Shawn Perry is a radio personality in the Washington, DC area who launched a show for older listeners called "The Senior Zone" 8 years ago -- with no experience in broadcasting, but a passion for seniors' issues. Before starting the radio show, Shawn spent 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and worked in the health services sector. Today, he talks about the importance of Social Security and Medicare, the scourge of ageism, and what inspired him to start his own radio show. (Hint: It had something to do with his grandmother.)

It turns out that humor is one of the best tools for healthy aging. No one knows that better than this week's guest, stand-up comedian Missy Hall. She's a nationally-touring headliner best known for her appearances on the Showtime comedy franchise, "Funny Women of a Certain Age." In this debut episode of SEASON FOUR, Missy riffs on her experiences as a comedian, parent of a teenage daughter, grandparent, and cancer survivor - and shares her belief that its never too late to try something new.

Michigan is a fascinating place --- a swing state with a large senior population. In fact, 1 in 5 Michicanders is over 65. Our guest this week, Paula Cunningham, is on the forefront of seniors' advocacy in the Great Lakes State. As director of AARP Michigan, she has a lot to say about the stresses of family caregivers, the value of home and community based care, and the future of Social Security --- among many other things! Don't miss this chat with a woman on a mission to improve the lives of older people in her state --- and the family members who care for them.

READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::::: https://youearnedthis.org/defending-seniors-in-the-great-lakes-state-aarps-paula-cunningham/

In this encore episode from November, 2025, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means "in the dust" --- by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He's also worried about the future of Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don't miss our visit with one of the most fervent advocates for Americans' health care in the U.S. Senate.

62 year-old gyrocopter pilot Caroline Paul is an inspiration to Boomers seeking a sense of adventure in later life. She's the author of the new book, "Why Fly: Seeking Awe, Healing, and Our True Selves in the Sky." In this encore episode, Caroline shares her philosophy about approaching life courageously, while weighing risk and reward. A must-listen for anyone who dreams of soaring -- literally or otherwise! Her book is available at carolinepaul.com.

READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::::: https://youearnedthis.org/why-fly-a-boomer-takes-to-the-sky-w-author-caroline-paul/

Host Walter Gottlieb and digital media manager Shahab Shokouhi answer questions from our Facebook community about Social Security! And... we troll a few social media trolls! Questions include: How do we demonstrate that the $2.6 trillion in the Social Security trust fund is real? Are Social Security rules unfair to single people? And... Is Social Security constitutional? Hint: OF COURSE IT IS!

USA Today dubbed the generation born in the early 1960s the "Beatlemania Boomers." New research suggests these younger boomers have less retirement security than their older counterparts. In this encore episode, Anqi Chen of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College explains why retirement may be a Hard Day's Night for this age group --- compared to older Boomers and the younger generations... underscoring the need to boost, not cut, Social Security benefits!

More of us will be living to 100 and beyond, says Bill Kole, author of "The Big 100" in this encore episode. But do we want to? And how will we pay the bills for all those extra decades? What is the impact of "super aging" on Social Security? Bill paints a picture of the coming centenarian boom and all of its implications - good & bad - in this lively and surprisingly fun episode! After all, where else can you hear a 120-year old woman doing hip-hop? Bill's book, "The Big 100: The New World of Super Aging," is available at billkolebooks.com and through fine booksellers everywhere!

READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::: https://youearnedthis.org/living-to-100-and-beyond-super-aging-with-author-william-j-kole/

Apparently it's still okay to devalue and ridicule older people in our society. Ageism creeps into everything from personal interactions to job hiring. Find out why -- and what we can do about it --- in this encore episode featuring one of America's preeminent thought leaders on aging, S. Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois.

Our president, Max Richtman, is known as The Social Security Mythbuster because he excels at dispelling misinformation about Social Security. In this encore episode, Max takes on several pernicious myths including: "Social Security is going bankrupt," "Undocumented immigrants are collecting benefits," and "Politicians are stealing from Social Security," among others! Max explains why each of these myths isn't true -- by using his superpower: THE FACTS.