Political differences are straining friendships, families, and communities. Many people feel caught between wanting to speak their truth and wanting to preserve important relationships.

In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green talks with Dr. Philip Wilder, educator and facilitator of Nonviolent Communication, about how we can disagree respectfully without losing connection.

Together they explore:

1. Why many relationships break down over political disagreements
2. How anger often reflects deeper unmet needs
3. When it may be wise to pause rather than argue
4. How empathy and curiosity can keep conversations constructive
5. Practical ways to stay grounded during difficult discussions

The conversation offers a powerful reminder: meaningful change and healing begin one relationship at a time.

Guest:

Dr. Philip Wilder – Educator and Nonviolent Communication facilitator

Contact: [email protected]

Support Boomer Banter:

Buy Wendy a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413

Connect with Wendy on:

1. Facebook
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram
4. YouTube

Email at [email protected]

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we tackle something many of us are exhausted by but can't ignore ... difficult conversations. Not the surface-level small talk, but the real, uncomfortable ones with family members who see the world completely differently, with old friends across the political divide, and especially with ourselves.

Host Wendy Green shares a powerful story from the 1980s about finding common humanity with a coworker on opposite sides of the abortion debate, and offers practical strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations when the relationship matters deeply.

You'll learn:

1. How to set the right intention before a difficult conversation begins
2. Why paraphrasing is one of the most underrated conversation tools
3. When silence might actually be the more loving choice
4. How to have honest conversations with yourself about what you can actually do to make a difference

This isn't about changing minds—it's about choosing connection over avoidance, curiosity over contempt, and showing up with an open heart even when it's hard.

What difficult conversation are you ready to have?

Support Boomer Banter: buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413

Connect with Wendy: LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram or at [email protected]

Resources to help with Difficult Conversations:

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton & Sheila Heen

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzler

Braver Angels - organization bringing together people across political divides

Mentioned in this episode:

greenwoodcapital.com

Today, we're diving into a topic that's super important but often overlooked: capturing the stories of our loved ones. You know, it's not just about the money or the stuff we leave behind; it's about the voices, the values, and the experiences that shape us. Our guest, Elena Iacono, is all about helping families preserve these precious memories through guided conversations that turn into beautiful keepsakes. She’s on a mission to remind us that we need to start asking those meaningful questions now before it's too late. So grab a comfy seat and a snack, because we're about to get real about legacy and making those connections that matter!

Takeaways:

1. Time is a tricky thing; we often think we have plenty of it, but then it just runs out unexpectedly.
2. Planning for our legacy isn't just about the money; it's about capturing our stories and values.
3. Elena's work highlights the importance of human inheritance, which includes our wisdom and experiences, not just assets.
4. The conversation encourages us to ask our loved ones meaningful questions to preserve their stories and insights for future generations.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. buy me a coffee dot com
2. legacynext.com

Feeling a bit stuck or wondering if there's more to life than just work? Then this episode is just the ticket! I had a heart-to-heart with the fabulous Diana Dupont, a woman who traded in her museum curator hat for a life filled with horses, dogs, and so much more. Together, we explore the moment when something inside stirs, urging you to step out of your comfort zone. Diana's journey is all about facing fears, embracing new passions, and discovering that it's totally okay to redefine yourself at any age. She talks about her beloved horse, Blackie, and how that relationship opened up a whole new world for her. It’s a delightful mix of laughter and introspection as we discuss how our furry friends can teach us about love, loyalty, and living authentically. So grab your favorite drink and get comfy, because this conversation is all about realizing that life can be a beautiful adventure if we just dare to follow our hearts!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Support Boomer Banter with Buy Me A Coffee
2. Learn more about Diana and her book on her website
3. Check out Women Entrepreneurs Over 50: Work Less, Make More, Do What you Love

Ever wondered why sleep seems to elude us as we age? Well, grab your coffee, or maybe some herbal tea, because this week’s episode of Boomer Banter is all about sleep style and how it impacts our later years.

I had a fabulous chat with Sally Duplantier, a super smart gerontologist who’s here to sprinkle some wisdom on our sleep struggles. We explored the fascinating world of sleep chronotypes – we’re talking Lions, Bears, Wolves, and Dolphins! Each one has its unique quirks and styles that can help us understand our sleep patterns better.

Sally broke down the science behind sleep and aging, explaining how our bodies change and adapt. She effortlessly debunked common myths about aging and sleep, reminding us that it's completely normal to experience shifts in our sleep patterns as we grow older. We also talked about the importance of good sleep hygiene, like establishing a calming bedtime routine, and why it’s crucial for our mental and physical health.

We delved into the importance of understanding our individual sleep needs and how to create an optimal sleep environment. Sally’s tips were practical, relatable, and sprinkled with a bit of humor that made the whole topic feel less daunting.

So, if you’ve been tossing and turning at night or just want to learn how to better embrace sleep as a part of aging well, this episode is packed with all the insights you need to hit the hay with a smile!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Join the Boomer Banter Circle community
2. Take the quiz to find out your sleep animal
3. Women Over 50 Entrepreneurs: Make More, Work Less, Do what you Love
4. Wellness Wednesday

Mentioned in this episode:

greenwoodcapital.com

Feeling useful and finding friendships is critically important as we age, and today we're diving right into that! We’re chatting about how maintaining a sense of meaning and connecting with others can seriously boost our health and happiness. I’m excited to share two interactive training programs that I’ve been working on, designed to help folks discover what they have to offer and how to build those meaningful connections. We’re not just sitting around listening; we’re getting hands-on and having fun digging into these topics together. So, if you’re looking to feel more connected and useful in this chapter of life, stick around because we’ve got a lot to explore!

Takeaways:

1. Feeling useful and connected is critically important for our health and happiness as we age.
2. Finding meaning and social connections directly impact our physical and mental health.
3. Engaging in community and sharing experiences can significantly enhance life satisfaction.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Boomer Banter website
2. Women Entrepreneurs Over 50: Making More, Working Less, Doing What you Love

When a family faces the challenges of autism, every member can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Green and Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. discuss the crucial role grandparents play in supporting their grandchildren diagnosed with autism.

With a focus on communication and understanding, Theresa shares her journey as both a scientist and a parent, highlighting the emotional and practical hurdles families encounter. The episode emphasizes that grandparents should come from a place of curiosity rather than certainty—it's about asking the right questions, like how they can provide help without overstepping boundaries.

Theresa explains the importance of recognizing the spectrum of autism, detailing how different children exhibit diverse behaviors and needs. By offering insights into how grandparents can observe changes and share concerns effectively, the conversation provides tools for building stronger family connections.

Wendy and Theresa’s warm banter, filled with relatable anecdotes and practical advice, turns a daunting subject into a manageable conversation. They encourage listeners to embrace love and support as the guiding principles in navigating the complexities of autism within families.

Takeaways:

1. Grandparents should approach conversations about autism with curiosity and compassion to foster better understanding.
2. Understanding the spectrum of autism helps in knowing the diverse needs of grandchildren diagnosed with it.
3. It's crucial for grandparents to learn about autism to effectively support their stressed adult children.
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Links referenced in this episode:

1. Email Theresa at: [email protected]
2. Theresa Lyon's website awetism.net
3. An additional resource: https://navigatingawetism.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

greenwoodcapital.com

Wendy Green’s chat with Meg Groff on Boomer Banter is a must-listen for anyone who thinks that their time for making a difference has passed. Meg's journey from a 37-year-old law student to an impactful attorney is nothing short of inspiring.

As she shares her experiences of helping people escape domestic violence situations, she sheds light on the gaps in our legal system—especially regarding child safety in custody arrangements. The episode also touches on the myths surrounding domestic violence, such as the idea that it's a private matter or that only certain demographics experience it.

Through laughter and serious discourse, Meg’s passion shines through, making it clear that she’s not just a lawyer; she’s a warrior for justice. Her advocacy for Kayden's Law highlights the necessity of systemic changes to protect children from dangerous custody scenarios.

This episode serves as a rallying cry for activism at any age, encouraging all of us to keep fighting for what’s right, no matter when we start. Meg’s story proves that it’s never too late to make an impact—and that every voice matters in the fight for justice.

Takeaways:

1. Meg Groff is an advocate for justice, and at 82-years-old she is still championing laws to protect children in custody disputes.
2. Her journey from being a struggling student to saving lives is truly inspiring and motivating.
3. Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that needs more awareness and understanding, not dismissive attitudes.
4. It is Never Too Late to make a difference. You can find ways to get involved.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. meggroff.com
2. National Family Violence Law Center
3. National Safe Parents Organization
4. Kayden's Law, officially known as the Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence Act
5. Wellness Wednesday with Sally Duplantier

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? One minute you’re bopping along, feeling youthful and vibrant, and the next you’re staring at a reflection that’s more ‘who is that?’ than ‘hey, look at me!’

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive deep into why that happens and how our brains evolve as we age, gaining wisdom and emotional stability. Our host, Wendy Green, shares some sage words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about keeping hope alive through the disappointments that life throws at us.

She gets real about the stories we tell ourselves as we age and how those narratives can shape our self-image. We explore the positivity effect, which is all about how our brains get better at focusing on what matters and letting go of the trivial as we grow older. Imagine trading in that pesky anxiety for a newfound sense of calm and perspective; sounds pretty sweet, right?

Wendy encourages us to reframe our self-talk and focus on how we feel rather than how we look. So, the next time you catch a glimpse in the mirror, remember: it's not just about the wrinkles; it’s about the wisdom behind them!

Takeaways:

1. Aging can bring about changes in our self-image, but it doesn't have to be negative as we gain perspective and wisdom from our experiences.
2. Our brains evolve as we age, enhancing our emotional regulation and patience, allowing for a more thoughtful response to life's challenges.
3. The stories we tell ourselves about aging often come from societal influences, but we can choose to redefine our self-image positively.
4. As we grow older, it's crucial to focus on how we live and what we value in ourselves, rather than just how we look.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Learn all about Wendy's coaching at heyboomer.biz
2. Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with Wendy

Let’s get real – marriage isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it can feel more like a roommate situation, especially after years of living together. In this episode, we welcome the wonderful Dr. Liz Jenkins, who brings some serious wisdom on how to navigate those tricky waters. We chat about how common it is for couples to lose that initial connection, and Dr. Liz gives us the scoop on her book, “The Marriage Reset”. She outlines her five-step process to help couples reconnect, including ways to re-establish trust and open up those lines of communication. If you’re ready to ditch that roommate vibe in your marriage and bring back the spark, you’ll want to tune in!

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT:

1. Join the Banter Circle or learn more.
2. Check out Wellness Wednesdays led by gerontologist Sally Duplantier
3. You can find Dr. Liz Jenkins and all of her resources on her website.