🎀👵👧 From Grandma to Granddaughter: "Bows & Ties" and the Power of Sisterhood with Kavya Thakrar 📚✨

The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series

🎀📚 Who's the woman you still call when life feels wobbly? 👵👧 Today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking, and this week on The Not Old – Better Show, 16‑year‑old author Kavya Thakrar shares "Bows and Ties," built from 19 interviews celebrating sisterhood, confidence, and family wisdom. Tell us: who's your "tie"? 💛

🎀👵👧 Quick question: who was the woman who steadied you when you were young—and have you thanked her lately?

This week on The Not Old – Better Show, we're featuring Kavya Thakrar, who published her book "Bows and Ties" at just 16. 📚 It's a collection of 19 interviews with founders, creators, and doctors, woven with reflections on sisterhood, confidence, and connection.

What stayed with me is how naturally this conversation bridges generations. ✨ For grandparents, parents, mentors, and leaders, it's a reminder that the words we say at the kitchen table can echo for decades. For teens, it's proof their voice matters right now.

Try this today: 💬 send one message that starts with, "I still remember when you…" and finish it with a specific moment. A mother. A grandmother. A teacher. A friend. Those details build community—at any age. ❤️

Remember, today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking.

If you want an episode you can share with your daughter, granddaughter, sister, or your closest circle, this one hits home. 🎧📺 Watch/listen here: notold-better.com

Good Housekeeping, Good Better Best: All About Coffee: The Best Coffee Makers for Your Money & Smart Tips for a Better Brew with Eva Bleyer

The Not Old Better Show, Good Better Best Interview Series

☕🚨 Is Your Coffee Maker Ruining Your Morning?

We talk endlessly about productivity 📈, performance 🎯, optimization ⚙️, and daily habits.

But when was the last time you examined the one ritual millions rely on every single morning?

☕ Coffee.

In our latest episode of The Not Old Better Show, I sat down with Eva Bleyer, Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 🧪, to ask a deceptively simple — and surprisingly revealing — question:

👉 Is your coffee maker helping your brew… or quietly sabotaging it?

What followed was not a casual conversation about gadgets. It was a masterclass in precision 🎛️, temperature control 🌡️, grind size ⚡, maintenance 🧼, and smarter purchasing decisions 💡.

Small variables. Massive impact.

Because here's the truth: details matter. In the test kitchen. In business. In leadership. In life.

We also explored how evolving lifestyles — downsizing 🏡, living solo, simplifying routines 🧘‍♂️ — should change the tools we choose. The "best" option is rarely the most expensive 💰. It's the one aligned with who you are now.

There's something powerful about refining the ordinary.

A better cup of coffee may seem small. But elevating daily rituals can sharpen focus 🧠, reduce waste ♻️, conserve money 💵, and bring greater intention to how we start our day.

If you value evidence over hype 📊, insight over marketing noise 📣, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately — this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode

Chris Parker: Privacy Without Paranoia — Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

The Not Old Better Show, Technology Interview Series

If someone says "Don't tell anyone" or "Read me that code," the safest move is to pause. 🚨

This week on The Not Old Better Show, we talk with Chris Parker—founder of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com and host of the Easy Prey podcast—about privacy without paranoia for the 50+ community (and for the families who look out for them). 🔒📱👵🧓

A few takeaways worth sharing at the kitchen table:

✅ Data isn't just "marketing"—it can become access

✅ A simple public / private / secret test for what you share

✅ The 10‑second pause that breaks urgency traps

If you help a parent with banking, set up logins for a loved one, or manage accounts for a small group or nonprofit, this episode gives clear language and practical habits—without turning life into a tech project. ❤️

Remember, today's show is brought to you by Wayfair and Mars Men. . Please check out our show notes today for details and great deals from Wayfair and Mars Men.

LISTEN: notold-better.com

🚨 "Family" = "target." 😮‍💨🛡️ Mark Greaney on THE HARD LINE (Gray Man #15, Feb 17) & why Court Gentry turns protector. 🎧Listen NOW

🕵️‍♂️⚠️ What happens when the mission stops being professional… and becomes personal?

On the latest Not Old Better Show, brought to you by Fitbod. Fitbod: WORLD'S BEST FITNESS PROGRAMMING FOR LIFELONG PROGRESS we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney, creator of the Gray Man series, to talk about his newest thriller: THE HARD LINE (Gray Man #15, out Feb 17, 2026). 📚🗓️

This story shifts Court Gentry's focus from hunter to protector 🛡️—because "family" becomes another word for "target." ❤️🎯 For many of us, especially 50+ and 60+, that lands close: the lifelong role of keeping others safe, even when it costs you sleep, comfort, or peace of mind.

We also talk craft and credibility 🔍🌍—Mark's location work (including D.C. energy 🚇🇺🇸), the reality behind modern espionage, and how he writes an antagonist with a code ⚔️🧩… someone you may not agree with, but can't ignore.

If you like conversations about resilience 💪, loyalty 🤝, and the bonds we build over a lifetime ❤️—this episode is for you.

🎧👉 check it out: https://notold-better.com

Troublemaker: Jessica Mitford's Life of Principle, Protest, and Wit

The Not Old Better Show, Art Of Living Interview Series

I'm Paul Vogelzang and welcome to the show, brought to you generously by Caraway: Good Looking. Clean Cooking. And just for our listeners, you can get an extra 10% off by visiting Carawayhome.com/NOB or using code NOB at checkout.

Today's guest brings us a story about someone who was impossible to ignore in life—and refuses to be forgotten in history.

What does it look like to live a life built on principles—but never lose your sense of humor?

Jessica Mitford—known as "Decca" to her friends—was born into British aristocracy. But she traded ballrooms for protest marches, royal privilege for civil rights work, and eventually became one of the fiercest investigative writers of her generation. She stood up to Congress, challenged corporate greed, and believed deeply that laughter could fuel resistance.

In this new episode of The Not Old – Better Show, I speak with acclaimed author and scholar Carla Kaplan about her biography Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford. The book is based on hundreds of interviews and archival discoveries, and paints a remarkable portrait of a woman who challenged systems—without ever becoming grim.

We talk about Decca's legacy, her journalism, her friendships with figures like Maya Angelou, and what it means to be a successful ally. Her story is inspiring, funny, and—as Carla Kaplan says—urgently relevant.

Whether you're interested in social justice, biography, or just a good story well told, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen at:

Apple Podcasts! https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode

SAINTS, SEX, SENTIMENT, AND CHOCOLATE: A SHORT HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

💌 Valentine's Day wasn't always about roses and chocolates. In fact, it started with a goat. Yes, really.

In our latest Smithsonian Associates Interview Series episode on The Not Old Better Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth, cultural historian, prolific lecturer, and scholar-in-residence at the Jefferson Educational Society. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates and you can find out more HERE, but we have Dr. Roth today to talk about Saints, Sex, and Chocolate: The Surprisingly Naughty History of Valentine's Day

Dr. Roth's talk, titled "Saints, Sex, Sentiment, and Chocolate: A Short History of Valentine's Day", is a tour-de-force through the strange, sensual, and surprisingly political roots of this global celebration of love. From pagan fertility rituals and medieval courtship to the Victorian explosion of mass-produced valentines, this episode asks: What are we really celebrating each February 14th?

For older adults, many of whom have witnessed several decades of changing cultural norms, this episode is especially resonant. It's not just about romance—it's about how we express care, connection, and desire across generations. And yes, we cover the juicy stuff, too.

So whether you're single, smitten, or somewhere in between, this conversation will make you think twice the next time you unwrap a heart-shaped chocolate.

💘 Happy Valentine's Day!

🎧 Listen here on Apple Podcasts: https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode

#NotOldBetterShow #ValentinesDayHistory #SmithsonianAssociates #LifelongLearning #Over50Voices #LoveAndCulture

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/valentines-day

Look Twice: What a CIA Spy Wants You to See Before It's Too Late

THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, ART OF LIVING INTERVIEW SERIES

🕵️‍♂️ Tim Beard spent years in the CIA's Clandestine Service. Now, he's on a mission to help you and your family stay safe—starting with what he calls the Look Twice Mindset.

You're listening to The Not Old – Better Show, Art of Living series. I'm Paul Vogelzang and today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. How are you showing extra love this February? Whether it's for someone special or just for yourself, Cozy Earth makes it easy to bring comfort and care into your everyday life. Thanks for joining us today.

Whether you're 35 or 75, there are moments in daily life where you're most vulnerable—and most unaware. Tim's new book series, Look Twice, translates high-stakes security habits into simple, powerful routines for ordinary people.

👁️ From ATMs and elevators to road rage and digital scams, Beard teaches listeners how to spot danger before it escalates. It's not about fear—it's about preparation. And it starts with recognizing the blind spots in your daily habits.

On this episode of The Not Old – Better Show, Tim shares practical, field-tested insights from his CIA days—and how you can use them to protect yourself and your loved ones.

🎧 If you care for aging parents, live alone, or just want to sharpen your awareness, this episode is well worth your time. Listen here → https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode

#LookTwice #SituationalAwareness #SeniorSafety #PersonalSecurity #TimBeard #NotOldBetter #ArtOfLiving

🛡️ "Safety isn't about fear — it's about preparation."

– Tim Beard, former CIA officer, Marine, and now author of the Look Twice safety series.

Remember today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. How are you showing extra love this February? Whether it's for someone special or just for yourself, Cozy Earth makes it easy to bring comfort and care into your everyday life.

🌧️➡️🌤️ Before the Change Came: Sam Cooke, Civil Rights & the Song That Still Waits

The Not Old Better Show, Music Today Interview Series

Thank you. I'm Paul Vogelzang and today's episode is brought to you by Hungryroot. Hungryroot…tailored meals for your taste.

There are voices that entertain us… and then there are voices that change us.

Today, we're talking about one of the most important voices in American music—and arguably, American history: Sam Cooke.

Most of us know the hits. "You Send Me." "Wonderful World." "Twistin' the Night Away." And of course, "A Change Is Gonna Come"—a song so powerful it still feels unfinished, because the change it calls for is still unfolding.

But here's the thing: if we only talk about the hits, we miss the man.

We miss the gospel prodigy shaped in church choirs. The strategist who understood crossover before the industry had a name for it. The entrepreneur who built his own label to protect artists who looked like him. The quiet innovator who helped design the very sound that Motown, Stax, and soul music itself would ride to greatness.

Sam Cooke lived fast, worked relentlessly, and died tragically at just 33 years old. His death—controversial, unsettling, and still debated—often overshadows something far more enduring: his intention. Not just to make beautiful music—but to make music that moved culture forward.

Today, we're going deeper. Not the obvious songs—but the revealing ones. The deep cuts that tell the story of where Sam came from… where he was going… and why his influence still surrounds us today—whether we realize it or not.

Music historian Scott Shea joins us to unpack six songs that don't just sound good—they explain Sam Cooke.

This is Music Today. And this is a story worth listening to closely.

As we close today, it's worth remembering this:

Sam Cooke didn't just sing songs. He built bridges—between gospel and pop, between Black audiences and white radio, between joy and justice.

Yes, his death remains unsettled. And yes, the unanswered questions still linger.

But the most important truth is this: his life was not defined by how it ended—but by what it set in motion.

Every time you hear the ease in his voice… the hope behind his phrasing… the confidence of an artist who knew his worth…

You're hearing someone who understood that music could soften hearts and sharpen conscience at the same time.

Sam Cooke showed us that progress doesn't always shout. Sometimes, it sings.

So if today's conversation sent you back to his catalog—especially the deeper cuts—listen closely. Not just for nostalgia, but for intention. For courage. For the quiet blueprint of soul music as we know it.

Because long after the mystery fades, the music remains.

And that—ultimately—is the change that came.

I'm Paul Vogelzang. Thanks for listening to Music Today, brought to you by Hungryroot!

Go to Hungryroot dot com slash NOB and use code NOB.

Until next time, keep listening with curiosity—and heart.

🚐🌄 Sacred Landscapes: Sam Gennawey's 175,000-Mile Quest for Meaning

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

🌄 What if your second act began at 60… behind the wheel of a van?

Meet Smithsonian Associate Sam Gennawey — former urban planner, theme park historian, and now full-time van lifer. Sam made the bold decision to leave his Los Angeles loft, hit the road in a Mercedes Sprinter he calls Darlene, and spend six years exploring America's most sacred places: our national parks. Sam Gennawey will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details about Sam's presentation, but we have Sam today!

🚐 175,000 miles. Nearly 390 parks. Countless stories. But this isn't about travel tips. It's about rediscovery. It's about confronting our history — the awe-inspiring and the uncomfortable — and asking what it means to age with purpose.

🎙️ In this episode of The Not Old Better Show for Smithsonian Associates, Sam shares the most moving moments from the road — the quiet places, the stories we don't tell enough, and how volunteering inside the parks helped him find meaning, community, and clarity.

📚 His new book, Sacred Landscapes, isn't just a travelogue — it's a blueprint for intentional living, especially for those of us asking, What's next?

🎧 Whether you're dreaming of a van, a new start, or simply a deeper understanding of your country, this conversation will inspire you. Sam Gennawey will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details about Sam's presentation, but we have Sam today! Listen here on Apple Podcasts! https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi

#SmithsonianAssociates #VanLife #NationalParks #ReinventionAfter50 #SecondActs #NotOldBetterShow #PurposeDrivenAging #SacredLandscapes

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/architecture-of-national-parks?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223

🔥 From Invisible to Invincible: Kimber Hardick on Reclaiming Intimacy, Confidence & Joy After 50 💃💫

THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, ART OF LIVING INTERVIEW SERIES💡

What if the second half of life is actually the most honest, sensual, and powerful part?

On this week's episode of The Not Old Better Show, award-winning host Paul Vogelzang speaks with Kimber Hardick, author of An Invitation to Shine, about intimacy, self-trust, and reclaiming desire after 50…today's episode is brought to by Fitbod: Your Personalized Strength Plan

Kimber brings a candid, empowering perspective to aging—one that challenges cultural myths about invisibility, desirability, and confidence in midlife. Her insights on dating, self-worth, and emotional healing are timely for anyone navigating life after divorce, illness, or major change.

From using plant medicine to heal from Lupus to learning to surf in her 60s, Kimber is living proof that reinvention is real—and that it's never too late to feel seen, wanted, and whole. Remember, …today's episode is brought to by Fitbod: Your Personalized Strength Plan

🎧 Listen to the full episode at notold-better.com

#ValentinesDay #MidlifeReinvention #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #NotOldBetter