This week on Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Dr. Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP and a nationally recognized authority on aging, economic security, and public policy. In this powerful and enlightening conversation, Dr. Whitman offers a deep dive into the evolving realities of life after 50 — and how individuals, families, and society can better prepare for a longer, more fulfilling second half of life.

Together, Dr. Meek and Dr. Whitman unpack:

• What AARP really does—and why it’s still critically relevant today

• The truth behind common myths about Social Security’s solvency

• Practical strategies AARP supports to improve retirement security

• The growing importance of work, purpose, and health in later life

• Challenges facing family caregivers and where to find support

• Her inspiration for writing The Second Fifty and why it’s a must-read for anyone approaching or supporting aging loved ones 

From policy insights to personal empowerment, this episode is a roadmap for thriving well beyond midlife. Whether you're over 50, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about what lies ahead, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hopeful perspective.

About Dr. Debra Whitman: As AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer, Dr. Debra Whitman leads policy development, analysis, and research, as well as global thought leadership to support and advance the interests of individuals fifty and older and their families. She also oversees AARP’s Public Policy Institute, AARP’s Research Office of Policy Development and Integration, Thought Leadership, and AARP International. Dr. Whitman is an authority on aging issues with extensive experience in national policy making, domestic and international research, and the political process. An economist and former staff director for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, she is a strategic thinker dedicated to solving problems affecting economic and health security, and other issues related to population aging. Dr. Whitman holds master’s and doctorate degrees in economics from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in economics, math and Italian from Gonzaga University.

In this week’s episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Dr. Mark McConville, a clinical psychologist and expert in adolescent and family psychology. Dr. McConville shares insights from his decades of experience working with adolescents and families, including his groundbreaking work on Failure to Launch, which explores the growing trend of young adults struggling to transition into full independence. Together, they dive into the root causes of this issue, touching on everything from societal changes and economic factors to the roles of parents in shaping the development of emerging adults. Dr. McConville also discusses the impact of parenting styles such as "helicopter" and "snowplow" parenting, and offers a deep dive into Gestalt therapy—explaining its key principles and how it can be used to better understand identity development in adolescents.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges of growing up in today's world, the evolving role of parents, and how we can all take steps to better support the next generation’s growth into adulthood.

About Dr. Mark McConville: Dr. Mark McConville is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Beachwood, Ohio, specializing in adult, adolescent, emerging adult, and family psychology. He is a senior faculty member at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and has lectured and taught widely on the subjects of child development, parenting, and counseling methodology. His book “Adolescence: Psychotherapy and the Emergent Self” was awarded the 1995 Nevis Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Gestalt Therapy Theory. He is the author of the Counseling Feedback Report, an innovative and widely used adolescent assessment tool, and is co-editor of the 2001 book, “The Heart of Development: Gestalt Approaches to Childhood and Adolescence,” volumes one and two. His 2020 book “Failure to Launch”  investigates the root causes of why modern kids are struggling to transition from childhood to adulthood. In addition to his private clinical practice, Doctor McConville is a consulting psychologist to Hathaway Brown School and University School, both in the Cleveland area.

This week on Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Cait Donovan, an internationally recognized expert in burnout and resilience. Cait's career began as a practicing acupuncturist with a master’s degree in Chinese medicine, but after experiencing burnout herself, she shifted focus to study biobehavioral health. Today, she’s an in-demand speaker, the host of Fried – The Burnout Podcast, and the author of The Bouncebackability Factor: End Burnout, Gain Resilience, and Change the World. In this enlightening conversation, Cait delves deep into the causes and signs of burnout, explaining how chronic stress affects the brain, body, and emotions. She shares research on the six workplace factors that contribute to burnout, how trauma plays a role, and why certain people become apathetic while others are highly reactive. She also explores burnout recovery—what habits and routines can help restore energy, repair the brain, and rebuild resilience. Whether you’re struggling with burnout yourself or looking for ways to support others, this episode is packed with insights that will help you take the next step forward in your journey of healing and empowerment.

About Cait Donovan: Cait Donovan, a global burnout expert and resilience advocate, has spent years helping leaders and teams break free from burnout culture. With a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and over 250 podcast episodes exploring burnout recovery, she’s developed a proven framework for success. After years of running her own clinics and working with high-level professionals, Cait channeled her expertise into keynotes, workshops, and her top 1% podcast, FRIED: The Burnout Podcast. Now, she’s on a mission to #endburnoutculture, empowering organizations to create sustainable success with emotional intelligence at the core. 

In this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Dr. Marcel van der Watt, the president of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to discuss his remarkable career and the global fight against sexual exploitation. With over 22 years of experience, Dr. van der Watt brings expertise from his background as a police investigator, hostage negotiator, and criminal case consultant. Together, they dive into the devastating impact of pornography, especially on young minds, and the alarming rise of online sexual exploitation. Dr. van der Watt sheds light on how pornography is reshaping relationships, desensitizing youth, and potentially leading to more violent behaviors. He also provides insights into how easy access to these harmful materials is impacting children, and shares effective strategies for parents to protect their kids in the digital age.

The conversation also explores the important work of the NCOSE, including their efforts in policy advocacy, legal action, corporate accountability, and survivor support. Dr. van der Watt discusses the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which aims to combat online sexual exploitation, and the center’s annual Dirty Dozen list, highlighting the biggest corporate enablers of exploitation. Tune in for this eye-opening discussion on the complex and urgent issue of sexual exploitation, and learn what steps we can all take toward change.

About Dr. Marcel van der Watt: As President of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Marcel van der Watt (Ph.D.) brings over 22 years of expertise in combating the interconnected criminal economies of organized crime, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Marcel has earned global recognition for his leadership, investigative expertise, and research contributions. His extensive background as a police investigator, hostage and suicide negotiator, and criminal case consultant continues to inform and inspire his work today. Marcel has consulted in and provided expert court testimony in several sex trafficking cases, briefed members of the US Congress on issues related to online criminality, and engaged with both the Presidency and the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus in South Africa’s Parliament on matters related to implicit harms-,myths-, and laws associated with the sex trade. As a keynote speaker and published author, Marcel has shared his expertise on international stages, training professionals from diverse disciplines across over 30 countries. His deep commitment to justice is rooted in his personal faith in Jesus Christ. Married to his best friend Karolien, Marcel finds great joy in seeing others thrive, pursue their dreams, and hone their talents. He is passionate about celebrating and protecting the inherent dignity and value of every individual, inspiring them to live life to its fullest potential. 

Many know sports columnist Jason Gay from his work at The Wall Street Journal. In his interview with program host Dr. Chris Meek, Jason starts at the start, speaking candidly about how he decided to become a writer and the path that led him to his current job. Named the Sports Columnist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists on several occasions, Jason will discuss his approach to writing about sensitive topics, such as scandals or controversies; the most challenging and memorable interviews he’s completed, his approach to striking a balance between respecting interview subjects while still asking the tough questions, and so much more on this episode of Next Steps Forward.

About Jason Gay: Jason Gay is The Wall Street Journal’s sports columnist. In 2024, Jason’s sports column was awarded first place by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. He was named Sports Columnist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists in 2010, 2016 and 2019. He is author of the essay book “I Wouldn’t Do That If I Were Me,” published in 2022, and his 2015 bestseller “Little Victories” was a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Write to Jason at [email protected], and follow him on Twitter @jasongay.

In this week’s episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Patricia “Patty” D. Horoho, a trailblazer who made history as the first woman, first nurse, and first non-physician to serve as the Army Surgeon General and Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command. With a career spanning over 38 years of service, General Horoho reflects on her remarkable journey from the Green Ramp disaster in 1994 to the Pentagon on 9/11, and her transformational leadership in Army medicine. After retiring from the Army, General Horoho’s leadership continues to shine as Chief Strategy, Innovation and Transformation Officer for Optum Health, where she has rapidly grown the organization to multi-billion-dollar success, particularly through her agile response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, they discuss her career milestones, leadership principles, resilience, and the groundbreaking changes she implemented in military healthcare. LTG Horoho also shares insights into her personal life, including balancing her demanding career with motherhood, and how she continues to serve others through the 2Serve Together Foundation, which honors military women. Tune in to hear her inspiring advice on leadership, resilience, and the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders—especially women. 

About LTG Patricia "Patty" D. Horoho: Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Patricia “Patty” D. Horoho is the current Chief Strategy, Innovation and Transformation Officer for Optum Health. She was the 43rd Army Surgeon General and the Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command. She made history as the first woman, first nurse and first non-physician to hold these posts. In these roles, LTG Horoho led the world’s third-largest health care system with a multi-billion-dollar budget, a staff of 156,000 and a global logistics, research and care network that spanned five continents. After her retirement from the Army in December 2015, she joined UnitedHealth Group in 2017 to establish the Optum Serve brand, which is the end-to-end federal business of both Optum and UnitedHealth Group. In the last two years, Optum Serve has entered into new markets, grown the top line by three-hundred percent, and grown into a multi-billion dollar organization. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, her agility and ability to effectively leverage resources resulted in Optum Serve rapidly standing up new business models to support COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution. In 2023, LTG Horoho also established the 2Serve Together Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring our military women.

Kelly McDonald, bestselling author of four books on business and leadership, acclaimed speaker, and founder of one of the nation's top advertising agencies, joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on this episode of Next Steps Forward. Kelly has built her career on the belief that embracing our differences can lead to greater creativity, innovation, and success in both our work and personal lives. She will dive deep into her philosophy of working with people "not like us." From different personalities to varying work habits, Kelly shares why we should stop viewing our differences as barriers and start using them as strengths. She explores how traits like being a morning person vs. a night owl, introvert vs. extrovert, or analytical vs. creative can lead to more ideas, more joy, and a more collaborative environment. Kelly also addresses the topic of diversity beyond the usual discussions of race, gender, and sexuality. With practical tips and real-world examples, she offers actionable advice on how to connect with colleagues and clients who may have different viewpoints, political ideologies, and working styles—while fostering an inclusive, dynamic culture that brings out the best in everyone. Tune in to hear about Kelly's journey, the mindset that propelled her to success, and how we can all better navigate the complexities of working with people who are different from us—whether it’s at work or in life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how embracing differences can transform our businesses and our relationships!

About Kelly McDonald: Kelly McDonald is considered one of the nation’s top experts in diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I), leadership, marketing and sales to people “not like you”, consumer trends, and leveraging the customer experience. Kelly is a 4X bestselling author and renowned professional speaker. She is also the founder of McDonald Marketing, which has twice been named one of the “Top Ad Agencies in the U.S.” by Advertising Age magazine and ranked as one of the fastest-growing independently-owned companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine. She has been featured on CNBC, in Forbes Magazine, BusinessWeek, Fast Company, on CNNMoney.com and on SiriusXM Radio. Her client experience includes iconic brands such as Toyota, State Farm, Nike, Harley-Davidson, Miller-Coors and Sherwin-Williams, Great Clips and NASA. Kelly is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  She now lives in Denver, Colorado.  When she’s not speaking and traveling for business, she enjoys boxing (yes, actual boxing – not kickboxing!) and shopping for high heels.

Charles L. Bender III is the founding CEO of Place of Hope, a faith-based and state-licensed family-style residential child-caring agency for abused and neglected children, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Program host Dr. Chris Meek is thrilled to welcome Mr. Bender to a conversation exploring the organization’s mission to support at-risk youth, foster children, and families facing adversity. With a heart for creating lasting change, Mr. Bender and his fellow team members at Place of Hope offer a variety of programs designed to promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Mr. Bender will share insights into the work being done at Place of Hope from their foster care initiatives to the restoration services that help individuals rebuild their lives, including an emphasis on those who have been victims of human trafficking. The audience will hear inspiring stories of resilience, learn the positive impacts of community support, and the importance of offering hope in times of uncertainty. Whether you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved with Place of Hope and similar organizations or you simply want to hear about the difference one group can make, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and motivated to take action. Tune in to discover how Place of Hope is building brighter futures, one life at a time.

About Charles L. Bender III: Charles L. Bender III is the Founding CEO of Place of Hope, a faith-based and state-licensed family-style residential child-caring agency for abused and neglected children, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He earned his B.A. degree in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University and also studied at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Charles came to Place of Hope in 1999 following many years of work with various housing, social, and human services organizations throughout Palm Beach County. He has participated in numerous community committees, task forces, special initiatives, and boards. He has been a team member of several other local leading organizations including: Palm Beach County Housing and Community Development, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc., the City of Delray Beach Community Development Division. The majority of Charles’ work has involved low-income individuals and families, homeless and substance abusing populations, and at-risk/dependent children and youth. Prior to spearheading implementation of Place of Hope, Charles was a primary volunteer in the multi-year visioning and development processes while still a “vision” of Christ Fellowship (founding church). Charles has significant experience developing and administering social programs and low-income housing initiatives, executing growth plans, implementing federal, state, and local funding programs, building organizational capacity and community coalitions, enhancing service delivery systems, raising capital and annual operating funds, and managing overall non-profit operations. 

In this episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Meg Tuszynski, the Managing Director of the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, joins program host Dr. Chris Meek for a conversation championing economic freedom. Throughout the hour, Dr. Tuszynski will discuss her research to understand the causes and consequences of variations in economic freedom across nations, states, and localities, as well as her research seeking to advance our understanding of entangled political economy. She will provide the audience with a nuanced view of the intersection of economics, public policy and individual freedom, as well as provide insights on how economic freedom drives growth, fosters entrepreneurship and impacts inequality. She will also delve into the role of fiscal policies in shaping economic landscapes and their effects on women’s careers. Tune in as she explores the power of free markets and provides valuable perspectives on key issues in modern economic thought. 

About Dr. Meg Tuszynski: Dr. Meg Tuszynski is the Managing Director of the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. She is also a Research Assistant Professor in the Cox School. Meg’s research interests primarily fall into two categories. One category of research seeks to understand the causes and consequences of variations in economic freedom across nations, states, and localities. A second strand of research seeks to advance our understanding of entangled political economy, which analyzes the ways in which market and government actors are interlinked. Meg has published research in Public Choice, the Southern Economic Journal, the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, the Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy, and the American Journal of Entrepreneurship, among several others. She has also published popular pieces in outlets including Investors Business Daily, the Washington Examiner, the Dallas Morning News, and the Daily Caller. Meg lives in Texas with her husband, two children, and three dogs.

Adela Cojab is a legal advocate and media contributor recognized for her commitment to protecting Jewish rights and addressing antisemitism in academic institutions. Many in the Next Steps Forward audience will recognize her from the complaint she filed in 2019 against New York University (NYU) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for failing to protect its Jewish community from discrimination and harassment. Her case contributed to the Executive Order on Combating Antisemitism, laying the groundwork for subsequent cases. She joins program host Dr. Chris Meek to provide an account of her experiences at NYU and how they inspired her work to combat antisemitism, how young adults can move important conversation surrounding antisemitism and Israel on university campuses, how others can find effective ways to speak out against antisemitism and the importance of building bridges and making an impact both in and outside of Jewish communities.

About Adela Cojab: Adela Cojab Moadeb is a legal advocate and media contributor recognized for her commitment to protecting Jewish rights and addressing antisemitism in academic institutions. Adela is best known for filing a complaint against New York University (NYU) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in 2019 for failing to protect its Jewish community from discrimination and harassment. Her case contributed to the Executive Order on Combating Antisemitism, laying the groundwork for subsequent cases. Adela has served as a commentator on major networks like FOX News Channel, Telemundo, and Univision, and has consulted on multiple antisemitism cases. Her work, from political advocacy to interfaith peace rallies, has been recognized internationally. Adela is a legal fellow at the National Jewish Advocacy Center, handling cases to protect Jewish Civil Rights. Adela formerly cohosted the interfaith podcast, Americanish: Daughters of Diaspora, and currently hosts OpenDor Media’s daily YouTube show, TodayUnpacked. Adela holds a J.D. from Yeshiva University's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and B.A. from NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, with a concentration in Middle Eastern Diaspora Structures.