93: She Did It! Real Retirement Stories with Sharon Johnson

Take Back Retirement

“It wasn't nearly as traumatic for me as I was expecting it to be. I was a little concerned about how I would transition from having to get up and having that routine to creating a new one.” - Sharon

Welcome to another edition of Real Retirement Stories - a series of Take Back Retirement. Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines chat with Sharon Johnson. After an illustrious 22-year career as an executive assistant at ABC Television, Sharon didn't slow down—instead, she switched gears and found a new calling co-hosting the 80s TV Ladies Podcast. Join in to hear her incredible journey from the bustling world of television execs to the equally dynamic realm of podcasting, where she revisits iconic 80s TV shows with a modern feminist perspective. Sharon’s story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places.

Sharon originally envisioned her retirement as a time for travel and catching up on missed TV series, but life had other plans. Through her podcast, she rekindled her love for classic 80s shows like "A Different World," gaining fresh insights into the progressive roles women played both in front and behind the camera. Sharon also shares her serendipitous entry into the television industry in the mid-90s, working for an independent production company, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of TV production and storytelling.

Whether you’re intrigued by the behind-the-scenes workings of TV production or the fresh perspectives that come with retirement, Sharon’s story is a celebration of staying active, engaged, and ever-curious. Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with nostalgia, wisdom, and the boundless opportunities that come with retirement.

Key Topics:

• Sharon’s Original Plan for Retirement (04:07)
• 80s TV Shows and their Portrayal of Women (06:29)
• TV Industry Changes and Experiences of Women Behind the Camera (11:35)
• Retirement Concerns and Health Insurance Planning (17:27)
• Retirement and Transition from Office to Remote Work During COVID-19 (22:01)
• Analyzing Programs such as Grey’s Anatomy and Remington Steele (25:56)
• Retirement Planning, Identity, and Transition (37:37)
• Stephanie and Kevin’s Wrap-Up (43:13)

Resources:

• 80s TV Ladies Podcast

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You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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