For most of my life, I had what looked like success. I worked in technology—building systems, managing IT for businesses, doing internal training, and even teaching at the university level. After leaving corporate life, I became a facilitator helping small groups in organizations work together more effectively to plan and solve problems.
I felt competent. Useful. Like I had something to offer.
Then 2008 hit.
When the recession took my business in 2008, I went downhill fast. Clients disappeared overnight. Projects got canceled. I turned to the internet, desperate to rebuild, but fell for scams and costly offers that never panned out. I ran up credit card debt chasing every "make money online" promise, ultimately having to declare bankruptcy.
After that, my wife and I were squeezing by on Social Security. I'd been modestly successful in my career, but now I had failed miserably. I honestly felt like I had nothing valuable to offer.
As if my financial disaster wasn't enough, my wife was diagnosed with colon cancer. For the next four years, I watched this incredible woman—my partner of 45 years—fight a battle we couldn't win. I became her caregiver while working part-time in an antique store just to make ends meet.
When she passed in 2018, I felt done. Over. Beyond hope.
The grief was overwhelming, and it even triggered PTSD from my time serving in the Army in Vietnam back in the late 60s. I was a 70-year-old man who felt like he had nothing left to give the world.
And then, about six months after she passed, I had my heart attack...
Eventually, I found my way back to a degree of normalcy. I moved from Florida to Charleston, SC to be closer to my son and his family.
Then something unexpected happened. Through Facebook, I reconnected with a high school friend. We discovered that she and I had much in common even though we hadn't even talked in more than fifty years. The relationship built and ultimately we married. It was a second chance at love for both of us. She lived in Atlanta, so I relocated there, where I now live.
I started getting back into tech work—designing and building websites, doing copywriting services, helping others with email and digital projects. It felt good to be useful again.
When AI became mainstream, I quickly became a user. I'd primarily worked with ChatGPT to write and plan projects. I started thinking about book ideas and learned about self-publishing.
That's when everything changed.
I subsequently published two books. The first, about journaling for retirees, came from wanting to help people like my friend Margaret, who had stories to tell but didn't know where to start.
The second, "Purpose-Driven Prosperity after 55," was primarily a joint work with ChatGPT. But here's what I discovered: AI didn't replace my creativity—it amplified it.
I also returned to my love of audio. I'd done audiobook narration in the past, freelance work for authors publishing on Audible. I enjoyed it immensely, though the payoff wasn't great, so I'd stopped.
Recently, I became a user of Hiro.fm—a private podcasting application that allows me to produce and sell audiobooks. I recorded my "Purpose" book on audio and now offer it for private sale.
Here's where AI got really interesting: I use ElevenLabs for AI-generated audio. I made a clone of my own voice from past recordings when my voice was stronger, and I use that to convert written scripts into audio that sounds like me.
This wasn't about replacing human creativity with artificial intelligence. It was about using AI to help me express what was already in my heart.
Through this journey, I realized something important: Many people our age have incredible wisdom, stories, and creative dreams, but they feel overwhelmed by modern technology or believe it's "too late" to start something new.
I've discovered that's completely wrong.
Your life experience isn't a limitation—it's your creative superpower. You have perspective that only comes from living through real challenges and real triumphs. You have stories that matter. You have wisdom that people need.
And AI? It's not the intimidating, complicated technology you might imagine. When used for creativity, it's like having a patient, encouraging creative partner who helps you organize and express what you already know.
My mission is simple: To show people 60+ that their most creative, fulfilling years can still be ahead of them. To teach them how to use AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a tool that amplifies their unique voice and experience.
Life Experience: I've been through financial ruin, caregiving, loss, grief, and starting over after 70. I understand the unique challenges and perspectives of later life.
Technical Background: Decades in technology, from system building to university teaching, plus recent expertise in AI tools, website development, and digital publishing.
Creative Practice: Currently creating books, audiobooks, and digital content using AI-assisted workflows. I'm not teaching theory—I'm sharing what I actually do.
Teaching Experience: From university classrooms to corporate training to small group facilitation, I've spent years helping people learn complex concepts in accessible ways.
Recent Success: Two published books, ongoing audiobook creation, website design services, and a growing community of later-life creatives who've discovered their potential.
Most importantly: I've been where you are. I know what it feels like to think your productive years are behind you. I know the fear of new technology, the doubt about whether you have anything valuable to offer.
And I know the joy of discovering that none of that is true.
When I'm not working with AI or helping other creators, I enjoy spending time with my family in Atlanta and the nearby mountains. My wife and I love exploring the city, and I cherish time with my son and his family.
I'm still amazed that at 78, I'm having some of the most creatively fulfilling years of my life. I wake up excited about projects I'm working on, books I'm writing, and people I'm helping.
That's what I want for you—not just to learn some new tools, but to experience the deep satisfaction that comes from expressing your authentic voice and helping others with what you've learned.
If you've read this far, something is stirring in you. Maybe it's a story you want to tell, wisdom you want to share, or simply the desire to create something meaningful.
You don't need to be a tech expert or a trained artist. You just need to be willing to start.
I'm here to show you how—with patience, authenticity, and the understanding that comes from someone who's walked this path himself.
Your best creative years aren't behind you. They're waiting for you to begin.
© Copyright 2025. R. A. Murphy. All Rights Reserved.