Growing Bolder

In this episode we will learn how to deal with our feelings, how to get a handle on our emotions, how to keep our egos in check so we can live fulfilling lives.

We start by having a conversation with Todd Kashdan, a leading expert on the psychology of well-being, curiosity, mental flexibility, and social relationships. He has some fascinating thoughts for everyone who would like to see more justice, creativity & innovation in the world and who would like to lead more meaningful and happy lives.

Then, we talk about the effects of aging with a top orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Boyd Haynes who believes choices play just as big a role as genetics. He tells us what he’s learned about prevention and recovery both as a physician and as an athlete, having played on the same volleyball team for 25 years.

Meet Joey Eberline, a man whose body was shattered when he was hit by a car. How he put his life back together and what he’s learned through his ordeal is sure to inspire.

For over two decades as an environmental reporter, best-selling author and journalist Craig Pittman saw Florida from a perspective few others have. What he’s learned and what he believes we all should know.

Many women who live in violent relationships have nowhere to turn. Sylvia Anthony felt she had to try to help. She thought that if she could shelter even a few victims at least it would be a beginning. Hear how that beginning grew to become an oasis of light and hope for countless women and children who suffer from homelessness, violence and abuse, and how she overcame tragedy of her own to create Sylvia’s Haven and continues to make a difference into her 90s.

Some people just seem to know exactly what they want to do in life from the moment they’re born, but what if you don’t? Sometimes inspiration can come from the most unusual places. Find out how a chance encounter with a pelican was all it took to put Diana Flynt on a path she would follow for the rest of her life.

Al Roker is a beloved fixture on morning TV. He’s the weather guy and co-host at TODAY and in his spare time, he dabbles in acting (on Broadway no less) and is an author. His latest book is called “You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success.” Is retirement on his radar? He shares his thoughts on what these years should really be like.

Did you know sometimes the best way to have more is by having less? Over a lifetime we all collect an overwhelming number of things that fill our homes. You may not realize it, but all that stuff can hold you back, push you down and keep you from being your best. Author Ciji Ware explains why downsizing may be the way to right-size your life.

When you become a big time, worldwide rock star at the age of seventeen, what are you supposed to do when you’re 70? Rick Derringer shot to stardom with the songs, "Hang On Sloopy" and "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo". His message to everyone today is that just like another of his well-known songs, he is, "Still Alive and Well"!  Hear what Derringer believes he has discovered about enjoying his later years.

Years can fly by in what seems like an instant. Les Stroud has some advice for how we can all get the most out of the time we have. Known as Survivorman from his shows on Discovery Channel, Stroud explains why we all need to put thought, preparation and planning into surviving the challenges presented by aging.

One of the most innovative and influential people in dealing with issues related to aging is Colin Milner. He goes one-on-one with Growing Bolder to explain how it’s up to every one of us to stay healthy and active. 

Expecting to stay in shape as we get older can be a stretch, and sometimes, a stretch is exactly what we need. Listen as Robin Wilson leads a class specifically designed to offer older people a whole new footing when it comes to increasing strength and flexibility.

Do you feel like you just don’t seem to get enough sleep? While it can be difficult to find more hours in the day, expert Kathryn Nicolai believes that with a few simple changes, we can improve the quality of the sleep we get. She will explain how, and why the way we FALL asleep makes a big difference in how well we sleep. Nicolai will share some tips you can try tonight.

Travel expert and public television icon Rick Steves found himself stuck at home during the pandemic for the first time in his life. He explains what it was like for someone used to routinely traveling the world to suddenly have to stay put, and he’ll share his advice for the best and safest ways to see the world post-pandemic.

Do you feel pressured to hurry up? Are you pushed to get things done quickly? Are you encouraged to multitask? Speed seems to be a requirement in almost everything we do, but what if it’s not for the best? Carl Honoré is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and TED speaker. He is also the founder of the Global Slow Movement. Find out why he strongly believes that when it comes to life, slow is the only way to go.

What if there was a way to tap into the wisdom, knowledge and experience of age and use it as a resource to benefit younger generations? Dana Griffin is a former advertising executive who co-founded Eldera, a virtual village that connects kids around the world with older mentors. Listen to discover how she is using technology to make us more human.

Something we all have in common is our fear of change, yet change is something we all face. One of the biggest changes happens when our careers come to an end. Then what? This is true whether you’re an ordinary person or the most decorated US Winter Olympian of all time. Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno hasn’t been in the Olympics since 2010 but he's still making an impact, this time by empowering you to make your life’s transitions be the best they can be.   

 If you really want to eat healthy do you have to grow your own food? Author Tamar Haspel wanted to find out. So she left her New York City apartment and moved to 2 acres in Cape Cod to see if she could grow vegetables, forage for mushrooms and even hunt for her own meat. How did it go? It was pretty interesting, to say the least.

In her college years, Sue Baross Nesbitt was one of the top synchronized swimmers in the country. She stayed in the sport as a coach but did not swim for 40 years when she made the life-changing decision to get back in the water and start competing again. She explains why in this excerpt from the Fountain of Youth Podcast. 

We are all creatures of habit. If given a choice, we tend to take the safe route, the one that others have taken before, and in many cases that works just fine. But those who veer off course and take the road less traveled, often find THAT’S where the excitement is! Jill Heinerth walked away from a big-time job at an ad agency in search of a life filled with adventure. She became a cave diver, exploring seldom seen corners of the world and couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Robin Wilson had what she thought was a great idea for a business but couldn’t find the support to make it a reality, so she set out to do it herself. The eco-entrepreneur brushed off gender and racial discrimination to create one of the most unique lifestyle brands in the country and built a major business from the ground up, despite being told that as an African American woman, she had no chance.

Meet one of the most unique musicians of the classic rock era. The talents of Patrick Moraz helped bands like Yes and the Moody Blues explore a sound that was different than that of any other group: distinctive and instantly identifiable. After spending some time with him you quickly discover that his mind is as unique as his art. Get Bolder Backstage with Patrick Moraz for a memorable glimpse at the man behind the music.

What are two skills that we can all improve? According to journalist, author, and public radio host, Celeste Headlee, they are talking and listening. She reveals how you can have a more effective and meaningful life just by learning to have conversations that matter.

Acclaimed songwriter, composer, and singer Jimmy Webb reveals who, out of all the greats he wrote hit songs for, meant the most to him and whose death still affects him.

Don’t Stop Believing is one of the most downloaded songs of all time, but what is it really about? Go Bolder Backstage with Journey’s Jonathan Cain to learn how a traumatic childhood event shaped his future and helped him believe in himself.