Feisty Side Of Fifty

Few writers can claim to keep millions of readers eagerly turning pages like bestselling author, David Baldacci. His novels have been heralded as “gripping,” “spellbinding” and “thrill producing.” Now David has added another soon-to-be bestseller to his already impressive list. In Mercy, readers get to spend time with one of David’s most popular protagonists, Atlee Pine. Atlee works for the FBI and she is the lone agent assigned to the Shattered Rock, Arizona resident agency, which is responsible for protecting the Grand Canyon.  So when one of the Grand Canyon’s mules is found stabbed to death at the bottom of the canyon-and its rider is missing-Pine is called in to investigate. It soon seems clear the lost tourist had something more clandestine than sightseeing in mind. But just as Pine begins to put together clues pointing to a terrifying plot, she’s abruptly called off the case. The mysteries and the murders go on from there… If you love a great tale told by a master storyteller, you won’t want to mi

Gordy Megroz is a freelance writer and contributing editor for Outside magazine. He is also a regular contributor to Men’s Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wired, and SKI, where he writes about all things sports related. Gordy joins us to share all about his just released book. It’s published by National Geographic and is called100 Slopes of a Lifetime. I know each of you is going to want to have this one on your coffee table and it also makes for a great holiday gift to any of your friends and family who are nature lovers. Winter is coming, the ski slopes are calling and you’ll want to be sure to hear our guest share the very best places to celebrate the many joys the snow has to offer.

Thomas Peschak is a marine biologist turned National Geographic photographer. His passion focuses on conserving and protecting our planet’s most valuable and beautiful resources: our oceans, islands and coastlines. He joins us today today to share all about a book that’s both an incredible feast for the eyes and a treasure trove of information about the strange and wonderful creatures who live in our seas. The book is called WILD SEAS and is one of the most visually stunning books I’ve seen. I know each of you is going to want to have this one on your coffee table and it also makes for a great holiday gift to any of your friends and family who are nature lovers. So, if you care about our planet and the creatures who live in the seas, please plan to listen. You will be both informed and moved by what Thomas has to share.  

Our guest, Ann Williams, is an archaeologist and National Geographic editor who specializes in writing about the ancient world and cultural heritage preservation. In her role, Ann has no doubt been lucky enough to witness many incredible and awe-inspiring discoveries that have uncovered much of the world’s hidden archaeological heritage. And those amazing discoveries are to be found in the book she shares with us. It’s called Lost Cities: Ancient Tombs and is literally a treasure trove of tombs, temples and lots more.  I know each of you is going to want to give it as a holiday gift to any history buffs on your shopping list. So take 10 minutes, listen to what Ann has to say. Her insights into some of the world’s greatest mysteries are both fascinating and illuminating!

Those of us over fifty know only too well that age brings challenges. And some of them, in fact, are so big they can seem insurmountable. Caring for a loved one with dementia or other debilitating diseases is one of the biggest, and our guest today has some valuable information in that regard. Ted Fischer is Co-Founder & CEO of Ageless Innovation. His company focuses on bringing comfort, joy, and meaningful connections to older adults and their caregivers by reimagining how we can add more joy to our lives by unleashing the power of play. If you are looking for affordable products that will help you and those you love cope with some of life’s biggest challenges, you will want to be sure to tune in for this one!

We boomers know that one of the most profound lessons of age is the growing awareness that many of the greatest joys in life are to be found though giving to others. And that’s where our guest comes in. Genevieve Piturro had successfully climbed the corporate ladder and landed a position as the vice president of creative services for a television syndicate. Yet, a moment spent with a young girl changed all of that and transformed her life into one with a real purpose and calling. She joins us to share her personal story, the nonprofit she launched and the book that tells it all, Purpose, Passion and Pajamas: How to Transform Your Life, Embrace the Human Connection and Lead with Meaning. Age has gifted many of us boomers with the impetus to live lives of meaning, authenticity and connection. If this is the case for you, you will want to be sure to catch this show.

As much as we may hate to admit it, the “forever young” generation is running up against some of the more unfortunate aspects of aging. But that’s exactly where our guest can really help… Francine Falk-Allen is one of our own: a baby boomer. Yet Francine has an added aspect to her life and it’s one that many in our generation can relate to. Francine contracted polio at the age of three. Not letting this often-debilitating condition slow her down, Francine is a multi-talented artist, a world traveler and an author. She joins us to share all about her latest book, No Spring Chicken: Stories and Advice from a Wild Handicapper on Aging and Disability,and I am thrilled to have her as our guest. So, get ready to learn how to maintain your feisty spirit, hit the road and explore some of your favorite spots--all the while doing so with the right tools and advice to make your trips memorable and fun!

If you’re looking for a great read to share with your middle-grade grandchildren look no further! Kwame Mbalia, creator of the much-loved Triston Strong series, has just published his latest book. It’s called Tristan Strong Keeps Punching and is the final book in the bestselling trilogy. The first book in the series received the Coretta Scott King Author Honor award. And Kirkus Reviews calls this latest volume “a satisfying finale.” So the author has much to be proud of and many credits to his name. Kwame joins us to share all about this latest addition to his series and how his books celebrate African American folktales, adventure and plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning pages with anticipation!

Every boomer out there knows Vicki Lawrence from the cheeky and ever-so-colorful characters she created on the Carol Burnett Show. Vicki debuted on the show in 1967 (the year she graduated from high school), playing Carol’s little sister, Chrissie. But as the years rolled by and her acting chops grew, Vicki morphed into a vast array of memorable characters—always adding a big dose of her trademark spirit and sass. One of her most unforgettable roles was that of Carol’s (aka Eunice’s) mouthy mother. Thankfully, the network liked Mama as much as we did and, some years later, Mama’s Family was born. Vicki joins us to reminisce about some of her career highlights but also to share a personal story about a condition she’s had for a number of years. It’s called Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU). Vicki wants to spread the word about the condition and what you can do if you suspect you’ve got it. So plan to spend some time with a legendary actress, comedian, and singer as this multi-talented boomer brings her liv

Any boomer out there knows Jennifer Grey for her many memorable roles in both film and on TV. Hands down she is one of our generation’s most beloved stars. In fact, this multi-talented actress has starred in some of our favorite movies. Two of the best known, of course, were Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Dirty Dancing. But Jennifer has also brought her talents to well over 40 films and TV shows, as well as having been named the winner of season eleven’s Dancing With the Stars. Jennifer joins us to share all about an issue she’s passionate about, which is taking care of our health and getting that all-important flu shot. Check out this website and hear what she has to say about making sure that those we love and ourselves are safe this flu season. You won’t want to miss this show!

Without a doubt, boomer women are reinventing the spirit and style of aging. To these ends, our guest, Cheryl Benton, has created the most wonderful media company, go-to resource and newsletter for boomer women called The Three Tomatoes. Now, she has added to her numerous offerings aimed at our age group by authoring a second inspiring look at growing older as a woman in today’s culture. It follows her first book Can You See Us Now? and is named Can You Hear Us Now? Although both of Cheryl’s books take into account the struggles and slights suffered by those of us of a certain age, each is filled with plenty of humor and sass. They’re stimulating, fun and real page-turners for sure! If you’re fed up dealing with the invisibility factor, you will want to be sure catch this lively interview celebrating all things aging in style!

There are only a handful of books that are a fascinating as the one we’ll be discussing in this podcast. Our guest is Anne Michaud. Anne is a veteran political journalist who is currently a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Prior to this, she wrote a nationally syndicated column for Newsday and was twice named “Columnist of the Year.” Over her career, she has won more than 25 writing and reporting awards. Anne joins us to share all about her book, Why They Stay, which focuses on the extraordinary lives and internal struggles of eight political wives whose marriages have made the news for years. If you want to learn the inside story surrounding the marriages of Bill and Hillary, Jack and Jackie, Donald and Melania, as well as several other high-profile couples, you won’t want to miss hearing what this author has to say!

If you’re a grandparent, no doubt you know there’s no greater joy than sharing a lively, colorful book with your grandchildren. And that brings us to our guest, Ryan T. Higgins. Ryan is a #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator as well as the E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner and an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honoree. But my favorite fact about him is that he describes himself as a 37-year-old 4th grader. And who can resist a man like that? Ryan joins us to share all about his two latest books,  Norman Didn’t Do It!: (Yes, He Did) and Thanks for Nothing: A Little Bruce Book. So gather your grandchildren and be sure to tune in for this one… it promises to be both entertaining and fun!

Few stories as compelling as the one we’ll be discussing in this podcast. Our guest is Erika Schickel. You’ll recognize her father, Richard Schickel as the long running film critic for Time Magazine. But his daughter had an even more remarkable life, which she shares in her just released memoir, The Big Hurt. Although Erika grew upa child of famous, talented parents who lived in the rarified atmosphere of New York City, all that glitters certainly wasn’t gold. She shares her amazing life with often-painful honesty, great courage and the talented writing of someone who was born to be an author. You won’t want to miss this fascinating tale of one woman’s journey through trauma, estrangement, rape and a broken marriage… only to come out in the end with great empathy for others and the love of her family and friends. It’s an amazing story so make sure to tune in!

As revolutionary as our generation has been, younger women are inspiring us with their honesty and courage in sharing their personal, often painful challenges in the hopes of helping others. Today we have the immense pleasure of meeting two of them, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.  Their book, Friends Forever, is the third and final in a series that dares to openly address the significant mental health issues so many of our middle school grandchildren face. The message is an important one but the graphic novel they’ve created is both a compelling and a fun read. You won’t want to miss this tale of personal courage, overcoming the struggles of adolescence and the true power of self-acceptance!

If you’re a grandparent, no doubt you know there’s no greater joy than sharing a lively, information-packed adventure book with your grandchildren. And that brings us to our guest, Crispin Boyer. Crispin has written more than 20 books for National Geographic Kids, wherein he’s covered numerous topics that young readers find fascinating. His non-fiction books have run the gamut from bugs to sharks and from ninjas to knights in shining armor.  But Crispin joins us now to share all about the third book in his much loved fictional Zeus the Mighty series. It’s called Zeus the Mighty: The Trials of Hairy Clees. His series is set in pet shop named Mt. Olympus Pet Center, which is located on none other than a high hilltop in Athens Georgia. This book is packed with references to ancient Greece and Greek mythology—a treat for the readers and their grandparents alike. So gather your grandchildren and be sure to tune in for this one… it promises to be both entertaining and informative!

As revolutionary as our generation has been, younger women are inspiring us with their honesty, courage and fierce attitude in challenging social norms head on. Our guest today, Britta Lundin is just such a woman. Britta is a TV writer and an author who has just come out with her latest book and it’s already garnering plenty of critical praise for its groundbreaking coming of age story. The book is called Like Other Girls and Britta joins us to share all about it.  You won’t want to miss this compelling tale of personal courage, overcoming the struggles of adolescence and the true power of self-acceptance!

If you’re a grandparent, no doubt you know there’s no greater joy than sharing a lively, information-packed adventure with your grandchildren. Better yet, you can enjoy this one from the comfort of home! Our guest, Maggie McGuire, is the CEO of Pinna, the only ad-free, screen-free audio streaming device for children. She’s joined forces with Ron Roy, author of the beloved children’s book series A to Z Mysteries to create a truly magical podcast series. It’s based on Ron’s books and is called:  A to Z Mysteries: Clue Club.  Believe me, this series will delight your grandchildren as much as it does you and will have all of you guessing to see if you can solve the various mysteries along with Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose the three kid detectives from Green Lawn. So gather your grandchildren and be sure to tune in for this one… it promises to be both entertaining and informative!

Are you a boomer who is considering retirement and concerned about your financial security and general wellbeing? If so… you’ll want to be sure to take a listen to what Sonya Edwards has to say. Sonya is the broker and executive director of ESOP Realty, a subsidiary of Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. She joins us to share her thoughts about the critical importance of financial planning as we age from her recent article published in both Next Avenue and Market Watch, entitled, Aging in place can be cost-effective, but requires good financial planning.  If you are concerned about living comfortably in your own home and making the most of your Golden Years, you’ll want to make sure you catch this show!

As youthful boomers, our generational mandate was to “make the world a better place.” In many ways we succeeded. In others… not so much. But today we truly face a frightening reality. Our planet is in trouble and, if we want a robust and healthy Mother Earth to leave to our children and grandchildren, we have to be mindful of how we consume our precious resources. Our guest, Dr. Jessica Fanzo, joins us to share how you and I can go a long way to preserving the environment by what we choose to put on our dinner plates. Her just released book is called: Can Fixing Dinner Fix The Planet? and she has some fascinating thoughts on the subject. If you care about our planet’s future, please take a few minutes to tune in to hear Dr. Fanzo share how our food choices have a greater impact on our individual health and that of our precious home than we may have ever realized.