Venerable Voices

Colorado House District 30's Dafna Michaelson Jenet stops by Venerable Voices to talk about her incredible legislative work around mental wellness. She courageously shares her own mental wellness journey, while also explaining the priority to secure Colorado's recently signed House Bill 21-1068, which is first-of- its kind in the nation and now gives Coloradans access to annual mental wellness checks covered by insurance. This is the final episode in a multi-part series around collective mental wellness in our 50+ community.  It is important here to note that guests appearing on this podcast series around mental health and wellness are not experts or licensed practitioners in the areas of mental health, but are connected to mental health programs, research, or legislation respectively. It is through their journeys, that they will share observations with us on ways in which we might approach improving our well being.  If you are struggling with mental wellness issues, please know there are resources available: the following is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national help line, which serves as a referral and information service:  1-800-662-HELP (4357).  It is part of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Dr. Julie Silver Seidle, a community-based occupational therapist out of Ft. Collins, stops by Venerable Voices to discuss the work that she and her fellow neighbors comprising the first-of-its-kind Partnership for Age Friendly Communities in Larimer County (PAFC), are doing to mitigate loneliness and social isolation amongst their older adult residents by identifying their critical needs and meeting them. This is the third in a multi-part series around collective mental wellness in our 50+ community.  It is important here to note that guests appearing on this podcast series around mental health and wellness are not experts or licensed practitioners in the areas of mental health, but are connected to mental health programs, research, or legislation respectively. It is through their journeys, that they will share observations with us on ways in which we might approach improving our well being.  If you are struggling with mental wellness issues, please know there are resources available: the following is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national help line, which serves as a referral and information service:  1-800-662-HELP (4357).  It is part of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Kelly Groen and Laura Kinder of Colorado's Spark the Change stop by Venerable Voices to talk about the important relationship between human connection and mental wellness and what their organization is focused on to strengthen this relationship. Spark the Change Colorado, a partner of Experience Engaged, is focused on "empowering changemakers" and "igniting services," through focused, impactive volunteerism.  And, one of those primary services is mental wellness. This is the second in a multi-part series around collective mental wellness in our 50+ community.  It is important here to note that guests appearing on this podcast series around mental health and wellness are not experts or licensed practitioners in the areas of mental health, but are connected to mental health programs, research, or legislation respectively. It is through their journeys, that they will share observations with us on ways in which we might approach improving our well being.  If you are struggling with mental wellness issues, please know there are resources available: the following is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national help line, which serves as a referral and information service:  1-800-662-HELP (4357).  It is part of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). 

Experience Engaged Friend Andrew Steward, PhD candidate in social work at DU, stops by Venerable Voices to discuss his research findings on the benefits of volunteering for older adults, specifically in them finding renewed purpose and value. This is the first in a multi-part series around collective mental wellness in our 50+ community.  It is important here to note that guests appearing on this podcast series around mental health and wellness are not experts or licensed practitioners in the areas of mental health, but are connected to mental health programs, research, or legislation respectively. It is through their journeys, that they will share observations with us on ways in which we might approach improving our well being.  If you are struggling with mental wellness issues, please know there are resources available: the following is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national help line, which serves as a referral and information service:  1-800-662-HELP (4357).  It is part of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Marcus Robinson, a self proclaimed proud member of AARP and admittedly in the "twilight" of his professional career, takes today's world by storm as he launches Ride for Racial Justice. Not your normal bike race, this new 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves as the umbrella under which the "Bikes are Freedom" charter is growing and fostering much needed authentic conversations about race and building human connections from the seats of ones' bicycles. You don't want to miss this conversation . . you don't want to miss out on Marcus's wisdoms. It is a critical conversation to hear for today's times.

Fall is in the air and so is football . . . . .one of the greatest defensive backs in the history of the Denver Broncos, Billy Thompson, stops by Venerable Voices to share some reflections about his career, about our community, and about life. 

In this week's episode of Venerable Voices, Boomers give their reflections on the Millennials in their lives.

This conversation fosters shared reflections about the pandemic year, lessons learned and anticipations about new experiences in the year ahead.

A group of Millennials and near Millennials shares reflections on their journeys with Baby Boomers and what they think needs to happen moving forward for inter-generational interaction to thrive. 

Lisa Mackenzie, an Experience Engaged Fellow with Boomers Leading Change, shares her journey and her thoughts on what this time in our lives can be . . . .the possibilities are limitless.