Shows
The Paranoid RetireeMedicare: The Biggest Decisions of Your RetirementIf you're 63 or over, you NEED to listen to this podcast. Your financial and healthcare security may depend on knowing the facts—from out guest Medicare expert Jay Pearl—about Medicare and how they relate to YOU.
The scary fact of the matter is, most people don’t have a clue about how Medicare works, what it might cost, or even what the consequences of choosing a mismatched plan can be.
We’ve heard a lot of our friends talking about Medicare lately…both those who have an active plan and those who are just beginning t...
2025-04-1648 minThe Paranoid RetireeHow To Harness Habits In RetirementLet’s face it. Your entire world changes when you retire…routine, perspective on discretionary time, priorities, spending, and lots of other things. In short, suddenly we’re awash with time we never had before. And along with these changes in structure come changes in habits. Perhaps you now have the time to add good habits that fell by the wayside while working. Or maybe you’ve let things slide…a little too much? In this episode, we dive into the insidious world of habits that can form during retirement—both good and bad—when the structured demands of the working worl...
2025-01-1738 minThe Paranoid RetireeBANISHING THE ANXIETY OF AGINGRetirement shouldn’t be a season of anxiety. Quite the opposite. It can be liberating, a time to throw anxiety under the bus and spread your wings. You've earned it! Aging isn’t a reason to feel anxious, avoid doing what you’re good at or what you love…maybe just revise those activities a little to make them less intimidating and more about what makes you—and others—feel good.
In short, LET THAT SHIT GO, and live your best life!
Don't forget to subscribe!
Email us at theparanoidretiree@gmail.com with comments and...
2024-12-2835 min
The Paranoid RetireeExorcising Guilt from Your Retirement BlissIn this episode we’re taking a look at becoming your own "guilt exorcist;" vanquishing various types of guilt that can be a real buzz-kill in retirement. We’re talking about guilt from either being too busy during retirement because you can’t say no to kids, parents, volunteer organizations, friends, and neighbors—or the opposite—guilt from being “non-productive,” not meeting your potential, spending money you've saved, or guilt over your friends who are still working and stressed out while you’re not.
If you can identify with any of these, you've got to join us for 35 minutes o...
2024-08-0938 minThe Paranoid RetireeBONUS EPISODE: Full Interview with Grace KimLearn more about co-housing in this in-depth interview with Grace Kim, architect of co-housing concepts in America. Grace explains the spectrum of reasons why co-housing is an ideal solution for people who like the idea of shared spaces while enjoying the privacy of owning their own living environment.
2024-08-0735 min
The Paranoid RetireeIdeas for Your Ideal HabitatThis episode of The Paranoid Retiree is about envisioning your ideal setting for retirement as you age. Is it Isolated or communal? Generational or peers? Rural or urban? Culture or nature? Is it close to your kids (or as far away as you can get ;). Is it beach and water, or a cabin on a mountain? Is your only criteria being close to a teaching hospital, or on a sailboat in the Virgin Islands?
We discuss fears/anxieties, locations, culture, companionship, communal living, and nomading, including interviews with Grace Kim, an architect of Co-housing communities, president of...
2024-05-2250 min
The Paranoid RetireeRetirement v Rewirement: Changing the Way you Think to Enjoy Your FutureWhy do some people continue to work at some level after they retire? Does retirement mean you have to quit working altogether? Does it mean part-time work? Or does it mean redefining work entirely… thinking about work differently? Maybe a better term for retirement could be…rewirement.
In this episode, Jill, Ann, and Greg (aka "Frenchie") challenge the very definition of retirement. At about the 26-minute mark, we welcome our guest, financial adviser Bret Forsyth, who shares his insights on strategies for helping retirees transition from an accumulation mindset to a "decumulation" mindset—spending the money you earned—...
2024-02-2051 min
The Paranoid RetireeHow to Amp Up Your Social Life in RetirementFor the last few decades you've spent more time with the people at work than any others in your life. Even if you've been looking forward to that endless vacation of retirement, many people experience an unexpected sense of loss because they don't realize workmates are actually a big part of their social life.
How do you rewire your social life after retirement? This episode gives you a list of 1000 ways (ok, maybe 24 or so:) to recalibrate your social life during retirement.
Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notifications when we drop ne...
2023-12-2244 min
The Paranoid RetireeBucket list or Fuckit list?What's on your bucket list? Stanford School of Medicine believes the bucket list is important enough to publish research on the topic. Is a bucket list a good thing, or a bad thing? What kinds of things do people put on their bucket list other than travel? You'd be surprised at the wide range of options you may be missing. Get some great insight and ideas in this episode from our hosts and their guest, Jen Donati, a group travel expert with loads of great info and some travel secrets for retired travelers. Don't forget to subscribe to our...
2023-12-1337 min
The Paranoid RetireeHealthspan v LifespanHealthspan is the difference between your lifespan (how long you live) and how long you feel good before you check out. The average person can dramatically lessen the gap to live a fuller and more enjoyable retirement with a little work, and a change in perspective. Join us to find out more about this fascinating topic. It could easily be one of the most valuable 45 minutes you'll spend in your retirement. Don't forget to subscribe!
2023-12-1142 min
The Paranoid RetireeDiscovering Purpose in RetirementFinding a sense of purpose after leaving the workforce can be the key to enjoying your retirement to its fullest. Without a defined purpose, some people find retirement empty, boring, disorienting, which can lead to insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Join us in our first episode as we dive into different ways to find purpose in retirement. Unlike other podcasts for retirees, this podcast is made for retirees, by retirees. We're sure you'll learn something new, validate some inner feelings, and have a good time. Don't forget to subscribe!
2023-12-0830 min
The Check OutEpisode 19: Nia Williams and Mollie Hartenstein: Evanston Fight for Black LivesEvanston Fight for Black Lives is an activist group led by Evanston youth that formed in June 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, when racial justice demonstrations and conversations about White Supremacy in America were taking shape across the country. The group focuses on pursuing abolition and justice for the Black community, holding marches, virtual conversations, sit-ins, and more to help further their cause. Evanston Township High School grads and EFBL organizers Mollie Hartenstein and Nia Williams discuss what it’s like being a young activist, what abolition means to them, and how they’ve been working thro...
2021-05-2747 min
The Check OutEpisode 18: Dr. Michael AllenDr. Michael Allen is the principal of Oakton Elementary School in Evanston. In 2020 he was named Elementary Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. Dr. Allen grew up in the projects of Zion, Illinois and experienced homelessness in childhood. Today he sees himself as a voice for and to empower marginalized people, both students and leaders. He’s the author of Brotherly Love, published in 2020. This book for middle graders describes the true story of how he helped his struggling youngest brother by removing him from an unstable home life, advocating for him, and enrolling him in hig...
2021-04-2939 min
The Check OutEpisode 17: Tim RhozeDirector, actor, and playwright Tim Rhoze is the Producing Artistic Director of Evanston’s Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Tim has directed and produced more than 30 productions during his tenure and also written, co-written, and directed world premiere performances. Tim has performed at theatres including Chicago’s Goodman, Victory Gardens, Northlight, Steppenwolf, and Broadway’s Manhattan Theatre Club. You may have seen him on Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago PD, and The Practice to name just a few TV shows in which he’s appeared. Enjoy this beautiful, resonant storyteller discuss his path to a life as an actor, director, and writer, starting out in Det...
2021-03-0455 min
The Check OutEpisode 16: Todd Hasak-LowyTodd Hasak-Lowy is the author of two books for adults, a book of short stories called The Task of this Translator and the novel Captives. He has also written several books for younger readers and young adults. Todd is also a translator of literature from Hebrew to English, taught at the University of Florida for eight years, and currently teaches at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. In this episode, we focus on discussing his latest book for older kids--We Are Power: How Nonviolent Activism Changes the World, published April 2020. We talk about what non-violent activism is...
2021-01-2137 min
The Chicagoland GuideJill Schacter-Evanston Public LibraryThis week on Inside the Skev, we are joined by Jill Schacter, the Marketing Communications Coordinator at the Evanston Public Library. Jill also hosts, The Check Out! A Podcast of the Evanston Public Library. Via eNewsletters, social media, press relations, and storytelling/content development, she works to inform the community about the many valuable, life-changing programs and services that are available through Evanston Public Library to enhance literacy of all kinds across our diverse community. Jill spent the previous 15 years of her professional life in the world of audio publishing working with/listening to/interviewing author/guru types...
2021-01-0446 min
The Check OutEpisode 15: Meleika GardnerMeleika Gardner has been on an inspiring path with a lot of creative twists and turns. Her early career in Atlanta and Los Angeles included dancing on the road for La Face Records, a joint venture with the recording artist Babyface and Arista Records, and working with the Concord Music Group, learning directly from famed producer Norman Lear. Starting in 2013, Meleika started Evanston Live TV, a social media and YouTube platform she uses to tell important Evanston stories related to politics, social justice, and community affairs. She serves on the board of WE WILL (Women Empowering Women in Local...
2020-12-1036 min
The Check OutEpisode 14: Christine WolfChristine Wolf, a longtime Evanston resident, describes herself as an author and enterprise journalist. She wasn’t always a writer. She’s previously worked in advertising and spent years teaching. About 15 years ago, she decided to write and jumped in with both feet, often exhibiting a good deal of emotional bravery in the kinds of topics she tackles. In this episode, we talk about her writing path, stories that matter to her, and how she engages the community through a career that is now focused on storytelling and making connections that can make a difference. The Evanston Public Library has...
2020-10-2939 min
The Check OutEpisode 13: Karen Danczak LyonsSitting in for Jill Schacter, show producer Steve Johnson interviews Evanston Public Library Executive Director Karen Danczak Lyons. Karen has been at the helm of the Library since 2012 after nearly two decades in the Chicago Public Library system. In this conversation, Karen and Steve explore how the Library is reimagining itself as it serves the community using an equity lens; they talk about access to programming and technology; budgets before, during and after the pandemic; and the viability of branches. Karen also gives insight into what issues keep her up at night related to serving the Evanston...
2020-10-1546 min
The Check OutEpisode 12: Miguel RuizMiguel Ruiz is the librarian in charge of the brand new Robert Crown Library Branch in Evanston. He considers this to be a once in a career opportunity and is devoted to providing public service, programming, and community engagement there in the most equitable way possible. In this episode, we discuss what it's like to be a Latino librarian (hint: he's very rare), some of the barriers on the way, and how he serendipitously found his way to the profession without really knowing it was happening. He shares his ideas on the unique value of libraries, the s...
2020-09-1700 min
The Check OutEpisode 11: Robin Rue SimmonsRobin Rue Simmons is the 5th Ward Alderman for the city of Evanston. She grew up and currently lives in the 5th Ward. She is Chair of the city’s Reparations Subcommittee and is the lead behind the nation’s very first local reparations program, historic policy made right here in Evanston, Illinois. Her entire career has been profoundly influenced by the economic disparities she observed growing up in Evanston. She continues to work to improve opportunities for African Americans in the areas of housing, wealth building, and economic development with a solutions-only focus. In this episode we t...
2020-08-1800 min
The Check OutEpisode 10: Kim ErwinKim Erwin An Evanstonian of two decades, Kim Erwin is the author of the book Communicating the New: Methods to Shape and Accelerate Innovation. She is currently working with the Emergency Design Collective, a nationwide volunteer network of doctors and designers addressing COVID challenges, and the National Academy of Medicine measuring community engagement. Jill Schacter’s discussion with her focused on her research into the role communication plays in the innovation process. They spent a lot of time talking about whether communicating is enough, or if we want to actually make a connection. Kim discusses how wanting to...
2020-07-2300 min
The Check OutEpisode 9: Rebeca MendozaRebeca Mendoza is a longtime Evanston resident, having come to the city at age 5 from Mexico City. She is Regional Grants Officer for Rotary International and currently serves on the District 65 School Board; she is the first Latina to hold this position. Rebeca is a founding member of Evanston Latinos, an organization founded in the midst of the pandemic to respond to emergent needs. She is an agent for change, a successful nonprofit professional, and a servant leader. In this episode, we talk about the unique features of Evanston's Latinx community, the issue of "invisibility", the strength...
2020-07-0800 min
The Check OutEpisode 8: Jenny ThompsonJenny Thompson is the Director of Education at the Evanston History Center. Jenny has an M.A. in American Studies from the George Washington University and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Maryland. Her work focuses on 20th century American history and culture, the cultural history of American wars, and the history of images. Jenny is spearheading the Evanston Community History Project at the Evanston History Center, documenting the pandemic in Evanston. We talk about what goes into making a worthy collection, the importance of history, Rapid Response Collecting, an...
2020-05-1400 min
The Check OutEpisode 7: Betsy BirdBetsy Bird is recognized nationally as an expert on children’s literature. She is the author of five books, the host of two podcasts, and a blogger for School Library Journal. During the current COVID pandemic, she’s spearheading a Cozy Evanston Community Cookbook, an ebook of recipes from the community. (This episode was recorded pre-pandemic.) She has been with the Evanston Public Library for six years as the Collections Manager since coming from the New York Public Library where she had a million dollar budget to purchase children’s books! As we learned, Betsy has had books...
2020-04-1600 min
The Check OutDoug HaightDoug Haight is an Evanston based photographer and video producer. He has been photographing people who are experiencing homelessness in Evanston in partnership with the Evanston organizations Connections for the Homeless, Interfaith Action, and the Perspective Gallery. We talk about the unique aspects of photographing this community and goals for the project which include destigmatization, raising awareness, building empathy, and raising the self-esteem of Evanstonians who are experiencing homelessness. View the exhibit page at https://www.perspectivegallery.org/see-my-story Learn more about: Connections for the Homeless, Interfaith Action of Evanston, and Perspective Gallery. We would...
2020-03-2600 min
The Check OutEpisode 5: Karli ButlerKarli Butler is a fourth generation Evanstonian. She was the director of social services at Curt’s Café and is now a program officer at the Evanston Community Foundation. In 2006, on her way to earning her master’s in multicultural communications, she became the victim of an horrific acid attack by a complete stranger. This trauma forced her to reevaluate everything including her own identity and what it means to be strong, resilient, beautiful, and forgiving. We learn about how she found the strength to recover and continues to use that strength to help others. Curt’s Café do...
2020-03-1000 min
The Check OutEpisode 4: Mary CollinsIn this episode, we visit with long-time Evanston resident and Community Development advocate Mary Collins. Mary spent more than a decade as Evanston Township High School’s Community Service Coordinator where she helped hundreds of teens get involved in volunteerism in Evanston. Now with Girls Play Sports and the Foster Center Group, she continues to bring focus to young girls’ lives and to emerging non-profits. Also, her mom used to drive the Evanston Public Library book mobile! Find out more about Girls Play Sports in Evanston at https://www.teamgps.org/ and Foster Center Group at http://www...
2020-02-2500 min
The Check OutEpisode 3: Dino Robinson Dino Robinson founded the Shorefront Legacy Center, an organization that collects preserves and educates people about Black history on Chicago’s suburban North Shore. Our conversation touched upon Evanston’s racist redlining past, and ventured into early business development in the Black community. The African-Americans who have been in Evanston since the beginning were much more than “the help.” They were energized entrepreneurs. Dive into the history of African-Americans on the North Shore by visiting Shorefront at http://www.shorefrontlegacy.org/. Photo credit: Evanston Photographic Studio
2020-02-1100 min
The Check OutEpisode 2: Lisa DegliantoniMost folks know Lisa Degliantoni as “Lisa D.” She has made waves in the Evanston art community from the minute she arrived here from Texas and established her home and accompanying art gallery in a former Polish Meat Shop. We talk about how she worked to galvanize the energy of Evanston artists, organize the scene through Evanston Made, and encourage residents to #collectevanstonart through greater awareness, openings and studio tours. Check out Evanston Made: https://evanstonmade.org/ Photo by Jamie Davis
2020-01-2800 min
The Check OutEpisode 1: Patricia Efiom, Chief Equity OfficerPat Efiom was the City of Evanston’s first-ever Chief Equity Officer. She has bachelor and masters degrees from Indiana University. She also has Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. In our discussion, Pat gives a report card on the state of equity in Evanston – and discusses how her own family has addressed hurdling the barriers to equity in a head-on manner. You can learn more about the City of Evanston’s commitment to equity and its programs by visiting https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/equity...
2020-01-1400 min
The Check OutIntroduction To The Check Out!A new episode every two weeks while we're in season. For more information: https://www.epl.org/thecheckout/
2020-01-0500 min