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Pediatrician Mark Vonnegut has spent nearly 40 years treating children for coughs, fevers, ear infections, and sometimes more serious medical conditions. Over that time, he has seen the U.S. health care system change in ways he couldn’t have imagined as a medical student. Some good, others not so much. But what hasn’t change over the span of his career is the commitment to his young patients, whose stories fill the pages of his new book, “The Heart of Caring.” In today’s episode, Dr. Vonnegut recounts some of the cases that have struck him over the years—and what he has learned from them—as well as the challenges he has encountered in the practice of medicine. He doesn’t pull any punches. He talks about the consequences of the privatization of health care and the skyrocketing costs of insurance and pharmaceuticals, and—as a self-described “refugee from mental illness,” he points out the barriers to mental health services. But along with his diagnosis of the health care establishment, he offers prescriptions for making the system better and more centered on what’s good for patients. Over the course of today’s conversation, Dr. Vonnegut, a second-time author, will take us along the journey of a career that is ultimately a love letter to his patients and his profession, with many heartbreaks, but also great hopes.

As with many challenges in life, having the right mindset is the key to success. And so it is with the process of aging. Understanding the mindset of seniors—not just at a clinical level—is vital to providing the services they need and ensuring that they live the best lives possible. But how do you know what seniors really want? What are they thinking at a deeper level and how do we ask questions that get to these answers? In today’s episode, Deanne O’Rear-Cameron, a personal development consultant, aging-in-place specialist and senior advocate, relates how her many experiences in the senior and health care fields have helped gain valuable insights into both the mindset of seniors, as well as the mindset of the culture that cares for them. Deanne, who serves as chair of the Las Vegas Senior Citizens Advisory Board, as well posts on multiple other councils and organizations, talks about how to teach seniors (and the rest of us) through a distinctive process of repetitive education—but repetition that’s fun, not just the same old dry information and advice. Share, care, and ask a lot of questions of seniors—and if you’re not sure what the answers are, ask again. Deanne’s approach teaches seniors how to be proactive about their life, rather than reactive. Not being prepared for getting older in life creates anxiety, but we can use motivating solutions to address the inevitable challenges of aging. If you want to be a dancer at 90, Deanne says, you need to be active in your 50s and 60s. And even as you get older and less active, you can enjoy things in a different way. You can go there in your mind; where the mind goes, the body follows, she says. Aging in place should always include mindset among its guiding principles. Indeed, the best anti-aging tool we have is our mind.

After two trying years, we appear to be making a fitful transition from a tumultuous pandemic to an almost normal endemic—at least for now. But what lessons have we really learned from this crisis? Do we have effective strategies to recover from the continuing impact on public health, or the economic and social disruption caused by COVID—especially as we get older and more vulnerable? Are we better prepared to handle future crises, whether natural disasters or man-made political conflicts now roiling across the world? In today’s episode, Linda Fostek, a best-selling author and crisis planning consultant, and Donald Patane, a veteran financial advisor, offer their collective wisdom on how to prepare for potential crises, as well as recover from them when they unavoidably land on us. Linda is the creator of a comprehensive crisis planning guide designed to help people protect their homes and loved ones from a range of disasters, from violent storms to cyber fraud. She helps families assemble customized “In Case of Emergency” toolkits to deal with the challenging “What ifs?” in life—and stop worrying about them. Don specializes in long-term financial planning for everyone from young newlyweds to older retirees, who now face the sudden impact of inflation. Often referring to himself as “a financial doctor who does house calls,” Don will talk about how he works with a network of professionals to help families create strategies to address needs (and potential crises) through every stage of life, from general investment and college planning to life insurance, long-term care and funeral pre-planning. And beyond individual preparedness, Linda and Don will talk also about how communities can come together in times of crisis, providing needed support recovery processes that often take longer than we ever thought.

Americans are a famously impatient people—young or old. Because achievement is so recognized and rewarded, many of us have become addicted to fast accomplishment and quick wins. We want to gain wealth or lose weight in 30 days. We press for change—faster, better, sooner—especially now, as we yearn to get past Covid and get back to normal life that feels like it’s taken too long. But impatience can often compound emotional stress and anxiety, impeding clear thinking and the resolution of tough problems. In today’s episode, psychologist, author and thought leader Dr. Andrea Gould-Marks talks not only about the virtues of patience, but how to cultivate the practical skills of patience-building. Andrea is the co-author of a series of short, use-friendly booklets she calls “Relief-lets”—guides designed to provide soothing guidance during these times of turmoil. In her newly published “Patience and Possibility,” she provides insights into the mindset of patience; the methodology of developing better relationships and listening skills though patience; and what she calls “the paradox of patience”—slowing down your system, which may seem to take you off track, but actually affords you the time and flexibility to make the choices needed to weather unpredictable circumstances. And, in moments of our frustration, Andrea offers some practical ways to manage our experiences of time, making choices as to how to spend it wisely, rather than chafing with impatience.

Many aging experts become focused on the field of gerontology when they become, well, older. Not so with Carly Roman. Carly’s interest was first piqued as a high school student on Long Island, when she founded a local chapter of GlamourGals, a national group that provides free makeup and manicures, in addition to social connection, for older adults. Through her undergraduate and graduate education, culminating with a PhD degree at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Carly founded two more local chapters of GlamourGals—and along the way has broadened her compassion for seniors into a passion for developing pragmatic programs that benefit older adults and those who support them. In today’s episode, Carly, currently the Innovation Manager at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in southern California, will talk about her core philosophy of “positive psychology”—shedding light on the positive aspects of aging—and “generativity,” the feeling of meaningfully contributing to another person’s well-being—as well as yourself. In her current position, she focuses on strategies to provide health and wellness, social services, and programs for working and retired members of the entertainment industry. More broadly, she is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to ensure that older adults have opportunities to feel valued and stay socially connected through intergenerational programs. Drawing from her varied experiences, including those through the National Science Foundation, the Archstone Foundation and Dorot, Carly will talk about her vision for an age-integrative, rather than age-segregated society. How do we change our age “silos” to create enriching experiences for all ages? How do we shift resources to deal with the reality of people living longer, reconciling the desire for independence above all, while still being safe? And how do we paint a more realistic picture of the aging process? Not that age doesn’t matter, but that people should be valued, first, for their achievement, so that we no longer find ourselves saying, “Well, that’s really amazing—for someone their age!”

America has become a “foodie” nation, with a constant stream of information and debate about diets and nutrition, the latest studies, opinions and prescriptions about what we should be eating—or not. In today’s episode, nutritionist and dietician Alexandra Cerone takes a holistic, common-sense and refreshingly non-judgmental approach to not only what we eat, but how we eat every day–what she calls “Mindful, or Intuitive Eating.” Of course, healthy eating does involve food choices, and Alexandra will talk about some of the basics of an anti-inflammatory diet, the research behind the benefits of foods like complex carbs, fats, various protein sources and daily products. But she’ll also talk about the psychological underpinnings of nutrition, how the foods we eat impact the way we feel, and the importance of thoroughly appreciating our meals, eliminating distractions and engaging all our senses. Ali will offer practical tips on creating good food habits, from portion control to managing snack cravings and safe food shopping, whether you’re buying organic or searching for good-quality vitamins and supplements.

If you’re downsizing your lifestyle, or retiring and moving to a new community—or simply trying clear out clutter to give yourself some breathing space—you’ve probably wondered if there are unseen treasures amid all the stuff you’ve collected over the years. Well, then, you should meet Keith Allibone. The owner of Good’s Vintage & Antiques, Keith got his first lessons in the trade from his father, a lifelong antiques expert who dragged him to flea markets in the early mornings of his youth. After initial forays into a few other businesses, Keith gradually forged his own path by scouring flea markets himself—as well as moving sales, auctions, sidewalk and yard sales, scrapyards, and cluttered houses—perhaps like yours. In today’s episode, Keith will talk about how he searches for the “diamonds in the rough,” whether vintage watches or fine, hand-crafted furniture from another era. He’ll share encounters with some memorable customers, and stories of unique pieces with equally unique histories. He’ll also offer advice and organizing strategies for homeowners, to help separate pieces of value from the merely pedestrian, what’s worth keeping or selling, and what you should donate or just throw away. And last, he’ll offer his perspective on how the online world is reshaping the antiques business, and what it means for both buyers and sellers, all those captivated by the financial and emotional rewards of treasure-hunting.

Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts believe that we are transitioning into an endemic, headed—hopefully—toward more normal times. And yet, we’re still at a loss; we’re confused. Where are we with CDC recommendations? When should we be wearing masks? What’s the latest advice about vaccines and boosters? Second boosters? The development of other treatments? In today’s episode, Dr. Frances Santiago-Schwarz, a distinguished biomedical scientist and educator, will offer an incisive, yet accessible, guide to understanding the incredibly complex story of COVID-19. What do we know, what don’t we know, and why is it important? Throughout her career, Dr. Santiago-Schwarz has focused on creating programs, courses and professional partnerships and alliances designed to empower people from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge they need to make health-care decisions. Today, she will unravel the immunopathology of COVID19, giving us the big picture about variants emerging worldwide; providing answers to frequently asked questions about how viruses spread and mutate, and when these mutations make a difference. Dr. Santiago-Schwarz will also provide a basic primer on how vaccines, antibodies and other components in our immune system combat the viruses. And looking ahead, she will offer her perspective on potential new treatments for COVID, and what strategies we need to stop the virus worldwide, noting that “No one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Almost two years into this shapeshifting pandemic,the disruption of our daily lives seems to be finally easing—and yet, we still feel anxious and stressed out, dealing with cumulative impact of the virus on so many aspects of our lives. How do we move forward, when we worry that the eventual New Normal may result in a more subdued and uncertain life? In today’s episode, Lesa Kingsbury, the director of the Amba Yoga Center, and Ken Taub, a writer grounded in Eastern philosophy who also leads meditation workshops, will talk about how aspects of these practices can help us deal with life’s anxieties, feelings of isolation and fear—made all the more prevalent in these uncertain times. Lesa and Ken will speak about breathing techniques, how to stay present with one's emotions, quietly aware of how they change moment to moment, rather than being perpetually reactive. Each will offer their approaches to taking unique moments of time to focus on life’s important details that we often miss when we’re consumed by multi-tasking and whipsawed by the daily overload of news and information. They’ll reflect, too, on the power of “stillness” (anathema to American culture!), and how it can be restorative, healing—a great form of re-balancing in very out-of-balance times. Ken and Lesa will offer their perspective on practical routines that we can integrate into a less-rushed life, from stretching, to walks outdoors, spending time in nature, or simply closing one's eyes for several minutes. They’ll also offer their perspective on the approaches of other experts in field of mindfulness, stress reduction and relaxation—an arena that has exploded in recent years, entering the mainstream of health, medicine and business sectors. And yes, as part of this Valentine’s Day episode, Ken and Lesa (who are husband and wife) will offer their thoughts about how they have remained mindful of love and relationships—not only in a Time of Covid, but over a lifetime.

They met through social media—as seniors, not millennials. Holly Gordon, a fine arts and documentary photographer, and Ward Hooper, a watercolor painter, were introduced by a writer and mutual friend, who noticed distinctive similarities in the work of the two artists, who shared a mutual affinity for color and light. When Holly met Ward, the two immediately connected as artists, and soon became close friends, meeting regularly and visiting local places that inspired their individual creativity. And the rest is history—still in the making. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the remarkable stories of Holly and Ward, how their lives serendipitously intertwined, resulting in an unusual collaboration of exhibitions, presentations, projects and a book that combined their two works, “Parallel Perspectives: The Brush/Lens Collaboration.” Holly, a multi-faceted artist and long-time teacher, will describe her innovative use of technology to create photographs that look,at first glance, like paintings made by a brush, a process she calls “photo-liminalism.” She’ll talk about how she has joined a growing contemporary artistic and social movement known as “techspressionism,” an approach in which technology is utilized as a means to express emotional experience. Ward, for his part, will talk about the dramatic resurgence of work through his collaboration with Holly—and his use of technology as a means of teaching and sharing art to new generations. Theirs is a story of resilience; the daily pursuit of creativity as a life-affirming force; and the steadfast advocacy for the arts as a means of engaging and inspiring humanity, no matter what our age. As Holly puts it simply: “Art is a wonder drug.”