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 relatives and uncovered their family histories, and we’ll even dish out a few tips on how to plan yo...
Jul 08, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 240
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 element that was holding communities together: the wisdom of grandmothers. It’s like, duh, right? Gran...
Jul 01, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 239
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 and Shelly Emling from AARP about the incredible impact of social connections on our lives as we age...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min•Season 8Ep. 238
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 when we simply find ourselves craving meaningful connection again. We open up about our own experienc...
Jun 17, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 237
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 have left?' This inquiry opens the door to meaningful reflection on how we choose to live our lives as...
Jun 10, 2025•44 min•Season 8Ep. 236
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 why certain connections fade away while others endure. Through reflection on these experiences, we ...
Jun 03, 2025•24 min•Season 8Ep. 235
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 community feel these terms don’t just sound outdated—they carry a weight of dismissal, as if we’re bei...
May 27, 2025•19 min•Season 8Ep. 234
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 shares the concept of “luxury budget travel”—a smarter, more intentional way to experience the world wit...
May 20, 2025•45 min•Season 8Ep. 233
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 her surprising journey from aspiring opera singer to financial wellness advocate, and how rewriting ...
May 13, 2025•49 min•Season 8Ep. 232
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 head start. That’s why I invited John Cooper, a Certified Financial Planner, to join me on the show. Jo...
May 06, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 231
Takeaways: In our journey through aging, we possess the agency to prioritize our wellness, embracing the realities of our bodies while nurturing youthful attitudes. Wellness transcends mere physical health; it encompasses mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a profound sense of purpose that evolves as we age. As we navigate the complexities of our 60s, 70s, and 80s, it is essential to cultivate joyful activities that invigorate our spirits and enrich our lives. We must remain mindful of the...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min•Season 8Ep. 230
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 resistance and maintain muscle mass. Links referenced in this episode: For more information go to aarp....
Apr 22, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 229
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 social responsibility, culminating in his podcast 'Eat Better Food Today.' This episode not only hi...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 228
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, offer profound benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, I spoke with Mike W...
Apr 08, 2025•45 min•Season 8Ep. 227
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 vital it is to hold institutions accountable, especially in times of crisis. Sandy opens up about the em...
Apr 01, 2025•46 min•Season 8Ep. 226
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 Detroit Free Press , covering urban transformation in Detroit, as well as some world events. He was ...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 225
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 President of AAUW-SC and has been a member of AAUW since 1978. She told the historical story of the found...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min•Season 8Ep. 224
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, Wendy and Becky dive into the common fears and doubts that can hold us back as we get older—like the fea...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 223
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 Honnold. But Dierdre’s journey is about so much more than just scaling a mountain. It’s about defying expe...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 222
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, they are met with indifference by the next generation. This thoughtful inquiry naturally leads to a d...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min•Season 8Ep. 221
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 grandparenting. I share personal stories, insights from listeners, and strategies to help bridge the gap, no mat...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min•Season 8Ep. 220
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, both Wendy and Jessica emphasize the critical nature of self-awareness and recognizing the necessi...
Feb 11, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 219
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 upon the isolating effects of grief, as societal discomfort surrounding discussions of loss often le...
Feb 04, 2025•44 min•Season 8Ep. 218
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 promotional material for Medicare plans, often filled with technical jargon that can intimidate even the m...
Jan 28, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 217
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 financial terms but in the stories, values, and practical wisdom shared across generations. Green shares pe...
Jan 21, 2025•19 min•Season 8Ep. 216
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, a point that many retirees may not anticipate. Kubey explains the thresholds that trigger taxation o...
Jan 14, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 215
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 experiences with family emergencies and natural disasters, using these anecdotes to frame the broader di...
Jan 07, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 214
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, where a passion for working with children blossoms. This experience leads to the acquisition of a Kid...
Dec 17, 2024•38 min•Season 7Ep. 213
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 fostering a sense of belonging. Through inspiring stories and personal experiences, they highlight ho...
Dec 10, 2024•43 min•Season 7Ep. 212
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 profound opportunity for spiritual development and self-acceptance. Her latest work, "Spiritual Aging: ...
Dec 03, 2024•47 min•Season 7Ep. 211
