What carries us through life's hardest seasons?

In this episode of We're at the Age, Melody sits down with Rev. Dr. Julie Strassman, hospice chaplain and congregational care minister, to explore the powerful role that faith, community, and human connection play as we grow older.

Together, they discuss what it means to navigate grief—not as something to "get over," but as a natural part of a life well-lived. Julie shares how joy and sorrow work together and why the communities that surround us can become our greatest source of strength.

Whether you're supporting an aging loved one, experiencing a loss, or simply searching for deeper connection, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that we were never meant to carry life's burdens alone.

In sickness and in health.

Most of us say those words without knowing exactly what they may ask of us.

When Doug Whitman’s wife Pam experienced a sudden stroke, their lives changed in an instant. In the days and months that followed, Doug found himself navigating a new role — not only as a husband, but as a caregiver.

In our latest episode of We’re At The Age, Doug shares the moment he realized everything had changed, the challenges of caregiving, how their relationship has continued to grow, and the faith that has helped carry him through.

This is an honest conversation about love, resilience, and what it means to show up for someone you love when life takes an unexpected turn.

What if music could offer comfort, peace, and connection during one of life’s most profound transitions? In this episode of We’re At The Age, we explore the beautiful world of music thanatology with Tony Pederson, a music thanatologist who uses the harp and voice to provide therapeutic support for people nearing the end of life.

Tony shares how music thanatology blends music, science, and compassionate presence to support hospice patients and their families. We discuss how carefully chosen music can influence breathing, heart rate, anxiety, and emotional well-being, creating moments of comfort and connection during the dying process.

Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the many ways we can support one another through life’s final chapter, this conversation offers a meaningful look at an innovative approach to end-of-life care.

Learn more about music thanatology and training programs here:

What happens to your dog if you suddenly need weeks of rehab after an illness, injury, or surgery?

For many people, it's a question filled with worry. For the team at Clare's House, it's a problem they're working to solve every day.

In this episode, we sit down with the Executive Director of Clare's House to talk about their one-of-a-kind mission: providing free temporary care for dogs while their St. Louis owners get better. We discuss how the organization got started, the impact they're making for both people and pets, and how our community can help keep tails wagging while owners focus on healing.

What happens when we stop treating death like a surprise?

In this episode, Lauren Ponder joins us for a deeply human conversation about end-of-life planning, grief, legacy, and the courage it takes to talk about what comes next. Through her work with With Love Events, Lauren helps individuals and families navigate difficult conversations with compassion, intention, and even moments of humor.

Together, we discuss the emotional weight families carry when plans are left unspoken, the beauty of meaningful celebrations of life, and how preparing ahead can become one final act of love for the people we leave behind.

This episode is an invitation not to fear the conversation, but to finally begin it.

More from Lauren: withlove.events

Caregiving rarely starts with a plan... it starts with a feeling that something isn’t quite right.

In this episode of We’re At The Age, we’re kicking off our Alzheimer’s series with Jeremy Koerber from the Alzheimer’s Association. Jeremy shares how his own path led him into this work and what he’s learned from supporting families navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia every day.

Together, we talk about the early signs that are easy to miss, why so many caregivers find themselves in this role unexpectedly, and how family dynamics can complicate already difficult conversations. Jeremy also breaks down why education and early diagnosis matter, what treatments and supports are available, and how caregivers can access help before reaching a breaking point.

This conversation is informative, honest, and grounded in one simple truth: caregivers deserve support, understanding, and resources... early and often.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with Dr. Kate Sinks from the Center for Hearing and Speech to talk about a challenge many caregivers face every day: hearing loss. You’ll hear about why early detection matters, the not-so-clunky advancements in hearing aid technology (goodbye, giant beige gadgets), and how caregivers can respond with patience, empathy, and maybe a little humor. We'll learn that supporting someone with hearing loss can be an opportunity for connection, advocacy, and even a laugh or two.

Learn more about the Center for Hearing and Speech: https://chsstl.org/

Join Melody, Marjorie, and Medicare Expert Diane Finnestead-Ellis for an eye-opening conversation that goes far beyond the basics. From breaking down the different parts and tackling the open enrollment maze to addressing the real challenges caregivers face, Diane brings her personal experiences to the table with honesty and clarity. Along the way, she busts common Medicare myths—especially around long-term care—and shares practical tips for choosing the right coverage. This empowering discussion shines a light on why clear communication and education are essential for caregivers and seniors to confidently navigate their healthcare decisions.

https://nabip.org/

https://dianeinsurancestl.com/

In this episode, guest Mike George invites us to rethink what hospice really means. He shares his personal journey into the field and breaks down common misconceptions, reminding us that hospice is less about death and more about living well to the very end. The conversation explores the benefits of getting hospice involved early, the deeply personalized care patients receive, and the vital role caregivers play. Mike also highlights the emotional and spiritual support offered, the importance of celebrating life’s moments, and the power of real stories from hospice experiences. Plus, we shine a light on the incredible contributions of volunteers and share resources to help families find the support they need—encouraging everyone to consider hospice not as a last resort, but as a pathway to dignity, comfort, and connection.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with elder law and estate planning attorney Paul Gantner for a deep dive into the world of asset protection and long-term care planning. Together, they unpack the sometimes-confusing differences between Medicare and Medicaid, explore smart spend-down strategies, and talk about why a solid estate plan is so important for protecting assets and ensuring quality care for aging loved ones. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate these tricky topics, this episode is packed with clarity, insight, and practical advice.

Your Estate Matters

https://www.yourestatematters.com/

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys https://www.naela.org/Web/Shared_Content/Directories/Find-a-Lawyer.aspx