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I met Pearlette Ramos when she invited me to the screening of her first feature documentary: Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, held at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The documentary tell…

I met Pearlette Ramo…

I met Pearlette Ramos when she invited me to the screening of her first feature documentary: Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, held at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The documentary tells the story of three women of color who were brought together through friendship and a desire to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each woman experienced childhood Trauma, abuse and oppression—yet, went on to find the path to their power. They use the imposing mountain as both a metaphor for overcoming personal adversity and an opportunity to challenge insurmountable odds--like ending violence against wome…

One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a community snowshoe and I overheard one of the volunteers s…

One of the fun thing…

One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a community snowshoe and I overheard one of the volunteers say, “Yeah they cancelled world’s. Not enough participation.” That got my attention. I asked her about it and she mentioned that she was a snowshoe racer. You can imagine how I’ll be interested in a zesty snowshoe racer. She went on to say that she’s participated in ten triathlons. And here we are. Chary Griffin is an elite athlete and at 75, she shows no sign of slowing down. She’s bee…

Did you know that the gut is called “the second brain” and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain connection especially as we age. Our guest is …

Did you know that th…

Did you know that the gut is called “the second brain” and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain connection especially as we age. Our guest is an expert in problems like reflux, bloating and conditions that women might complain about as we age. Dr Mary Pardee is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor  who says “she fixes people's poop”. We’re going to find out what poop tells us about our health. Find out more at https://www.modrnmed.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAgi…

I first became aware of today’s guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller “The Courage to Heal” 37 years ago. It’s a book I’ve recommended many times in my psychotherapy…

I first became aware…

I first became aware of today’s guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller “The Courage to Heal” 37 years ago. It’s a book I’ve recommended many times in my psychotherapy practice. “The Courage to Heal” gave hope to millions because it provided sexual abuse survivors with the first real map of the healing process. In the years since then, Laura Davis has continued writing and leading workshops all over the world that have mirrored her passage through life: learning to be a parent, exploring the dynamics of reconciliation, living in the Cancer underworld, makin…

Today’s subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter. Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on…

Today’s subject ch…

Today’s subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter. Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on the cover of Money Magazine!) who was an avid Pickleball player. One night, the show 60 Minutes aired a segment on Chicago’s Cook County Jail. Roger noticed that many of the inmates were playing cards or watching TV. Being an avid pickleball player, he commented to his wife, “They should be playing pickleball. They’d not only get Exercise but learn valuable "life skills" like learning from …

By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at …

By now you know that…

By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at a gym grinding it out on an elliptical. And the idea of a “boot camp” makes my blood run cold. Isn’t life hard enough? At this age, I want things to be healthy and fun. That’s why we’re going to talk about rebounders (mini trampolines). I’ve used my rebounder to train for the Senior tennis Games and my walk on the Camino in Spain. It’s hard not to enjoy jumping up and down to your fa…

My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are “off the mainstream” and who offers us a new way to think about our own aging. And I’ve never had a them…

My favorite kind of …

My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are “off the mainstream” and who offers us a new way to think about our own aging. And I’ve never had a theme park designer on the show before! Wayne Lehrer is a vibrant and curious 73-year-old who has lived an inspiring and eclectic life including: pioneering the growing of wheat grass and spirulina, studying oriental medicine and practicing silence for 5 months. Wayne has also produced and directed 3-D Imax films and he’s a Master Yoga and Meditation teacher who has taught tens of thousands, and tra…

When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my Therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others happy and comfortable is causing them distress. The g…

When you think of pe…

When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others happy and comfortable is causing them distress. The good news is that as we age, we seem less and less interested in putting everyone’s needs first. What’s happening here and why might you want to consider paying attention to your need to please others? This week’s guest is Amy Wilson, the co-host of the popular podcast “WHAT FRESH HELL”. Amy has appeared on Broadway in a one person show, and Saturday Night Live. And she’s just written a…

As a psychotherapist, I’m always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, meditation, crafting, pets and the like. I’d like …

As a psychotherapist…

As a psychotherapist, I’m always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, meditation, crafting, pets and the like. I’d like to add one that is a bit less conventional. Thrift stores provide a kind of mini community and sense of shared purpose (the thrill of the hunt) that’s important in times like these. We’re in the middle of an epidemic of loneliness, and I find that frequenting my local thrift is a way of feeling less isolated. There’s no pressure to have long involved conversations with fellow thrifters. Inst…

I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O’Neil, who hosts the podcast Check Up From the Neck Up on WCNY. We’ve co-hosted his show a couple of times before and it is so fun. W…

I was invited to int…

I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O’Neil, who hosts the podcast Check Up From the Neck Up on WCNY. We’ve co-hosted his show a couple of times before and it is so fun. We tape at the public radio station WCNY and you feel like a real radio star in the sound booth. So many buttons! He wanted to talk about holiday Stress. I quipped, “Politics, alcohol and family…what could go wrong?” We have a spirited discussion about how to navigate prickly family get togethers. My personal  favorite tip is using the statement, “I don’t talk politics or diets.” Find …

If you’ve listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we’re going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not ha…

If you’ve listened…

If you’ve listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we’re going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not have heard of. I do ask that you keep an open mind, because it sounds unconventional until you understand the science behind it. Dr. Laura Koniver is a holistic physician, and internationally recognized grounding advocate. Her work has been featured in many news and media outlets. She’s going to explain why grounding is essential to our good health. Find out more about Laura and grounding here: ht…

Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list of prescription drugs.  Some of our conversations …

Modern society has c…

Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list of prescription drugs.  Some of our conversations can devolve into a comparison of newly discovered ailments. Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh was an emergency room doctor and experienced her own health crisis. In her search for answers, she was led back to Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of her South Asian roots. She’s written a new book called “The Longevity Formula” with the mission of honoring the passage of years and ushering in the seco…

You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she created the film “LIVES WELL LIVED”, where she inter…

You may remember my …

You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she created the film “LIVES WELL LIVED”, where she interviewed 40 people aged 75 and older to find out their thoughts on what was  a life lived well. Based on the success of this film, she’s written a new book, "Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS," which distills the Wisdom gained from the film and celebrates the essence of life shaped across generations. It explores finding purpose, supporting one another, and mastering the art of thriving through li…

Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Well we get the straight story from a researcher and …

Are you as confused …

Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Well we get the straight story from a researcher and clinician who is an expert in Dementia. Dr. Mitchell Clionsky is the co-author of “Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain” and he’s going to help us make sense of all of the science. Find out more here: https://braindoc.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and it’s to our detriment. I know for myself money …

Are you one of those…

Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and it’s to our detriment. I know for myself money brings up a lot of Anxiety. Will I have enough to retire? What about long term health needs? Ruzanna Queenan helps women who live life to the fullest grow their financial confidence and financial wealth. Growing up in Soviet Armenia with a single mom, she experienced the stress of financial vulnerability. She learned that financial planning has the power to help us feel more in control of our live…

Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I talk about the initiative that she directs that bring…

Many of us are aware…

Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I talk about the initiative that she directs that brings attention to hunger in our community. Empty Bowls is a grassroots, innovative and creative approach to addressing hunger. It’s a brilliant collaboration of ceramics makers, community restaurants and organizers. The local Empty Bowls is a collaboration with Syracuse University and its Ceramic Arts Department, Clayscapes Pottery, in support of the Interreligious Food Consortium and its mission. …

When our child has mental illness or a substance abuse problem, we often focus on the adult child and getting them help– if they are willing. But how do the adult child’s difficulties impact the m…

When our child has m…

When our child has mental illness or a substance abuse problem, we often focus on the adult child and getting them help– if they are willing. But how do the adult child’s difficulties impact the mother and how long is she responsible for parenting her troubled child? If he or she is violent, does she call the police on her own child?  Professor and advocate Dr. Judith Smith has written a groundbreaking book that has sparked a long overdue conversation about the hidden and prolonged struggles of older mothers with adult children facing serious Mental Health and substance use challenges. Th…

Would you give a kidney to your spouse? That’s the question that this week’s guest, Michael Small, answered. We originally connected around his podcast I Couldn’t Throw it Out. Michael has perf…

Would you give a kid…

Would you give a kidney to your spouse? That’s the question that this week’s guest, Michael Small, answered. We originally connected around his podcast I Couldn’t Throw it Out. Michael has performed in the NYC storytelling show “Tale”, and his plays have been presented in the “New York International Theater Festival” and “The HOWL Festival”. On each episode of I Couldn't Throw It Out, Michael tells the story behind one of the treasures he has saved since he was 6 -- including 15 years of interview tapes from his days as a reporter for People Magazine (Tupac being one of the…

One of the great pleasures of podcasting is being able to connect with like minded souls all over the world that I would probably never meet in daily life. And even with all of its problems, FaceBook …

One of the great ple…

One of the great pleasures of podcasting is being able to connect with like minded souls all over the world that I would probably never meet in daily life. And even with all of its problems, FaceBook has introduced me to people I can’t wait to connect with. Liezel Graham is an indie author, textile artist, and writing-for-wellbeing practitioner who considers beauty to be the antidote to many of life's difficulties. Her work is informed by motherhood, the resilience of the human spirit, beauty-in-the ordinary, and healing the inner child. She lives in Scotland and loves nothing more than long…

We are in an era marked by social, environmental and spiritual crises. As a psychotherapist I am seeing more and more people feeling lost and in existential despair. Many of you know that addiction ra…

We are in an era mar…

We are in an era marked by social, environmental and spiritual crises. As a psychotherapist I am seeing more and more people feeling lost and in existential despair. Many of you know that addiction rates and suicide are at record highs. What can we do to respond to these immense challenges with some grace and resilience? Renowned meditation teacher and author Oren Jay Sofer has created mindfulness programs for organizations, companies, and apps including Apple, Lumosity, Calm, 10% Happier, and Simple Habit to name a few. His new book, “Your Heart Was Made for This”, gives us a practical ro…

Imagine being successful in all of the ways society defines success: the house with the ocean view, two successful sons, a kind and loving husband and a satisfying career. Yet something wasn’t quite…

Imagine being succes…

Imagine being successful in all of the ways society defines success: the house with the ocean view, two successful sons, a kind and loving husband and a satisfying career. Yet something wasn’t quite right. There was a longing that wouldn’t go away. Right in the midst of middle age, Suzette Mullen admitted to herself that she was in love with her best friend of almost twenty years, a woman. Author and book coach, Mullen tells us the story of how she sacrificed everything to be true to herself in her award winning memoir, "The Only Way Through Is Out". Find out more at Yourstoryfinder.com. …

If you’ve followed me, you know I am no fan of dieting and restriction, because we all know where that leads– in a shame cycle that erodes our relationship with ourselves. Caroline Drury is a tran…

If you’ve followed…

If you’ve followed me, you know I am no fan of dieting and restriction, because we all know where that leads– in a shame cycle that erodes our relationship with ourselves. Caroline Drury is a transformational coach who focuses on, as she likes to call it, "the age of wisdom", meaning that her midlife clients have an abundance of life experience and wisdom that they haven't yet tapped into which can help them on their transformation journey. These extraordinary women are at the age where they now know better and are looking for help to do better and BE better in lasting and sustainable ways…

For anyone who has ever feared water or wished they’d learn to swim, this episode is for you. I met our Susana Mueller at a podcasting conference I recently attended. She introduced herself and said…

For anyone who has e…

For anyone who has ever feared water or wished they’d learn to swim, this episode is for you. I met our Susana Mueller at a podcasting conference I recently attended. She introduced herself and said she thought she knew me. A chemist originally from Cuba, now a resident of Florida, I don’t think our paths ever crossed. But we talked about her podcast, On the Green Plantain, and I heard her captivating story of overcoming her fear of swimming as an older adult. This was no traditional learn to swim program. Learn how Susana overcame intergenerational trauma and became a swimming instructor.…

Enjoy this rebroadcast of my interview with Alua Arthur, death doula and now New York Times Best Selling Author of Briefly Perfectly Human. This book on the importance of thinking about our death has …

Enjoy this rebroadca…

Enjoy this rebroadcast of my interview with Alua Arthur, death doula and now New York Times Best Selling Author of Briefly Perfectly Human. This book on the importance of thinking about our death has resonated with many of us, including top influencers from media outlets including The New York Times, NPR and CNN. Alua Arthur is the Founder of Going with Grace, an end of life organization, which supports people as they answer the question “What must I do to be at peace with myself so I may live presently and die peacefully?” As a death doula and attorney, the perspective Alua has gained fro…

Maddy Dychtwald is recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 50 female futurists globally, for nearly 40 years. She has been deeply involved in exploring all aspects of the age wave and how it’s fundam…

Maddy Dychtwald is r…

Maddy Dychtwald is recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 50 female futurists globally, for nearly 40 years. She has been deeply involved in exploring all aspects of the age wave and how it’s fundamentally transforming our lives and the world at large. She is an internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, Wall Street Journal blogger, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new Retirement, and the ascent of women Her new book combines her professional and personal passions: Ageless Aging: Women's Longevity Bonus and the Art & Science of Living Longer. Find out more at https://ma…

Anyone out there believe in synchronicity? Many of you know that I am walking part of the Camino de Santiago in May. I’ve been thinking, planning and talking about it alot. One night I was scrolling…

Anyone out there bel…

Anyone out there believe in synchronicity? Many of you know that I am walking part of the Camino de Santiago in May. I’ve been thinking, planning and talking about it alot. One night I was scrolling and I fell upon a group called Women of a Certain Age–WOACA. I was intrigued. Then I was surprised– more than 10k members. Comments stating how special this group is. They debated on the best walking shoes and if you really need a pee rag. I looked up a little bit about the FB group’s administrator…wait! A social worker? Yup. Synchronicity. Alysa Golden is a psychotherapist and coach who …

I was thinking about who would be a great guest for Earth Day. I wanted to talk with someone who is committed to nature, has a zestful attitude towards life and has shown resilience in her life despit…

I was thinking about…

I was thinking about who would be a great guest for Earth Day. I wanted to talk with someone who is committed to nature, has a zestful attitude towards life and has shown resilience in her life despite dealing with painful losses. If she was an adventurous traveler that would be even better. Then I realized I knew just the woman! Irene Mazzocchi is retired from the Department of Environmental Conservation in New York State and organizes annual bird counts in the Northern part of NY. Since her retirement, she continues to volunteer for environmental causes and even created a bird quiz on her pr…

Holly Greenberg is a professor of Art at Syracuse University specializing in printmaking. She’s long been aware of how toxic some art materials are, but has recently realized how damaging the mining…

Holly Greenberg is a…

Holly Greenberg is a professor of Art at Syracuse University specializing in printmaking. She’s long been aware of how toxic some art materials are, but has recently realized how damaging the mining and production practices are that are used to create these art supplies. Since that realization, she’s committed herself to stop using manufactured art materials. More recently, Holly became aware of invasive plants and has become interested in habitat restoration. In the last year and a half, Holly has begun to create works of art that highlight the importance of creative native plant habitats…

Rona Maynard found happiness at 65—a story she tells in her new memoir Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World. Rona capped a stellar career in magazines with a decade at the he…

Rona Maynard found h…

Rona Maynard found happiness at 65—a story she tells in her new memoir Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World. Rona capped a stellar career in magazines with a decade at the helm of Chatelaine, Canada’s leading magazine for women. When she disclosed a struggle with Depression, she helped kickstart a national conversation about mental health. After Chatelaine, Rona had to learn to unwind—and found that her best teacher was a rescue mutt who had received his basic training in a prison. She credits Casey for teaching her how to fully love. Find out more at RonaMaynard.…

This episode looks at the difficulty of realizing that a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline.  I met Darlene Mahoney at a recent podcasting conference and was struck by her honesty and willin…

This episode looks a…

This episode looks at the difficulty of realizing that a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline.  I met Darlene Mahoney at a recent podcasting conference and was struck by her honesty and willingness to talk about her discovery that her father had Dementia. She tells the story of witnessing her father’s strange behavior and how she couldn’t–or didn’t want to–see the writing on the wall. And we reflect on why the truth is sometimes so hard to face. Check out Darlene’s podcast at SeniorLivingGuide.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

Anyone else need an adventure? Here in Upstate NY it’s been grey as usual, and I need something to look forward to. Today we’re going to talk about the benefits of traveling with Jeannie Ralston, …

Anyone else need an …

Anyone else need an adventure? Here in Upstate NY it’s been grey as usual, and I need something to look forward to. Today we’re going to talk about the benefits of traveling with Jeannie Ralston, the co-founder and CEO of NextTribe, which started life as a digital magazine for women over 45 and has now morphed into a Travel company. Jeannie believes that this is the best age to explore the world and make new friends in memorable destinations, and that anyone who tells you to act your age is to be promptly ignored! Find out more: NextTribe.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast …

Over the past 40 years, Dr. Ken Dychtwald has emerged as a foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the Lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic and workforce implications of the age wave.…

Over the past 40 yea…

Over the past 40 years, Dr. Ken Dychtwald has emerged as a foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic and workforce implications of the age wave. Ken is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 19 books on aging-related issues. He also released a memoir in April 2021. During his career, Ken has addressed more than two million people worldwide in his speeches to corporate, association, social service, and government groups. His strikingly accurate predictions and innovative ideas are regularly featured in leading print and …

Kim Rahir is a 60 year old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and was in a wheelchair. She ignored her doctor's advice and slowly began lifting weights. This year she became Europe…

Kim Rahir is a 60 ye…

Kim Rahir is a 60 year old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and was in a wheelchair. She ignored her doctor's advice and slowly began lifting weights. This year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category. Kim’s journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle. Today, she helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality by reactivating and maintaining their muscles, while ditching Diet culture conditioning …

I think we all are searching for a more meaningful and joy filled life, but don’t quite know where to start. Many of my clients experiencing empty nest and all of the accompanying over 50 challenges…

I think we all are s…

I think we all are searching for a more meaningful and joy filled life, but don’t quite know where to start. Many of my clients experiencing empty nest and all of the accompanying over 50 challenges tell me they feel totally lost and paralyzed. They are asking the proverbial “What now?” Wouldn’t you love a blueprint to figure out how to be your most vibrant self in this phase of life? This week’s interview is with master coach and super zesty Dana Hilmer. She and her partner developed a Coaching program that is like rocket fuel to take you to a life that’s more energized and meanin…

Twins Cynthia and Edwina Bringle are 84 year old artists and legends at the renowned Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.  The new documentary, "Bringle: A Tale of Two Makers", was written and …

Twins Cynthia and Ed…

Twins Cynthia and Edwina Bringle are 84 year old artists and legends at the renowned Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.  The new documentary, "Bringle: A Tale of Two Makers", was written and directed by artist E. Vincent Martinez a Cuban-born, Atlanta-based mixed-media artist, filmmaker and educator. He was originally a student at Penland and returned to interview his mentors. Martinez also produced “Doggies on the Catwalk” where service dogs walked alongside models to bring attention to animal welfare and adoption. Fashinado is the home to his art and lifestyle channel. Find out …

Claire and James Davis are the British dynamic duo of midlife health and well being. They are experts in, among other subjects, Menopause and hormones. They are also multi award winning coaches, co-au…

Claire and James Dav…

Claire and James Davis are the British dynamic duo of midlife health and well being. They are experts in, among other subjects, menopause and hormones. They are also multi award winning coaches, co-authors of a bestselling book, regular speakers and press commentators and podcasters, in the 1.5% of listenership. Their travel company was included in the New York Times list for best fitness retreats. Find out more here: https://themidlifementors.com . Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

She was uninspired, out of shape, and longing for the younger version of herself. She thought a hip hop dance class might solve some of her problems. Valentine’s Day greeted her with the flu, thousa…

She was uninspired, …

She was uninspired, out of shape, and longing for the younger version of herself. She thought a hip hop dance class might solve some of her problems. Valentine’s Day greeted her with the flu, thousands of notifications on her Facebook account, and hundreds of messages from strangers. Her immediate assumption? She’d been hacked. But she was wrong. A random social media post made of her hip hop dancing had gone viral. With nothing else to do while sick in bed, Catherine Diane responded to over 15,000 messages and began a reinvention of herself at the age of 57. Find out more at https://www.…

Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. Artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, bought the pro…

Dog Mountain is set …

Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. Artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, bought the property in 1995 and turned the barn into studio space. After Stephen’s unique visionary experience, the Dog Chapel soon followed. The Dog Chapel opened its doors Memorial Day weekend of 2000. The unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Wildflowers abound in the summer and snowshoeing is a favorite activity in the winter. Year after year, the Dog Chapel and the Stephen Huneck G…

We’ve all heard midlife reinvention stories, and I’ve got a special one for you. I’ve wanted to interview this guest for years, and I finally got to meet her recently at a public radio shindig. …

We’ve all heard mi…

We’ve all heard midlife reinvention stories, and I’ve got a special one for you. I’ve wanted to interview this guest for years, and I finally got to meet her recently at a public radio shindig. Her life story illustrates the bittersweetness of life–also known as “life is Brutiful”, a phrase coined  by Glennon Doyle.  Diane Jones is a composer, musician, and host on WCNY Classic FM in Syracuse.  After too many years in the administrative world, she left the corporate workforce to pursue her passion in music – a choice that has taken her to Carnegie Hall and recording with the L…

Mary Bryant Schrader is the host of “Mary’s Nest”, a Youtube channel with over a million subscribers. She teaches the simple pleasures of cooking highly nutritious and affordable foods from her …

Mary Bryant Schrader…

Mary Bryant Schrader is the host of “Mary’s Nest”, a Youtube channel with over a million subscribers. She teaches the simple pleasures of cooking highly nutritious and affordable foods from her Texas kitchen. A native New Yorker, Mary learned cooking from her mom and began cooking “in a sliver of a kitchen.” She thinks preparing a beautiful roast chicken, soup or bread can be its own kind of therapy in these unsettling times. Her style is so inviting that even viewers with no interest in cooking tune in for her classes. Find out more at MarysNest.com. Find out more about the Zestful …

There’s been a lot of buzz about the new weight loss drug like Ozempic. Celebrities are singing their praises. But are they appropriate for midlife women who are frustrated by their menopause midsec…

There’s been a lot…

There’s been a lot of buzz about the new weight loss drug like Ozempic. Celebrities are singing their praises. But are they appropriate for midlife women who are frustrated by their menopause midsection weight gain? Do they work? Are they safe?  I had a very eye opening conversation with Peg Doyle, an expert in the field of nutrition and lifestyle. Peg is committed to the vital link between food and health, especially for women over age 50. Her book, Food Becomes You - Simple Steps for Lifelong Wellness is an easy how-to on eating well and preventing the diseases of aging. She talks about t…

After a particularly painful break up and the death of his father, artist Day Schildkret began using materials in nature to make designs–what he calls "morning altars" by gathering stray twigs, flow…

After a particularly…

After a particularly painful break up and the death of his father, artist Day Schildkret began using materials in nature to make designs–what he calls "morning altars" by gathering stray twigs, flowers, pinecones and leaves, and turning them into beautiful works of art. He calls his technique “Impermanent Earth Art”. He’s developed a curriculum to teach this technique to people all over the world through his workshops, both online and in person. Morning Altar public installations have been commissioned internationally by parks, museums, galleries, corporations, festivals, community cen…

Julia Daily calls herself a late bloomer, but that’s really not the case. Instead, she bloomed throughout her life with various careers, from teaching to public relations and marketing to non-profit…

Julia Daily calls he…

Julia Daily calls herself a late bloomer, but that’s really not the case. Instead, she bloomed throughout her life with various careers, from teaching to public relations and marketing to non-profit work. She even shadowed Martha Stewart. But, as her age topped six decades, she ran a marathon, wrote two novels, and began a podcast to celebrate those like her who published their first books after the age of 50. So what is there left for her to do? Well, she’s taking pickleball lessons and assisting a scriptwriter in Hollywood with the treatment of her stories. Find out more at JuliaDaily.co…

Dr. Peter Rohloff is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Maya Health Alliance, a primary care organization working with indigenous Maya communities in rural Guatemala. He never intended to mo…

Dr. Peter Rohloff is…

Dr. Peter Rohloff is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Maya Health Alliance, a primary care organization working with indigenous Maya communities in rural Guatemala. He never intended to move to Guatemala, but when he went to visit on vacation and learn Spanish he found his calling.  Rohloff soon learned that Guatemala has one of the largest Indigenous populations in the Americas, and more than 20 Indigenous Mayan languages. These languages are becoming endangered there which affects the health and wellbeing of the Maya people who speak them. Most health care providers do not speak…

Have you ever considered hiking in Europe but think of hiking as too strenuous? Well, it doesn't have to be. Cassandra Overby is the author of "Explore Europe on Foot" and several other walking-based …

Have you ever consid…

Have you ever considered hiking in Europe but think of hiking as too strenuous? Well, it doesn't have to be. Cassandra Overby is the author of "Explore Europe on Foot" and several other walking-based travel guides that promote hiking as a better way to travel. She describes it as a more intimate experience because you get to know your surroundings, and you are able to get a taste for the local culture. You might have seen the New York Times recent article on ‘the year of the long walk”. People are longing for a slower and more mindful experience when they travel. Cassandra also teaches cla…

Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui is a writer and holistic mind-body coach and the voice behind “A Life in Progress” community. She helps people navigate profound loss (her son who died by suicide in 2…

Krista O’Reilly-Da…

Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui is a writer and holistic mind-body coach and the voice behind “A Life in Progress” community. She helps people navigate profound loss (her son who died by suicide in 2019) and at the same time cultivate joy. Her particular focus is women in mid-life. Find out more at ALifeinProgress.ca. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

Known for over two decades as an iconic American supermodel and a two time “beautiful person” by “People” magazine, Emme is a trusted voice in the beauty, wellness, fashion, and news industrie…

Known for over two d…

Known for over two decades as an iconic American supermodel and a two time “beautiful person” by “People” magazine, Emme is a trusted voice in the beauty, wellness, fashion, and news industries. Although Emme is known as the first “plus size” model, that term has fallen into disfavor. The reality is that Emme’s size is more in line with the average American woman.  Her mission is to dismantle the unrealistic beauty ideals that have caused so much harm for women and girls. A tireless advocate for body acceptance and body positivity, Emme’s mission is “To feel free in our bodi…

Kim Scott is the author of "Just Work" and "Radical Candor" and co-founder of a company that helps people put the ideas in her books into practice. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, …

Kim Scott is the aut…

Kim Scott is the author of "Just Work" and "Radical Candor" and co-founder of a company that helps people put the ideas in her books into practice. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Find out more at RadicalCandor.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

"A midlife landscape historian in an unhappy marriage, a handsome fellow scientist, a lost garden in the Hudson Valley....."  Award winning author’s book HEDGE is about a middle aged woman with con…

"A midlife landscape…

"A midlife landscape historian in an unhappy marriage, a handsome fellow scientist, a lost garden in the Hudson Valley....."  Award winning author’s book HEDGE is about a middle aged woman with conflicting yearnings. Where does her energy belong? Her daughter is having mental health problems, her marriage is unfulfilling, and she loves her work as a landscape historian. Her passion has been reawakened by a fellow scientist. But that’s complicated too. This book is about all of us who wonder where our priorities belong as we age and we realize that there’s more life behind us than in fro…

Janice Costa is a lifelong dog lover who spent more than 30 years in the publishing field before trading corporate life for camp life with Canine Camp Getaway, a one-of-a-kind vacation for dogs and th…

Janice Costa is a li…

Janice Costa is a lifelong dog lover who spent more than 30 years in the publishing field before trading corporate life for camp life with Canine Camp Getaway, a one-of-a-kind vacation for dogs and the people who love them. A Therapy Dog and Canine Good Citizen evaluator and certified Pet First Aid instructor, she is active in dog rescue and co-owns the business with her three 'ambassadogs,' the oldest of whom is a two-time National Dock Diving Champion who still actively competes at age 14. Find out more at https://caninecampgetaway.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at Zestfu…