Living Your Best Encore: Carl Landau

What is or was your prior job/career, and how many years have you spent there? Are you willing to share your age?

I worked primarily in magazine publishing and also in the live events business (conferences, trade shows, seminars). I started as an entrepreneur when I was 25 and have started and sold three companies. I am 68 years old.

I founded Pickleball Media and the "I Used to be Somebody" podcast and newsletter in 2020 during the pandemic. I am very fortunate to have always loved my work and never considered totally retiring and not working.

What inspired you to pursue your current path (whether actively working, retired, or starting a second act), and how did you arrive at that decision?

The idea behind the podcast was that I would be a guinea pig for this concept of (un) retirement: doing something new, more fun, and more meaningful. 

What advice would you give someone considering a career change, retirement, or starting a new chapter in life? What do you wish someone had told you before you made your decision?

My advice is not to be afraid of starting something new. Don't view it as a career choice that has huge implications. Just try something new. Start small and see where it leads you.

What unexpected challenges, joys or surprises have you encountered in this phase of your life?

I've been surprised by all the new friends I've made in the last four years! I've met tons of new friends through pickleball. With my podcast, I've reconnected with people and made many new friends as guests or listeners to the show.

I'm also surprised by how much I like working with my wife. We co-wrote an Amazon best-selling book. She is the editor of our newsletter and helps me with the podcast. And it's been pure fun!

What life lesson has your current phase of life taught you that you wish you had known earlier?

I looked at my parents' lives at 50+ and thought that's how this phase would be for me. My Dad died in his 60s, and my mom died in her early 70s. I figured my life span would be the same because of that family history. That's a bunch of BS that was in my mind. There is no reason I can't have a fun and productive life well into my 90s.

How has your understanding of happiness or fulfillment evolved over the years, especially in your current phase of life?

Don't take life so seriously. Don't be critical of others. Be more open-minded about new things and new people.

Considering all you've learned, what's something you wouldn't waste time worrying about anymore?

Don't worry as much about what people think of you. And don't worry about money so much.

Carl Landau currently hosts the popular podcast I Used to be Somebody, inspiring 50-plus-year-olds how to build their (un)retirement good life, including, of course, a little bit about the virtues of the game he loves — pickleball. He has been an entrepreneur since the age of 26 and now in (un)Retirement is founder of Pickleball Media. He has started and sold three successful media companies, published five magazines (software development, winemaking and craft brewing industries). Carl is also the co-author of the Amazon best-seller Pickleball for dummies.