Redefining Retirement: From Burnout to Purpose with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of "How to Live A Fantastic Life," Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, a renowned retirement transition expert, attorney, and co-founder of two consulting firms. After a decade-long career at Milbank, Elizabeth left the legal world, only to find herself grappling with identity loss and uncertainty. This turning point sparked her passion to help others redefine retirement as a fulfilling and intentional new chapter of life. Elizabeth shares lessons from her book Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, offering practical wisdom on how to rebuild purpose, connection, and joy beyond the traditional career path. Together, she and Dr. Lycka challenge the myth of “pure leisure” and explore how professionals can thoughtfully design their next phase with creativity and clarity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why financial planning alone isn’t enough for a successful retirement
• The emotional impact of career loss and identity redefinition
• How high achievers can embrace “graduation,” not “retreat”
• Building community and reviving dormant relationships
• Creating a mosaic life of passion, purpose, and play
• The importance of mindset and pivoting outside your comfort zone
• How to move from reactive living to intentional life design

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons is a magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown Law and co-founder of Lycka Parsons and Nkoraco. With over 20 years of experience advising top-tier legal professionals, she now focuses on helping high achievers navigate the complexities of retirement. Her book Encore offers a structured, heartfelt roadmap to reclaiming fulfillment, direction, and connection in life after work.

Golden Nugget:

“Retirement isn’t the beginning of the end—it’s the start of something extraordinary. You’ve earned the freedom to live intentionally. Now, choose joy.” – Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

Call to Action:

Explore Elizabeth’s programs and get your copy of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement at www.highachieverretirement.com. Stay connected with Elizabeth on LinkedIn for ongoing insights.

Want to live a fantastic life? Sign up for Dr. Lycka’s weekly Golden Pearls at www.drallenlycka.com. One lucky subscriber wins a luxury vacation—four nights on a cruise or seven nights at over 3,000 resorts worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to embrace the life you were meant to live.

BIO:

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, J.D., is a Retirement Transition Expert, lawyer, and co-founder of two consulting firms, Zelinka Parsons and Encoraco. A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and summa cum laude graduate of James Madison University, Elizabeth has spent over two decades shaping professional development and transition strategies for legal professionals. A former attorney at Milbank, she built a national consulting firm assisting AmLaw 100 firms with talent solutions. Author of "Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement " (Feb. 5, 2025), Elizabeth combines analytical rigor with creative vision to help professionals redefine retirement as a dynamic opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

Social Media:

1. 1.https://www.facebook.com/encoraco/
2. https://x.com/encoraco_zp
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/
4. https://www.instagram.com/encoraco_zp/

Guest: Andrew Earle, Business Broker – Alberta Business Sales

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Episode Title: From Funeral Director to Deal Closer: Reinvention, Resilience & Business Transition

Introduction

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes personal friend and Edmonton-based professional Andrew Earle, who made a major career pivot from a decades-long journey in funeral services to becoming a key player in business brokerage. Andrew’s compassionate leadership and business acumen have positioned him as a trusted advisor for those navigating the emotional journey of selling or buying a business.

A Unique Beginning

Andrew shares how a summer job at a cemetery unexpectedly launched him into a fulfilling funeral service career. His rare blend of business savvy and genuine empathy led him to transform operations in several cities. However, the pandemic tested him deeply. As he supported others, he neglected his own wellbeing—a mistake that eventually led to burnout.

The Power of Pause

After leaving the funeral industry, Andrew took a “temporary retirement,” embracing skiing and healing. This pivotal time enabled him to reset and eventually join Alberta Business Sales, where he now guides others through life-changing transitions.

Business Selling with Heart

Andrew describes the emotional complexity of selling a business—grief, relief, and identity shifts. Buyers and sellers are often in very different headspaces. He discusses how he builds trust, bridges these emotional gaps, and ensures a smooth and meaningful transition for both parties.

Trends in Alberta's Booming Market

As Edmonton grows rapidly, outside investors are taking notice. Andrew shares insights into this thriving market and why entrepreneurs are flocking to Alberta. The opportunities are abundant, but success requires alignment, timing, and understanding.

Fantastic Life Lessons

Andrew opens up about his own path to rediscovering joy, from hiking with family to slowing down to appreciate life’s small moments. He encourages buyers to believe in their skills and take bold steps toward business ownership—and advises sellers to prepare mentally and emotionally for what comes next.

Final Thoughts & Advice

If Andrew could meet his younger self, he’d say: “Believe in yourself. You have the skills.” His advice for living a fantastic life? Take action. Dream boldly. And don’t let fear stop you from making meaningful changes.

Connect with Andrew

Andrew Earle can be found at Alberta Business Sales or via LinkedIn. He’s always happy to connect over a great cup of coffee and a confidential conversation.

Closing

Dr. Lycka reminds us that living a fantastic life means being proactive. Whether you’re buying or selling, it starts with a single step—reaching out. Visit www.drallenlycka.com to subscribe to his Golden Pearls for more inspiration.

BIO:

Andrew Joined Alberta Business Sales after an extensive career in hospitality and customer experience. He helped a national organization expand and refine their service standards and community reach. With a chartered manager designation, Andrew used his experience to increase revenue generation as well as operational cohesion across several markets.

Andrew understands the complex issues surrounding business today and is adept at having conversations with buyers and sellers to ensure their vision aligns with their goals.

When not at work you can find Andrew out hiking or skiing with his family.

Social Media:

http://linkedin.com/in/andrew-earle-3bb1b213

Living a Fantastic Life with Dr. Gabriel Cousens

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes the renowned Dr. Gabriel Cousens—homeopath, orthomolecular psychiatrist, Doctor of Divinity, Ayurvedic and holistic medicine expert, and New York Times-recognized “Fasting Guru.” At 82, Dr. Cousens defies aging with vigor and wisdom.

Ageless Vitality and Discipline

Dr. Cousens shares his fitness routine: 1,600 push-ups every other day, daily yoga, breathing exercises, and dancing. His key to sustained energy and recovery from old sports injuries? An anti-inflammatory, mostly raw vegan diet and meditation. His persistence and belief in limitless potential are crucial to his wellness.

The Power of Meditation and Energy

Meditating 30 minutes daily for years, Dr. Cousens reveals it can physiologically make you 15 years younger. It also enhances brain growth and rewires the mind for clarity and longevity. He identifies as an “energy producer,” shaped by necessity and the desire to feel vibrant and alive.

Spiritual Fasting

Spiritual fasting goes beyond detox—it’s a holistic emotional and mental reset. Practicing yoga, meditation, and group discussions during a fast clears the mind and deepens connection with the divine. Dr. Cousens describes it as becoming a “superconductor of the Divine,” enabling spiritual energy to flow freely.

Diet Personalization and Inflammation

There’s no one-size-fits-all diet. Understanding individual constitution—based on Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine principles—is vital. Avoiding meat, dairy, and high-inflammatory foods supports physical and mental wellness. Juice fasting twice a year, he suggests, reduces inflammation and resets health patterns.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Through supervised programs, Dr. Cousens has helped 61% of participants heal Type 2 diabetes in just three weeks—normal blood sugar, no meds. The key is removing false carbs and sugar and restoring balance to major body systems. However, he warns: such fasting requires expert guidance.

Keys to a Fantastic Life

Dr. Cousens emphasizes: feel good long-term—not through fleeting indulgences but through practices that build joy, clarity, and health. He adds that healthy relationships, nature immersion (like “forest bathing”), and spiritual connection are vital for holistic living.

Connect with Dr. Cousens

Books: Available on Amazon, including Conscious Parenting

Website: www.drcousens.com

Fasting Retreat: www.drcousensfastingretreat.com

Final Thoughts

To live a fantastic life, integrate meditation, nutrition, exercise, nature, and love. Visit www.DrAllenLycka.com to sign up for weekly “Golden Pearls of Wisdom” and enter monthly giveaways. Stay aligned—and fantastic.

BIO:

Gabriel Cousens, M.D.,M.D.(H)( homeopath), orthomolecular psychiatrist, D,D.( Doctor of Divinity), and Diplomat of Ayurveda, Diplomat of Holistic Medicine. Recognized by the N.Y. Times as the "fasting guru.”!