Act Three – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Act Three

Cara Gray

Leisure

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/23d. Total Eps: 37

The past few years have caused many of us to rethink how we live our lives. And for those of you approaching retirement, the question becomes more urgent - now what? How do you find new meaning and purpose? I'm Cara Gray, a consultant, multi-passionate entrepreneur, and seeker of life's answers. Join me as I explore inspiring conversations with those thriving in their "third act." Hear first-hand as former and current executives, professionals, and creatives share their authentic journeys of self-discovery. Learn how they forged new identities, found community, manage wellness, and uncovered what makes them feel alive. And though each story is unique, they all paint a hopeful picture of how to live with purpose, passion, and vitality at any age. Join me each week as I unlock wisdom and insights from those thriving in Act Three. Because it's never too late to thoughtfully shape the rest of your life.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - hobbies
09/03/2026
#62
🇨🇦 Canada - hobbies
12/01/2026
#71
🇨🇦 Canada - hobbies
11/01/2026
#39

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://goodmorningfreedom.com/services/
31 shares
https://goodmorningfreedom.myshopify.com/
12 shares
https://goodmorningfreedom.com
3 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/
62 shares
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joanpagano
2 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnagraham1/
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/caraliveslife
60 shares
https://www.instagram.com/openlyaging
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/johngraham3440
2 shares

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 69%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Rishad Tobaccowala on How to Design a Meaningful Act Three

Sunday, December 7, 2025 • Duration 33:40

In this episode of Act Three, I sit down with the brilliant and endlessly thoughtful Rishad Tobaccowala—author, futurist, speaker, and longtime global strategist—to talk about what it really takes to build a vibrant next chapter.

Rishad spent nearly four decades at Publicis Group, eventually becoming Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer. But his most interesting work, in many ways, began after he left corporate life and stepped into what he calls his "company of one."

We talk about:

🌟 How to prepare for the emotional side of leaving a big career
🌟 What people forget to plan for when they retire or reinvent
🌟 The four pillars every next chapter needs: identity, community, purpose, and growth
🌟 Why your zone of influence matters more than your zone of control
🌟 How to stay relevant in a world changing at high speed
🌟 The surprising truth about attention, status, and "popularity" at work
🌟 How writing, creating, and teaching shaped his Act Two (and soon, his Act Three)
🌟 The value of staying curious—and why it keeps you young
🌟 What he's building now across books, Substack, podcasting, and The Rethinking Work Show

This is a wise, funny, deeply grounded conversation with someone who has navigated big transitions with remarkable clarity. If you're thinking about your future, your identity, or the next stage of your work and life, this episode will give you a lot to consider.

📘 Books
• Restoring the Soul of Business
• Rethinking Work

📰 Weekly Thought Letter
The Future Does Not Fit Into the Containers of the Past – a widely read newsletter for leaders seeking clarity in a changing world.

🎙 Podcast
What's Next? – conversations about the forces shaping the future.

▶️ The Rethinking Work Show: https://rethinkingwork.io

🌐 Website: https://rishadtobaccowala.com

00:00 Welcome
01:00 Rishad on leadership and influence
03:00 The meaning of the Advertising Hall of Fame
06:00 How he planned his transition out of Publicis
10:00 The surprising emotional challenges of retirement
12:00 The four pillars: identity, community, purpose, growth
14:00 What people misunderstand about attention and status
16:00 How COVID reshaped the transition
17:00 Building a Substack and an audience
23:00 Why he never charges for his newsletter
26:00 His creative ecosystem: books, podcast, shows
29:00 Staying curious and "forever young"
31:00 Where to follow Rishad's work

If you're starting to think about your own Act Three—or you're already in it—explore my Third Act Blueprint and other resources at https://goodmorningfreedom.com

Subscribe for more conversations on longevity, identity, purpose, and designing a meaningful next chapter.

Read moreCollapse

Embracing Age Inclusivity with Jacynth Bassett | Act Three Podcast

Season 3 · Episode 11

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • Duration 29:40

In this episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray welcomes Jacynth Bassett, a globally recognized expert in age inclusivity and the founder of 'Ageism is Never in Style.' They discuss Jacynth's journey into the field of age inclusivity, inspired by observing his mother's experience of ageism. The conversation covers the importance of intergenerational relationships, the impact of ageism on different age groups, and Jacynth's groundbreaking work in challenging ageist language in marketing. Jacynth also shares insights into societal perceptions of aging and strategies for integrating age inclusivity in personal and professional settings. Stay tuned for practical advice on fostering age-inclusive environments and learn more about how you can contribute to this transformative movement.

00:00 Introduction to Act Three Podcast

00:24 Meet Jacynth Bassett: Age Inclusivity Expert

01:51 Jacynth's Journey into Age Inclusivity

07:11 The Importance of Intergenerational Relationships

12:26 Challenging Anti-Aging Narratives

23:25 Pillars of Ageism is Never in Style

26:17 How to Get Involved with Ageism is Never in Style

28:58 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

https://www.ageismisneverinstyle.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my consulting practice. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 third-act blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to .

The Healing Power of Laughter: Transforming Lives and Workplaces with Dani Klein Modisett

Season 3 · Episode 2

Monday, October 21, 2024 • Duration 40:57

In this episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray welcomes Dani Klein Modisett, a comedian, writer, actor, and founder of Laughter On Call. Dani shares her compelling journey of developing laughter therapy for Alzheimer's patients, inspired by her mother's diagnosis. The discussion expands to her innovative work using comedy to enhance workplace culture, her transition to virtual services during COVID-19, and her initiatives like 'Lunchtime Laughter' live streams. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Dani underscores the profound impact of laughter on mental wellness, community building, and team unity. The episode encapsulates her dual efforts in engaging seniors and corporate teams with interactive, humor-based activities, emphasizing the essential role of connection and authenticity in life's transitions. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose-driven work, and the healing power of laughter.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:23 Guest Introduction: Dani Klein Modisette

02:13 The Birth of Laughter on Call

07:25 Memorable Moments and Success Stories

16:02 Teaching Stand-Up at UCLA

20:43 The Call That Changed Everything

22:04 Pregnancy and Career Shift

22:38 Writing and Motherhood

23:31 The Birth of a New Show

24:16 Transitioning to Long-Form Writing

25:03 Philosophy on Career Transitions

26:21 The Courage to Keep Going

27:37 Unexpected Turns and New Beginnings

30:14 Entrepreneurial Journey

35:24 Laughter On Call: Vision and Future

40:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mastering Life Transitions with Scott Wozniak: From Child Actor to Business Leader

Season 3 · Episode 1

Monday, September 16, 2024 • Duration 43:21

In this episode of 'Act Three,' host Cara Gray brings on Scott Wozniak, CEO of Swoz Consulting, to dive deep into his multifaceted career journey. With an impressive background that spans professional acting, non-profit leadership, and strategic consulting for global giants like Chick-fil-A, Scott shares invaluable insights on navigating career transitions. Learn how Scott's early experiences in theater under his mother's direction planted the seeds for a lifelong pursuit of impactful leadership. Discover why Scott believes that true growth comes from stepping into the unknown, and how his innovative strategies can help transform businesses from startups to legendary brands. Also, hear about his latest venture, the Legendary Brands Academy, designed to help small to mid-size businesses achieve excellence. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and inspirational stories! 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:23 Guest Introduction: Scott Wozniak 02:37 Scott's Early Career as a Child Actor 08:08 Transition from Acting to Nonprofit Work 11:05 Discovering Leadership and Consulting 17:57 Joining Chick-fil-A 20:46 Considering a Career Change 21:02 Understanding the Role at Chick-fil-A 22:01 The Unique Job Opportunity 23:15 Embracing Lifelong Learning 24:23 The Importance of Growth 25:14 Overcoming Ego and Embracing Change 26:27 The Value of Being a Beginner 32:46 Launching a New Venture 38:10 Introducing Legendary Brands Academy 41:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Scott's New Online Program: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com
Bestselling book: Make Your Brand Legendary - https://amzn.to/3PD3szu

This podcast is sponsored by Good Morning Freedom, my retirement coaching firm. I help executives and professionals plan the non-financial part of their retirement, like how to discover new purpose and how you want to spend your time. I offer a 1:1 coaching retirement blueprint package where we work together to discover some new avenues of exploration for your Act Three. This coaching is completely custom and will provide you with a ton of resources and support as you transition to this new stage of life. For all the details, please go to goodmorningfreedom.com/services.

Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ or Instagram: or Facebook:

Cara Gray

Season 2 · Episode 12

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 07:40

Special Offer for My Listeners:

As a gift to my listeners, I am offering a free 60-minute zoom session with me to chat about where you are at and do a bit of dreaming about your next chapter! You can book time with me via: https://CaraGray.as.me/60minutes. I will also put this link in the show notes or reach me via email at cara@goodmorningfreedom.com. I love this work. I love helping people discover how to live inspiring lives. And I look forward to meeting you and hearing about your journey!

Transcription of Episode:

This is episode 24 of the Act Three podcast, the final episode of Season 2 and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my previous guests for their time and thank my growing audience for their support. If you are enjoying this podcast, please make sure you are following it. And if you are really enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. That would mean the world to me.

Today is going to be a solo podcast. I realized that while I have been busy interviewing others about their Third Act, I've never taken the opportunity to introduce myself.

So here I am! My name is Cara Gray and I am a certified retirement coach - which means I help my clients plan the non-financial part of their retirement. I assume clients that come to me have worked closely with their financial advisors over the years and have planned well for their future. But I do find that the focus has been on money and not about how they are really going to live their lives. I look at these years as an incredible opportunity to design what you want your life to look like. When has there been a time where you have the freedom to make decisions and actually thoughtfully plan how you want to spend your time. Who you want to spend it with. Where you want to live. We've often been constrained by the limitations of our careers in terms of time and geography and now that is over!

You should also know that I struggle with the word "retirement". I've even chosen to call this podcast Act Three as an alternative. But using the word retirement helps my communication - it's more clear what I do - which is a relatively new field. And when I use the word retirement, think of Serena Williams. Think of Tom Brady. Think of younger people who are obsessed with the concept of FIRE which means they have reached financial independence and can now choose how they want to spend their time. That's the vibe I operate from.

Julie Danis

Season 2 · Episode 11

Monday, April 15, 2024 • Duration 38:08

Julie Danis is not just a former marketing executive but also a writer, storyteller, and an advocate for creative exploration. In this episode, Julie shares her diverse career journey, her transitions, and how she has embraced her third act with a vibrant mix of creativity, resilience, and openness to new experiences.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and sponsorship note from Good Morning Freedom.
[00:01:00] Julie Danis's introduction and career background.
[00:02:00] Julie shares insights from her solo show, "Life's Too Short and So Am I," and her ongoing journey in exploring different identities and careers.
[00:04:00] Deep dive into Julie's major career shifts from marketing and advertising to storytelling and writing.
[00:06:00] Memorable moments from her career, including global insights and the intricacies of market research.
[00:10:00] Transition from corporate roles to creative pursuits, including her stint at Second City and writing for the Chicago Tribune.
[00:14:00] Discussion on the 2010 layoff and attending the More Magazine reinvention conference
[00:16:00] The role of reinvention in Julie's life and career, influenced by coaching and self-discovery.
[00:18:00] Exploration of the documentary film writing process and its impact on Julie's career trajectory.
[00:20:00] Reflections on navigating freelance work
[00:22:00] Current projects, including live storytelling and ongoing writing efforts.
[00:24:00] Julie's honorary role as the council general of Liechtenstein in Chicago.
[00:28:00] Final thoughts and advice for listeners approaching retirement and looking to reinvent their third act.

Alex Hayes-Griffin

Season 2 · Episode 10

Monday, April 8, 2024 • Duration 33:35

Episode Description:

In this enlightening episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray chats with Alex Hayes-Griffin, a former banker who transitioned to a fulfilling career as an independent advisor and coach. After a dynamic banking career, Alex shares insights on planning for the next life stage, embracing new identities, and finding personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone contemplating or navigating significant life transitions.

Key Moments:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Act Three and today's guest, Alex Hayes-Griffin.
[00:01:00] Alex's banking career and his pivot to independence.
[00:02:00] The realization and planning phase before transitioning out of banking.
[00:05:00] The pivotal moments leading to Alex's decision to leave banking.
[00:08:00] The impact of the pandemic on Alex's transition and personal life changes.
[00:10:00] Challenges faced during the transition and overcoming them.
[00:13:00] Alex's approach to learning and embracing new skills post-banking.
[00:18:00] Experiencing freedom alongside anxiety and the complexities of significant life changes.
[00:20:00] Personal growth and changes experienced since the transition.
[00:22:00] Advice for others contemplating a significant career or life change.
[00:26:00] Supporting his wife's entrepreneurial journey with Wondercoat.
[00:30:00] Alex's ideal client and where to find his coaching services.

Resources Mentioned:

To connect with Alex for coaching or advisory services, visit AHGXAI.
Wondercoat: Boutique business specializing in Dachshund coats, founded by Alex's wife.

Joan Rosenthal

Season 2 · Episode 9

Monday, April 1, 2024 • Duration 46:14

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Joan Rosenthal: Cara introduces Joan, detailing her impressive background in finance and her impactful transition to philanthropy.
Early Career Challenges: Joan shares her experiences starting out in a predominantly male industry during the 1970s, highlighting the challenges and societal expectations of women at the time.
The Transition to Philanthropy: Joan discusses her decision to retire early and shift her focus towards nonprofit work, motivated by a desire to contribute more directly to societal improvement.
Involvement in Nonprofit Organizations: An in-depth look into Joan's roles in various organizations, with a focus on her passion for education and supporting underserved communities.
Wellmet Philanthropy: Joan delves into her involvement with Wellmet Philanthropy, a women's giving circle that funds emerging organizations and leaders, explaining the process and the impact of collective philanthropy.
Advice for Transitioning to Act Three: Joan offers advice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retirement, including how to find organizations that match personal passions and how to leverage professional skills for nonprofit success.

Key Quotes:

"You're not done at retirement; you're just transitioning to a stage where you can choose to focus on what truly matters to you." - Joan Rosenthal
"The power of collective giving is immense. Through Wellmet Philanthropy, we've been able to support initiatives that truly make a difference in people's lives." - Joan Rosenthal

Joan's Philanthropic Ventures:

www.wellmetphilanthropy.org
www.friendsny.org
www.Bronxworks.org
www.Wpti.org

Chris Farrell

Monday, March 25, 2024 • Duration 29:06

About Chris Farrell:

Chris Farrell is an esteemed voice in the realms of business, economics, and personal finance, contributing to platforms such as Minnesota Public Radio, Marketplace from American Public Media, and several notable publications. He is the author of impactful books like The New Frugality, Unretirement, and Purpose and a Paycheck, which challenge traditional narratives around aging, retirement, and the workforce.

Episode Highlights:

The Redefinition of Retirement: Chris discusses his journey into exploring the theme of retirement and how longevity, improved health, and a desire for continued purpose are reshaping what retirement looks like.
Unretirement and The Third Act: Unpacking the concept of 'unretirement,' Chris shares insights into how people are choosing to blend work, purpose, and leisure in their later years, moving away from the notion of retirement as a full-stop to active, engaged living.
Combating Ageism in the Workplace: With anecdotes and evidence, Chris addresses the progress made in fighting age discrimination and the value that experienced workers bring to the economy.
Intergenerational Collaboration: Debunking myths of generational conflict, Farrell highlights the shared values across generations in the workplace and the richness that diverse experiences bring to societal progress.
Gig Economy and Retirement Planning: Offering perspectives on the gig economy as a flexible work option for retirees, Chris encourages an experimental mindset towards post-retirement work, emphasizing the importance of social security, Medicare, and personal savings in planning for retirement.
Purpose, Passion, and Planning: Echoing the mission of Good Morning Freedom, Chris and Cara discuss the importance of finding purpose and passion in retirement, stressing the significance of financial literacy and proactive planning for a fulfilling third act.

Guest's Upcoming Projects:

Chris hints at another book in the early stages of development, promising more insightful explorations into the themes of work, retirement, and purpose.

Host's Comments:

Joan Pagano

Season 2 · Episode 7

Monday, March 18, 2024 • Duration 37:47

Guest Introduction:

Joan Pagano, a leading authority in strength training for women and bone health, shares her vast experience and knowledge. With a career that began in 1988, Joan has dedicated herself to empowering women through exercise, specifically focusing on strength training and osteoporosis prevention. Her work, including a comprehensive 10-part series on the best exercises for osteoporosis prevention, has made her a respected figure in the fitness industry.

Celebrity Training Insights:

Joan shares fascinating anecdotes from her time training Jacqueline and Carolyn Kennedy, offering a glimpse into her approach to personalized fitness and the importance of strength training at any age.

The Path to Specializing in Women's Strength Training:

Discover how Joan's career path and personal experiences led her to specialize in strength training for women, particularly those recovering from breast cancer and those at risk for or living with osteoporosis.

Key Takeaways from "Strength Training Exercises for Women":

Joan discusses the highlights from her book, emphasizing the importance of starting with bodyweight exercises and progressing based on individual needs and goals. She underscores the empowering nature of strength training and its benefits for overall health and well-being.

Customizing Exercise Programs:

Learn how Joan tailors exercise programs to meet her clients' specific health histories, objectives, and lifestyles, ensuring that each program is both safe and effective.

Debunking Strength Training Myths:

Joan addresses common misconceptions about strength training, highlighting the adaptability of strength training routines to meet current needs and goals rather than constantly increasing intensity.

Finding the Right Trainer:

Tips on how to find a qualified trainer, including the importance of certifications from reputable organizations and the value of word-of-mouth recommendations.

Act Three – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Act Three – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other51

LinkedIn5

Instagram3

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other51

LinkedIn5

Instagram3