Two men about Stan's age died within days of one another. One was a lifelong friend. The other was his own brother. Their passing became more than heartbreaking news—it became a deeply personal reminder that every one of us is living on borrowed time.

In this thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful episode of Inconvenient Ideas, Stan reflects on those losses and asks a question that most of us avoid:

How do we become fully alive before our lives come to an end?

Drawing on the wisdom of philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman, Stan explores the difference between merely paying the bills and discovering the work that truly makes us come alive. Rather than focusing on death itself, this conversation turns toward purpose, calling, relationships, and what may become the most meaningful years of our lives.

Along the way he introduces a new idea—the upcoming Encore Zone—designed especially for those entering the later chapters of life who believe their greatest contribution may still lie ahead.

Whether you are twenty-five or eighty-five, this episode offers an invitation to step back from the noise, rethink your priorities, embrace new tools such as AI and modern media, and begin living more intentionally.

Death may be inevitable. Living fully is still a choice.

Things to Remember

Life is fragile, and none of us knows how much time remains.

Success is not measured only by what we accomplish, but by how fully we live.

Discover what makes you come alive—and do that.

The world desperately needs people who are fully alive.

Your Encore Years may become your most significant years.

Things to Share

Share this episode with someone who has recently experienced loss.

Share it with someone approaching retirement or wondering what comes next.

Share it with anyone who needs encouragement to live with greater purpose.

Take Special Note

Stan introduces the upcoming Encore Zone—a conversation for people who believe life still has another chapter to write.

Ask not simply 'When can I retire?' but 'What am I uniquely created to contribute while I still have time?'

A Life Challenge

Set aside fifteen quiet minutes this week.

Ask: What truly makes me come alive?

Am I spending enough time doing it?

If I had five more years to make a difference, what would I begin today?

Connect with Stan

Stan Hustad has spent more than four decades behind the microphone and more than three decades helping leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communicators discover greater purpose, performance, and impact.

Email: Stan@witradio.net

Because a better future rarely happens by accident. Sometimes it begins with one inconvenient idea.

And if you'd like to watch the program on a video you can do so

https://youtu.be/PfZa58OIUTU