Flying with Dad, Dying with Dad - Yvonne Caputo

The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living interview Series

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, on radio and podcast for all of us who embrace life's second act with curiosity, passion, and a drive to connect. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and today's episode is one you won't want to miss. It's a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about family, legacy, and the courage it takes to have the talks that truly matter.

Our guest is Yvonne K. Caputo, author of two remarkable books: Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad. Yvonne's first book, Flying with Dad, is a poignant memoir about her father, a World War II veteran, whose stories of flying B-24 bombers changed their relationship forever. Once distant and brusque, her father became the man she truly got to know—story by story, mile by mile—leading to a connection she never thought possible.

In her second book, Dying with Dad, Yvonne takes us on another intimate journey, sharing the profound and practical lessons she learned as she supported her father's end-of-life wishes. From navigating the powerful Five Wishes document to ensuring he passed away on his terms, Yvonne's story reminds us of the importance of conversations about life, death, and dignity.

Today, Yvonne shares the hidden gifts in her father's stories, how these conversations transformed her family, and why it's never too late to have the tough talks that can bring us closer to those we love.

So, grab your favorite cup of tea, settle in, and join us for this touching and inspiring episode of The Not Old Better Show. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang—let's get started.

My thanks to author Yvonne K. Caputo, for her generous time and wonderful, helpful insights about end of life deciions and more. Please check out our website show notes for more details about Yvonne K. Caputo. My thanks to our Smithsonian team, as well as Sam Heninger & Miranda Heninger for their help in making the show tip top! My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and let's talk about better. The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody and we'll see you next time.