On The Brink With Andi Simon

Millions of professionals are entering retirement each year, yet few are prepared for the emotional transition that comes after leaving a career. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Dr. Andi Simon speaks with publishing executive Mary Lou Mackin about the unexpected challenges of retirement and how to redesign the next chapter of life with purpose, structure, and community. Listen to the full episode of the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast to hear Mary Lou Mackin's full story about redefining life after retirement. Summary In this episode, Mary Lou Mackin shares her personal journey through early retirement and the emotional challenges that followed. After a successful career in publishing, she discovered that stepping away from work left her struggling with identity, structure, and purpose. Through honest reflection and experimentation, she began rebuilding a new life that included community, creativity, and meaningful work. Her story highlights the importance of preparing emotionally—not j