What if “retirement” isn’t the finish line… it’s just a label we’ve outgrown? Don Akchin breaks down why the after-career chapter can be your most creative, meaningful season—if you treat it like a beginning, not a fade-out.

In this episode of Life & In Between, Diana and Patrick sit down with writer and former journalist Don Akchin to talk about the emotional reality of life after a career—and why the old idea of retirement doesn’t fit the world we’re living in anymore. Don introduces the concept of “The AfterWork”: a fresh, modern way to think about your post-career years as a new beginning instead of an ending.

You’ll hear why identity loss can hit hard when the work titles disappear, how structure matters more than people expect, and why experimenting (and even failing) becomes oddly liberating when the world isn’t grading you anymore. Don also shares a powerful lens from his book—“planners vs. wingers”—and why either approach can win… or crash… depending on how you stay connected to purpose. Along the way, the conversation gets real about relationships, loneliness, and the kind of wisdom that says: do your best work, but don’t let the work swallow your whole self.

Where to find Don (links)

• Don’s website (best one-stop shop): donakchin.com

• His newsletter on Substack — The EndGame: theendgame.substack.com

• His book — The AfterWork: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement (Amazon):

Listen / watch

• 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sBKdruFkbqKZmPpvrrKTo?si=_iES7OEsQ0-PARLqpKc3VQ

• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-is-dead-meet-the-afterwork-a-new/id1809054005?i=1000751060638

  
  

• ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/K5Pzlk5jWbI?si=mFiXo_6rSYHzbf2r

  
  

• 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/070e0e82-f222-45d0-9836-78d922968cab/episodes/977476ff-b534-4fd8-b237-22f5bd2a2588/retirement-is-dead-meet-the-afterwork-a-new-beginning-not-an-ending

• ▶️ iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-life-and-in-between-291557046/episode/retirement-is-dead-meet-the-afterwork-a-new-beginning-not-an-ending-324472432🌐 Website: ⁠www.lifeandinbetweenpodcast.com⁠

What if the thing that broke your life… became the very thing that built your purpose?In this powerful, unscripted “cafecito-style” conversation, we sit down with Stephen and Julie Wagstaff—a Canadian couple whose story carries equal parts grit, humor, faith, and hope.

Stephen shares the moment that changed everything: August 2, 1996, when a dive into shallow water resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic at just 19. But this isn’t a story about what was lost—it’s about what was rebuilt. Together, Stephen and Julie walk us through the real journey: the trauma, the resilience, the marriage work, the caregiving realities, and how purpose can rise out of pain.

You’ll also hear how their nonprofit, SwagAbility, was born from a season of intense hardship—Stephen’s extended hospital stay, Julie’s cancer journey, and a deep desire to help others thrive where life finds them. Their mission is grounded in practical support—like life coaching, counseling, and assistive/adaptive technology support—and a fierce commitment to showing up for people navigating life-altering circumstances, including caregivers, people living with disability, and veterans.

This episode goes beyond inspiration. We talk honestly about:

• Authenticity (and why people freeze up the moment things feel “official”)

• Caregiver burnout—the resentment nobody wants to confess, and why it’s normal

• Marriage and communication (the “3 keys” are… communication, communication, and communication 😄)

• Hope in dark seasons, faith, and finding purpose when life feels like it’s closing in

• Why “pain is pain” and comparison helps nobody

• What it really means to build community when you feel alone

If you’re in a transition caring for a loved one, facing illness, navigating disability, rebuilding after trauma, or just trying to make it through a hard chapter, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Keywords / Topics: caregiving, caregiver burnout, disability advocacy, spinal cord injury, quadriplegic story, cancer survivor story, faith and resilience, marriage communication, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, life coaching, counseling support, nonprofit organization, veteran support, Life & In Between Podcast.

Connect with Stephen & SwagAbility
If you’d like to support their mission, request help, or learn more about their resources:

• Website: swagability.com

• General support / inquiries: info@swagability.com

• Donations: donations@swagability.com

• Donate: Visit swagability.com and click the Donate button (they use a platform that takes 0% from your donation).

Stephen shared that SwagAbility is currently a registered nonprofit in both Canada and the U.S., and they’re working toward 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. to provide tax receipts for donors.

From Heartbreak to Pages: Turning Pain into Creative Power | Nikki Allen 🧣☕ Grab your comforter, wrap it around you, and press play.Because this episode isn’t “just a conversation” … it’s a come-back-home-to-yourself kind of moment.In this intimate, one-on-one episode of Life & In Between Podcast, I’m joined by Nikki Allen — singer, songwriter, filmmaker, philanthropist, and author of Loved You, Hated You — a story born from a song, shaped into a screenplay, and finally written as a novel because fiction gave her the courage to tell the truth.Nikki opens up about surviving a toxic, abusive relationship, the moment the “light bulb” went off, why leaving isn’t as simple as “just go,” and what it really takes to choose yourself — even when your heart is still attached.And baby… we don’t stop there.We also dive into self-love, spiritual growth, dating yourself, “frequency,” and the quiet power of learning to sit with your own thoughts without judgment.✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:How people can be in a toxic relationship and not fully recognize itWhy we stay (and the excuses we make when they’re “good sometimes”)What “give yourself grace” really means while you’re trying to leaveThe lyrics behind “Loved You, Hated You… and now I’m releasing you”How to date yourself, enjoy your own company, and rebuild your identityWhy your energy shifts what you attract — and how to protect your peaceA real talk moment on spirituality, “woo woo,” and taking what works for youIf you’ve ever loved too hard, stayed too long, or you’re rebuilding yourself brick by brick…this is your sign. Share it with a friend who needs it.💛 Connect with Nikki Allen:Website: https://officialnikkiallen.com/Book site: https://nikkiallen.com/📚 Get Loved You, Hated You:Available on Amazon and Barnes & NobleSigned gift box option mentioned in the episode: theempresscompany.com🖤 Subscribe + Support:Like, subscribe, and share Life & In Between Podcast on YouTube + Spotify.If this resonated, pass it on — you never know who’s silently surviving.#LifeAndInBetweenPodcast #NikkiAllen #LovedYouHatedYou #SelfLove #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #ToxicRelationships #ChooseYourself #WomenHealing

🎙️ Life & In Between Podcast | Cindy Smock (Medium + Author of Pink Lion)
In this episode, Diana and Patrick sit down with Cindy Smock, a medium and author of Pink Lion, to explore grief, signs, and the journey from skepticism to spiritual trust. Cindy shares how her mediumship unfolded after experiencing deeply personal signs from her late father-in-law—including a 1979 penny and a pink lion stuffed animal—and how learning to interpret messages became part of her healing.

We talk about:

• Grief and spiritual signs

• Mediumship and intuition

• Skepticism vs. openness (without blind faith)

• Trusting your own inner knowing

• Healing, forgiveness, and spiritual understanding

✨ Connect with Cindy: Pink Lion Mediumship (TikTok)
(1)Pink Lion Mediumship (@pinklionmediumship) | TikToklinktr.ee/csmuckmediumship

👍 Don’t forget to Follow, Share & Like
🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | YouTube | Amazon Music
🌐 Website: www.lifeandinbetweenpodcast.com

Season 2, Episode 4 | New Year, New You! Let’s Talk.

Sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with fireworks… it starts with a quiet decision: I’m ready.

In this episode, Patrick and Diana sit down with Stanley F. Bronstein, attorney, CPA, author, mindset coach, walking expert, and the creator of The Way of Excellence, for a real, no-fluff conversation about lasting transformation.

Stanley opens up about his own journey of losing 220+ pounds (from 367 to the 140s) and keeping it off for nearly 17 years without drugs or surgeries.

We talk about what really drives change once the “New Year energy” fades: willingness, belief, discipline, and commitment... plus how to align mindset, healthy eating, and healthy movement in a way that actually sticks. And yes… we give walking the respect it deserves, because it might be the most underrated tool in the transformation toolbox.

Want to go deeper?

Stanley offers free resources and tools for anyone starting out. Find them here:

https://stanleybronstein.com/

Season 2, Episode 3 | When the System Doesn’t See You. Featuring Dr. Eugene Manley

In this episode of Life & In Between, Diana and Patrick sit down with Dr. Eugene Manley, cancer scientist, Founder and CEO of the SCHEQ (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity), and health equity leader—for a candid conversation about what happens when the healthcare system doesn’t see you.

Dr. Manley breaks down why so many patients feel dismissed, how medical mistrust is built through real experiences, and what it looks like to advocate for yourself in appointments and hospital settings.

They also explore the promise and risk of AI in healthcare—and why representation in the data and the decision-making matters. You’ll leave with practical takeaways, powerful perspective, and a reminder that you deserve care that listens.

Season 2, Episode 2 | How to Heal the Healers with Colin MincyWhat happens when the pain you’ve survived starts showing up in how you work, love, and lead? In this episode, Patrick and Diana sit down with Colin Mincy for a candid conversation about old wounds, naming what you’ve carried for too long, and choosing healthier ways to navigate life’s in-between seasons. It’s real talk with real takeaways you can actually use.

Season 2, Episode 1 | The Power of Women in Comedy

Finding the Funny in the In-Between with Lynn Harris

Season 2 of Life & In Between kicks off with laughter, honesty, and real talk. In this episode, Diana sits down with Lynn Harris—comedian and founder of Gold Comedy, to explore how humor becomes a lifeline during life’s uncertain, in-between moments.

This conversation dives into:

Finding your voice when life feels unsteady

Using humor as a tool for healing and confidence

Why comedy can open doors to deeper self-expression

If you’re navigating change, reinvention, or simply need a reminder that joy still belongs here, this episode is for you.

Exclusive Listener BonusLooking to build confidence, sharpen your comedy skills, or join a powerful creative community?

Check out GOLD Comedy, a comedy school and network for women, non-binary creators, and others.

GOLD Comedy classes: myrootabl.com/r/W5QEqPk9?rootabl=lifeandinbetween

GOLD Comedy Club: myrootabl.com/r/c1FRxoTf?rootabl=lifeandinbetween

✨ Use these referral links to receive 10% off when you sign up!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share.

Because sometimes the breakthrough begins with a laugh, right in the middle of the mess.