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Today, I’m talking with Randall Kemp, a retired corporate leader whose life after 50 has been shaped by service, faith and a love of music.
Randall spent nearly 30 years with companies like Frito Lay and Starbucks. Then, he made the intentional decision to step away from full-time work to care for his mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s. That season changed how he thinks about purpose and what it means to truly show up for others.
In this conversation, Randall shares how music has been a constant thread throughout his life, from listening to Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 as a kid, to building a collection of more than 8,000 45rmp records as well as tens of thousands of songs from albums, CDs or digital downloads.
First, Randall explains how music became his emotional anchor and stress release, and worked as a soundtrack that helped him through work, loss and life transitions.
Second, he talks about how serving others, especially caring for his mom and later opening his home to two young men aging out of foster care, has given his retirement deeper meaning and purpose.
Third, Randall reflects on what it really means to mentor younger generations, why telling stories works better than giving advice, and how faith continues to guide his decisions.
Finally, he shares why purpose after 50 is less about leisure and more about intentional service, protecting his calendar, and paying attention to where he is being invited to help.
Randall is a man whose love for music runs as deep as his commitment to serving others.
What stands out most about Randall is how intentionally he has shaped his life after 50. Whether caring for his mother, volunteering in senior living communities or mentoring young people, Randall sees purpose as something to be lived out quietly, but consistently.
Music remains a daily source of joy for him. It calms him, connects him to memories, and reminds him that no season of life lasts forever.
For Randall, songs are more than entertainment. They are emotional landmarks and reminders of who he has been and who he continues to become.
If you’d like to connect with Randall, the best way to do that is on Twitter by looking for @Luke45rpm. He shares almost exclusively about music in posts about classic songs, new releases from longtime artists, and musical discoveries that might otherwise go unnoticed.
That’s all for this week’s show. If today’s episode resonated with you, consider how your own passions and experiences might point you toward greater meaning and purpose in this season of life.
If you need help in that regard, I am happy to have a free brainstorming session with you to get you started down a new path. Simply contact me at www.forwardfrom50.com. Thank you for listening!
