Retire There with Gil & Gene

Retire in Fort Collins, Colorado - EP 228

Mark Goldstein and Peter Burnash had lived in New York, Connecticut, and Florida before relocating to Arizona. After spending some time in downtown Phoenix, they both decided it was time to escape the unbearable summer heat—and the frustrations that sometimes accompany condo living.

They considered moving abroad, but Peter didn’t want to be too far from his family, most of whom were in Fort Collins, Colorado. The couple had looked at the city before, but at the time they’d erroneously assumed the area received an excessive amount of snow during winter. This time, they revisited the idea—and paid closer attention to what the city offers: thriving arts, music, and theater scene, a welcoming college-town energy, and miles of trails and wide-open spaces.

Before long, they found themselves living in Fort Collins—and truly loving it, the city which has been called “The Napa Valley of Beer.” It’s a choice that feels even more meaningful when you hear Mark’s work hosting the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, where he explores LGBTQ+-friendly retirement destinations around the world. Mark also founded the Where Do Gays Retire? Facebook Group, which now has more than 18,000 members.

#retirethere #fortcollins #wheredogaysretire #forcollinscolorado #colorado #wheredogaysretirepodcast

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LeeAnn Blanchard grew up in small-town Utah but seemed destined for city life. A childhood trip to Washington, DC opened her eyes to urban living, and as a longtime people person, she has always enjoyed social interaction. While living in Arizona, LeeAnn realized in 2022 that it was time to relocate to a place better suited to her personality.

She wanted the social opportunities of a city—but not an overwhelming metropolis. She was drawn to Baltimore, Maryland, known as “Smalltimore.” While living in and loving Baltimore, LeeAnn founded Adventure-Us, a social and travel club that helps adults make friends and build connections.

Learn more about this city—home to the U.S. National Aquarium, the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, Maryland blue crabs, and colorful row houses—on Episode 227 of Retire There With Gil & Gene. Link in bio.

#retirethere #adventure-us #baltimore #maryland

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In 2019, Bill Mauro and Marcus Laurence sold their home in the beautiful woodlands of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains and boarded a plane to Portugal with just six suitcases. They initially settled in Lisbon but soon realized they missed the slower pace of country life. That led them to purchase a home in the rural town of Salgueiro da Lomba, in Central Portugal.

We first spoke with Bill and Marcus about their new life in Portugal in May 2022 on Episode 83 of Retire There. Seven years after making the move, they still love calling Portugal home. Along the way, they've helped countless others navigate the process of buying a home in Central Portugal. What began as a passion for helping fellow expats has since evolved into a new career as real estate agents.

To learn more about purchasing a home in the region surrounding Salgueiro da Lomba, tune in to Episode 226 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

To contact Bill and Marcus about real estate Central Europe, email them at BillAndMarcus@KWPortugal.pt. They are part of the JPVA Real Estate Group. The couple created the Bears and Friends Retiring in Europe Facebook group and their Instagram page is @CasaDaLomba050.

#retirethere #portugal #salgueirodalomba #casadalomba #coimbra #bearsandfriendsretiringineurope #centralportugal

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Sarah Wortman has always loved to travel and long dreamed of buying a home and retiring in Italy. When she and her husband, Lahab, began searching for a property in Tuscany, they repeatedly came up empty-handed. After one particularly disappointing attempt, Lahab reminded Sarah that he actually preferred Spain—a country she had never visited. To help her explore the idea, Lahab arranged for Sarah to travel to Spain with her best friend, with an agreement: if she liked it, they would shift their home search there. It didn’t take long for Sarah to fall in love with Spain. During the trip, she began touring properties, and despite Lahab not being there in person, the couple ultimately decided to purchase one. They will soon be making the move.

Learn more about how Sarah’s dream retirement took an unexpected turn from Italy to Spain on Episode 225 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

#retiretherepodcast #fuentedepiedra #andalucia #spain #lagunadefuentedepietra #fuentedepiedralagoon #flamingos #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire

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Retire in Santa Luzia, Portugal

From an early age, Barbara Grassey imagined a life for herself in Europe. During the COVID pandemic, she found herself reflecting on that long-held dream—and realizing she had yet to make it a reality. Rather than wait any longer, she made a bold decision. She let go of most of her possessions and boarded a plane to a country she had never visited, where she knew no one and didn’t speak the language. This wasn’t a vacation. Barbara was leaving Florida behind and starting a new chapter in Portugal. Drawn by its warm climate and relaxed pace of life, she settled in Santa Luzia, a charming fishing village in the Algarve. Today, Barbara is embracing her new life abroad with enthusiasm and purpose. To hear more about her journey and why she’s loving life in Portugal, listen to Episode 224 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Grassey’s latest book is American Expat: Moving Abroad Solo After 60. Her SubStack is My Expat Golden Girl Life and her business website is BarbaraGrassey.com.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #SantaLuzia #SantaLuziaPortugal #portugal #barbaragrassey #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire

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Jules and Effin Older were enjoying retirement in a beautiful rent-controlled apartment in San Francisco until COVID hit and the appeal of big-city life faded. Having lived in New Zealand before, they saw it was handling the pandemic better than most places. Soon they left their apartment, shed most of their belongings, and boarded a mostly empty airliner for New Zealand. Now in their 80s, they’re loving life on an island south of the equator. Hear more about the Olders’ adventures in Auckland, New Zealand on Episode 223 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Jules and Effin Older’s website is JulesOlder.com. Effin is the author of a children’s trilogy: HELP! Santa is in Trouble, HELP! Easter Bunny is in Trouble, and HELP! Tooth Fairy is in Trouble. Jules also authored a children’s trilogy: Special Ed and the White Force, Special Ed and the Megatroid, and Special Ed and the Hydra-Serpent.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #julesolder #effinolder #auckland #aucklandnewzealand #newzealand #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers

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Special Episode - George Siegal, Buying and Building in the Era of Climate Change - EP 222

After years in the television industry — including a long run as a weatherman — George Siegal relocated from San Antonio, Texas to Tampa, Florida, only to find himself facing the very extreme weather conditions he once reported on. That experience inspired him to examine how climate change and rising sea levels are reshaping the way we buy and build homes.
The result: two award-winning documentaries from Move the World Films — The Last House Standing and Built to Last: Buyer Beware — that explore critical home-buying decisions, construction standards, and the growing challenges of insurance in a changing climate.
To hear George’s insights on smart home buying, resilient building practices, and protecting your investment in an unpredictable world, listen to Episode 222 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Link in bio.

More of George’s work may be found here:
https://movetheworldfilms.org/

If you enjoyed the episode and wish to leave George a review, please visit:
https://speakerhub.com/speaker/george-siegal?leaveTestimonialRequest=true

After submitting your review, you’ll receive access to George’s valuable resource: “List of Questions One Should Ask Their Builder or the Seller of the Property They Are Purchasing.”

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #movetheworldfilms #thelasthousestanding #builttolastbuyerbeware #retirewhere retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers

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Special Episode - Federica Grazi, Founder, Mitos Relocation Solutions - EP 221

Dream of retiring to Europe but have no idea where - or how - to begin? Federica Grazi can help. Through her consulting firm, Mitos Relocation Solutions, Federica specializes in guiding retirees through every step of moving abroad. From deciding whether relocation is right for you, to choosing the best destination and settling in with confidence, Mitos Relocation provides expert support from start to finish. Hear Federica share her strategic insights on international retirement in Episode 221 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Link in bio.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #federicagrazi #mitosrelocation #mitosrelocationsolutions

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New Yorker Jill Chalsty tried retiring in both South Carolina and Florida—without success. By the end of 2024, she was still recovering from a battle with cancer and grieving the loss of her husband. Looking for a fresh start, Jill decided to explore potential retirement destinations by embarking on an around-the-world cruise aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne.

The ship departed from Brooklyn in January 2025, visiting 26 ports across six continents over four months. After a long but rewarding journey, Jill came to an unexpected conclusion: the best place for her to retire was right where she had been all along—Manhattan.

Find out more about Jill’s search for a new place to call home on Episode 220 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Link in bio.

Jill Chalsty’s recently published memoir is Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery (https://www.amazon.com/Packets-Hope-Journey-Healing-Rediscovery-ebook/dp/B0FSYGTY7V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38W66TNRV02PP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FE3XnhQzvjFy4HpwgkOGP6dP7LYfPEQMtYjfB4f5oj_q9ZAnnDPywRmU2qvk5c7TQF6wjr5jUj6kwwtk9wVRWaI3-Eow97HvEVYmjZ3WpwX0_8U2V36BHS-MqyITrrO-.fW2WWHrcCJyq60EgRCNAr5p4E_pxGQyxu9Xde97Q7Vs&dib_tag=se&keywords=packets+of+hope&qid=1768186547&s=books&sprefix=packets+of+hope%2Cstripbooks%2C269&sr=1-1). She is also the Founder and Chairperson of the nonprofit life skills curriculum publishing organization Overcoming Obstacles (https://www.overcomingobstacles.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19821851477&gbraid=0AAAAADJZKlUbguAYppkNMj-ya7q85i_Zs). Jill’s website is PacketsOfHope.com (http://packetsofhope.com/).

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #bestplacetoretire #jillchalsty #packetsofhope

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Celebrate the New Year with Gil & Gene! Tune in as we reflect on the remarkable growth and transformation of the Retire There Podcast throughout 2025. We share what kept us busy this year, revisit highlights, and offer a sneak peek into the exciting plans for 2026. Episode 219 - Link in bio.

If you value the Retire There show, consider supporting us by making a donation at buymeacoffee.com/retiretherepod. Each contribution goes towards production expenses.

Retire There was featured in the November 27, 2025 issue of Business Insider: We’re Retired Lawyers Who Started a Podcast to Figure Out Where to Live. 5 Years in, We’ve Got a New Idea.

#retirethere #retiretherewithgilandgene #retiretherewithgilandgenepodcast #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #bleav #businessinsider

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What would you do if you had to walk away from the thriving Bed & Breakfast you’d run on Mexico’s Pacific Coast for more than 20 years—because of medical issues? That was the challenge facing Canadians Brooke and Rick Gazer. Their solution: relocate to Mérida, the cosmopolitan capital of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Frequently ranked among the safest cities in North America, Mérida offered them a fresh start and a high quality of life.
Discover what it’s like to live there on Episode 218 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

To learn more about life in Mexico, check out Brooke’s book, House of Blue Water: Memories of Our B&B in Mexico, and her blog, BrookeGazer.com.

#retirethere #retiretherewithgilandgene #retiretherewithgilandgenepodcast #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #merida #meridamexico #mexico #huatulco #huatulcomexico #yucatan #yucatanpeninsula

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Are you considering moving to Europe for retirement but unsure where to start? Andrew Motiwalla’s company, The Good Life Abroad, offers exclusive month-long programs in some of Europe’s most captivating cities for adults 55+. These programs fill the gap between guided tours and independent travel, providing retirees the perfect balance of community and independence. Designed for those eager to live like locals, guests settle into private apartments, enjoy curated activities, and have ample free time to explore—all with the support of a local host and the camaraderie of a small group. To learn more about The Good Life Abroad’s program of showing travelers what it might be like to live in Europe, check out Episode 217 of Retire There with guest Andrew Motiwalla, Founder and CEO of The Good Life Abroad. The company’s website is TheGoodLifeAbroad.com.

#retirethere #retiretherewithgilandgene #retiretherewithgilandgenepodcast #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #thegoodlifeabroad #andrewmotiwalla

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Janice Deerwester, a retired teacher and widow, was working at Cracker Barrel when a song stopped her in her tracks—Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” It struck a chord, sparking a deep realization: there had to be more to life. Determined to make a change, Janice set out to transform her reality. After being captivated by the stunning Chateau de Fontainebleau in a movie, she knew she had found her new home — Fontainebleau, France.

At 70, Janice sold most of her belongings, gave away what she could, and embarked on a bold new chapter with just three suitcases, a cat, and a dog in tow. Today, she’s thriving in France, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams and live life on your own terms.

Follow Janice at JaniceInFrance.com, @janiceinfrance on Instagram and her YouTube channel, Janice In France.

#retirethere #retiretherewithgilandgene #retiretherewithgilandgenepodcast #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #JaniceInFrance, #fontainebleau, #fontainebleaufrance, #france, #chateaudefontainebleau, #fontainebleauforest

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Ashley and Jason Barton had established careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries in New York City when they realized there was something missing in their lives. With great ambition, but not a lot of money, they decided to start a cooking school/inn/farm in Italy. The adventurous couple relocated (from Bay Ridge Brooklyn!!) to an agricultural section of Le Marche, outside the small town of Piobbico, a place known worldwide for its annual Festival of the Ugly. The farm, inn and cooking school, known as La Tavola Marche has garnered accolades from numerous prestigious publications. Learn more about Ashley and Jason’s path to a stunning Italian countryside on Episode 215 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out the couple’s establishment at LaTavolaMarche.com and their podcast The Podcast From Italy.

#retirethere #retiretherewithgilandgene #retiretherewithgilandgenepodcast #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #bayridgebrooklyn #bayridge #brooklyn #latavolamarche #slowtravelitaly #cookinginitaly #gourmettraveller #podcastfromitaly #italy #marcheitaly #piobbico #piobbicoitaly #marche #discovermarche #piobbicoitaly #italyvibes #slowtravel #clubdeibrutti #uglyclub #worldassociationofuglypeople #festivaloftheugly

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Where can a writer, editor, illustrator, and avid mountain-sports enthusiast find solace and inspiration in semi-retirement? For Peter Moore, the answer was clear: Fort Collins, Colorado. This vibrant college town is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, live music, theater, craft breweries, and easy access to both ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park.
After being laid off from a high-level position at a national magazine, Peter and his wife Claire decided to turn the page and start a new chapter in Fort Collins. Today, they’re living their dream in the foothills of the Rockies.

Hear their full story—and how they found their own “Rocky Mountain high”—on Episode 214 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Bonus: Peter has written in his diary every day since he was 22, and now shares his humorous, illustrated stories on his popular Substack. Check it out at PeterMoore.Substack.com.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #fortcollins #fortcollinscolorado #colorado #visitftcollins #foco #thisisfoco #northerncolorado#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #fortcollins #fortcollinscolorado #colorado #visitftcollins #foco #thisisfoco #northerncolorado #downtownfoco #petermoore #coloradosun

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Growing up in the gritty industrial town of Middlesbrough, England, Gerald “Ged” Hogg was told he wouldn’t amount to much. Determined to prove otherwise, he left town at the first opportunity, embarking on a global journey as a chef aboard cruise ships and top-tier hotels and restaurants.
Ged eventually settled in Australia, where he spent most of his adult life with his wife. After more than 40 years of marriage, the couple divorced, prompting Ged to rethink his future. Faced with Australia’s high cost of living, he began exploring more affordable, tropical destinations in Asia. His search ultimately led him to the laid-back seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand—where he now lives happily.

Tune in to Episode 213 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to discover what makes Ged’s life in Hua Hin so fulfilling.

Gerald Hogg is also a prolific author, with 14 books to his name. His work includes guides on retiring in Thailand and other countries, as well as a selection of novels. You can find his books listed on Amazon. His informative YouTube channel is Thailand My Land… Retiring Disgracefully.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #huahin #huahinthailand #thailand #thailandmyland #retiringdisgracefully

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When Scott Dukette left his hometown of Plattsburgh, New York, to attend college, he never imagined he’d return for more than the occasional family visit. But as retirement approached, Scott and his wife, Barbara, couldn’t pass up the chance to buy a home directly on Lake Champlain—for just $210,000. Now, they spend their summers soaking up life on what’s known as “the Adirondack Coast” or “the poor man’s Vermont.” Although Plattsburgh may seem secluded, there is plenty to do including lounging on a beautiful beach, and it is not far from Montreal, Canada; Burlington, Vermont; and Lake Placid, New York. Find out more about the Dukettes’ lakeside adventure on Episode 212 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #plattsburgh #plattsburghnewyork #plattsburghny #lakechamplain #adirondackcoast #poormansvermont #adk #adirondackmountains #adirondackpark #lakegeorge #adirondacks #upstateny #saratogasprings #lakegeorgeny #newyork #iloveny #lakeplacid #upstatenewyork #ny #lakelife #saratoga #adks #adklife #adirondacklife

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When we—Gil & Gene—are curious about where people are choosing to retire, we often turn to the “Where To Retire” Facebook Group for inspiration. That’s where we became intrigued by Marilyn Kaslofski, the group’s Administrator, who chose Racine, Wisconsin as her retirement destination. We were eager to find out why, so we invited her to share her story on our show!

Marilyn’s husband had always dreamed of living by the water, and at first, Florida seemed like a natural choice—until Marilyn, who strongly dislikes hot weather, ruled it out. Determined to find a place they would both love, she launched an extensive search of towns and cities along the shores of Lake Michigan.

One Indiana town had attractive lakefront homes, but Marilyn preferred a condo. Chicago was too pricey, and the Milwaukee condos were too far from the water. Then they discovered Racine—just right in terms of location, lifestyle, and affordability. The couple ultimately purchased a two-bedroom lakeview condo for $245,000. While it needed some updating, it checked all the boxes.

Hear the full story of Marilyn’s journey to Racine on Episode 211 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #racine #racinewi #racinewisconsin #racinearchitecture #franklloydwrightarchitecture #lakefronthomes #rootriver #lakemichigan

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Retire in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal! EP 210

Bill and Jola Mansfield lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 30 years before deciding to move to Europe to be closer to their son in Helsinki, Finland and Jola’s mother in Poland. While many places across Europe captured their interest, it was Portugal’s island of Madeira — with its lush mountains, vibrant flowers, and scenic hiking trails — that truly stole their hearts. It’s no wonder Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of Europe.” The couple eventually settled in the city of Funchal, a charming old European town nestled in a tropical-like paradise, and have no regrets.

Discover more about Bill and Jola’s European adventure in Episode 210 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #funchal #madeira #portugal #madeiraportugal #funchalcity #madeiraisland @funchal_municipio

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After spending most of their lives in Northern California, Matt and Dawn had planned to wait a few more years before retiring to Europe. But everything changed when they decided to move to Nazare, Portugal, on the Silver Coast, while still working. They say the Silver Coast offers many of the best aspects of Northern California—without the downsides.

As The Unretirees, they launched A Guide to Unretirement Abroad to help others make the leap to living overseas while still earning an income. Their website, TheUnretirees.com, is a hub of resources, and their fun, educational YouTube channel shares tips on everything from visas to flexible work options.

If you’re dreaming of a life abroad while staying financially secure, Matt and Dawn show that it’s never too early to unretire.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #nazare #nazareportugal #portugal #theunretirees #unretirees #movingtoportugal #americansabroad #silvercoast #silvercoastportugal #leavingcalifornia

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