<![CDATA[Seems Necessary]]>Two former Marines and log time friends, a couple of chairs, and a conversation nobody asked for — but it seemed necessary.

Seems Necessary is a long-form, unscripted hangout with lifelong friends Mike and John: two guys in their fifties talking honestly (and not always wisely) about aging, family, retirement, money, and all the lessons that only seem to show up in hindsight — plus jiu-jitsu, photography, and the stuff from our youth we still can't shut up about. It's the audio version of dragging a chair onto the porch, pouring a drink, and shooting the breeze with an old friend until the conversation runs out.

No expertise promised. No topic off-limits. We talk until we get bored.

Follow wherever you listen — and pull up a chair.

]]>http://seemsnecessary.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:15:45 GMTFri, 19 Jun 2026 20:44:02 GMT60John Cooper and Mike Poeschl<p>Two former Marines and log time friends, a couple of chairs, and a conversation nobody asked for — but it seemed necessary.</p><p></p><p>Seems Necessary is a long-form, unscripted hangout with lifelong friends Mike and John: two guys in their fifties talking honestly (and not always wisely) about aging, family, retirement, money, and all the lessons that only seem to show up in hindsight — plus jiu-jitsu, photography, and the stuff from our youth we still can't shut up about. It's the audio version of dragging a chair onto the porch, pouring a drink, and shooting the breeze with an old friend until the conversation runs out.</p><p></p><p>No expertise promised. No topic off-limits. We talk until we get bored.</p><p>Follow wherever you listen — and pull up a chair.</p>episodicJohn Cooper and Mike Poeschlolivia@jnow.iono<![CDATA[What If "Someday" Never Comes?]]>We've all been told to save for retirement. But almost nobody asks the next question...

What are you actually saving for?

In this episode of Seems Necessary, Coop and Pesh explore the purpose behind saving, the balance between financial security and living today, and why some opportunities have an expiration date.

We discuss ideas inspired by books like Die With Zero, the psychology of "enough," retirement, memories, travel, and why the best investment you may ever make isn't in the stock market.

This isn't a conversation about spending everything.

It's a conversation about making sure the life you're building is one you'll actually get to enjoy.

Key takeaways:

* The struggle of saving for retirement in today's economy.
* Understanding the true purpose of saving money.
* The importance of experiences and memories over material goods.
* How inflation affects our financial planning.
* The role of family and generational wealth in financial decisions.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 The question of saving for retirement
01:15 Personal stories about financial struggles
02:45 The impact of inflation on savings
04:00 Experiences vs. material possessions
05:30 Family dynamics and financial planning

What's your biggest challenge with saving for the future? Drop it in the comments!

#RetirementPlanning #FinancialLiteracy #SavingMoney

]]>76b5cd43-b40f-4a41-bde0-35139bdd69deWed, 15 Jul 2026 03:06:42 GMT<p>We've all been told to save for retirement. But almost nobody asks the next question...<br /><br />What are you actually saving for?<br /><br />In this episode of Seems Necessary, Coop and Pesh explore the purpose behind saving, the balance between financial security and living today, and why some opportunities have an expiration date.<br /><br />We discuss ideas inspired by books like Die With Zero, the psychology of "enough," retirement, memories, travel, and why the best investment you may ever make isn't in the stock market.<br /><br />This isn't a conversation about spending everything.<br /><br />It's a conversation about making sure the life you're building is one you'll actually get to enjoy.<br /><br />Key takeaways:<br /><br />* The struggle of saving for retirement in today's economy.<br />* Understanding the true purpose of saving money.<br />* The importance of experiences and memories over material goods.<br />* How inflation affects our financial planning.<br />* The role of family and generational wealth in financial decisions.<br /><br />Timestamps:<br />00:00 Introduction<br />00:30 The question of saving for retirement<br />01:15 Personal stories about financial struggles<br />02:45 The impact of inflation on savings<br />04:00 Experiences vs. material possessions<br />05:30 Family dynamics and financial planning<br /><br />What's your biggest challenge with saving for the future? Drop it in the comments!<br /><br />#RetirementPlanning #FinancialLiteracy #SavingMoney</p>no00:58:1514What If "Someday" Never Comes?full<![CDATA[Why Men Stop Calling Their Friends | Male Friendship After 50]]>Can men stay friends without talking?

In this episode of Seems Necessary, Coop and Pesh talk about male friendship, adult friendships, and the strange way men can go months—or even years—without talking to someone and still consider that person a close friend.

Is that a sign of a strong, low-maintenance friendship? Or is it sometimes just neglect with a better name?

The conversation moves through old friends, long gaps in communication, friendship after 40, friendship after 50, and the uncomfortable question of who you would actually call if something serious happened. They also talk about whether spouses and partners end up carrying too much emotional weight when men do not maintain friendships outside the home.

This is not a lecture about loneliness or a set of friendship tips. It is an honest conversation about how adult male friendships fade, why men hesitate to reach out, and what it might look like to maintain friendships before they disappear.

Who is one friend you should probably call after hearing this?

Seems Necessary is a long-form podcast with Coop and Pesh about money, family, work, relationships, aging, uncertainty, and the conversations people often avoid until they become too important to ignore.

Subscribe and join the conversation.

#MaleFriendship #FriendshipAfter40 #SeemsNecessary #MensFriendship #AdultFriendship

]]>0be9b4f7-10ff-48df-a8ee-58f545d848d2Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:02:54 GMT<p>Can men stay friends without talking?<br /><br />In this episode of Seems Necessary, Coop and Pesh talk about male friendship, adult friendships, and the strange way men can go months—or even years—without talking to someone and still consider that person a close friend.<br /><br />Is that a sign of a strong, low-maintenance friendship? Or is it sometimes just neglect with a better name?<br /><br />The conversation moves through old friends, long gaps in communication, friendship after 40, friendship after 50, and the uncomfortable question of who you would actually call if something serious happened. They also talk about whether spouses and partners end up carrying too much emotional weight when men do not maintain friendships outside the home.<br /><br />This is not a lecture about loneliness or a set of friendship tips. It is an honest conversation about how adult male friendships fade, why men hesitate to reach out, and what it might look like to maintain friendships before they disappear.<br /><br />Who is one friend you should probably call after hearing this?<br /><br />Seems Necessary is a long-form podcast with Coop and Pesh about money, family, work, relationships, aging, uncertainty, and the conversations people often avoid until they become too important to ignore.<br /><br />Subscribe and join the conversation.<br /><br />#MaleFriendship #FriendshipAfter40 #SeemsNecessary #MensFriendship #AdultFriendship</p>no00:59:2113Why Men Stop Calling Their Friends | Male Friendship After 50full<![CDATA[When Did Everything Become a Subscription?]]>The conversation delves into the impact of government and companies on Gen X, as well as the nostalgia and convenience experienced during their peak earning years. It explores the financial implications and the cultural significance of these themes, providing insights into the challenges and experiences of the Gen X generation. The conversation delves into the overwhelming burden of subscriptions, the impact of consumer spending, and the choices individuals make in entertainment and lifestyle. It explores the frustration with the current subscription model, the desire to simplify and downsize, and the impact of subscriptions on daily life and decision-making. The conversation delves into the impact of government regulations on consumer choices, the shift from creation to consumption, the overwhelming influx of information, and the need for intentional consumption. It also explores the challenge of discipline and tracking usage, the revelation of usage tracking, and the realization of excessive consumption and the need for change. The value of intentional experiences over passive consumption is emphasized, along with the importance of measuring and quantifying consumption.

Takeaways

  • Impact of government and companies on Gen X
  • Nostalgia and convenience in peak earning years Subscription Overload
  • Consumer Spending
  • Entertainment Choices Digital minimalism
  • Intentional consumption

Chapters

  • 00:00 Nostalgia and Convenience in Peak Earning Years
  • 30:45 The Burden of Subscriptions
  • 40:42 Entertainment and Lifestyle Choices
  • 50:36 The Impact of Subscriptions on Daily Life
  • 58:13 The Impact of Government Regulations on Consumer Choices
  • 01:03:33 The Overwhelming Influx of Information
  • 01:09:19 The Challenge of Reducing Consumption and Being Intentional
  • 01:14:25 The Importance of Measuring and Quantifying Consumption
  • 01:19:48 The Revelation of Usage Tracking and Intentional Consumption
  • 01:25:12 The Realization of Excessive Consumption and the Need for Change
]]>4e73066e-7d82-4d78-83dd-7f8b89ce12d1Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:29:29 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the impact of government and companies on Gen X, as well as the nostalgia and convenience experienced during their peak earning years. It explores the financial implications and the cultural significance of these themes, providing insights into the challenges and experiences of the Gen X generation. The conversation delves into the overwhelming burden of subscriptions, the impact of consumer spending, and the choices individuals make in entertainment and lifestyle. It explores the frustration with the current subscription model, the desire to simplify and downsize, and the impact of subscriptions on daily life and decision-making. The conversation delves into the impact of government regulations on consumer choices, the shift from creation to consumption, the overwhelming influx of information, and the need for intentional consumption. It also explores the challenge of discipline and tracking usage, the revelation of usage tracking, and the realization of excessive consumption and the need for change. The value of intentional experiences over passive consumption is emphasized, along with the importance of measuring and quantifying consumption.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Impact of government and companies on Gen X</li><li>Nostalgia and convenience in peak earning years Subscription Overload</li><li>Consumer Spending</li><li>Entertainment Choices Digital minimalism</li><li>Intentional consumption</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Nostalgia and Convenience in Peak Earning Years</li><li>30:45 The Burden of Subscriptions</li><li>40:42 Entertainment and Lifestyle Choices</li><li>50:36 The Impact of Subscriptions on Daily Life</li><li>58:13 The Impact of Government Regulations on Consumer Choices</li><li>01:03:33 The Overwhelming Influx of Information</li><li>01:09:19 The Challenge of Reducing Consumption and Being Intentional</li><li>01:14:25 The Importance of Measuring and Quantifying Consumption</li><li>01:19:48 The Revelation of Usage Tracking and Intentional Consumption</li><li>01:25:12 The Realization of Excessive Consumption and the Need for Change</li></ul>no01:12:2712When Did Everything Become a Subscription?full<![CDATA[What Two Veterans Learned About Money, Legacy, and Living Fully Before It’s Too Late]]>The conversation begins with an introduction and highlights the long-standing friendship between Mike and John. It then delves into the importance of legacy and financial planning, touching on the lack of financial guidance in their upbringing. The discussion progresses to financial literacy, personal experiences, and the impact of financial decisions on their lives. Finally, the conversation explores the shift towards prioritizing experiences over material possessions. The conversation delves into the themes of financial security, childhood safety, managing finances, homeownership, generational financial challenges, parental concerns, retirement planning, and longing for a simpler lifestyle. The speakers discuss their worries about their children's financial future, the housing market, and the challenges of relocating to a lower cost of living area. They also express a desire for a simpler lifestyle and future plans. The conversation covers the search for the perfect retirement location, considerations for retirement planning, and the ideal vacation. It also delves into the concept of legacy and advice for future generations, including the creation of a video diary.

Takeaways

  • Legacy and financial planning are crucial for long-term stability and well-being.
  • Prioritizing experiences over material possessions can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Financial security and childhood safety are key concerns for parents.
  • Managing finances and credit cards play a significant role in financial stability.
  • The housing market and generational financial challenges impact future planning and retirement considerations. Retirement planning involves careful consideration of location, amenities, and lifestyle.
  • Legacy and advice for future generations can be captured through a video diary, sharing personal stories, and offering guidance for children.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Friendship
  • 18:58 Financial Literacy and Personal Experiences
  • 31:55 Prioritizing Experiences Over Things
  • 39:22 Homeownership and Cash Flow Concerns
  • 46:15 Worrying About Children's Financial Future
  • 54:59 Longing for a Simpler Lifestyle and Future Plans
  • 01:02:47 Finding the Perfect Place
  • 01:09:37 Legacy and Advice for the Future
]]>0174011c-6538-42c1-be6c-202c91918cb5Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:22:04 GMT<p>The conversation begins with an introduction and highlights the long-standing friendship between Mike and John. It then delves into the importance of legacy and financial planning, touching on the lack of financial guidance in their upbringing. The discussion progresses to financial literacy, personal experiences, and the impact of financial decisions on their lives. Finally, the conversation explores the shift towards prioritizing experiences over material possessions. The conversation delves into the themes of financial security, childhood safety, managing finances, homeownership, generational financial challenges, parental concerns, retirement planning, and longing for a simpler lifestyle. The speakers discuss their worries about their children's financial future, the housing market, and the challenges of relocating to a lower cost of living area. They also express a desire for a simpler lifestyle and future plans. The conversation covers the search for the perfect retirement location, considerations for retirement planning, and the ideal vacation. It also delves into the concept of legacy and advice for future generations, including the creation of a video diary.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Legacy and financial planning are crucial for long-term stability and well-being.</li><li>Prioritizing experiences over material possessions can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Financial security and childhood safety are key concerns for parents.</li><li>Managing finances and credit cards play a significant role in financial stability.</li><li>The housing market and generational financial challenges impact future planning and retirement considerations. Retirement planning involves careful consideration of location, amenities, and lifestyle.</li><li>Legacy and advice for future generations can be captured through a video diary, sharing personal stories, and offering guidance for children.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Friendship</li><li>18:58 Financial Literacy and Personal Experiences</li><li>31:55 Prioritizing Experiences Over Things</li><li>39:22 Homeownership and Cash Flow Concerns</li><li>46:15 Worrying About Children's Financial Future</li><li>54:59 Longing for a Simpler Lifestyle and Future Plans</li><li>01:02:47 Finding the Perfect Place</li><li>01:09:37 Legacy and Advice for the Future</li></ul>no01:23:3311What Two Veterans Learned About Money, Legacy, and Living Fully Before It’s Too Latefull