We spend so much time preparing for a long life—saving, planning, investing, optimizing. But there’s one retirement risk almost no one talks about enough:

What happens if your body stops cooperating before your dreams begin?

In this special episode of Refirement Life, Muge and I dive into a powerful (and surprisingly personal) conversation about why longevity without health isn’t the win—and why the most important shift isn’t a new diet or fitness plan…

It’s a mindset shift.

Because the truth is: ✅ Life expectancy is rising ⚠️ But healthy life expectancy isn’t keeping pace And in the U.S., there’s often a 10–12 year gap between living and living well.

That’s a decade where travel plans shrink, stamina fades, mobility changes, and everyday independence can become harder than we imagine.

In this episode, we explore:

💡 The “wealth effect” — and how quickly it disappears when health disappears 💡 The Go-Go / Slow-Go / No-Go reality of retirement (and why it matters now) 💡 Why your healthiest, most mobile years deserve intentional planning—not “someday” 💡 The overlooked importance of social resilience after work ends 💡 A thought-provoking quiz to help you reflect on what your life is really ready for

And we introduce a phrase we might never stop using:

✨ Healthspan… and Joy Span.

Because your retirement isn’t just about how long you live. It’s about how fully you’re able to live while you’re here.

One question to sit with:

What are you postponing for “someday” that quietly depends on your health— and what would it look like to bring 10% of it into this year?

If you’re entering retirement, planning for it, or simply realizing time is moving faster than you expected… this episode will meet you right where you are.

🎧 Listen in — and let us know: What are you choosing to stop postponing?

What if the stress you feel around your boss isn’t “just part of the job”—but your nervous system sounding an alarm?

In this episode of Refirement Life, Christine sits down with Shannon Smith, a former Microsoft leader and Harvard-trained neuroscience researcher who is on a mission to help professionals reclaim their power at work.

Shannon breaks down the real science behind toxic leadership—why your body reacts before your mind does, how chronic stress hijacks your performance, and why even top performers can lose confidence, creativity, and clarity in unhealthy environments.

Together, they explore:

• How to recognize a toxic boss (and toxic workplace) before burnout sets in
• Why your gut, vagus nerve, and amygdala are key signals—not weaknesses
• The Toxic Boss Immune Framework: practical, brain-based strategies to stay regulated, grounded, and clear under pressure
• How to protect your performance without escalating conflict or confrontation
• When resilience leads to growth—and when it’s time to plan your exit

Shannon also shares her personal journey—from pandemic-era anxiety and overload to building neuroscience-based systems that help professionals thrive—and how those same principles now power her work in sales leadership, AI, and founder resilience.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult boss, questioning your workplace environment, or simply want to understand how to stay mentally strong in high-pressure roles, this episode will leave you with clarity, language, and tools you can use immediately.

Because surviving work isn’t the goal—owning your power is.

🔗 Learn more & connect:

• brainhacksbyshannon.com
• salesage.co
• Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn (here (7) 🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀 | LinkedIn)

What happens when a city known for power pauses… for a kiss?

Last weekend in Washington, DC, my husband Paul and I became part of a Guinness World Record—1,385 couples kissing simultaneously under the mistletoe, shattering the previous record. It was joyful, kitschy, and unexpectedly meaningful.

Why are we drawn to holiday world records—from thousands dressed as Santa to massive carol singalongs—and what do they reveal about us?

This episode isn’t about numbers or novelty. It’s about:

Participation over perfection

Togetherness over performance

Joy as the metric

We unpack the neuroscience behind joyful rituals, share playful “micro-record” ideas you can try at home, and invite you to rethink how you spend your holidays—not chasing output, but creating moments that actually last.

Listen in if you’re craving more connection, laughter, and humanity this season.

What record does your family want to break this year—not for the world, but for yourselves?

#Podcast #HolidayJoy #GuinnessWorldRecords #HumanConnection #Leadership #Belonging #Play #MagnetLabs