In an era when American democracy faces unprecedented challenges and questions about authoritarianism have moved from the margins to the center of our political discourse, this conversation with author Jack El-Hai offers crucial historical perspective. The parallels between the events he chronicles in his book and the political landscape we're witnessing today make this discussion essential listening for anyone concerned about the preservation of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian tendencies in contemporary America.

On this episode of Specifically for Seniors, host Dr. Larry Barsh welcomes Jack El-Hai, an acclaimed author and journalist whose work explores the fascinating and often disturbing intersections of medicine, psychology, and history.

El-Hai is the author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Herman Göring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of World War II, a riveting account that takes listeners inside the Nuremberg trials and into the psychological battle between one of history's most notorious war criminals and the brilliant American psychiatrist tasked with understanding him.

The conversation centers on Dr. Douglas Kelley, a U.S. Army psychiatrist who was assigned to evaluate the twenty-two top Nazi defendants at Nuremberg to determine if they were mentally fit to stand trial. What Kelley discovered was both disturbing and revelatory. He found that these men who had committed unspeakable atrocities were not the "monsters" that wartime propaganda had portrayed. Instead, they were psychologically normal individuals, opportunists who had made deliberate choices to pursue power regardless of the human cost. This finding challenged comfortable narratives but revealed a more frightening truth: the capacity for such evil exists within the normal range of human personality, making accountability rather than pathology the central issue.

El-Hai uncovered the complex relationship between Kelley and Göring, two highly intelligent and manipulative men who found common ground despite standing on opposite sides of history. The conversation explores how Göring's charm and intelligence served his rise to power, and why understanding this matters profoundly for recognizing similar patterns today.

The discussion takes on particular urgency as El-Hai describes how Dr. Kelley returned from Nuremberg with warnings about authoritarianism potentially emerging in America. He saw disturbing parallels between Nazi governance and segregationist politics in the American South. Kelley advocated for critical thinking education, easier access to voting for eligible citizens, and vigilance against the manipulation of information and propaganda. Tragically, his warnings were largely ignored when his 1947 book flopped, and the experience contributed to a downward spiral that ended with his suicide in 1958, using the same method—cyanide poisoning—that Göring had used twelve years earlier.

El-Hai reflects on how his book, published in 2013 during the Obama administration when right-wing authoritarianism seemed on the fringes of American politics, has gained unexpected relevance. He discusses contemporary events in Minneapolis where he lives and teaches, drawing careful but important comparisons between historical patterns and current political developments.

The recent film Nuremberg, based on his book, has brought this story to new audiences who are grappling with the same questions about accountability, power, and democratic fragility that Kelley confronted eighty years ago.For listeners who lived through World War II or its aftermath, this conversation offers an opportunity to update perceptions from that era with the perspective of eighty years of history, while providing younger generations with essential context for understanding the enduring threats to democracy that each generation must confront anew.

Join our discussion of this podcast at larrybarshdmd.substack.com

The Digital Workout: Why Your Smartphone is a Shield Against Dementia

In this episode of Specifically for Seniors, Dr. Larry Barsh sits down with Dr. Michael Scullin, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University, to tackle a common frustration among the "Digital Pioneer" generation: the steep learning curve of modern technology.

While many seniors feel tempted to set their smartphones aside out of frustration, Dr. Scullin’s research suggests that the "headache" of learning a new app might actually be the most important workout your brain gets all year.

The heart of the conversation centers on a massive meta-analysis of over 400,000 adults. The data is hard to ignore: regularly using computers and smartphones is linked to a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Dr. Scullin explains that this isn't just about "playing games"; it’s about Technological Reserve. Much like "Cognitive Reserve," the effort required to navigate a software update or master a new interface builds neural resilience, helping the brain stay sharper for longer.

One of the most enlightening parts of the interview addresses the fear that GPS and digital calendars act as "crutches" that rot our memory. Dr. Scullin reframes these tools as "Digital Scaffolding." By offloading the stress of remembering appointments or navigating new streets to our devices, we free up our cognitive resources for higher-level thinking and social engagement. Using a device to remember a friend’s birthday isn't "cheating"—it’s ensuring you remain an active, connected member of your community.

How to Overcome the Tech BarrierFor those feeling overwhelmed or even facing mild cognitive impairment, Dr. Scullin offers a roadmap for "gentle entry" into the digital world:

The Right Environment: Learning should happen in a quiet room, free of distractions.

The Right Teacher: Often, a patient friend or a professional trainer is better than a family member, as it removes the emotional baggage from the learning process.

The "One Thing" Rule: Don't try to master the whole phone. Start with something rewarding, like digital photography, and only move on once you feel comfortable.

A Framework for the Future

As we look toward a future filled with AI and ever-changing gadgets, Dr. Scullin encourages seniors to evaluate new technology through three simple questions:

Is it mentally stimulating? (Even if it’s a bit frustrating.)

Does it connect me to others? (Rather than isolating me.)

Does it help me stay independent?

By embracing the struggle of the digital world, the "Digital Pioneer" generation isn't just keeping up with the grandkids—they are actively building a fortress around their cognitive health.

In this episode of the podcast Specifically for Seniors, host Dr. Larry Barsh sits down with technologist and author Dan Wilson to discuss how artificial intelligence can empower older adults. Dan shares that his inspiration for writing his book came after he successfully helped his mother fix her home WiFi from 500 miles away by using ChatGPT to troubleshoot the problem. He explains that for the first time in his twenty-five-year career, technology has become "gentle" by adapting to human needs rather than forcing users to be experts.

To help seniors understand the technology, Dan describes AI as a system that makes decisions through probability rather than the rigid, black-and-white logic of traditional computing. He explains that Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, are essentially prediction engines trained on vast amounts of information to provide helpful text and answers. While these tools are highly accessible, Dan emphasizes twelve non-negotiable rules for safety, specifically warning users never to share personal data like Social Security numbers, birthdates, or credit card information with an AI.

The discussion covers practical ways seniors can use AI as a personal assistant, from discovering new classical music composers based on their current favorites to troubleshooting household issues like fixing a curled rug or assembling furniture without a manual. Dan also demonstrates how AI can interpret messy photos to help users sell items online by writing professional Facebook ads for them. One of the most meaningful applications discussed is using AI to preserve life stories; Dan explains how the technology can act as an interviewer, providing structured questions to help seniors document their history for future generations without the burden of manual editing.

For those interested in a hands-on guide, Dan’s book is designed with a large-print format that lies flat to facilitate learning through practical exercises. You can find the book on https://www.amazon.com/How-Seniors-Learn-AI-Everyday/dp/B0G2J3YN9G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37B9DU4XT7U03&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0NxX6LeEvMExV5NJ3JigUw.bjBddZy-_OghvFNKiAcMlhRS0_1r0KIcAGCQXUNbQuA&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+seniors+learn+ai+dan+wilson&qid=1766246862&sprefix=%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1 : How Seniors Learn AI: Meet Your Everyday Helper for Answers, Tasks, Health and Home Fixes

Website: https://www.howseniorslearnai.com

In this episode of Specifically for Seniors, Dr. Larry Barsh welcomes David Cravit and Larry Wolf, co-authors of Super Aging: Getting Older without Getting Old and the Super Aging Workbook. Together they explore how aging can be reframed as a stage of opportunity rather than decline. Drawing on decades of experience in advertising, branding, and consumer trends, they describe how the concept of “super aging” challenges stereotypes and offers a positive, purposeful approach to later life. Cravit explains that his earlier work focused on how baby boomers resisted aging the way their parents did, while Wolf emphasizes the importance of branding aging as something vibrant and fulfilling. They contrast “default aging,” which assumes passivity and decline, with “super aging,” which embraces growth, activity, and accomplishment well into one’s eighties, nineties, and beyond.

Central to their philosophy are the Seven A’s of Super Aging: attitude, awareness, activity, accomplishment, attachment, autonomy, and avoidance. Attitude is the foundation, since optimism and resilience have been shown to reduce stress and inflammation, leading to longer, healthier lives. Awareness means staying informed about new developments in health, longevity, and technology. Activity involves both physical and mental exercise, from simple daily movement to challenging the brain with new skills. Accomplishment stresses the importance of purpose and “unretirement,” encouraging older adults to pursue new careers, volunteer work, or creative projects. Attachment highlights the value of relationships and community, while autonomy focuses on maintaining independence through health, technology, and financial planning. Avoidance reminds seniors to guard against scams and resist ageism, which remains pervasive in healthcare, consumer culture, and everyday interactions.

Throughout the conversation, Cravit and Wolf illustrate how small lifestyle changes, such as “exercise snacks” or food swaps, can make a big difference. They share stories of individuals who set long-term goals well into their later years, including a woman who enrolled in college at ninety-seven and graduated at one hundred and one. They emphasize that super aging is not about denying the realities of health challenges, but about actively managing wellness, protecting brain health, and continuing to engage with life.

The workbook they created provides quizzes, checklists, and exercises that help readers define goals, assess attitudes, and put these ideas into practice.The episode also addresses ageism in subtle forms, such as patronizing language or stereotypical holiday gift lists, and calls for seniors to claim dignity and individuality rather than being treated as passive or helpless. Technology is discussed as both a challenge and an opportunity, with podcasts, YouTube, and digital platforms offering new ways for older adults to connect and learn.

Ultimately, Cravit and Wolf argue that aging should be branded not as decline but as super living, a time to thrive, grow, and contribute. Their message is clear: with the right attitude and awareness, seniors can embrace autonomy, purpose, and joy, proving that getting older does not mean getting old.

Resources

Super Aging: Getting Older without Getting Old (https://www.amazon.com/SuperAging-Workbook-David-Cravit/dp/1964721210/)Super Aging Workbook (interactive guide with quizzes and exercises)

SuperAgingNews.com – curated articles on longevity, health, and aging trends (https://www.superagingnews.com)

Welcome to Specifically for Seniors! Today we’re delighted to introduce Tony McMullen, affectionately known as “Tony the Democrat.” His story is one of those rare grassroots adventures that begins small and blossoms into something extraordinary. \

Back in March of 2017, Tony invited just five friends over to handwrite postcards reminding voters about an upcoming election. Five friends, five postcards each—that was it. Yet within a month, that modest gathering had sparked a nationwide movement of 1,200 volunteers who together wrote more than 51,000 postcards.

Fast forward to today, and Postcards to Voters has grown into a vibrant community of over 162,000 volunteers across all 50 states, who have collectively sent more than 22 million handwritten postcards to support critical elections.

What makes this effort so special is its personal touch. These aren’t form letters or computer printouts. Every single postcard is handwritten, often decorated, and mailed by volunteers who want to make a real difference. And it works. Candidates have won races by margins as slim as 95 votes thanks to postcard outreach.

Beyond the victories, Tony emphasizes that the friendships, connections, and sense of purpose that volunteers discover along the way have been the most beautiful unintended gift of all.

The impact has been remarkable across hundreds of races. Karen Gaddis in Oklahoma won by just 95 votes. Phil Miller in Iowa saw his campaign office windows covered with postcards from volunteers nationwide. Kevin Cavanaugh in New Hampshire won by fewer than a thousand votes. In recent cycles, Postcards to Voters has supported successful recent statewide campaigns in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with nearly all supported candidates prevailing. Even in tough red districts where victories were elusive, the postcards built foundations for future campaigns and inspired local activists.

Getting involved is simple and flexible. Prospective volunteers email [email protected], submit a photo of a sample postcard to show legibility, and once approved can request addresses anytime through Abby the Address Bot. The genius of the program is its three-day commitment system: volunteers only take as many addresses as they can complete within three days, whether that’s five postcards or fifty. There are no quotas, no pressure, and volunteers can request more addresses immediately after finishing or take breaks between campaigns. Postcards are designed to look like personal mail—neutral or friendly in style, without campaign logos—so recipients are more likely to read them rather than dismiss them as political junk.

Tony reminds us that every campaign is a success because the true goal is strengthening the habit of voting among Democrats, not just winning individual races. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with no salaries or office space, relying on modest donations to cover technology costs. With around 300 campaigns requesting help each November alone, there is always need for more hands. Even writing just five postcards a month makes a meaningful contribution to this grassroots movement that has become one of the most effective tools for voter outreach nationwide.

Learn more and sign up at Postcardstovoters.org to join this inspiring community of volunteers making democracy work one handwritten postcard at a time.

Editorial cartoons distill political complexity into a single, unforgettable image. By exaggerating flaws, contradictions, and absurdities, they make power visible—often more effectively than prose.

In this episode of Specifically for Seniors, we sit down with the legendary Steve Brodner, whose fearless illustrations have chronicled American political theater for decades. From the Library of Congress to the pages of The Nation, The Washington Post, and The LA Times,

Brodner’s pen has skewered hypocrisy, exposed corruption, and elevated satire into a form of civic resistance.

As the first artist inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame and the 2024 recipient of the Herb Block Prize, Brodner continues Block’s legacy with wit, precision, and moral clarity. We begin by exploring what drew him to editorial cartooning as a form of civic engagement, and how Herb Block’s groundbreaking influence continues to shape his work. Brodner reflects on the challenge of compressing complex political narratives into a single frame, and shares how he chooses topics, balances humor and anger, and measures the impact of his work—whether through public reaction, editorial reach, or civic discourse.

We also discuss the risks of pushback and censorship, especially in his depictions of Trump and his allies, and take a closer look at one of his earlier works, The Winged Monkeys of Trump, to understand how he avoids caricature fatigue while maintaining sharp critique. Brodner opens up about his evolving Substack page, The Greater Quiet, explaining its shift in tone and motivation, and how listeners can access it at stevebrodner.substack.com.

Throughout the episode, we showcase several of Brodner’s recent illustrations—including Highest Standard of Living, 40 Million, Long COVID, Arc de Trump, and Chinatown—and invite him to unpack the metaphors and civic commentary embedded in each. We also explore the role editorial cartooning plays in resisting authoritarian tendencies, and how the medium can evolve to remain relevant in today’s digital and participatory media landscape.

Brodner offers advice on navigating a polarized media environment, and shares insights on how to view editorial cartoons with greater intelligence and nuance. We close with a look ahead at his upcoming projects, which continue his critique of institutional erosion and his commitment to visual accountability.

This episode is best experienced on YouTube, where Brodner’s illustrations come to life alongside the conversation. His work reminds us that satire isn’t just entertainment—it’s a form of truth-telling, a call to action, and a powerful tool for civic engagement.

In this episode of Specifically for Seniors, host Laurence I. Barsh sits down with Dr. Lee Tannenbaum, a physician and healthcare leader whose career has been devoted to improving addiction treatment across the lifespan. Together, they confront a growing but often invisible crisis: substance misuse among older adults. While addiction in the United States is frequently portrayed as a youth-driven epidemic, this conversation reveals a more complex and urgent reality—one in which seniors are increasingly vulnerable to alcohol misuse, cannabis overuse, and the abuse of prescribed medications.

As Americans live longer and face deepening isolation, many older adults find themselves navigating chronic pain, grief, and the challenges of polypharmacy. These factors not only increase the risk of addiction but also complicate diagnosis and treatment. Yet the healthcare system, still largely calibrated to younger populations, often fails to recognize or respond to these issues with the nuance they demand.

Dr. Tannenbaum, Senior Medical Director at ARS Treatment Centers, shares insights from decades of experience designing methadone and buprenorphine-based treatment programs, shaping policy, and managing clinical operations through crises like COVID. He and Laurence explore how addiction trends have shifted over the past decade, which substances are driving the most harm, and how mental health challenges intersect with substance use—particularly in aging populations.

They discuss how addiction manifests differently across age groups, regions, and racial demographics, and why older adults are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. Dr. Tannenbaum outlines the substances most commonly misused by seniors—alcohol, prescription medications, and increasingly, cannabis—and explains how confusion, falls, and even death can result from unrecognized dependence. He also highlights the role of grief, chronic illness, and social disconnection in triggering substance misuse later in life.

The conversation turns to the clinical blind spots that caregivers and providers often miss, the cultural and systemic barriers that prevent older adults from accessing care, and the need for treatment centers to adapt their models to better serve aging populations. Dr. Tannenbaum offers a detailed look at treatment protocols for seniors, including approaches to managing alcoholism and benzodiazepine dependence in private practice.

They also examine the political landscape, including the impact of recent federal initiatives like the Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” and how such policies affect harm-reduction strategies and medication-focused treatment approaches. Dr. Tannenbaum shares his concerns about governmental overreach and the erosion of programs like needle exchanges that have proven effective in reducing harm.

Listeners are invited to explore more of Dr. Tannenbaum’s work at addictioncoa.com, and to tune into his podcast, co-hosted with his daughter ,You Don’t Have Struggle (https://open.spotify.com/show/51NIjdp4uhQ1wQ9e1dyYCb)  where they delve deeper into addiction medicine, treatment innovation, and the evolving challenges of care.

This episode is a call to action: to recognize that addiction doesn’t retire at 65—it evolves. And if our systems are to meet the moment, they must evolve too.

Dr. Tannenbaum's Book

The Addiction Conspiracy: Unlocking Brain Chemistry and Addiction So You Don't Have To Struggle (https://a.co/d/hDQzAfW)

Welcome to Specifically for Seniors, where today we explore the civic power of everyday objects and the people who dare to redesign them. Today’s guest didn’t start with a blueprint—she started with a daughter. Drew Ann Long is the creator of Caroline’s Cart, a revolutionary shopping cart designed for children and adults with disabilities. Named after her daughter Caroline, who was born with Rett syndrome, the cart began as a mother’s plea for inclusion and became a national movement in retail design.Drew Ann taught herself the language of industrial engineering, founded Parent Solution Group in 2008, and partnered with Technibilt to bring her vision to life. Her invention has earned national recognition, including the Da Vinci Award for universal design, and is now available in major retailers like Target, Kroger, and Walmart. But this story isn’t just about a cart—it’s about civic imagination, maternal resolve, and the quiet revolution of making space for everyone.

Welcome to Specifically for Seniors, the podcast that celebrates the wisdom, wit, and willpower of older adults who refuse to sit quietly on the sidelines.

Today’s episode is a rich opportunity to spotlight the civic firepower of senior activism and the strategic brilliance behind We the Seniors—a grassroots movement that’s proving age is not a limitation, but a launchpad for change.

Our guests, Mary Mulvihill and Judy Loeb, are the architects of this powerful network. Through weekly Zoom calls, postcard campaigns, rallies, and coalition-building, they’ve mobilized thousands of older Americans to engage in meaningful, sustained political action. Their work has drawn speakers like Skye Perryman, activist Bill McKibben, Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Katie Porter, Liz Cheney and Jen Johnson —not just to inform, but to inspire.

Mary brings decades of organizing experience and a gift for turning civic frustration into coordinated action. Mary spent the first half of her career as an Associate Dean and Professor at Fordham University’s Business School, where she also taught. In the next chapter of her career, She turned her focus to revitalizing nonprofits, serving as Executive Director of two different nonprofits.

Judy, a former regional director for Emily’s List as a result of her anger over the Anita Hill hearings and a lifelong advocate, adds strategic depth and fundraising savvy to the mix.

Together, they’ve built the platform,We The Seniors, that amplifies senior voices, connects communities across 15 states, and redefines what it means to age with agency.

Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just beginning to explore your civic power, this conversation will challenge assumptions, spark ideas, and remind us all that democracy thrives when seniors lead. Let’s dive into their story, their mission, and the unstoppable force of senior volunteers.

One day, Narcissus caught sight of his own reflection and thought, “Finally—someone who gets me.” Fast forward a few millennia, and Donald Trump, in a moment of mythological cosplay, gazed into the Capitol Reflecting Pool and saw not the dome of democracy, but the shimmering image of his own magnificence. And like his ancient counterpart, he was utterly transfixed.So in June 2025, to mark his 79th birthday—and presumably the anniversary of his divine self-recognition—he staged a taxpayer-funded spectacle featuring tanks, fighter jets, and enough red-white-and-bluster to make a banana republic blush. Price tag? $45 million. Purpose? Self-admiration. Subtext? “I am the state.”

Today’s guest is here to help us decode the psychological machinery behind this kind of political theater. Dr. Jocelyn Sze is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, a trauma psychologist specializing in narcissistic abuse, and and a board member of Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services and the McCune Foundation which supports grassroots organizations that empower and mobilize excluded populations.

Her work bridges the personal and the political—helping individuals heal from manipulation while exposing how those same tactics play out on the national stage.

In her recent Huffington Post article, “I’m A Psychologist Who Specializes In Narcissists. Here’s What We Need To Do To Stop Trump,” Dr. Sze draws on years of clinical experience to unpack the psychological tactics of authoritarian figures. She urges us to build what she calls psychological immunity—a kind of civic resilience against emotional chaos and gaslighting.

Today, we’ll explore how trauma-informed psychology can help us recognize, resist, and respond to narcissistic leadership—and why naming these patterns is essential to protecting democracy.

Let’s get clinical about the circus.