Zestful Aging
Episodes
Neurographic Art: The Most Fun to Resolve Conflict
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we accidentally come across something that changes our lives. You've heard me talk about the local creative hub I attend monthly and how swe...
Discover the Fascinating World of Glass Eyes
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know what an ocularist is? Neither did I until I went to a talk by today's guest, author Dan Roche. I never would have known about Dan or his b...
Around the World at 80
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip met more than 25 years ago, after becoming empty nesters and then widows, it was best friends at first sight...
The Power of Traditional Naturopathy
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Conta Steencken is a classically trained musician and neuroanatomist originally from Argentina who has a fascinating story about her journey in...
"Cooking Your Way to a Calm Mind"
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychotherapist and author Julie Ohana combines two of my loves–psychotherapy and cooking. In fact I just pulled 2 sourdough boules out of the oven....
Does Cannabis Have a Role to Play in Healthy Aging?
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who else is confused about the use of cannabis, or pot, as we used to call it? And what's with all of the dispensaries opening up? Does cannabis have ...
From Candy Striper to Helping People Live and Die with Purpose
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part executive director, part death doula, Karisha Solomon has been helping people live—and die—with purpose. With over two decades of experience,...
The First Indigenous Fashion Designer to be Invited to New York City Fashion Week
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I had the honor of speaking with Mary Homer of Oneida Nation's Wolf Clan in Upstate NY. Mary spent 10 years dreaming of designing clothes. She wants...
Who Needs a Nervous System Reset?
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is with Meg Tobin, a Mental Health Counselor and the owner of Breathing Space Psychotherapy. Meg is an expert in mind body approaches ...
What it Takes to Write a Humor Novel in Your 60's?
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features a long time friend I met while dog walking. He definitely looked out of place in the Syracuse winter, with his shiny new cross c...
What Can I Do to Help the Environment?
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the many joys of being a podcaster is that whenever I run across a zestful ager, which is often, I can invite them on the Show. It's a great wa...
Would You Sell Everything and Live in an RV?
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you had a major life transition in middle age, decided to sell your worldly belongings and buy a RV and travel around the country solo? Would ...
Caregiving: What You Need to Know
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may have noticed that the caregiving crisis is finally receiving its due. Our conversation today is part of promoting the film "Caregiving", the...
Adventure, Courage and Healing
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is about resilience and courage. What it is, why it's important, and how we can create more courage in our own lives. I don't know abo...
Understanding Mental Health and Aging
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that the majority of older adults with mental health concerns do not get the mental health care they need, resulting in worse medical pro...
All of Our LIttle Lies Add Up
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Laurie Gerber is an expert in the field of life and relationship coaching with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of individuals and coup...
What Makes a Good Death?
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN was named the Humanitarian Ambassador for "Oprah Magazine" for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of l...
Drug Free Anxiety and Stress Reduction
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that we're in the middle of an anxiety epidemic. Many factors are contributing to this–but one thing is for sure….people are feelin...
Three Extraordinary Women Climb Kilimanjaro
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I met Pearlette Ramos when she invited me to the screening of her first feature documentary: Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, held at United Nations Commi...
What is it Like to be a World Champion at 75?
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a communit...
What is Your Gut (poop) Telling You?
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that the gut is called "the second brain" and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain ...
A Retreat for Older Women Asking "Who Am I Now?"
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I first became aware of today's guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller "The Courage to Heal" 37 years ago. It's a book I've re...
Bringing Pickleball to Maximum Security Prisons
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter. Roger BelA...
The Most Fun and Effective Exercise EVER!
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise i...
"Life is a Play in Three Acts"
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are "off the mainstream" and who offers us a new way to think ab...
The Dark Side of People Pleasing
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others hap...
HOLIDAY BONUS: Why I Thrift for My Mental Health (Surprise Guest)
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a psychotherapist, I'm always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, medi...
Stressful Holiday Get Togethers: Here Are Some Tips to Help Cope
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O'Neil, who hosts the podcast Check Up From the Neck Up on WCNY. We've co-hosted his sho...
Help! How Can I Destress?
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we're going to talk abou...
How Ayurveda Promotes Longevity
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list o...
What is a Life Well Lived?
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she create...
Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Wel...
Is Your Head in the Sand About Your Future Finances?
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and...
Empty Bowls: An Innovative Approach to Addressing Hunger
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I tal...
Parent Child Estrangement: More Common Than You Think
07 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When our child has mental illness or a substance abuse problem, we often focus on the adult child and getting them help– if they are willing. But ho...
Would You Give Your Spouse Your Kidney?
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Would you give a kidney to your spouse? That's the question that this week's guest, Michael Small, answered. We originally connected around his podcas...
The Therapeutic Benefits of Poetry and Intuitive Stitching
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the great pleasures of podcasting is being able to connect with like minded souls all over the world that I would probably never meet in daily ...
How Do We Stay Sane in Today's World?
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are in an era marked by social, environmental and spiritual crises. As a psychotherapist I am seeing more and more people feeling lost and in exist...
Coming Out While Coming of Age
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine being successful in all of the ways society defines success: the house with the ocean view, two successful sons, a kind and loving husband and...
Eating In Your "Age of Wisdom"--No More Fad Diets!
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've followed me, you know I am no fan of dieting and restriction, because we all know where that leads– in a shame cycle that erodes our relat...
Overcoming the Intergenerational Trauma Around Drowning
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For anyone who has ever feared water or wished they'd learn to swim, this episode is for you. I met our Susana Mueller at a podcasting conference I re...
A Death Doula Becomes a Celebrity
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this rebroadcast of my interview with Alua Arthur, death doula and now New York Times Best Selling Author of Briefly Perfectly Human. This book ...
What is Ageless Aging?
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maddy Dychtwald is recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 50 female futurists globally, for nearly 40 years. She has been deeply involved in exploring...
Women Over 50 Walking the Camino de Santiago
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone out there believe in synchronicity? Many of you know that I am walking part of the Camino de Santiago in May. I've been thinking, planning and ...
Earth Day Special: Discovering Birding in Retirement
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was thinking about who would be a great guest for Earth Day. I wanted to talk with someone who is committed to nature, has a zestful attitude toward...
Sustainable Art; Rethinking Toxic Art Supplies
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holly Greenberg is a professor of Art at Syracuse University specializing in printmaking. She's long been aware of how toxic some art materials are, b...
How My Rescue Dog Taught Me to Fully Love at 65
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rona Maynard found happiness at 65—a story she tells in her new memoir Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World. Rona capped a s...
I Tried to Deny My Dad's Dementia
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode looks at the difficulty of realizing that a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline. I met Darlene Mahoney at a recent podcasting c...
Now is the Best Age to Travel and Make Friends
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone else need an adventure? Here in Upstate NY it's been grey as usual, and I need something to look forward to. Today we're going to talk about th...
The Guru of Healthy Aging
10 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past 40 years, Dr. Ken Dychtwald has emerged as a foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, ec...
From Wheelchair to Weightlifting Champion
27 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Rahir is a 60 year old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and was in a wheelchair. She ignored her doctor's advice and slowly ...
Camp Reinvention is Rocket Fuel For Women Over 50
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I think we all are searching for a more meaningful and joy filled life, but don't quite know where to start. Many of my clients experiencing empty nes...
"The Golden Girls Have Nothing on the Trailblazing Bringle Sisters"
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Twins Cynthia and Edwina Bringle are 84 year old artists and legends at the renowned Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. The new documentary,...
The Midlife Mentors Share Their Wisdom on Midlife Health and Well Being
30 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Claire and James Davis are the British dynamic duo of midlife health and well being. They are experts in, among other subjects, menopause and hormones...
The Middle Aged Hip Hop Viral Sensation
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She was uninspired, out of shape, and longing for the younger version of herself. She thought a hip hop dance class might solve some of her problems. ...
Dog Mountain–Heaven for Your Dog
16 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. Artist...
Diane Jones–From the Corporate World to Carnegie Hall
02 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We've all heard midlife reinvention stories, and I've got a special one for you. I've wanted to interview this guest for years, and I finally got to m...
Mary's Nest: Making Food Delicious, Nutritious and Affordable Resonates with Viewers
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Bryant Shrader is the host of "Mary's Nest", a Youtube channel with over a million subscribers. She teaches the simple pleasures of cooking highl...
Considering Using the New Weight Loss Drugs?
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's been a lot of buzz about the new weight loss drug like Ozempic. Celebrities are singing their praises. But are they appropriate for midlife wo...
Using Nature and Art to Process Grief
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a particularly painful break up and the death of his father, artist Day Schildkret began using materials in nature to make designs–what he cal...
Award Winning Author Champions Writers Over 50
21 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Julia Daily calls herself a late bloomer, but that's really not the case. Instead, she bloomed throughout her life with various careers, from teaching...
Addressing Quality Health Care in Indigenous Communities
07 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Peter Rohloff is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Maya Health Alliance, a primary care organization working with indigenous Maya commu...
Walking Vacations; A Better Way to Travel
23 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever considered hiking in Europe but think of hiking as too strenuous? Well, it doesn't have to be. Cassandra Overby is the author of "Explor...
A Life in Progress -- Finding Joy, Even in Unbearable Loss
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui is a writer and holistic mind-body coach and the voice behind "A Life in Progress" community. She helps people navigate pro...
Emme -- Supermodel Dismantles Unrealistic Beauty Ideals
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Known for over two decades as an iconic American supermodel and a two time "beautiful person" by "People" magazine, Emme is a trusted voice in the bea...
Kim Scott -- Author of Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want By Saying What You Mean
12 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Scott is the author of "Just Work" and "Radical Candor" and co-founder of a company that helps people put the ideas in her books into practice. Ki...
Jane Delury -- Author of HEDGE, a Gorgeous Book About Midlife Longing
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"A midlife landscape historian in an unhappy marriage, a handsome fellow scientist, a lost garden in the Hudson Valley....." Award winning author's ...
Janice Costa -- A Total Career Pivot, She Created Canine Camp Getaway
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Janice Costa is a lifelong dog lover who spent more than 30 years in the publishing field before trading corporate life for camp life with Canine Camp...
Carrie Jarosinski -- How Can We Make Our Lives Invigorating As We Age?
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Good health is a lot more than diet and exercise. Although we all would like a quick and easy program to attain good mental and physical health, achie...
MT Connelly -- Authored the Elder Justice Act, Champion of Restorative Justice
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is elder justice and why is it so important? And how does harm reduction play into keeping our elders safe from abuse? M. T. Connolly, is a Ma...
Debbie Weiss -- Surviving and Thriving After the Loss of a Loved One
08 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Loss of a loved one can turn our world upside down. How can we recover and how can we recreate ourselves without them in our lives? Debbie Weiss turne...
Dr. Greg Hammer -- Making Happiness and Resilience Accessible to All of Us
01 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our medical professionals are really suffering. Burnout is at new highs, causing serious problems including medical mistakes, addiction, depression an...
Ellie and Sandy -- Zestful Travelers and Media Stars
24 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us love to travel or dream of traveling now that we have more time. But imagine going around the world in 80 days at 81 years old with your be...
Michela Di Carlo -- Irreverent, Stylish and Decidedly Anti-Ageist
17 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michela Di Carlo is an award winning lifestyle journalist and a late bloomers' advocate. Founder and chief editor of the popular digital illustrated m...
Pinch Me! My Interview With Tennis Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When I received Gigi's newsletter talking about turning 60, I jumped at the chance to invite her to be a guest on the Zestful Aging Podcast. In additi...
Dr. Gaby Longsworth -- To Dye or Not to Dye
03 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I stopped dying years ago. The expense, the time, the toxic chemicals– just didn't seem worth it. And the gray streaks are fine with me, although th...
Dr. Patrick Hill -- How Does Your Personality Affect How You Age?
27 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how your personality affects how you age? Do some kinds of personalities age better than others? What is the effect of having a...
Sophie Poldermans -- Dedicates Her Life to Documenting the Experiences of Young Dutch Women Resistance Fighters in WWII (On location in Haarlem, Netherlands)
20 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many years ago, I interviewed Sophie Poldermans, author of "Seducing and Killing Nazis". Her book documented the experiences of three Dutch girls who ...
Gregg LeFevre -- Accomplished Artist and "Compulsive Storyteller"
13 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gregg LeFevre is a celebrated artist who has completed almost 200 public art commissions in the streets and sidewalks all over America and overseas. H...
Building a Beautiful Urinal for Boomers -- Dr. Valerie Ulene and Byrdie Lifson Pompan
06 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever noticed that the home medical equipment industry is outdated, ugly and more than a little depressing? Dr. Valerie Ulene and Byrdie Lifso...
The Grandmother Collective -- "Grandmothers Hold Up the World"
29 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a story about how your grandmother was an important part of your life? Many of us do. The importance of grandmothers can be seen all aroun...
Carl Landau -- Inspires 50-plus-year-olds How to Build Their (Un)retirement Good Life
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carl Landau was a niche magazine publisher / entrepreneur / event organizer. He launched and sold 5 national niche magazines and two shows: Computer L...
Heli Mende -- Why is Finland So Happy?
15 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You may have heard that Finland has been named the happiest country for 6 years in a row. What is their secret? And how can we learn from them? Heli M...
Michael Clinton -- Former President of Hearst Publications Asks "What Will You Do With the Rest of Your Life?"
08 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Clinton is the former president and publishing director of Hearst Publications, which includes Cosmopolitan, Esquire, O The Oprah Magazine, Re...
Julia Verdin -- Award-winning Director and Producer Tackles Homelessness
01 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Veteran filmmaker Julia Verdin is an accomplished producer and award-winning Director. She has established herself as one of Hollywood's leading indep...
Dana Griffin -- "Eldera is the Opposite of Eldercare"
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eldera is a health tech company built as a global platform for wisdom sharing and intergenerational connection. They are on a mission to unlock the ti...
Meg LaPorte -- Art Against Ageism
18 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Meg LaPorte co-created Art Against Ageism as an alliance and media platform for the purpose of identifying, amplifying, and creating artistic endeavor...
Alice Feiring -- Award Winning Wine Critic and Whistleblower
11 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's interview is with the "queen of natural wine", Alice Feiring. Among her many awards is the coveted James Beard Award for wine journalism. Alic...
Maria Teresa Ferretti -- Women's Brain Project and The Importance of Gender Medicine
04 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Maria Teresa Ferretti is a biomedical researcher, TED-x speaker, co-founder of the Women's Brain Project and breast cancer survivor. She spoke with us...
Anne Phinney -- Llamas and Love: Finding Your Way to Moose River Farm
25 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anne Phinney is a retired teacher who is living her dream in the Adirondacks. She runs Moose River Farm, where she introduces the public to her collec...
Randy Tessier -- "Geezer Happy Hour" Spreads Like Wildfire
18 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Randy Tessier is a 72 year old University of Michigan faculty member who organizes the "Geezer happy Hour" – a weekly rock and roll show where every...
Barbara Waxman -- What is "Middlescence" and Why Is It Important?
11 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do you call that murky time between the ages of 45 and 65? What if that time had its own name and we could understand it as a specific phase, wit...
Peggy Orenstein -- Her Brand New Book, "Unraveling", is Resonating With Us
04 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm thrilled to welcome back today's guest. Peggy Orenstein, a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and internationally recogn...
Catherine Owens -- How to Navigate the Confusion About Senior Living Decisions
28 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Owens is a nationally recognized Senior Living industry expert and has worked in a variety of roles in Senior Living including leadership, s...
Angela Mitchell Hill -- Not Your Run of the Mill Nail Salon
21 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Angela Mitchell Hill is an entrepreneur and the owner of Nashville Nails By Na'Sah's, a full service nail salon located in the Nashville International...
Traci Schubert Barrett -- It All Started with HGTV
14 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some of you may have heard of a little show called HGTV. Traci Schubert Barrett was one of the founding team members, but after thirty years of experi...
Chris Brickler -- How Virtual Reality is a Gamechanger for Elders
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the challenges of older adults is getting enough stimulation. To make things worse, we're all aware that COVID increased isolation, loneliness ...
Janet Reilly -- More Pickleball in the New Year, Please!
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Janet Reilly loves pickleball so much that she became a Pickleball Ambassador for Central New York. She sings its praises wherever she can. When she b...
Dr. Joshua Coleman -- The Pain of Parent/Child Estrangement
24 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Joshua Coleman is the foremost expert on parent/child estrangement. He's been on every media outlet you can think of--including Sesame Street! I t...
Dr. Bruce Dorr -- Those Weird Symptoms Could Be Menopause
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having odd health symptoms? This episode could help. Dr. Bruce Dorr is a leading expert in menopause and hormonal balancing. He helps women with their...