In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Richard Banfield — author, advisor, and co-founder of Second Harvest, a retreat and coaching venture that believes the second half of life can be the most creative, exciting, and rewarding.
We talk about how the idea for Second Harvest came from Richard’s own transitions, and how he’s now applying the UX toolbox — mapping assumptions, testing hypotheses, running small experiments — to the story arc of people’s lives. He shares why the concept of product–market fit is just as relevant for humans as it is for startups, and why sometimes the challenge isn’t changing yourself to fit the world, but reshaping your environment to fit the identity you want to step into.
Richard shares his own moments of identity override, what he’s learned from hosting retreats in places like the Austrian Alps, and how designing experiences without gurus or PowerPoints creates the conditions for people to truly connect —with themselves and with others. We also touch on the bigger picture: what human evolution might look like in an age of AI, and why learning to take things in your stride remains one of the most important skills of all.
It’s an honest, reflective conversation about reinvention, resilience, and how to write your next chapter—whether that’s starting a business, rediscovering creativity, or simply finding the community you want to journey with.
Plus:
☕️ Why a flat white is his go to fika, and La Fabrica in Girona is his favourite café
⭐ Why “The farmers will make a plan” is his advice
What we cover:
00:00 Reconnecting After Years: A Warm Welcome
04:59 Introducing Second Harvest: A New Journey
08:14 Life Transitions: Embracing Change and New Beginnings
11:10 The Concept of Retirement: Redefining Purpose in Later Life
14:00 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection
17:07 The Participants of Second Harvest: Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Goals
20:03 The Power of Reinvention: Embracing New Identities
23:01 Design Thinking in Life: Applying Methodologies to Personal Growth
25:56 Challenging Assumptions: The Experimentation of Second Harvest
29:08 Creating Meaningful Experiences: The Role of Environment
32:00 The Importance of Reflection: Understanding Our Stories
35:00 The Future of Connection: Embracing Analog Experiences
38:13 Awakening the Senses: The Body-Mind Connection
40:59 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
45:28 The Human Connection in Healthcare
47:40 Teaching Human Skills for the Future
48:39 Adapting to Environmental Challenges
51:33 Divergent Evolution and Future Possibilities
54:28 The Role of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World
56:21 Embracing Change and New Experiences
01:01:43 Curating Meaningful Connections
01:08:09 The Importance of Staying Connected
01:12:26 Finding Purpose in the Second Harvest of Life
Where you'll find Richard:
Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: