Growing Bolder

Best-selling author and journalist Craig Pittman is a highly respected environmental reporter, but recently, he’s gained a following for highlighting the unusual, fascinating and bizarre events that make Florida, well, Florida. He explains what motivated him to write his hilarious book, “Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.” He also chats with Growing Bolder about his latest book, “Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther.”

Have you heard of functional fitness? It may change the way you exercise forever, and, in the process, get you and your body ready for the rest of your life.

Sylvia Anthony has suffered challenges and setbacks but overcome them to earn a lifetime achievement award and a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She’s also an author and philanthropist and at 91 years old, she explains what she’s come to believe is the key to living long, staying active and making a difference.

Also, learn how a love of birds completely changed the lives of two women in Central Florida.

Timothy Shriver holds a doctorate in education and is a disability rights advocate, CEO of UNITE and author of "Call to Unite: Voices of Hope and Awakening." He delivers a timely message on the importance of unity and why it's not an abstract ideal.

John MacMillan is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who, at 85, is still playing the game he loves. Only these days, he treats his teammates like his sons. We catch up with this Rock Star of Aging.

Plus, Diane Delano started a rescue center for abused and neglected horses, only to discover that she was doing amazing things for people, too.

Ciji Ware is a bestselling historical novelist, reporter, writer, lecturer, on-air host, and Emmy-award winning television producer. She talks to Growing Bolder about what it means to “Rightsize Your Life” and writing her latest historical fiction book while receiving treatment for Lymphoma.

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.

Do you remember the songs “Hang on Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo?” Meet Rick Derringer, the guitar legend behind those songs who wants everyone to know that he’s still alive and well. When you become an international rock star at 17, what are you supposed to do at 70? Derringer seems to have discovered exactly what to do.

Known as the creator of the survivor TV genre, Les Stroud has faced the elements in Antarctica, the wilds of the rainforests, and more to teach us not just how to survive, but how to connect with the earth, ourselves and each other. Now, the 59-year-old outdoorsman and survival export is talking to Growing Bolder about surviving one of life’s toughest challenges — aging.

Are you moving every day? It's more important than you think. Wendy Weiss, RN, gives simple tips to inspire you to Just Keep Moving.

Then, aging expert Colin Milner, president of the International Council on Active Aging, explains how it’s up to every one of us to stay healthy and active.

Plus, meet a group of women who want to make the point that staying active does not mean you have to go run marathons. They’ll explain about the many benefits they get from the simple act of stretching out.

And Growing Bolder's Marc Middleton remembers the lessons of our late friend and colleague Wendy Chioji, a passionate advocate for eating pie for breakfast.

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 as her memory slowly fades.

Laraine Newman is a comedy icon. One of the original cast members of "Saturday Night Live," her skits helped defined 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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the travel industry. The entire industry is in the midst of rethinking everything about its present and future, including the man many consider to be the face of American travel. For more than 40 years, Rick Steves‘ travel books have helped millions explore Europe. He’s also the host of the long-running American Public Television show “Rick Steves’ Europe” and radio show “Travel With Rick Steves.” Steves checks in with Growing Bolder to share his vision for the future of travel and how he thinks it will change in the years to come.

Did you get a good night’s sleep last night? If you’re like most people, the answer is definitely no. Sleep expert Kathryn Nicolai joins us to reveal how to learn how to sleep like it’s your job. She is the host of the popular Nothing Much Happens podcast and she’s been called the “architect of coziness.” Nicolai is the creator of soothing stories that ease the reader into dreamland, one story at a time. She joins Growing Bolder to share some of her secrets to getting a good eight hours a night, and soon, you, too, will be sleeping soundly.

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. When Rev. Mary Downey moved to town from her home state of Arkansas, she 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.

What do you do when what you love to do just won't put food on the table? We talk to Scott Brandt, who traded in his canvas for a career in classic cars. He did it by following the mantra -- don’t dream it, be it! His expert knowledge of the cars of our past is only surpassed by the wisdom he’s gained about living a life of service, compassion and purpose.

What happened when a group of older women in Southwest Florida decided to put on their dancing shoes to stamp out ageism? Wait until you meet the Calendar Girls, self-described as maturity in motion. Not only do they perform at all sorts of community events, they are using their talents and passions to make a difference for military veterans by covering the costs of service dogs.

One of the biggest complaints many of us share as we get older is how fast everything seems to be going by. Part of that is because of age, but over the years, the speed at which we live has increased tremendously. Not everyone believes that faster is better. Carl Honoré is the leader of the global slow movement, a movement reexamining our culture with the goal of doing things at the right speed. Honoré is also a journalist, speaker and author, and he joins Growing Bolder to discuss his latest book, “Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives.”

Then, we explore a new mentorship program that pairs older adults with children to foster and encourage stronger intergenerational relationships. Dana Griffin discusses her new company Eldera, a free platform that pairs kids with vetted mentors for virtual story time, help with schoolwork or just a friendly conversation. She shares how her personal and career experiences make her uniquely qualified to bring younger and older people together, and why she thinks this platform is so important.

Plus, need a reminder that it’s never too late to live a better, more purposeful, healthier life? Growing Bolder contributor Dr. James Smith Jr., who has been described as a lightning rod for personal development and creativity, offers an important lesson on how to better see yourself.