In this special holiday episode of the Steve Hallstrom Show, guest host Michelle Kommer is joined by a powerhouse panel of local leaders: Alissa Adams (COO of West Acres Mall), Shanna Zarbock (retired healthcare professional), and Lisa Helbling (retired CFO).
The conversation begins with the frantic energy of December 23rd, exploring the history of gift-giving and how to find meaningful, last-minute treasures at local shops. However, the dialogue quickly shifts from the “what” of giving to the “how” of living. The guests dive deep into the emotional and practical transition into retirement—or what Shanna calls “micro-retirement”. Whether you are decades away from your last day of work or just months out, this episode offers a roadmap for finding purpose, maintaining social connections, and “front-loading” your bucket list while you have the health and energy to enjoy it.
Key Moments
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The History and Heart of Gift Giving Michelle Kommer and Alissa Adams discuss how the tradition of holiday giving evolved from ancient roots and the gifts of the wise men. They share tips on why a handwritten note or a shared experience—like a spa day or a cooking package—often outweighs a simple gift card.
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The “Micro-Retirement” Movement Shanna Zarbock introduces the trending concept of micro-retirement: taking a planned, extended career break during your working life for personal fulfillment or caregiving. She shares her personal journey of retiring at 52 to be a “stay-at-home grandma” while still leaving the door open for future opportunities.
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The Top 5 Retirement Essentials The panel builds a live guide for life transitions, emphasizing that you must know yourself and find something meaningful to bridge the gap from work. Key advice includes planning finances with diligence, maintaining social interaction to avoid isolation, and giving yourself grace during the process.
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Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time Inspired by the book Die With Zero, the guests discuss the importance of not putting off experiences for a future that isn’t guaranteed. Lisa Helbling suggests “front-loading” travel in retirement because navigating the world can become significantly more difficult as you age.
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Finding Purpose in the Second Act From serving on boards of directors to joining a Bible study or taking up quilting, the guests reveal how they replaced professional accomplishments with activities that keep their minds active. Lisa emphasizes that being a lifelong learner prevents one from becoming a “dinosaur” in retirement.
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A “Good News” Interlude In a heartwarming segment, Michelle Kommer shares a story of Atlanta firefighters who rappelled down a children’s cancer hospital in superhero costumes to surprise the patients. This serves as a reminder that even in busy seasons, purpose often comes from service and connection.