What if retirement isn't about slowing down—but finally speeding up toward the experiences you've always wanted?

In this episode of Retire & Aspire, Scott sits down with award-winning travel writer and adventurer Mary Charleson of Carry On Queen to explore why adventure travel is becoming one of the fastest-growing lifestyle trends for adults over 50.

Together they discuss how travel builds confidence, expands your perspective, creates meaningful friendships, and can help you rediscover who you are beyond your career. Whether you're considering your first solo trip, a guided adventure, or simply looking for inspiration for your next chapter, this conversation offers practical advice and plenty of encouragement.

• Why travel changes after age 50

• The rise of solo travel and women's travel groups

• Group travel vs. independent travel

• How adventure travel builds confidence and resilience

• Travel trends shaping 2026 and beyond

• Slow travel, wellness travel, and multi-generational travel

• Safety concerns and how to travel smarter

• How to step outside your comfort zone without feeling overwhelmed

• Beginner-friendly adventure travel ideas

• Mary's favorite travel experiences from around the world

Mary Charleson is an award-winning travel writer, marketing strategist, and founder of Carry On Queen. Her work has appeared in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, Zoomer, and Travel Awaits. Through her writing and travel experiences, she inspires others to embrace curiosity, confidence, and lifelong adventure.

Connect with Mary

Website: carryonqueen.com

Connect with MindSwitch

Visit mindswitch.ca to access resources, events, and tools designed to help you create a meaningful work-optional life.

Steve Bridge, CFP, joined me on this episode, where the focus was on the unexpected financial challenges many transitioning to work-optional life encounter.
From not spending enough, to when to take CPP and OAS, to how much one needs to have in this inflationary environment (and to live to 95 or beyond;), we covered a lot of ground in 23 minutes.

Preparing yourself and your business for the next phase, what ever that might be for you, will give you greater peace of mind and more dollars in your pocket.

Join Randy and I as we outline the challenges and best practices, with true stories from the trenches.

Some of us loved it! Others, not so much. Regardless where you fall on this relationship continuum with school, learning is great for you, and your next phase of life.

In this episode we talk student life with Michael Shouldice of Athabasca University and the why's and what's of a mature learner experience in 2026. We also chat with someone who is currently taking a face-2-face class with students who could be his grandchildren.

Hear what these educational ground breakers are doing and whether it is a fit for you.

Cheers, Scott

Those 10,000 steps? The arms curls on the machine? They are not nearly enough according to PJ Wren, fitness instructor of the year in Canada last year. Your goal is to be as fit as long as possible.

Every day doing the right types of workout programs keeps you more mobile (think of that great next trip) and independent.

Society just doesn't know yet what to do with the newly transitioned who can live another 30-40 years of full of vibrance, you may have to lead the charge.

From the Olympics to the classroom, Dr. Jennifer Walinga offers insights and tips that are both honest and encouraging.

Enjoy!

Cheers, Scott

Transitioning to work-optional life (formerly known as retirement) in 2026 and beyond is uncharted territory. No previous generation has had this much health span, wealth and mobility.

In this episode, we lay out the six foundations or controls you get to work with to create a fulfilling next phase of your life, a phase that can easily last 30 years or more.