"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"

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In this week’s episode, Barb takes a break from guests and sits down with her producer, Mela, for a candid chat about one of the worst parts of online dating: scammers. From fake profiles and too-good-to-be-true stories to the subtle red flags that often get overlooked, Barb and Mela unpack how these schemes work and share practical tips on how to be more discerning when navigating technology. Whether you’re dipping your toes into online dating or have been scrolling for a while, this conversation is all about staying safe, protecting your heart (and wallet), and recognizing when someone online isn’t who they claim to be.

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In this week's episode, Barb welcomes back special guest and mental health professional Jackie Adams for a heartfelt continuation of their discussion on betrayal. This time, Jackie opens up about her own healing journey—sharing personal insights, hard-earned wisdom, and the tools that helped her move forward after being hurt. Together, Barb and Jackie explore the path to recovery after betrayal in friendships, family, or other important platonic relationships, offering guidance and hope for anyone navigating the difficult road back to trust and peace.

To reach Jackie Adams, visit her website at https://www.jackieadamscounseling.com/ or email her at [email protected]

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In an age that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, how do we stay grounded and connected to what truly matters? This week, we welcome back our beloved podcast regular, Denise Torgerson, for a heartwarming conversation about rediscovering joy in the simple, everyday moments of life.

From quiet mornings with a cup of coffee to adorable moments with grandkids, long walks with our pets, and the healing power of time spent in nature, Barb and Denise share how tuning into the small, often-overlooked experiences can bring us peace and purpose—even in these complex modern times.

This episode is a gentle reminder that happiness doesn’t have to be grand or loud; sometimes, it’s found in the wag of a tail, a child’s curiosity, or the breeze rustling through the trees. Tune in for a soul-nourishing chat that will leave you feeling a little lighter and a lot more hopeful.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this deeply personal and moving episode, Barb sits down with mental health and marriage counsellor Jackie Adams, who opens up about the most devastating chapter of her life: betrayal. After 32 years of marriage, Jackie’s husband revealed a pattern of infidelity that shattered the foundation of their relationship and ultimately led to divorce.

With honesty, grace, and insight, Jackie walks us through her experience—from the moment of discovery, through the emotional aftermath, and into the slow process of reclaiming her identity. As a therapist who has spent decades helping others navigate their own relationships, Jackie shares how even the most seasoned professionals are not immune to heartbreak—and how the road to healing is often messier and more complex than we expect.

Whether you’ve experienced betrayal yourself or are walking beside someone who has, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope for what comes next.

Tune in for a raw, real, and powerful look at betrayal, resilience, and rediscovering your worth at any stage of life.

To reach Jackie, you can email her at [email protected] or visit her website at https://www.jackieadamscounseling.com/ .

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this energizing episode, Barb welcomes certified personal trainer and strength coach Caylee Alzner to talk about one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging: strength training. Caylee breaks down the myths around lifting weights later in life and introduces the key principle of progressive overload—a method that helps build strength, improve mobility, and maintain independence as we age.

Tailored specifically for Boomers, this conversation explores why it's never too late to get strong, how to get started safely, and the long-term benefits of adding resistance training to your routine. Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up your workouts, Caylee offers encouraging, no-nonsense advice that could change the way you move through the next chapter of life.

If you'd like to connect with Caylee, visit https://www.cayleealznerfitness.ca/. You can also find her on Instagram @coachcaylee for more fitness advice and insights.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this empowering episode, Barb is sits down with renowned physician and healthy aging expert, Dr. Gillian Lockitch, for a conversation that could change the way you think about getting older. With decades of experience in medicine and a personal journey that exemplifies vitality in later life, Dr. Lockitch shares her top 5 evidence-based strategies for healthy aging—covering everything from nutrition and movement to mindset, sleep, and purpose.

Whether you're in your 50s or well into your 70s, this episode offers practical, inspiring guidance on how to take control of your health span—not just your lifespan. Dr. Lockitch believes that aging doesn't have to mean decline—and she’s here to show you exactly how to stay strong, sharp, and spirited as the years go on.

Get Dr. Gill's book "Growing Older, Living Younger" here. Her podcast, with the same title, is now available on all podcast platforms, or you can listen here.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this deeply reflective episode, Barb Desmarais is joined once again by our good friend, Tim Wade, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about one of life’s most difficult challenges: letting go of people when a relationship has run its course. Whether it's a friend, a partner, or even a family member, parting ways can feel like a kind of death—but it can also be the most loving choice you make, not just for them, but for yourself.

Tim opens up about his personal experience with releasing relationships that no longer serve growth, connection, or mutual respect. Together, he and Barb explore how letting go, while painful, is often a supreme act of love—one that honours the truth of where things stand rather than clinging to what used to be.

The conversation also weaves in relationship expert Matthew Hussey’s powerful insight that letting go can be viewed through the lens of addiction. Like any craving, the urge to stay can mask the reality that the relationship is no longer good for you—or for them. Recognizing this pattern can help break the cycle and lead to healing.

Get in touch with Tim at https://timwadecoaching.com/

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this heartfelt episode, we explore what it truly means to "let go" after the loss of a loved one — and whether that's even the right phrase. Our special guest, grief educator and coach Denise Torgerson, invites us to reframe our understanding of loss, suggesting that instead of letting go, we consider the power of letting in.

Denise shares her wisdom on how to integrate grief into our present reality, embracing the ongoing connection we have with those who have passed. Together, we reflect on the journey of honoring memories, finding meaning after loss, and making space in our lives for both sorrow and joy. Whether you're currently navigating grief or supporting someone who is, this episode offers comfort, clarity, and compassion for the path ahead.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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In this special Pride Month episode, Barb sits down with her dear friend and neighbour, Candace Macpherson, a proud lesbian and advocate for authenticity, visibility, and love. Candace shares her personal journey of coming out and living openly in a time when being LGBTQIA+ was far less accepted than it is today.

Candace and Barb reflect on the evolution of the language we use to refer to the LGBTQIA+ community. They speak on what’s changed, what still needs to change, and what it means to grow older as part of a community that’s still fighting for full equality.

Whether you’re LGBTQIA+ yourself, an ally, or simply curious about how far we've come, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and love that have fueled decades of change.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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This week, we dive into the digital world with one of our favourite guests, Denise Torgerson. Barb and Denise breakdown what they love and hate about social media, and how much it has deeply impacted us in our daily lives.

From staying connected with family to falling for misinformation, social media has reshaped how boomers engage with the world.

Whether you're a seasoned scroller or just dipping your toes into the digital waters, this episode offers a lively discussion on giving yourself a critical framework when engaging online.

Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod.

If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!