At 68 years old, Rand Timmerman looked in the mirror and thought his life was over. A decorated Vietnam War veteran and successful attorney, he had been undone by alcoholism and the toll of PTSD. Yet what seemed like the end became the beginning of a new path.

Now more than a decade sober, Rand shares how recovery gave him the strength to take on an extraordinary challenge with his brother: hiking the Appalachian Trail in their seventies. Along the way, they faced storms, solitude, and moments of reckoning that reshaped how Rand understands resilience, purpose, and second chances.

In this episode, we covered:

How Rand faced down alcoholism after decades of success in his career

The hidden weight of PTSD and how it shaped his story

What it was like to hike more than 1,400 miles of the Appalachian Trail in his seventies

The role of grit, faith, and humor in getting through difficult seasons

How recovery and service to others gave Rand a renewed sense of purpose

Resources:

Visit: Rand Timmerman’s website

Email Rand: rand.timmerman@gmail.com

What happens when life as you know it is suddenly pulled out from under you?

For Ray Martin, the unraveling of his marriage, the death of his father, and the collapse of his career all came within months of each other. Left with nothing familiar to hold onto, Ray made a choice to let go of clinging to the life he had built.

What began as a six-month sabbatical turned into a 14-year journey across Asia. Along the way, Ray discovered mindfulness and a new definition of success that wasn’t tied to titles, possessions, or status. His experiences became the foundation of his book Life Without a Tie.

In this conversation, Ray shares the lessons he learned from starting over and the six rules of happiness that guide him today.

We’ll cover:

How Ray turned personal loss into a catalyst for growth

The most common regret people share at the end of life

What he discovered during a silent 10-day meditation retreat

The framework Ray calls his six rules of happiness

How to approach life transitions with greater clarity and purpose

Resources:
Life Without a Tie
Life Without a Tie on Amazon
Connect with Ray on LinkedIn

Life after work doesn’t come with a roadmap. But my guest today shows what can happen when you stay curious and keep saying “yes.”

David Danon has worn many hats: sailor, hair stylist, yoga teacher, Hollywood crew member, and musician. Now, in his seventies, he continues to surf, foil, and coach others on healthy aging. His journey is proof that reinvention can happen at any age.

In this episode, David shares:

How sailing and surfing shaped his outlook on life

Why curiosity has opened unexpected doors throughout his journey

The lessons yoga and meditation taught him about resilience and peace

Why vigilance and resolve are essential for healthy aging

The importance of creating purpose beyond career identity

Resources:

Visit David’s website

Self-Realization Fellowship