Crow's Feet: Life As We Age
Crow's Feet: Life As We Age
Getting older is not for the faint-hearted, but aging also brings wisdom and humor, a finely-tuned perspective on life. In the Crow's Feet podcast, you’ll hear the voices of writers who will inspire you and often make you laugh about this journey through life. Join our rotating cast of podcast hosts who bring fresh views on life.Check out our website at https://www.crowsfeetlifeasweage.com/ with access to articles, insights, and sign up for our newsletter.To read our Crow’s Feet publication, which is updated daily, go to https://medium.com/crows-feetYou can find us on Facebook at h...
Built to Last: Secrets to Keeping Romance Alive as We Age
Whether you’ve been with your significant other for one year or 50, you know that successful relationships aren’t always a bed of roses—both people have to work at it! How do we keep love alive and thriving, especially as we age, when our bodies, our work, our family situations, and our personal needs are changing?In this special Valentine’s episode, you’ll hear from a veritable Whitman’s Sampler of Crow’s Feet writers, listeners, and relationship experts—all sharing advice about how not to lose
How Not to “F-up” Your Face
Beauty fads come and go. Today, you can choose from Derma-planing, CO2 laser resurfacing, Mesotherapy injections, Exosomes and.....BOVINE COLOSTRUM? Do any of these work or are we just f-ing up our faces? Meet Valerie Monroe, former Beauty Director of “O”, “The Oprah Magazine” and author of the popular “Don’t F*ck Up Your Face” on Substack. In this episode, Monroe talks about what works, what doesn’t, and what it really means to age “beautifully,” including the most important, and affordable, be
Would you consider hiring an escort?
That’s what psychologist and “dating anthropologist” Patricia Thornton, Ph.D., considered when she re-entered the dating scene after a divorce. In this episode, hosted by Nancy Franklin, we learn about Thornton’s experiences dating more than 150 men and whether or not she eventually hired a male escort. Thornton offers great advice for elders reentering the dating scene, including dating outside the lines, and even embracing unconventional relationships.NPR video on how to record and send your c
Older Adults Can Help Build a Kinder World — For Themselves and Everyone Else
In this episode, Dr. Dale Atkins talks with Jan M Flynn about something many of us would love to see more of in our communities, nation, and world: Kindness. More specifically, what authentic kindness means, and how it can show up in deeper and richer ways as we age — and how that can contribute to a kinder world for us all.Based in New York City, Dale Atkins is a licensed psychologist with more than 40 years experience as a relationship expert focusing on families, wellness, managing stress, an
Crafting Your Own Legacy: It’s Easier Than You Think
It’s a gift to let your family and other loved ones know what to do when you’re gone and what you want done with everything from pets to possessions. But where to start – and how to make that happen? One answer: Rusty Rosman’s “Two Envelopes” – a way to preserve “your voice” and let others know your wishes.In this anecdote-packed episodes, Rusty Rosman tells all-too-familiar stories about how we tend to avoid the difficult topic of dying and the chaos that comes of not-planning. After all, we a
Getting Through Stressful Times: Wisdom from the Crows Feet Community
In these weeks before the holidays, Mother Nature, the daily news, sometimes our own families, can seem to conspire to drive us all batty. In this podcast, we serve up a feast of useful suggestions for keeping it together in these turbulent times. Join host Jean Feldeisen and a Bakers Dozen Crows Feet Readers and Writers as they share their secrets for resilience and taking care of themselves.Show Notes & Links:Melinda Blau talked with Ellen Langer, Psychologist and Harvard Professor in this
If Memory Serves - A Memoirist on Writing About The Past
How do we remember our past? What stories do we tell ourselves that become ingrained as memories even though the stories might not be real? Author, memoirist, and septuagenarian Jonathan Lerner sits down with Jane Trombley to reveal discoveries about his teen years outside Washington DC as he researched for his latest memoir, Performance Anxiety. Some of the stories he recalled didn’t quite line up with reality, a discovery that caught him by surprise. Jonathan also talks about his earlier memoi
Halloween Never Gets Old! Our Writers Share Spooky, (Mostly) True Campfire Stories
Pull up a seat! It’s time to get in the Halloween spirit with some campfire stories.In this special episode, Crow’s Feet writers and editors share some dark tales and memories of lore and legend just right for the season. Ever had an eerie experience you couldn’t explain? We’ve got a strange feeling you’re going to love “Cowbells and Ouija Boards” by Jan M. Flynn and “The Guardians of Dark Places” by C.M. Barrett (read by Jane Trombley). If ghost tales are more your thing, feel the goosebumps as
Building a Better Boomer the Funny Way
Neil Offen doesn't necessarily believe that aging "sucks." He just believes there are things you can do to make it less "sucky." Like spending more time on the floor so if you fall, you're falling from less high up. Or exercising by lifting two glasses of wine, one in each hand, for several repetitions. Or challenging yourself by taking up a new hobby, like neurosurgery. After all, a man's reach must exceed his grasp or what's a step stool for? Join Neil a
How To Keep Your Joints Jumpin,' With Leading Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Expert Alan Beyer, M.D.
What if we're not stuck living with weakening bones and painful knees or hips as we age? Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Dr. Alan Beyer, the Executive Medical Director of Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Newport Beach CA and host of radio show "Doctors in the Dugout" as he talks about heading off osteoporosis, what to do if joint pain starts limiting your life, and his journey through his own hip replacement. Show links:Dr. Alan Beyer “On the Other Side of the Scalpel” vi
As We Age, Getting Angry Now and Then Might Extend Your Life
Fear of anger can ultimately be as destructive as expressed rage. However, Amanda Barusch argues that it's time for older adults to turn toward anger rather than denying or avoiding it. By taking it seriously, people can neutralize its destructive potential and harness its energy for personal and social change.Join host Lee Bentch with Amanda Barusch for this entertaining and informative dive into harnessing the energy of anger for the better good. Amanda has done an extraordinary amount of
Move Over, Boomer - Generation X is about to turn 60! An interview with Sari Botton
The Generation X folks are no longer kids. They were born between 1965 and 2000, are now 44-59, and the oldest will soon enter their sixties. They have stepped into leadership roles across sectors, bringing their life experiences and perspectives to shape the future. Sari Botton is on the leading edge of that age cohort; she'll turn 60 next year. Besides publishing the engaging Oldster Magazine on Substack, she’s an established essayist, editor of best-selling anthologies, and educator. In
Crow's Feet Extra: Elaine LaLanne, Setting Guinness World Record at 98!
Elaine LaLanne, widow of "Father of Fitness," Jack LaLanne, leads an audience of hundreds in breaking a Guinness World Record at the age of 98. After catching her breath, Elaine shares her new thoughts on aging.Support the show
The Secret Sauce: Writers Melinda Blau, Kathleen Murphy, and Mark Tulin on Why They Embrace Aging
With a new book about the women who inspire her to live a full life, NY Times best-selling author Melinda Blau talks with host Nancy Peckenham about unique women who come to life on the pages of The Wisdom Whisperers. She also introduces us to two of these women by reading passages from her newly-released book.Author Kathleen Murphy, an essay writer from Utah, then reads her story about how she overcame fear of aging by making a list of her fears, then poking holes in each of them.The episode en
Each of Us Deserves to Feel Better: Encouraging words from a shrink specializing in elders
Low mood is a common symptom for older adults, often a response to pain, loss, or changes in their lives. But Dr. Lee Penn, a Geropsychologist, college prof, and author, brings a hopeful message. That because of decades of experience, refined self-knowledge, and carefully honed problem solving skills, older adults can learn to manage their moods and greatly improve their quality of life. In this episode, host Jean Feldeisen, also a psychotherapist, talks with Dr. Penn about his work with older p
A Crow's Feet Extra: On the front lines of kidney miracles
Here's a companion piece to our latest episode featuring a kidney donor in her fifties and a two-time kidney recipient. Crow's Feet writer Ann Litts had a long career as a nurse taking care of transplant patients, and saw her own daughter through a transplant. Nobody knows better the marvel of giving and getting the gift of life.Support the show
Demystifying the Myths Behind Being a Kidney Donor (Hint: Age isn’t a factor)
Kidney disease is a silent killer that affects more people than breast and prostate cancer. While fatal for many, others turn to kidney dialysis, offering a means to sustain life but with a few risks. Beyond dialysis, the best hope is a kidney transplant, which restores life without the burden of dialysis. In this episode, host Lee Bentch sits down with Carol Offen, a kidney donor in her fifties, and Betsy Crais, a multi-organ transplant recipient. Their book, The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidne
Finally Celebrated: Esther Newton’s Journey from Outlier to LGBTQ+ Icon
A fitting quest for Pride Month, Esther Newton's personal and professional struggles mirror sixty years of LGBTQ+ history. In the mid-1950s, catapulted out of a liberal household in New York to a rigidly-gendered southern California high school where girls were frilly and feminine, Esther was, in her own words, “a failure as a girl.” She knew she was different—a “homosexual,” as such deviants were then called. Alone as a teenager, fearing she had no chance at a normal life, Esther found co
The Book of Dads – A Crow’s Feet Tribute to Father’s Day
Forget the necktie and the tool box. Our gift to you this Father’s Day is a book…The Book of Dads, to be exact. Here you’ll find a collection of stories from Crow’s Feet writers that pays tribute to the men who played vitally important roles in their lives. In the “chapters” of this book, there’s a wealth of vivid memories. Some of these are happy. Some are sad. Others serve to remind us that while a parent might have loomed larger than life in one’s childhood, they might also have exhibited so
Memorial Day: A Solemn Salute to Those Who Sacrificed for Our Freedom
Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the service of our country. It is a time for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and to show gratitude for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.Join Lee Bentch as he speaks with Barbara Kautz, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the 24th Evacuation Hospital at the Long Binh Army Post in 1969. Barbara’s thoughts, concerns, an
A Bouquet of Mother's Day Memories from a Grateful Generation
Each of us has a unique narrative about our mothers. They can be positive,negative, and everything in between.In this episode, we delve into a diverse collection of these stories. From taleof profound love to stories of absence, we explore the complex tapestry ofrelationships with mothers.Jean Feldeisen will speak about the deepening love between her and hermom, while Ann Litts tells us about the mother who was taken too soon.Soosie Campbell shares why she wanted to be very different from her mo
Aging Artfully – How Painting, Writing, and Other Creative Pursuits Can Transform Your Later Years
Grandma Moses started painting seriously at 78. Norman Maclean published his first novel, A River Runs Through It, at 74. Truly, it’s never too late to start painting, drawing, writing, making music, dancing—whatever inspires you. The creative payoffs can be huge. But it also presents challenges: you must be willing to learn and be a "beginner" again, take some risks, and be open to critique. Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves, herself a late bloomer, joins us to talk about her book
Lyn Slater, the Accidental Icon, Reinvents Herself
At 61, Lyn Slater, a seasoned social welfare professional and social work academic at Fordham University, combined her passions for clothing and writing by launching an Instagram blog in 2014. The Accidental Icon was born. Modeling Valentino eyewear thrust her into the spotlight of the fashion industry, global notoriety, and unexpected opportunities. The Accidental Icon transformed into a social influencer with a million followers and became a brand in its own right. In 2020, Lyn pivoted her b
Where Will You Call Home? Housing Options for Elders and Their Loved Ones
Join host Jan M Flynn in conversation with Kira Reginato as they explore the issue of where it makes the most sense to live as we or our loved ones age and our needs change. As an elder care manager and consultant, Kira has served hundreds of older adults and their families in a variety of settings: hospitals, residential care and skilled nursing facilities, hospices, Alzheimer’s adult day care programs and Meals on Wheels. Kira's three decades of expertise, as well as her warm personality
Alicia Littman: Never Too Late To Dream
Meet Alicia Littman, the quintessential New Yorker, constantly reinventing herself and, at 82, star of her own one-woman cabaret show, "Senior Living." Alicia drove a taxi, designed clothing in her tiny Greenwich Village apartment, sold advertising for the New York Times and now sells high-end apartments in Manhattan. But her real love is theater. She attended a professional school for children, starred in every high school production, and snagged a featured role in a community theater
Meet a piano virtuoso/shrink/caterer and poet who never stopped starting over
Creating a vibrant, satisfying experience of aging sometimes means reinventing ourselves: taking on a new profession, pursuing a long-held dream, or remodeling our home, or ourselves, from the foundation on up. It can be really exciting – but also takes courage, and there isn’t a handy instruction guide for how to get started. So it’s inspiring and helpful to check in with people who have embarked on one or more reinventions and can attest to the risks and rewards.Join host Jan M. Flynn in conve
Are You Ever Too Old to Be Open to Love?
Join psychologists and seasoned relationship experts Drs. Gloria Horsley and Frank Powers sharing insights from their new book Open to Love: The Secrets of Senior Dating. It’s a guide to stepping out into the bewildering and sometimes intimidating world of online dating. Host Jane Trombley explores with them the joys and trials of forging a committed relationship, including their own, in one’s older years. Dr. Gloria Horsley, Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical nurse
Meet the 62-year old Inventor/Playwright/DNA expert fighting for justice
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Dr. Greg Hampikian, founder of the Idaho Innocence Project and one of the leading forensic DNA experts in the U.S. A present-day Renaissance man, Dr. Hampikian is also a professor at Boise State University, an inventor, a NY Times contributing columnist, a playwright— and a fan of Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age! Listen as Dr. Hampikian lets his lively mind loose on wide-ranging topics — most notably, how his work informs his own aging, and what he finds s
The Human Face of Dementia – A Filmmaker Shares Music, Art, Love, and Hope
Dementia is one of the greatest fears of people today and a growing problem worldwide. Yet many people avoid talking or thinking about it. Cynthia Stone's new documentary, Keys Bags Names Words hopes "to shift that narrative of fear and hopelessness to one of hope and action." Using a quirky and inspiring lens, Keys Bags Names Words portrays both personal stories and the work of experts studying the disease to create an inspiring tribute to the human spirit. Join host Jean Feldeis
Our holiday card in sound from the many voices of Crow's Feet
The holidays mean more as you look back on a long life. So we asked our readers and listeners what they’re feeling — probably much the same as you, ranging from love to loneliness and stress to nostalgia. Listen as they share their thoughts with you, like an old friend by a cozy fireside.Support the show
A Well-Lived Life: Insights Into the Secrets of Aging Into Health
Aging into health is an idea that centerarian Dr. Gladys McGarey knows well. For more than six decades, "Dr. Gladys" has been a medical pioneer in the interconnectedness of her patients' physical, mental, and emotional health. She’s board-certified in Holistic and Integrated Medicine and co-founder of both The American Holistic Medical Association and the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine. Become a supporter of the Crow's Feet Podcast.Dr. Gladys recently published her 8t
A Hospice Doctor Pulls Back The Curtain on A Better Way To Go
November is a time for gratitude and remembrance — and it's also National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It's a topic often surrounded by confusion, especially since many of us find it difficult to talk about. But the more we know, the more we can help ourselves and our loved ones — and the less intimidating and scary it becomes. In this episode, you'll hear an interview with a leading hospice and palliative care expert, Dr. Glen Komatsu. Then join Crows Feet hosts Warren Turn
A Salute in Sound to The Veterans Who Fought to Ensure Our Way of Life
Our nations Veteran’s have gone above and beyond to ensure the freedom of the United States and its Allies. In this episode, host Lee Bentch, illuminates the rich history of Veteran’s Day, November 11th, while introducing the work of Honor Flight. Honor Flight is an organization dedicated to flying Veterans of all branches and years of service to Washington D.C. to visit the War Memorials. In this touching tribute you’ll hear the voices of Honor Flight Vets who lived to tell their story of servi
Witches, Bitches, and Geezers: Hollywood Horror Stereotypes of Aging with Cynthia Miller
Villains and victims, evil witches and vengeful scourges—at the movies, getting old is scary business. It also generates big business at the box office. But what do these frightening depictions actually have to say about aging? Host Betsy Allen talks with Cynthia Miller, writer, cultural anthropologist, and college professor, about what Hollywood finds so scary about getting older and how we just might be on the verge of flipping the script. For more information about books by Cynthia J. Miller.
Fit & Fabulous at 97, Meet Elaine LaLanne, wife of "Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne
It wasn't 'love at first sight' for Elaine LaLanne, when she met Jack LaLanne, the "Godfather of Fitness." In fact, Elaine was eating a donut when Jack quipped "The only thing good about a donut is the hole in the middle." Now 97, Elaine is fit, active and effervescent. Listen in for her secrets to living a longer, healthier life and how she's keeping the legacy of her husband alive. Support the Show.
Can Our Minds Makes Us Younger? Yes, says a renowned Harvard Psychologist
Professor Ellen Langer, better known as "the mother of mindfulness,” spent the better part of her 45-year career challenging widely-held assumptions about the power of our minds. Her famous "Counterclockwise" study, first conducted in 1979, showed it's possible to reverse the affects of aging in one week. In her latest book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health, she says our minds can make us more hopeful, speed the healing process, and even help us live longe
Older Workers Rock: Janine Vanderburg Combats Ageism in the Workplace
Thinking about returning to work, “working in retirement,” or launching an encore career? Ever experienced ageism in the workplace, felt pressured to leave a job before you’re ready, or overwhelmed at the thought of trying to rejoin the workforce?The last week of September is National Employ Older Workers Week. Join Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Janine Vanderburg, founder of Changing the Narrative, a leading initiative working to increase awareness of ageism and change how people think, tal
Candi Milo: The Voice That Launched a Thousand Cartoons
You know her as Granny from Space Jam 2, Dexter from Dexter’s Laboratory and memorable characters from decades of TV and movie roles. Nearing retirement age she can still sound like a 9-year old boy. Maybe growing up in a halfway house for the emotionally disturbed and developmentally disabled had something to do with it? Join voiceover artist, comedian, and author, Candi Milo as she dishes on her career, life, and thoughts about aging with host, Nancy Franklin. Support the show
Bringing the Sacred into Your Everyday Life with Barbara Biziou
A spiritual alignment coach, motivational speaker, and global ritual expert, Barbara Biziou believes rituals can help us connect with one another, expand our levels of success, and create meaningful visions for our lives. As she puts it, ritual is where neuroscience meets old world tradition. In this episode, Barbara reveals how to bring rituals into daily life with Crow’s Feet writer Jean Feldeisen, a psychologist and poet. Learn more about Barbara at her website: https://www.barbarabiziou.com
Patricia Ross: Pianist, Photographer & Psychotherapist on What She’s Learned at 84
A child prodigy on the piano, music gave Patricia Ross refuge from a chaotic home. In this episode, Ross tells host Melinda Blau how resilience, curiosity, and making good choices were key to her life — achieving what Blau calls “exuberant geezerhood.” Becoming sober in her 40s was one turning point for Ross, along with learning photography from the great Ansel Adams, which led to a career in the craft. Marrying a psychologist put her on the path to becoming a psychotherapist herself and, now in
Growing From Loss: Bereavement Counselor Lenore Guido on The Journey Through Grief to Healing
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Lenore Guido, Bereavement Coordinator for a New Jersey hospice program, who has a private counseling practice focusing on compassionate grief care. Grief is something we often shy away from thinking about, but it’s also something we’ll all experience. Lenore, who is drawing on more than 45 years’ experience in the field to write a book on healing from loss, shares a perspective both clear-eyed and hopeful. There is, she says, life after loss — and even
Sylvia Mackey, Widow of an NFL Legend, Honors the Love of Her Life -- and Makes the World a Better Place
Her famous husband thinks he's signing autographs when being admitted to the ER. He runs from airport security as if he's scoring a Super Bowl touchdown. Famous for bulldozing would-be tacklers, he's blindsided by brain trauma. Meanwhile, his remarkable wife not only coped, she launched a new career and became a fierce activist for other football families dealing with former players' brain injuries. Today, she's still flying high as an 81-year old flight attendant.Suppor
Real Life-Changing Magic: When Older Adults and Teens Actually, Like, Connect
What if there were a way to get your teen grandkids to put down their phones and talk to you? Join host Jan M Flynn in conversation with Elly Katz, who left a successful career as a graphic designer to found Sages & Seekers — an innovative, immersive, and award-winning program that brings older adults (Sages) together with Seekers (teens). Over eight weekly sessions, the Sages and Seekers share their stories, linking the wisdom and experience of the elders with the energy and curiosity of th
A 68-year old Former Rockette is a Youngster in This Chorus Line
The New Florida Follies Proves That People Of All Ages Can Put on a Show. Artistic director and choreographer Cheryl Steinthal has been dancing most of her life, from Radio City Music Hall to a career in choreography and retiring to Florida where she joined the dancers of The New Florida Follies. Host Jean Feldeisen talks with Cheryl about the troupe of dancers who put on an annual Broadway calibre show, complete with tap dancing and Rockette-style big production numbers to raise money for child
Caregiver Confessions: Bobbi Carducci Gets Real About the Challenges and Rewards of Caring for a Loved One
Host Betsy Allen talks with Bobbi Carducci, Certified Caregiving Consultant, author, educator, and caregiver advocate, about caring for Rodger, her father-in-law, who suffered from Lewy Body Dementia, COPD, and schizophrenia. It was a challenging, life-altering experience for Bobbi: navigating the healthcare system, weathering her own health issues, and dealing with the stress it put on her relationship with her husband. After Rodger passed away, Bobbi became an advocate for other caregivers—and
Boobs, Belligerence & Belly Laughs from Amy Sea
“I never planned on doing this in my 50s,” says humor writer Amy Sea about Breast Stories, her online publication on the Medium.com platform. It’s dedicated to all things related to breasts, from cancer to breastfeeding. On the podcast, she talks with host Warren Turner about her publication and how she uses humor to figure herself out. When you hear Amy Sea read her work, you’ll laugh knowingly about all the quirky things haunting our minds when we can’t sleep at night. Read more of Amy Sea’s w
Did You Know Some People Ride Their Bicycles Across the United States?
Listen to the riveting story of how a passionate cyclist, at 70 years old, tackled the grueling challenge of riding his bicycle from coast-to-coast — even setting an uphill record for his age. Eric Jeppesen shares his experience with Crow’s Feet Podcaster Lee Bentch, explaining his training and motivation to make the trip, along with the ups and downs of tackling multiple mountain ranges, weather changes, illness, and forest fires. Support the Show.
Meet the Award-Winning Filmmaker Whose Stars Are Elders
Host Jan M Flynn talks with Sky Bergman, a filmmaker raised in an intergenerational household where she developed a lifelong fascination with the magic that can happen when elders and young people have the chance to interact. Best known for her feature-length film “Lives Well Lived”— which has won awards, garnered rave reviews, and has the rare and coveted “100% fresh” rating from Rotten Tomatoes — Sky is also a filmmaker whose work focuses on the inspiration and wisdom offered by people in thei
Don't Sweat It! Staying Physically Fit Doesn't Have To Be Painful or Unpleasant. Just Move.
In this rollicking episode, physical therapist Brittany Denis joins host Melinda Blau, a self-confessed exercise avoider. Denis, who admits she doesn’t like the gym either, discusses lifestyle changes she teaches her older clients in order to stay agile as they age. Sit on the floor every day, she suggests, or put dishes on a higher shelf where you have to stretch to reach them. Denis shares lots of other helpful suggestions for integrating “mindful movement” into your day. Read Brittany Denis’
Wait! Don’t Sign Away Your House: Meet Orrin Onken, author and retired elder law attorney
Orrin Onken is an author of mystery novels, a collection of essays, and a regular contributor to Crow’s Feet on Medium.com. He’s also a retired elder law attorney, who talks with host Jan M. Flynn about some of his more memorable cases. He offers sage and witty advice about what to watch out for when your kids or relatives want to help you manage your affairs, why leaving someone a dollar in your will is a terrible idea, and what to avoid if you want to leave all your money to your cat.Support t
Real Happiness, Loving Sex -- You May Be Surprised How Satisfying Your 80s Can Be
“The group most satisfied with sex are women in their 80’s,” says Katharine Esty, PhD and author of ‘Eighty-Somethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness. Join host Jean Feldeisen as she talks with Dr. Esty about relationships, sex and aging in your eighties. Learn more about Dr. Esty at www.katharineesty.comSupport the show
Why Older People Are Happier and More Creative: An interview with author Priscilla Long
“Conventional wisdom is that when you get old, you get old and lonely, old and sad, old and isolated, old and depressed. Even happy elders — which as it turns out, is most elders — believe other elders are lonely, sad, isolated, and depressed. The conventional wisdom is wrong,” writes Priscilla Long in her new book Dancing With the Muse in Old Age.In this episode, host Jan M Flynn talks to Long, a Seattle-based writer, about her book exploring both current research into aging and the lives of mo
My Old Ladies: How Women in Their 90s & 100s Inspire Me
Award-winning author Melinda Blau talks with Crow’s Feet writer Warren Turner about the women she calls her “old ladies,” people who inspire her to squeeze the most out of life in her own late 70s. Meet Zelda, who played tennis until she was 99 and who still got a kick out of telling dirty jokes. Or Marge, a financial whiz at 104, who laughed as she pushed around her Rollator. Listen in as we learn what matters is not how old you are, but how you are old.Support the show
Losing Her Way and Finding Herself on a Spanish Pilgrimage: An elder walks the Camino de Santiago de Compostela
Mary Louisa Cappelli was already in great shape, hiking five miles a day regularly. When she decided to walk the Camino at age 67, her main fear was getting lost. Mary Louisa had already achieved so much – recognition as an ethnographer, a teacher, a surfer, and a mother of five daughters. What drove her to walk the fabled Spanish holy trail, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Host Jean Feldeisen, a therapist and Crow’s Feet writer, talks with Mary Louisa about her solo pilgrimage and some
Everybody Wants to be Heard: Judah Leblang's journey to write, connect, and cope with hearing loss
When he was younger, Judah Leblang formed a special bond with his Uncle Jerry through a shared struggle—striving to be something they weren’t in an unaccommodating world. Jerry was a deaf man trying to pass as hearing. Judah was a gay youth trying to pass as straight. As he’s aged, he’s embraced writing and performing as a way to talk about his family and engage with others. Join host Betsy Allen as she talks to Judah about his fascinating past and his ongoing desire to seek connection even as h
To Nashville & Back: A Hit-Song Writer's Story
Meet Rand Bishop. He's a singer, songwriter, author, actor, music producer, and activist. A man with many accomplishments, including a Grammy nomination and a No. 1 hit song he co-wrote that was recorded by Toby Keith. At age 67 Rand Bishop did something remarkable. He walked 900 miles up the Pacific coast in 90 days. His intention was to listen to what people had to say. Join us for some musical fun, a great story, and a deep insight into a fascinating guest. https://medium.com/@randbishop
Writer Roz Warren Talks About What Happens When Fun is More Important Than Money
Twenty-two years ago, Roz Warren decided that fun was a higher priority than money. So she retired from the practice of law and became a librarian — providing rich material for the essays she began writing. She’s the author of two essay collections, “Our Bodies, Our Shelves” and “Just Another Day at Your Public Library.” She’s written for a host of publications, from the New York Times to the Funny Times, has appeared on “The Today Show” and has been published in 16 “Chicken Soup for the Soul” c
Cartoons, Comedy & Love After 60: An animated conversation with Melanie Chartoff
Meet Melanie Chartoff, an actor and comedian famous as the voice of Didi Pickles and Minka in “Rugrats,” and for her starring role in the ABC late night comedy show “Fridays,” alongside “Seinfeld” creator Larry David and star Michael Richards. You may also know her from roles on “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Seinfeld,” and “Allie McBeal,” among many others. Chartoff, a Crow’s Feet contributor, joins host Betsy Allen to discuss her career and the joy of marrying for the first time at 65.Learn more abo
Live Long Enough, and You Too May Have a Weird Resumé. An interview with Jan M. Flynn
From circus performer to podcaster, Jan M. Flynn talks about aging while experiencing it all.Host Warren Turner interviews Jan M. Flynn — who reveals how her meandering work history helps to inform her writing. From teaching middle school English, to running her husband's specialty lumber business after he died, to riding exotic animals in a circus act, she's living proof that aging provides a writer with plenty of experience to draw from. Flynn has her own weekly podcast, "Here&a
"What's for dinner tonight, Grandpa?" Interview with writer Lee J. Bentch
At 68, Lee Bentch doesn’t fit the stereotype. He’s still working, and after his day job, he cooks dinner for his five grandchildren and daughter. Lee is one of more than a million grandparents who are helping to raise their grandchildren and he’s also a Crow’s Feet writer. In this episode he tells us how he manages to plan and cook healthy meals seven days a week. Lee is interviewed by Jean Feldeisen, another Crow’s Feet writer, therapist and grandmother. Join her as she discovers how the multi
Not My Grandma's World/Crow's Feet founder Nancy Peckenham talks about shaking up how we think about aging.
In the debut episode of Crow’s Feet, Betsy Allen interviews Nancy Peckenham, who founded Crow’s Feet in 2019. Nancy talks about her life and career as a journalist, then about how her 100-year-old mother opened her eyes to the richness of life that is possible in later years. Overcoming stereotypes and ageist attitudes, Nancy discovered the joy of working with other writers to be part of the conversation that is changing how we view aging. You’ll also hear from some of the other Crow’s Feet vo