
Norman Calvo
Life Coach & Former CEO — Against the Norm
- Brooklyn, NY — Eastern Time (EDT)
- againstthenorm.net
- 8am–5pm EDT
“Norman Calvo is living proof that the second half of life can be the most exciting chapter yet. A former mortgage executive who reinvented himself as a cabaret performer, marathon runner, and podcast host in his 60s, Norman now helps people design a bold and meaningful ‘third act.’”
Times Square
Performer
13
Races Finished
Princeton
Graduate
“Norman Calvo is living proof that the second half of life can be the most exciting chapter yet. A former mortgage executive who reinvented himself as a cabaret performer, marathon runner, and podcast host in his 60s, Norman now helps people design a bold and meaningful ‘third act.’ Through his podcast Against the Norm, he explores how curiosity, courage, and a little humor can lead to extraordinary lives at any age.”
Norman Calvo has spent his life going against the norm. A graduate of Princeton University, he went on to build one of the most successful mortgage brokerage companies in Brooklyn, serving as its CEO before selling the firm to a New York City bank after more than three decades in the industry. But rather than slowing down after a long and successful career, Norman decided to reinvent himself in ways few people expect.
At age 62 — despite never having sung a note publicly in his life — Norman decided to become a singer. A few years later he was performing his own one-man, sold-out cabaret show in New York’s Times Square theater district. Along the way he also ran the New York City Marathon and 12 half-marathons, proving that the so-called “third act” of life can be a time of bold reinvention rather than quiet retirement.
Today Norman is the host of the podcast Against the Norm, where he interviews fascinating people who have chosen unconventional paths and refused to settle for ordinary lives. Through these conversations — and through his coaching — he inspires others to rethink what’s possible in the later chapters of life and to pursue adventure, creativity, health, and purpose with renewed energy.
At age 62, Norman decided to become a singer — even though he had never sung a note publicly in his life. A few years later, he was performing his own sold-out one-man cabaret show in New York’s Times Square theater district.
- After building a successful business career, Norman decided in his 60s to try things he had never done before — including becoming a singer and performing a sold-out cabaret show in Times Square.
- He encourages people to challenge outdated ideas about aging and design a vibrant "third act" filled with adventure, creativity, health, and purpose.
- His story proves that curiosity, courage, and a little humor are all you need to start your boldest chapter yet.
What made you decide to become a singer at age 62 — even though you had never sung publicly before?
What lessons did you learn from building and selling a successful business that helped you reinvent yourself later in life?
Why do you believe the "third act" of life can actually be the most exciting and adventurous chapter?
What are the biggest mental barriers that prevent people from trying new things later in life — and how can they overcome them?
What practical steps can someone take if they want to reinvent themselves after 50 or 60?
- What your audience will gain from this episode:
- Listeners will walk away seeing the second half of life as an opportunity for bold reinvention — not quiet retirement.
- Learn how to identify and overcome the limiting beliefs that stop people from trying new things later in life.
- Practical ways to design a meaningful "third act" — from fitness and creativity to business and purpose.
- How health, creativity, curiosity, and courage can transform the years after 50 or 60 into the most exciting and fulfilling of life.

Against the Norm Podcast
Norman's podcast exploring reinvention and extraordinary lives — fascinating conversations with people who have chosen unconventional paths.

Retire Against the Norm Coaching Program
Norman's coaching program (in development) helping people design a vibrant and meaningful "third act" focused on health, creativity, and purpose.

Against the Norm Substack & Blog
Essays on reinvention, late-life adventure, and designing an extraordinary second half of life.

Beyond the Norm
Norman's sequel one-man cabaret show — continuing the theme of pursuing bold new passions later in life. Currently in development.
- Princeton University Graduate
- Founder & CEO of one of Brooklyn's most successful mortgage brokerage companies (sold to NYC bank after 30+ years)
- Ranked among Top 100 Mortgage Professionals in the United States — 44+ year career
- Creator & performer of a sold-out one-man cabaret show in New York's Times Square theater district
- Sequel show "Beyond the Norm" currently in development
- Finisher of the New York City Marathon and 12 half-marathons
- Frequently interviewed on NPR; quoted regularly in The New York Times
- Featured speaker at national mortgage industry conferences in Las Vegas and Atlantic City
- Regular performer at cabaret venues throughout New York City
- Creator and performer of a sold-out one-man cabaret show in New York's Times Square theater district
Free for podcast hosts. We handle the introduction.
We never charge podcast hosts.
Brand
Against the Norm
Location
Brooklyn, NY — Eastern Time (EDT)
Reach
~325 Substack subscribers · 700+ LinkedIn connections · Growing podcast & blog
Availability
8am–5pm EDT
website
againstthenorm.net
Subscribe to the Against the Norm Substack for free essays on reinvention, healthy aging, and living an adventurous third act.