Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, listeners sent in deeply personal questions — and Wendy responds with honest, compassionate insight. From navigating friendships in your 70s, to handling retirement conversations at family gatherings, to ageism in the workplace, to fears about caregiving and widowhood, this episode goes straight into the real challenges we face as we age. Wendy also answ...

Aging can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of dodgeball, where you’re dodging responsibilities, expectations, and the occasional existential crisis. But fear not! In Boomer Banter this week, we dive into the refreshing narrative of Christina Daves, who turned a broken foot into a new career path. Yep, you heard that right. After retiring from a successful retail business, Christina found he...

Boomer Banter is back with another encouraging episode where we unpack the idea of ‘purpose’ in our lives. Wendy Green, dives deep into why so many of us feel like we’re wandering around aimlessly, trying to find that elusive ‘why’ for getting up in the morning. She flips the script on purpose, suggesting that it’s not about hunting it down like a treasure map; instead, it’s about sitting back and...

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? There’s so much chatter about how to do it ‘well’—drink water, exercise, or give up all the fun stuff like chocolate and wine. But let’s be real, all the 'shoulds' can get overwhelming. In this episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green invites Yvonne Marchese to chat about something way more fun: play and self-acceptance. They both agree that as we age, we...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green sits down with Merilyn Simonds as she shares her heartwarming and enlightening friendship with the incredible Beth, who just happens to be 105 years old! heir weekly walks over the past five years have blossomed into a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and life lessons that Merilyn lovingly chronicles in her book, " Walking With Beth: Conversations...

So, here’s a thought: how do we navigate our relationship with all the stuff we’ve got lying around? Today I will share my thoughts about just that! The episode is packed with nostalgia as I reflect on cherished items that tell stories. I mean, who doesn’t have a favorite childhood book or a stuffed animal they can't forget? But as we get older, we find ourselves surrounded by more objects than we...

Wendy Green, the delightful host of Boomer Banter, dives deep into the heart of familial connection in this episode with Tammy Cohen, a passionate author, entrepreneur and mother. Tammy shares her journey of writing text messages to her three sons during the pandemic, which began as a means to communicate amidst uncertainty. But these weren’t just ordinary texts; they evolved into a heartfelt coll...

We’re celebrating our 250th episode with a focus on travel and connection today! Our guest, Talek Nantes, is all about blending adventure with purpose, showing us how traveling can be an opportunity to build relationships and give back. She’s got this fantastic initiative called Bras for Babes, where she brings essentials to women in Cuba. We chat about how you can still travel and make an impact,...

Are you worried about whether your retirement money will last? You’re not alone! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of calculating a withdrawal rate from your retirement account. We’ll unpack the famous 4% rule and see if it’s still the best way to plan for our golden years, or if we need to rethink our strategies. Joining us is the insightful Bill Bengen, who’s got some fresh...

Picture this: it’s a regular Monday morning, and I’m mentally prepping to talk about resilience when I get a curveball—a call from my mom’s care facility. She wasn’t feeling well and needed to go to the hospital. Just like that, my day took a dramatic turn! That’s life, right? We all experience storms, both the literal and the metaphorical, and today, I want to chat about how we can navigate those...

This episode of Boomer Banter is a wake-up call for seniors and their families as it tackles the pressing issue of financial scams targeting Boomers and Beyond. Wendy Green, the ever-enthusiastic host, engages in a lively conversation with Steve Benton, an authority on elder financial safety. Together, they shine a light on the staggering statistics surrounding scams, revealing how seniors lost ne...

This episode takes a stroll down memory lane with Sally Dunbar, a gal who went from worrying about her health to strapping on her walking shoes to raise big bucks for breast cancer research. Sally’s journey is a testament to the power of saying 'yes' to new challenges, even when they scare you. It’s about finding strength in community and realizing you’re capable of way more than you think. So whe...

Let’s get real about creativity and aging! This podcast episode is a goldmine of insights on how to keep your brain sharp and your heart happy as the years roll on. We brought in Jenny Leigh Hodgins, a Creative Empowerment Coach who’s here to show us how diving into creative activities can boost our brainpower and lift our spirits. Creativity isn’t about perfection; it's about expression and fun!...

Traveling can be a real eye-opener, especially when it means stepping out of our comfort zones. This week, we dive into the adventure of exploring Costa Rica, where flexibility and curiosity were the names of the game. From unexpected bathroom protocols—yep, no toilet paper in the toilet—to the common breakfast fare of rice and beans, our journey was filled with quirks that kept us on our toes. We...

Today, we’re diving deep into the wild world of caregiving with our guest, Nicole Smith. She found herself juggling not just one, but three family members needing serious help—talk about a juggling act! Nicole wasn’t planning to become an elder care expert, but life threw her a curveball when her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and her dad and step-mother faced their own challenges. She ended...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we meet Bill Sepe, a spirited 73-year-old whose zest for life inspires everyone around him. Bill's story is a heartfelt one, showcasing his transition from a full-time caregiver to starting 3-Wheel Therapy in Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free three-wheel bike rides to those who can no longer ride on their own. These rides are not just abo...

Smartphones are a double-edged sword, aren’t they? We can video chat with family, listen to our favorite tunes, or even navigate our way to the nearest coffee shop—all with a few taps. But let's keep it real: Tech can be daunting, especially for older folks who didn't grow up with it. But fear not! This episode is all about turning those tech frowns upside down. Today, I’m chatting with Ann Goldbe...

Have you ever thought about walking the same streets your ancestors did? This week, we're diving into the world of ancestry travel and how it's become a big deal for folks wanting to connect with their roots. I’m chatting with Jim Lenahan from AARP, and he's got the scoop on why older adults are flocking to these heritage trips. We’ll share some heartwarming stories of people who’ve met long-lost...

Let's talk about grandmas! Seriously, in this episode, we’re shaking things up and recognizing that grandmothers are not just sweet faces in family photos but powerhouse change-makers in our communities. I’m thrilled to have Lindsay Farrell on the show, who founded the Grandmother Collective. She’s spent years working with young people, but over time, she noticed something was missing—a crucial el...

Imagine sitting in a room filled with laughter and camaraderie, where women of all ages share their stories and support one another. That’s exactly what the Ethel Circles are doing, and this episode of Boomer Banter takes us right into the heart of this vibrant community. Host Wendy Green kicks things off with a personal story about a lonely birthday, leading into a discussion with Lisa Marcelino...

Friendships don’t stop mattering as we get older — but they do change. And sometimes, building or maintaining those connections feels a little more complicated in this stage of life. In this honest conversation, Jane Leder (host of Older Women and Friends ) and I talk honestly about what friendships look like now — when life has taken us down different paths, when old friends have moved away, or w...

This episode invites listeners to confront the realities of aging through a thoughtful lens, facilitated by the insights of Rabbi Richard Address. The dialogue, led by host Wendy Green, highlights the importance of acceptance in the face of life's inevitable changes. They pose a critical question that resonates deeply: 'What do I do with the time I have left, knowing I cannot control the time I ha...

Friendships are not static; they evolve, fade, and sometimes end. In this first episode of a two-part series, host, Wendy Green, delves into the transitions that impact our friendships throughout various life stages, starting with childhood and extending into young adulthood. She explores the fundamental lessons learned by early friendships regarding trust, belonging, and self-worth, and questions...

In this solo episode of Boomer Banter , I take a closer look at the language we use when we talk about aging—and how much it truly matters. The words we hear and use every day can shape how we see ourselves and how others see us as we grow older. I revisit a past episode that sparked a lot of thoughtful conversation and pushback—particularly around the labels “senior” and “elderly.” Many in our co...

Is age holding you back from seeing the world? It shouldn’t be. In this episode of Boomer Banter , we explore how travel remains not only possible—but deeply rewarding—well into our 60s, 70s, and beyond. I’m joined by Adriane Berg, a seasoned media voice and host of The Ageless Traveler podcast, who has made it her mission to show that meaningful travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Adriane shar...