The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

Does the thought of traveling solo spark a sense of adventure - or a wave of hesitation and uncertainty? This episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast is the recording of the most recent Navigating Solo™ Table Talk . During this dynamic and solution-focused Table Talk, we delve into the joy, logistics, and practical strategies of traveling independently. Whether you are navigating a changing life d...

In this special episode of the Navigating Solo podcast , we are sharing the live recording of our 3rd Annual Solo Aging Visibility Day (SAVvy Day) celebration! Hosted by Ailene Gerhardt, founder of the Navigating Solo Network and creator of SAVvy Day , this event brought together a vibrant, global community of solo agers joining from California to New York, and across the ocean to Austria, Great B...

Special Episode: Real Solo Aging Stories — A Panel Conversation In this special episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt brings together four remarkable solo agers for the inaugural Navigating Solo Table Talk. The panelists shared lived experiences that reveal the challenges, resilience, and creativity involved in aging without "traditional" family support structures. Their s...

In this episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Barbara Hughes Sullivan, Executive Director of the Village to Village Network, to explore how the Village Movement is transforming aging in community. Together, they discuss how villages empower older adults, including solo agers, to remain independent while building strong, trusted networks of support. Barbara s...

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt, board-certified patient advocate and founder of the Navigating Solo™ Network, shares what it’s been like to shift from supporting others through health challenges to facing a health challenges of her own. Ailene reflects on the emotional and physical toll of multiple diagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoin...

In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Cathleen Toomey, host of the podcast Seniority Authority to discuss all things aging! They dive into the evolving landscape of solo aging, exploring how living longer presents both unique opportunities and challenges. Cathleen shares insights on the importance of social connection and community involve...

In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Eric Blake, a seasoned financial planner with over 25 years of experience specializing in retirement, tax planning, and investment management for women over 55—including those who are single by choice, divorced, or widowed. Drawing from personal experiences with his single mother and widowed grandmothe...

In this special episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , recorded during the Navigating Solo Fall Online Gathering , we hear from a dynamic panel of solo agers sharing their personal experiences, reflections on the past year, and thoughts on planning for the future. Their candid conversations offer insight into the joys, challenges, and opportunities of aging solo and navigating this life stage w...

In this episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, Ailene Gerhardt is joined by Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®, and founder of Childfree Wealth , the first life and financial planning firm dedicated to serving child-free and permanently childless individuals. Dr. Jay shares his groundbreaking approach to financial planning that centers on the unique needs and priorities of the child-free community, chal...

In this 37-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Norman Reiss, who recently retired after a career in technology, project management, and most recently, supporting older adults in living engaging and productive lives. Norman shares his experiences leading a variety of online social and educational sessions, including a monthly group for Selfhelp, a weekly...

In this engaging 47 minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt welcomes Dr. Jackson Rainer, a board-certified clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and a background as an emeritus professor and former Dean in the university system of Georgia. Dr. Rainer shares his personal and professional insights into the complexities of solo aging. Th...

In this 43-minute episode of  The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Elizabeth A. Edwards, who shares her personal experience of navigating life after a traumatic fall, highlighting the importance of community support and the challenges she faced living alone.   From navigating the healthcare system to rallying her "root sisters" and patient advocates, Elizabeth opens up a...

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with members of Limelight LLC's Creative Team about their innovative theater production Solo Acts, which brings to life the stories of 18 solo agers from Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The performance offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences of this growing demographic, with themes such as health...

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Dr. Peggy Crawford, who shares her deeply personal journey into solo aging, which began not by choice but by circumstance. The transition started with her husband Denny’s illness, a period that altered their shared life and routines in profound ways. The loss of Denny, both as a partner and a source of emo...

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with caregiving and solo aging expert Joy Loverde. Joy, a trailblazer in eldercare and author of The Complete Elder Care Planner and Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?, shares her decades-long journey into caregiving, which began with a formative experience as a teenager. She discusses the unique challenges...

In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , host Ailene Gerhardt welcomes Sara Zeff Geber , the nation's leading expert on solo aging. Sara, an accomplished author, professional speaker, and certified retirement coach, shares her journey into the field of solo aging, inspired by a poignant conversation with a friend about future caregiving responsibilities. This led her to explore...

In the debut episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast ,  your host Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA,  shares the inspiration behind starting this podcast. This episode outlines the primary goals of the podcast: to provide support, practical advice, and a sense of community for individuals navigating life on their own. This podcast aims to be a companion and guide through insightful discussions, exper...

Welcome to The Navigating Solo™ Podcast , a dedicated platform where we explore the unique needs and concerns of solo aging with a focus on empowerment, connection, and proactive planning.