2025 is off and running, with both state and national politics being much different from anything we've seen before. To help us understand, political commentator and lobbyist Joe Stewart returns to the show to give his perspective on what has changed and what we might expect to see this year in Raleigh and Washington.

2025 brings a lot of change - even at AARP! Newly appointed volunteer State President of AARP NC kicks off the new year with a look into his background and his vision for engaging volunteers across the state.

The 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant application period has begun! In this episode, we speak to AARP's Mark Hensley about how this initiative has helped many North Carolina organizations make improvements to their communities and how your community could benefit in 2025.

Charity fraud is common after disasters and during the holiday season. But how common is fraud in NC, and how can you tell if a charity is legit? NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall returns to the show to explain it all.

Helen Mack's term as AARP NC State President may be coming to an end, but she leaves behind an incredible legacy. In this year-end special, we talk to Mack about her reflections on volunteerism, making an impact locally and across the country, and what is next for her.

Election Day has come and gone. What did North Carolina voters decide and how will it impact life in the state moving forward? Brian Lewis returns to the show to run through the results with an eye on how the state legislature and new Governor will work together.

AARP recently had a teletown hall with AARP members living in the counties most heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are going to share with you some moments from that program today, including some from Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of NC State Board of Elections.

Caregiving is one of the most important roles we may ever play in our lives – and it often comes very unexpectedly. In this episode, we speak with Mic Alexander, host of the podcast “Dear, Unexpected Caregiver” about how she is connecting caregivers and helping families meet the challenge.

Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. With many western counties having a large percentage of older adults, they were disproportionately affected. The NC Division on Aging joins us to talk about how older adults, including long term care facilities, fared the storm and how recovery for them is so important.

In 2022, 64% of the voter turnout in NC was people age 50+. In this year's election, they very well make the difference. AARP recently asked older voters in Charlotte what they want to be hearing from the candidates, and what issues are most important to them.