Episode 22 Chewing the Fat with Hugh Mackay

Canberra-based social psychologist and researcher, and the bestselling author of 22 books, including eight novels. His latest book, The Kindness Revolution, was published in 2021.

Hugh Mackay has had a 60-year career in social research and was also a weekly newspaper columnist for over 25 years. He is currently an honorary professor in the Research School of Psychology at ANU and a patron of the Asylum Seekers Centre. Among other honorary appointments, he has been deputy chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts, the inaugural chairman of the ACT government’s Community Inclusion Board and an honorary professor at Macquarie, Wollongong and Charles Sturt universities.

Hugh is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and the Royal Society of NSW. In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, he has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie, NSW, Western Sydney and Wollongong universities. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015.

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**Disclaimer : This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Episode 21 Alzheimer’s – Reversible? Preventable?

Julia Willoughby has been following the diet and protocol of the international neurologist Dr Dale Bredesen. Julia was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment - with symptoms of disorientation, memory loss and some confusion.

This is a diagnosis that frequently develops into Alzheimer’s especially with the genes of APO4 of which Julia has 2. As Julia has a family history of Alzheimer’s on both her maternal and fraternal side she was really concerned.

Until recently, if that happened there was nothing much to be done as was the case with her mother, uncle and aunt and according to a neurologist she saw.

However, fortunately Julia was introduced to the Bredeson program which she followed with the help of a trained doctor for several years and significantly improved.

When Julia slackened off with the program, then the symptoms re-appeared. Julia was fortunate to find Dr Sarah Stephens in Canberra who helped her get back on track.

Julia is determined to manage and resist the disease far as possible and generously shares her journey with us along with the success she is having.

Julia encourages anyone interested in this great program to seek the appropriate medical attention which is now possible in Australia.

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**Disclaimer : This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Barbara Slotemaker De Bruine

Barbara is an incredible example of inspiration, motivation and contribution. A great squash player who has given much back to the squash community.

Barbara was National Coaching Director from 1988 to 1992. She became Australian Coach of the Year in 1993 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Squash Australia in 2010 for her services to squash over 50 years.

On the court, Barbara reached number three in Australia, she represented Australia on three occasions and was part of the first-ever team to beat England.

Barbara has published her book The Golden Years of Australian Women's Squash, which records the history of squash from 1954 to 2010, including Australia's undefeated effort as a team from 1964 to 1980.

Barbara is acknowledged for her exceptional service and commitment to squash as a player, administrator and coach in Australia. Her passion and commitment to squash helped Australia create history on the world stage as well as teaching the next generation of squash players including former world no.4 Stewart Boswell.

Sponsors: Thanks to PrimeLife Partners

**Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Episode 19 It Takes Two To Tango

We meet David Haines and Joy Donovan who share their love of tango dancing with us.

Tango is a sensual partner dance originating from Argentina and Uruguay, characterized by strong movements, low centre of gravity, and improvisation. People enjoy tango for various reasons including: emotional expression; physical challenge; social connection; music and rhythm and the creative expression it offers.

The combination of passion, physicality, and connection makes tango a captivating and enjoyable dance style for many.

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**Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Episode 18 Engaging with Aging – Dr Anne Ring

Anne Ring is an 80-year-old health sociologist who also has degrees in psychology and anthropology, and whose understanding of ageing matters comes from extensive experience both professionally and personally. Her PhD thesis in health sociology looked at 50 years of health, body image and ageing issues as they were presented in the popular media, and since then she's continued writing extensively and being "old and happy about it".

Most of us resist addressing the realities of aging and dying, despite the wealth of evidence that satisfaction and serenity in late life are grounded in exactly that. Dr Anne Ring meticulously researched aging and she willingly shares her wide-ranging knowledge of the science and stories about the positives and pitfalls of growing old.

Sponsors: Thanks to PrimeLife Partners

**Disclaimer : This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

After a whirlwind of careers and life adventures, Helen’s life path has led her to where her heart has always belonged - in and among nature's gardens.

For Helen, gardens are a place of sanctuary. After years of reaffirming this in her own life, she’s wanted nothing more than to offer the gift of sanctuary, play and building biodiversity in the gardens of others.

The peaceful act of observation teaches us so much about nature's capacity and wonders. Just sitting amongst the soil, under the trees, watching the birds and insects brings such joy.

This is the life-giving joy that Helen shares with us.

Sponsors: Thanks to PrimeLife Partners

**Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Episode 16 Knitting Nannas – Game on for Grannys

Jos van der Moolen from Knitting Nannas shares how this group of engaged optimists is in action. Knitting Nannas is an international disorganisation where people come together to ensure that our land, air and water are preserved for our children and grandchildren.

They sit, knit, plot, have a yarn and a cuppa, and bear witness to the war against the greedy, short-sighted corporations that are trying to rape our land and divide our communities.

Knitting Nannas happily support other anti-greed groups at their protests and meetings, or online. They are non-party political. They annoy all politicians equally.

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**Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Episode 15 Lette’s Talk – Kneecap Them with Humour

A great chat with Australian author and comedian Kathy Lette. Her humorous and insightful writings and quips on women’s lives, relationships and aging encourage us to be bold and beautiful.

Sponsors: Thanks to PrimeLife Partners

**Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not intended to replace professional advice.

Myron Mykytiuch is our guest today as we discuss spirituality.

Spirituality plays a vital role inn promoting over-all well-being, life satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment. It helps us understand our place in the world giving a sense of direction and significance

Kristen Sutcliffe, senior audiologist and bassoonist with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra talks with us about the importance of hearing.

Hearing is incredibly important as we age. It plays a crucial role in maintaining our cognitive function, social connections and overall quality of life.

As we get older hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression and even an increased risk of dementia.