What Happens Next

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.

Cliff Spolander, author of The Smarter Exit, shares strategies for building a sellable business and preparing for a successful exit. Cliff highlights the importance of understanding business valuation, deal structure, and the due diligence process.  He encourages business owners to start planning their exit early to maximise their options and achieve financial security. Spolander also emphasizes the importance of de-risking the business by reducing owner dependency and building a strong management team.

Jane Thomas, Director of Premier Life Skills and a Senior Practitioner of Motivational Maps discusses the link between motivation and well-being, explaining how understanding your personal motivators can help you navigate career transitions, find purpose, and improve your overall well-being.  She introduces viewers to the concept of Motivational Maps, a tool for identifying an individual's key motivators, and illustrates how these maps can be used for personal development, team building, and creating a more fulfilling work environment. Jane also shares compelling examples of how Motivational Maps have helped individuals make positive changes in their lives and careers.

Will Rainey, author of "Grandpa's Fortune Fables," discusses the importance of teaching children about money from a young age. Rainey shares his own experiences learning about finances from his parents and the inspiration behind his book, which uses engaging stories to teach children about saving, investing, and building wealth. He emphasizes the importance of instilling good financial habits early on and encourages parents and grandparents to have open conversations with children about money to help them develop financial literacy and make informed decisions as they grow up.

Ben Price, a former British Army soldier and the founder of Witterings Fitness discusses his journey from being overweight and unfit to completing an Ironman triathlon and becoming a well-being coach, helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.  He outlines his "Super Six" wellbeing assessment model, which focuses on the key elements of physical and mental wellbeing: Move, Nourish, Think, Protect, Recover, and Connect.  Price emphasizes the interconnectedness of these areas and offers practical advice on improving each one. He also discusses the importance of mindset, the power of small, consistent actions, and the value of community and accountability in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Chris invites you to take a free well-being quiz to assess your overall well-being across different areas of life. Discover insights into your strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to make positive changes.

Ruth Sturkey, a former Chartered Financial Planner and creator of the 1,000 Weeks blog discusses her transition from a successful career in finance to exploring new possibilities and passions in her sixties.  She challenges the traditional concept of retirement as a fixed endpoint and encourages viewers to view life as a series of chapters, each offering opportunities for growth, purpose, and joy. Sturkey emphasizes the importance of prioritising wellbeing in all areas of life, including career, relationships, community, physical health, and finances. She also highlights the need for financial planners to engage in deeper conversations with clients, helping them align their financial decisions with their values and aspirations.

Marc Eccles, an electrician turned business coach, discusses his journey of transitioning from a demanding 90-hour workweek to finding greater purpose and fulfillment in his life. Marc emphasises the importance of shifting from a "job" mindset to a "business" mindset, creating a business that operates effectively without requiring your constant presence. He shares his experiences with self-sabotage and the challenges of managing change, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, mindset, and finding your true purpose.

Thinking of selling your business?  Discover how to increase the value of your business before you exit. Chris shares expert tips on systematization, delegation and more.

Jo Taylor, founder of Let's Talk Talent, who discusses the evolving world of work and the importance of finding work that aligns with your purpose and passion. Jo encourages viewers to explore their talents and consider alternative career paths, such as portfolio careers or retraining for new roles. She also highlights the need for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of employees, embracing flexibility, remote work options, and a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development.

Mike Ainsworth, a business valuation expert, shares insights on preparing a business for sale and maximising its value. Mike highlights the importance of understanding the key factors that influence a business's worth, outlining his "Seven Pillars of Business Valuation," which include financial performance, growth potential, cash flow, customer dependency, value proposition, customer satisfaction, and management team.

Unlock the secrets of lasting friendships with insights from ancient Greece! Chris examines Aristotle's teachings on friendship, highlighting the significance of goodwill, effort, and shared values in nurturing meaningful connections.

Business coach and mentor Jeff Gosling, shares insights on building a valuable business that supports your ideal lifestyle.  Jeff emphasizes the importance of leverage, focusing on activities that create ongoing benefits rather than simply trading time for money.  He also introduces viewers to "the procession effect," a concept that encourages business owners to focus on creating value for others, believing that success will follow as a natural consequence.

Chris explores the idea of life as an infinite game, drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek's book. He challenges the traditional concept of retirement as an endpoint and encourages viewers to embrace life's ongoing journey.

Debra Corey, HR expert and author, discusses her career journey and offers advice on navigating change and finding purpose in life.  Debra emphasises the importance of identifying your values and letting them guide your decisions, both personally and professionally. She encourages viewers to embrace risk-taking and step outside of their comfort zones

Chris shares insights from his "What Happens Next" interview series, featuring experts on selling businesses, finding motivation, and achieving financial independence. Discover valuable tips for navigating life transitions and planning for the future.