Growing Bolder

How do your five best friends influence your health decisions? Does your city make activity an easy choice? Longevity expert Dan Buettner explains how these factors could be shortening the length of your life.

She’s one of the world’s foremost international adoption experts and pediatrician to some of the most high-profile adoptive families, and she’s weighing in on whether you’re ever too old to adopt. Find out what Dr. Jane Aronson wants every family and potential family to know about the increasingly dire situation for orphans worldwide.

In the “Age of Champions,” filmmaker Christopher Rufo shines a light on the extraordinary and inspirational men and women competing in masters sports and the National Senior Games. Find out how he sees attitudes changing about older people.

She made international headlines around the world after making her first Olympics at 34, then appearing in the next five Games. Now Anne Abernathy, aka Grandma Luge, a cancer survivor, has a new goal — qualifying for the 2016 SUMMER games at 63 in a new sport, archery.

You know you should lose weight and lower your blood pressure, but retooling your whole diet can feel so overwhelming. Health and wellness expert Kathy Freston instead wants you to start leaning toward a healthier lifestyle, one tweak at a time.

Jim Carlton is many things — a great musician, a talented songwriter and a hilarious comedian who ended up choosing to stay out of the spotlight. Because when it came time to make that choice, Jim felt there were other things in life every bit as important.

Mavis Albin, the 76-year-old captain of the Celadrin Tigerettes, one of toughest, most dominating senior women’s basketball teams ever, explains why it’s never too late to rediscover the passions of your youth … and to kick a little butt.

If you desire to have a more self-sufficient and self-reliant life, farmer, scientist and author Hank Will wants you believe you can create a much better life for yourself than the PR pundits would have you believe when selling you their stuff.

He’s been starring on stage and on screen for 50 years, but Raymond Barry thinks he’s just getting started. We catch up with one of the most unusual, interesting and introspective actors you’ll ever meet.

For more than 30 years, Liberty DeVitto was the driving force and the beat behind Billy Joel. Now, in his 60s, he’s banging the drum of starting anew, of reinvention and staying relevant. Find out about his rocking new project and why he’s having more fun — and living a healthier lifestyle — than ever before, discovering that aging well just may be the real fountain of youth.

Marilyn Kentz has one of the sharpest, brightest and funniest minds around. She is a comedian, writer, sitcom star, storyteller and a fearless warrior for women. She talks about her outrageous new one-woman show “WIll I Ever Wear a Bikini Again?”

Author and journalist David McRaney has distilled all the scientific research that’s been done over the past 30 years about the brain, and, in a strange, somewhat twisted way, he’s helping create an instruction manual on being a person.

You’ve heard about baseball or even rock and roll fantasy camps, but what about those who dream of being a part of a Broadway production? Now those dreams are coming true thanks to Lauren Class Schneider, who followed her childhood dreams to make that happen.

Are you listening to your body? If you listen carefully, Cherie Soria says you will discover your body is in crises. She teaches the world’s greatest gourmet vegan chefs how to cook and now she’s sharing her knowledge with us. Find out the first raw meal you should make for yourself and why this doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle.

Growing up in Greenwich Village in the ’60s, Bill Curreri fell in love with music, but as is often the case, life pushed him in another direction. Now, at 63, he’s just released his first album and he explains what you can take away from his story.

Sgt. 1st Class Joe Kapacziewski is the first and only amputee in Army Rangers’ history to return to combat, and he did it a stunning five times. He explains why he realized amputating his injured leg was the only way to maintain his active lifestyle.

There’s a new lifestage that exists now that didn’t before and Sharon Simmons is one of the leaders of this movement, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams — even if that dream is trying out for the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders in your 50s.

Florence Henderson was one of America's most beloved TV mom. She died in 2016 at the age of 82, but before her death, we were thrilled to host her on Growing Bolder Radio. In our conversation, she revealed why she was enjoying her career in her late 70s as much -- if not more than -- her career in the '70s. She explained how she combatted ageism and why setting goals is so essential.

She’s the oldest person ever to finish the Ironman Triathlon and even helped launch new age groups in the sport but Sister Madonna Buder, aka the Iron Nun, says it’s not about setting records or getting accolades. Her real mission is to encourage others to discover and develop their God-given gifts for the benefit of all. Get inspired by her incredible spirit and passion for fitness.

Jimmy Sturr has won an incredible 18 Grammy Awards — more than Paul McCartney, Beyonce or Leonard Bernstein — and you’ve probably never heard of him. The undisputed King of Polka gives us a history lesson on this rich musical tradition.

Senior hunger is a serious problem in this country, yet few people are talking about it. Enid Borden is on a mission to not only feed the hungry but to solve the problem of hunger. She explains what you can do today to be a part of the solution.

On Sept. 11, 2001, FBI agent and 25-year law enforcement veteran Lillie Leonardi responded to the crash site of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. What she says she saw there will surprise — a field full of angels. She explains.

Bob Lutz is the straight-shooting, innovative former GM vice chairman and in his late 80s, he's still helping shape the future of the auto industry. He describes his new project and reveals what he's learned about good and idiotic leaders during his career.

There aren’t many people like Bill Coleman. There used to be, but World War II vets are vanishing. It’s why their stories are so important. Growing Bolder takes you Inside the Story with Bill, who shares the wisdom of the greatest generation, explaining what it was like to be a part of the D-Day invasion at Normandy and what it felt like to look death in the face when he was captured by Nazi soldiers.

At this very moment, there are more than 90,000 people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Thousands of people die each year waiting on transplants, so why are we so afraid to talk about this issue? Suzanne Ruff became an advocate the hard way. She explains what she wants everyone to know about organ donation and how it impacts all of us.

Once upon a time, TV writer Ted Bergman was the hottest ticket in town, but these days, it's tough for him to get a ticket on the bus tour. He believes age could be a big part of the reason. He explains how he's battling ageism in Hollywood.

Lisa Lynn is an elite trainer, performance nutritionist and physical therapist, and she says she advocates a lifestyle that is focused on losing weight and gaining muscle, energy and health. She’s revealing what she’s learned from working with fitness professionals and how to train smarter, not harder.

He brought Lou Grant to life in such a way that the character is still an iconic fixture in pop culture, and now in his late 80s, Ed Asner continues with his prolific career and keeps up with a schedule that would exhaust a 25 year old. He reveals to Growing Bolder why most of the movies featuring older actors have it all wrong. Plus, if you love "Up," too, you've got a friend in Asner. Find out why he thinks it's such a magical movie.

Is it really Stevie Nicks? As a celebrity tribute artist, Julie C. Myers’ portrayal of the Fleetwood Mac legend is so accurate it’s not easy to tell. People have always told her how much alike they look, but it didn’t occur to Julie to step into the spotlight as Stevie until she came to a crossroads in her life.

Beets are back and that's great news for the tens of millions of Americans suffering from high blood pressure. Registered dietitian Dr. Susan Mitchell explains how beets just may be the new superfood.

More than 15,000 registered nurses across the country have joined the Faith Community Nursing movement because they saw their patients had much greater needs than their illnesses or conditions. Nurse Betsy McKeeby explains.

She's survived cancer (twice), a heart transplant and the early, tragic death of her husband. And she's only 50. Yet through it all, Toni Wild has never lost one thing -- her optimism about life. Find out why surviving was never a doubt.

Like many kids, Steve Latshaw dreamed of making movies when he grew up. But unlike other kids, it's a dream he never gave up on. Now in his 50s, he's just hitting his peak, working at a prolific pace writing screenplays and directing feature films.

Over the past 40 years, NBC journalist Bob Dotson has logged more than 4 million miles searching the country to tell the American story. He reveals the famous photo that launched this project and what he’s learned about our true American values.

Tired of trying — and failing at — the latest diet fads? Registered dietitian Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., says you can trade the latest trends for something that is not only clinically proven but also doable and delicious.

You’re about to meet a woman whose life changed overnight — all because she was willing to admit she’s vulnerable. Find out why researcher and storyteller Brené Brown thinks her talk on vulnerability, shame and courage struck such a nerve.

During his 7 years in the ring, Jake “the Snake” Roberts became one of the World Wrestling Federation’s biggest stars. His life has had the highest of highs but some of the deepest of lows, and his is a story of survival and victory over addiction. Find out which former professional wrestler is helping him on his journey to sobriety.

A former college arts professor, whose work is in the Smithsonian, is the unlikely ringleader behind a brain health philosophy that is gaining support from big brains across the country. Find out why Stephen Jepson wants you to stop exercising and start playing.

It turns out, retirement living may have less to do with your investments and much more to do with trimming the fat from your expenses. Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate, reveals the secrets of living the retirement you want on any budget.

Judy Myers doesn't look her age, and she doesn't act it either. Find out how standing up on her two bare feet changed her body, opened her mind and put the spark back in her life.

The more we learn about food, the more powerful we find out it is. Before you reach for supplements, registered dietitian Dr. Susan Mitchell reveals nutrient packed foods that can naturally power up your defenses.

Two bands captured the sound and the spirit of the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene — Jefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service. And one man was a crucial member of both bands. David Freiberg shares takes us back to ’60s to share stories from this unique period of history and reveals why he’s still touring the world today.

In 2008, Sean VanGerena survived a horrendous car wreck that left him with a TBI, a broken neck and he then suffered multiple strokes. Now, he’s on the U.S. paratriathlon team. His spirit, courage and attitude will inspire all of facing challenges.

Following your passions can lead to a vibrant and rewarding life, especially if you can make some money from it. You just need to learn how, and that’s where Nancy Collamer comes in. Find out her tips for finding your second act career.

Can Alzheimer’s be prevented, or even treated, by the foods you eat (or don’t eat)? Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading advocate for good nutrition and using nutritional intervention to cure whatever ails us, offers tips to boost your brain health with power foods.

By day, he’s the president of the nation’s top community college. In his spare time, he’s a poet/singer/songwriter. Find out the unique ways Dr. Sandy Shugart blends his passions and why he thinks we look at leadership from the wrong vantage point.

Charlie Brotman has one of the most unique — and coveted — jobs in public announcing. Since 1957, he’s been the voice of every presidential inauguration. He shares some memorable stories and reveals why he’s never been paid a dime.

Marc Sotkin is one of the most accomplished and successful writers and producers in the TV industry, and even he isn’t immune from the ageism that still permeates our society. He explains how he’s had to keep reinventing himself to stay in the game.