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

Some people step into retirement without a clear plan, while others see it as an open canvas. My guest today, Thom Barrett, retired at 55 after a successful career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and chose to fill his canvas with adventure, creativity, and service.

From kayaking off the coast of Antarctica to building furniture in his workshop, Thom has lived a life of bold exploration. Even as he faces stage four cancer, he continues to write, travel, and approach each day with intention.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Thom chose to retire early and pursue adventure

How travel and time in nature became both refuge and teacher

The lessons he’s learned about acceptance, vulnerability, and mindfulness

Why he began writing books and travel reflections during his illness

How he continues to live with purpose and presence despite new limitations

Resources:

The Edge of Now by Thom Barrett

Living While Dying, Chasing My Northern Lights, and more of Thom’s books

Visit Thom’s website

Most of my conversations on Chapter X explore purpose, meaning, and navigating life after a career. Today’s episode takes us in another direction. My guest is Dr. Elliot Justin, founder of FirmTech and an expert in men’s sexual health.

Today, we talk about why sexual health is often left out of the conversation in the doctor’s office. We also look at how technology and data can enhance the way men monitor and improve their performance.

Plus, Dr. Justin takes us on his journey from a career in emergency medicine to developing a smart “erection ring” that tracks vital signs most of us don’t think to measure.

We discussed:

How a horse-riding accident set Dr. Justin on a new path

The surprising link between nocturnal erections and heart health

Why most men who say “I don’t need that” are missing the point

How data can help tailor treatments and improve sexual performance

Why Dr. Justin says “put a ring on it” applies to more than relationships

What would it take to trust something you can’t explain?

Aaron French didn’t plan to become a spiritual mentor. He began as a biologist, then built a successful corporate career. On the surface, everything seemed great. But underneath, he felt pulled in a different direction.

In this episode, we talk about how that shift unfolded and what it’s like to follow moments that don’t always make sense, but still feel meaningful.

You don’t need to believe in anything mystical to listen. You just need to be curious about what else might be possible, especially in this next phase of life.

We discussed:

Why a scientist started listening to something beyond the rational

How nudges show up (and what happens when you ignore them)

The difference between thinking and knowing

Practices that help you tune in, even if you’re not “spiritual”

Why gratitude opens more than it resolves

Connect with Aaron:

Website: naturalheartalchemy.com
Instagram: @naturalheartalchemy

I’ve always been drawn to people who’ve done the hard work of figuring themselves out. Dr. Glenn Berger is one of those people.

At 17, he was working in one of the top recording studios alongside Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra. By 37, he was writing jingles for toys, using drugs every day, and wondering how his life had gotten so far off track.

In this episode, Glenn shares how he felt lost in life and what helped him feel like himself again. It’s one of the most personal and thoughtful conversations I’ve had in a long time.

He tells the story of a trip to Ellis Island and a message from his grandfather that changed everything. We also talk about why so many people feel stuck, how shame holds us back, and what it means to live in a way that aligns with your values.

We talk about:

Glen’s early years in the music industry (and what it really taught him)

The burnout that brought him to a breaking point

Why so many high-achievers feel lost

The six traits of stuckness (and the six attributes of the heart)

What it looks like to grow, evolve, and stay true to yourself at any age

Glen’s HeartFinders project and how it helps people reconnect with their purpose

Connect with Glenn:

Visit go.heartfinders.co for a free lesson or free consultation

When John Geraghty was 29, he looked at his life and realized the path he was on wasn’t leading anywhere he wanted to go. Struggling with alcohol, he decided to change everything. That choice set him on a journey of growth and helping others find what lights them up.

In this conversation, John shares what he’s learned about why the traditional idea of retirement often leaves people feeling lost, and how discovering your strengths and staying curious can bring meaning to every stage of life.

We talk about how small steps, honest self-reflection, and contribution to others can create a life you’re excited to live.

We discussed:

Why leisure doesn’t lead to lasting fulfillment

How to discover your “zone of genius” to build a life that lights you up

The importance of identity beliefs in shaping what’s possible

Why the idea of flow matters for purpose and happiness

Why your most rewarding years may still lie ahead

Connect with John:

Visit John's website

Follow John on LinkedIn

The Prism of Perspective Podcast