Growing Bolder

Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run in the Boston Marathon. She never expected what she did in 1967 would thrust her to become a pioneer in the fight for women across the globe to have the right to participate in athletics. Her story is remarkable, heartfelt, frustrating, and empowering. She holds nothing back in this conversation with Marc Middleton and it becomes clear how what she did back then continues to change lives to this day.

James Burrows has been called the Obi-Wan of TV sitcoms. The creator of Cheers and Will & Grace is now in his 80s and still involved in the industry. He discusses the possibility that the era of the sitcom as we know it may be coming to an end.

Sheryl Kurland never expected to start her own non-profit organization but what she saw at a support group for women inspired her to step forward to try to make a difference for as many as possible. She explains how the simplest item that almost every woman has in her purse seems to be able to trigger a remarkable recovery in the lives of victims of abuse.

The woman who shared compelling stories on “CBS Sunday Morning” for over 25 years is now living one of her own. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Eugenia Zukerman is courageously opening her heart to offer personal insights into living with dementia. In this heartfelt conversation with Growing Bolder, her approach will surprise, enlighten and touch us all.

Laraine Newman is a comedy icon. One of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” her skits helped define a generation. Like many of her colleagues, though, the road to success and all it brought with it was not easy. She talks to Growing Bolder about those days, her struggle with drugs and depression and how she found a way forward.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Sam McDowell was a six time all-star whose career was cut short by alcoholism. But what he did next not only saved his life, but a number of other ballplayers as well. In a candid and important conversation, he reveals to Growing Bolder how he found a way to recovery and made it his mission to help others find a new path forward, too.

In Central Florida, hotels and motels in the tourist corridor serve as temporary housing for the workforce that is priced out of most housing options. Rev. Mary Downey felt called to make a difference for these families, especially the children. She founded the nonprofit Hope Partnership, which helps homeless families get back on their feet. She offers encouragement for anyone inspired to make a difference but uncertain how to start. 

Scott Brandt was an artist who was desperately searching for a way to earn a living. He became frustrated by trying to figure out what to do when what you love just doesn't put enough food on the table. His answer came when he traded in his canvas for the collectability of classic cars. He explains how his love for art and need for commerce all came together in a business called Motoexotica.

The Calendar Girls are a group of women in southwest Florida who are out to prove that dance is not strictly an activity for the young. Self-described as “maturity in motion,” not only do they perform at all kinds of community events, but every time they do, they prove that age is a state of mind. Hear what happened when these women, all between the ages of 50 and 80, created a dance team that’s been turning heads, supporting charities, and smashing the stereotypes of age.

Arthur Brooks knows something about happiness. He teaches happiness classes at Harvard University. The social scientist just completed a seven-year study and discovered one important ingredient that we all need in life to allow us to become happier as we get older.

Rowdy Gaines is an Olympic legend who nearly walked away from the sport he loves just before the defining moment of his swimming career. He explains how opportunities in life, just like swimming, can be decided by inches or seconds, and how we can control our fate through effort and perseverance.

Collie Blake was struggling with grief and loss and took a chance by opening her heart to express her feelings in the form of poetry. What she created not only helped her cope but made her the winner of the first Growing Bolder Poetry Slam. Hear her poem and our reaction to it.

Tracey Gendron is a nationally recognized gerontologist who believes everything you think you know about aging is wrong! She says the most important indicator as to whether your future will be one of opportunity or one of loss is your attitude. She explains the changes you can make in your outlook on life that will result in your best chance at good health and happiness in the coming years.

Mike Fremont was told he had three months to live. Doctors said his colon cancer was untreatable. That was 30 years ago. This year Fremont turned 100 and celebrated by setting a world record in track and field. What happened? What did Fremont do to defy his condition? Here is his remarkable story, and the changes he made that he believes can have the same results for everyone.

Bill Booth is the inventor of the tandem parachute, making it possible for anyone to experience skydiving. He explains how jumping from a plane completely changed his approach to life. The adventures he’s been on and the things he’s experienced would never have happened without a desire to explore, which he says was triggered by that first giant leap of faith.

Feeling depressed or anxious? You are far from alone. Brain expert Dr. Daniel Amen explains that these feelings are at near epidemic levels and offers unusual and effective ways of dealing with them. Discover why instead of classifying them as mental illnesses, he believes they are a matter of brain health. You'll see why he's considered one of America’s top psychiatrists and the author of over 12 New York Times bestselling books.

If, like many, you struggle to understand why it is so difficult to find and maintain strong relationships, Susan Winter has some surprising answers. She is a best-selling author and love coach who explains how the rules have changed for people reentering the dating scene. Understanding that love does not happen by accident is one of the keys she uses to help us develop bonds with potential partners and strengthen the ones we may have been taking for granted for years.

And legendary swimmer Diana Nyad shares why the phrase “can not” is something you should never say to her. 

Not only is Marlo Thomas an Emmy award-winning actress, best known for starring in the 1960s sitcom, That Girl, but she has also managed what can seem impossible, a celebrity marriage that has lasted over 40 years. Thomas explains how she and talk show legend Phil Donahue created an enduring romance, remembers her legendary father, Danny Thomas, and looks back at why That Girl is still a fan favorite.  

Retired Marine Colonel Art “Turbo” Tomassetti served a total of 27 years in the Marine Corps. During that time, he fought in the Gulf War, flying Harrier jets in 39 combat missions, and later became a test pilot. Tomassetti explains why what he accomplished was so significant that his plane is on display in the Smithsonian Museum. He shares his belief that the same qualities that made him a success in the skies can help the rest of us live lives of passion and purpose.

Singer-songwriter Macy Gray has one of the most recognizable voices on the planet. She’s a Grammy winner with five nominations, 10 studio albums to date, and a film and TV career. She’s been compared to everyone from Janis Joplin to Tina Turner. Her journey has not been an easy one, but she’s continued to grow and learn. Gray is also doing her part to change the world for the better. She’s the founder of the MyGood foundation, created to support the loved ones of those who’ve lost their lives to police violence. 

You’ve heard of physical and mental health; how’s your social health? Journalist and author Lydia Denworth discovered that especially as we age, maintaining strong friendships is surprisingly important and can have a significant impact on our overall well-being.

Doro Bush Koch and Tricia Reilly Koch are one of the most powerful sister-in-law teams in the country. They are wellness advocates, kindness champions, and founders of The Co-Mindfulness Movement. Tricia is a nutritionist and health counselor. Doro is a New York Times bestselling author who also happens to be the only person ever to be the daughter of one US president and the sister of another! They explain what co-mindfulness is, and how it can change your life.

Dr. Bill Thomas is a Harvard-trained geriatrician renowned for de-institutionalizing nursing homes worldwide. He believes that as we age there are only two kinds of people; those who look backward and those who look forward. So, which are you?  It's important because your attitude can make a bigger difference than your genetics.

Richard Leider is a pioneer in the global purpose movement and the founder of Inventure, a company dedicated to helping people unlock the power of purpose. He is the bestselling author of 11 books including, Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Old? His PBS special, The Power of Purpose, has been viewed by millions and Forbes has named Leider one of the top five most respected coaches in the world. He talks to Growing Bolder about how we can unlock our own power of purpose.

It’s not enough just to hear a great concert, you have to see it, too! Vibrant, colorful lighting, brilliant visuals, breathtaking scene changes take a show to a whole different level. One of the best rock lighting designers in the world is Charles "Cosmo" Wilson. Over the last 35 years he’s worked with AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Foreigner, Judas Priest, Rod Stewart and so many more. He is a Rock Star of Lighting! Listen as he shines a light on what he’s learned from some of the most iconic rock musicians of all time.       

Lucille O’Neal raised 4 children and her eldest, Shaquille, is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. After he and his siblings were done pursuing their dreams, it was time for Lucille to go after hers. So, after 30 years of raising children, she went back to school, earning a master’s degree and finally a doctorate. She explains that the most important lesson she's learned is to never stop dreaming, that dreaming is what allows you to grow, and that it is never too late to fulfill those dreams.