Jon Coghill & Tim Reid
Ever wondered what retired lawyer slow life looks like after decades in criminal court? Meet Simon, a former barrister who beat pancreatic cancer, ditched the ego, and now swims Byron Bay waves every morning. This street chat is pure wisdom on letting go – listen and rethink your own pace.
Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia, microphone in hand, chatting to strangers.
It’s conversations… with everyday people.
Episode Summary
Meeting Simon at Byron Bay Surf Club
Tim spots Simon fresh from a swim outside Byron Bay Surf Club. Simon moved here in 2014 and never left. He swims most days – arms over, no quick dips. Originally from Cronulla, he loves the laid-back vibe. No rush anymore.
From Hectic Law Career to Slow Retirement
Simon was a criminal barrister for decades – prosecuting and defending. Stressful, fast-paced, egos everywhere. He retired 10 months ago. Now every day is his favourite. His voicemail says it all: “I’m probably living the dream.” No more quick breakfasts or driving. Slow walks, organic salads at Fundies, coffee chats instead.
Beating Cancer and Avoiding Irrelevance
Pancreatic cancer hit seven years ago – only 7 % survive. It changed everything. He wanted to retire then but tied up loose ends. He saw a psychologist for tips on staying relevant post-law. Biggest lesson: let go of the ego. Law feels important, but it’s a bubble. No regrets, just a path.
Why Slow Life Beats the Rat Race
Society asks “what do you do?” first. Simon flips it: father, son, scuba diver. He reads more books now than in 20 years – smarter than ever. He does African drumming at the community centre, gardens, grows veggies. Creative hands-on stuff he never had time for. Guilt? None. The world rushes; he doesn’t.
Reflections on Criminal Law and Society
80 % of his work: child sexual assaults. Society must change – law just removes people temporarily. Why so much in Australia? Maybe colonial roots, religion, guilt. Royal Commission exposed clergy as worst offenders. Prohibition didn’t stop booze; celibacy doesn’t stop harm. Bigger picture: law doesn’t fix society.
No Regrets, Just a New Journey
Simon wanted to be a music teacher at 15. Left school early for money, car, girls. Became a copper 17 years, then law by accident. He enjoyed it, but wishes for medicine or science. Now? No regrets. This retired lawyer slow life is the real win.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro and meeting Simon post-swim at Byron Bay Surf Club
00:23 – Daily swims since 2014 and why Byron beats Cronulla
00:52 – Every day his favourite in retirement – “living the dream” voicemail
01:17 – Slow mornings: breakfast, walks, organic salads, coffee
01:53 – From fast law life to slow everything
02:56 – Surviving pancreatic cancer changed priorities
03:54 – Avoiding irrelevance: psychologist tips on letting go
04:45 – Reflections on criminal law’s limits and child assaults
05:46 – Never ask guilt – barrister rules and ethics
06:56 – Why so many assaults? Society, religion, Royal Commission
08:20 – Tips for retirement: cull stuff, garden, let go of ego
09:23 – Reading more, feeling smarter outside law
10:51 – African drumming and creative courses
11:03 – Left school at 15 – accidental path to law
13:37 – No regrets, just his journey – farewell
00:23 – Daily swims since 2014 and why Byron beats Cronulla
00:52 – Every day his favourite in retirement – “living the dream” voicemail
01:17 – Slow mornings: breakfast, walks, organic salads, coffee
01:53 – From fast law life to slow everything
02:56 – Surviving pancreatic cancer changed priorities
03:54 – Avoiding irrelevance: psychologist tips on letting go
04:45 – Reflections on criminal law’s limits and child assaults
05:46 – Never ask guilt – barrister rules and ethics
06:56 – Why so many assaults? Society, religion, Royal Commission
08:20 – Tips for retirement: cull stuff, garden, let go of ego
09:23 – Reading more, feeling smarter outside law
10:51 – African drumming and creative courses
11:03 – Left school at 15 – accidental path to law
13:37 – No regrets, just his journey – farewell
Key Moments
- Simon’s voicemail: “Hi, I’m on my phone, I’m probably living the dream”
- Beating pancreatic cancer (7 % survival) – wake-up to retire slow
- Psychologist tip: let go of ego to avoid irrelevance post-law
- 80 % of work child sexual assaults – law doesn’t fix society
- Never ask guilt – barristers can’t refuse briefs
- Slow life hacks: cull stuff, grow veggies, African drumming
- Left school at 15 for money/car/girls – law by accident, no regrets
Listen to the Full Conversation
Retired lawyer slow life in Byron Bay – survived cancer, ditched ego, now swims daily. Inspiring street chat on letting go after law career.Listen now on your favourite platform
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