Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

Before my mom moved in with me, I had a morning routine, a clear sense of purpose, and a podcast I had spent six years building. Then everything changed. In this episode I'm talking honestly about what happens when caregiving reshapes your life in ways you didn't anticipate — the loss of independence, the loss of your former self, and the strange grief of watching someone you love let go of living...

Hey there! A couple of months back, I wrote a little something on my Substack called ' The Truth I Don't Want to Admit About Time with my Mother ,' and it did not feel good! I had my morning routine finely tuned, after 15 years of living by myself. After my mom moved in, I had to hit pause on my podcasting and switch gears to writing—it was a big life change! But, I missed connecting with y’all. I...

We all have a dream we keep tucked away — the one that feels too big, too late, or too terrifying to pursue. Shelley Dunstone had one of those dreams. After years of practicing law in Australia, she decided she wanted to sing Brazilian music. Not just perform it — she wanted to sing in Portuguese, with Brazilian musicians, in Brazil. And eventually, she did. In this conversation, Shelley talks abo...

Exploring the intersection of ageism and fitness, this episode of Boomer Banter features a candid discussion between Wendy and Laura Dow about the challenges and triumphs of staying active as we age. Wendy opens up about her struggles to maintain a consistent fitness routine amidst life changes, like her mother moving in with her. Laura, who entered the fitness world later in life, shares her jour...

After six years of weekly episodes, host Wendy Green shares an honest, vulnerable update about stepping back from the podcast's regular rhythm. In this solo episode, Wendy talks about what it's really like to become a primary caregiver for her mother—not just the practical challenges, but the emotional recalibration, the identity shift, and the hard choices about where to focus limited time and en...

Facing the reality of a loved one with dementia can feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Sue Lick, who shares her journey caring for her husband Fred as he battled Alzheimer's disease. From the early signs of forgetfulness to the emotional weight of caregiving, Sue opens up about the challenges, the laugh...

Life took a bit of a turn when my 96-year-old mom moved in with me. Just a month ago, she was stuck in her apartment, feeling isolated and unsure of herself. Now, she’s back in action, setting the table for dinner every night! It’s not just a chore; it’s a revival of her spirit and our connection. We dig into the importance of having something to do and someone to do it with in this episode. You s...

You think you’re prepared for aging… until you’re not. In this episode of Boomer Banter, I talk with registered nurse and life care expert Jennifer Crowley about what really happens when aging becomes real—when you’re making decisions for a parent, managing your own future, or trying to do both at the same time. Jennifer shares her practical and compassionate 7-step framework for aging well , help...

Ready to flip the script on aging? In this episode, Wendy Green chats with Randall Kenneth Jones , a vibrant storyteller and the mastermind behind MindZoo. He’s all about showing us that the years after 50 can be some of our best. With a mix of humor and heart, they explore the concept of the 'retirement business' – a refreshing perspective that challenges the traditional views of retirement as a...

Aging can be a wild ride, right? So, let’s chat about that sweet, sweet freedom that comes when you finally hang up the cape of all those roles you’ve been playing for years—parent, employee, caretaker, you name it. Wendy Green, our fabulous host, dives into this juicy topic, reflecting on a recent gathering with her Banter Circle. Picture a cozy group of pals, sharing the ups and downs of aging,...

Aging well isn’t just about avoiding the doctor; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of health . In this enlightening episode, Dr. Alan Rozanski shares his transformative journey in understanding health beyond the physical. We delve into the concept that our mental and emotional states are just as crucial—if not more so—than our lab results. Dr. Rozanski introduces the six domains of health and...

Political differences are straining friendships, families, and communities. Many people feel caught between wanting to speak their truth and wanting to preserve important relationships. In this episode of Boomer Banter , Wendy Green talks with Dr. Philip Wilder , educator and facilitator of Nonviolent Communication , about how we can disagree respectfully without losing connection. Together they e...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we tackle something many of us are exhausted by but can't ignore ... difficult conversations. Not the surface-level small talk, but the real, uncomfortable ones with family members who see the world completely differently, with old friends across the political divide, and especially with ourselves. Host Wendy Green shares a powerful story from the 1980s about find...

Today, we're diving into a topic that's super important but often overlooked: capturing the stories of our loved ones. You know, it's not just about the money or the stuff we leave behind; it's about the voices, the values, and the experiences that shape us. Our guest, Elena Iacono, is all about helping families preserve these precious memories through guided conversations that turn into beautiful...

Feeling a bit stuck or wondering if there's more to life than just work? Then this episode is just the ticket! I had a heart-to-heart with the fabulous Diana Dupont, a woman who traded in her museum curator hat for a life filled with horses, dogs, and so much more. Together, we explore the moment when something inside stirs, urging you to step out of your comfort zone. Diana's journey is all about...

Ever wondered why sleep seems to elude us as we age? Well, grab your coffee, or maybe some herbal tea, because this week’s episode of Boomer Banter is all about sleep style and how it impacts our later years. I had a fabulous chat with Sally Duplantier, a super smart gerontologist who’s here to sprinkle some wisdom on our sleep struggles. We explored the fascinating world of sleep chronotypes – we...

Feeling useful and finding friendships is critically important as we age, and today we're diving right into that! We’re chatting about how maintaining a sense of meaning and connecting with others can seriously boost our health and happiness. I’m excited to share two interactive training programs that I’ve been working on, designed to help folks discover what they have to offer and how to build th...

When a family faces the challenges of autism, every member can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Green and Theresa Lyons, Ph. D. discuss the crucial role grandparents play in supporting their grandchildren diagnosed with autism. With a focus on communication and understanding, Theresa shares her journey as both a scientist and a parent, highlighting...

Wendy Green’s chat with Meg Groff on Boomer Banter is a must-listen for anyone who thinks that their time for making a difference has passed. Meg's journey from a 37-year-old law student to an impactful attorney is nothing short of inspiring. As she shares her experiences of helping people escape domestic violence situations, she sheds light on the gaps in our legal system—especially regarding chi...

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? One minute you’re bopping along, feeling youthful and vibrant, and the next you’re staring at a reflection that’s more ‘who is that?’ than ‘hey, look at me!’ In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive deep into why that happens and how our brains evolve as we age, gaining wisdom and emotional stability. Our host, Wendy Green, shares some sage words from Dr. M...

Let’s get real – marriage isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it can feel more like a roommate situation, especially after years of living together. In this episode, we welcome the wonderful Dr. Liz Jenkins, who brings some serious wisdom on how to navigate those tricky waters. We chat about how common it is for couples to lose that initial connection, and Dr. Liz gives us the scoop on her...

What if retirement isn't about winding down—it's about waking up? At 81, business mentor Patricia Noel Drain is living proof that your best work might still be ahead of you. This conversation is for anyone who knows they are not finished yet, but feels unclear about how to begin again. Key Highlights: Why traditional retirement does not work for everyone How your experience can guide your next cha...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we tackle the often confusing world of nutrition with Dr. Randall Hansen, who reveals how our perceptions of food have been shaped by outdated science and marketing gimmicks. The discussion centers around the concept of healthspan – the idea that we should prioritize living well over simply living long. Dr. Hansen illustrates how the food landscape has changed, pa...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green dives deep into the often elusive and much-needed state of sleep. Teaming up with the insightful Marie Sennett, they explore the common sleep issues that plague so many of you. With humor and relatability, Wendy sets the stage by asking how many listeners actually get a good night's sleep, revealing that many hands remain down. Marie shares her own nig...

In this episode, Wendy Green and Dr. Tom Gilliam turn the spotlight on our brains and how to keep them fit as we age. Wendy starts the episode with some banter about the holiday season and how many of us are feeling a bit more 'fluffy' after the Thanksgiving feast. But fear not! Dr. Gilliam, who, by the way, retired at 81, lays down the science behind why exercise isn't just good for our bodies, b...