Bourbon with Beagle

Having both given the LA acting scene the old college try, Leslie Hardy and Jeff Wylie know a thing or two about resilience and optimism. With a shared philosophy based on determination to always stay positive in what can often feel like an ever-darkening global landscape, these actor colleagues decided in their 50’s to finally, literally, make their dreams come true. Inspired by Jane Fonda herself, Jeff and Leslie founded “Third Act Productions” and are currently in the post production phase of their new film, “Do Over” About a woman looking back on her life and choosing to amend a certain regret. Because as both Jeff and Leslie personally know, there is always an opportunity for second chances.

Shaped by a secure attachment and a nebulous identity as a daughter of German jewish immigrants from the midwest, Anna Marti doesn’t identify with labels. Coming of age in a house where sex was never discussed, Anna was shocked and confused when she became unexpectedly pregnant in 1966 and ultimately had an illegal abortion. This critical life event set her on the path to utilize the inherent comfort she felt in her own body as a way to educate others to become braver about sex. From the mechanics of it, to how to make it more satisfying, (and ultimately empowering) Anna is on her lifepath to help the world embrace the body as a vehicle to understanding ourselves.

Paul Iarrbino has been working in the field of aging for 30 years. As a boomer his aging mantra is to always be open to learning from your elders. And incidentally in his line of work that’s exactly what people do, and vice versa. In the last few years Paul has hosted the storytelling event Bold Voices, that connects generations across the spectrums of their lives. This experience led him through his navigation of the pandemic as he sought ways to keep, mostly elderly, folks who were experiencing extreme isolation to remain connected to community. This then led to his latest book, COVIDOLOGY: Sharing Life Lessons from Behind the Mask. Join us as we discuss the resilience of the most vulnerable among us, the widely varying ways COVID has impacted people across generations, and how fiercely protective Paul is of his storytellers, no matter what age they are.

Navigating the world as a disabled person is hard enough as it is. When you throw in the complexities of applying, qualifying for, and receiving government aid, something that is supposed to make life easier can have the opposite effect. Enter Connor Kavanaugh, Managing Partner and Special Needs Planner for Palladio Consulting. Despite having no personal connection to anyone disabled, Connor has built his career out of making life easier for those who have it the hardest. Join us for the latest episode of Bourbon with Beagle as we discuss tactics, resources and helpful information and tips on building a solid financial foundation for those who need it most.

Judge Kemp caught the attention of a major online publication when he released an essay about not returning his Eagle Scout pin amid controversy within the organization. Having grown up a black, gay kid in the 1960’s South, the grit, sacrifice and survival skills that Eagle Pin represented went far beyond being an excellent Scout. It’s that nuanced perspective and fearless approach that has guided this published writer, blogger, professional entertainer, policy maker, and community leader through the colorful arc of his life and career. Join us for the next episode of Bourbon with Beagle as we discuss defying gravity and never letting the numbers slow you down.

Cameron Bartosiewicz is a self identified product of good fortune. Being the gay kid of a marine and a member of Gen Z, he gleaned from a life of cross-country living, both urban and rural, that the supportive infrastructure for LGBTQ youth is rapidly deteriorating, if it was ever really there at all. Not one to rest on their laurels, Cameron saw an opportunity to see to it that LGBTQ youth like himself have positive and reliable resources to call on in times of crisis at school. Turns out he was right. After Cameron founded the Youth Pride Association the data shows that all it takes is a peer, a friend, a phone call to literally talk someone who is suffering, off the proverbial ledge. The plights of the older LGBTQ generations are not over, and this young college student is heeding the call.

Non-binary, Transmasculine, Pansexual, Tri-sexual, Gender Non-Conforming- living in 2022 these terms are everywhere, so what do they all mean? Join us as host Gary Beagle sits down with Gen Z-er East Esbensen (who identifies as all of those things) as they explain to a Boomer like me the power of language in self identification, the freedom in being fluid, and discuss how today’s LGBTQ+ culture compares to the iterations that came before.

In 1962 at the age of 5, Stacey Rice knew she was not a boy. It wasn’t until 37 years later after turning 40 that Stacey began the process of transitioning into the woman she is today. But it wasn’t an easy journey. Living in the South- the realities of being openly trans meant the risk of losing your job, your house, and worse. In 2011, Stacey visited Portland and from the moment she stepped off the plane, for the first time in her life, she felt at home, safe and sound. Since relocating Stacey has been a force in the LGBTQ+ Community as a storyteller, advocate, public speaker through her genuine ease and willingness to break down the barriers, be vulnerable, and build community through common ground.

So you put in the work for decades, maybe you raised a family who is now out on their own, or maybe you've just met a dead end. You checked all the boxes of “shoulds” in your life and here you are asking, “what’s my purpose now?” Our latest podcast guests, Jerry & Ruth Cohen are here to answer that very question. As hosts of the Evolving Elders workshop series, The Cohen’s are consummate professionals at helping folks find meaning and purpose as life rolls on.

What if a terminal illness hijacked the final chapter of your life? If you could, would you take back your own power, exercise your precious personal autonomy and end your life on your own terms? The State of Oregon has been a leader in medical aid in dying since it was legalized in 1997 and the parameters of that legality seem only to be expanding, even with the United State’s current historically conservative federal legal system. In the face of terminal illness and increasing age, will more and more people choose to control the way they die? Join us as we discuss this important and fascinating topic with Dr. Nick Gideonse, a local trailblazer on the topic of Death with Dignity in Oregon