The program introduces three new classes at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Bob Hofkin will teach contra dancing at a satellite location in Cactus Valley, emphasizing its social and inclusive nature. Stacey Boyle will educate on Bitcoin, focusing on its conceptual understanding and potential for generational wealth, with a field trip to use Bitcoin for purchases. Pat Thorn will explore the 1950s, covering post-WWII changes, the rise of rock and roll, and significant cultural eve...
Jun 07, 2026•29 min•Ep. 17
Program Overview Focus on OLLI is a KU NV 91.5 FM radio program spotlighting the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, which offers diverse, non-credit classes for retired and semi-retired adults. Supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI features courses in art, health, music, technology, current events, and more. This episode highlights instructors Sonia Feldberg , Linda Edgeworth , and Beth Davis , who enrich their classes with guest speakers from the Las Vegas community and...
May 03, 2026•29 min•Ep. 16
Keith McMillen hosts a discussion with Susan Merritt and Niels Clyde, both long-time instructors at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Susan, who has taught 12 different classes over nine years, enjoys creating diverse courses, such as self-defense, antique maps, and the history of breakfast foods. Niels, who has been teaching ukulele since 2012, emphasizes the cognitive benefits of playing stringed instruments and has performed at various events. Both instructors highlight the dep...
Apr 05, 2026•27 min•Ep. 15
Host Keith McMillen announces a new podcast titled "Boomers and Zoomers," featuring intergenerational discussions between OLLI members (boomers) and UNLV students (Zoomers). The podcast aims to explore diverse topics such as music, film, and societal changes. Blaine Benedict and Chris Salinas, key contributors, share their experiences and the inspiration behind the podcast, which will debut in March. The initiative seeks to foster understanding and engagement between different age groups.
Mar 01, 2026•28 min•Ep. 14
The OLLI program at UNLV offers nearly 100 classes across various subjects, including art appreciation, game playing, health and wellness, music and theater, technology, and personal development. These classes are available at the main location on Maryland Avenue and nine satellite locations across Las Vegas and Henderson. The program is supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Two instructors, Mel Lazarus and Fran Smith, discussed their satellite classes: Mel's "Fabulous 50s" class at the Ali...
Feb 01, 2026•28 min•Ep. 13
Keith McMillen introduces the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. He welcomes three guest speakers: Andy Isaacs, Judd Hodgson, and Bernard Schwartz. Andi Isaacs will teach "Hollywood Lessons and Logistics," sharing her 30-year Hollywood career. Judd Hodgson will explore AI, focusing on hallucinations and practical applications. Bernie Schwartz will discuss famous athletes and the law, examining cases like OJ Simpson and Kobe Bryant. The pr...
Jan 04, 2026•25 min•Ep. 12
This episode discusses changes at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Dr. Nicole Hudson, the new Executive Director, highlights her background in online education and workforce development. The rebranding to UNLV Lifelong Learning aims to support learning at all life stages. OLLI members will have more opportunities to engage with the university, including mentoring students and teaching classes. The LiFE framework (Learning, Innovation, Flexibility, Empowerment) will guide these in...
Dec 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 11
The program at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) engages retired and semi-retired individuals in civic activities and lifelong learning, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Nursing and nutrition students from UNLV interact with OLLI members to learn about healthy, active aging. Nursing students gain exposure to healthy older adults, while nutrition students present research on functional foods and diets like the Mediterranean diet. OLLI members are active, competitive, and c...
Nov 02, 2025•25 min•Ep. 10
The OLLI program at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers lifelong learning and social activities for retired individuals. The program features various game classes, including Frank Daveo's recreational card playing, Esther Shube's Asian Mahjong, and Susan Waldman's American Mahjong. Frank's class, which started in 2017, averages 30 participants, while Esther's class has grown from a small SIG to a formal course. Susan's American Mahjong class caters to both beginners and exper...
Oct 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 9
The OLLI program at UNLV, funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers lifelong learning opportunities for retired individuals. The program features classes on food, wine, and tobacco, taught by experts like Tori Kolinsky, Ken Moser, and Fred Amodeo. Kolinsky teaches wine classes, Moser offers healthy cooking classes using air fryers, and Amadeo instructs on cigars. They discuss the importance of food and wine pairing, the impact of climate change on wine production, and the versatility of cig...
Sep 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 8
The OLLI program at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers a variety of classes for retired or semi-retired individuals, including sports and fitness classes. Doug Verb's sports business class has grown to 70 participants, while Esther Schube and Anne Mason lead popular pickleball sessions. Beth Davis' upcoming "Speak to the Sport" class will feature various sports executives and coaches. The program also includes hybrid classes and collaborations with other Osher Institutes. Th...
Aug 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 7
The program highlights the Bernard Osher Foundation-supported Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Guests Bruce Ewing, Danielle Hartnett, and Blaine Benedict discuss their experiences with the OLLI program. Bruce Ewing, a musical theater enthusiast, shares his journey into theater and organizes Broadway trips. Danielle Hartnett, a film expert, emphasizes the historical significance of cinema and teaches diverse film classes. Blaine Benedict, a former gaming executive, values OLLI for its intellect...
Jul 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 6
The OLLI program at UNLV, funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers lifelong learning opportunities for retired individuals. Ed Ort, an instructor, discusses the variety of history-related classes, including 15 in the last semester. Wayne Rohrbaugh, an instructor, shares his passion for the American Civil War, debunking misconceptions like the South winning many battles. Noell Everhart talks about her class on major historical events, including the Boston molasses flood. Tony Kouffman, a lo...
Jun 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 5
The OLLI program at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers lifelong learning opportunities for retired individuals. Art classes are particularly popular, with offerings like diamond painting, watercolor, and photography. Teachers like Rita Ballejos and Teri Malburg emphasize the hands-on, therapeutic aspects of art. The program also includes a community-wide creative writing project titled "Make Good Trouble," which invites contributions on aging experiences. The deadline for su...
May 04, 2025•28 min•Ep. 4
The "Focus on Olli" podcast discusses the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, which offers health-related classes for retired or semi-retired individuals. Dr. Carolyn Yucha, a retired nurse with a PhD in physiology, teaches anatomy and physiology, emphasizing aging effects on the body. Dan Mysliborski, an OLLI instructor and student, shares his experiences with meditation and Alzheimer's classes. Selene Pulido, a doctoral student, will lead a movement class series during the OLLI b...
Apr 06, 2025•18 min•Ep. 3
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers a variety of music-focused courses, including jazz appreciation, guitar, and ukulele. Sonia Feldberg, a jazz appreciation instructor, and Chadwick Johnson, a guest speaker, discussed the program's emphasis on improvisation and the integration of diverse music styles. Diane Haworth, a ukulele workshop participant, highlighted the instrument's cognitive benefits and the progression from beginner to...
Mar 02, 2025•26 min•Ep. 2
The OLLI program at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers lifelong learning opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals. The program features a variety of classes, including a popular speaker series called Soapbox, which will be offered both live and online for the first time this spring. Soapbox hosts prominent community figures and covers topics like media integrity and mass deportations. The program also collaborates with organizations on brain health initiatives,...
Feb 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1
