Retirement isn’t just about making your money last — it’s about making your life count.

In this special Courageous Retirement episode, host Vona Johnson teams up with guest host Michael Fritzius to co-lead a dynamic panel featuring three experts in purpose, financial planning, and travel. Together, Dan Simon, Mike Perez, and Amanda Hietter discuss how retirement can become your most meaningful, adventurous, and faith-filled season yet.

Throughout the conversation you will discover how to:
~Overcome fear and uncertainty about what’s next
~ Balance financial security with legacy and generosity
~ Embrace travel as a pathway to growth and connection
~ Find (or rediscover) your God-given calling in this new chapter

If you’re ready to dream big, live intentionally, and finish well, this conversation will inspire you to answer God’s call to MORE—and step confidently into your Best Season with confidence and purpose.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Retirement Fears and Purpose
00:24 Panel Discussion: Exploring Retirement Beyond Finances
01:30 Meet the Panelists: Amanda, Mike, and Dan
03:51 Addressing Fear and Uncertainty in Retirement
06:45 Building Community and Thriving in Retirement
14:00 Dreaming Big and Planning for Retirement
18:37 Creating a Legacy Through Travel and Experiences
26:11 Integrating Spiritual Calling in Retirement
31:57 Seeking Clarity in Financial Decisions
32:37 The Importance of Intentionality and Structure
34:39 Guarding Against Aimlessness in Retirement
38:39 Transformative Power of Travel in Retirement
40:05 Creative Travel Ideas for a Purposeful Retirement
41:26 Financial Planning for Stress-Free Travel
42:57 Discovering Your God-Given Calling
46:36 Influencing and Serving Without a Title
47:58 Five Pillars of a Faith-Driven Retirement
50:46 Defining a Financial Finish Line
52:44 Shifting Retirement Outlook with Biblical Principles
55:32 Legacy and Daily Decisions
56:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Quotes:
" And it's very important for me that everything is buttoned up at the end. And I've lived a life that I will be remembered for the things that I wanna be remembered for." Mike Perez

" The underlying question is this: when is enough enough?" Mike Perez

" You continue to influence and serve by continuing to serve the people and be of value to the people that God puts in front of you." Dan Simon

" A lot of people forget about the fact where you can have that fun, (with) what we call personal travel, but then incorporate in some kind of ministry or missions while you're there to give back to the community. And that is a way really to honor God through your retirement." Amanda Heitter

" It's never too early to start finishing well." Vona Johnson

Scripture Referenced:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Contact Information:
Amanda Hiett

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Is This YOUR Turning Point?

Are you truly living out your purpose and showing love to others, as Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27?

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Great Commission’s call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) in a world filled with diverse and often conflicting beliefs.

Our culture’s “you do you” mentality can easily pull us away from God’s truth and the foundation of our Christian faith. Too often, we slip into going through the motions—tolerating false doctrines, compromising with immorality, and losing sight of God’s call.

By looking at Jesus’ example—loving deeply yet calling people to repentance—we can learn how to remain strong and prepared for life’s challenges. Through consistent prayer, grounding ourselves in Scripture, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can live out the purpose God designed for us—even when it feels like we’ve headed off the path.

Chapters
00:00 The Great Paradox of Life
08:40 Challenges of Diverse Beliefs
09:19 Straying from Faith
10:07 Jesus’ Example of Love
10:32 Staying Connected to Jesus
10:43 Scripture as Our Roadmap

🙏 If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe. And if you know someone who may be at their own turning point, send this episode their way. Together, let’s keep choosing God’s path and answering His call to MORE.

Quote:
 "If you haven't spent time in the Bible lately, I hope that this will be your turning point because to me, the Bible and prayer is truly the turning point that changes everything for us. It changed everything for me when I started committing to and spending time in the Word." Vona Johnson

Scripture referenced:

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT (Note this verse was given the incorrect location in the recording; I said Matthew 28:11 in error. Please accept my apologies for any confusion.)

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Living with or caring for someone with dementia is one of life’s hardest journeys—but also one filled with moments of unexpected grace. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson sits down with chaplain Ben Boland to share stories of faith, love, and loss after both recently walking with their fathers through dementia.

Together, they discuss:
✅ Recognizing early signs of dementia
✅ Finding peace and strength as a caregiver
✅ Why Christians view suffering, life, and death differently than the world
✅ The comfort of knowing our value is in God, not our abilities

Whether you are caregiving, grieving, or walking alongside someone with dementia, this heartfelt conversation offers encouragement and hope.

00:00 Introduction to Dementia
00:18 Meet the Guest: Ben Boland
00:48 Courageous Retirement Podcast
01:04 Personal Stories and Experiences
02:03 Challenges Faced by Dementia Patients
05:31 Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
11:38 The Importance of Family Support
15:28 Self-Care for Caregivers
18:08 Ben Boland's Journey
19:25 Bible College Beginnings
20:07 Passion for Elderly Care
20:26 Finding Resources and Connections
21:09 The Christian Perspective on Euthanasia
25:58 Faith and Dementia
29:26 Personal Reflections on Faith
30:30 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
34:45 A Personal Loss and Reflection
35:51 The Purpose of Prayer
38:29 Final Thoughts on Dementia and Faith

📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Courageous Retirement and discover how to finish well and live your MORE with God at the center.

#DementiaCare #FaithInDementia #courageousretirement

Quotes from the show:
"We are created by God, and wherever we are alive, we are called to be valued there." Ben Boland

"Becoming a Christian is not simply a cognitive exercise. It's a work of God, and spirit speaks to spirit, and God saves people living with dementia and...
Praise the Lord!" Ben Boland

" People living with dementia are loved by God and we are called to love them too." Ben Boland

Scripture:
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-ben-boland-b4572a108

Order Ben's book titled 'Priceless People: Loving Older People and People Living with Dementia'
https://amzn.to/3JUZW4p

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Are you struggling to find meaning and support during tough times?

In this heartfelt episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson discusses the profound impact of words and the importance of acknowledging our emotions. Sharing personal stories from her father's recent passing, Vona emphasizes the necessity of community and the power of expressing genuine feelings.

Explore how encouragement and spiritual faith can transform grief into a journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Watch for future episodes for more insightful discussions on life's inevitable transitions and upcoming events focused on raising and mentoring children so they have a lifelong trust in God.

00:00 The Power of Words
00:33 Coping with Loss: A Personal Story
01:22 It's Okay to Not Be Okay
03:15 The Importance of Community and Support
06:11 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans
07:32 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Quotes from Vona:
"And then one day I just realized that I needed to listen to my own words and that it was okay to not be okay."

"And I feel like that's what that service (the funeral) did for me. It put my heart back together and it's just so full and so much lighter."

"... freely share those encouraging words because you have no idea the impact that they will make."

Watch the celebration and learn about the power of words: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/video/71288

Check out my books @ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vona+johnson

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

What does it really cost to step into a retirement that honors God?

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson invites you to look beyond bank accounts and bucket lists to discover what truly matters when leaving the working world behind.

Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, Vona shows how even the most unlikely people can find acceptance, transformation, and purpose in Jesus. She opens up about her own shift from chasing worldly success to pursuing the deeper joy that comes from walking in God’s calling.

You’ll come away challenged to build your retirement on the unshakable foundation of Christ—and inspired to live with eternal purpose, no matter your age or stage.

Plus, hear about a free virtual event on August 27, 2025, to help you prepare for a retirement that’s more than the money.

00:00 Introduction: Contemplating Retirement
01:05 Counting the Cost: Biblical Foundations
02:32 Lessons from Zacchaeus: Embracing Change
04:43 Facing Modern Challenges: Faith in Action
05:53 Invitation: More Than the Money
06:46 Personal Story: The Success Shift
10:00 Conclusion: Finding True Joy

Quotes:
 Regardless of where He might be leading you in this season, I encourage you to count the cost before you embark on this beautiful season of life.

 Jesus doesn't want us to just hear about salvation and the life that we can have with him. He wants us to live out that life. He wants us to live out our biblical purpose like Zacchaeus. God wants us to have a change of heart and a change of behavior.

Scripture References:
Counting the Cost Luke 14:28-30
Story of Zacchaeus Luke 19
Building on a Solid Foundation Luke 6:46
Warning to the Rich James 5:1-3

Reach out to me or check back for information on how to register for the More than the Money Event.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' Vona explores how God’s nudges often lead us to unexpected but beautiful transformations. She’s joined by Amanda Hietter, a luxury travel advisor who left her paralegal career to step fully into entrepreneurship—and into the life God was calling her to live.

Amanda shares her inspiring story of faith, fear, and freedom—revealing how she trusted God’s provision, prioritized time with family, and found purpose beyond the office walls. Vona also weaves in wisdom from her book 'A Different View' and scripture to encourage you on your own journey of trusting God and living your MORE.

Whether you're nearing retirement, feeling restless in your current season, or wondering what it means to truly follow God’s call—this conversation will meet you where you are and inspire you to take the next step, even if it doesn't make sense.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing God's Call
00:28 Meet Amanda Hietter: A Journey of Faith
02:04 Amanda's Leap of Faith: From Paralegal to Entrepreneur
04:58 The Challenges and Rewards of Trusting God
10:50 Navigating the World of Luxury Travel
11:18 Planning Safe and Memorable Travels
16:10 The Power of Retreats and Community
18:20 Amanda's Personal Testimony: Signs from God
28:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Amanda Hietter:
https://acrossthehorizontravel.com/
email: amanda@acrossthehorizontravel.com

Quotes from the show:
" Don't be afraid. Just take the leap. Trust in God, he's going to provide." Amanda Hietter

" If God is continuing to show these signs, you already know what to do. You need to listen to him and do what he's telling you to do." Amanda Hietter

About hosting a retreat: " Retreats are honestly way easier than what people think because if you're someone like yourself and you're wanting to host an event a retreat is usually small, like 10 to 15 attendees." Amanda Hietter

Scripture Referenced:
 'What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.It is evidence of things we cannot see.' Hebrews 11:1 NLT

The Purpose of Possibilities read from Vona's Book, 'A Different View: Start Livivng the Life Your Soul Longs For,' Chapter 15.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

What happens when you retire at 47—and you're not even sure what's next?

In this episode, Dan Simon shares how stepping away early wasn’t about escaping work, but about faithfully following God’s redirection. Discover the faith it takes to retire early—and the purpose that unfolds when you trust God with your next season.

Dan walks us through his journey from climbing the ranks in education to launching a charter school, and eventually stepping into Christian education and consulting.

Through challenges and unexpected turns, Dan discovered that God's plan was far greater than he could have imagined—he simply had to trust and hang on for the ride.

We never really know what will happen when we take a leap of faith… but that's half the fun!

Tune in to hear how Dan navigated his courageous journey, and don't miss his top advice for those contemplating retirement.

Connect with Dan at:
www.DanSimonSolutions.com
Dan@DanSimonSolutions.com
Ph: (919) 760-1400

Quotes:
"We're gonna end up where God is calling us and wherever it is that he's preparing us for. The question is how do you want to get there?" Dan Simon

"Grace with accountability. Like, yes, I'm still gonna love you through this. Yes, but you did something you aren't supposed to do. And there's a consequence for that. So, who am I not to forgive you?" Dan Simon

Scripture:
Read the story of Joseph's life in Genesis starting at Chapter 37.Read the story of Jonah and Nineveh in the Book of Jonah.

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Retirement
00:46 Meet Dan Simon: A Journey of Faith and Courage
02:00 From Principal to Superintendent: Career Highlights
03:19 The Unexpected Call: Opening a Charter School
05:31 A New Path: Joining a Christian School
09:49 Lessons from Joseph: Embracing God's Plan
14:14 Personal Reflections: Trusting God's Timing
18:10 Filtering Life's Distractions
19:19 The Importance of Prayer and Scripture
19:51 Hearing God's Voice
20:51 Loving Our Neighbors
25:03 Grace with Accountability
25:59 Taking the Leap of Faith
31:44 Finding Your Nineveh
33:38 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

We've all had problems we feel helpless to fix. Whether it's an illness, a job situation, an unscrupulous landlord, or an unjust system, there are times when we can't remedy the situation.

In this heartfelt finale of season one of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson shares how she is facing problems she cannot fix and offers encouragement for those feeling overwhelmed. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and trust in God's plan.

Through touching stories, including an inspiring encounter involving her grandson, Vona emphasizes the importance of listening to God's quiet nudges and trusting His plan.

She reflects on scripture passages that provide comfort and urges listeners to rely on prayer and faith rather than trying to fix everything themselves.

This episode reminds us to embrace our faith, live our purpose, and trust God, especially during challenging times when we feel helpless.

Join us for valuable insights and spiritual encouragement that are relevant to everyone who struggles with situations we cannot control.

00:00 Introduction: Facing Unfixable Problems
00:39 The Challenge of Watching Others Struggle
01:51 A Personal Story: The Angel in the Red Jeep
02:57 God's Subtle Nudges
04:43 The Power of Prayer and Scripture
06:18 Trusting God's Plan
08:02 Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up

Scripture References:
 "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will." Romans 8:26-27 NLT

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. " Psalm 34:18 NLT

"Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Quotes from Vona:
"And that's why we, as believers, need to be bold sometimes. Not pushy, but bold enough to follow that nudge that God is giving us to act in love, even when we're not sure if our action will be well received."

"It's okay to trust God when it doesn't feel like there's anything else that we can do. In fact, sometimes it takes more courage to stand back and let God reveal his plan in his timing than it does for us to rush in and try and fix it."

This concludes Season 1 of Courageous Retirement. I hope you have enjoyed it. I will be taking a short hiatus and will return mid-July. I encourage you to go back and listen to earlier epsisodes you may have missed or hop over and listen to episodes of Longing for More!
https://episodes.fm/1393780527?view=apps&sort=popularity

I'll see you back here soon. Enjoy your summer!

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live