Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well
Wendy Green
You’re a smart, talented individual over 60 who doesn’t accept societies idea of aging = decline. You want to feel optimistic about what’s next, and feel a sense of excitement in this next chapter.
You believe that society tries to put people in a box called old age. You have dreams of being actively involved with your families and communities. You want to feel respected and valued. You’d like to leave the world just a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. (thanks to Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Life is a journe...
Navigating Long-Distance Relationships with Grandchildren
Staying connected with our grandchildren isn’t always easy—especially when miles separate us. As grandparents, we want to be involved in their lives, share our wisdom, and build cherished memories. But as they grow up, get busy, and focus on their own worlds, staying in touch can feel like an uphill battle.In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive into the realities of long-distance grandparenting. I share personal stories, insights from listeners, and strategies to help bridge the gap, no matte
Caring for Mom, Caring for Me: Finding Balance as an Alzheimer's Care Partner
The episode presents an intimate exploration of the caregiver's journey, as Jessica Smith articulately shares her experiences of supporting her mother through the trials of Alzheimer's disease. The discussion intricately weaves through themes of acceptance, the challenge of relinquishing control, and the significance of understanding one's limitations as a caregiver. As the conversation progresses, both Wendy and Jessica emphasize the critical nature of self-awareness and recognizing the necessi
Aging and Loss: The Isolation of Grief
Episode Description:In this compelling episode, Wendy Green and her guest, Kerri Lewis, engage in a profound examination of grief, exploring its complexities and the myriad ways it can impact individuals. They articulate that grief is an inherent part of the human experience, transcending age and circumstance, and affecting individuals at different stages of their lives. The conversation touches upon the isolating effects of grief, as societal discomfort surrounding discussions of loss often lea
What you Don't Know about Medicare may be costing you
Episode Description:Aging well comes with its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare decision-making. This podcast episode addresses the nagging uncertainties surrounding Medicare, expertly guided by Wendy Green and her guest, Tim Hanbury, a Medicare expert. The discussion begins with Green laying out the common fears and misgivings that many face when bombarded with promotional material for Medicare plans, often filled with technical jargon that can intimidate even the mo
Aging Well: Crafting Your Financial and Personal Legacy
Wendy Green opens this thought-provoking episode of Boomer Banter on Martin Luther King Day, intertwining the significance of service with the theme of legacy and financial literacy. As she reflects on the weather extremes affecting the country, she emphasizes the importance of reaching out to loved ones during challenging times. The episode delves into the essence of legacy, not merely in financial terms but in the stories, values, and practical wisdom shared across generations. Green shares pe
Tax Strategies and Retirement Reflections with a Tax Influencer
The conversation between Wendy Green and Phyllis Jo Kubey delves deep into the often-overlooked complexities of tax management for retirees. Kubey, with her extensive background in tax preparation and planning, illuminates the intricacies of how retirement income is taxed and the common pitfalls retirees face. One surprising revelation is that up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable, a point that many retirees may not anticipate. Kubey explains the thresholds that trigger taxation o
Planning for the Unexpected - Protecting your Nest Egg
Understanding the nuances of financial planning is crucial, particularly in the face of unexpected life events that can derail one's financial stability. This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Melissa Bane, CPA & CFP, who offers valuable insights into preparing for the unforeseen and protecting one’s financial future. Our host, Wendy Green, opens up about her personal experiences with family emergencies and natural disasters, using these anecdotes to frame the broader discus
Finding Vitality: Rekindle Dreams and Purpose in Later Life
Boomer Banter delves into the journey of rediscovering vitality and purpose in the later stages of life. Our host, Wendy Green, shares a personal narrative that begins with a life-altering layoff just before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which sets the stage for a transformative career pivot. After several months of searching for employment, she finds work at a Sylvan Learning Center, where a passion for working with children blossoms. This experience leads to the acquisition of a Kid
Staying Relevant as we Age
Episode OverviewFeeling relevant and finding purpose is crucial as we navigate the complexities of aging. Beverly Glazer and Wendy Green explore the common experience of feeling invisible as we grow older and how redefining our sense of self can lead to renewed passion and engagement in life. They discuss the importance of reconnecting with activities we once loved and the power of community in fostering a sense of belonging. Through inspiring stories and personal experiences, they highlight how
Aging, Spirituality and Self-Compassion
The conversation opens with a touching tribute from Wendy Green to her father, who carried a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived. This sets a reflective tone for the episode, which features Carol Orsburn, Ph.D., a prominent figure in the conscious aging movement. Carol's insights into aging emphasize that it is not merely a chronological process but a profound opportunity for spiritual development and self-acceptance. Her latest work, "Spiritual Aging:
Using Movement and Mindfulness to Overcome Depression in our Later Years
Episode OverviewDepression can often feel like an immovable weight, but Nita Sweeney's journey illustrates how movement—both physical and mental—can serve as a pathway to healing. At 49, Nita found herself struggling with bipolar depression, feeling trapped in her despair until a friend's social media post about running sparked a change. She began with small steps, literally running for just 60 seconds at a time, and gradually discovered the transformative power of exercise on her mental health.
A Compassionate Move: The Story Behind "Safe Move for Seniors"
Wendy Green dives deep into the heart of aging and community service with Jill Yesko Diana, whose nonprofit, Safe Moves for Seniors, empowers economically disadvantaged older adults to move safely and with dignity. Jill’s journey is one of personal and professional evolution; starting as a professional organizer, she became acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by seniors in her community. The episode highlights the multifaceted nature of Jill’s work, merging her background in human resou
Re-envision Widowhood: Embracing Life's Full Color Palette
Molly Peacock, a poet and biographer, shares her poignant journey of love, loss, and resilience following the death of her husband, Mike Grodin. As she navigates the complexities of widowhood, Molly reveals how she transformed her grief into a vibrant exploration of emotions through her poetry collection, "The Widow's Crayon Box." The conversation delves into the contradictions of feeling both alive and deeply saddened after a significant loss, as well as the importance of embracing the full spe
Challenging Ageism and our Perception of Aging
Episode Overview:Experience a multifaceted exploration of aging, with Wendy Green leading the conversation alongside her guest Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author. The episode opens with a critical examination of how society often views older individuals as ‘the other,’ leading to a culture of fear and misunderstanding. Both Wendy and Jeanette stress that this perception is largely influenced by media depictions that focus on decline rather than the rich experiences and contributi
Paws for Thought: Why Dogs are more than just Pets
Episode Summary:In this heartwarming and enlightening episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green and her guest, Stacey Colino delve into the profound bond between humans and dogs, exploring the manifold ways these loyal companions enrich our lives. Dive into the science behind the human-canine connection, the emotional and physical benefits of having a dog, and hear firsthand stories that showcase their extraordinary abilities. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or considering adding a furry fr
Keeping Love Alive: Overcoming Challenges in Long-term Relationships as we age
Episode Description:Wendy Green and Dr. Liz Jenkins delve into the complexities of long-term relationships as we age, addressing the vital question of how to keep love alive amidst the challenges that come with aging. The conversation begins with the acknowledgment that relationships often face numerous hurdles, from financial stress to health issues, which can lead to feelings of disconnect. Dr. Liz emphasizes that successful couples are those who actively communicate and reconnect, even amidst
The Realities of Parenting Adult Children: Myths, Expectations, and Truths
Episode DescriptionNavigating the complexities of parenting adult children can be challenging, often filled with unexpected tensions and disappointments. Wendy Green and her guest, Denise Gliwa, delve into the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships as children transition into adulthood. They discuss the crucial shift from a parenting role to one of support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of listening and resisting the urge to offer unsolicited advice. Denise shares valuabl
SAFE! Essential Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
Host, Wendy Green reflects on her harrowing experience during Hurricane Helene, which struck Greenville, South Carolina and Western North Carolina, and the challenges she faced in ensuring her family's safety and preparation. The discussion delves into the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly for older adults who may have unique needs and limitations.This episode serves as a wake-up call, urging listeners to evaluate their own readiness for emergencies and develop a solid plan befo
The Paradox of Grief: Pain and Beauty in Healing
The journey of healing through grief is not a linear path but a deeply personal and often unpredictable process. Wendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, explores this theme with guest Deborah Edgar, who shares her life story and the wisdom contained in her book "Good Grief." Deborah opens up about her challenging upbringing, the loss of her brother, and the trauma of losing her partner, John, during a joyful occasion. These experiences have taught her that grief must be embraced and processed, not i
Beyond Age: Personalized Health Screenings for Women
Today we're discussing a critical topic—health screenings for older women. Joining us is Mary White, retired senior epidemiologist and adjunct professor at Emory Rollins School of Public Health. Mary brings over three decades of experience in disease prevention and cancer control.We explore the latest guidelines for colorectal and breast cancer screenings, considerations for women exposed to DES, and the impact of factors like personal health history and environmental influences. We emphasize th
Boomer Banter trailer
Let’s be honest. As Boomers we never thought we would getold. We were the forever young generation.And the truth is, many of us are still vigorous, vital, involved individuals.But…the other truth is that arthritis is slowing us down. Knee and hipreplacements are being talked about. We’ve lost friends and family members. Weworry about whether we will out-live our money.At Boomer Banter, we are on a journey to explore how to live vibrantly,healthfully, with strong relationships and purpose as we a
Beyond Wills: Comprehensive Estate Planning for the Digital Age
Episode overview:Estate planning is complex. Administering an estate after someone passes can take over 500 hours, especially if the person who passed did not have things organized.In this episode, host Wendy Green gets into the complexities of estate planning and administering the estate with guest Adam Zuckerman. Adam is the founder of BuriedInWork. Together, they uncover the critical, often overlooked aspects of preparing for end-of-life matters in the digital age. Adam shares his personal j
Behind the 200! Stories, the Journey and your questions answered
Episode Overview:In the 200th episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green celebrates a significant milestone in the podcast's journey. Reflecting on four-and-a-half years of exploring aging well, Wendy shares the humble beginnings, growth phases, challenges, and lessons learned that have defined Boomer Banter. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the community of listeners who have inspired and supported the show.Takeaways:Perseverance Pays Off:Wendy's persistence through initial self-doubt, te
When Aging Well is Reaching its Finale: The Power of End-of-Life Discussions
Episode Overview:In today’s deeply thoughtful episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green sits down with Catherine Marienau, a retired professor and an advocate for Compassion & Choices. Together, they delve into one of the most sensitive yet crucial conversations we can have with our loved ones: planning for the end of life. Exploring everything from hospice and palliative care to death doulas and advanced directives, Wendy and Catherine share personal stories and professional insights that
How to turn Knowledge and Good Intentions into Lasting Lifestyle Changes
At your last physical, your doctor told you, "your blood pressure is too high," or "your A1C is too high," or "your cholesterol is too high." Then the doctor told you to cut back on sugar, salt, fats, or dairy. Add exercise to your life. You may have left the office with good intentions, but lifestyle changes are hard!In this episode of Boomer Banter, I sit down with wellness coach Jason Gootman, to delve into the transformative power of mindset and self-talk in making lasting lifestyle changes
Knowing How to Conquer the Healthcare Maze, is Crucial to Aging Well
In this episode our host, Wendy Green, and her guest, Nancy Ruffner delve into the intricate world of patient advocacy and elder care. We begin with a personal story about the sudden passing of our host's stepfather, her mother's hospitalization with Covid, and the struggle she faced as her siblings were also struck by the virus, all in the same week. This story sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the importance of patient advocacy.Nancy Ruffner, a board-certified patient advocate, brin
The Livability Blueprint - Aging Safely at Home
Episode OverviewIn this episode, guest, Heather Brooks emphasizes the importance of safe housing as a cornerstone of livability for aging individuals. She explores multiple factors including neighborhood settings, transportation, environmental considerations, social involvement, and quick access to emergency services.Heather delves into the challenges and expenses associated with maintaining homes as people get older, highlighting the critical need for resources and connections to age in place s
Friendships Between Generations: Breaking Age-Related Barriers
Host Wendy Green sits down with acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Sky Bergman to pursue the heartwarming and transformative world of intergenerational connections. Inspired by her spirited grandmother who thrived well into her 100s, Bergman’s work sheds light on the incredible benefits of bridging generational gaps and combating the growing public health crisis of loneliness and isolation. This episode covers a broad spectrum of insights and personal stories that highlight the necessity and v
Fearless Female Leaders: Aging with Purpose
The new book, "Fearless Female Leaders." shares empowering stories of women of all ages, who are pursuing a purpose and a passion. In this episode, guest and author Kathy McAfee, shares her journey and mission to mentor and uplift others, particularly in the legacy phase of her career. With real-life stories of resilience and leadership, this episode is a tribute to women who refuse to let age define their contribution.Key Takeaways: The story of Eva Hausman, founder of the Mothers' Day movement
The Four Pillars of True Wealth: Finances, Health, Joy and Love
In this deeply introspective and enlightening episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green delves into the essence of True Wealth, exploring the four pillars that constitute a meaningful and fulfilling life: finance, health, joy, and love. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, Wendy sheds light on how these components interweave to create a life of substance beyond material success. Get ready to be inspired, as we reflect on what it truly means to age well and live a purpose-driven life.Ep
Financial Fraud Targets Older Adults: Avoid Becoming a Victim
This episode of Boomer Banter dives deep into the alarming rise of financial fraud targeting older adults. Join host Wendy Green and fraud expert Kathy Stokes from the AARP Fraud Watch Network as they unpack the sophisticated tactics scammers use, the emotional toll on victims, and essential steps for securing personal information. Wendy Green begins the episode by sharing her own near-miss with a copyright infringement scam, underscoring the importance of being vigilant. Kathy Stokes delves int
Financial Fitness After 60: Longevity, Legacy and Support
As we live longer, the need to make our money last becomes increasingly important. In this insightful episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green is joined by the esteemed Richard Eisenberg, an unretired freelance writer and former managing editor of Next Avenue, to tackle the intricate world of longevity planning. We share practical advice for securing financial stability, and emphasize the need for "longevity literacy." Whether you’re nearing retirement, supporting adult children, or considerin
Selling Your Parent's Home: Implications and Considerations
In this episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green and certified financial planner Justin Smith delve into the intricate process of selling your parent's home. This is an emotionally charged, multi-faceted issue that can significantly impact your family's financial future. From tax implications to long-term care planning and probate avoidance, they cover many aspects you need to consider for a seamless and equitable transition. If you're a Boomer looking to make informed decisions about your par
Change, Transition from Hey, Boomer to Boomer Banter
Season 7, Episode 188In this episode, host Wendy Green announces the transition from Hey, Boomer to Boomer Banter, a podcast focused on real talk about aging well. She shares the motivations behind the rebrand and the evolution of the podcast's mission. The mission still includes embracing a purpose and realizing we are not done yet. It is expanding to include ideas about how to live a long life with health, happiness and satisfaction.Episode TakeawaysDiscussion on change versus transition. Wen
Aging Well: Stroke Awareness, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Season 7: Episode 187In our latest episode, host Wendy Green dives deep into the vital topic of stroke awareness, treatment, and prevention with our esteemed guest, Dr. Chris Favilla, a leading stroke neurologist.Here's why you should tune in:🔹 **Recognize Stroke Symptoms with "BE FAST":**- **B**alance issues, **E**yesight changes, **F**acial droop, **A**rm weakness, **S**peech difficulties, and **T**ime to call 911.- Early recognition and immediate action can save lives.🔹 **Manage Silent Risk
Lyme Disease Awareness for Active Agers
Season 7, Episode 186Join us as we dive deep into the world of Lyme disease, exploring its symptoms, controversies in treatment, and the crucial preventive measures to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. My guest, Dorothy Leland and I, shared personal stories to highlight the challenging journey of diagnosis and the resilience needed to manage this disease. This episode sheds light on the complexities of Lyme disease. Our discussion aims to arm our listeners, particularly active agers,
Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia
Season 7: Episode 185Episode Overview:Today we delve into matters of the heart and the harsh realities of dementia as we discuss "Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia." Our host Wendy Green is joined by guest Mary Lou Falcone, who shares her deeply personal journey of caregiving for her husband, Nicky Zann, through his battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Mary Lou opens up about the challenges they faced, from Nicky's initial symptoms and diagnosis to the daily realities of managing this complex diseas
The Power of Perspective: Attitudes about Aging
Season 7: Episode 184In The Power of Perspective: Attitudes about Aging we're shifting the narrative around getting older. Gone are the days of viewing aging as a decline; instead, we embrace it as a rich opportunity for growth, connection, and discovering new passions. We'll explore how cultivating gratitude, resilience, and positive perceptions can profoundly impact our physical and mental well-being. Join us as we challenge ageist stereotypes and discuss how each of us can reimagine the later
The Boomer's Blueprint to Alcohol-Free Resilience and Vitality
Season 7: Episode 183Episode Overview:Today, we're diving into the "SoberFit" life with an exceptional guest, Maureen Benkovich, aka the "Sober Fit Chick." Maureen, a certified gray area drinking coach, trades in the term "sober" for "alcohol free," and has fully embraced a fitness lifestyle that celebrates her vibrant personality sans the spirits. She believes in a holistic approach to being alcohol free – one that nurtures mental, spiritual, and physical fitness, going beyond just abstaining f
Mastering Resilience, Strength & Nutrition: A Recipe for Boomer Health
Season 7: Episode 182Episode Overview:Diagnosed with MS and paralyzed by Guillain Barre syndrome, she didn't just recover; she became a European weightlifting champ.Today we chatted with Kim Rahir, a 60-year-old powerhouse who turned her health battles into victories. Now, she's coaching women to unlock their inner strength through resilience, muscle reactivation, and smart nutrition. Remember, it’s never too late to transform your health and mindset. Episode Takeaways: **Embrace Routines**: Ro
Boomer Wellness - Thriving Through the Decades
Season 7 - Episode 181Episode Overview:In this episode, we dive deep into Boomer Wellness and thriving in every decade. Join us as fitness and mindset coach Heike Yates shares invaluable wisdom on how to make health and happiness your top priorities. Discover why it's never too late to start exercising, how to transcend the fear of the gym, and why personal joy in your workout is key. Heike emphasizes the extraordinary benefits of Pilates for spine alignment and core strength, and reminds us to
Aging with Intention: Embracing The Four Agreements in our Boomer lives
Season 7: Episode 180Episode Overview:In this insightful episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green takes us on a profound journey through the teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz's transformative book "The Four Agreements." As Baby Boomers navigate the waters of aging, Wendy emphasizes how the four agreements can serve as a beacon to transform our inner dialogue and inspire a life of authenticity and fulfillment. Throughout the episode, she dissects each agreement and its applicability to the various as
Husband Underfoot: Surviving Your Husband's Retirement
Season 7: Episode 179 Episode Overview:Join us for a laughter-filled, and caring journey into the heart of retirement with our delightful guest, Mary Kay Fleming – a retired psychology professor turned award-winning humor writer. In this episode, aptly titled "Husband Underfoot," we plunge into the shift that happens when retirement comes knocking. Discover the lighter side of stepping into the golden years alongside someone who has done it with grace, humor, and a flair for writing that tickle
Navigating the Family Mix: Blending Traditions in Midlife
Season 7: Episode 178Episode Overview:In this episode, host Wendy Green is joined by guest Suzy Rosenstein, a master certified life coach who specializes in helping women over 50 craft meaningful lives full of purpose. Together, they delve into the rich tapestry of family traditions, exploring how these practices can provide stability, joy, and a sense of belonging, while also acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that arise as families evolve and blend new elements into their shared ex
Grey Divorce: What You Need to Know About Mediation
Season 7: Episode 177Episode Overview:On this insightful episode of Hey, Boomer!, we delve into a topic that's gaining more attention as our demographic evolves: "Grey Divorce." Host Wendy Green warmly welcomes Dr. Elinor Robin, an expert in mediation and licensed mental health counselor, to guide us through the nuanced process of late-in-life divorce. As divorce rates among those 65 and older have tripled since 1990, this discussion is more relevant than ever. Dr. Robin brings her wealth of exp
Insights into Long-Distance Caregiving
Season 7: Episode 176Episode OverviewIn this episode, host Wendy Green is joined by Ellen Belk, a leading expert in dementia care and a seasoned long-distance caregiver herself. Together, they delve into the complexities and challenges of taking care of aging parents from afar. Ellen shares her personal journey of managing her parents' healthcare needs across state lines, the importance of building a local support system, and the critical importance of being proactive.Whether you're a current or
Goodbye Dad: Lessons in Love, Care and Connection
Season 7: Episode 175Episode OverviewIn this heartwarming and insightful episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green is joined by Rob Schwartz, the son of Morrie Schwartz, to unpack the emotional journey of caregiving for an ailing father. This conversation takes us through the mountains of challenges and valleys of tender moments that come with caring for a family member in their final months. From discussing the practical aspects of daily care assistance to the philosophies that define our conne
Who Will Take Care of me When I'm Old?
Season 7; Episode 174Episode OverviewIn this episode we're diving deep into a question that's on the minds of many: "Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?" If we live long enough, we will all be solo agers. How we prepare for our later years can make all the difference.It's not just about medical planning; it's about social engagement, maintaining robust relationships, and taking a clear-eyed look at our futures. We're here to bring some light and practical wisdom to the conversation. Joining t
Love, Dignity & Parkinson's: From Care Partner to Care Giver
Season 7 Episode 173In this heartfelt and informative episode of Hey, Boomer!, we dive into a topic that touches many but is often discussed in whispers: the evolving relationship dynamics and the journey of caregivers tending to loved ones with Parkinson's disease. Host Wendy Green welcomes the insightful Terri Pease, Ph.D., a caregiver advocate and author, who shares the intimate details of her transformative journey from a care partner to a caregiver for her husband with Parkinson's. This epi
Insights from the Estrangement Series: The Ultimate Recap
Season 7 - Episode 172In this episode of Hey, Boomer, host Wendy Green delves into the complex and emotional topic of family and friend estrangement. The candid discussions with experts and real-life stories shed light on the pain and potential for reconciliation in strained relationships. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the importance of fostering connections and prioritizing friendships as they navigate the challenges of aging.Episode OverviewHost Wendy Green reflects on the profound in
Beyond Family Ties: The Impact of Friendships on our Well-Being
Season 7 - Episode 171In this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green sits down with guest Margie Zable Fisher to untangle the intricate web of friendships and their impact on our emotional and physical well-being as we age. Margie shares her unique system for nurturing and maintaining friendships, digging into the importance of intergenerational connections and the changing dynamics of friendships as families transition through life. From the joy of fostering new friendships to the complexiti
Rebuilding Relationships with Estranged Adult Children with Dr. Janet Steinkamp
Season 7 Episode 170In this episode, Wendy Green engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Dr. Janet Steinkamp about the challenges of estranged relationships with adult children. Wendy and Janet both share there personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, adapting communication styles, and nurturing trust and grace in rebuilding relationships. The discussion touches upon the emotional complexities, the stages of grief, and the impact of family dynamics on estra
Hatfields & McCoys: Lessons from History with Dean King
Season 7 Episode #169In this episode of Hey, Boomer, host Wendy Green delves into the deeply fascinating and often turbulent world of family dynamics and historical conflicts with acclaimed author Dean King, known for his work on "The Feud, The Hatfields & McCoys, The True Story." Exploring the lessons from the infamous feud, Wendy and Dean provide a thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the enduring relevance of history in understanding contemporary conflicts and relationships.Gu
Broken Bonds, Healing Paths: Sibling Estrangement & Reconciliation
Season 7: Episode 168In this episode, host Wendy Green sits down with author and sibling relationship expert, Fern Schumer Chapman, to dive into the challenges of family estrangement and the journey toward reconciliation. Together, they uncover the impact of estrangement on family dynamics, identity, and self-esteem, and share personal experiences that shed light on the complexities of rebuilding relationships with estranged siblings. This episode is a candid exploration of sibling relationships
Season 6 Finale: Reflecting on 2023, Unveiling 2024 Plans, Crafting your Word for the Year
Episode #167: Season 6 Finale: Reflecting on 2023, Unveiling 2024 Plans, Crafting your Word for the Year"Hey, Boomer!" invites you to join host Wendy Green in the Season Finale as she reflects on the best of 2023, unveils exciting changes for 2024, and shares her word for the year ahead. Wendy delves into the importance of navigating family dynamics, embracing reinvention, and exploring the transformative power of choosing a word for the year. The episode concludes with a heartwarming holiday me
Hear and Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing loss
Episode #166 Hear and Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss with Shari Eberts & Gael HannanIn this episode of Hey Boomer, host Wendy Green explores the topic of living skillfully with hearing loss, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss. She shares her personal experiences with the story of her mother's hearing loss and how that impacted her interaction with her mother and her awareness of some of the challenges.Joined by special guests Shari Ebert and Ga
Family Traditions and Rituals with Donne Davis
Episode #165 Family Traditions and Rituals with Donne DavisIn this episode of "Hey, Boomer!" host Wendy Green and guest Donne Davis delve into the rich tapestry of family traditions and rituals. Through engaging conversation, they explore the challenges and rewards of adapting and passing down traditions in an ever-changing family landscape. From adapting Thanksgiving traditions to creating meaningful ceremonies, they share invaluable insights into the significance of evolving rituals and the ge
Insights from "Aging Sucks, but You're Gonna Love It" with Brenda Ackerman
Episode #164 Episode Overview:In this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green invites author Brenda Ackerman to discuss her book, "Aging Sucks, but You're Gonna Love It." Brenda's book takes an honest and refreshingly real approach to the challenges and joys of getting older. Brenda shares her personal journey, offering valuable insights and practical advice for embracing life's later chapters.Aging is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn't have to be something we dread. Join Wendy and Bre
Crunchy Conversation: Redefining Life after 55 with Michela Di Carlo
Episode #163Description- Welcome to Hey, Boomer! In this episode, Wendy Green and Michela Di Carlo discuss the concept of aging playfully and embracing one's inner child.- Michela Di Carlo is the founder and editor of Crunchy Tales, an online magazine for sassy women over 50.- Crunchy Tales covers topics about aging, fashion, food, and empowering women.Takeaways1. Aging playfully and embracing midlife: Michela believes that getting older is a time for growth and empowerment. It's about embracing
Fear of Retirement Overcome: How Donna Friess Found Purpose and Joy in Post-Retirement Life
Episode #162Episode Overview:In this episode, host Wendy Green welcomes guest Donna Friess to delve into the topic of fear of retirement and living in gratitude. Donna shares her own experience of initial apprehension about retirement but ultimately finding purpose and joy in this new chapter of life. Donna emphasized the importance of having a plan for your retirement. She became a life coach for women dealing with loss. She started to write books about the history of Southern California. She b
The Ageless Artist: Penny Peyser's Creative Journey
Episode #161DescriptionJoining us on Hey, Boomer today is the multi-talented Penny Peyser, known for her impressive career in acting, writing, and documentary filmmaking. Penny has graced both the big and small screens, working alongside legendary actors like Alan Arkin and Peter Falk. In this episode, Penny shared her journey of embracing humor in her later years and how it has transformed her life. From writing sonnets in iambic pentameter to exploring her comedic side, Penny's creativity know
Breaking the Ageist Paradox: A Futurists View of Demographics and Society
Episode #160DescriptionIn this episode, our host Wendy Green sits down with guest Bradley Schurman, a futurist and an expert in navigating disruptive population change. Bradley shares his insights on the ageist paradox and how it affects our view of aging and older adults. We dive deep into the impact of aging populations on business, the labor market, governments and society as a whole.Shifting Demographics: We delve into the fascinating world of changing demographics and how it is reshaping ou
Strings and Words: They Found Love while Creating Beautiful Music and Stories
Welcome to Hey, Boomer! The podcast that celebrates the vibrant and fulfilling lives of Baby Boomers. My guests today, Stu and Jana Zonder, are not only partners in life, but they've also built a successful business together called String Along with Stu. Stu is a master musician and teacher of both guitar and ukulele. Jana is a published author, editor, and ghostwriter, with her first book, "Magenta Rave," making waves in the thriller genre.In this episode, we explore the exciting world of Stu a
Confronting Aging with Exercise and Nutrition - Becoming Elli
Episode #159DescriptionToday we have two incredible guests joining us to discuss the importance of exercise and nutrition in confronting aging. We have the pleasure of welcoming Chris Brown and Jill McCauslin to the show. Chris and Jill are the founders of Becoming Elli, an online community dedicated to inspiring and supporting women over 50 who want to stay fit and strong. They also host the podcast, "Fit Strong Women Over 50," where they explore various ideas about fitness, food, and general h
Frank's Shadow: Battling Demons and Uncovering Family Secrets
Episode #158Our guest for today's episode is Doug McIntyre, a first-time novelist and a principal opinion columnist for the Southern California News Group. Doug has over 30 years of experience in television, radio, and hosting events with icons like Jane Fonda and George W. Bush. Join us as we talk with Doug about his novel "Frank's Shadow" and delve into the themes of identity, family secrets, and the search for purpose.Description:In this episode of "Hey, Boomer!", host Wendy Green invites aut
Embracing the Power of Belonging, Purpose and Meaning in your Third Act
Episode #157DescriptionIn this episode of "Hey, Boomer!", host Wendy Green sits down with special guest Erik Seversen to unlock the journey to meaning, purpose, and belonging. Together, they explore the importance of strong connections, the importance of belonging, and the pillars of meaning that contribute to a fulfilling life. Whether you're a boomer seeking new goals and dreams or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is sure to uplift and motivate you.Erik has traveled to all 50 state
Embracing Mortality: Conversations about LIfe's Final Chapter with Kimberly Best
Episode #156 DescriptionIn this episode of "Hey, Boomer!", host Wendy Green is joined by special guest Kimberly Best, RN and founder of Best Conflict Solutions LLC, to discuss the important topic of embracing mortality and opening up conversations about life's final chapter. Together, they delve into the significance of having important documents in order, making decisions regarding end-of-life care, planning for one's legacy, resolving conflicts ahead of time, and so much more. Wendy pulls from
Resolving Estrangement: Expert Advice from Dr. Joshua Coleman on Healing Family Estrangement
Introduction:In this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green dives into the sensitive topic of family estrangement and explores the hidden wounds that can tear families apart. With the help of esteemed guest Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of "Rules of Estrangement," they discuss the rise of estrangement, changes in family dynamics, and the possibility of healing broken relationships. This episode offers support and guidance for those experiencing estrangement or those seeking to understand and emp
The Joys of Grandparent-Grandchild Travel: Creating Memories Together Across Generations
On this episode of "Hey, Boomer!" host Wendy Green explores the rewards and challenges of grandparent-grandchild travel. Joined by guest Barbara Klocko, they share personal stories, discuss changing parenting styles, and highlight the importance of intergenerational connections. Discover the joys of exploring the world with your grandchildren and the valuable lessons that come from these adventures.Episode Overview:Wendy and special guest Barbara Klocko discuss their experiences of traveling wit
The Generational Gift of an Uncluttered Home
Episode Overview:On this episode of "Hey, Boomer!", host Wendy Green explores the generational gift of an uncluttered home. Joined by guest Nicki Davidson Jones, an experienced organizer and declutterer, they dive into the importance of downsizing and organizing our living spaces, specifically as we age. Together, they discuss the emotional and practical aspects of decluttering, share insights from influential books on the topic, and explore the impact of an uncluttered home on our well-being an
What I am thinking about - Labor Day edition
This episode of Hey, Boomer is a chance for me to share what I have been up to over the past several weeks and some of the things I have been thinking about.🗣️I talked about some of my takeaways from the Podcast Movement Convention.🗣️I share with you the results from the Listener Survey I put out a few weeks ago.🗣️Brief discussion about the beauty of Aspen and train travel.🗣️My thoughts about gun violence, which suddenly came too close to home.🗣️And finally an idea of what is coming up for
Uncovering the Wisdom of Morrie: Life Lessons on Living and Aging Well
Rob Schwartz, the son of Morrie Schwartz, of "Tuesdays With Morrie" fame, has edited and released an extraordinary manuscript his dad wrote called "The Wisdom of Morrie." In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the inspirational pages of this book. We explore the power of addressing ageism as a psychological issue, just like we combat racism and sexism. "The Wisdom of Morrie" offers a unique blend of psychological analysis and practical tips for living a vibrant life.We learn about
Unraveling Brain Health - with Dr. Krystal Culler
Dr. Krystal Culler is a passionate advocate for brain health, particularly in the field of gerontology. Growing up with the love and support of her grandparents and older adults, she developed a deep connection with them and spent most of her time with them. It was during her time in grad school when her grandmother started experiencing dementia and her mother went through cognitive changes without receiving a proper diagnosis for years. Additionally, Dr. Culler herself had a shocking Grand Mall
Silver Screens & Second Acts: Reinvention after a Corporate Career
In this episode of "Hey, Boomer!" host Wendy Green interviews Melissa Davey, a guest who embodies the belief that one is never too old to set new goals or dream new dreams. Melissa, a former executive at a managed care company, shares her journey of reinvention at the age of 65.Melissa had always been confident in her work, but as she grew older and experienced various life events, she gained even more confidence. At the age of 65, she started feeling that there was more she wanted to do. She t
Unlocking the Keys to a Long, Healthy, and Fulfilling Life with Dr. David Bernstein
Today we have a very special guest, Dr. David Bernstein a renowned retired physician and gerontologist.In this episode, we dive into the secrets of living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Dr. Bernstein, shares invaluable insights and tips on how to achieve vitality in your golden years. From the importance of having a purpose in life, to the impact of DNA, attitude, and gratitude, we cover it all. We also discuss the significance of companionship, the dangers of isolation, and how to naviga
Transitions - Making Sense of Life's Changes
On this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green explores the theme of transitions and how to make sense of life's changes. She starts with a story about Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment Corporation and the Ending of that company and how it impacted her.Wendy delves into the concept of the Neutral Zone or Messy Middle, a period of reflection and questioning that often arises during transitions. She shares her own experience of being forced into a job ending due to the pandemic and ut
Everything Kids Need to Know about Leadership
Episode #146On this episode Wendy Green is joined by author Philip Martin to talk about leadership and the lessons that can be learned from his book, Tales from Tibet. Philip has extensive experience in Executive Coaching and Management Consulting. He also has 50+ years of sales experience. The inspiration for writing a children's book of leadership lessons grew from the loss of his beloved Sashi, a black and white Tibetan Terrier.This episode is full of joy and compassion and encouragement. You
Justice, Revenge, Complicity and Creativity
Episode #145:Rebecca Keller, a visual artist, has recently released her first novel, "You Should Have Known." It takes place in an assisted living facility and the main character faces a moral dilemma of justice and revenge. She realizes along the way how her actions bring unexpected consequences and potentially make others complicit in her actions.In this episode, we explore her book and the themes of justice and revenge. We also discuss whether creativity is something that can be developed or
Finding Meaning and Fulfillment through Travel
Episode 144: On this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green is joined by special guest and fellow podcaster Nicole Christina to discuss the joys and challenges of traveling.Wendy & Nicole share their own travel experiences, including recent trips and upcoming travel. They talk about heartwarming stories of their encounters with different cultures and people. They emphasize the importance of keeping curiosity alive in their lives.The two discuss the importance of finding purpose in
You are Never Too Old: Stories of Reinvention and Optimism as we age
Episode #143As a Baby Boomer, what does it mean to say that we are “Never Too Old to Set Another Goal or Dream a New Dream?” During my podcast, Hey Boomer, I have the pleasure of sharing inspiring stories that highlight the power of positivity and growth during the aging process. In this episode I talk about guests who prove that age is just a number, and one can never be too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. From Don who started his own business at 76 to Melissa's decision to
Make Self Compassion Your Superpower with Dr. Ellen Albertson
Episode #142 Dr. Ellen Albertson's journey of self-compassion, from a self-critical perfectionist to a self-loving friend, is a powerful motivator for sustainable self-compassion and managing stress.Are you tired of being told to just be positive or toughen up when it comes to your self-compassion? Do you feel like you're constantly fighting against negative self-talk and struggling to find inner peace? It's time to try a new approach. Join our episode to discover how to cultivate self-compassio
Starting a Business is Hard, Leaving it is Harder - with Julie Noonan
As baby boomers age and face retirement, many feel uncertain and afraid of becoming obsolete in the ever-changing workforce. In this fascinating discussion, expert coach Julie Noonan tackles the challenges of aging and ageism, offering wisdom and strategies for those seeking to find their next passion and purpose. In this episode, you will be able to:Embrace the challenges and rewards of navigating a mid-to-late career transition or retirement. Skillfully manage the emotional and pragmatic eleme
Moving on from loss using Creativity with Linda Rivero
When Linda Rivero was confronted with the passing of her husband, she found herself struggling to cope with grief. Little did she know, this would be the catalyst for her to uncover a passion for music and a newfound mission to help others through their own hardships--leading her to create the revolutionary healing program SOAR, and the website 55AndBolder.co. What could Linda's approach mean for those struggling to find hope in the midst of despair? You never get really done with it, but it do
Don't Stop Chasing Rainbows with Rick Bleiweiss
"I don't think I'll ever stop, and I don't think anyone else should."My special guest is Rick BleiweissRick Bleiweiss is an experienced publishing executive, author, and former music industry professional. He has worked with renowned superstars and produced over 50 records, including one Grammy-nominated album. At 77 years old, Rick published his first novel, "Pignon Scorbion and the Barbershop Detectives," which became Amazon's number one bestselling cozy mystery and number one historical myste
Finding Hope Amidst Uncertainty, with Michelle Fishburne
My special guest on this episode is Michelle Fishburne.Michelle Fishburne, has become a master of adapting to life's unexpected twists and turns/ She joined me on Hey, Boomer to share her inspiring journey of resilience and adaptability. After facing multiple setbacks, including a temporary loss of her hearing and balance, the loss of her job, and becoming an empty nester in the span of less than a year, Michelle decided to turn her life around by embarking on a cross-country adventure in her mo
Embracing Opportunities To Be Around Horses with Fran Severn
Experience the incredible connection between human and horse. Horses have the ability to sense and respond to human emotion, providing a unique form of therapeutic healing. But with so much to consider in terms of safety, is horse-riding for everyone? Episode takeaways:Discover the power of following passions regardless of age and breaking free from age-related constraints. Uncover the healing potential in forming emotional bonds with horses through interaction. Learn to confront your fears head
"Be The Bird"-Develop Financial Confidence, Optimism and Resilience
In this episode, Bradley Clark shares how overcoming professional setbacks led him to develop his own resilience and confidence. By embracing these qualities, he was able to bounce back and establish a successful financial planning firm. Clark now seeks to instill relaxed confidence in his clients, helping them through financial anxiety and tough decisions related to retirement planning.Bradley Clark, founder of Clark Asset Management, is a well-seasoned financial expert with a remarkable backgr
Wendy Green: Unlock the Power of Slowing Down
"The pause can be uncomfortable, and we fill our lives with busy in order to avoid the stillness. Sometimes we get ourselves caught up in doing things because we don't know how to just be. Try being a human being, instead of a human doing" - Wendy GreenWendy Green is a Retirement Transition Coach, where she helps people enhance their vitality, ignite their passion and purpose and develop a plan for their next chapter. In this episode she talks about the strategy of taking a pause and living in t
Saving the Planet: Intergenerational Climate Action w/ Samuel Rubin & Frances Stewart
"We have to do everything we can to avoid exceeding the 1.5 degrees temperature increase right now. According to the IPCC report, that is projected to happen in less than ten years, if we keep at the current pace. We have to do everything possible to reduce emissions and change the energy supply - it's not too late to save the planet!" ~ Samuel RubinThat was the message of my conversation with Dr. Frances Stewart and Social Impact Producer Samuel Rubin.From different generations, Samuel and Fran
Kathi Kulesza - From Boomers to Zoomers: Intergenerational Leadership
Kathi Kulesza is an inspiring leader and speaker with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. She has shared her life changing lessons with over 20,000 up and coming leaders at 600 plus events.In this episode we shared our experiences as Boomer Women in male-dominated workplaces and how we tried to blend in, wore business suits, and hadn't learned how to be assertive. There is a change with younger women. From the way they dress, to owning their individuality to being more
Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet: with Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio
Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio is an award-winning leader and keynote speaker in the field of workplace mental health. He is also the author of The Pet Loss Companion, a book about the lessons learned from facilitating pet loss support groups. Ken co-hosts the podcast, The Pet Loss Companion podcast, where they answer listeners questions about the loss and aging of their pets."Grief is the elemental human experience. We are losing over and over and over again throughout our lives. It is important to reco
Sky Bergman: Celebrating Intergenerational Bonds and Lives Well Lived
Sky Bergman is an accomplished award-winning photographer and filmmaker. She is a professor emeritus of photography and video at Cal Poly State University. Her inaugural documentary, Lives Well Lived, explores the inspiring stories of 40 people with 3000 years of collective life experience and how to live life to its fullest."My grandmother had a motto to always be kind. And I think that that's the biggest piece of advice of how to live a life well-lived, is just to be kind." - Sky BergmanIn thi
Empowering Each Other: High School Girls Creating a Community of Support
"We don't have to hold ourselves to these amazing standards. And I think with our club, we just mostly want a community where we can be like, hey, I'm not alone. I'm not having these feelings alone, I'm not feeling judged alone. We can all help support each other and have these shared feelings and talk about it and be like, hey, I don't have to be this way or this way because someone wants me to be that way. I can just be. Eleanor McGuirt and Avery Simon are juniors at Maldin High School and the
Reckoning With the Primal Wound: Doris Blumenthal's Search for Identity
Despite being expected to feel nothing but gratitude for having been "selected" and "rescued" by her adoptive parents, Doris Blumenthal embarks on a journey to reconnect with her biological family and unravel the heartbreaking irony of her commodified existence.Doris Blumenthal had always been aware she was adopted and felt the pressure of being a "selected" child. After her parents passed away, she decided to look for her birth parents. Through research and agencies, she was eventually able to
Reinventing Yourself: A Journey to Finding Purpose with Wendy Battles
Description:In this episode, Wendy Battles shares her personal journey of getting out of her comfort zone and finding her true purpose. From her experiences as a voice actor, becoming a coach, and now a podcast host, she reflects on self-discovery and the process of figuring out what she likes and dislikes. Wendy also shares insights on the importance of self-reflection, especially during midlife, and how being quiet and still can lead to great revelations. Join us as she shares her journey from
Empowering a Better World: A Conversation with Sages and Seekers
Description:Today I speak with Elly Katz, founder of a unique program that connects older adults, "sages," with younger generations, "seekers." The program aims to provide a platform for intergenerational learning and share hard-earned life lessons. During the discussion, Elly shares the impact the program has had on both sages and seekers, including increased happiness and relevance for the older adults and increased empathy for the younger generation. The conversation also touches upon th
Creating a Word for the Year: Finding Your North Star
As I welcomed a new year, I found myself contemplating the power of words and their ability to shape our lives. Instead of setting resolutions I might break or forget, I chose a 'word of the year', a guiding light in my journey of personal growth. This episode explores my journey with last year’s word ‘acceptance’ and how this year’s word ‘connect’ was chosen. You’ll learn the process of selecting a word that resonates with you and help you inch closer to the life you desire.Episode takeaways:Yo
Finding Resilience and Positivity as we age
This episode was live on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and I started it by reading a portion of the "I have a Dream" speech. Which led to my first question."Is hope and positivity the same thing, and how important are they to our mental health as we age?"Dr. Joe Casciani spent 40 years as a psychologist and manager of mental health practices specializing in the care of older adults. He now has a podcast, Living to 100 and a website called Livingto100.club where he shares inspiration and resources
Financial fulfillment in retirement
From football player to Certified Financial Planner to podcaster, Joe Allaria is passionate about educating his clients and his listeners.He spoke to us about the 3 levels of financial retirement.Level one: Survival - Can I pay my bills when I retire? Typically, people that have this fear have not worked with a financial planner and are simply guessing at their financial state.Level two: Survival plus - I can pay my bills, maybe take a trip or two, contribute to a charity of my choice.Level thre
PrimeSpark: An Older Women's Revolution
Dr. Sara Hart, who at the age of 74 cycled 540 miles in the AIDS ride from San Francisco to LA is a woman on a mission. She is helping older women find the spark in their lives to light their way in the world.Sara had an idea that she wanted to do something to address how society sees older women and find ways to turn that around. After a couple of interesting interactions, she realized that PrimeSpark would be her vehicle for change.In this episode we talked about transitions and how they take
Boomers-Millennials-GenZ: Bridging Generational Gaps
This episode begins the conversation on Hey, Boomer to start to find the opportunities for the generations to build bridges of understanding. There are so many reasons the generations are separated, which has caused misperceptions, blaming and shaming, going both ways. We are at time when solutions to things like climate change, mental health, the high cost of education, longer lifespans would benefit from co-generational collaboration. The older generation has experience with social change and
Advocating for care as an older adult
Have you had the experience where a healthcare professional seems to speak in a condescending manner to you or to your older parent? Have you been called "sweetie" or "dear" one time too often? How about when the healthcare worker asks a question like "What would we like for dinner?"Jeanette Leardi is a social gerontologist who realized how ageism was affecting older adults in healthcare situations when she was the caregiver for her parents. She is a writer, speaker, educator and advocate for re
Roadmap to Purpose
Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."Purpose is your natural way of being and your purpose may change over your lifetime. It is not static. When we leave our careers many of us lose our sense of identity and then we lose our reason to get up in the morning.Anna Hall worked in senior living communities, and she saw how the residents that had a sense of purpose were more resilient, they were happier, had better mental hea
He turned a tragedy into a mission
Dennis Gillan lost 2 brothers to suicide in the span of 11 years. It took him a long time before he could talk about this loss. Now he has started a non-profit organization called HalfASorrow.org to educate people about suicide prevention.In this episode Dennis shared how he began to address the problem initially by volunteering on a suicide hotline. It took awhile before he could talk about what happened to his own brothers.The rate of completed suicides is higher than the national average in t
Cake and a Story
She was a young girl when her family emigrated from Czechoslovakia after WWII. Some of the family was not able to leave, some of the family moved to Bavaria in Germany.Pipka Ulvilden was raised in North Dakota, and Michigan and now lives in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, an idealic artist community by Lake Michigan. As a single mother she made the decision to be a full-time artist and opened a boutique shop where she sold her artwork. Her shop became known for the olde-world Santas she designed and for
She wrote a play - and produced it off-Broadway
This is a story of inspiration, of what we can do when we want to and surround ourselves with people who believe in us.
It started out as a story of Margaret Caterisano, the costume designer at Furman University, who started to write plays during the pandemic. She submitted one of her plays to the SheNYC 2022 Summer Arts Festival and her play was selected as one of 9 out of over 300 submissions to be produced.
The episode recounts the journey, some of the challenges and lessons learned. It tells
First Girl Page
The year was 1970. The prior year my family had visited Washington and I saw all these young people working on the floor of the Senate. They were Senate pages, and that looked like something I really wanted to do. For some reason, I did not notice that they were all boys. In 1970, when I was 16, I wrote to my Senator about being his page. I was told that girls were not allowed to be pages. That started my journey to get the opportunity. Listen as I retell the story and how it evolve
Activism for Introverts & Highly Sensitive People
Omkari Williams went from a career as an actor to political campaigns and fundraising to activism. She walks us through this transition and what was the turning point that guided her into activism.
Her work with her clients and in her training is to help people find sustainable ways to contribute to society and make a difference. We all matter and we all have a role to play.
She encourages people to do what they do in small increments and to do it consistently ... to take responsibility to make
Investigative Reporter - uncovering sexual assault
Rhonda Cook was a gutsy reporter who "fell into" her work as an inmate advocate. She developed the trust of inmates in the prisons where she was was assigned and they would call her and let her know about what was going on in the prisons.
In 1998 she started to hear about sexual abuse in a woman's prison. The story covered 18 months of work, and resulted in multiple firings and changes in the prison. Many felony charges were filed, but no one served any time.
Rhonda talked about how she viewed e
Live Life in Crescendo
Live Life in Crescendo was the personal mantra of Stephen R. Covey, author of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He worked with his daughter, Cynthia Covey Haller, to share his ideas about the Crescendo Mentality. Unfortunately, Stephen, R. Covey passed away before the books was completed, but Cynthia continued the work and released the book last month.
In this episode, she shares that her Dad did not believe in retirement. He felt that after your career you should still be making mean
Celebrate Aging
Celebrate aging. We rarely take the time to celebrate aging, because we have been sold the idea that aging is something to be avoided and not celebrated. There is a profit motive behind shaming us and telling us how to look, how to feel, how to think, so that we will buy anti-aging products. These messages reinforce our own internal biases about aging.
Janine Vanderburg leads Changing the Narrative where she works on changing the stories we tell ourselves, changing the stories about older worker
Grandparenting with Gramps Jeffrey
Gramps Jeffrey was in isolation with his wife, children and 6 children during Covid and he had an opportunity to observe the kids up close. From that experience he wrote a book called, "I Don't Want to Turn 3." It tells the story of a tough lesson learned and the resolution shared with the whole family.In our discussion we talked about how parenting today has changed from how we were parented and how we parented our own children. Gramps shared some cute family examples in the telling of his sto
Aging Families and Moves
Margit Novack is such a generous guest and she openly and honestly shared her wisdom and experience around the experience of moving as an older adult.
Topics covered include:
Impact of individual perception of aging
Intentionality of self-care
Navigating downsizing your home. The hardest move is from the family home.
Honestly looking at reasons why moving an older parent into senior living is good for you and good for your parent.
Much of Margit's message was about letting the older person feel
Ubuntu Circles
Melanie C. Gordon spoke about the Reverend Desmond Tutu describing Ubuntu as "my humanity is bound up in your humanity." That is the foundation of what we talked about in this episode.
Melanie leads groups in Ubuntu Circles where we learn to connect through our personal stories. When we are open to hearing someone else's story for understanding, we are transformed. It creates a sense of belonging, a shared humanity.
She talked about her time in Rwanda after the genocide, and the filming of the i
The Toxicity of the Wellness Culture
That is a radical statement! Being well is something we all want. We follow the latest diet trends. We take the recommended supplements. We become "fat phobic," telling ourselves we are not "good enough" if we are overweight.
Debra Benfield, founder and owner of Body in Mind Nutrition, told me that there is an ageist diet/wellness culture that leads to a lack of body respect in the Pro-Aging movement. Deb wants to blaze a path into elderhood without the scales!
Topics covered:
Internal biases ar
Jumping into the Great Unknown
The "Great Unknown" in this episode is the question, "what am I going to do now, after my career just ended?"
Minette Norman had a 30 year career in the IT industry, for the past 20 years with the same company and the last 5 as a VP. Leadership changed, and as often happens when leadership changes, she was now an outsider of the new leadership group. The environment became very uncomfortable until she finally decided it was time to leave.
Now what? Friends had ideas. She had the belief that she
Sexy Stories for Women Over Sixty
The Hey, Boomer guest today is Stella Fosse, writer, advocate for older women's empowerment and workshop leader.
Our topic today was Sexy Stories for and about Women Over Sixty. Stella reinvented herself from a technical writer, to a writer of erotica for and about older women. Her first book, Aphrodite's Pen: The Power of Writing Erotica after Midlife, includes lots of how to's and prompts to get your started. Her latest book, "Brilliant Charming Bastard" was released this year.
We talked abou
Let's talk about death over dinner
There are a few subjects that most of us avoid talking about with friends and family, really with just about everyone. Money, politics and death.The statistics show that 75% of Americans want to die at home, but only 25% actually do. The statistics show that more bankruptcies occur due to medical expenses, particularly end of life expenses.Not having the conversation about how you want to die can be a costly omission as well as a missed opportunity for bonding and closeness between family and f
Fellow travelers at Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park! It is breathtaking. There is crystal blue waters, and peaks made even more fantastic because of the erosion caused by the glaciers and the runoff. There are mountain goats and big horn sheep. And there are 25 glaciers left. There were arond 140 when the park was established in 1910.
On my trip with Road Scholar to Glacier National Park, I wanted to interview some of the guests, to learn their stories, to hear about how these people, ages 60's - 80's are staying engaged an
Divorce transition and Rediscovering yourself
Pastor Jim Dant was married for 30 years. He is the father of 3 daughters. His childhood had been tumultuous. He had 2 mothers, 7 fathers and numerous half or step siblings. He had sworn to himself that he would never divorce and never put his kids through what he went through.
He spent a couple of years in therapy and talking to others in the ministry before he was ready to make the decision to end the marriage. He also had a "mystical experience" that gave him added spiritual assurance that Go
From psychologist to edible forest farmer
Dani Baker was a practicing clinical psychologist and at the end of her career she was doing work with the prison system in Upstate NY. She had also developed a "side hustle" as a photographer and won several awards for her photography.
As someone who does not do well with idle time, Dani was concerned about how she would fill her time once she retired. So she and her partner bought 100 acres of land that had been used as a dairy farm. Her original thought was that she would wander around, do so
Cultivating Courage
In this episode we are talking about transformation and cultivating courage.
Deb Beroset had built a career in corporate as a journalist and a PR executive. She liked her work. She was good at her work, but she kept hearing a call for something else that she was meant to be doing. She tells us about the defining moment when she knew she had to step away from her corporate job and begin her own path.
We also talked about "every day courage." This is the courage that we find when we show up as we
The Real Story about getting older
Celebrating my 100th episode with Paul Long, from a New Way Forward. Of course I had to ask, if you knew you would live to 100, how would you want to live it? The discussion went on from there.
We talked about how we may be looking at life with old, outdated beliefs. These beliefs may be stopping us from the living the life we want to live. It is time to recognize it is "My Time" and start reimaging and reinventing the life you want to live.
The real story about getting older has to do with your
Wellbeing benefits of positive social connections
Bernadette Wagner started Prime Time for Women in 2018. She was in her late 50's and wondering about healthy aging. After some research, her intuition was confirmed. Positive social connections have a larger impact on our wellbeing as we age, and these connections are particularly important for women.
The program started with a live TV show in Hagerstown, MD. Since that time it has grown into a nonprofit that provides numerous activities to encourage social engagement and help local charities.
Happier Made Simple
Randye Kaye, author of Happier Made Simple, has been divorced and remarried, lost the use of one leg and has since regained her mobility, and she is the mother of a young man suffering from schizophrenia.
Any day could be a good day or a bad day, but somehow Randye seemed to find a way to stay mostly optimistic and hopeful. Friends, physicians and others she worked with would ask her how she found a way to be happy. Her book, Happier Made Simple explains how.
What I love about this book is the r
Optimum Health at Midlife and Beyond
"I used to be thin, and now I'm not. I eat the same, exercise ... what's up?"
This is a familiar refrain of many of us as we move into our 50's, 60's and 70's. Our bodies change and most of the diet books and research is focused on people in their 20's - 40's.
The Whole Body Reset is for us, in midlife and beyond. Heidi Skolnik, coauthor and a nutritionist and exercise physiologist, talks to us about the importance of protein timing and maintaining muscle as we age to maintain our health and w
Mothers, Daughters and Girlfriends
The mother-daughter relationship is one of deepest mutuality and painful estrangement. Being the same sex, the relationship makes the boundaries less clear. It is easier to project our wishes and expectations onto our daughters then it is with our sons.
As we work through separating from our mothers to become the autonomous women we are meant to become, we make ask ourselves:
Did my mother hold me too close?
Did she want me to be too much like her?
Did she push me out?
Did she want to live throu
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder Financial Abuse is the fastest growing category of elder abuse, and the numbers are going up every year.
Typically a caregiver or family member works to gain the trust of an elderly person and gains access to financial accounts. In this episode we discuss Red Flags to may point to suspicious activity. We talk about things a person can do if they suspect financial abuse. We also talked about other scams, such as phone scams and online scams.
Part of the reason older people are more vulnera
Choosing a home for the second half of life
We are living in the Age of Longevity and choosing a home in the second half of life requires planning and reflection.
Place matters is foundational to this planning. Aging well starts with a vision of what you want. You want to consider location as well as how place will enhance your sense of purpose, social connections, physical activity and financial well-being.
Ryan Frederick, my guest for this episode, is the author of Right Place, Right Time. He breaks down the importance of each of these
Failing to Plan - Planning to fail
Remember when we were told to start saving early and to pay ourselves first? Well, those days are past. Now we have what we have and we have to figure out to make the best financial decisions about our future based on what we have today.
In my discussion with Quintin Pile, CFP, we covered a lot of territory that someone preparing for another 20-30 years of life after full time work, needs to think about. We talked about cash flow, various insurance considerations, home ownership, debt, and infla
The Ambassador of Joy
Get ready to meet one of the most upbeat people you will ever meet!
Barry Shore calls himself "The Ambassador of Joy." In 1972, Barry was involved in a head-on collision, and it was not certain that he would walk again. It took him 2 years of intense physical therapy and study, but he did walk again.
He went on to start and sell several very successful businesses and then in 2004, he was completely paralyzed overnight from a rare disease. After several years of therapy, he has regained partial m
Being who I WANT to be
Deb Grove, aka Deborah Puretz, as a young girl was determined to become a Renaissance woman. She wanted to travel to exotic destinations, study abroad, speak foreign languages, and come home to an environment that reminded her of her very wonderful times and friends. And she was certain she wanted to be a mom.
Fast forward, and Deb has started 2 companies, traveled to over 40 countries. placed her art in more than 50 public collections, hosted IT panels all over Southeast Asia and Silicon Valle
Abstract Expressionist - Hans Petersen
Hans Petersen grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark where he studied architechure at the Royal Danish Academy or Art. Upon graduation he began working at a graphic design studio in Copenhagen and then followed a love interest to New York. Once in NY, Hans found work at a printing company and that is where he first learned about color. Eventually, he started his own graphics design firm in Manhattan and worked in it for 10 years.
He followed his wife to Charoltte, NC and started over. After many "cold"
Retired Police Chief living an Artful Life
What do you do when you always had a creative side that is ready to be fully expressed after 26 years in law enforcement? You retire to become a full-time artist.
John Patrick Weiss is a writer, painter, cartoonist and photographer. In our discussion he talked about how his creative passions sustained him during his career; they became a refuge during stressful times. When I asked what he had learned during his career that helped him as an artist, his answer was discipline.
John loves landscape
Parenting and grandparenting during social upheaval
Children today have lived through an unprecedented pandemic, school shootings, the insurrection at the Capital, violent speech broadcast on social media, and now they fear nuclear war with the Russian incursion into Ukraine.
In my discussion with Dr. Robert Saul, retired pediatrician and advocate for children, we talked about what we as parents and grandparents can do to raise young citizens and establish safe, stable nurturing relationships.
In Dr. Saul's first book, "My Children's Children: Ra
Journey Back from Caregiving
Joanne Ellis lost her husband about 8 months ago to dementia. As an author, caregiver and wife, she writes and speaks honestly and with insight about the journey as a caregiver and the journey back.When you lose someone to dementia, you do not get the kind of closure you might hope for. You lose them a little bit at a time, and more and more over time.Joanne's story will tug at your emotions, as you hear her talk about the journey she has been one. She talks about feeling cheated out of the drea
Living the Expat Life
Brad and Josselyn Majors made the move to the Azores when they retired 3 years ago. In this episode they share with us the discussion about financial readiness to move overseas. We talk about finding everything you need, from groceries to wine to internet service and cell phone service.Healthcare was a big topic of discussion, both access to the healthcare provided by the government and private healthcare. Finding activities that were fulfilling was important to Brad and Josselyn and they share
Immersive Travel Experiences
The sights, sounds, smells and rhythm of a place can be found by going off the beaten path and experiencing your destination like a local.
In this episode, Talek Nantes, Travels with Talek, shares what you can gain from having a fully immersive travel experience. She is also a great resource and shared travel sites that will be so useful when you are planning your trip.
We talked about how some people feel solo travel and there were so many ideas Talek had to help you ease into the idea and gai
Performing Artist and Activist
Francine Hachem has reinvented herself a few times, but through it all she was drawn to the theater. When she graduated from high school she had a desire to go to New York City or Hollywood and pursue a career in acting. Her father had other ideas. They lived in Detroit, he was a union man, and he told Francine she needed to work for one of the Big 3 Automakers and make some money before pursing an acting career. She stayed with Chrysler until she retired at 48, but she never gave up the theater
Creative Care and TimeSlips
Dr. Anne Basting has been trying to bring meaning making into care facilities for over 30 years. In her work with people with profound dementia, Anne has found that individuals were able to respond to improvisation and creative engagement.
In this episode, Anne shares amazing stories of how her organization, TimeSlips.org has been using various tools and techniques to build connection and meaning with people in various stages of dementia. Her book, Creative Care, offers many more inspiring stori
Age Advocate and Mind Shifter
Helen Hirsh Spence left her 30 year career as an educator full of hope and anticipation for what was possible in her next act. She soon realized that she (as have all of us) had been brainwashed by the media and our culture into believing that aging meant being old. She had to confront her own internal ageist biases before she could move on.
Helen founded the Top Sixty over Sixty enterprise to celebrate the accomplishments of people in their 60's, 70's and beyond to help individuals and organiza
What retirees want
We all have lots of questions surrounding what is next for us after we "retire" from our careers.
How do we define ourselves?
What kind of support do we have and/or need?
Are we financially prepared?
How do we stay healthy or improve our health?
All of these questions were discussed by the panel in this episode of the podcast.
Some of the key take-aways:
1. Have honest discussions with your financial advisor, attorney, insurance agent as your are preparing to retire.
2. Have honest d
Aging with Finesse
Aging with Finesse is the title of a 3-book series by Dr. Mary Flett and the basis of the discussion we had on the show today. What does it mean to age today, when we live longer and we still have so much to contribute? People are finding that they feel invisible, both as older workers and as retired individuals.
Dr. Mary has developed what she calls, The Five Pillars of Aging, much of which is based on an exchange of information she had with people in a senior living facility as part of an ongo
Audio Dramatist - Jill Korn
Jill Korn had spent a career in Learning and Development. She always had a love for theater and drama, and took an acting course in her 50's. But with retirement approaching in her 60's she was dreading the potential of boredom without something to do. She went back to University and took a Creative Writing course. This endeavor has morphed into becoming a writer, director, producer and actor in audio dramas available on podcasts through Sound Escape Theatre.
I loved my discussion with Jill. Of
Dawn Retreat Center: Harmony in challenging times
This past year and a half have been challenging in many ways. The pandemic, social unrest, political discourse, economic challenges. Long before this, Nancy Neal and Ron Demonet had a dream for a place where people could go to unwind, to find harmony within themselves and in nature. They began putting together a business plan for a place a few years ago, and in 2019 they opened the Dawn Retreat Center.
Because of the pandemic they have not been able to fully open, but they have been providing p
Catch us when we fall - the story of alcoholism and recovery
Catch us when we fall, written by Juliette Fay, is a story of alcoholism, recovery, hope and redemption. Juliette is a best-selling author of 6 books and we talked about how she got started with writing. She was a young mother of 4 children and was looking for something that was just hers. She would find moments when the children were distracted or sleeping to write down pieces of the stories that were in her head. Her first book was published in 2009.
A lot of our conversation was about the dis
On the Road Again
Aging Adventurously through travel is what this episode is about. I spoke with Road Scholar Director of PR, Kelsey Perri and solo traveler and lifestyle blogger, Barbara Winard.
Road Scholar is a not-for-profit educational travel organization that had to make some serious adjustments when the pandemic shut down travel. We talked about how they survived and some of the history of the organization from its beginnings as Elderhostel to what it has become as Road Scholar.
We talk about the adventure
Crisis Creativity
Harold Shapiro has been a professional photographer for close to 40 years, with one of his largest clients being Yale University. He is also a creative, artistic photographer and had received a grant to create images of instruments that portrayed light and movement. He called it Luminous Instruments.
This exhibit was staged and ready for a grand opening in March of 2020 and on March 13, 2020, everything shut down, including his show. What do you do when you are a creative person, a person who l
Sustainable Investing
Sustainable investing is about thinking about what you care about, what is important to you and then talking to advisor about what your beliefs are and how you can structure your investments to support those beliefs.
Francie Heller, is the daughter of holocaust survivors and visionaries who instlled gratitude and the value of giving back into their children. Francie started out as a speech pathologist and she tells about her journey from there to Wall Street.
She is now focused on working with c
Empowering Women and Girls
Dr. Marilou Ryder and Jessica Thompson are sisters who have combined research and personal stories to develop their Sister to Sister series of books. In this episode I spoke with them about what motivated them to become advocates for women and girls and to find this as their purpose in this stage of their lives.
They feel like they are changing the conversation for women and girls by sharing insights and tips to gain confidence and look forward. Writing the books was a gift to themselves as well
The Problem of Alzheimer's
Dr. Jason Karlawish, physician and professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Penn Memory Center, speaks with us about his book, "The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis."
The discussion was insightful in many ways. We talked about how Alzheimer's was first identifed as a disease, rather than just an outcome of aging. The challenges facing caregivers and the cost of long-term care, on individuals, families and soci
Jim Lauderdale: Grammy Winning Singer-Songwriter
We talked about songwriting, how he decided to get into the music business. what inspired him to produce the album, HOPE, during the pandemic, his time in LA, and Tai Chi.
Jim shared information about some of his musical heroes like Robert Hunter, Ralph Stanley and Graham Nash, and he played 3 songs during the interview.
You can find his newest album and show dates on his website at: https://jimlauderdalemusic.com
You can reach Hey, Boomer at https://heyboomer.biz
or email me at Wendy@heyboom
Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities
Dr. Wes Dripps is the Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University. Sustainability has been a part of the Furman campus for many years, and in 2020 they shifted to add a community engagement and community focus to their work.
In our discussion we get a tour of the Institute's Southern Living Designer home and some of the features that make this a "green" home. We talk about what Sustainability actually means and how it embraces the social justice impa
The Inner Work of Age
The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul, is the latest book by Dr. Connie Zweig. In this episode of Hey, Boomer we talk about moving past denial, fear and resistance to discover the dreams and opportunities available to us as we age. We talk about mortality awareness, what it means to become an Elder and we discuss some archetypes of aging. And we confront the inner ageist in all of us that has been nurtured by our youth oriented culture.
https://conniezweig.com/
https://www.facebook.
An Artisanal Liqueur Experience - Vicario
Renato Vicario has been making liqueurs all of his life, alongside his grandmother and great grandmother while growing up in Northern Italy. The tradition of fine food, fine wines and excellent liqueurs is part of the Italian tradition.
Janette Wesley, his wife, grew up in a family business in Greer, SC and was passionate about gardening, art and family. The couple lived in Italy for awhile, raising vineyards and creating fine wine.
The opportunity to open a micro-distillery in Greer, SC where t
Reinventing yourself IS Possible!
Award-winning journalst and author, John Gallagher shares the story of "The Englishman and Detroit" on today's episode. Randal Charlton, the Englishman, had been a serial entrepreneur when he lost everything in his 50's. He went through about a decade of attempts to start something new and nothing was working. He got an opportunity to lead a startup in the pharma research area, and decided to give it a go ... in Detroit.Detroit was in a state of decline with the downsizing in the auto indus
The Joy of One-on-One Time with Grandchildren: Wendy's Experience and Tips
On this episode of Hey, Boomer!, Wendy Green and Maddie are in Nashville for a special show, where they talk about being a mom and a grandmother, and traveling together. They also discuss Wendy's tradition of hosting "Camp Wey-Wey" with her grandchildren and taking them on individual trips between ages 10-14. Wendy and Maddie visited Chincoteague Island, a natural resource preserve with wild ponies and beautiful egrets, for their grandparent/grandchild trip. They enjoyed a picnic, campfire, ice
Steps for adult children managing their parent's legacy
Anna Byrne is an attorney and financial advisor who wants to provide guidance to her clients to not only pass on their assets, but also to pass on their values.
She has written two books, "The Widow's Guide" and "The Inheritor's Guide" to help readers prepare for and navigate the legal and financial hurdles when they have lost someone dear to them. These books are packed full of information and will be helpful to anyone in this situation.
We covered so many topics, including dealing with famil
Intuitive Empath - Michele Sammons
What is your intuition trying to tell you? Do you trust it?
Michele Sammons is a spiritual teacher, and a highly attuned guide who helps her clients transform their lives through divine guidance. Michele is also the author of "The little book of big knowing" which provides tiny bursts of insight you can use daily to help you get in touch with your inner self.
This was such a powerful episode, one that I will listen to again in order to absorb some of the wisdom Michele shared. We talked about
How Boomers Think About Retirement
Moving from a full-time career to retirement takes many different forms. Some people transition slowly. Some know what they want to do and go for it. Some have no idea and try out different ways of being during this transition.
Dick Haiduck, a new author at 72, interviewed over 75 people transitioning to retirement and wrote a book called "Shifting Gears." In my conversationg with him today, he shares some of the stories and what he learned during this process.
Alzheimer's Association Programs
What you don't know can hurt you, and what you don't know about the risk factors, warning signs and lifestyle practices that affect Alzheimer's disease and other demensias can create fear and anxiety.
In this episode, I speak with Kimberly Best, the Senior Director of Development for the Alzheimer's Association of SC. We talked about
Warning signs, what they are and what they aren't
Benefits of early diagnosis
How lifestyle behavior changes could prevent 40% of some dementias
What resources are
Pajama Program - Finding Purpose and Passion
Genevieve Piturro had a successful career as a television marketing executive. She was feeling like she wanted to give back and started volunteering to read to children at homeless shelters. Then one day, a question from a 6-year old girl changed her life.
In 2001, Genevieve founded the national non-profit, Pajama Program. It has not been an easy ride, but it is now a hugely successful program helping children across the United States.
In her book, "Purpose, Passion and Pajamas" she shares with
Swagger - with Leslie Ehm
Have you followed the "fake-it-till-you-make" advice? Experienced imposter syndrome? Struggled with self-doubt or hesitated to go after what you really want?
Leslie Ehm is passionate about helping people unleash their potential and develop their inner power and Swagger. She is the author of the new book, "Swagger-Unleash Everything you are and become Everything you want." Since it's release in May the book has made the best seller list of both The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
This is a f
Always a Writer
Deb Richardson-Moore has always been a writer. She was a journalist for the Greenville News for 27 years. She published the popular Branigan Powers mystery series about a reporter investigating a cold case and enlisting the help of a homeless man to help solve the mystery.
Deb Richardson-Moore retired as a pastor at a mission church that brings homeless, working poor, middle-class and wealthy parishioners into community. And in 2012 she wrote a book about the first three years of that experience
Living her legacy through social entrepreneurship
Barbara Greenspan Shaiman was born in Germany, the daughter of holocaust survivors who emigrated to the US when she was 3-years old. She began her career in education, and transitioned to owning a very successful recruiting business.It was a trip to Auschwitz with her parents that changed the direction of her life. She started a program called Champions of Caring in Philadelphia high schools to encourage kids to become leaders in service. Her passion for intergenerational work led her to bring
Prepare your college-bound student for success
For kids with dreams of college, this episode answers a lot of questions. The first being, what is important to the student? We are not just talking academics, although that is important. We are talking school size and location, surrounding areas and activities, courses of study, other interests the student may have.
We also talk about financial aid and merit aid and scholarships for sports, music and academics and how to build relationships at the schools you want to apply to, so you have the
Mothers' Day Movement
Did you know that over $25 Billion dollars is spent annually in the US on Mother's Day flowers, cards and chocolate? What if even a small percentage of that went to help mothers and children improve their health, gain access to education, clean water and free them from human trafficking?
Eva Hausman and Kim Hausman Athan were motivated to start The Mothers' Day Movement after reading a book called "Half The Sky." Their desire and passion to help women has enabled them to raise over $700,000 sinc
Caregiving Support for Solo Agers: Finding Resources and Community - with Sara Zeff Geber
Welcome to Hey Boomer - a podcast for and about baby boomers. On this episode, Wendy Green speaks with retirement transition coach, Dr. Sara Zeff Geber. Sara specializes in working with people without adult children or close relatives, on how to plan for their future as they age. Dr. Geber has written a book called "Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers." In this episode, they covered questions like, "Who will be there to help you if you are unable to help yourself? Who could speak on y
The Future of our Democracy
Phillip L.B.Halpern resigned on Sept. 30, 2020, as an Assistant US Attorney after a 36-year career with the U.S Justice Department. He resigned because of his concerns about the continued actions of the then Attorney General that seemed to cover-up possible criminal behavior of the President and his friends.
In this episode we discuss voting rights, first ammendment rights and social media, the risks of apathy and what we can do to stay involved and work to protect the democracy that our country
2021 - A Year of Adventure with Heidi Siefkas
Heidi Siefkas is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and adventurer. In 2009., Heidi was simply taking out the trash, when a 1000 pound tree limb fell on her and broke her neck. During her year long recovery, she lost her job, her marriage and her financial security. But she discovered what she is calling Life 2.0.
Originally from Wisconsin, Heidi hangs her hat in Maui, Hawai‘i. However, as an adventurer, Heidi is rarely home for very long. Of course, with the Coronavirus shutdown, her tra
The Cooking Doc - Dr. Blake Shusterman
Did you know that 9 out of 10 adults with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) do not know that they have CKD until they are in N-stage disease. This is because there are hardly any symptoms before the disease is so advanced.
In this episode we talk about some of the risk factors for kidney disease. We also talk about some progressive changes you can make in your diet and eating habits that can keep you feeling well for a long time.
Dr. Shustearman's book, "The Cooking Doc's Kidney-Healthy Cooki
Renewment = Retirement + Renewal
When a woman who has been invested in her career, retires or contemplates retirement, there are many things to consider. Most of the help that could be found in the 90's focused on financial readiness for retirement. In 1999, Helen Dennis and several other women came up with the concept of Project Renewment over a dinner conversation. This was the first retirement model for career women.
Renewment is a term meant to combine retirement and renewal. It defines the changes that occur when women t
Sailing Around the World
Larry Jacobson was a successful business owner with a dream. A dream to sail around the world. In a gutsy move he traded everything: the security of home, career, and relationship to realize his lifelong dream. It was a 6-year journey!
Larry's book, "The Boy Behind the Gate" is a true-life story of challenge, danger and love and is an inspiration to untie your lines, break free, and follow your heart.
Swimming with Sharks
Don Hurzeler is a retired insurance company CEO. He is an author, an award-winning photographer and an adventurer. In retirement, Don and his wife Linda moved to Hawaii where he surfs, swims with sharks, travels to the edge of lava flows and lives life to the fullest. His photographs of his adventures are spectacular.Don shares stories of his adventurers from his latest book, "What's Left of Don."Sponsors of this episode are:FearlessLeader.me www.FearlessLeader.me Life Line Scre
Wayfinding and Forest Bathing
Angie Stegall is a Wayfinder and an award-winning author of five books. Wayfinding is a term Angie uses to describe the work she does with people - usually business owners and other professionals. Wayfinding is about finding out who you are, what do you really want, and how will you get from where you are to where you want to be.In our conversation we talked about her work, and we talked about the Forest Bathing experience that she offers to her clients. It is a way of being out in nature to get
I'll have what she's having
Dr. Jane Fleishman is a Certified Sex Educator. She gave a TED talk titled "Is it OK for Grandma to have sex?" and she recently published a book titled "The Stonewall Generation: LGBTQ Elders on Sex, Activism and Aging."In our conversation we spoke about sex and intimacy. We talked about how hormonal changes, physical changes, psychological changes and medications all can affect our desire and sexual pleasure. Jane does a great job of normalizing all the feelings that may be part of aging and se
Dating ... again
Finding yourself considering dating after the end of a relationship can be daunting, especially as you get older. Have the rules changed? Where do you meet kind, interesting people? How do you avoid the scammers and game players on the dating sites?Something else to think about. If you are in a long term relationship, are you still dating? What are you doing to make your relationship special? Many of the tips we will learn from Dating Coach Christine Baumgartner will apply to you also.Christine
An Everyday Vegan
Ok, all you carnivores, here is your opportunity to learn about the Vegan Lifestyle. You may not be ready to give up meat totally. But learning about alternative pathways to health, as well as the impact that the vegan lifestyle can have on the planet is very interesting.Deanna Meyler is a Master Certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator and she has lived the vegan lifestyle since 1998. Her mission is to help people who want to become vegan to find simple, easy ways to prepare healthy, tasty
How Seniors are Saving the World
Episode #38Dr. Thelma Reese recently published a book called "How Seniors are Saving the World." In it, she and her co-author, BJ Kittredge profile 24 seniors from 65 to 95. Each profile looks at how the individual has become an activist to an cause or an issue that speaks to their heart and their passion.In my discussion with Dr. Reese, we covered what she had learned in the process of writing the book, we talked about what motivates activists and we talked about aging and how time impacts our
Good Storytelling can be a Powerful Tool
Faye Fulton is CEO and CSO (Chief Storytelling Officer) of a boutique consulting firm specializing in one particular area of communication – business storytelling.Faye inspires professionals to better communicate the value of their company, the value of their products or services, and what they have to personally offer through strategic storytelling.She spent more than two decades diving into the art and science of storytelling so she could help others find, craft, and perfect their stories. &nb
So, you want to write a book
We all have stories to tell, but have you ever thought about writing a book, sharing your wisdom and experience with the world? Or maybe you have started writing and stopped writing several times.Denise Michaels is a book coach and ghost writer. She helps people create books that make readers' lives better and authors proud. She has worked with best-selling authors and she has helped many people become best-selling authors.So many of us have had varied and rich, work and life e
Taoism, Aging and Caregiving
What does Taoism, Aging and Caregiving have to do with a former actress, author, motivational speaker, wife and mother? In my discussion with CJ Golden you will find out.CJ Golden, author of Tao-Girls Rule! and Tao of the Defiant Woman, is a motivational speaker who travels the country (pre-Covid) inspiring all with her unique “Tao and defiant” spirit. Bringing the ancient philosophy of the Tao to our modern-day culture, she helps women and girls travel an easier path through life as they find c
My Future Purpose - Purpose Moments
This entire broadcast was about Purpose Moments. What are they? They are moments that are meaningful to you and to someone else. Purpose does not have to be a CAPITAL P Purpose. Purpose can be made up of life's little moments that feel purposeful.Vicki Thomas and Joyce Cohen of MyFuturePurpose.com talk about how they have had the opportunity to like and love the work they have done and that they are doing now. They remind us to get over the fear and move on to what is left to do and
Music Mends Minds
There is a power in music that many of us experience, when listening to an orchestra or a rock and roll band. There is also a power in music that seems to connect patients with dementia and other brain altering ailments, to parts of themselves that other therapies don't touch.In this episode you will hear a story of love and passion and the healing power of music. You will be moved and amazed by this show.Carol Rosenstein is the Founder & Executive Director of Music Mends Minds--a 501(c)(3)
Epic Cross-Country Bike Trip
In 2014, Durrell Hood decided to go for a bike ride . . . across the country. He had to carry all of his supplies on his bicycle. He had to find new supplies and shelter along the way. He had some amazing adventures and met some caring, interesting people during this adventure.In this time of so much division in our country, hearing the stories of strangers who helped Durrell during his journey can restore some of your faith in our fellow humans.He continues to embark on remarkable adventures, a
Tell me your Life Story
Have you ever thought about writing down your family history for your kids, and then stopped before you started because you don't even know where to start? Are there some memories of your parents and grandparents history that will be lost if you don't pass it on to your children and grandchildren?My guest next week, Naomi Grossman, has created a program that will walk you through creating your Life Story. When you are done you will get a book, with pictures, that you can share with your ch
What about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
My family has had a tradition of waking up early to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since I was a little girl. Then everyone would have breakfast and start cooking the main meal of the day. Last year I had 16 people at my house for Thanksgiving. This year I will be having my own personal Thanksgiving meal.Things will be different for many of us this holiday season. Traditions that have gone on for years may look different this year because of the pandemic. The good news about the
Reverse Mentorship
In this episode, we learn from Laura O'Connell about mentoring international students and learning from them as well. Living in the duality of being the teacher and the student. As Boomers, we have experience in work, life and finance that we like to pass on to younger employees or family in a mentoring capacity. Many retired professionals volunteer their time in organizations like SCORE or the Small Business Administration.But there is another side to this story. That is what we can
From One Caregiver to Another
As Boomers, we are likely to find ourselves in the role of caregiver. We might even be taking care of children while we also have to assume the role of caregiver for a parent. J. Kay Coughlin has just launched her new book, "From One Caregiver to Another: Overcoming your Emotional Grind." Through her company, Facilitator on Fire, Kay provides Caregiving Coaching for individuals who are overwhelmed by the emotional grind of caring for a family member. Kay has taken o
Conversation about Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Month. My guest, Annette Johnson was a witness to the domestic violence her mother suffered, and did not realize she was also a victim of the trauma until many years later. In our conversation, Annette shares her experience and what she has learned on her healing journey. She has been working to make peace with what happened and shifting from a negative mindset to a positive mindset. Part of her healing included writing a book: "FLY - Forgive
Thriving with ADHD in your Career and Life
Did you know that 4.4% - 8% of Adults have ADHD? Not everyone who has it has been officially diagnosed with ADHD. They know that they are having difficulty at work. Somethings seem off in their lives.Once they have the diagnosis, then what? Medication? Coaching?My guest, Shell Mendelson is a Career Coach who focuses specifically on individuals with ADHD. She will talk with us about how this diagnosis has impacted her life and career, and how the process she uses now
Dream Career Over 50
You have had years of professional experience and now you may be feeling like that experience is not being fully utilized, or you are burned out doing what you have always done, or you may be confused about what options may be available to you.John Tarnoff is the author of Boomer Reinvention: How to Create your Dream Career Over 50. He is a career transition coach, speaker and author who helps late career professionals transition to meaningful and sustainable second-act careers beyond trad
Flu Season, A Pandemic and the Fall, Oh My!
In this episode we had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Marcus Blackstone, the Chief Clinical Officer at Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. We asked about masks, vaccines, symptoms, socially distancing, indoor visits vs. outdoor visits. We talked about considerations when traveling for the holiday's and weighing the risks of travel to family this upcoming holiday season. Many questions asked and answered. Very informative conversation.--- Support this podcast: https:/
How do you want to be known in the world? Let's Talk Personal Branding
Let's talk personal branding. This is how you want to present yourself in the world, in an authentic way that reflects who you are, what you do and how you help. Just "being retired" is not all you are. Just being a "VP of marketing" is not all you are. You get a chance to craft the way you want to be seen, and then you challenge is to live up to this image. Lively, fun discussion with Kathy McAfee, America's Marketing Motivator and author of Defining You.--- Suppor
Red Cross in the time of a pandemic
My guest for this episode was Dan Halyburton. Dan's career was in radio broadcasting. Once he left radio, he volunteered with the Red Cross and became a volunteer Public Affairs spokesperson. Dan and his wife recently recovered from Covid-19 and he was recently deployed to Louisiana after Hurricane Laura. He shares stories about both of these experiences, as well as his experience at the Paradise Fire in California. Dan is passionate about the work he does for the R
Let's Talk Voting
The 15th Amendment, barring restrictions on voting based on race, color or previous condition of servitude was ratified in 1870. The 19th Amendment, barring gender restrictions for voting, was ratified on August 18, 1920. On August 6, 1965, the Voting Rights Act, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting was signed into law. September 22 is National Voter Registration Day. In this discussion with Lawson Wetli, co-President of the League of Women Voters in Greenville County,
From Wall Street to Candy Apples
Have you ever thought about quitting your day job and starting something totally new? Have you decided that you are tired of waiting for the right time to start this new endeavor and you are ready to go for it? In this episode, we talk to Lauren Brophy from the Apple Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast and the Candy Apple Shoppes about her journey with her partner, from high powered jobs in Manhattan to becoming innkeepers and chocolatiers. Besides the beauty of the inn and the
Just Say Yes!
You know how some of us who try to be SuperWomen have to be reminded it is OK to say NO? Well for Sally Dunbar, realtor, breast cancer survivor, Susan G. Komen team lead and stellar fundraiser, Sally's motto is JUST SAY YES! When you begin to doubt yourself, JUST SAY YES. When you are thinking small, believe that you can. Sally is featured in the book "Women Who Rise." where she shares her remarkable story of setting a wildly audacious goal and believed she could achieve it. When you
Be Aware Internet, Personal, Identity Security
Dave Benson is a 40+ year security professional who has worked with the State Department, Diplomatic Security, Risk Assessments and Mitigation strategies and so much more. In this broadcast, Dave very generously and clearly articulated some of the risks and scams we could run into online, while traveling, even on the phone. Knowledge is Power and we are learning from one of the best in this interview. The more informed you are about the potential risks, the more empowered you ar
Attorney by Day, Cabaret Artiste by Night
This is a story about having a dream, honoring the dream, being terrified of the dream but forging ahead anyway.
Shelley Dunstone is an attorney in Adelaide, Australia by day. She performs cabaret and 60's rock by night. After receiving a 2nd chance at life, Shelley had a dream. I am not going to tell you more than that, because the way she tells the story is so inspiring.
Join us on this journey to being open to possibilities, to believing that what you imagine yo
Retirement Rebel
George Jerjian is here to challenge our views on retirement. A true maverick, his life has taken a fascinating, uncharted course now that he’s in his sixties. The former financial adviser is on a mission to impact millions as a mindset mentor, helping baby boomers: the generation that coaching often overlooks.
In this podcast we discussed how most of us are living unconsciously, we are following "the herd" into retirement. If we gave it any thought, it was probably about our financi
Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents
Ken Dolan-Delvecchio, licensed family therapist, author, speaker and corporate health and wellness leader, wrote the book "Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents.
In this conversation we talked power dynamics, about how parenting changes as our children grow up and become parents themselves, how to maintain close family bonds once they move away. We learned about the importance of role modeling from the very beginning and continuing throughout our childre
How has sheltering at home changed you?
This was kind of a lasts minute recording. My scheduled guest was sick with Covid-19, so I decided to continue the conversation from last week. We talked about the ways that sheltering at home has changed us. Some people feel that they are becoming better listeners. Some people felt that they are more connected with people that had lost touch with because of Zoom and having more time. I talked about what creating the Hey Boomer broadcast and community has meant to me.
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Unintended Positives from Sheltering-in-Place 2020
On April 3, 2020, shortly after we went into lockdown, Matt Potts decided to create a Facebook Page where friends and family could share positive ideas, positive happenings to help navigate and support each other while they were staying at home. He created this as a private group. Friends began inviting friends, who invited friends, and now there are over 9000 members from all over the world. I spoke to Matt about what has happened with this Facebook page, how it has changed him, and
Travel - Community & Podcasts
Marilyn Ball is the founder of 12Twelve Collaborative Solutions with 25+ years of marketing and communication experience in the tourism, economic development, hospitality and micro-enterprise industries. She is also the host of SPEAKING OF TRAVEL, an iHeart Radio show and global podcast. She is passionate about travel. She is passionate about community. She is passionate about collaboration.
Our conversation was about Speaking of Travel and how she got started. She spoke about how important
The Power of Poetry to Heal
Glenis Redmond discovered the Power of Poetry to Heal, 28 years ago, when she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In 1995 she founded the first Greenville Poetry Slam and took the first all-women's team to Nationals. She is the founder of Peace Voices, a poetry program dedicated to poetry outreach and engagement in the community through the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, SC. She has written numerous poetry books and won many awards. In 2019 Glenis was diagnosed with
Is now the Right time to Retire?
Is now the right time to retire? When is the right time to retire? What if you are already retired, can you kick it up a notch? My guest, Ida Abbott, wrote a book called Retirement by Design. In our discussion we answer these questions and so much more. She used the design principles developed for product design, to help people plan for a lifestyle after work that is fulfilling, purposeful and well thought out. Fun book to work through and a good discussion during our time together.---
Caring, compassion and community
We had planned for our original discussion to be about continuing to stay involved and active in retirement. My guest, Tony McDade had been a Baptist minister and an administrator of a non-profit that serves the homeless community. This interview occurred in the week following the death of George Floyd and all the protests and violence that followed. Our conversation started with how the current situation is affecting all of us, and how can we still try to make a difference. We talked about
Memorial Day with Dr. Goose Moncrief
Goose is a retired USAF Colonel, who has led many commands during his 30 years in the military. His talk is about an extraordinary mission that took place in Saudi Arabia where he had to bring together 35 different commands and unify them. As you hear his story, you will hear his respect and passion for the soldiers under his command.
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What's behind Door #2?
What do you do when you have a plan, an idea that you really want to make happen, and then it appears that the doors to that idea are not opening? My guest, Dr. Robert Hanley, will tell us about his experiences with walking through Door #2.
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Breast Cancer Life Lessons
My good friend, Joni Adrian Krafft, retired from the CIA after 33 years, went to work in the public sector for several years, studied to be a life coach, and raised 2 amazing children. Her journey from diagnosis of breast cancer through her treatment and recovery, brought her the most meaningful life lessons that she shares with us in this video. In addition, the day before we recorded this, a very dear friend of hers, a dragon boat team member, passed away from metastatic breast can
Hey, Boomer Introduction
I got the idea for Hey, Boomer after being laid off from my job at the start of the pandemic. The name is a play on the derogatory "Ok, Boomer" and the intent is to build a bridge between generations, featuring stories told by members of the Baby Boom generation. I look to start meaningful conversations across generations.
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Activism - Gun Safety
This is a story about a little brother who was accidentally shot and killed with a gun that his friend thought was unloaded. It was years later, that Doris McLallen became involved with BeSmart, and organization that educates families about gun safety.Doris also talks about Susan Kennedy, the founder of Bullets4Life, which takes bullet casings found on the street and uses them in workshops with parents to create bracelets. "One less bullet on the street, one less life lost to gun vio
Reinvent and Rebound
This is a story of overcoming setbacks, both early in life, and after 50. Rebounding from a setback is not as difficult when you are in your 20's or 30's. But what happens when you are over 50 and your career is pulled out from under you? How do you rebound and reinvent yourself? Alan Harry will talk to us about how this happened to him and how he has come back.
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From Political Cartoonist to Children's Book Author
An Orangeburg, South Carolina, native, Kate Salley Palmer graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in elementary education. She began freelance cartooning with the Greenville News in 1975 and in 1978 she became their first full-time editorial cartoonist. She was syndicated by Field (later News America Syndicate) in 1980. Her syndication ended in 1989, after which she has devoted her efforts to writing and illustrating children’s books.
Her children's books feature South Carol