Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

What if the way you think about money isn’t really your story at all? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Newcomb, Ph. D., a behavioral economist who helps us unpack the powerful money stories we carry—many of which we didn’t choose. Sarah shares how the beliefs we picked up in childhood—about scarcity, success, and self-worth—can quietly shape our financial decisions for decades. We talk about...

In this episode, I’m opening up a conversation that hits close to home—how we, as grandparents and trusted adults, can help set up our grandkids for a stronger financial future. I’ll admit something right up front: I didn’t open 529 plans for my grandchildren. At the time, I just wasn’t in a position to do it. But looking back, I wish I’d known more—and done more—to give them a solid financial hea...

You know how life can throw surprises at you? Host, Wendy Green shares her latest adventure—three doctor appointments in one week! Talk about a reality check, right? As she reflects on her life at 71, she reminisces about the perky days of youth, all while pondering when that carefree spirit shifted. But here’s the kicker: it’s not about lamenting lost youth; it’s about recognizing that change hap...

Takeaways: The gradual decline in physical flexibility often goes unnoticed until it becomes significant. Maintaining mobility and flexibility is crucial for preserving independence and quality of life as we age. Simple exercises focusing on strength and flexibility can significantly enhance one's ability to perform daily tasks. Protein intake must be increased as we age to counteract anabolic res...

Wendy Green's engaging dialogue with Ken Counihan presents an inspiring exploration of health, nutrition, and community service. Ken's journey from the confines of corporate IT to advocating for better food access illustrates the profound impact of personal experiences on life pathways. After facing a critical health challenge, Ken redirected his focus towards the intersection of food, health, and...

The discussion surrounding health often tends to gravitate towards things such as diet and exercise; however, the subtleties of emotional and psychological health are equally important. While primary health protectants like nutrition and physical activity provide the bedrock for physical health, secondary health protectants—those often underestimated—such as music, art, and engaging with nature, o...

In this powerful episode, Sandy Rosenthal shares her remarkable story of resilience and determination in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. With no background in engineering or law, Sandy took on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after uncovering a devastating truth: the levee failures that flooded New Orleans weren’t just an act of nature—they were preventable mistakes. Her journey reminds us how vita...

What happens when a journalist spends decades documenting the rise, fall, and rebirth of American cities—only to find himself at a turning point in his own career? In this episode of Boomer Banter , I sit down with veteran journalist and author John Gallagher to talk about his memoir, Rust Belt Reporter , and his reflections on journalism, storytelling, and legacy. John spent over 30 years at the...

This special episode of Boomer Banter is part of Podcasthon's week-long initiative to have podcasters shine a spotlight on non-profits they support. I chose to highlight the impact of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), with an in-depth examination of the organization's commitment to advocating for women's rights and educational equity. My guest, Doris McLallen, is the State Presi...

In this meaningful conversation, Wendy Green sits down with Becky Blue to talk about aging with curiosity, purpose, and passion. Becky shares her journey of becoming a first-time author at 60, proving that it’s never too late to follow a dream. Her book, Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days , isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation to rethink what’s possible in the years ahead. Together, Wend...

What would you do if someone told you that you were too old to chase a dream? For Dierdre Wolownick, the answer was simple: prove them wrong. At 66, she did something that would challenge even the fittest athletes—she climbed El Capitan, one of the most iconic rock faces in the world, in a single day. And she didn’t do it alone—she tackled the climb alongside her son, legendary climber Alex Honnol...

A captivating exploration of memory and legacy unfolds as our host, Wendy Green, reflects on a cherished collection of dolls, gifted to her from her parents travels to foreign countries. Each doll holds a wealth of memories, cultural significance, and personal history. Wendy openly shares the emotional impact of these dolls, admitting that while they evoke nostalgia and dreams of travel for her, t...

Staying connected with our grandchildren isn’t always easy—especially when miles separate us. As grandparents, we want to be involved in their lives, share our wisdom, and build cherished memories. But as they grow up, get busy, and focus on their own worlds, staying in touch can feel like an uphill battle. In this episode of Boomer Banter , we dive into the realities of long-distance grandparenti...

The episode presents an intimate exploration of the caregiver's journey, as Jessica Smith articulately shares her experiences of supporting her mother through the trials of Alzheimer's disease. The discussion intricately weaves through themes of acceptance, the challenge of relinquishing control, and the significance of understanding one's limitations as a caregiver. As the conversation progresses...

Episode Description: In this compelling episode, Wendy Green and her guest, Kerri Lewis, engage in a profound examination of grief, exploring its complexities and the myriad ways it can impact individuals. They articulate that grief is an inherent part of the human experience, transcending age and circumstance, and affecting individuals at different stages of their lives. The conversation touches...

Episode Description: Aging well comes with its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare decision-making. This podcast episode addresses the nagging uncertainties surrounding Medicare, expertly guided by Wendy Green and her guest, Tim Hanbury, a Medicare expert. The discussion begins with Green laying out the common fears and misgivings that many face when bombarded with promot...

Wendy Green opens this thought-provoking episode of Boomer Banter on Martin Luther King Day, intertwining the significance of service with the theme of legacy and financial literacy. As she reflects on the weather extremes affecting the country, she emphasizes the importance of reaching out to loved ones during challenging times. The episode delves into the essence of legacy, not merely in financi...

The conversation between Wendy Green and Phyllis Jo Kubey delves deep into the often-overlooked complexities of tax management for retirees. Kubey, with her extensive background in tax preparation and planning, illuminates the intricacies of how retirement income is taxed and the common pitfalls retirees face. One surprising revelation is that up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable,...

Understanding the nuances of financial planning is crucial, particularly in the face of unexpected life events that can derail one's financial stability. This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Melissa Bane, CPA & CFP, who offers valuable insights into preparing for the unforeseen and protecting one’s financial future. Our host, Wendy Green, opens up about her personal expe...

Boomer Banter delves into the journey of rediscovering vitality and purpose in the later stages of life. Our host, Wendy Green, shares a personal narrative that begins with a life-altering layoff just before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which sets the stage for a transformative career pivot. After several months of searching for employment, she finds work at a Sylvan Learning Center, w...

Episode Overview Feeling relevant and finding purpose is crucial as we navigate the complexities of aging. Beverly Glazer and Wendy Green explore the common experience of feeling invisible as we grow older and how redefining our sense of self can lead to renewed passion and engagement in life. They discuss the importance of reconnecting with activities we once loved and the power of community in f...

The conversation opens with a touching tribute from Wendy Green to her father, who carried a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived. This sets a reflective tone for the episode, which features Carol Orsburn, Ph. D., a prominent figure in the conscious aging movement. Carol's insights into aging emphasize that it is not merely a chronological process but a pr...

Episode Overview Depression can often feel like an immovable weight, but Nita Sweeney's journey illustrates how movement—both physical and mental—can serve as a pathway to healing. At 49, Nita found herself struggling with bipolar depression, feeling trapped in her despair until a friend's social media post about running sparked a change. She began with small steps, literally running for just 60 s...

Wendy Green dives deep into the heart of aging and community service with Jill Yesko Diana, whose nonprofit, Safe Moves for Seniors, empowers economically disadvantaged older adults to move safely and with dignity. Jill’s journey is one of personal and professional evolution; starting as a professional organizer, she became acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by seniors in her community....

Molly Peacock, a poet and biographer, shares her poignant journey of love, loss, and resilience following the death of her husband, Mike Grodin. As she navigates the complexities of widowhood, Molly reveals how she transformed her grief into a vibrant exploration of emotions through her poetry collection, " The Widow's Crayon Box ." The conversation delves into the contradictions of feeling both a...