching  • How to design a life rich in meaning, not just finances If you've ever asked yourself "Is this it?" this conversation will help you think differently about what happens next.

Why do so many successful men feel lost after retirement? In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems explores the hidden loneliness crisis affecting men in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. After decades of focusing on career success, many men reach retirement only to discover that their social life was built almost entirely around work—and when that disappears, so do many of their connections. This video dives into the real reasons men struggle with loneliness after retirement, backed by research from leading studies on social isolation and wellbeing. Chris breaks down why men are particularly vulnerable, how workplace relationships differ from deeper friendships, and why this issue is rarely discussed in retirement planning or financial advice. More importantly, Chris shares practical strategies to rebuild connection and purpose, including:  • How to recognise and overcome social isolation  • The importance of meaningful friendships in later life  • Simple ways to create new social environments and routines  • Why taking initiative is key to building lasting relationships

Tom Mathar challenges conventional wisdom that money is the primary determinant of life fulfillment. Through profound exploration, Tom argues that self-awareness—understanding yourself, your values, and what truly brings you joy is the foundational key to a fulfilling life. This conversation explores how self-awareness informs better decisions about work, relationships, purpose, and how you spend your time. Tom discusses practical ways to develop deeper self-understanding, particularly valuable during major life transitions.

What does a 95-year-old billionaire have to teach us about living a meaningful life? In this deeply reflective episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems explores Warren Buffett's powerful retirement letter not for its financial insights, but for its timeless wisdom on life, love, aging, and purpose. Despite amassing over $150 billion, Buffett's greatest reflections have nothing to do with money and everything to do with meaning.

Join us on the What Happens Next channel as we chat with EOS implementer Adrian Lomas In this insightful interview, Adrian shares his personal journey of how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed his business, Blue Leaf, helping him navigate challenging times.

Learn valuable lessons from past stock market crashes and how to stay calm during market volatility in this insightful video by Chris Daems. Discover the impact of tariffs and political events on the market, and how to apply Stoic principles to your investment strategy. Don't miss this timely advice on navigating the stock market during uncertain times!

Learn practical insights on how to cultivate a youthful and curious mind regardless of your age from Chris Daems and Jo Parker as they chat about staying engaged and avoiding the feeling of being "shut down" by the aging process.

A thoughtful exploration of what truly defines a fulfilling retirement, inspired by the world's Blue Zones. Discover how daily movement, strong purpose, meaningful relationships, and mindful nutrition shape longer, happier lives. Learn why looking beyond your immediate circle can unlock powerful lessons for your next chapter. A reflective guide to living not just longer, but better in the years ahead.

Join Chris Daems in this What Happens Next Interview with financial education expert Dennis Harhalakis. They discuss all things financial wellbeing and how you can improve your financial literacy. How ready are you for your What Happens Next? Take this interactive quiz to see where you stand! Get insights on your preparedness and tips for improvement: https://whathappensnext.life/quiz/ Are you looking ahead and wondering what's next in your 50s or 60s? Be the first to get insights from the new "What Happens Next" book, releasing in early 2026! Join the waiting list here: https://whathappensnext.life/book/ We're on a mission with "What Happens Next" to help people prepare for life's big changes, sharing insights from top wellbeing experts. For monthly updates and key highlights from the project, click here: https://whathappensnext.life/free-guide/

Are goals always the best way to plan for retirement? In this episode, Chris Daems explores a powerful alternative: anti-goals. Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve in retirement, Chris explains why identifying what you don't want can sometimes provide greater clarity during life's biggest transition. Drawing on conversations with clients and insights from writer Ruth Sturkey, Chris discusses how anti-goals can help people in their 50s and 60s prepare for retirement, navigate uncertainty, and design a more meaningful next chapter. If you're unsure what your goals should be after work, this simple mindset shift could change how you think about the future. Discover how asking the right questions about your next 1, 3, and 5 years can help you avoid common retirement regrets, protect your wellbeing, and build a life with purpose beyond your career. Perfect for anyone thinking about retirement planning, life after work, purpose in retirement, and the psychology of retirement. Subscribe for more insights from Chris Daems and the What Happens Next podcast, helping you plan and prepare for the next stage of life with confidence.

Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! In this video, we'll discuss how to retire happily and plan your next chapter with confidence. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or are already there, these tips will help you navigate this exciting new phase of life.

Interested in early retirement? Learn 3 surprising stoic secrets that can help you achieve financial independence and retire early. Dive into the world of stoicism with these powerful techniques!

Avoid the most common mistakes when moving to a new home in later life with expert advice from Susan Gregory, founder of Turner's Oak, the UK's only specialist estate agency for older homeowners and their families. In this essential guide, get practical tips on handling the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges faced by the over-50s, those planning retirement, and the "sandwich generation" juggling kids and ageing parents. Learn how to avoid overwhelm, make confident decisions, manage loss of identity, initiate the right conversations with family, and thrive in your next home.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia and reveals why money alone does not create fulfilment in our 50s, 60s and beyond. Chris breaks down the three pillars of flourishing: external foundations like relationships and financial security, intellectual excellence through curiosity and growth, and moral excellence by living aligned with your values and purpose. With practical questions and actions, he offers a powerful framework to help you design a truly meaningful next chapter of life.

Join Chris Daems and Catherine Morgan as they guide you through 3 simple steps to rediscover your purpose beyond the balance sheet. Explore financial well-being and achieve financial independence with their expert advice.

In this powerful episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems explores 7 innovative ways AI can help you reimagine and plan for your next chapter whether that's full retirement, a career shift, or simply living with greater purpose. From using AI to visualize your future self, to uncovering emotional spending patterns and aligning your values with financial goals, Chris demonstrates how AI tools can spark self-reflection, create clarity, and help you build a life of meaning in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.

In this episode of What Happens Next, host Chris Daems sits down with Joanna Toch, an experienced family law barrister and founder of Family Law Cafe, to unpack the realities of divorce, separation, and navigating family law.

Discover the 7 elements of retirement where expert advice is irrelevant, as explained by Chris Daems. Learn why expert advice may not always be necessary in certain areas of retirement planning.

Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of caring for your parents? This video Chris Daems and Emily Sharpe explore strategies for open communication, planning, and creating a supportive environment for aging parents. Discover how to support your aging parents from afar with practical tips and heartfelt advice. Learn to navigate the challenges of long-distance caregiving and ensure their well-being.

Thinking about retirement? Watch this video to learn 4 surprising strategies to get your mind ready for retirement and ensure a smooth transition. From creating a retirement checklist to planning for early retirement, we'll cover everything you need to know before you retire at age 60 or beyond. Start preparing for retirement today! Chris examines the importance of headspace when thinking about retirement or the next chapter in life. We're all busy but this video shares 4 ways to find the time and mental space to work out what you want to do next. So you can have the most successful next chapter of your life.

Dr. Neil Stanley shares surprising tips to help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day! Learn more about the science behind sleep and how it impacts your health and mental well-being.

In this podcast, we review "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" by Bronnie Ware, a book that shares the top regrets of those nearing the end of life. this insightful book offers valuable lessons on living a life with no regrets. If you're curious about what really matters in life, this book review is a must-listen!

Judith Quin, a vocal confidence and communication specialist and vocal sound healer discusses the importance of emotional well-being in navigating life transitions, emphasizing that feeling emotionally secure allows for greater mental clarity and confidence.  She provides practical tips, such as using humming to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation, and encourages viewers to embrace their authentic selves, including aspects they may have previously hidden. Judith also highlights the power of self-awareness in identifying and releasing limiting beliefs, helping individuals create a fulfilling life aligned with their values and purpose.

Discover the beauty of the simple club and why more people are "Bowling Alone." Learn about the benefits of joining clubs for community well-being and cognitive health. This video explores the importance of socializing and how it can impact your overall well-being.

In this episode of What Happens Next, we sit down with coach and thought leader Ashley Blackmore to explore how to break free from overthinking, emotional frustration, and the mental clutter that holds many of us back especially in our 50s and 60s.  Ashley shares powerful insights into why thought is the root of our feelings, and how embracing an inside-out understanding of life can bring lasting calm, joy, and clarity. If you're navigating a life transition whether it's retirement, reinvention, or simply wanting more peace  this conversation will help you stop managing stress and start rediscovering your natural well-being.

In this episode of What Happens Next, Chris Daems explores one of the most powerful psychological tools for navigating life's biggest transitions — The Change Curve.  If you're in your 50s or 60s and starting to think about what happens next — whether that's retirement, reinvention, or simply reshaping how you live and work — this video is essential viewing.  Chris breaks down the emotional journey of change, inspired by the work of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and explains why understanding the messy, emotional side of transition is just as important as planning the financial side.  Why change often feels uncomfortable — and why that's completely normal The emotional "shape" of transition and how to move through it Why retirement is rarely a clean break, and how to avoid the "retirement cliff"  The importance of planning early and experimenting with your next chapter Four practical steps to navigate your change journey with clarity and confidence From dealing with identity shifts to designing your flight path (not a cliff!) into later life,  Chris shares the insights and tools that have helped hundreds of clients rethink what their future could look like.

Damian Stancombe, a former pensions professional discusses his personal experience of transitioning into retirement and the importance of planning for this life stage.  Damian emphasizes the need to shift your mindset from a work-centric identity to embrace new possibilities and challenges. He also shares his 60-paycheck countdown strategy, encouraging viewers to use this timeframe to prepare financially, emotionally, and practically for retirement.  Damian utilizes Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to illustrate how spending patterns may change throughout retirement, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses health, purpose, and social connections.

Himanshu Jain, a professor, business consultant, and District Governor for Rotary in London discusses the impact of Rotary International, both globally through initiatives like polio eradication and locally through projects addressing homelessness and social entrepreneurship.  He shares his personal journey with Rotary, which began with his grandfather, and highlights the profound impact volunteering has had on his own well-being and his understanding of community. Jain encourages viewers to find their passion and get involved in community service, emphasizing the value of applying professional skills to make a difference and the importance of building connections with others. 

Ian Harrison, a coach and facilitator discusses the challenges of navigating life transitions, particularly those involving career changes that can impact one's sense of identity. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to understand your values and what brings you fulfilment, drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl's philosophy of finding meaning in facing life's challenges. Ian encourages viewers to identify their strengths and passions, using the Ikigai model to explore potential paths that align with their values and societal needs. He highlights the interconnectedness of well-being, advocating for a worldview that recognizes the importance of community and collaboration.

Michelle Smith, a business coach and founder of Clarity and Beyond discusses the importance of identifying your core values and life purpose to achieve greater fulfillment and success. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from a corporate career in HR to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of pursuing her passion. Smith emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-limiting beliefs, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and finding a coach or mentor who can provide support and accountability. She also provides practical tips for clarifying your goals, planning your next steps, and taking action to create the life you desire.

Looking to improve your physical health? Check out Chris Daems' top 3 book recommendations for a healthier you! From Atomic Habits to The Four Pillar Plan, these reads will help you get fit and adopt healthy eating habits.

David Forsdyke, Head of Later Life Finance at Knight Frank Finance and an expert in equity release products discusses the evolution of later life lending options, including lifetime mortgages, retirement interest-only mortgages, and other products designed to help older homeowners access the equity in their properties. He explains the benefits and considerations of these products, addressing concerns about the historical stigma associated with equity release and highlighting the regulatory protections now in place. David also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional advice to determine the best options for individual circumstances and to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.

finances and making your life easy. Pete also encourages viewers to think about money as a tool for livingPete Matthew, a financial planner and the creator of the Meaningful Money blog and YouTube channel discusses the concept of financial well-being, emphasizing the importance of taking control of your finances to reduce worry and create a sense of freedom.  He shares practical tips on budgeting, saving, and investing and highlights the importance of simplifying your finances and making your life easy. Pete also encourages viewers to think about money as a tool for living the life they desire, rather than an end in itself. the life they desire, rather than an end in itself.

Jon Dunckley, a financial planner, psychologist, and author discusses the concept of happiness as a "trifecta" comprised of hedonic, eudaimonic, and chaironic elements.  Jon explains how these three aspects of happiness – pleasure, satisfaction, and peace – contribute to overall well-being.  He also highlights the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and finding meaning in life as key components of a fulfilling and happy existence. Jon shares his personal journey of discovering his authentic self after receiving an autism diagnosis at age 41 and emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and living in alignment with one's values.

Tony Fields, a business coach and mentor, discusses the importance of prioritising happiness and well-being alongside professional success. Tony shares his personal journey of transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced along the way, including burnout and a sense of feeling lost. He emphasizes the need to identify your core values and purpose, create a work-life balance that supports your well-being, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Fields also highlights the power of community and support in navigating life's transitions and achieving your goals.