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Refinement NOT retirement

Refinement NOT retirement

By REFINE, don't retire!

The time we have left is WAY TOO PRECIOUS to waste, so we say: REFINE don't retire!
Think of our podcast as Therapy for Retirees. We hope you like the things we talk about as we head for the inevitable trapdoor!
We'd LOVE to have you join us on our final journey together.
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From TESLAs to MINI Electric: Why?

Refinement NOT retirementMar 26, 2024

00:00
32:05
From TESLAs to MINI Electric: Why?

From TESLAs to MINI Electric: Why?

Join Refiners, Tony and Christine Coe as they delve more into the electrifying world of EVs. After saying goodbye to their Teslas, they’re now navigating the roads with a zippy new companion – the MINI Electric Level 2. Discover why this compact powerhouse is revving up their local drives and how it’s charging up their lives, one plug-in at a time. Tune in to hear their journey from dilemma to decision, and the surprising insights they gained from comparing online disruptors to traditional dealerships. Don’t miss out on this high-voltage conversation!

Mar 26, 202432:05
One Tesla or None? Our Latest EV Refinement

One Tesla or None? Our Latest EV Refinement

Shall we hit the brakes on Tesla?

Tony & Christine talk about their recent car refinements, and discuss their surprising decision to sell their two, nearly new Teslas, despite being committed EV drivers for over 7 years!

Were they easy to sell? And does the new Tesla Model 3 Highland live up to the hype?

And we get to the biggest question: will we stick with one car or get another EV?

Mar 14, 202432:17
Refine Your Life with the Eufy X8 Hybrid Robovac: A Honest and Unbiased Review

Refine Your Life with the Eufy X8 Hybrid Robovac: A Honest and Unbiased Review

In this episode of Refinement NOT retirement, Tony reviews the Eufy X8 Hybrid robovac, a smart and powerful gadget that can keep your floors spotless with minimal effort. Tony shares his honest and unbiased opinion on the pros and cons of this device, and how it has improved his and Christine’s quality of life. It uses similar tech to self-driving taxis and Tesla cars!

Tune in to find out why Tony thinks this robovac is a must-have for our refinement-seeking listeners and anyone who wants to enjoy more free time.

Mar 01, 202416:20
One Year of Refining: How Quitting Work Changed Our Lives

One Year of Refining: How Quitting Work Changed Our Lives

Tony and Christine celebrate their first anniversary of leaving their jobs, starting their podcast, and embracing a life of refinement NOT retirement!

They share their insights, challenges, and joys of living a refined life in the Cotswolds, playing pickleball, podcasting and driving electric cars.


Feb 23, 202435:04
How a Japanese Toilet Changed My Life: The Amazing Benefits of the Toto Washlet

How a Japanese Toilet Changed My Life: The Amazing Benefits of the Toto Washlet

In this episode, Tony shares one of the best life refinements he’s ever made: the purchase of a Toto Washlet, the original shower toilet from Japan. Listen as Tony explains how this toilet combines a bidet, a dryer, a heated seat, and other features to provide a spa-like experience every time you use the bathroom. Tony also discusses how the Toto Washlet has improved his hygiene, comfort, and well-being, especially as a vegan who consumes a lot of fibre. If you’re curious about how a toilet can change your life, tune in and find out!

CLARIFICATION: the full name of company that installed the TOTO Washlet is Oxford Kitchens & Bathrooms Ltd. It's Director, Richard Hardie provided great service. Richard asked us to give our audience the full name of his company because there are others claiming to be "Oxford Bathrooms".

Feb 21, 202421:22
From Retirement Dream to NIGHTMARE: Subpostmasters Expose Corporate Greed & Gov Blindness

From Retirement Dream to NIGHTMARE: Subpostmasters Expose Corporate Greed & Gov Blindness

In the wake of the incredible TV drama, Mr Bates v the Post Office, are you furious? Want to hear unfiltered anger at the Post Office’s corporate abuse and government inaction?

Then tune in to Christine & Tony's fiery rant as they rip into the Post Office, the government, and others responsible for the ongoing scandal of the mistreated subpostmasters.

These couples, seeking to enrich their later years, were instead entangled in patently unfair contracts, and imaginary “stolen” money, when it was all due to faulty Post Office software. Many lost lives, livelihoods, their reputations and even faced prison – all on the back of a flawed system the Post Office KNEW was broken!

Join Christine & Tony as they unleash their righteous anger, dissect the failures of power, and demand justice for these victims. Share your own thoughts and let's keep the pressure on for accountability!

Jan 10, 202432:53
Veganuary 2024-New Year, New Plate?

Veganuary 2024-New Year, New Plate?

It's almost January, fellow refiners, and you know what that means... #Veganuary...time to ditch the dairy and meat for a plant-powered adventure, and who better to guide you than the #VeganuaryChallenge than your favourite podcast couple, Tony & Christine Coe?

In this special episode, Christine, our resident plant-based alchemist, reveals the secrets to veganizing your favourite dishes, showing you that cruelty-free doesn't mean flavour-free! 🪄 Tony takes you back to Veganuary's humble Yorkshire beginnings, inspiring you to join the millions who've chosen kindness on their plates.

Ready to shake up your taste buds and do something good for you AND the planet? Then grab your headphones and join Christine and Tony on a delicious Veganuary journey! ✨

Dec 31, 202334:31
VERDICT: Was Buying a Place in the Sun Was Worth It?

VERDICT: Was Buying a Place in the Sun Was Worth It?

Here is Part 5, the final chapter of our Place in the Sun saga – our refined life in Southwest Florida.

Tony and Christine share their verdict on the dream of owning a second home, drawing on 12 years of experiences in SW Florida. They delve into the decision to upgrade from a condo to a house, the financial crisis that impacted property values, and the eventual decision to sell and move on. Join us on our journey of refinement and discover whether owning a place in the sun is truly worth it.


Dec 13, 202335:49
Is BYD a Tesla Killer?

Is BYD a Tesla Killer?

In this episode of Refinement NOT retirement, Tony explores the question, is BYD a genuine threat to Tesla? He shares his firsthand experience of test-driving the BYD Dolphin and discusses the BYD Seal, which is being widely described as a Tesla Model 3 killer. 

Listen as Tony compares BYD cars to Teslas and reveals his thoughts on BYD’s potential challenge to Tesla’s dominance of the EV market.

#BYD #Tesla #EV #FullyCharged #StopBurningStuff

Dec 07, 202337:26
A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida-PART 4

A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida-PART 4

In Part 4 we continue the immersive journey into the heart of our sun-kissed adventure. From the early 2000s, we basked in the glow of Southwest Florida during our winter months, experiencing the vibrant contrast between our main home in Kensington, London, England, and our Sunshine State haven in Naples. 

As we unveil the intricacies of this extraordinary experience, our objective remains clear—to share insights that may resonate with those contemplating their own place in the sun.

By the end of Part 3, we had accomplished the seemingly impossible, leaving Florida with a property secured, a feat unimaginable in the UK. 

This time we delve into the meticulous preparations for our move, painting a vivid picture of the thrill of moving into our brand-new condo near Marco Island. Christine collaborates with a local interior designer, transforming a blank canvas into a winter wonderland that would soon become our cherished home. 

Then In our mid-40s, we found ourselves as the youngsters in a community that was described by many of its residents as a "Uni campus for adults".  

Meet our very special Scottish friends and how they added further layers of magic to our SW Florida experience.

Our winter paradise in SW Florida became a life refinement beyond measure.

So what happened next?

Join us as we continue to share our remarkable journey.

#SunlitBliss#LifeRefinement #SWFloridaAdventure

Nov 30, 202334:14
A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART 3

A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART 3

In Part 3 of "A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida," we delve deeper into our journey, exploring the finer details of our decision to make Southwest Florida our winter home for 12 remarkable years. We hope that, by sharing our experiences, we can assist those of our listeners who may be considering acquiring a place in the sun.

Part 1 transported us back to 2001, revealing some of the factors that played into our decision to secure a bolthole in North America. By the end of Part 2, we had carefully selected a stunning condo. Now, that we were really about to do this, we had to do a reality check into things like the costs associated with residing in an upscale gated community. Could we even afford this place? 

Other questions arose, about the nitty-gritty of buying a Florida property as UK buyers. Would we need a lawyer? Should we get a survey done? And hang on, would we save money by buying a re-sale instead of brand new from the developer?  

Join us as we discuss all that, and the legal process of buying property in the USA, which we found simple compared to the UK process. Our whirlwind Florida adventure saw us arriving, finding a property, and departing with a new home—all in a matter of days, a feat unimaginable in the UK!  

Stay tuned for Part 4, where we discuss the preparations for our move, the thrill of moving in, and the reality of spending our refined winter months in the Sunshine State. 

#FloridaHomePurchase #BehindTheScenes #PropertyPursuit #RefinementJourney #RnRPodcast #APlaceInTheSun

Nov 21, 202331:31
A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART 2

A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART 2

In this highly anticipated second installment, we continue our captivating journey into the heart of our Floridian refinement with "A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART 2."  

Part One left us on the edge of our seats, with our arrival in Naples and a surprising detour to the Florida version of "Fawlty Towers". Fear not, though, for the plot thickens as we regale you with the twists and turns that led us to the opulent embrace of the Ritz-Carlton, North Naples, where we sought refuge from the comedic Fawlty Towers of Naples. 

But the real adventure begins the next morning as we kick off our quest to find the perfect winter retreat, our soon-to-be haven in the sun. Our journey takes an unexpected turn as we discover the most amazing, gated community, a place we never wanted to leave. Picture an upscale paradise adorned with 5-star resort amenities—a community that encompasses everything from condos to high-end single-family homes, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.  

Spoiler alert: our property search wasn't going to be a lengthy ordeal.

The anticipation builds to a crescendo as we unveil the property that stole our hearts—a decision that marked the pinnacle of our refined life in Florida, and the start of an incredible, new chapter of our lives. 

#SunSoakedSerendipity #FloridaRefinement #PlaceInTheSun #HomeSweetFloridaHome #RefinementNotRetirement #RefinedLife

Nov 17, 202331:27
**🎙️ Podcast Episode Alert! "Back in Action: Exploring Florida, French Adventures, and Future Refinements"**

**🎙️ Podcast Episode Alert! "Back in Action: Exploring Florida, French Adventures, and Future Refinements"**

Hey Refiners! 🌟 Tony here with a heartfelt apology for our radio silence. In this solo episode, I spill the beans on why we disappeared and update you on our adventures! From our Florida journey to the Dordogne in France, an electric road trip, and a month in SW Florida, it's been a whirlwind. 🌴🚗

Tune in as we dive into pickleball fun, celebs, and a legal saga with a BIG NAME! Plus, exciting plans for more refinement stories and Silver Power Reviews. 🌱✨

#RefinementNotRetirement #PodcastAlert #LifeStories #PodcastCommunity #SpotifyForPodcasters #Pickleball #SouthWestFlorida 🚀

Nov 14, 202321:49
Electric Odyssey: A 2,000-Mile Road Trip Through France

Electric Odyssey: A 2,000-Mile Road Trip Through France

Join Christine and Tony on an electrifying adventure as they share their recent family holiday in France, powered entirely by two Teslas on a remarkable 2,000-mile journey. Buckle up for an episode packed with electric insights and travel tales!

In this electrifying episode, Christine and Tony delve into their maiden voyage abroad in electric vehicles. Did they succumb to the notorious "range anxiety," or did their Teslas prove to be reliable companions throughout the trip?

Tune in to uncover the highs and lows of their electrifying expedition through the heart of France.

Discover the secrets of finding charging stations in foreign lands, hear about the picturesque pit stops, and learn from their firsthand experiences of the eco-friendly road trip. From breathtaking landscapes to the thrill of discovery, they recount what went right, what went wrong, and everything in between.

Whether you're an electric vehicle enthusiast, a travel buff, or simply curious about sustainable journeys, this episode is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure. Join us as we navigate the roads less travelled, powered by clean energy, and embark on an Electric Odyssey through France!

Don't miss this charged conversation—subscribe now and plug into the future of travel!


#ElectricRoadTrip #TeslaJourney #FranceEV #EVadventures #RangeAnxiety #TeslaSuperchargers #TeslaOwners #FullyCharged #StopBurningStuff


Sep 17, 202331:55
A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART ONE

A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART ONE

Join Tony and Christine as they unveil the captivating story behind one of their most significant life refinements – the decision to secure a second home in the enchanting landscape of South-West Florida. 

Step into their shoes as we delve into the origins of this life-changing choice, a pivotal moment that transpired in the early 20s. In this inaugural episode of a riveting series, Tony and Christine lay bare the thought processes, motivations, and aspirations that fuelled their pursuit of a sun-soaked haven. 

Discover the meticulous considerations that guided their selection of the perfect locale within the Sunshine State for this exhilarating new phase of their lives. The episode peels back the layers, giving you an intimate glimpse into the factors that shaped their decision-making, offering invaluable insights for anyone contemplating a similar path. 

But this narrative isn't just about the successes – Tony and Christine candidly share the hurdles they encountered along the way. From the logistical challenges to the unexpected pitfalls, they explore the entire spectrum of their experience, unearthing the 'good,' the 'bad,' and even the 'ugly.'  

Whether you're on the brink of your own sunlit investment or simply fascinated by stories of bold life transitions, this episode promises to be a wellspring of wisdom, realizations, and relatable moments. Join us for a conversation that navigates the realms of aspiration, decision, and the pursuit of a refined life under the sun. 

Tune in to our latest episode, "A Place in the Sun: Our Refined Life in Florida PART ONE", and be prepared to be inspired, informed, and engaged. Your own path to refinement awaits – and it starts right here.

 

Aug 24, 202331:14
🐄🌱 Beyond the Burger: Can Fake Meat End Animal Cruelty? 🍔❌

🐄🌱 Beyond the Burger: Can Fake Meat End Animal Cruelty? 🍔❌

🌱Dive Back into the Vegan Journey as we revisit the world of plant-based living.🎙️This time, Tony Coe brings you an engaging and eye-opening interview with Dave Brett Wasser from Cruelty-freeInvesting.org. Dave, a fellow vegan, and a familiar face from our Vegan Travel adventures, shares his unique perspective on the evolution of the alternative protein industry

🛳️On our recent, incredible Paris-Normandy Vegan Travel river cruise, Dave reached out with an intriguing message that sparked this episode which explores his thought-provoking insights on cruelty-free investing and the current state of the alt protein movement.  

🌍Together, Dave and Tony discuss the industry's potential to make a lasting impact on global meat consumption and climate change.

📺As always, this episode is also available on video, so you can catch all the nuances and expressions that make our discussions truly special.

 Tune in and let's refine our perspectives for a better world! 🌎🌱

 #RefinementNOTRetirement #VeganLife #AlternativeProtein #SustainabilityMatters #ClimateAction #GoVegan #FakeMeat

 


Aug 17, 202335:17
Pickleball Passion Unleashed w/Jared Franklin
Aug 09, 202330:49
Should you buy an Electric Car?

Should you buy an Electric Car?

Hello Fellow Refiners!

Tony and Christine have owned Electric Cars for a few years now, and have experience driving a variety of models. In this episode, they discuss the PROs and CONs they've discovered.

We hope their discussion helps you decide whether an Electric Car is for you.

Jul 26, 202336:41
Our Tennis Passion hit a snag

Our Tennis Passion hit a snag

Hey there, it's Tony Coe, co-host of the Refinement NOT retirement podcast. Christine and I just got back from our week-long, beloved, annual jaunt to the international tennis tournament, the pre-Wimbledon warm-up contest.

We’re going through a rollercoaster of raw emotions right now? Listen to our story as we pour our hearts out sharing our 2023 Eastbourne tennis tourney experience with you.  

Should we go next year? Let us know what YOU think, dear listener as we turn to you for advice and guidance.

So, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and join us as we bare our souls. Tune in now!

Jul 08, 202332:38
Making the Most of a Vanishing Future

Making the Most of a Vanishing Future

Join Tony Coe invites you to think of the Refinement NOT retirement podcast as TALKING THERAPY FOR RETIREES, while he explores how to make the most of the precious time we have left.

In this thought-provoking episode, Tony reflects on the sudden realization of his and Christine’s ages, and the urgency it brings to living life to the fullest.

Discover the importance of positive change, breaking free from conditioned thinking, and the transformative potential of making life refinements.

Let's talk openly about mortality and seize the PRECIOUS PRESENT.

Tune in now and start making the most of your vanishing future.

Jun 21, 202330:57
Air Source Heat Pump, dream or NIGHTMARE?

Air Source Heat Pump, dream or NIGHTMARE?

When they moved to the Cotswolds countryside, Tony and Christine found their ideal home, but it had an Air Source Heat Pump, something they had zero experience of. In this episode, they share their experience of living with one. Was it a dream or a NIGHTMARE?

Jun 16, 202329:08
We visit Crete and its former leper colony!

We visit Crete and its former leper colony!

Tony and Christine review their recent trip to Crete and provide a their Silver Power Review of:

  • Domes of Elounda, the 5-star resort they stayed in
  • Victoria Hislop's best selling book about Spinalonga, The Island
  • Visiting Crete as vegans.
May 29, 202334:37
Going Vegan PART TWO w/Kelly Donaldson

Going Vegan PART TWO w/Kelly Donaldson

This is episode 2 in our series about Going Vegan. Christine and Tony believe that Going Vegan is one of the best LIFE REFINEMENTS they’ve made.

This time with the help of special guest and passionate vegan, the Arts Journalist Kelly Donaldson, we take a deeper look into veganism and into why more and more people are choosing to remove animal products from their diets.

May 27, 202335:54
Going Vegan ruined Christine's life!

Going Vegan ruined Christine's life!

Listen to this! When Tony told his wife that he'd gone vegan, she said "You've RUINED my life!" Great start, eh?


May 15, 202334:06
Karen Mitchell, Founding Director of Pickleball England's chat with Tony

Karen Mitchell, Founding Director of Pickleball England's chat with Tony

Karen Mitchell, a co-founding Director of Pickleball England chats with Tony about how she discovered this fantastic sport, and the work her organization is doing to give everyone in the UK more opportunities to play we all love so much.

#PickleballEngland, #SportsEngland, #PickleballMania, #PickleballFever, #LovePickleball, #PickleballPassion, #PickleballFitness, #Badminton, #Tennis, #TableTennis

May 11, 202332:49
Pickleball in The Cotswolds? What's THAT?

Pickleball in The Cotswolds? What's THAT?

This is PART ONE of 2 episodes about one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Tony and Christine share their passion for Pickleball, the fast, fun sport with the ever-so-quirky name, which is taking the world by storm.

May 09, 202334:17
King Charles Coronation, time to abolish the UK Monarchy?

King Charles Coronation, time to abolish the UK Monarchy?

On the eve of the new King's coronation, Christine and Tony discuss whether it's time to abolish the UK monarchy.

May 05, 202332:14
MINI-EPISODE Introducing Silver Power Reviews
Apr 26, 202304:20
Reflections on this Golden Time of Life!
Apr 22, 202316:39
Our Happy Hot Tub, a BIG refinement!
Apr 13, 202333:56
TRAILER: what's the podcast all about

TRAILER: what's the podcast all about

Tony briefly explains why this show is for EVERYONE who think they might RETIRE one day, and invites you to THINK DIFFERENTLY about that.

Apr 06, 202302:21
Our Narrowboat Experience turns UGLY! - Part 4

Our Narrowboat Experience turns UGLY! - Part 4

In the previous 3 parts of "Our Narrowboat Experience", Tony and Christine shared the story of how they found and purchased a wonderful canal boat called Tickety-Boo. In the last (part 3) episode, they gave their reasoning for coming to the decision to sell her, but they held one BIG reason back for this final (part 4) episode of "Our Narrowboat Experience".


In this episode they tell their true English Canal Nightmare story. This awful experience tipped the balance and made them decide to sell Tickety-Boo; but after they made that decision the experience turned ugly, ending in a bitterly fought lawsuit.

Apr 05, 202332:44
What do U think about ChatGPT & this blog post it wrote for us?
Apr 01, 202330:17
Our Narrowboat Experience - PART 3

Our Narrowboat Experience - PART 3

Why did Tony & Christine decide to sell their narrowboat, Tickety-Boo after such a short period of ownership? In this episode, they explain their reasons - but leave till next time the DARKEST part of their canal boat experience, which was also a big factor.

Mar 23, 202332:25
Our Narrowboat Experience - PART TWO

Our Narrowboat Experience - PART TWO

In part 2 of their Narrowboat Experience, Tony & Christine continue their story about their year owning a UK canal boat called Tickety-Boo.  This episode covers the the buying process from marine survey to collection, and  first voyage, which took several days. Their destination was a marina on the Oxford Canal which would be Tickety-Boo's new home.

If you're thinking of buying a UK narrowboat, you need to listen to the whole story. PART THREE is coming soon.

Mar 15, 202333:01
Christine's REACTS live on air to Tony's feelings about quitting

Christine's REACTS live on air to Tony's feelings about quitting

Tony had no idea how Christine would react live on air minutes after listening to Tony's monologue in the previous episode when he expressed how he REALLY felt about quitting work.  Watch and listen as he hears Christine's verdict for the first time.

Mar 10, 202329:19
How does Tony REALLY feel about quitting work?

How does Tony REALLY feel about quitting work?

Without telling Christine (yikes!), Tony snuck off to his man-cave to record his thoughts on his own.  How will Christine react to what he had to say?

Mar 07, 202321:25
Our Narrowboat Experience - PART ONE

Our Narrowboat Experience - PART ONE

Tony & Christine said last time that not all PERCEIVED refinements (changes that improve lives) turn out to BE refinements.  This episode starts the story of their one year of narrowboat ownership (a life-long dream of Tony's) which didn't quite live up to expectations.

Don't buy a narrowboat, or take your first UK canal-boat holiday, until you've heard our story!

Mar 03, 202330:20
Escaping to the Country was a BIG refinement!

Escaping to the Country was a BIG refinement!

Christine and Tony chat about what made them move out of the centre of London to The Cotswolds after 25 plus years living in South Kensington.

Feb 10, 202331:60
What does "refinement NOT retirement even mean?

What does "refinement NOT retirement even mean?

Christine & Tony have just started to face up to the prospect of life without the business they've owned & operated together for over 30 years.  How will they cope?  And what do they even mean by "refinement NOT retirement".

And they discuss what you can expect from future episodes.

Feb 09, 202333:40