Hello, and welcome to another episode of Retirement Rebel. I’m Siobhan Daniels, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have you joining me today. Whether you’re a long-time listener or you’re just discovering the podcast, know that you’re part of a vibrant community where we challenge norms and celebrate the exciting, adventurous possibilities that life beyond 60 has to offer.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with the wonderfully talented Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy-writing accountant with a unique knack for infusing humour into the journey of ageing and reinvention. As you know, I'm passionate about breaking down stereotypes related to ageing, and Valerie shares this commitment. She discusses how she is navigating the comedy world, which is often dominated by younger perspectives, to carve out a space that resonates with older women. If you’re someone who feels that traditional entertainment overlooks vibrant, witty voices in their fifties, sixties, and beyond, Valerie’s journey is sure to inspire you.

We also delve into the importance of uplifting and supporting older women through positive comedy, a subject close to my heart. Valerie believes strongly in creating spaces where women can gather, laugh, and have honest conversations about their shared experiences. It’s a refreshing thought, isn’t it? That our shared laughter and personal stories can serve as powerful tools in combating ageism. For those of you looking to embrace life with positivity and perhaps a bit of cheeky humour, this conversation offers plenty of food for thought.

Finally, we touch upon the sheer joy of rediscovering old passions and stepping into new ones as you age. Valerie shares her own experiences about shifting from the structured world of accounting to the creative, unpredictable realm of comedy. It's about embracing the freedoms that come with having a wealth of life experience and using that to try something new. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but felt it was too late, let Valerie’s journey encourage you to take that leap.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive deeply into this engaging conversation with Valerie Troy, where we’ll laugh, reflect, and redefine what it means to age boldly. Thank you for being here and being part of this revolution in ageing.

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction to Valerie Troy I introduce Valerie Troy, an Irish comedy writer and accountant, who is using comedy to address reinvention as we age. Valerie believes there's a growing need for entertainment that caters to women in their fifties, sixties, and beyond.

01:28 - Valerie's Early Life and Comedy Roots Val shares her background, growing up in the West of Ireland, and how being the youngest of three siblings shaped her personality. She explains how storytelling, rather than traditional joke-telling, has been a significant part of her comedic style.

04:59 - Transition from Accounting to Comedy Valerie discusses her journey from a 20-year career in accounting to following her passion for storytelling and comedy. She reflects on how she used her time after leaving accounting to rediscover her love for writing.

10:54 - Positive Comedy about Women We explore the importance of writing positive comedy focused on women, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote an uplifting narrative that resonates with older female audiences.

14:21 - The Creation of "Men O' Paws" Val talks about co-writing the comedy-drama "Men O' Paws," a story centred around a 51-year-old woman pressing pause on dating men. This project aims to showcase the humour and realities of women's reinvention journeys.

26:00 - Importance of Supporting Female Comedians Valerie discusses the under-representation of women, especially older women, in comedy. She highlights how...

Hello there, and welcome to "Retirement Rebel." It's a joy to have you with us today as we dive into fascinating conversations about life after 60. In today's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jane Ashley, an inspiring woman whose zest for life and determination to embrace every moment is something I think you'll find both relatable and empowering.

As we began our discussion, one of the key topics we explored was Jane's rebellious spirit, which sparked during her school years. She shared how attending an all-girls school set certain expectations, but her path led her to challenge those norms. This idea of rebelling against societal expectations is central to our podcast because, as many of us know, reaching a certain age doesn't mean slowing down or fitting into predetermined roles. It's about seizing the day and writing your own story, just as Jane has done.

Another profound aspect we touched upon was the influence of personal loss on Jane's outlook towards ageing and living adventurously. Having lost her husband and sister at young ages, Jane's narrative is a testament to resilience and finding purpose amidst tragedy. In our chat, we really delved into how such life events can be catalysts for a renewed zest for life, encouraging us all not to take a single day for granted.

Lastly, we dove into the adventures Jane embarked on in her later years, from running marathons to solo travelling. It's parts like these where the essence of our podcast truly shines — breaking free from ageist stereotypes and embracing thrilling possibilities beyond traditional retirement. It's my hope that by sharing these stories, you too might feel inspired to explore new passions, whether it be an adventurous trek, learning a new skill, or simply finding the courage to pursue long-held dreams.

So, as you listen today, I invite you to reflect on how these themes resonate with your own life. Whether you're here to seek inspiration, motivation, or just to find a community of like-minded individuals redefining what it means to grow older, know that you're in the right place. Let's continue this journey of embracing our rebellious spirit and living boldly together.

Key Points:

00:01 Embracing Life After Loss I introduce Jane Ashley, who has faced significant loss but has used those experiences to fuel her zest for life. Jane's story is a powerful reminder of resilience and living each moment to the fullest as we age.

00:46 Redefining Retirement I share the podcast's mission of highlighting women who redefine aging by living boldly and pursuing adventures beyond the traditional expectations of retirement, inviting listeners to join this empowering journey.

02:12 Jane's Early Rebellious Spirit Jane recounts her childhood and the early signs of her rebellious nature during her school years, highlighting how different circumstances instilled in her a desire to break away from societal norms even at a young age.

05:40 Academic Struggles and Discoveries Jane opens up about her academic challenges and eventual discovery of her passion for psychology, emphasizing the importance of finding one's path despite societal pressures.

09:16 Overcoming Tragedy and Finding New Paths Jane shares her journey through personal loss with the tragic passing of her husband and later, her sister. These hardships shaped her outlook on life and led her to prioritize family, education, and personal growth.

14:32 Finding Solace in Running After her husband's death, Jane turned to running as a means of coping with grief and stress. This segment explores how physical activity supports mental health and the inspirational beginning of her marathon-running journey.

20:59 Adventures in Solo Travel and Exploration Jane's experiences with solo travel...

Hello there, and welcome to Retirement Rebel Life After 60. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey where we explore the exciting possibilities of life beyond traditional retirement. I truly believe that life after 60 is a time of empowerment, growth, and adventure, and I'm so glad that you're here to share in that vision.

In this week's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Tracey Acock, a former nurse who has made it her mission to help hundreds of women embrace ageing with confidence and purpose. Our conversation touched on three key subjects that I think will resonate deeply with you. Firstly, we delve into Tracey's journey of creating the Well-being Wisdom Club. She’s gathered a vibrant community of women and is passionate about supporting them through the various stages of retirement. Finding your tribe is crucial, and Tracey exemplifies the significance of community and connection in our later years.

Next, we discuss the idea of loving yourself for who you are and just enjoying life. Tracey encourages everyone to look within and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves, which is crucial in finding joy and fulfilment as we age. This message is especially poignant for those, like you, who are seeking to redefine what it means to live well after 60, breaking free from societal norms and embracing your unique path with confidence.

Lastly, we explore how societal perceptions of ageing can often limit us and how Tracey is challenging these norms by advocating for a positive, empowered approach to getting older. It’s about finding freedom and authenticity, embracing the full breadth of experiences that life offers beyond the conventional expectations of retirement.

I hope you find inspiration in today's episode, encouraging you to live boldly and embrace this next chapter of your life with enthusiasm and joy. Thank you for being part of our Retirement Rebel community. Let's continue to challenge ageist narratives and support each other in ageing positively.

Key Points:

00:00 Introduction to Tracey Acock In this episode, I introduce Tracey Acock, a former nurse who has transitioned into a mentor for women, helping them embrace aging with positivity and purpose. Her work is perfectly aligned with the mission of our podcast.

00:45 The Concept of Retirement Rebel I delve into the essence of Retirement Rebel, highlighting how it aims to challenge traditional views of aging by featuring inspiring stories of triumphs and adventures post-60.

01:38 Welcoming Tracey Acock I express my excitement for having Tracey on the show, considering her valuable insights and experience in supporting women through life transitions.

02:52 Tracey's Background and Childhood Tracey shares her upbringing in Cornwall and the influence of her adventurous spirit, shaped by her environment and experiences as a child.

03:27 Career Journey from Secretarial Work to Nursing Tracey reflects on her career path, detailing her early roles and the eventual leap into nursing, driven by a desire for a meaningful life of service.

05:25 Specialising in Cancer Nursing Tracey discusses her rewarding nursing career focused on cancer care, particularly in supporting women with breast cancer, and shares the emotional challenges involved.

07:37 Transition into Retirement The conversation shifts to Tracey’s retirement transition. She opens up about the sudden changes in identity and the sense of loss she felt after leaving her nursing career.

10:09 Coping with Loneliness Post-Retirement We delve into the loneliness Tracey experienced after retirement and the importance of social connections for mental well-being, emphasising the need for a supportive community.

11:42 Embracing Refirement I...