Zestful Aging

One of the joys of being a podcaster is that you can listen to a conversation about caregiving on NPR, look up the guest and invite them to guest on your show. I was thrilled when today's guest accepted my invitation.

Our guest is Kat McGowan a journalist focused on caregiving. She's had first hand knowledge of the experience, having cared for both her sister in law and then her parents. She discovered that 26 million American caregivers who look after friends and family are effectively the nation's largest healthcare workforce. But they're overlooked in social policy and ignored by the media.

Kat's goal is to help people recognize caregiving for what it is: "An essential social service, a form of medicine, a love story, a burden, an honor, a privilege—and, for many of us, a chapter of life." Find out more about her at katmcgowan.com .

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Our guest this week couldn't be more timely. With all of the strife and fear around us many are looking for some way to find comfort. Maryann Roefaro straddles the worlds of science, medicine and spirituality. In her new book "Transitions of Hope", She shares powerful insights from her decades as a healthcare leader, caregiver, and spiritual guide to show how we can replace fear with love and face life's transitions with courage and peace. Check out her new podcast Transitions of Hope: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transitions-of-hope/id1862814649

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Sky Bergman an accomplished, award-winning photographer and filmmaker. She has been particularly interested in the positive effects of intergenerational relationships having enjoyed a loving relationship with her grandmother.

Sky's newest film is about the Japanese American experience and how a particular food has provided emotional sustenance through internment. Mochi-tsuki has long united Japanese Americans, from the hardships of World War II incarceration to modern-day celebrations. Once a symbol of resilience in incarceration camps, this tradition continues to bring generations together, preserving culture and community. Find out more about Sky: https://skybergmanproductions.com/

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How delightful is this? We're in the beautiful kitchen of my next guest, because we're having a little sourdough baking lesson. I love spreading the fun of sourdough making.Those organisms are alive and well.

Kathy Okoniewski has been involved in U.S. ski racing and training for 45 years. She's been a competitor and developed programming for ski racing youth. After a long career in sports, Kathy has shifted her focus to becoming an energy medicine practitioner. Her focus is helping people–whether athletes or general public to discover their full energetic potential.

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Sue Willoughby is a life coach with a real twist. Raised by a single alcoholic parent, Sue came out at 17, hit some serious lows, and still built a life full of grit, growth, and reinvention—from corporate trainer to standup comic, real estate investor, and private pilot. As a coach, Sue partners with horses to help her clients through their difficulties. She talks about why horses are uniquely gifted to work with people who are struggling emotionally. Find out about her facility, her team and all of their offerings: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/

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Our guest today was on the panel of experts at WCNY's event, which showcased Bradley Cooper's film "Caregiving". Gwen Crossett is an R.N. and runs a concierge, boutique-style caregiver agency, assisting caregivers and their loved ones in navigating the challenges of elder care and progressing diseases. Today we're going to focus on two less talked about topics: seniors and scams and how to choose a caregiver for your loved ones. Gwen gives us advice and helps with the confusion when hiring caregivers for your loved ones. Find out more: https://www.constantcare247.com.

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Sometimes we accidentally come across something that changes our lives. You've heard me talk about the local creative hub I attend monthly and how sweet it is. Not long ago my friend Laraine brought in a sample of neurographic art. I thought to myself, "that is strange looking. And ugly." I'm more of a botanical zen doodler kind of gal. Then I saw something online that intrigued me–a free webinar that taught something called "neurographic art" and the science behind it. They talked about rewiring your brain with these strange looking drawings. I was intrigued so I took the free class. I've been a psychotherapist for 35 years and this technique helped me access beliefs that I was aware of but didn't understand that they were still driving the bus. At this point, My friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about it. I ordered an electric pencil sharpener because my colored pencils are getting dull.

Ann Ferguson talks about this fun and cutting edge technique to address the beliefs that are causing problems in our lives. She is one of only a handful of Certified Neurographica Specialists in the United States. Find out more about neurographics here: Mindfulline.com.

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Do you know what an ocularist is? Neither did I until I went to a talk by today's guest, author Dan Roche. I never would have known about Dan or his book about glass eyes unless I was friends with the illustrator of his new book: "Eyes By Hand". And it is fascinating.

In this episode, we learn about the obscure world of glass eye making and talk about the psychological and emotional healing that such service brings to someone who has suffered the very visible trauma of eye loss. Check out his fascinating book here: EyesByHand.com.

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When Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip met more than 25 years ago, after becoming empty nesters and then widows, it was best friends at first sight. They never could've imagined that their relationship would propel them, in their eighties, through an around the globe adventure, or that they would go viral online and inspire people young and old across cultures. They have been known on social media as "the traveling nanas". Their new book, "HERE WE GO" expands on the joyous message of hope that launched them into the spotlight. Find out more about this zesty friendship: https://aroundtheworldat80.com

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Amanda Conta Steencken is a classically trained musician and neuroanatomist originally from Argentina who has a fascinating story about her journey into health and wellness education. Amanda was training in classical piano when she began having problems with her hands. Her health problems became too severe for her to continue in her music training. Taking a big career turn, she focused on spinal cord injury and stem cells before she found her calling in teaching. Frustrated by the western medicine philosophy of looking at the body as sick, she discovered the power of Traditional Naturopathy. Now she promotes simple ways to help our bodies heal themselves. Find out more about Amanda and the world of naturopathy: horaioswellness.com

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com