Episode 19: How to Overcome Retirement Shock and Build a Vibrant Next Chapter with Mike Drak

Real Retirement

In this inspiring episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen sit down with Mike Drak—retired financial services professional turned author, public speaker, and Ironman-in-training at 70—to explore the non-financial dimensions of retirement. Mike shares his powerful journey from retirement shock to personal reinvention, revealing how he overcame fears, embraced purpose, and adopted the principles of a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Together, they discuss the importance of physical vitality, meaningful relationships, and a growth mindset—and why financial advisors must expand their role beyond numbers to guide clients through life’s next chapter. Tune in to hear how Mike is breaking stereotypes and redefining what it means to truly thrive in retirement.

00:00 Discovering Your Purpose and Overcoming Fears

02:00 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show

02:43 Meet Mike Drak: Author and Retirement Expert

03:33 Mike's Ironman Challenge at 70

05:24 Redefining Retirement: The Retirement Rebel

08:12 The Concept of Watching Your Life Movie

09:59 Experiencing Retirement Shock

14:57 The Nine Principles for a Fulfilling Retirement

16:41 Longevity and Retirement: Bridging the Gap

18:12 Practical Steps to Extend Your Health Span

19:58 Inspiration from Clive: A Model for Active Aging

20:39 The Importance of Fun and Connection in Fitness

21:49 Balancing Purpose and Consistency in Life

23:08 Financial Mindset in Retirement

24:47 Navigating Finances with a Partner

26:38 The Role of Advisors in Holistic Retirement Planning

31:48 Personal Growth and Overcoming Fears

36:47 Resources for a Fulfilling Retirement

38:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

About Mike Drak

Mike is an author, public speaker and recognized authority on the non-financial aspects of retirement. After having spent 38-years in the financial services industry, Mike retired and personally faced what he called “retirement shock”. During this time, Mike found himself on a journey of self-discovery and authored three best-selling books on retirement; Victory Lap Retirement, Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose? and Longevity Lifestyle By Design. Mike is a Senior Contributor at Booming Encore and dedicates his time to helping other retirees design a fulfilling, meaningful retirement lifestyle for themselves.

Resources

Get both these books for free at https://boomingencore.com/

• Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose?
• Longevity Lifestyle by Design

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-drak-6b401095/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_rebel/

Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

Chapters

1. Discovering Your Purpose and Overcoming Fears (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to The Real Retirement Show (00:02:00)

3. Meet Mike Drak: Author and Retirement Expert (00:02:43)

4. Mike's Ironman Challenge at 70 (00:03:33)

5. Redefining Retirement: The Retirement Rebel (00:05:24)

6. The Concept of Watching Your Life Movie (00:08:12)

7. Experiencing Retirement Shock (00:09:59)

8. The Nine Principles for a Fulfilling Retirement (00:14:57)

9. Longevity and Retirement: Bridging the Gap (00:16:41)

10. Practical Steps to Extend Your Health Span (00:18:12)

11. Inspiration from Clive: A Model for Active Aging (00:19:58)

12. The Importance of Fun and Connection in Fitness (00:20:39)

13. Balancing Purpose and Consistency in Life (00:21:49)

14. Financial Mindset in Retirement (00:23:08)

15. Navigating Finances with a Partner (00:24:47)

16. The Role of Advisors in Holistic Retirement Planning (00:26:38)

17. Personal Growth and Overcoming Fears (00:31:48)

18. Resources for a Fulfilling Retirement (00:36:47)

19. Final Thoughts and Encouragement (00:38:25)