Retirement is often sold as one long victory lap – travel, golf, freedom, and endless fun. In this first episode of Retirement Unfiltered, hosts Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo pull back the curtain on what retirement actually feels like once the party ends. Drawing from their own experiences and the stories of hundreds of retirees they have worked with, they talk honestly about the parts no one prepares you for – the identity shifts, the empty calendar, and the uncomfortable "now what?" moments that follow leaving full-time work.

Nan and Lisa share why retirement can be both liberating and unsettling at the same time, and why so many people feel blindsided when the structure, purpose, and social connection of work suddenly disappear. They reflect on their own transitions after decades at Fidelity Investments, realizing that while they were financially prepared, they had no roadmap for the life side of retirement. What followed were moments of restlessness, confusion, and the surprising realization that more free time does not automatically create meaning.

This episode sets the tone for the podcast – candid, humorous, and grounded in truth – and explains why Retirement Unfiltered exists in the first place. It is a conversation for anyone who is retired, approaching retirement, or quietly wondering if they are the only one feeling this way.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why retirement is a major life transition, not just a lifestyle change
• The myth of the "highlight reel" retirement versus everyday reality
• How identity loss and an empty calendar can sneak up on new retirees
• Why planning for life in retirement matters as much as planning for money

About the hosts:
Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo are co-founders of The Future of You and former leaders at Fidelity Investments. Through their work, research, and personal retirement journeys, they help experienced professionals design a more intentional and fulfilling life after work.