Fifty Plus

Doug Pike reflects on appreciating each day, staying active and treating people with kindness. He also explores the idea of flying cars, shares phone-battery tips and weighs in on Texas politics, immigration enforcement and government spending. Plus, a look at grandparents setting boundaries around childcare and a reminder to get out and vote.

Doug returns from Big Cedar Lodge near Branson with airport mishaps, two near holes-in-one and a new appreciation for Snickers ice cream bars. Then he shares his take on early voting, the midterm election, health care, immigration and the cost of groceries, gas and coffee. Plus, an HOA’s Halloween candy rules, information overload and the WNBA national anthem controversy.

Doug Pike reflects on Texas rice farming and his days guiding hunts on the Katy Prairie, then weighs in on the Texas Senate race, political robocalls powered by AI and the debate over women’s sports. He also shares memories of the Cayman Islands, a surprising softball reunion and an unusual bird-smuggling story.

Doug Pike takes on confusing Houston freeway signs, grocery-store grazing and the cost of shoplifting. He also shares a recent skin-health scare, questions how familiar foods have changed, and makes the case for enjoying favorite treats in moderation. Plus, Doug weighs in on the midterms, a Miami police chase, a diverted airline flight and an e-bike built for family outings.

Doug welcomes Marianne Florian, a postdoctoral fellow in religion and medicine working with UTHealth’s McGovern Medical School and the Institute for Spirituality and Health, to discuss compassion, spiritual support and ethical decision-making in end-of-life care. Marianne previews the 33rd Annual Spirituality in Nursing Conference on October 9, with sessions on advance directives, palliative care, grief support and accompanying patients and families through life’s final stages. The conversation also covers in-person and virtual attendance options.

Doug shares his family’s experience with hospice care and discusses how AI could help detect heart disease earlier. He also offers his take on Texas politics, health care access, media coverage and education, along with lighter stories about National Taco Day, whiskey in space and 3D-printed salmon. Plus, an update on the upcoming St. Jude golf tournament.

Doug talks with Port Houston workforce development manager Jackie Young about the October 9 career fair, opportunities for job seekers and veterans, and the Houston Ship Channel’s Project 11 expansion. Elizabeth Gaines, founder of Children’s Funding Project and leader of Fund IRL, discusses using social media settlement dollars for youth mental health, after-school programs and real-world connections. Plus, Doug shares his take on the day’s headlines, baseball and a few lighter stories.

Doug Pike welcomes attorney Rusty Reynolds of Reynolds & Reynolds to discuss accidents involving uninsured drivers, documenting a crash, dealing with insurance companies and choosing legal representation. Doug also highlights the upcoming St. Jude golf tournament, reflects on the Astros’ season and shares his take on Texas politics, mosquito troubles and baseball in national parks.

Doug Pike welcomes John Sesma to preview the free Fifty Plus Expo, coming to Stafford Center October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They discuss resources for health care, financial planning, wills and home improvement, plus what visitors can expect from the vendors and seminars. Doug also weighs in on Texas weather, the Lindsay Clancy case, staged social media videos and the classic TV comedies he still misses.

On Fifty Plus, Doug shares his views on socialism and health care, discusses recent shootings in Houston and a James Talarico fundraiser, and looks at a DoorDash settlement for delivery workers. He also checks the forecast and weighs in on when it’s too early for Halloween decorations.