Remember the hair horrors and video game victories of the 80s? We certainly do, and we're ready to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the decades. We'll tackle the "get off my lawn" sentiment that's not just for the old-timers anymore; it's sneaking into our middle-aged musings, too. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wisdom, we confront our inner "Grognard" while considering the generational shifts that have seen us go from rotary phones to Instagram in what feels like the blink of an eye.

As you join us on this trip down memory lane, you'll laugh out loud at our 80s hair tribulations and find out why we're weighing in on the classic Pac-Man versus today's digital distractions debate. We'll share the shock of a phone bill in the texting revolution era and reveal our own social media faux pas. Nostalgia ties it all together, as we discuss how we've come to judge others by their treatment of people rather than their taste in video games or music. So, get ready for a candid chat that's part tech, part talk, and all heart, with a side of landscape—both literal and figurative.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Ready for a deep-dive into the quirky realm of middle-aged dating? Buckle up as we take you on a journey through our personal anecdotes and observations about the evolution of dating in middle age. We chat about the advent of technology that has transformed the dating scene, from text messaging to dating apps, and share advice peppered with humor and honesty. Remember the mantra - respect, honesty, and 'reading the room'.

Ever wondered what drives someone to put themselves out there in a dating profile? We ponder this very question and more as we navigate the perplexing world of dating apps. While we confess to having little personal experience, the intrigue is real! We also touch on the unfortunate trend of unsolicited inappropriate content and the judgments that follow.  Join us and let's laugh, learn and love as we stroll down the road of middle-aged dating. No judgment here, just good old wisdom and a dash of fun!

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Ever wonder how you can maximize your current income to secure a comfortable retirement? Are you unsure of how to navigate the complicated landscape of financial planning? We're here to help you build that roadmap to financial security. In today's episode, we share our personal experiences with budgeting, the challenges of retirement saving, and the harsh reality of relying solely on social security. We also discuss the pros and cons of having a retirement account through employment and the intricacies involved when you're self-employed. Our aim is to underline the importance of early and consistent retirement planning, no matter what life stage you are in.

As we journey deeper into the episode, we unpack the financial aspects of retirement, such as managing a fixed income and the value of consulting with a licensed financial advisor. We candidly share our experiences on how our retirement accounts fluctuated during the pandemic and explore real estate as a potential nest egg. Shifting gears, we talk about the often overlooked aspect of retirement planning - funeral costs. We debunk the myth of pre-paying for them, recount our recent interaction with a funeral director and emphasize the need to understand the process. This episode is full of practical insights and useful tips for not just those nearing retirement, but for anyone who wants to be prepared for the future. So, sit back, relax and let's talk about financial planning.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Ever wondered what the "empty nest syndrome" truly feels like?  In our family, with our oldest at 32 and youngest at 21, we've had our share of joyous chaos and now, we're exploring the silence. Even as we grapple with the shifting dynamics, our kids transitioning into adulthood, we're challenged to redefine our parental roles while also relishing the sweet rewards of their blossoming independence and our increasing free time.

As the empty nest began to echo, we found solace in creating new hobbies and interests. From the calm of gardening that gifted us a surprise pepper plant from our composter to maintaining an engaging bond with our adult children, each activity has helped us navigate this new life phase with grace and humor. This episode is laden with personal anecdotes and practical wisdom for those who are also embarking on their journey as empty nesters. Do join us as we laugh, reminisce, and share the lessons we've learned through this transformative period of our lives.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Ever pondered whether you'd endure the needle for a shot at perpetual youth? Come journey with us, Susanne and John-Michael, as we navigate the turbulent waters of vanity and aging. We delve into personal experiences and laugh over the possible inspiration behind Carly Simon's timeless hit, 'You're So Vain'. With pop culture icons like Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed as reference points, we ponder the value of Botox, Juvederm, and facelifts in the quest for everlasting beauty. 

Switching the tempo, we then dig into the pivotal role of physical wellness in our appearances. Recalling Susanne's personal evolution in understanding the importance of resistance training, we highlight the interplay between exercise, nutrition, and aesthetic treatments in shaping how we present ourselves to the world. Wrapping up our lively chat, Susanne flirts with the idea of getting an eye lift someday (especially if she wins the lottery). Join us for this fun-filled and enlightening episode. You're guaranteed a few laughs, some food for thought, and maybe even a fresh perspective on vanity and aging.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Wish you could transform your sleep quality, wake up rejuvenated and elevate your mood? Explore the captivating intricacies of sleep with us, John Michael and Suzanne Benford, as we lay bare our personal brushes with sleep apnea and the life-altering impact of a CPAP machine. We delve into the profound importance of sleep as our body's tool for recovery, driven by the National Institute on Aging's recommendation of 7-9 hours sleep for older adults. 

Imagine your bed as an exclusive haven designated for just sleep and intimacy. We drill deeper into the vital role of sleep hygiene for our mental and physical wellbeing, from the power of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to the science of altering sleep requirements as we age. We'll also scrutinize sleep stages from REM to light and deep sleep, and how external influences like stress and school can disrupt our sleep patterns. Get ready to unravel the potential of supplements in aiding sleep and the immense perks of improved sleep quality on our mood. Let's embark on this enlightening journey towards mastering sleep.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Strap in and get ready to listen to a frank discussion of mental health during middle age. We, your co-hosts Susanne and John-Michael, are opening up about our individual encounters with anxiety. We're shedding light on how our generation has evolved in our approach to mental health, and how we're breaking down barriers by embracing therapy, meditation, and other resources that were once stigmatized.

Ever pondered about the intricate relationship between physical and mental health? We're taking a deep dive into that too, emphasizing the significance of physical activity as an essential tool for mental health management. Hear us out on how the changes associated with middle age can impact our mental health, and why short-term therapy could potentially be your game changer. We also touch on how emotions can manifest physically and the importance of initiating necessary changes for better mental health. The journey of accepting and overcoming unresolved childhood trauma also gets discussed. As age brings wisdom, we also discuss the need for standing up for oneself and the decreased tolerance for nonsense that middle age brings. Tune in and join the conversation, as we navigate the complex yet fascinating realm of middle age and mental health.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

Ever wondered if Lionel Richie is the secret to optimum wellness? Join us, Susanne and John-Michael, as we open up our lives and health regimes, exploring the challenges and triumphs of maintaining wellness while navigating the waters of middle age. With a dash of humor and a dose of reality, we delve into our supplement cabinets and discuss the influence of our family's health history on our own well-being.

Who would have thought the journey to health and wellness in middle age could be so engaging, and even hilarious at times? From discussing the often-avoided topic of colonoscopies and their new alternatives, to revealing the effects of sleep and stress on health, we leave no stone unturned. Whether you are curious about oat grass supplements or uncertain about the impact of divorce on wellness, we've got you covered. So, strap in for an enlightening, relatable, and sometimes downright funny conversation about finding health and wellness in the often tricky terrain of middle age.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

We're pulling back the curtain on a difficult conversation that's often avoided but is undoubtedly necessary - mortality. It's a certainty that grows more tangible as we age, and creeps into our lives as we watch our parents grow older. Co-host, John-Michael, shares a poignant moment when his aging mother made a significant trip to the U.S., sparking discussions on the inevitability of an end-of-life stage. The journey through these tough conversations can be heartrending yet inevitable, as we contemplate our parents' mortality and our own.

Shifting gears, we also shed light on the equally significant aspect of nurturing relationships, especially during middle age. Our personal experiences of drafting wills, expressing love and appreciation, and clearing the air with our aging parents, bring to the forefront the importance of mending relationships and cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. We don't shy away from expressing our thoughts on the necessity of having end-of-life discussions, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. So, join us as we navigate these murky waters and highlight the importance of making the most of our time with our loved ones, all while confronting the reality of mortality head-on.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox

What if I told you that middle aging, that vast realm between youthful bloom and golden years, is an adventure waiting to be explored, teeming with discoveries and knowledge that could redefine your life? Welcome to Middle Aging: The Other Side of the Hill, a journey we are undertaking together to navigate the complexities, joys, challenges, and surprises of these adventurous years. I'm Susanne and I'm here with my co-host (and husband!), John-Michael, armed with personal anecdotes, a dash of humor, trusted resources, and a whole lot of curiosity about this delightful yet often confusing stage of life. 

From adjusting to physical changes, managing career transitions, going back to school in your 50s, dealing with empty nest syndrome, to caring for aging parents and nurturing social connections, we're here to explore it all. Not shying away from candor, we'll also share our personal journeys, like my pursuit of a doctorate and John Michael's transition from being a lacrosse dad to being an empty nester. We're not just spring chickens anymore, but we're not old birds just yet either. So join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of middle aging, bearing in mind the wisdom of our years and the zest for life that remains undimmed. So tune in, because there's so much to talk about and learn in this unique stage of life that we call middle aging.

Hosts: Susanne and John-Michael
Contact us at:
[email protected]
Music by: Curtis/Maddox
Produced and Edited by Gregory Luchini Maddox