Growing Bolder

It only takes one word to identify this man. Even though his show ended production in 1979, all you have to hear is the word "Dy-no-mite!" and you'll immediately think of one person -- Jimmie "J.J." Walker. He talks about how things are very different for today's comedians compared to Walker and his contemporaries, and he explains why he thinks most of today's minority characters are missing "spunk."

James Taylor says he’s one of the most important musicians of our time. Joni Mitchell calls him the first of the great singer/songwriters. They’re talking about Tom Rush, an incredible talent who chose stability over celebrity. Now, 50 years later, he may be on the verge of achieving both.

When it comes to improving your health and minimizing your risk for disease, many experts point out the benefits of antioxidants. How do we get more of them into our bodies? The answer is simple: eat more fruits and vegetables. Registered dietitian Susan Mitchell offers strategies for incorporating more antioxidants into your diet, including her favorite -- blueberries.

His entire life, Albert Dragon always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. He didn’t start until he was in his 60s and it took him five years to hike all 2,184 miles but he did it. Find out his tips for making your own dreams come true.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Lucianovic spent her whole life being afraid of certain foods. Now, she’s a “recovering” picky eater. Find out what finally motivated her to change and how you can deal with the picky eaters in your life.

She spent 35 years counseling people through grief, but now, first-time novelist Joy Johnson is helping them laugh with her new book series, The BOOB Girls. Find out why she wanted to celebrate the beauty and passion of older women.

Fred Schneider, the frontman for The B-52s, the greatest party band of all time, explains what happened to the band when it became an "overnight success" and why it was suddenly stressful. Plus, find out how the 67-year-old is still finding new ways to rock.

The secret to happiness is finding what you love and combining it with what you do for a living. If you think it's too late to do that, meet Millicent Gappell. The glass artist is in her 80s and she's creating stunning, museum-quality work.

What happens in the sea happens to us. Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of the world's most famous oceanographer, explains his Plant a Fish program and how we can all do our part to help our oceans survive.

During the recession of the late '00s, like millions of other Americans, Leah Ingram's family was forced to downsize and curb its spending. Rather than becoming a "cheapskate," she found creative new ways to save money and get more value out of her purchases. She explains how.

Can courage be learned? How does fear keep us alive? And do lucky charms really hold any true power? Robert Biswas-Diener, known as the Indiana Jones of positive psychology, reveals how science can make you braver.

If you think high-endurance athletes can't fuel their bodies on plant-based diets, wait until you meet Rich Roll, who initially tried to prove his wife wrong about a vegetarian diet. He's now one of the world's fittest men and a dedicated vegan.

Rock climbing, yoga practitioner, hiker and sports psychologist Virginia Savage says she has learned an important lesson through her many adventures -- you don't have to overcome your fears, just learn how to move through them. Get her tips for incorporating this life-changing lesson into your own life.

Marta Eggerth was an internationally renowned opera singer who starred on the world's greatest stages and in more than 40 films with actors like Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. She continued performing, recording and enjoying life to its fullest right up until her death at the age of 101. In one of her final interviews, she spoke to Growing Bolder about her wish that her example would give young people hope and she shared why she believed an optimistic view of the world is so important. 

What happens when you give a person with dementia an iPod loaded with the songs of their youth? They come alive inside. Dan Cohen, the executive director of Music & Memory and a crucial part of the documentary Alive Inside explains this remarkable project that is changing the lives of patients and caregivers. Find out how you can help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every six adults has high cholesterol. Many turn to statins or other drugs to lower their cholesterol, but did you know you could turn to your pantry instead? Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., is a registered dietitian who has been featured on Today, CNN and the Food Network and she's offering up some Nut Nutrition 101. Find out why they are heart-healthy and could even be beneficial to your health.

UCLA psychiatrist and researcher Rebecca Gladding, M.D., says it's possible to change lifelong bad habits and decision-making patterns by learning to listen to our minds instead of our brains. She explains.

Have you ever wanted to write your family's story but you weren't sure how to get started? Writer Patricia Charpentier says it's just like eating an elephant -- you've got to take it one small piece at a time. Find out her tips for getting started.

As a child, Todd Taylor stunned the Nashville music scene with his banjo skills. He vowed them to elevate the banjo as a musical instrument, and that's exactly what's he done, collecting Grammy nominations and world records along the way.

Suze Orman is a crusader for truth in finances. She shares stories of her previous financial failures to help you succeed. Plus, find out why, in her new book, she is focusing on a sorely underrepresented area of personal finance -- women and money.

A tragic missed opportunity with his father inspired a photographer to finally put his long-simmering idea into action. Jim Hobart explains how the Legacy Life Project is bringing precious family memories to life, a priceless gift for generations to come.

Did you know COPD, chronic pulmonary disease, is now the third leading cause of death in the United States? Marcia Katz, M.D. of the UCF College of Medicine is a nationally recognized expert on lung diseases and she discusses the alarming rise of COPD and offers tips for avoiding it.

Throughout his 40-year show business career, Tony Danza has done it all. Now, at 67, he's gearing up for exciting new projects and sharing his advice for Growing Bolder in your own life.

Every now and then, we all need a shot in the arm, a nudge to remind us that life is short. We need to get up, get out and live it while we have the chance. That attitude and this radio show are called Growing Bolder. The guests in this episode will inspire you that your life can be something special, too.

Dr. Daniel Amen is one of the world's leading experts on brain health. He talks with Growing Bolder to offer practical tips that will not only improve your brain but also your entire body. Start feeling better today with his simple steps.

Growing Bolder takes a ride with a 98-year-old who overcome poverty and prejudice but never lost her love for life.

Vivica A. Fox has been called the hardest working woman in showbiz. Her bio is filled with too many excellent movie and TV roles to mention, but for someone as popular and well-liked as she is, her life has not been easy. She explains why versatility and tenacity have kept her in the game.

Kay Van Norman took on the senior living industry to try and make a better life for those they serve. Find out what changes she thinks are necessary to help us all age better.

Hugh Bonneville charmed audiences worldwide with his award-winning turn as Robert, the Earl of Grantham on Downton Abbey. Even as Bonneville and the rest of the cast prepare to return to Downton, he continues to take on exciting new roles in his career, including performing alongside the iconic Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

In his 50 years in the business, sportswriter Frank Deford evolved from the "not very bright" kid to one of the most gifted, respected and versatile writers of our time. Deford died in 2017 at the age of 78. In this 2012 conversation with Growing Bolder, he revealed the two athletes he thought were the most compelling of all time.

Two years after battling throat cancer, William Randolph decided to finally fulfill his lifelong dream of flying solo around the world. At the age of 76, he took off in a homemade single-engine plane and had the adventure of a lifetime. He shares his stories from this incredible journey.

If you think you have to run or exercise vigorously to reap the benefits of fitness, think again. Gretchen Reynolds is one of the nation’s top health reporters, and she says a growing field of science shows doing even small activities can lead to big health rewards.

Then, a 52-year-old grandmother of two is now the oldest female to ever compete in NCAA athletics. And just started running six years ago. Find out why Diana Furey not only returned to college, but tried out for — and made — the track team!

She's an actress who, these days, is as famous for her incredible memory as her impressive body of work. Did you know Marilu Henner is also a passionate advocate for living and eating well? Find out what she's learned about recovering memories and boosting your brainpower.

Confused about recent reports on prostate cancer testing? NBA legend Oscar Roberston says our greatest weapon against cancer is knowledge. He shares what he's learned during his own experiences with the disease.

Have you pictured what winning looks like to you? Olympian Rowdy Gaines says he has his mind to thank as much as his body for all his swimming success, and he shares his tips for picturing the future and making it come true.

Jeremy Bloom made his sports dreams come true — he’s a three-time World Champion skiier, two-time Olympian, college football All-American and retired NFL player. And now, he’s making lifelong wishes come true for those 80 and older. Find out why.

One woman made the journey through despair and transformed into someone fully alive. Cheryl Strayed writes about those experiences in her book, “Wild,” which then went on to become a beloved film starring Reese Witherspoon. Find out how Cheryl found herself again by getting lost in the wilderness.

What's the No. 1 chronic condition in this country? Dr. Mark Hyman is one of the world's most recognized and respected doctors, and he explains why so many patients are undiagnosed. Find out how obesity is crippling our nation and learn how to follow a do-it-yourself health plan.

She's a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the greatest female distance swimmer of all time, and at the age of 40 and with two small kids, Janet Evans staged an Olympic comeback. She explains why she felt ready to compete again, even against swimmers half her age.

Phil Kean had a dream of being an architect, but put it on hold to pursue other business opportunities. When he turned 40, he realized: it was now or never. And now he’s behind the blueprints of some of the most

cutting-edge homes in America.

What would possess a two-time cancer survivor to compete in a 50-mile endurance run at the age of 71? Because she can. Find out how running has given Judy Shipman a whole new lease on life.

One of the nation’s foremost experts on palliative care says end-of-life care is one of the biggest national crises we’re facing today. Find out why Dr. Ira Byock thinks our system is broken and how we would change the way we deal with our final life stage.

He made headlines around the world when he put all of his possessions up for sale on eBay. Find out what happened after Ian Usher sold his entire life and hit the road to tackle 100 goals in 100 weeks. Was it all he imagined it’d be?

Who are the most fashionable people on the streets of New York? Here’s a hint: they’re not supermodels but they’re super examples of active, vibrant aging. Photographer, blogger and now author Ari Seth Cohen explains why he’s so fascinated with New York’s stylish older residents.

We’ve got the story of a car, the 93-year-old woman who drove it for every one of its 570,000 miles, the website that produced a story that became a viral hit and the car company executive who came to pay tribute to Rachel and her beloved Chariot.

Who has Tony Handler beat at every one of his 255 triathlons? Mr. Cancer. This eight-time survivor explains how he went from being given two years to live 29 years ago to an Ironman triathlete. Find out what amazing goal he’s working toward now.

Osteoporosis is called the silent disease because it shows little or no symptoms, but it affects an alarming number of women. Florida Hospital’s Alexis Saire explains what you need to know, how to protect yourself and what role fitness plays.

Imagine making up your mind that you’d had enough and you were going to do that thing you’d always dreamed about before life got in the way. For Renee Petrillo, the “it” was dropping out of the rat race and dropping anchor somewhere else. So she did.