I Used to be Somebody

06/03/2024

Am I Turning into an "(Un)Retirement Weirdo?

It's been a few years now since I ended my full-time career and (un)retired. I have had more time for myself and everything else in general with not so many stressful demands on my time. I've noticed my perspective about some things has changed. Am I a weirdo or do you notice it in (un)retirement too?

In my full-time career, I felt like my schedule was always at warp speed, even bringing my laptop on vacation. (Ok, I still do that.) But I'm actually enjoying becoming sort of "Zen-like" about very ordinary things that I either hated to do or rushed through to do.

I'm a different guy now! Here's what I mean:

Weirdo Example #1
Trash/Recycle Guy: Once a week, we need to put out the trash can at the curb and every-other-week the recycling. I find that now I'm somehow in some sort of a contest with my next- door neighbor, Norman, who can get the cans out faster than anyone on the street. (Full exposure, I'm sure my neighbor has no idea about this supposed contest.) And when I take a walk around the neighborhood now, I'm even picking up the knocked over empty trash cans that are laying in the street. I'm this guy now?

Weirdo Example #2
Laundry/Football Guy: I hate doing laundry. Yet somehow I'm now looking forward to doing laundry and folding clothes while I watch football/basketball/baseball. (Did you know there is actually only 18 minutes of live action during a typical NFL game?) My wife appreciates this new laundry guy very much.

Weirdo Example #3
Stretch/Meditate Guy: I am an A-personality type guy that never allowed down time for anything. Now I find myself every morning spending at least 15-20 minutes of mindful stretching on a yoga mat and meditating to some music. My 17-year old cat, Felix, joins in on the yoga-mat-fun and "stretches" with me. He thinks this is his new daily routine too. (Imagine him waving his tale in my face, jumping over me and generally bothering me to the beat of the tunes.) So even the cat likes this guy.

Weirdo Example #4
Breakfast Tea Guy: I drank glasses of Diet Coke every morning for 45 years. A month ago, I decided to stop. I feel so much better now! I really can't believe the difference. Since I don't care for coffee, I am now a cup or two, tea-drinker with honey and a little-spoon to go with it. Yep, that's me now. I start the day relaxed and calm, vs. hyped up on diet coke. Everyone likes this guy.

Weirdo Example #5
Feelings Guy: I don't end any phone call or visit with my daughters without saying "I love you so much." I'm telling my college friend and roommate from 45 years ago that I love him. What in the hell is happening to me? But I think I like this empathetic, Kumbaya guy.

I sure hope this continues. I wonder what changes will happen next. What about you?

01/03/2024

Pickleball Y'all!

Check out our new tour. Arizona Pickleball Adventure! We play pickleball in the morning and have a different super fun activity in the beauty of northern Arizona each afternoon. And sample all the delicious southwest cuisine at night. https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/pickleball-adventure

After just one week we already have 6 sign ups. It's limited to just 20. So sign up soon!

12/02/2024

Here's my 6 best (Un)Retirement Decisions. Please add your best decisions to the list...

I'm currently starting my 4th year of what we call (Un)Retirement. And maybe I've learned a thing or two I can share to help you...

#1 Actually do it and retire! I thought about it many times. Exactly when should I cut the cord and stop working the crazy hours and dealing with the pressure of running my own business for 40+ years? The best advice I give people about (Un)Retirement is do it sooner rather than later. I wish I had sold/quit 5 years earlier. The last couple of work years were a drag on my mind, body and spirit. And I didn't realize it until I stopped.

#2 Hire a pro to create a financial plan. The reason I felt comfortable in stopping the job/career is that I had been working with a great financial planner for several years in anticipation of the change. That person is Ian Castille at Capital Advantage and I consider him a good friend at this point.

I talk to so many people that have/had successful careers and have created wealth that they manage themselves. Or at least they try. This is crazy. What do you truly know about the financial market? I'd rather pay someone that studies the market all day to make my decisions. I sleep so much better at night because of this.

#3 Avoid the temptation to go back! You are an expert with experience and it's so tempting to go back. I was in the live event biz for the past 20 years. I know that business back and forth and have seen so many opportunities to return. But, every time I return to my senses, (also with the wise counsel of my wife who had to put up with my totally-consumed-working-self for many years.) Now I focus on where I'm going!

#4 Do something new. Use the skills you already have, except in a new way. After working for decades, we all have developed incredible insights into organization, management, writing or whatever. Just use that toolbox in some new and cool endeavor.

#5 Hire someone to do the s**t you don't like to do or aren't good at. When I first was launching our podcast and newsletter I was going to hire an assistant. But my friend Bekah said I should consider hiring a virtual assistant company. I did that 3+ years ago. I hired a company Monkey Creative. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. No employees for me to worry about and I only pay for what I need done. I get to do the writing and they handle the graphics, e-marketing and all the other stuff I don't want to do/not good at.

#6 Just start and see what happens. I didn't have a plan beyond starting the I Used to be Somebody podcast and newsletter. Then I took a leap of faith. Perhaps it would lead to something else? It lead to me interviewing 80 incredible people that I would never have met in a million years. Many I now consider my friends.

The podcast and some pickleball talk led to Diana and I co-authoring (with our instructor and friends Mo and Reine) the Amazon best-seller, Pickleball for dummies. Most recently, my new path has led to leading vacation tours around the world for our podcast audience. You never know...

22/01/2024

Is it a gloomy Monday for you? How about a laugh? Listen to Patty Forehand the elementary school teacher turned stand-up comedian. She was my hilarious guest this month on "I Used to be Somebody"!

Patty's Stand-Up Routine: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cxp8EpE_F_FlTsTY__soCDEkl9xqwaCA/view?ts=658c61f1

READ and LISTEN to the Patty Interview: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Patty-Forehand-Interview-Elementary-School-Teacher-becomes-Stand-Up-Comedian

05/01/2024

Tuscany or bust! We've sold 18 of the 20 spots for our I Used to be Somebody World Tour: First Stop Tuscany tour. Looking forward to letting the wine and pasta flow! September 12-21.
https://pickleballmediahq.com/tour/

Just need 2 more! Why not join us???

Tour the very best of Tuscany – one of the most beautiful places in the world!

20/12/2023

This year's final "I Used to be Somebody" episode ended on a real high note with Dewey Forward. READ and LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Dewey-Forward-Interview-Night-Club-Owner-Pivots-to-Popcorn-Shop

Dewey was a music promoter in the '80's and '90's putting on over 4,000 concerts. Here's a shot with Dewey (on the left) and the James Gang with Joe Walsh, a promotional shot "back in the day".

Today he's turned from Rock and Rock to owning and operating the iconic Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop He's had many famous customer visit the popcorn shop including former President George Bush.

22/11/2023

Everyone at Pickleball Media is getting excited about Thanksgiving!

19/11/2023

Great story about Bob Wolfe one of the foremost experts about Pinot and now a Pickleball Man!

• READ + LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Bob-Wolfe-Interview-Pinot-Guy-now-Pickleball-Guy

19/10/2023

Have you ever thought about moving to another country? Do you love to travel?

If so, you've got to check out my interview with Jed Smith who moved to Italy 10 years ago and is thriving there!

Join Carl in this month's interview as he chats with Jed Smith! He is a former marketing executive who followed his passion to Italy, becoming a successful artist, photographer, and author along the way. Discover his inspiring journey of (un)retirement.

10/09/2023

We're super excited to announce that we're taking our I Used to be Somebody audience on the road with us. First stop is Tuscany, Italy.

Tour the very best of Tuscany – one of the most beautiful places in the world!

17/08/2023

What fun! I got to talk PICKLEBALL for one hour today with my fellow alumni at Miami University (Ohio). You can watch here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Yxvf5Rn-c&t=132s

I had 60+ questions. I'm hoping that I got most of it right.

Pickleball is America's fastest growing sport. Whether you're already part of this popular trend or want to give it a try, this webinar is for you. We will d...

24/07/2023

Our book hit 100 ratings today! Our 4.8 out of 5 is the highest ratings I've seen on Amazon with 100 or more ratings!

Pickleball For Dummies Paperback
by Mo Nard (Author), Reine Steel (Author), Diana Landau (Author), Carl Landau (Author)

4.8 out of 5 stars 100 ratings

The most complete pickleball reference book ever written! Beginner to advanced tips, tricks, and strategies

20/07/2023

Meet Maxine Clark founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop! She was one of the first women with a successful NYSE IPO. She's amazing in so many ways. And what she is doing in her 70's is even more impressive!

• READ: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Maxine-Clark-Interview-Build-A-Bear-Mega-Founder-Turns-to-Social-Entrepreneurship

03/06/2023

Just last week I passed my 3 years of (Un)Retirement. I just wanted to share what I've learned. Maybe I can save someone some pain by some of my mistakes. https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/my-three-years-of-unretirement

I've learned so much from the 70 guest I've interviewed on my I Used to be Somebody podcast. And from our listeners and readers as well. What fun!

28/05/2023

How many of these Nostalgic Things do you recognize?

Back when the entire family looked forward to the Sears catalog coming in the mail, and you had ambrosia salad at every family get together.

14/04/2023

Check out this retro photo of our guest star Brian Smith (Brian on the left). He was a surfer dude who moved from Australia to Malibu in the 70's. He saw a need for sheep skinned boots and thus UGG was born.

Today the UGG brand is a billion dollar operation. This is one of our most fun interviews!

• READ: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Brian-Smith-Interview-Founder-of-UGG

• LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/?episode=68
(I Used to be Somebody is available on Apple Podcast App, Spotify or you can listen on our site)

31/03/2023

We're super excited to watch the Pickleball Slam this Sunday between tennis legends -- McEnroe, Chang, Agassi and Roddick. This is a big deal in the world of pickleball.

On Sunday, April 2, at 12 noon ET, ESPN will broadcast live and exclusively the inaugural Pickleball Slam featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick. The Slam will air immediately ahead of the NCAA Women’s basketball championship game. Created and produced...

15/03/2023

Remember the old saying "Nice guys finish last"? This doesn't apply to Doug Villhard. He tends to finish first and has an amazing story!

• READ: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Doug-Villhard-Interview-Big-Time-Entrepreneur-Pays-It-Forward

• LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/?episode=67
(It's best to listen to "I Used to be Somebody" from Apple Podcast App, Spotify or you can listen from our site)

Check out Carl's interview with Doug Villhard, an entrepreneur turned professor in his 'second act'. Entrepreneur however feels like an understatement when describing Doug's first act. From running a software company and investing to teaching and writing Doug is a powerhouse!

04/03/2023

Do you suffer from Pickleball Derangement Syndrome? Yes, they finally came up with a name that many of us Pickleball Nuts have experienced!

People who play pickleball are showing signs of Pickleball Derangement Syndrome, including joining multiple leagues, flying to pickleball camps, and even buying $145 designer pickleball dresses.

21/02/2023

This month I interviewed Ted Bahr who has a really cool second act. Ted runs Bahr Gallery which specializes in high quality vintage 60's Rock Artwork.

• READ and LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Ted-Bahr-Interview-Drone-King-turns-into-60s-Rock-Art-Gallery-Owner ("I Used to be Somebody" podcast is available on Apple Podcast App and Spotify)

20/12/2022

Meet the one and only Pickleball Librarian in the world!

• READ: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Drew-Evans-Interview-Creates-his-own-UnRetirement-The-Pickleball-Librarian

• LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/?episode=64

Check out Carl's interview with Drew Evans, the creator of The Pickleball Librarian! Hear how he found his way from martial arts all the way to being a video influencer!

14/12/2022

I think this ridiculous video proves that we will do anything for our PICKLEBALL FOR DUMMIES Book!

Happy Holidays from your favorite Dummies...Reine, Mo, Diana and Carl. https://pickleballmediahq.com/book/

28/11/2022

Change of pace this month on the I USED TO BE SOMEBODY show. I interviewed my first former professional wrestler Neil "The Giant" Halley.

• LISTEN: https://pickleballmediahq.com/?episode=63

• READ: https://pickleballmediahq.com/blog/Neil-Haley-Interview-Pro-Wrestler-turns-to-The-Media-Giant

He's got a great story that he was teased and bullied as a child because he was so tall (he grew to 6' 10") and went from the ring and embracing his weight today as Neil "The Media Giant" Haley.

This is an old school picture of Neil towering over the wrestling group!

01/11/2022

Everyone is reading PICKLEBALL FOR DUMMIES! https://pickleballmediahq.com/book/

I Used to be Somebody inspires 50+ year-olds who don't want to retire but want to build their (un)retirement good life.

27/10/2022

Has anyone heard of the Pickleball Librarian? Check this out...

The new “Pickleball for Dummies” book is an amazing resource for players of all levels! It’s the best reference we have seen for pickleball so far!! Huge tha...

21/10/2022

Thanks to everyone that came out to our Pickleball for Dummies Launch Party. Amazingly, 2 hour later all these books were signed and sold!

The most complete pickleball reference book ever written! Beginner to advanced tips, tricks, and strategies

08/10/2022

It's so fun to read about our PICKLEBALL FOR DUMMIES book in our local magazine Sacramento Magazine. https://www.sacmag.com/916/pickleball-for-dummies/

And apparently the book is being carried in 7 local bookstores -- which we had no idea. Which is super cool!

Four Sacramentans wrote the new Pickleball for Dummies book. It covers various techniques for the sport that has taken the nation by storm.

21/09/2022

If you want some help figuring out your Second Act, please give this video a try. I just presented "How to Create your Second Act (and a little bit about Pickleball) to my Miami University Alumni. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyl19LpWyvM

What are you going to do for your second act?People are living longer and longer and you need to give some thought to what you're going to do for the next 20...