Don't Be Caged By Your Age | Pro Aging Podcast

Have you ever wondered whether your experience, skills, and hard-earned wisdom are still valued in today’s workplace after 65? Or how to navigate a working world that may not always recognize what you bring to the table?

In this episode of Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, I’m delighted to welcome Brenda Harrington, founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, for a conversation about continuing to work, contribute, and grow after 65. With more than 30 years of business experience, Brenda brings a thoughtful perspective on workplace ageism, leadership, entrepreneurship, and how we can continue to make a meaningful differ...

Have you ever wondered what studying death can teach us about living more fully?

On this episode of Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, I’m joined by Dr. Sabine O’Laughlin, a 68-year-old board-certified pathologist, functional wellness coach, and author of The Curiosity Quotient. After decades of studying disease and death, Dr. Sabine has developed a fascinating perspective on what keeps us from living the lives we truly want.

Our conversation takes us on Dr. Sabine’s life adventure, from choosing medicine at a time when fewer women were entering medical school...

What happens when you combine 88 years of living, a wicked sense of humor, a lifelong love of writing, a healthy dose of satire and absolutely no interest in disappearing quietly into the background?

You get Elaine Soloway.

Elaine is a writer, author, writing coach, tech tutor, former PR and marketing consultant, former Chicago political press aide, former Apple Store specialist, memoirist, novelist, blogger, Substack writer and, as I discovered during our conversation, apparently a character in a hit television show. 

Yes. That Transparent.

Elaine's children created the A...

What if growing older isn't about disappearing from the world, but becoming even more of who you are?

My guest is Steve Goldberg, and at 75+, he is still creating, contributing, and becoming.

Steve spent the first 40 years of his career helping individuals and organizations navigate change, meaning, and transition. He expected retirement to be a time for pickleball, biking, swimming, family, and friends. Instead, his 70s have become some of the most creative and productive years of his life.

In his early 50s, Steve started learning piano. During Covid, he discovered a creative...

Have you ever wondered whether AI could actually help you thrive after 65?

Meet Nancy Shenker, a 70-year-old entrepreneur, marketer, writer, podcaster and self-described “Robot Overlady” who has been playing with technology and AI long before AI became the buzzword it is today.

Nancy is the founder of theONswitch, a marketing and AI strategy consultancy, and the creator behind NANCYAF. She writes BODIES & BOTS on Substack, hosts the Age Blind podcast, and continues to reinvent herself with the curiosity, humor and willingness to experiment that have defined her career.

In our delicious conversation, we talk...

What happens when a mother and daughter decide to see just how much of the world they can experience together?

Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are Award-Winning Authors, Speakers & World Travelers who have traveled to 90 countries, visited all 50 states, written books together, and built an extraordinary mother-daughter partnership along the way.

And Evelyn is 91.

She's still traveling. Still writing. Still learning. Still setting goals. And she has her sights set on visiting 100 countries before she turns 100.

In this fabulous conversation, Evelyn and Natalie share how a disappointing political election and a serious...

What happens when a woman stops trying to become who the world told her she should be... and starts becoming herself?

Heidi Clements is doing exactly that.

At 65, Heidi is a writer, storyteller, pro-aging advocate, fashion lover, and the wildly entertaining creator behind @welcometoheidi. Her message is bold, funny, vulnerable, and deeply liberating:

Let women age.

In this conversation, Heidi and I talk about radical self-love, body image, sobriety, fashion, beauty standards, the male gaze, shame, anger, aging, and what happens when you finally realize that you...

What if everything you've lived through isn't something to put behind you, but something to put to work?

In this delicious conversation, I chat with Julienne B. Ryan, a Communication Catalyst, speaker, author, coach, and lifelong storyteller who has built a career around helping people connect through listening, humor, curiosity, and authentic communication.

Julienne's own story is fascinating. From being a shy little girl in Queens who somehow landed a Trident gum commercial, to recruiting and HR, to discovering that her real superpower was helping people see, hear, and appreciate one another, her journey is...

What if the emotions we've been taught to push aside are actually trying to teach us something? 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Betsy Burris - educator, psychotherapist, author, and podcaster - to talk about the winding path that led her from studying classical Chinese literature, to directing the Stanford Teacher Education Program, to becoming a therapist for teachers.

Betsy opens up about the painful administrative experiences that pushed her toward burnout and ultimately toward her true calling. We talk about why relationships (with people and with curriculum) are the real foundation of t...

Imagine waking up tomorrow without a single limiting belief about aging. That's exactly the question my guest has dedicated her life to exploring.

Kat Miller is a psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Age Freely, and she joined me from Ajijic, Mexico to talk about rewriting the cultural narrative around growing older.

Kat just turned 70 this past February and told me she'd been waiting for it for three years, excited to finally claim the word "old" without hesitation.

We talked about the moment her work became personal: hearing bright, capable friends describe wrinkles...

The people around us can either expand our sense of possibility or quietly shrink our world. 

Have you ever stopped to consider how much the people around you influence the way you age?

In this episode I chat with Walt Hampton - attorney, executive coach, author, interfaith minister, lifelong adventurer, and mountaineer - to explore why the company we keep may be one of the biggest factors in how fully we live after 65. While healthy habits and a positive mindset certainly matter, Walt believes our "tribe" can either expand our sense of possibility or quietly s...

What if the next chapter of your life is waiting behind a door you haven't opened yet?

My guest, Mary Foerster, is living proof that life doesn't stop unfolding after 70 - it expands. At 75, Mary has reinvented herself time and again, building a life filled with purpose, connection, and contribution.

From librarian to legislative advocate at AARP, from government affairs executive to house flipper and Realtor, from Rotary leader to podcast host, Mary's journey reminds us that we don't have to have life all figured out. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities arrive simply because we're...

Why does contribution matter so much as we grow older?

It's a question I hadn't thought about in quite this way until my delicious conversation with David McNally.

Like many of us, I used to think being on purpose was the goal. But David offered a beautiful reframe: our purpose doesn't change, our contribution does.

Whether we're mentoring a younger generation, starting a podcast at 67, going back to college at 72, or simply showing up each day with curiosity and compassion, we're all helping move humanity forward.

That's what it means to...

What if the most creative chapter of your life is still ahead of you?

In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Irene Buchine, whose life beautifully reminds us that creativity, purpose, and self-expression don't have an expiration date.

At 77 years old, Irene celebrated her very first gallery show, Beyond Words, a collection of artwork, photography, embroidery, writing, and personal reflections that span decades of her life. I had the privilege of attending the exhibit, and it inspired this special conversation.

What makes Irene's story so extraordinary is that she didn't learn...

What are you waiting for?

How many times have you told yourself you'll get around to it someday?

Someday you'll pick up the guitar again.
Someday you'll take that trip.
Someday you'll start the business, write the book, learn the skill, or pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting in the wings.

But what if life's too short for someday?

My guest is musician Ray Toole, the creative force behind The Yellow Room, a musical community that brings together talented musicians from multiple generations to perform live, connect through...

What can riding a motorcycle thousands of miles across North and South America teach us about thriving after 60?

Quite a lot, according to Michael Yang.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Michael immigrated to California as a teenager and embraced the opportunities of the American Dream. He went on to earn degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University, build a successful Silicon Valley startup, and eventually sell his company during the dot-com era.

But Michael's most surprising chapter began in his sixties.

Rather than slowing down, he climbed onto a motorcycle and...

What if turning 60 wasn't the beginning of the end, but the beginning of your most confident, fulfilling, and exciting chapter yet?

Too often, society tells women that life gets smaller as they age. My guest today is here to challenge that narrative and prove that life after 60 can be a time of reinvention, growth, purpose, and unapologetic ambition.

Ali Miles-Jenkins is the founder of Sassy and Successful After 60, an award-winning transformational coach, TEDx speaker, trainer, and champion for women who are ready to stop playing small and start living boldly. After spending more...

What happens when you return to the memories you buried for more than half a century?

In this moving episode of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, I chat with Mario Cartaya, acclaimed architect, Cuban exile, and debut author for a deeply human conversation about memory, identity, resilience, and reinvention.

Born in Havana in 1951, Mario left Cuba at the age of eight when his family immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. Decades later, after building a celebrated architectural career and having his life’s work entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, Ma...

What if thinking about the end of your life… could actually help you live more fully right now?

In this powerful and uplifting conversation, I sit down with bestselling author Karen Salmansohn to explore how embracing aging - and even mortality - can become a catalyst for living with greater intention, courage, and joy.

Karen shares the inspiration behind her bold new book, Your To-Die-For Life, and introduces us to the idea of Mortality Awareness - a mindset shift that helps you stop postponing what matters most.

We also dive into he...

What happens when you’ve spent over 50 years at the top of your field… and then decide to start over?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Robinson, 79, whose extraordinary career in public radio spans decades of leadership, innovation, and storytelling. But what fascinates me most is what he’s doing now.

After years as an executive producer and general manager, Steve chose to step back into the craft itself, learning digital audio production from scratch after a career that began in the days of cutting tape.

Yes… from analog to digital. From exp...

What if a health scare at 58 led you to the most joyful decade of your life?

That's exactly what happened to Sirenna Beyer. 

After facing high blood pressure and alarming cholesterol levels, she picked up a hula hoop - and everything changed. 

Now at 68, she's built a thriving business, a vibrant community she calls "Hoop Love," and a complete transformation of her health, confidence, and joy.

In this episode, Sirenna shares the emotional journey behind her wake-up call, why fun and play are secret weapons for healthy aging, and how movement ca...

Your greatest limitation as you age might not be your body… but what you believe is possible.

In this conversation, I sit down with David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and the visionary behind the Super Age movement, to explore what it really means to age by design, not default.

We talk about how internalized ageism quietly shapes our lives: the risks we don’t take, the things we tell ourselves we “can’t” do, and how, over time, we may be lowering the bar on what we believe is possible.

David shares a powerful p...

At 83, Linda Tatum is living proof that reinvention has no expiration date.

She’s built multiple lives within one lifetime - from hypnotherapist to luxury interior designer at 70, to transformational guide and storyteller - continually saying yes to what’s next.

And here’s what she wants you to know: You are not too old. You are not too late. And you are not done.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Linda shares what it really looks like to begin again, especially after loss, change, or moments when you’ve lost your sense of...

What if the aches and pains we’ve been told are “just part of getting older”… aren’t?

In this episode I’m joined by an 80-year-old trailblazer who is challenging one of the most accepted beliefs about aging - that physical pain is inevitable.

With decades of experience helping people understand the muscular causes of chronic pain, Julie Donnelly shares a powerful perspective: many of the aches, stiffness, and limitations we experience may not be about aging at all.

This conversation is an invitation to get curious about your body, question long-held assumptions...

What does it look like to keep growing, exploring, and breaking barriers at 79? You’re about to find out.

Our guest, Nancy Shear, has been defying expectations her entire life - from sneaking into Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at 15 to becoming the personal librarian to Leopold Stokowski in a field that had very little room for women at the time.

Nancy shares what it took to navigate and succeed in a male-dominated field, and how curiosity, courage, and persistence opened doors that once seemed firmly closed.

We also explore her memoir, I Knew a Ma...

Do you ever notice how age can feel like a barrier instead of a bridge? 

I’ve discovered one of the most powerful ways to dismantle ageism isn’t policy, awareness campaigns, or corporate training - it’s relationships across generations.

In this episode, I’m sharing why intergenerational friendships, mentorships, collaborations, and workplace partnerships are so effective at breaking down stereotypes and creating a more age-inclusive world.

When generations truly connect, amazing things happen:

I also share a personal story about my dear frie...

What if retirement isn’t the end of something… but the ignition switch for your most powerful chapter yet?

In this energizing and deeply honest conversation, I’m joined by Deborah Holliday - international flight attendant of more than 30 years, storyteller, and Founder of The Flying Treasure Hunter - to talk about aging, reinvention, and why it’s time to stop buying into the cultural narrative that says growing older means growing smaller.

Deborah and I first connected after being featured in Vogue Business in an article about the Baby Boomer beauty consumer. From tha...

What does aging with wit and wisdom really look like?

In this episode, I have a delicious conversation with Melinda Blau - veteran journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and the author of The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter.

At 82, Melinda isn’t slowing down ... she’s still writing, still questioning, still challenging ageism, and yes, she ran through the streets of Paris shouting, “I’m eighty!” Her energy, honesty, and humor are a powerful reminder that aging isn’t a fade-out - it’s a deepening.

We ta...

What if retirement doesn’t mean retreat - but rediscovering?

In this episode I sit down with Judith Horn for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about adaptation, creativity, and continuing to serve after 65.

When vision impairment led Judith to retire from her lifelong career as a physical therapist, her story didn’t end - it shifted. 

Retirement didn’t mean retreat. Instead, it opened the door to rediscovering her artistic side, creating imaginative illustrations for her grandchildren, and stepping even more fully into her advocacy for healthy aging, eye health, and aging in place.<...

In this heartfelt episode I sit down with bereavement specialist, grief educator, and author Patti Comeau-Simonson for a deeply meaningful conversation about love, loss, and thriving after 65.

I first met Patti years ago when I helped her e-publish her first book, and it’s been a joy to witness how her life and work have evolved since then. After the loss of her beloved husband, David, when she was 46, Patti’s life took an unexpected turn - one that led her into hospice volunteering, grief education, peer leadership, and authorship.

Now 79, Patti shares how grief didn...

What if aging isn’t something to resist ... but something to rethink?

In this episode I sit down with Chris Moore, founder of Senior Remodeling Experts and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, for a thoughtful conversation about mindset, purpose, and what aging teaches us from the inside out.

After decades of working closely with older adults, Chris has seen firsthand how attitude - not age - often shapes how we experience later life. Together, we explore common myths about aging and retirement, the importance of intergenerational connection, and why living with intention matters more than ever as...

What does it truly mean to age with purpose?

In this episode, I’m joined by Robin Kencel - founding real estate broker at Compass in Greenwich, Connecticut, reigning Ms. Connecticut Senior America, and U.S. Pro-Am Ballroom Champion - for a delicious conversation about aging with intention, confidence, and joy.

Robin shares how her lived experiences, leadership, and deep listening skills shaped the social impact work she’s doing today around empowered aging. 

We explore her Five Pillars of Aging Well, the importance of emotional health and acceptance, and why aging can be an...

What happens when women refuse to fade quietly with age?

In this powerful episode of Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, I sit down with renowned feminist scholar and cultural critic Susan J. Douglas, author of In Our Prime - How Older Women Are Reinventing the Road Ahead, to explore the intersection of sexism and ageism — and why older women are uniquely positioned to reshape the road ahead.

Susan shares what fueled her decades-long focus on sexism in media and culture, and why she believes gendered ageism is one of the most urge...

What does it mean to age with purpose, curiosity, and conviction — especially while living in another country?

In this episode of Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, I sit down with Robert W. Norris, a 75-year-old Vietnam War conscientious objector, longtime resident of Japan, retired university professor, and author of multiple novels and memoirs ... two of which he wrote in his seventies.

Robert shares his extraordinary life journey, from growing up in Northern California to refusing to fight in the Vietnam War and serving time in a military prison, to settling in Japan in 1983. We t...

As soon as I turned 65, something shifted in the exam room… and not for the better. 

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with ageism in health care - how the tone of my medical appointments changed, why the attention to my symptoms dropped, and why so many of us suddenly get a pat on the shoulder instead of real care.

This isn’t just about Medicare or paperwork.

It’s about what happens when the medical system quietly decides we’re “too old” for deeper investigation.

I break down:

In this deeply illuminating conversation, Conscious Dying Coach Laurie Reese joins me to explore how we can approach the end of life with intention, creativity, and a profound sense of personal agency.

Laurie brings over 15 years of experience as a Household Manager and Personal Assistant supporting vibrant seniors and families through major life transitions. Her compassionate philosophy — “I walk beside people, not ahead of them” — guides everything she does, from managing daily household needs to helping individuals design a meaningful and personalized end-of-life experience.

Together, we explore:

Have you ever felt the pull to let go of who you’ve been and step into a life that feels more aligned, more authentic, and more you?

In this episode, I chat with Ray Martin, executive coach, global citizen, and author of Life Without a Tie, about how to embrace your later years with purpose, freedom, and joy. 

Ray shares the pivotal moments that led him from a successful corporate career to a life filled with adventure, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

We explore the power of self-acceptance, radical self-love, and aut...

✨ "I'm living my life in the best way possible, and I want to have a wonderful time as long as I'm here." ~ Erika Andersen

In this uplifting and joy-filled conversation, I sit down with Erika Andersen, bestselling author of The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, to explore what it truly means to age magnificently.

Erika and I explore how to consciously create a vibrant, purpose-filled third act - one grounded in curiosity, community, and intention. She shares stories and insights that remind us aging isn’t an ending, but a new begi...

What if the fear of public speaking wasn’t something to conquer ... but something to transform into confidence, joy, and self-expression?

Guest Linda Ugelow, speaking confidence and vocal coach, podcast host, and author of Delight in the Limelight, brings us an inspiring conversation about finding your voice after 65. 

Once paralyzed by stage fright, Linda now guides others to speak with ease and authenticity - whether in front of a camera, on stage, or in everyday conversations.

With her background in Expressive Arts Therapy and Movement Studies, and decades performing worldwide with the...

You’ve heard me say it before: pastures are for horses, not humans.

But where did that phrase come from ... and what does it really mean?

In this episode, I’m sharing the personal story behind the saying and how it perfectly captures the painful side effects of ageism. 

From my childhood surrounded by horses to the outdated cultural beliefs that try to send people “out to pasture” after 65, we’ll reveal the indoctrinated messages that shape how we see ourselves as we age.

It’s time to challenge those beliefs ... to remember t...