Boomer Banter, Caregiving, Purpose, Connection

Get ready to flip the script on retirement with Wendy Green and Ida Abbott!

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone pondering the big retirement question: when is the right time to pull the plug on the daily grind? The conversation flows like a good cup of coffee as they explore the emotional and practical sides of retirement.

Ida, a seasoned pro in mentoring and talent management, shares that retirement isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a life design challenge. She guides us through her unique design principles that help you figure out how to create a fulfilling post-work life. From empathy to prototyping your future, Ida's approach is all about helping you uncover what truly matters to you. Plus, they dive into the importance of community and connection during this transition.

Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you’re already in the thick of it, this episode is your friendly reminder that retirement can be a magical time of reinvention and joy. So, tune in, take notes, and get ready to design a retirement that’s as fabulous as you are!

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Wendy Green is a Certified Life Coach, working with people going through the

sometimes uncomfortable life transition from full-time work to “what’s next.”

This episode is all about finding connection and compassion in today's chaotic world. Wendy and Tony explore the importance of community and how it can transform lives, especially during tough times. They reflect on their own journeys and how they found their paths toward service and social justice. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the significance of understanding and embracing our differences, while also celebrating what we have in common. As they discuss the challenges of isolation and fear, they encourage listeners to step up, speak out, and be active participants in their communities. It's a lively conversation filled with laughs, insights, and a call to action for everyone to get involved and foster a sense of belonging.

Goose is a retired USAF Colonel, who has led many commands during his 30 years in the military. His talk is about an extraordinary mission that took place in Saudi Arabia where he had to bring together 35 different commands and unify them. As you hear his story, you will hear his respect and passion for the soldiers under his command. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wendy-green9/support Memorial Day brings out the best in us, and this week, we're diving deep into the significance of the day with our guest, Dr. Keith Goose Moncrief, a retired Colonel from the US Air Force. We kick off the show with some heartfelt words about honoring those who gave their lives for our safety and freedom. At the same time, we don’t forget to give a shout-out to all the essential workers keeping things running smoothly during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic. As we transition into Goose's story, he shares his journey from the Air Force to the civilian world, emphasizing the importance of community. He reflects on the many memorials he's visited, the emotional weight they carry, and how they remind us of the sacrifices made for our country. Goose doesn’t just talk about the past; he brings it to life through personal anecdotes and experiences from his military career, illustrating the shared humanity behind the uniform. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of nostalgia, Goose shows us that while we may have our differences, there’s a lot that binds us together. So grab a comfy chair, kick back, and join us as we explore this meaningful conversation about service, sacrifice, and community spirit. Let's make this Memorial Day one to remember!

Hey there, folks! Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of what it means to be a boomer and why sharing our stories matters now more than ever. Wendy Green kicks things off by introducing her vision for the podcast, where we chat across generations to build understanding and connection. She shares her own journey—from navigating a tough divorce to finding purpose in going back to school—and how the support of her community helped her rise above challenges. We’re all about learning from each other, so stick around as we explore the wisdom of experience and the zest of youth. Let’s get this conversation rolling because every story counts!

I got the idea for Hey, Boomer after being laid off from my job at the start of the pandemic. The name is a play on the derogatory "Ok, Boomer" and the intent is to build a bridge between generations, featuring stories told by members of the Baby Boom generation. I look to start meaningful conversations across generations. ---

My good friend, Joni Adrian Krafft, retired from the CIA after 33 years, went to work in the public sector for several years, studied to be a life coach, and raised 2 amazing children. Her journey from diagnosis of breast cancer through her treatment and recovery, brought her the most meaningful life lessons that she shares with us in this video.

In addition, the day before we recorded this, a very dear friend of hers, a dragon boat team member, passed away from metastatic breast cancer. At the end of our conversation, we will hear a beautiful musical and poetic recording celebrating all the brave survivors on the dragon boat team. Please stay for that.

Today, we're diving into the wild ride of reinvention! Alan takes us through his life story, full of twists and turns that remind us all that it's never too late to change gears. From his early days in a small coastal town to navigating the challenges of family, careers, and even some unexpected bumps in the road, his journey is all about finding purpose and connection. We chat about how important it is to have guides along the way—those folks who help us see the way when the path gets a bit foggy. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us as we explore how dreams don’t have deadlines, and life’s all about those meaningful conversations.

This is a story of overcoming setbacks, both early in life, and after 50. Rebounding from a setback is not as difficult when you are in your 20's or 30's. But what happens when you are over 50 and your career is pulled out from under you? How do you rebound and reinvent yourself? Alan Harry will talk to us about how this happened to him and how he has come back.

Today, we’re diving into the world of children's literature with the amazing Kate Sally Palmer. She’s gone from being a political cartoonist to crafting delightful stories for kids, all while weaving in the rich history of South Carolina. We’ll chat about her favorite childhood books and how they inspire her work, plus some of the fun illustrations that make her stories pop! You know, reading with our kids can be such a magical time, and Kate’s books are all about creating those cozy moments. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, kick back, and let's get ready for some laughs and heartwarming tales!

An Orangeburg, South Carolina, native, Kate Salley Palmer graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in elementary education. She began freelance cartooning with the Greenville News in 1975 and in 1978 she became their first full-time editorial cartoonist. She was syndicated by Field (later News America Syndicate) in 1980. Her syndication ended in 1989, after which she has devoted her efforts to writing and illustrating children’s books.

Her children's books feature South Carolina history in beautifully illustrated and beautifully told stories.

Today, we dive into the idea of finding new opportunities when life doesn’t go as planned. Our guest, Rob Hanley, shares his journey of navigating unexpected turns, reminding us all to keep our eyes peeled for those open doors. From aiming to be a marine biologist to becoming an environmental consultant, Rob’s story is all about embracing change and pushing through discomfort. We chat about how asking people about their stories can lead to deeper connections, and why it’s important to keep learning and growing. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s explore the paths life takes us on together!

Wendy and Rob bring a splash of warmth and laughter in this episode as they explore the theme of 'opening doors' in life. Kicking off the conversation, they reminisce about the closed doors many faced during quarantine, but they quickly pivot to the new paths these closures can lead to. Rob shares his journey from aspiring marine biologist to environmental consultant, detailing how each twist in his career has been a stepping stone rather than a setback. The stories shared are not just about careers; they’re about the beauty of unexpected opportunities and the importance of connection through storytelling. As they dive into Rob's academic background, listeners get a glimpse of his experiences at Florida State and Duke University. Rob's humorous take on his time in the marching band adds a light-hearted touch, making the technicalities of biology and consulting feel approachable and fun. They also discuss how the job market has evolved, drawing parallels to the current generation's struggles, highlighting the importance of mentorship and adaptation in today’s ever-changing world. This segment is packed with relatable content, as many listeners can empathize with the feeling of being adrift in a sea of choices and uncertainties. Towards the end, Wendy and Rob offer profound insights on resilience, patience, and the willingness to learn new things. Rob encourages listeners to embrace opportunities that push them out of their comfort zones, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate the theme beautifully. The conversation wraps up with a genuine appeal for listeners to engage and share their stories, fostering a sense of community. It’s a delightful mix of humor, wisdom, and relatable life experiences that reminds us all that every closed door can lead to something wonderful if we’re open to it.

This is a story about a little brother who was accidentally shot and killed with a gun that his friend thought was unloaded. It was years later, that Doris McLallen became involved with BeSmart, and organization that educates families about gun safety.

Doris also talks about Susan Kennedy, the founder of Bullets4Life, which takes bullet casings found on the street and uses them in workshops with parents to create bracelets. "One less bullet on the street, one less life lost to gun violence."

Wendy Green kicks off this lively chat with Doris McClellan, who’s quite the dynamo and the first guest on the podcast! They’re diving into the heart of National Volunteer Week, and Doris shares her incredible journey from public school administration to becoming an active community member in South Carolina. You can feel the love and respect Wendy has for Doris as she describes her gentle strength and her knack for rallying people around causes that matter. They get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a Baby Boomer today, reminiscing about the major shifts they experienced growing up during times of social upheaval. With Doris recounting the changes she saw from the 1960s to now, it’s a reminder of how our past shapes current activism. They also talk about the importance of having meaningful conversations across generations, emphasizing that it’s not just about talking but about listening and doing something to create change. So, grab a comfy seat and get ready for some inspiration!