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

Hosted by Christine Zmuda and Muge Wood

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Jul 2026

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About the show

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, during, and after retirement . Through honest conversations and uplifting stories, we explore what it really means to REFIRE your life—not just retire from it. You'll discover proven strategies and everyday inspiration to help you grow mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and financially. Each episode is designed to educate, entertain, and empower , answering questions like: How can you live longer and better at any age? What does it take to build a side hustle that brings both joy and income? How can you create a life filled with deeper meaning and happiness? What can we learn from everyday people doing extraordinary things? If you're ready to spark a fresh perspective on your future—and maybe even be a guest on the show— we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Book your spot here: https://calendly.com/refirement

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60 recent

July 27, 202647 min

The 7 Principles of Ethical Persuasion and the Neuroscience Behind Our Own Decisionmaking

Why do great ideas get ignored while average ideas gain traction? Most of us assume people make decisions logically. The science says otherwise. In this fascinating conversation, we sit down with Patrick van der Burght , one of the world's leading experts on ethical persuasion and a certified trainer in Dr. Robert Cialdini's groundbreaking research on influence. Together, we explore why people say "yes"... "no"... or simply never decide at all. If you've ever... struggled to get buy-in from your team, wondered why your best presentation fell flat, wanted to influence without manipulating, or needed others to embrace a new idea... this episode is for you. You'll discover: 🧠 Why up to 95% of our decisions happen automatically , long before logic catches up. 💡 The surprising reason adding more facts often decreases persuasion instead of increasing it. 🎯 Why many "no's" aren't really no—they're simply indecision. ⚡ How a few words—or even changing the order of a sentence—can dramatically improve trust and influence. 🤝 The 7 Universal Principles of Ethical Persuasion and how leaders can use them to build trust, strengthen relationships, and inspire action without manipulation. 🌎 Why these principles work across cultures, industries, and even at home—not just in sales. We also tackle one of the most important questions of all: How do you become more influential without sacrificing your integrity? Patrick's answer is refreshingly simple: The best persuasion doesn't pressure people—it helps them make better decisions. In a world overloaded with information and shrinking attention spans, learning how people actually make decisions may be one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop. To learn more or contact Patrick - visit Ethical Persuasion - Sales Training and Consulting - Ethical Persuasion.

July 14, 202649 min

The Human Advantage: Optimism, Influence & Connection - Tips from Comediene and Key note Speaker Merit Khan

Most people think optimism means "thinking positive." Merit Kahn believes it's something far more powerful. In this conversation, we explore why optimism isn't about ignoring reality—it's about developing the mindset and skills to navigate it with resilience, humor, and confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ Why optimism is a competitive advantage in today's AI-powered world. ✨ How laughter and storytelling can help us process life's toughest moments. ✨ Why sales—and leadership—are ultimately about authentic human connection. ✨ The uniquely human skills AI can't replace. ✨ How emotional intelligence shapes influence, trust, and better decision-making. ✨ Why reinvention isn't reserved for midlife—it can happen anytime you're willing to challenge your own story. ✨ Practical ways to stay resilient when everything around you is changing. One of my favorite takeaways: The future doesn't belong to the people who know the most. It belongs to the people who are willing to keep learning, adapting, and connecting with others. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or simply navigating change in your own life, this conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and practical ideas you can put into practice immediately. 🎧 Tune in and let us know your biggest takeaway. #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #EmotionalIntelligence #Optimism #SalesLeadership #FutureOfWork #Resilience #LifelongLearning #RefirementLife #MagnetLabs

July 3, 202631 min

The Human Side of AI No One Is Talking About

In this episode, you'll learn: Why buying more AI tools won't solve your adoption problem. How the best leaders rethink work instead of simply automating old processes. Why curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable leadership skills. Practical ways to help teams embrace AI without fear. How to create a culture of experimentation where learning matters more than perfection. Why AI should be your thought partner—not your replacement. The uniquely human skills that will matter even more as AI becomes commonplace: judgment, empathy, taste, and conviction. One insight that really stood out: Don't measure AI success by adoption. Measure it by whether your team is producing better work. If you're leading a team through AI transformation, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LearningCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanSkills #Innovation #AI

June 5, 202636 min

How Leaders can Scale Organizations with Losing the Soul of the Culture

In this episode of Refirement Life , bestselling author and leadership expert Josh Block shares powerful lessons from leading teams through growth, pressure, culture shifts, and uncertainty — while keeping people at the center of the business. We explore: • Why high-performing cultures are built on trust, transparency, and thoughtful leadership • The “We Cycle” framework and how strong teams create ownership together • Why employees don’t leave companies — they leave managers • How emotional safety fuels innovation, creativity, and retention • What sustainable leadership looks like in a world of burnout and constant pressure • Why accessibility and vulnerability are leadership superpowers • How leaders can scale organizations without losing the soul of the culture Josh also shares real stories from leading through COVID, empowering emerging leaders, and creating a culture where people stay, grow, and thrive together. A thoughtful conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes business performance and human connection should go hand in hand. To connect further with Josh please visit - https:// peoplematteratwork.com or check out his best selling book here People Matter at Work: Fostering a Culture Where Team Members Thrive and Everyone Wins: Block, Josh: 9781637635049: Amazon.com : Books #RefirementLife #Leadership #PeopleMatter #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeExperience #FutureOfWork #Podcast #BusinessLeadership

May 22, 202640 min

Why Confidence Not Hustle is the True Foundation to Leadership

What does it really take to reinvent yourself, build confidence, and create meaningful momentum in a world obsessed with hustle? In this episode of Refirement Life , we sit down with TEDx speaker, professor, leadership strategist, and author Dr. Christiane Schroeter for a conversation that challenges the traditional “work harder” mindset and replaces it with something far more sustainable with intentional, small-step growth. Dr. Schroeter shares how teaching more than 10,000 students led her to create the “Petite Practice” framework — a neuroscience-informed approach that helps people build confidence, habits, leadership skills, and reinvention through small, consistent actions instead of burnout-driven hustle. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why confidence not hustle is the true foundation of leadership • How tiny daily actions create lasting behavioral and neurological change • The surprising reason most people stay stuck during career transitions • How to reconnect with your strengths when entering a new life chapter • Why visibility and sharing “weekly wins” can accelerate reinvention and opportunity • Practical ways to build momentum without overwhelm or perfectionism • How educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs can create environments where people actually learn and grow One of the most powerful insights from the conversation is Dr. Schroeter’s reminder that failure is often just a “first attempt in learning” and that growth comes from experimenting, reflecting, and adjusting instead of judging yourself too quickly. This conversation is especially valuable for professionals thinking about their next chapter, entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, and anyone feeling exhausted by hustle culture but still wanting to make meaningful progress. #RefirementLife #Leadership #CareerTransition #Confidence #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Neuroscience #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast #FutureOfWork #IntentionalLiving

May 12, 202625 min

Beyond Comfortable: Lessons From Safari and the Southernmost Tip of Africa

What happens when you step beyond the familiar and into the unknown? In this episode of Refirement Life, we explore how some of life’s greatest perspective shifts happen when we push past comfort, routine, and certainty. From travel and adventure to personal reinvention, this conversation dives into the surprising ways discomfort can expand confidence, deepen gratitude, and awaken parts of ourselves that everyday life often keeps dormant. You’ll hear reflections on: • Why growth rarely happens inside predictable routines • How new environments challenge old assumptions • The connection between discomfort, resilience, and clarity • What travel, risk, and curiosity teach us about living fully • Why perspective—not perfection—is often the real transformation Whether it’s standing at the edge of a safari jeep, navigating a foreign city, tasting unfamiliar wines, or simply saying “yes” to something new, this episode is a reminder that life becomes richer when we stop managing every variable and start embracing discovery. If you’ve been craving a fresh perspective—or wondering what might be waiting on the other side of fear—this conversation is for you.

April 22, 202633 min

From Corporate Success to Creative Freedom with Suzanne Parisi

From Corporate Success to Creative Freedom with Suzanne Parisi What happens when you strip away the titles—lawyer, executive, top performer—and ask a much harder question: Who am I without all of that? In this deeply reflective episode, I sit down with my friend Suzanne Parisi, who spent 25 years in enterprise sales and law before making a bold pivot into the world of glass artistry. And not casually. She took 30+ classes , explored relentlessly, and followed curiosity until something clicked. This conversation isn’t about retirement. It’s about reinvention with intention. 🔍 What we explore: Why the most important question isn’t “What should I do next?” but “Who do I want to be without external definitions?” The surprising truth about creativity: It’s not talent—it’s learned, practiced, and earned through imperfect action How Suzanne reframed success from outcomes and revenue… to joy in the process and emotional connection through her work The mindset shift that unlocks reinvention: 👉 Let go of self-limiting beliefs 👉 Try things badly 👉 Follow what energizes your time And one of my favorite takeaways: “If my day isn’t great, it’s on me—because my day can be anything I want it to be.” Suzanne Parisi is an artist in residency at the Arts of Glen Echo. You can find more of her work here. Suzanne Parisi Artist Portfolio Suzanne Parisi — NCAGG National Capital Art Glass Guild

April 7, 202636 min

Leadership Spotlight: Amir Capriles on what Leaders need to know in the Age of AI

What makes a leader—and a team— truly irreplaceable in the age of AI? We visit with Amir Capriles, an incredibly well-respected enterprise sales leader and Chief Revenue Officer at Granicus, where he leads global sales and go-to-market strategy for one of the world’s leading govtech platforms. With over 20 years of experience, Amir has built and scaled high-performing teams across the public sector, holding leadership roles at companies including Microsoft, Salesforce, and Pegasystems. Known for his ability to recognize and elevate talent, Amir combines data-driven execution with a deeply human leadership approach, focusing on judgment, trust, and purpose to drive meaningful impact in government and enterprise organizations. A few highlights from our conversation that Amir shared that stayed with me: Talent is about trajectory, not performance Look for learning velocity, pattern recognition, and how people grow under pressure—not just results. Great leaders see potential before others do The job isn’t to give more work—it’s to name, elevate, and develop capability. Reading the room is still a superpower Data tells you where to look. Intuition tells you how to respond. AI can’t replace that. Burnout comes from disconnection, not effort When people lose the “why,” energy drops. Reset purpose and celebrate progress along the way. AI raises the floor—leaders must raise the ceiling Judgment, courage, trust, and coaching are the new differentiators. Irreplaceable leaders don’t create dependency They build systems, leaders, and teams that perform without them . Bottom line: AI will accelerate execution. But human leadership will always define impact.

March 27, 202639 min

What If Your Body Is the Most Advanced Technology You Own?

In this powerful episode of Refirement Life , Christine Zmuda sits down with transformational facilitator Soreya James to explore a concept that might change how you live, lead, and make decisions: 👉 Your body is not just something you have… it’s something you can listen to. Soreya introduces the idea of “the body as technology” —a highly sophisticated system constantly giving you real-time data about your energy, alignment, and truth. The question is… are you tuned in? In this conversation, you’ll discover: Why your body often knows before your mind does How to recognize the difference between intuition (expansion) vs. fear (contraction) Simple ways to reset your energy using breath, movement, and awareness Why modern life is pulling us out of our bodies—and how to get back in The hidden cost of ignoring your internal signals (and how to rebuild trust) This isn’t theory—it’s a deeply human, practical conversation about how to navigate complexity, make better decisions, and reconnect with your inner GPS. To Connect with Soreya - please email her directly at soreyajames@gmail.com

March 17, 202639 min

Why the Best Founders Might Be Over 50 (and Using AI)

We’re entering a moment that may redefine entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore the AI entrepreneurship boom —and why it’s creating one of the biggest windows of opportunity we’ve seen in decades. Today: AI is a $391B market, growing rapidly 72% of companies are already using it And for the first time, one person with the right tools can build what used to require an entire team But this isn’t just about technology. It’s about who is best positioned to take advantage of it. Research shows: The average successful founder is ~45 Founders over 50 are nearly 2x more likely to succeed than those in their 20s And entrepreneurship is growing fastest among people 55–64 Why? Because experience, pattern recognition, and networks matter more than ever. In this conversation, we break down: How many new businesses are being created with AI The tools that can help you build something meaningful (without massive capital) The biggest mistakes people are making right now And critical guardrails to protect your ideas and intellectual property We also explore a key question: 👉 What kind of AI-enabled business is actually a fit for you? This isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about using AI as a lever to build something intentional, sustainable, and aligned with your experience. If you’ve ever thought about starting something—or starting again—this episode will expand how you think about what’s possible.

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