Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.

by Christine Zmuda and Muge Wood

Welcome to the REfirement Podcast with Muge Wood and Christine Zmuda—where we’re redefining what it means to thrive at every stage of life.

We're living longer than ever before—so why not live better? Whether you're working full-time, part-time, or savoring a new phase of freedom, this podcast is your guide to building a more joyful, meaningful, and purpose-filled life—before,  ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • The 10 Myths around Nutrition and Aging

    The 10 Myths around Nutrition and Aging

    Aging Gracefully and Powerfully: Debunking 10 Health Myths Join Christine and Muge as they tackle common myths surrounding aging and health. From inflammation to gut health, strength training to gentle movements like Tai Chi, we touch upon science-backed insights to help you live your best life after 50. Discover practical tips on managing inflammation, the importance of protein, the benefits of walking, and the role of wearables in tracking fitness goals. With a fun and relatable discussions, we hope to inspire you to pursue sustainable lifestyle changes to promote vitality and well-being at any age.

  • From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 2)

    From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 2)

    In this episode of the Retirement Life podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Malveaux—an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and mother—whose powerful career has spanned three decades at CNN and beyond. Suzanne shares what it was like to report from war zones, interview five U.S. Presidents, and tell stories that shaped a generation, including her unforgettable times with President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama. Now the CEO of Malveaux Global Media, Suzanne opens up about life after CNN, mentoring young journalists through her work as a board member at the International Women's Media Foundation, and balancing it all while raising a daughter. We also dive into her work on the LA Watts documentary entitled "Nothing to See Here", and how this story has built healing bridges in one of the most dangerous communities in our country. Listeners will walk away inspired by Suzanne’s resilience, her commitment to truth and justice, and her evolving mission to use storytelling as a tool for healing, peace, and impact. To stay connected to Suzanne, you can register for her mailing list at HOME | Suzanne Malveaux. If you are interested in booking Suzanne as a keynote speaker, visit here . To support the International Women's Media Foundation, donate here to help mentor and support young female journalists who often risk imprisonment and their lives to tell their stories.

  • From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 1)

    From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 1)

    In this episode of the Retirement Life podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Malveaux—an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and mother—whose powerful career has spanned three decades at CNN and beyond. Suzanne shares what it was like to report from war zones, interview five U.S. Presidents, and tell stories that shaped a generation, including her unforgettable times with President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama. Now the CEO of Malveaux Global Media, Suzanne opens up about life after CNN, mentoring young journalists through her work as a board member at the International Women's Media Foundation, and balancing it all while raising a daughter. We also dive into her work on the LA Watts documentary entitled "Nothing to See Here", and how this story has built healing bridges in one of the most dangerous communities in our country. Listeners will walk away inspired by Suzanne’s resilience, her commitment to truth and justice, and her evolving mission to use storytelling as a tool for healing, peace, and impact. To stay connected to Suzanne, you can register for her mailing list at HOME | Suzanne Malveaux. If you are interested in booking Suzanne as a keynote speaker, visit here . To support the International Women's Media Foundation, donate here to help mentor and support young female journalists who often risk imprisonment and their own lives in telling the stories that matter.

  • The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Living a Bolder Life

    The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Living a Bolder Life

    Muge and I were excited to host Dr. Margie Warrell, a bestselling author, leadership advisor, keynote speaker and ‘courage catalyst’, Dr. Margie Warrell brings deep insight into human and organizational behavior to foster braver leadership and better outcomes. In this episode, expert Dr. Margie Warrell dives into her book "The Courage Gap" to delve into the hesitation that holds leaders back from making bold decisions. She shares how to transform fear into decisive action, reframe risk as opportunity, and lead with greater clarity, conviction, and courage. Margie’s insights help leaders navigate uncertainty, align values with vision, and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Tune in to learn this very actionable 5 Step process to step up, speak up, and lead beyond fear! To dig deeper into this topic: 1., Listeners should read the book The Courage Gap available for purchase here . 2. Take the Courage Quiz and connect with Margie for ongoing tips and tricks. 3. Visit Margie's website at Margie Warrell to learn more, book a keynote, or workshop.

  • Creating Balance When You Create A Business

    Creating Balance When You Create A Business

    In this episode, we speak with Yusi Cheng, Founder and Entrepreneur. Yusi's company Magical Winter Lights (MWL), a holiday attraction and festival that showcases multicultural lantern displays, acrobatic performances, amusement rides, and live entertainment. MWL has become one of the leading holiday attractions in the U.S., winning the ABC network's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2019 and attracting over 1.6 million visitors. Yusi is a graduate of the executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), In this episode Yusi provides insight into her path of creating her own business. how she creates balance as working mother and business owner. advice for other entrepreneurs to help them be successful. This is an episode that will surely make you smile and perhaps to inspire you to learn from Yusi's journey.