In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie Doucette talks with Ron Sowell, lifelong musician and NPR musical director, about living with passion beyond traditional retirement. You’ll learn how to follow your intuition, why creativity never retires, and how to choose happiness daily.
What We Cover:
- Following intuition over expectations — Ron’s decision to choose music over law school
- Creativity as a lifelong path — why artists don’t “retire” from what they love
- Designing a fulfilling life — building days around passion, relationships, and purpose
- Aging vs. growing old — why mindset determines how we experience later life
- The power of gratitude — how starting the day intentionally shapes everything
- Happiness as a choice — how perspective creates your lived experience
About the Guest:
Ron Sowell is a lifelong musician, singer-songwriter, and performer who has spent decades exploring the transformative power of music. From live performances to songwriting and teaching, Ron’s career reflects a deep commitment to creativity and personal expression. He is also the musical director for NPR’s Mountain Stage, where he collaborates with world-class artists and continues to evolve his craft.
Links & Resources:
- Website: https://ronsowell.com
- Facebook: Ron Sowell Music
- Album: Dance Till the Music Stops (available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube)
Beyond Retirement themes discussed:
- Purpose & Meaning in Retirement
- Personal Growth & Lifelong Learning
- Mindset & Self-Talk
- Resilience & Emotional Strength
- Community & Connection
- Health, Fitness & Aging Well
- Creating a Fulfilling Routine
- Courage, Confidence & Taking Action
- Life Transitions & Reinvention
Topics:
life after retirement, purpose after retirement, creativity in later life, aging mindset, happiness as a choice, living intentionally, retirement identity, passion after retirement
