The Aging Unscripted Podcast From CLC

What if aging well is less about what happens to us and more about how we respond? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome Scott Fisher, co-author of The Aging Wisely Project. Drawing on insights from interviews with 52 adults ages 70 to 95, Scott challenges conventional thinking about growing older and explores how we can continue to grow, adapt and...

Held in the Vanishing: Loving Someone Through Dementia What happens when someone you love is still here, but your relationship with them is changing? Author Ti Mougne joins Aging Unscripted to share her deeply personal experience caring for both parents as they live with two different forms of dementia. Drawing from her memoir, Held in the Vanishing, Ti talks with hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam...

Self-care at 25 isn’t necessarily self-care at 85. So, what does it really mean to take care of ourselves as we age? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Danica Denton of Grace Counseling to explore how self-care evolves throughout our lives. From setting boundaries and asking for help to nurturing relationship...

What if storytelling and play could change the way we experience aging? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome father-son innovators Jack York and JP York to explore how stories, creativity, and connection help people live with greater purpose and belonging. Jack shares lessons from collecting stories from older adults across the country, while JP ex...

On this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore a powerful question: What if retirement isn’t the end of your purpose, but the beginning of your most meaningful chapter yet? Host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan sit down with Kristi Doan, a Community Builder with The Eden Alternative to challenge outdated ideas about aging, retirement, and community life. Together, they unpack the diffe...

Technology is changing the aging experience faster than ever before; but is it truly empowering older adults or creating new barriers along the way? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Matt Reiners, Chief Growth Officer at Parasol Alliance and host of the “Connecting the Dots” Senior Living Success podcast, for an honest conversation about aging,...

What happens when best intentions cross the line into being too controlling? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore the powerful, and sometimes uncomfortable, truth behind the phrase: “You’re Not the Boss of Me.” As we age, autonomy isn’t just a preference; it’s deeply tied to identity, dignity, and overall well-being. Yet families, caregivers, and even professionals often step in with th...

Healthy aging isn’t about perfect nutrition—it’s about nourishment, joy, and balance. Eating For Life: Health & Happiness As We Age In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with clinical dietitian Clint Rasti to explore a more sustainable approach to nutrition. From changing nutritional needs to navigating diet culture and misinformation, Clint shares h...

Staying One Step Ahead of Scams is an episode of Aging Unscripted focused on protecting older adults from the growing threat of fraud. From online, phone, and mail fraud to retail crime, crypto, gold scams, and even financial exploitation by trusted family members, this conversation shares practical warning signs, prevention tips, and clear steps to take if you or a loved one may be a victim—helpi...

Colorado is in the middle of a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve seen before. Birth rates are falling, migration has slowed, and the fastest-growing age group is adults 75–84—with more people living into their 90s and beyond. In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by former Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner to explore what this pop...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “The Fight for Funding: Seniors, Medicaid, and the Road Ahead,” we break down the complex world of Medicaid funding — what it means for older adults, senior living organizations, and all of us who care about the future of aging services. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Doug Farmer, President & CEO of the Colorado Healthcare Associati...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “Seasons of Grief: Finding Meaning in Life’s Transitions,” we explore how grief weaves through every stage of life — not only after loss, but during moments of change and growth. With the holidays approaching, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Chaplain Robert Smith and Jenn Flaum from the HeartLight Foundation to discuss how to honor old t...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we talk with Cierra Olmstead of A Move Handled with Care about the emotional and practical realities of downsizing later in life. From knowing when it’s time to move to navigating the hardest conversations, this episode offers heartfelt insight and practical tips for turning a major life transition into a meaningful new beginning. Guest: Cierra Olmstead, Co-Own...

Could the later chapters of life be the most joyful of all? In this uplifting episode of Aging Unscripted, we chat with “Joy Seeker” and author Lisa Dimino White about how a positive mindset, everyday kindness, and small moments of delight can shape a more vibrant aging experience and according to studies, increase your lifespan by as much as seven and half years! Discover how to create your own “...

Assisted living, memory care, rehab, oh my! Join us on Aging Unscripted as we untangle the complex world of senior living with expert insights from Certified Senior Advisor Kelly Grace O’Connor. Understand the options and what getting help with the journey means—so you can move from overwhelmed to informed, one conversation at a time. Guest: Kelly Grace O’Connor – Certified Senior Advisor/Advocate...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, guest host Chaplain Services Director Robert Smith and retired Spiritual Director and author Jane Vennard explore aging as a spiritual practice. They discuss how Western culture pushes us to deny aging, but through a spiritual lens, we find freedom, purpose, and celebration in the journey. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on embracing aging with min...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we challenge traditional views of dementia, shifting from a focus on decline to empowerment and support. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome dementia educator Jessica Luh Kim and advocate Mary Beth Wighton, who is living well with dementia. Together, they explore how to foster true belonging and create a more inclusive, supportive world for those...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan tackle the question: “To Dye or Not to Dye?” Sharing personal, heartfelt, and humorous stories, they explore the emotional journey of embracing gray hair. From societal pressure to the freedom of authenticity, they discuss ageism, stereotypes, and the liberation of letting go of hair color. Join us as we break free from...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore how a culture of citizenship transforms senior living communities for residents, team members, and families alike. Host Jill Vitale-Aussem welcomes an International Aging Advocate and resident of Clermont Park Senior Living in Denver for an inspiring conversation about purpose, contribution, and shared responsibility. Discover how embracing true citi...

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore how where you live shapes health, happiness, and longevity. It’s more than just your house—it’s about connection and quality of life. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome Ryan Fredrick, author of Right Place, Right Time, for an eye-opening discussion on the power of place in aging. Whether you're considering a move or staying put, discov...