What does retirement really look like when you’re not fully there yet?


In this special roundtable episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, all six partners come together — three couples, three lifelong friends, and six people navigating very different stages of retirement. Some of us are fully retired, some are semi-retired, and some are still working full-time while dreaming about what comes next.


At the heart of this conversation is a unique bond that started decades ago when Kim, Maria, and Nancy were college roommates. Life took each of us in different directions — careers, marriages, military service, career changes — but retirement brought us back together in an unexpected way.
This episode is an honest, relatable look at retirement as a transition, not a finish line. We talk about balancing work and life, navigating change as couples, redefining purpose, and how building Retired Life, Wish You Were Here has helped all of us prepare for the next chapter — even before it officially begins.


If you’re retired, planning to retire, or just wondering what life after 55 can look like, this episode is for you.


What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why retirement isn’t one moment — it’s a journey
How three couples navigate different stages of work and retirement
The power of lifelong friendships in shaping your next chapter
What it’s like when one partner is retired and the other is still working
How career changes and reinvention affect retirement plans
How Retired Life, Wish You Were Here grew from an idea into a shared purpose
Advice for listeners who aren’t retired yet but are thinking ahead
 
Meet the Partners
Kim & Stuart — One still working, one fully retired from military service, building community and creativity together
Mumy (Maria) & Bill — One working full-time, one retired, finding shared purpose and joy in retirement planning
Nancy & Dave — Navigating career changes and dreaming forward together while still working full time
 
Why This Episode Matters
So many retirement conversations focus on what happens after work ends. This episode is about what happens before — the planning, the mindset shifts, the fears, the excitement, and the friendships that make the journey meaningful.


Listener Takeaways:
You don’t have to wait until retirement to start living well
Retirement looks different for every couple
Community and connection matter more than timelines
Purpose doesn’t disappear — it evolves


About the Show:
Retired Life, Wish You Were Here is a lifestyle podcast for people 55+ who are turning the page into their next chapter — with curiosity, joy, and community. Through real conversations, inspiring guests, and shared stories, we explore what it means to build a fulfilling retired life… even if you’re not quite there yet.


Merchandise Mention
Celebrate your retired life (or your future retired life!) with our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise — including mugs, tumblers, wine glasses, beach bags, and apparel designed to make this season of life fun and connected.
👉 www.retiredlifewywh.com