Across the world, people are living longer than ever before. It’s one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

But it also raises one of the most important questions of our time.

Who will look after us?

In this episode of The Third Act, I explore the realities of ageing in the twenty-first century. From changing families and loneliness to artificial intelligence, community and the future of care, this isn’t a conversation about one country—it’s a conversation about all of us.

As populations age across the world, perhaps the answer isn’t simply governments or technology.

Perhaps it begins with the kind of communities we choose to build today.

Whether you’re already retired, planning for the future, or caring for ageing parents, this episode invites you to stop and think about what growing older could—and should—look like.

In this episode:

* Why longer lives are changing society

* The hidden impact of loneliness

* Can AI and technology really help?

* Why community may matter more than ever

* What every country can learn from one another

🌍 I’d love to hear from you.

How is your country preparing for an ageing population?

What is it getting right?

What still concerns you?

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Third Act in your favourite podcast app and share it with someone who might enjoy the conversation.

Because the third act of life may still become the most meaningful one.

Each week, David shares real stories, honest reflections and thoughtful conversations inspired by everyday life, personal experiences and the changing world around us.

Whether the conversation begins with an observation, a question or a personal story, every episode is an invitation to pause, reflect and discover that it’s never too late to begin again.

So, wherever you are on your journey, pull up a chair, make yourself a coffee and join the conversation.

Because every conversation begins with a story.

Five weeks ago, I thought Substack was for professional writers—not someone like me.

In this first episode of The Third Act Conversations, I share the story behind starting The Third Act, what I’ve learned from pressing Publish for the first time, and why I believe it’s never too late to begin again.

If you’re standing at the beginning of your own next chapter, I hope this conversation gives you the confidence to take that first step.

Because every conversation begins with a story.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app to automatically receive future episodes.

Through personal stories, honest reflections and thoughtful conversations, David shares what he’s learning about life, reinvention, technology, community and the changing world around us.

Every conversation begins with a story.

Whether you’re retired, approaching retirement or simply wondering what comes next, pull up a chair, make yourself a coffee and join the conversation.

Episode 2 – Do Governments Show Compassion for People?

What inspired this conversation wasn’t politics.

It was a lifetime of observation.

In this episode of The Third Act Conversations, David shares the personal story behind one of his most thought-provoking articles. From his experience of bowel cancer and the compassion shown by nurses and a lifelong friend, to his reflections on modern society, community and kindness, this is a conversation about what compassion really means.

Can governments create compassionate societies?

Or does compassion begin with ordinary people choosing to be there for one another?

Join David as he explores one of life’s biggest questions.

Because every conversation begins with a story.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app to automatically receive future episodes.

A curated collection of narrated episodes from the Stories From 2045 series.

Thoughtful, hopeful and deeply human, these stories explore memory, purpose, ageing, connection and the future through the eyes of Michael Turner as he writes to his grandson Thomas.

Selected episodes from the wider Stories From 2045 collection.

Instead of reading the article, I’ve created an audio version of “The Day Michael Stopped Working.” This is a sample. Once Michael's story is complete an audio version will be available to supporters of this Substack

I’d love to know whether this format appeals to you.

Do you prefer:

📖 Reading the story

🎙️ Listening to the story

📖 + 🎙️ Having both options

Your feedback will help shape future episodes.

Thanks for being part of the journey