Kathe Kline, the host of the Rock Your Retirement Show, welcomed Steve Lopez to discuss his book "What I Learned About Retirement... From Some Who've Done It and Some Who Never Will". Kathe and Steve discussed the many variables to consider when contemplating retirement, including financial considerations, identity issues, and creative fields.

They also shared their own experiences with retirement; Kathe recently moved to one of the largest 55 and older communities in the United States while Steve took a huge pay cut in order to have three months off each year.

Additionally, they discussed how Steve has been using his newfound free time since retiring to explore new hobbies such as playing guitar and watching his daughter's college tennis team play. Kathe and Steve discussed the complexities of financial planning for retirement. They discussed how the pandemic has changed their lives, with Steve now working from home after 50 years of going to an office.

Steve suggested they take their show on the road, with Steve talking about retirement issues, playing guitar, and a 10-minute Q&A. They also discussed how Steve needs to develop a life outside of work in retirement and Steve shared that he had neglected his friendships in the past due to working long hours, but has since been making an effort to reconnect with old friends.

He also mentioned that Nancy Schlossberg advised him to embrace ambiguity during this transition period. They discussed the importance of nurturing relationships outside of work and family after retirement or semi-retirement. They noted that money is a major factor in retirement decisions due to inflation, stock market fluctuations, and medical costs.

Finally, they discussed how many people move away from California for cheaper housing costs but experience culture shock when they do so, as well as looking into parts of Spain with similar weather patterns to Southern California. Kathe and Steve discussed the potential difficulties of finding contractors and getting permits when immigrating to a new country, as well as the need to assimilate into the culture.

They highlighted how this is a problem that can occur anywhere, even within the United States. Steve shared his advice from his research, which was to search for the meaning of life and do what replenishes you. He was inspired by Father Greg Boyle who said, "Go where life is and do what replenishes you."

They both said goodbye to listeners before Steve announced he was getting his guitar out to rock out.

STEVE LOPEZ - Veteran Los Angeles Times columnist, recipient of more than a dozen national journalism awards, four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and bestselling author of “The Soloist”. Known for his trademark poignancy, wisdom, and humor, Lopez will release his newest book, Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement from Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will (Harper Horizon, September 13, 2022).