45 Forward

Original broadcast date: 2024-03-25.
As we close out Women's History Month, we talk with the Hon. Gail Prudenti, who reflects on her continually ground-breaking career as a distinguished jurist, law school dean and now partner of a boutique New York law firm. Judge Prudenti was the first woman to hold a number of judicial posts in New York State, including the Presiding Justice of the Appellate for the Second Judicial Department. Subsequently, she serves as New York's Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts, supervising the operation of the statewide court system, with 3,600 state and local judges and 15,000 non-judicial employees. Judge Prudenti will assess the challenges older women have faced in the workforce, especially the courts. She'll describe her dynamic tenure as dean of Hofstra University's Maurice A Deane School of Law, spearheading its 50th anniversary celebration and her multi-faceted efforts to strengthen the school. And she'll discuss how her wide range of experiences in the legal system has shaped her perspective over the years, and the importance of the public confidence in the courts and other public institutions.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-168/

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Original broadcast date: 2024-08-26.
We know that exercise is an essential factor in maintaining our health and overall well-being—and it's no less important as we get older. But often with age comes pain, the result of accidents, injuries, physical labor or the toll of daily wear and tear on our bodies. So how do we make sure to keep movement in our lives? In today's episode, I talk with Ahmed Ahmed, a personal trainer and founder of Lotus Fitness, who specializes in helping older adults overcome pain through gentle strength-building and exercise. Ahmed works with people of all ages who have varying goals: grandmothers who want to be able to walk on the beach with their family without any issues; working professionals who want more energy to tackle their day; and people with sensitive conditions, like recovering from car accidents, arthritis or knee replacements. Ahmed will describe his data-driven approach to help people understand what's going on with their bodies and what exercises they need to get them where they want to be, so they can spend time with their grandkids, make the most of their retirement, and do all of the activities they enjoy in life. Exercise is more than movement, says Ahmed. It has the ability to change your life.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-190/

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Original broadcast date: 2025-02-19.
 As we move through our fast-paced lives, year after year, trying to juggle personal, family and work demands, we inevitably face a pointed question: Has my life been a success? We'd like to think so, but how would we define success? And how would we achieve it—especially when we often find ourselves buffeted by unexpected circumstances, feeling out of balance and unfulfilled? In today's episode, I talk with Sal LaGreca and Michael Mannix, co-founders of Unparalleled Performance and co-authors of "The 5Ls,"  who will take us on a pathway to personal and professional success. What are these 5 Ls, the quintessential elements of success? Love, Laughter, Labor, Leisure and Leave--together. Drawing on their combined 70+ years of work and life experiences, along with the wisdom of a roster of successful individuals, Sal and Mike tell the story behind the 5 Ls and unpack simple, but powerful, real-life learning lessons and tools that have helped individuals from all walks and stages in their life. And they'll describe the wellness programs and services offered by their leadership company, Unparalleled Performance, which focuses on helping people achieve the balance they need to change their lives for the better. About the guests:   Sal LaGreca is Co-Founder of Unparalleled Performance and Co-Author of the "5Ls: The Gift of a Balanced Life."  Sal brings over 40 years of executive leadership from billion-dollar global businesses to middle market companies and start-ups. He was the Executive in Residence at St. John's University and is a member of the Advisory Board of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John's University. The "5Ls" is Sal's brainchild. After being admitted to the partnership at KPMG, he attended, at the request of the firm, a Harvard University Executive Leadership Program with some of the top global business leaders focusing on the key components for success in business. This experience ignited the thought process for Sal that would lead him to the creation of the 5Ls program.    Michael Mannix is Co-Founder of Unparalleled Performance and Co-Author of the "5Ls: The Gift of a Balanced Life."  Michael brings 30+ years of business experience spanning multiple industries, advancing to become an Executive Board Member of a Global BPO organization. He has a track record of proven success as a Strategic Operations and Business Development Leader, generating up to 100% in revenue growth, expanding market presence, and driving operational efficiencies that deliver dramatic gains in profitability. Throughout his career, Mike has always taken a "Servant Leader" approach. Combined with his passion for teaching, this methodology has enabled teams to continuously exceed their goals, creating a strong legacy of industry top talent. Beyond his 21+ years of creating and delivering impactful training programs in the corporate arena, he also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at New York University. In the collegiate space, he develops and administers classes in leadership, management, strategic planning, team building, and business development. He currently teaches at various levels including undergraduate, graduate, career professionals, the NYU High School Academy and NYUSPS Aspire—a scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented communities who will be first-generation college students.    
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-215/

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Original broadcast date: 2024-12-16.
Several years ago, as Scott Fisher and Ben Green approached their 70th birthdays, the challenges of aging loomed large for these two lifelong friends. Scott, an organizational psychologist, and Ben, a psychoanalyst, were curious about what kept some elders going strong while others lost interest or drive, or both. And they were determined to learn as much as possible about how to make their own elder years as purposeful and fulfilling as possible. In today's episode—the third appearance for Scott and Ben on 45 Forward—we'll be deepening our discussion about their intriguing, recently published book, "The Aging Wisely Project." In our previous episodes, the co-authors expanded on a number of their major concepts, particularly the emergence of a new, distinct developmental stage of elderhood, which they call "Elder Identity Revision." They talked about the critical psychological tasks we face during this period, such as dealing with the loss of control in our lives, as well as some of the skills and attitudes (they call them "Healthy Habits") we need to strengthen to address these challenges. Even as Scott and Ben have launched their book, they've discovered a somewhat unexpected, and heartening response from their readers, which they'll reveal in today's conversation. They call it the "Growth Mindset": a welcome feeling of optimism—that is, amid the inevitable setbacks in our later years, people can continue feel a renewed sense of hope and expectations for improved health and happiness—a meaningful, well-lived life, all the way through our elderhood.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-206/

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Archive episode date: June 7, 2021. Source audio release date: June 7, 2021.
When we plan for our later years, most of us consider factors like health, housing, financial security, lifestyle and caregiving, but we tend of overlook one distinct possibility: What if end up aging alone? Recent studies have found that between 30 and 35% of older adults in the U.S. are expected to age alone within the next decade. About 45% of older women will find themselves aging solo. Many of these "elder orphans" have no assistance in making financial decisions, no designated caregiver, little access to transportation, and no help in times of crisis. In today's episode, host Ron Roel talks with Carol Marak, one of the nation's premier experts in solo aging, about how to plan a safe and independent older life — even without family. Drawing initially from the experiences taking care of her parents, Carol created her own plan for self-care, self-reliance, and creating a family-like community; now she teaches other solo adults how to do the same. Carol will explain how to avoid some of the potential adverse effects of aging alone; describe specific ways to map out a solo aging plan; and how to access unique resources, such as her Group Coaching Support services and Elder Orphan Facebook Group. The ultimate goal: Helping people build the kind of strong support system they'll need to solo age with confidence.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-22/

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Archive episode date: September 6, 2021. Source audio release date: June 7, 2021. Encore presentation of the recording also featured in episode 22.
When we plan for our later years, most of us consider factors like health, housing, financial security, lifestyle and caregiving, but we tend of overlook one distinct possibility: What if end up aging alone? Recent studies have found that between 30 and 35% of older adults in the U.S. are expected to age alone within the next decade. About 45% of older women will find themselves aging solo. Many of these "elder orphans" have no assistance in making financial decisions, no designated caregiver, little access to transportation, and no help in times of crisis. In today's episode, host Ron Roel talks with Carol Marak, one of the nation's premier experts in solo aging, about how to plan a safe and independent older life — even without family. Drawing initially from the experiences taking care of her parents, Carol created her own plan for self-care, self-reliance, and creating a family-like community; now she teaches other solo adults how to do the same. Carol will explain how to avoid some of the potential adverse effects of aging alone; describe specific ways to map out a solo aging plan; and how to access unique resources, such as her Group Coaching Support services and Elder Orphan Facebook Group. The ultimate goal: Helping people build the kind of strong support system they'll need to solo age with confidence.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-35/

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Want more choices as you age? Start the long-term care conversation before a crisis makes the decisions for you. Ron Roel talks with care advocate and LTCareNav founder Lindsay Friedman about preparing for future care needs and helping families find a way forward.
Lindsay explains why planning can feel difficult, how families can begin sensitive conversations, and why understanding available options early can make a difference when circumstances change.
This episode explores:
• Starting conversations about aging and long-term care
• Understanding care options and planning for support
• Navigating the financial and practical questions families face
• Finding guidance and resources before a crisis
A practical conversation about planning ahead while preserving choice, independence, and family connection.

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What does compassionate care look like when a family is navigating serious mental illness? Ron Roel speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Bassuk and her son, Daniel Schoonover, about their memoir, Between Two Worlds: A Psychiatrist and Her Son's Quest for Compassionate Care.
Together, they share a personal account of facing a difficult mental health system, searching for effective support, and finding a path toward greater independence. Their conversation brings attention to family caregivers whose experiences are often overlooked.
This episode explores:
• A mother and son's perspectives on mental illness and caregiving
• The barriers families encounter in the mental health system
• The importance of compassionate, recovery-oriented support
• Building a treatment team and a life beyond a diagnosis
A conversation about dignity, persistence, and the relationships that make meaningful support possible.

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What if the greatest barriers to independence are built into everyday life? Ron Roel welcomes Mary Keating, a lawyer, disability advocate, poet, and author of Recalibrating Gravity, for a conversation about access, identity, and living fully.
After a car accident at fifteen left her paralyzed, Mary built a life that challenges assumptions about disability. Her memoir in verse offers a personal perspective on the practical barriers and human experiences that too often go unseen.
This episode explores:
• How accessibility shapes everyday freedom and independence
• Challenging assumptions about people with disabilities
• The experiences behind Recalibrating Gravity
• Advocating for access and inclusion
An honest conversation about recognizing disability as part of human life and making room for everyone to participate.

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How can families move from feeling overwhelmed by caregiving to leading care with confidence and compassion? Ron Roel talks with Mark Wilson, author of Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care: A Guide to Finding Courage, Longevity, and Joy on the Journey, about a practical approach to supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.
Drawing on personal experience, Mark explores the shift from caregiver to care leader and the importance of building a team rather than trying to do everything alone.
This episode explores:
• What it means to become a care leader
• Building and guiding a supportive care team
• Bringing compassion and purpose to difficult caregiving moments
• Finding resources and support for the journey
A conversation about helping families approach Alzheimer's care with greater clarity, connection, and confidence.

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