The Rewarding Retirement Podcast

What if nearly half of your happiness was within your control? In this episode, we uncover what science reveals about the true sources of happiness—and share simple, powerful steps you can start today to create more joy, purpose, and fulfillment in your life.

Discover how to step off the "hedonic treadmill" and find lasting happiness in retirement! In this episode, we explore the difference between short-term pleasure and long-term fulfillment, plus share a practical framework to help you design a retirement based on your core values rather than endless material pursuits. Learn why the real luxury in retirement isn't what's new to you—it's what's meaningful to you.

You have an opportunity to redefine your identity in retirement, transitioning away from being defined by a career or past roles. On this podcast we discuss how retirement offers the freedom to focus on passions, values, and relationships rather than what you did for a living. By shedding expectations and obligations, retirees can explore what they truly want to do, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful new chapter in life, and an exciting opportunity to rediscover and embrace who you are.

In our podcast’s inaugural episode, financial advisor Aaron Kirsch and psychology professor Laura Zettel-Watson discuss the inspiration and collaboration behind their book on achieving a fulfilling retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning not just for financial security but for meaningful post-retirement life. Aaron and Laura highlight how their workbook provides practical exercises to help individuals identify core values and craft a personalized vision for their retirement years.