Late Boomers

What happens when a deeply personal search for answers becomes an entirely new chapter in life?

In this episode of Late Boomers, we sit down with Kim Rogers, known online as the “Worm Queen,” for a candid conversation about chronic illness, self-advocacy, and building a business around a controversial approach to wellness.

Kim takes us through the health struggles that led her and her husband to leave their careers, sell their belongings, and move to Washington State. She shares how her interest in herbal remedies and her experiences with parasite cleansing eventually became the foundation for RogersHood, her wellness business.

We ask Kim about the symptoms she associates with parasites, her views on testing, and what people should consider before trying a cleanse. We also explore ingredient transparency, the challenges of manufacturing products, and the responsibility that comes with sharing health information with a large online audience.

Beyond the health discussion, we talk about going viral, facing criticism, navigating platform restrictions, and finding new ways to reach people through podcasting. Kim’s story opens up a conversation about reinvention, conviction, and the complicated intersection of personal experience, public influence, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The symptoms Kim associates with parasites and her perspective on conventional care [01:29]
• Her healthcare background and the personal experiences that changed her direction [06:22]
• Leaving her career and rebuilding life with her husband in Washington State [08:30]
• Her account of discovering parasite cleansing through social media [10:20]
• Questions about testing and how Kim interprets her experiences [17:24]
• Our questions about pets, exposure, and identifying material seen during cleanses [25:42]
• How Kim developed her cleansing kit and approached ingredient transparency [30:19]
• Product restrictions and medication concerns discussed during our conversation [35:03]
• Going viral, building community, and handling online criticism [40:29]
• Why she expanded into podcasting and guest appearances [43:54]
• Her message about asking questions and advocating for yourself [45:10]

About Our Guest

Kim Rogers, known as the “Worm Queen,” is the wellness entrepreneur behind RogersHood and host of What’s Eating U? She joins us to share her account of chronic illness, her interest in herbal products, and how those experiences shaped her business and online community.

If you found our conversation thought-provoking, subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube or your favorite podcast app and share this episode with a friend. As we always say, it’s never too late to rethink what’s possible!

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of Late Boomers! We’re Cathy and Merry, your hosts, and today we’re thrilled to bring you an incredibly rich conversation with Melanie McCabe, a published poet and memoirist who’s boldly ventured into new territory as a novelist. If you’ve ever dreamed about writing a book, changing careers, or pursuing a creative passion at any stage of life, you’ll want to listen in.

In this episode, Melanie shares the story behind her debut novel Road Longer Than Memory, a suspenseful murder mystery set against the backdrop of real-life events in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie draws on her personal experiences growing up during the protests over a planned highway, weaving true history into gripping fiction. We dive into her creative process, the challenges of persistence in publishing, how teaching teenagers influenced her characters, and the fascinating family secrets she uncovered while writing her memoir, His Other Life: Searching for My Father, His First Wife, and Tennessee Williams.

• It’s Never Too Late to Start: Melanie’s journey shows that creative dreams can be pursued at any age. She wrote multiple novels before finding publishing success; persistence is key.
• Draw on Your Life Experience: The discussion explored the power of writing “what you know” and how Melanie’s upbringing, teaching career, and family history enriched her stories 01:15 07:27.
• Research and Community Matter: Melanie leveraged local history archives, Facebook groups, and crowd-sourced memories to bring authenticity to her novel 04:47.
• Blending Fact with Fiction: Through memoir and fiction, Melanie shares how different genres call for different approaches, but both benefit from honest storytelling and a willingness to revise 23:07 31:04.
• Finding Your Audience Creatively: Hear Melanie’s clever tactics for marketing her novel to nostalgic Arlington natives without traditional self-promotion 13:01.
• Family Stories Can Surprise You: Uncovering her father’s links to Tennessee Williams and researching long-held family mysteries transformed Melanie’s understanding of her personal history 14:21.
• Advice for Aspiring Creatives: Permission to write “badly” at first and the encouragement to shut out your inner critic opens the door to real creativity and improvement 31:04.

Are you ready to start your next chapter, whatever your age? Tune in to Melanie McCabe’s story for the inspiration and practical tips you need to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone ready to rethink what’s possible. Subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

We believe, just as Melanie does: It’s never too late to create, to change, or to dream. Thanks for listening!

— Cathy & Merry

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

eWomenPodcastNetwork

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today we're thrilled to bring you an unforgettable conversation with acclaimed historical novelist, writing coach, and lifelong creator Larry F. Sommers. In this episode, we journey through American history, explore the power of storytelling, and delve into what it really means to reinvent yourself at any age.

Have you ever wondered what happens when the stories of Norwegian immigrants and fugitive slaves collide just before the Civil War? Larry F. Sommers has taken this compelling intersection of history and turned it into his celebrated novel, The Price of Passage. But that's just the beginning of his creative journey. With roots in personal and genealogical history, Larry’s work spans from a coming-of-age tale in the Sputnik era to speaking and coaching aspiring writers, embodying the Late Boomers spirit of continuous reinvention.

During our conversation, Larry F. Sommers shares how he found his voice as a writer after retirement, the surprising details hidden in family history, and why historical fiction remains powerfully relevant. We break down Larry’s process, explore the emotional impact of his fiction, and offer actionable advice for anyone ready to launch their own creative chapter.

• Discovering Stories in Family History: Larry F. Sommers reveals how his wife's genealogical research led to the discovery of a real-life immigration journey and an unusual stop in Illinois, which became the basis for his historical novel (03:37).
• Blending Fact with Fiction: Learn Larry’s approach to balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, using research surprises to power plot twists and emotional resonance (09:42).
• The Structure of Compelling Fiction: Larry shares his “braided narrative” technique, allowing readers to connect deeply with three main characters from intertwining vantage points (13:01).
• Writing Across Life’s Chapters: Larry proves it’s never too late to start or return to writing. He began writing full-time at 70 and has since published multiple works and a weekly blog (02:16, 23:59).
• Coaching Tips for Aspiring Writers: Get Larry's top advice for new writers, including how to avoid the common pitfall of “information dumps” and the importance of making something happen from page one (22:30).
• The Enduring Relevance of Historical Fiction: We discuss why stories of migration, freedom, and perseverance resonate with readers in any era and why looking backward can uncover brand-new insights for today (15:18).
• Embracing Creativity at Any Age: Larry encourages listeners that creativity is always available if you permit it, and that joining a community of fellow writers can be transformative (26:06, 29:00).

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a novel, diving into your family’s history, or simply reinventing your next chapter, let Larry F. Sommers’s journey inspire you to start today. Visit his website at larryfsommers.com to explore his books, blog, and upcoming projects.

And if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and share it with someone who’s ready to unleash their creative potential. Remember, as we always say, it’s never too late to rethink what’s possible!

Stay inspired,

Cathy Worthington & Merry Elkins

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome back to the Late Boomers Podcast! We're Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins , your hosts, and in this inspiring episode, we dive into the art of reinvention, food as a foundation for joy, and building new chapters later in life. We sit down with the remarkable Dennis Littley better known as Chef Dennis, a classically trained chef, culinary educator, and the creator of Ask Chef Dennis, a Top 30 US food blog reaching millions every month.

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly reinvent yourself after decades in a career? Dennis Littley is living proof that retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down. After 45 years in professional kitchens, Dennis took his culinary expertise online, building a massive following while teaching home cooks to find confidence and joy in the kitchen.

• Experience is your secret weapon: Your skills and wisdom are valuable at any age. Reinvention is about using what you’ve learned in new ways.
• Recipes are foundations, not rules: Dennis Littley teaches that cooking is about using what you love, making substitutions, and having fun and confidence in the kitchen.
• Food brings people together: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, enjoying the process is as important as the result.
• It’s never too late: Your new chapter can start at any time, don't be afraid to try, learn from mistakes, and keep going.
• Adapt and grow: Even in blogging and business, Dennis learned that listening to your audience and evolving your approach leads to bigger impact.
• Practical tips for all cooks: Learn to cut down recipes, freeze portions, and make meals that make you happy, not just follow trends.

Ready for your own reinvention? Get inspired by Dennis Littley’s journey and cooking wisdom visit his blog at askchefdennis.com for recipes, tips, and more.

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with a friend who might need a little nudge to try something new.

Remember, at Late Boomers, it’s never too late to rethink what’s possible. Join us next week for more stories that inspire you to embrace your next chapter!

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today we take you behind the powerful story of Dancing Through the Shadow, a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and artistry set against the backdrop of Mao-era China. We’re joined by Emmy-winning producer, director, screenwriter, and author Leif Bristow, who helped bring the remarkable journey of Tia Zheng to the page and the screen.

In this episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Tia Zheng, whose courage and love for dance carried her through unspeakable oppression and loss. Discover how her story moved from memoir to award-winning book and now to a critically acclaimed film, thanks to Leif Bristow’s vision and dedication. Together, we explore what it takes to faithfully adapt a real-life narrative for the big screen, the unique challenges of cross-cultural storytelling, and why these stories matter now more than ever.

• Real-Life Resilience: Learn how Tia’s strength, discipline, and love for dance empowered her to survive family turmoil, labor camps, and cultural revolution, ultimately leading to her global impact with performances like Shen Yun.
• From Book to Film: Leif Bristow shares the process of bringing Tia’s story to a wide audience, respecting the emotional truth while crafting a film with both emotional depth and historical accuracy.
• Culture & Connection: We discuss the importance of empathy, understanding, and dialogue between cultures, and how true stories like Tia’s foster acceptance and break barriers of silence, even within immigrant families.
• Creative Collaboration: Hear Leif Bristow’s approach to leading film sets with openness, listening, and teamwork, and his belief in uplifting stories that bring humanity together and spark meaningful conversations.
• The Power of Storytelling Right Now: Discover why sharing stories of survival and hope is more essential now than ever, uniting us during times of global upheaval and helping audiences connect with their own histories and each other.
• Where to Watch & Read: Dancing Through the Shadow is now available on Prime Video worldwide; the book is award-winning and printed in both English and Chinese, making it accessible for broad audiences.

If you've ever needed a reminder of the unbreakable human spirit, this episode is for you. We invite you to watch Dancing Through the Shadow on Prime Video and pick up the book for a deeper dive. Share this episode with anyone needing inspiration or motivation to rethink what’s possible in their own life. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review for Late Boomers, available on all your favorite podcast platforms and our YouTube channel.

Join us in celebrating reinvention at any age. It’s never too late to create your next chapter!

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today we’re bringing you a truly enlightening episode with inventor, engineer, and Eagle Research founder George Wiseman. We’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Brown’s gas, hydrogen technology, and its revolutionary potential for wellness, aging, and living life to the fullest no matter your stage or age.

Are you ready to challenge the idea that aging means inevitable decline? So are we! That’s why we’re excited about this episode, where innovation meets health and aging is redefined with cutting-edge science and real-life stories.

George Wiseman joins us to share his decades-long journey with Brown’s gas, a unique hydrogen-based technology originally designed for alternative energy and fuel efficiency but now showing significant promise for home wellness and anti-aging. From growing up off-grid on a remote ranch in British Columbia to becoming a leader in alternative healing technologies, George’s story is as bold and inspiring as the science he’s championing.

• Brown’s gas is more than hydrogen: It includes a special form of electrically expanded water, providing both powerful nutrition and energy to the body (15:50).
• Hydrogen deficiency may be a root cause of many chronic illnesses and accelerated aging (13:01). Brown’s gas inhalation may support regeneration, immune function, pain relief, and more.
• Safety and proper dosing matter: George cautions against “more is better” thinking, emphasizing that 2% hydrogen is scientifically proven to be the therapeutic optimum (24:12).
• Tested results: George and many users report reductions in pain, reversal of scars, improved mobility, and enhanced mental acuity. There are even cases of significant healing from serious illnesses when using Brown’s gas consistently (26:21, 37:32).
• George’s story is personal: He devoted his life to this technology after the loss of his late wife, striving to help others avoid needless pain and suffering (48:07).
• Empower yourself: As we age, it’s vital to stay curious, seek evidence, and make informed choices about your health; don’t just accept the status quo (44:01).

If today’s conversation sparked your curiosity, don’t stop here!

• Visit George’s website at eagle-research.com to learn more about AquaCure and his research.
• Share this episode with fellow boomers and loved ones who want to rethink what’s possible for their health and wellness.
• Subscribe to the Late Boomers podcast on YouTube and your favorite streaming platform for more interviews with innovators, thinkers, and those living life on their own terms.

Remember: It’s never too late to rethink what’s possible!

Thank you for tuning in and staying curious,

Cathy & Merry

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and we're thrilled to bring you stories and strategies that help you create powerful new chapters in your life and work.

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of artificial intelligence with the fabulous Kimberly Inez Mays. Kimberly is not just an expert in AI strategy, she's passionate about empowering organizations and individuals to leverage AI in meaningful, human-centered ways.

Together, we explore how boomers and late boomers can embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI without losing that irreplaceable personal touch, the value of decades of lived experience, or the authenticity your clients crave.

• AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement:
• Kimberly Inez Mays reminds us that AI is a tool to amplify your expertise, not erase it. Don’t rush into adopting all the latest tools from FOMO focus on what supports your unique value and lived experience 02:58.
• Spotting Bias and Hallucination in AI:
• Responsible AI means understanding its limitations. Kimberly teaches us how to recognize AI-generated bias, “hallucinations” (confidently wrong outputs), and sycophancy (excessive flattery) and why subject-matter knowledge matters more than ever 06:14.
• Start Small and Build Confidence:
• If you’re unsure where to start, don’t dive in with mission-critical tasks. Try low-stakes activities like using AI for research or even making a fridge-based recipe get comfortable, then scale up 32:02.
• Maintaining Authenticity & Human Connection:
• Authentic communication is key. Use AI to support your voice, not mimic others. Kimberly shares her strategy: turning spoken-word content into written pieces that truly reflect your style, tone, and actual voice 16:07.
• AI Governance and Trust:
• Even for small teams, setting guidelines about how you use AI is essential especially if you handle sensitive data or serve vulnerable populations. Always prioritize consent, privacy, and clear communication with your customers 23:26.
• Leverage Lifelong Experience:
• Your decades of judgment, perspective, and relationship-building are assets that AI cannot replicate. Kimberly encourages us to harness AI as a means to share, amplify, and broaden the impact of what we already know 34:14.

We hope you feel inspired and empowered to begin (or deepen) your AI journey on your terms, with your values front and center. If you found value in this episode, please:

• Subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform
• Like, share, and leave a review to help others find our show
• Connect with Kimberly Inez Mays on LinkedIn or by email at [email protected] for more insights

Remember: It's never too late to rethink what's possible. Stay curious and keep bringing your human superpowers to every new chapter!

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome back to Late Boomers! We're your hosts, Cathy and Merry, and in this special episode, we’re diving deep into the world of synthwave music, creativity, and personal reinvention. We’re thrilled to be joined by Matt Hancock, the creative force behind Deco Luxe and the brand-new, cinematic synthwave album, Eventide.

Our conversation explores the intersection of music, nostalgia, technology, and what really happens when you choose to pursue a creative dream no matter your age. Whether you grew up on ‘80s synthpop or you’re just discovering these retro-futuristic sounds, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for any late bloomer looking to write a new chapter.

• Reinventing Yourself is Always Possible: Matt Hancock shares his powerful journey of transformation navigating life’s dark moments and channeling his experiences into meaningful, uplifting music.
• The Power of Nostalgia: We discuss the sights, sounds, and even the technology of earlier eras (like cassettes!) can spark creativity and emotional resonance in surprising ways.
• Creativity Has No Age Limit: Matt Hancock encourages everyone, regardless of life stage, to give themselves permission to explore hidden creative sides, start new artistic projects, and keep learning.
• Process Over Perfection: From meditative synthesizer sessions to embracing analog and digital technology, Matt Hancock demonstrates that the act of creating is more important than the pursuit of perfection.
• AI & Authenticity in Art: We delve into how technology has democratized music creation, but why authenticity and the human touch still matter especially in an era of AI-generated content.
• Letting Go of Expectations: Matt Hancock reminds us to detach from expected outcomes and focus on making art that stays true to ourselves.

If this episode sparked an idea or inspired you to revisit an old passion or even try something new for the first time let this be your sign to start today!

• Check out Deco Luxe’s new album Eventide stream it on all platforms and follow @deco.lux.music on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scenes content
• Subscribe to Late Boomers on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube for more inspiring conversations about reinvention, creativity, and making the most of every chapter
• Share this episode with a friend or fellow late bloomer who might need a nudge to pursue their creative dreams

Let’s rethink what’s possible because it’s never too late for your next big chapter.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to another unforgettable episode of Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins , and today we bring you a powerful and deeply moving conversation with novelist Laurie Kirk, author of Baby Marvin. If you’ve ever wondered how past losses, family secrets, and even ghosts can shape and heal our lives, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into Laurie Kirk’s late-blooming writing journey, which began in 2021 after a transformative experience with a life coach. Laurie Kirk opens up about discovering she is a "womb twin survivor," and how this revelation unraveled a thread of profound loneliness that shaped her entire life. We explore how Laurie channeled her experiences into her writing blending tragedy, comedy, and horror, and why she believes it’s never too late to start a new creative chapter.

Laurie Kirk also shares the inspiration behind Baby Marvin, a psychological horror thriller about fractured identity, duality, and what happens when loss and loneliness collide with rage and revenge. Listen as she takes us through her creative process, transitioning from screenplays to novels, and finds healing and even humor in the company of her dearly departed yes, some ghosts are welcome!

• It’s Never Too Late: Laurie Kirk’s story is a reminder that meaningful creative work can begin at any age. Whether you’re 30, 60, or beyond, your best days and stories may still lie ahead.
• Healing Through Forgiveness: Laurie shares how forgiveness, both for herself and her late parents, paved the way for healing, even decades after loss.
• Turning Pain Into Art: We discuss how grief, loneliness, and personal trauma can become raw material for creative, and often humorous, storytelling.
• The Power of Humor in Darkness: Laurie’s journey proves that laughter and levity are essential tools for tackling the deepest wounds and for making even haunted stories shine with humanity.
• Ghosts That Comfort, Not Haunt: Laurie Kirk talks about sensing the presence of lost loved ones, and how they continue to inspire and support her writing.
• Practical Steps for Late Bloomers: From working with a life coach to exploring meditation, Laurie’s willingness to confront her past is a roadmap for anyone seeking meaning and renewal later in life.

If Laurie Kirk’s story inspires you, we encourage you: Don’t wait to start your next chapter! Whether it’s writing a novel, rekindling a passion, or simply starting a healing conversation, it’s truly never too late. Let this episode be your spark.

Subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube and your favorite podcast app, and like this episode to help other late bloomers find us. Share your own story or what you want to begin next we’d love to hear from you!

And remember, as we always say: It’s never too late to rethink what’s possible.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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Welcome to a deeply heartfelt episode of Late Boomers. We’re Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington, and today we gather to honor and remember the legendary Dolly Parton. For our 300th episode, we're sitting down for a very personal conversation, reflecting on the precious moments and memories that connected us to Dolly—through Cathy’s late husband, Ken Kragen, who managed Kenny Rogers and helped shape some of the most iconic moments in country music.

In this special tribute, we share never-before-told stories about Dolly’s kindness, humor, and dazzling presence. We bring you inside the glitz of the CMA Awards, the warmth of the recording studio, and the laughter backstage. You’ll hear what made Dolly so extraordinary not just as a superstar, but as a friend, a mentor, and a beloved family member to so many.

• Dolly’s True Nature: We recount how Dolly was every bit as genuine, loving, and quick-witted behind the scenes as she appeared in public. Her humor—always sparkling, sometimes cheeky—and her generosity of spirit touched everyone she met (07:14, 16:11).
• Memorable Duets and Milestones: Relive the creation of “Islands in the Stream” and other chart-topping collaborations with Kenny Rogers, and go inside their legendary stage chemistry (03:03, 10:28).
• Backstage Adventures: From singing in the backup choir for Kenny & Dolly’s Christmas special to glamorous nights in sequins at the awards shows, Cathy Worthington shares what it was like to be part of these musical milestones (05:15, 19:04).
• A Star’s Wit, Warmth, and Work Ethic: Dolly’s humor lit up every room—whether in press conferences in Perth or when gently teasing friends. She never stopped working, creating, or caring for those around her (16:40, 28:44).
• Dolly’s Legacy of Kindness: Above all, Dolly’s love for her family, her generosity, and her belief in giving someone your smile if they don’t have one shines as her enduring legacy (24:35).
• Making Dreams Reality: Learn how Dolly’s determination and savvy business sense overcame every obstacle—from bringing Dollywood alive to developing a Broadway show based on her life (25:00, 27:02).

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate and remember Dolly Parton’s incredible life, music, and spirit. If Dolly touched your life, too, please subscribe to Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform or our YouTube channel, and share this episode with fellow Dolly fans.

We would love to hear your favorite Dolly memory or song—leave us a comment or review, and help keep her legacy alive.

Remember, as Dolly said and we believe, if you see someone without a smile, give them yours. It’s never too late to spread kindness and live your dreams, just as Dolly did, right up to the very end.

Thank you for listening, and for helping us honor an unforgettable legend—Dolly Parton.

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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