I Used to be Somebody – Details, episodes & analysis

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I Used to be Somebody

Carl Landau

Business

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/19d. Total Eps: 110

I Used to Be Somebody inspires 50+ year olds to build their (Un)Retired good life. Each month we interview cool, inspiring people about their retirement challenges and why and how they figured it out—turning this phase of life into an incredible, rewarding reality. It's for people who don't want to retire--they just want to do something new that is more fun, less grind, and more meaningful. Our guests have created amazing Second Acts! Oh, and there's a little talk about Pickleball.

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https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe
152 shares
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die
57 shares
https://pickleballmediahq.com
49 shares

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Stuckey
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Gallagher_
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renel_Brooks-Moon
2 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/datlinkedin
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfranceschelli
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardhechter/
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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 73%

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Kevin Blake Interview: Mystifying Second Act as an Illusionist

Episode 102

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 49:16

Carl gets to talk about "magic" for the first time ever on the show. Kevin Blake made a 180-degree change in his working life. He moved from a promising career in digital marketing, working with big time clients (JanSport Backpacks, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Duraflame, Intel and more), to working as a professional Illusionist / Entertainer.

He always had a passion for performing magic and took the big leap, turning his fun side gig into a lucrative and totally rewarding career. His AHA moment came during the pandemic, when he performed online magic shows multiple times a day for companies. He made an insane amount of money in just one month -- December of 2020 (you'll need to listen to believe).

Kevin has competed and performed on a national level -- America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool us. He is the star 3-4 nights a week as The Illusionist at The Palace Theater. And he's absolutely living his dream!

More about Kevin Blake: https://kevinblakemagic.com
Kevin's Show, The Illusionist at The Palace Theater: https://sanfranciscomagicshow.com
Episode Content: Thttps://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/kevin-blake-interview-mystifying-second-act-as-an-illusionist
Sponsor by Capital Advantage: https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide
Sponsor by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die
I Used to be Somebody World Tour: https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/all-tours
Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody Newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

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Anthony Napolitano: Forced Into Early Retirement and Now a Renaissance Man

Episode 101

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 51:33

This month we tackle a topic we haven't talked much about...Forced Retirements. Anthony Napolitano had a very successful career in the high-tech world. Then he was laid off not once, but twice by two big corporations right around when he was 50 years old. That was two years ago, and since then he has plunged into the world of early retirement with great enthusiasm, (which is an understatement.) His friends joke that he doesn't have a "Type A personality," he has a "Type-Anthony personality".

Anthony has an analytical mind and devised a personalized Life Retirement Plan. He bases his plan on the four pillars of Health, Mindset, Purpose and Relationships. He even grades himself every year.

He was a star baseball player in high school and then went on to play four years of college division 1 baseball at Loyola-Marymount College. So in (un)retirement, Anthony is a natural as a high school coach. He loves being the assistant coach for the girls volleyball team.

He also works as a wine educator at a local winery in his tiny mountain town of Julian, CA, just outside of San Diego. He does a little bit of everything at the winery, from picking grapes to hosting wine tasting events.

You will love Anthony. He's full of wonder and personality. Although Carl points out that he is the star of the podcast, Anthony clearly steals this month's show.

• More about Anthony Napolitano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonynapolitano

• Anthony's Blog "For the Napos": https://forthenapos.com

• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/anthony-napolitano-interview-rorced-into-early-retirement-and-now-a-renaissance-man

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die

Mitch Dunn: Ad Agency Wiz Becomes Pickleball Entrepreneur

Episode 92

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 01:01:27

Mitch Dunn is the poster child for what (Un)Retirement is all about. He had an amazing career for 30+ years in the ad agency business, starting at the legendary Leo Burnett agency and eventually worked his way up to Senior VP at Empower. One fateful day his boss "uninvited" him to stay at the agency. This happens to so many talented people that are 50+, as companies want to drop a high salary. But Mitch was prepared!

He had started a side hustle by founding the Cincinnati Pickleball Club for the community. He embraced his passion for pickleball and then took it next level. He thought, "What if, I take my passion project and create a for-profit company?" Mitch became a first- time entrepreneur in his mid-fifties. He launched The Pickleball Lodge with a partner. It's the second largest indoor pickleball facility in the country. They already have well over 1,000 members. "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire career!" he says.

You will love this episode. It's chock full of savvy (un)retirement advice and we even talk a little bit about our mutual love for Cincinnati chili....and pickleball, of course.

• More about Mitch Dunn: https://mitchdunn.medium.com/the-year-of-reinvention-93b9648a6fba

• More about The PIckleball Lodge: https://thepicklelodge.com/

• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Mitch-Dunn-Interview-Ad-Agency-Wiz-turns-into-Pickleball-Entrepreneur

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage:
https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/

Moira McGarvey Black: From Media Exec to Best-Selling Author

Episode 2

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • Duration 41:42

Moira McGarvey Black never plans on retiring! After a lucrative career with Conde Nast in NYC, (working for GQ, Allure, Lucky, etc.) in 2007 Moira pivoted to becoming an executive recruiter. Ten years later, McGarvey Black decided to pursue her passion and a new career as a writer. Three best-selling novels later, the psychological thrillers explore searching for the real truth. Always unafraid to try new things, Moira's next novel will be a romantic comedy. Carl and Moira talk about changing careers without fear and never looking back.

(Un)Retirement Advice: 20:22
Pickleball Life Lessons with Mo: 32:44

More About Moira McGarvey Black: http://www.mcgarveyblack.com
"Without Her Consent", "The First Husband", and "I Never Left" all on Amazon.

• Subscribe: I Used to be Somebody newsletter: https://pickleballmediahq.com
• Video: The first podcast ever produced in a Tiki Bar!: https://bit.ly/33FHioe
• Give instant feedback about the podcast: podcast@pickleballmediahq.com

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Joe Pulizzi, Godfather of Content Marketing: Make Your Own Good Luck!

Episode 1

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 • Duration 48:35

Joe Pulizzi sold his company for $17.9 million in 2016. Back in 2007, the game-changing surge of the Internet mandated that companies would have to develop a new business model to survive and grow. Joe founded the Content Marketing Institute from his living room with one big idea: the powerful concept of Content Marketing. Soon everyone wanted to learn more about how to create a better media brand and provide valuable content. Joe and his wife Pam grew the company quickly and in 2011 launched Content Marketing World, a live event attracting thousands of attendees every year. Carl talks with Joe about how to grow and sell a successful company, and a strategy to figure out what comes next.

(Un)Retirement Advice: 35.18
Pickleball Life Lessons with Mo: 42.08

More About Joe Pulizzi: Joe is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, author and podcaster. https://www.joepulizzi.com

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I Used to be Somebody -- Episode 0

Monday, September 7, 2020 • Duration 02:30

I Used to Be Somebody is for Baby Boomer Entrepreneurs and Execs who had big careers. Each week we interview cool, inspiring people about their retirement challenges and why and how they figured it out—turning this phase of our lives into an incredible, rewarding reality.

I'm also using myself as a test case. Through the sharing of personal stories of challenge and success, we can all achieve so much more! Oh, and we talk a little about Pickleball.

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Rebecca Davis: Co-Creator of "Join or Die"

Episode 91

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 47:25

How can you not be drawn in by that title? What the heck? "Join or Die" is a hit documentary playing on Netflix right now. Carl watched the movie and was such a fan of the movie and it's message. It brought back to him some wonderful memories when he was part of a club that he loved -- the Odd Fellows. He was very fortunate and was able to connect with the movie's co-creator, Rebecca Davis.

Rebecca was inspired by the work of political scientist and author Robert Putnam, whose earlier work, "Bowling Alone" went viral. Americans had stopped joining clubs and civic organizations. Even the number of dinner parties and picnics had declined. His research showed that those "joining" activities correlated to how Democracy is doing.

Rebecca's personal story is an interesting one. She has had a successful career working as a producer with NBC News. "Join or Die" was a passion project for Rebecca. She worked on this film with her brother and co-creator Pete Davis for eight years, working on the movie on weekends and whenever she had time between her busy NBC duties. Initially they were thinking it would be a short Youtube piece, but it grew into what is now an award-winning full-length documentary that is inspiring thousands of people to get off their phones and couches and join or start clubs. You will be totally inspired by this interview and by watching the film.

• More about Rebecca Davis:
https://www.rebeccadavisvideo.com/

• More about Join or Die: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/

• Episode Content:
https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Rebecca-Davis-Interview-Co-Creator-of-Join-or-Die

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage:
https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:

Paul Giobbi: High Tech Entrepreneur Starts "The Exit Club"

Episode 90

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 46:03

Carl talked to big-time entrepreneur Paul Giobbi about what it's like to build a company into a high tech power house, sell the business interest and then face a midlife retirement. It sounds easy but it's not. Paul has been on an amazing journey for the past 4 years and we take you with us on the ride.

It all started when Paul was 11 years old and he went to work in the family publishing and events business. Instead of participating in school sports, he spent his time working. He eventually left the family business and worked in tech. In 2000, he co-founded Zumasys, a fast-growing technology company.

Over two decades later, Paul sold off his business interest. Like many people, the transition has not been an easy one for him. "When you decide to step away from your primary act in life, it challenges your relationships, your identity, your ego." He tried to find a peer group for mid-life advice to minimize the sudden isolation and lack of purpose but couldn't find one. So he started "The Exit Club", to connect with others going through the same transition.

Paul reflects on it all and says, "It took a while to learn who I am was not my business".

• More about Paul Giobbi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiobbi/

• More about Paul Walks: https://paulwalks.com/

• Episode Content: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Paul-Giobbi-High-Tech-Entrepreneur-Starts-The-Exit-Club

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die: https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage:
https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/

Jordan (Doc G) Grumet: Former Doc Shares How to Live a Regret-Free Life

Episode 89

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • Duration 56:26

It took Carl 89 episodes but he finally found a former doctor who has created an amazing second act. Not just any doctor, "Doc G" has a super popular podcast (Earn & Invest) and is a best-selling author. His story is a dramatic one. After 15 years of being an internal medicine doc he found himself totally burnt out and had some sort of breakdown.

He found his passion and voice in becoming a podcast star, talking about investing and giving people life advice on how to find true happiness and purpose.

He shares some of the best (un)retirement advice we've ever learned on the show gleaned from his new book "The Purpose Code". Great episode to end 2024!

• More about Jordan (Doc G) Grumet:
https://jordangrumet.com/

• Doc G's Book The Purpose Code:
https://jordangrumet.com/#bookrelease

• Episode Content:
https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Jordan-Doc-G-Grumet-Interview-Hospice-Doc-Shares-How-to-Live-a-Regret-Free-Life

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage:
https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/

• I Used to be Somebody World Tour:
https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/

• Subscribe to the I Used to be Somebody newsletter:
https://pickleballmediahq.com/contact/subscribe

Steve Hoffman: Food Writer and Author of French Countryside Experience!

Episode 88

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 • Duration 55:59

How does a Tax Preparer from Minnesota end up moving his family to a little village in the French Countryside end up becoming an award-winning food writer and publishing his memoir about the experience with a big-time book publisher?

Today's guest Steve Hoffman's story is so unlikely. Back in 2012, Steve dreamed of living in France with images of swimming in the ocean on the coast and then sipping with a wonderful glass of Rosé. The reality was that he brought his wife and two children to a hard-working, hot and dusty winemaking village. No one spoke English. To say the beginning of this adventure was rocky is a understatement.

Once Steve and his family stepped back and let their French experience evolve on its own, it was transformative. It's all shared in his memoir, "A Season for That, Lost and Found in the Other Southern France".

Steve still lives two lives. For 6 months a year, he runs his self-stated "boring" job of tax preparation that pays well and the other half of the year is devoted to his creative life, winning a James Beard M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award.

• More about Steve Hoffman: https://www.sjrhoffman.com/

• Steve's book "A Season for That": http://tiny.cc/z37uzz

• Episode Content:
https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Steve-Hoffman-Interview-Food-Writer-and-Author-of-French-Countryside-Experience

• Sponsored by How to Retire and Not Die:
https://garysirak.com/how-to-retire-and-not-die/

• Sponsored by Capital Advantage:
https://capitaladvantage.com/promotion/retirement-planning-guide/

I Used to be Somebody – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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I Used to be Somebody – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Wikipedia8

LinkedIn8

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

Other99+

Wikipedia8

LinkedIn8