Episodes
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Wendy Cole, age 76, was 67 when she decided to live out in the world as the female
she was born to be. As a young person, Wendy was informed by ‘authorities’ that she
was a male with a psychological condition that was untreatable and uncurable; she was “a freak.” Wendy tells her story of living 45 years of repression while hiding her secret from the outside world. On the brink of suicide in 2014, Wendy learned her diagnosis had changed back in 2012. It is now treatable by therapy, hormones, and surgeries. And people are born transgender: “Gender is between the ears, not the legs.” In 2015, Wendy transitioned and began living fully as her authentic self. Currently, she is a transition mentor who guides individuals through significant life changes. She shares her story to “open minds and possibilities…to show others the beauty and possibilities of living authentically…It is never too late!”
"I was born female but assigned male based on my physical anatomy; now, I live freely and fully as a woman." - Wendy Cole
Connect with Wendy: She invites you to ask her anything!
Connection website: https://MeetWendyCole.com
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://wendycolegtm.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcole212/@wcole212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm
YouTube Channel:
https:www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326@wendycole8326
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm
Private Facebook group, Demystifying the Transgender Journey,
Open to anyone curious to learn more about being born transgender and living
with it from childhood.
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Cynthia Bargar, 76 is the author of Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room (Lily Poetry
Review Books), selected as a Massachusetts Book Awards 2023 Honors Poetry Book. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Sugar House Review, Ocean State Review, Lily Poetry Review, Verse Daily, On the Seawall, The Last Milkweed Anthology, and elsewhere. Cynthia is associate poetry editor at Pangyrus LitMag. She lives in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Cynthia has had 3 careers. First, teaching video and photography to teens; then, she worked in fundraising for 30 years, with nonprofits focused on grassroots activism and social services. When she became sober 44 years ago, she found her voice and started writing.
Cynthia’s father was 28 when she was born. It was the same year his 18 year old sister, also named Cynthia Bargar, died of uncertain causes. As a newborn she occupied her aunt’s room. Throughout her life, nobody ever talked about it and she never understood exactly what happened to her father’s sister.
Many years later, as a practicing poet, Cynthia began to explore the unspoken, her aunt’s mysterious death. Her debut collection, Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room, is the result.
CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cynthiabargar.com/
Book: Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room
Order from Bookshop.org
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On the northshore of Chicago, there has existed a magical boutique gift store for 37 years. Its name: The Yellow Bird. Recently the shopping center where it had thrived all those years, was sold to make room for new residential buildings and some commercial. Yellow Bird’s lease was over but Carol was not. Yellow Bird’s owner, Carol Schaner, 87, was not yet ready, however, to lock the door and walk away. She, her daughter and indispensable manager, Laura, were determined to successfully relocate. And, indeed, they did. The Yellow Bird can now be found in downtown Wilmette.
Carol’s handling of the situation is an example of her resilience; of a can-do attitude that has held Carol in good stead over her entire life. She is resilient, courageous, creative and connected. The community loves her and proved it by supporting her in her new location.
What will I do in the future? I’ll continue with everything I am doing now! I am blessed to be here. Joy abounds.
This episode tells her story.
CONNECT WITH CAROL:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowBirdStore/
Yellow Bird Stationery, Invitations & Gifts: 1199 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091, 847-256-1380
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Andrea Gilats—writer, educator, artist, yoga instructor—believes that
“when one writes a memoir, one has to be oneself.” Andrea’s captivating new
memoir, Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity,
reveals her journey of ‘discovery through the pitfalls and possibilities of
aging.’ She reflects on dealing with prolonged grief following the early death
of her husband, navigating serious chronic illnesses while living alone, and
learning to recreate her identity and sense of belonging after retirement.
Now age 79, Andrea highlights the “singular pleasures of growing up again.”
With deeper self-knowing and well-earned wisdom, “this time we can enjoy
it… My horizon is no longer longer than I can see—I have arrived!” Andrea
shares how she is now able to “live a life of peace, joy, and contentment.”
Connect with Andrea:
Email: [email protected]
Books by Andrea:
Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity (2024).After Effects: A Memoir of Complicated Grief (2021)Restoring Flexibility: A Gentle Yoga-based Practice in Increase Mobility at Any Age (2015) -
For 15 years, Karen Allen (age 73), actor and director of stage and film,
and Sarah T. Schwab (age 39), writer, director and producer, have enjoyed
collaborating on theatre and film productions, notably addressing oft-avoided
discussions about dying and loss. Their award-winning film, A Stage of
Twilight—written and directed by Sarah and starring Karen—is a “grass-
roots awareness campaign for end-of-life care and decisions.” It raises the
difficult question: “Whose death is it—who has the right to decide when,
where, how, and with whom someone dies?” Karen’s directorial debut, the
award-winning A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud., is a short film about the “passing
of wisdom from an older man to a young boy.” In 2025, Karen will be
directing her first feature film, The Batting Cage, with Sarah on the
production team. This film depicts how two sisters reconnect after the death
of their sibling. In her upcoming third feature film, Crybaby Bridge, Sarah
approaches suicide through the genre of psychological thriller. Please meet
Karen Allen and Sarah T. Schwab—friends and collaborators who “reach for
the light” while pursuing what they love.
"Loss ties us together as human beings; we must learn to respect
time and cherish loved ones."
CONNECT with KAREN and SARAH
Karen Allen Karen Allen - Biography - IMDb
Sarah T. Schwab Sarah T Schwab - Biography - IMDb
WATCH A STAGE OF TWILIGHT
https://tubitv.com/movies/100026437/a-stage-of-twilight
WATCH A TREE. A ROCK. A CLOUD
https://tubitv.com/movies/100002111/a-tree-a-rock-a-cloud
For information to support the BATTING CAGE, Via Brian Long, producer.
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Sharon A. Brangman, MD, Syracuse NY, is a geriatrician who has been a leader in the field of geriatrics for over two decades. Her focus is directly on the phenomenon of normal cognitive aging, concentrating on prevention.
Dr. Brangman serves as Chair of the Department of Geriatrics, Director of the Center for Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and is a Distinguished Service Professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She has held leadership roles at the national level and was elected to the board of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs in 2013 and served as President from 2015-2017.
" My goal is to help people maintain the highest quality of life throughout their lifespan. "
Dr. Brangman is a widely published researcher by the National Institute of Aging.
In 2024, Dr. Brangman was elected to serve as a Trustee of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation in 2023.
This episode is full of information to guide you in proactively caring for your brain health.
Connect with Sharon:
Website: https://mcknightbrain.org/brainworks/
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From a very young age, Pamela Rand, 81, described herself as a comic, a clown, a funny kid who liked to make people laugh. She continues today to sing, dance, speak in multiple accents and create skits on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTock. Laughing at herself is her prime mode of comedy.
In her early 20’s, Pamela went to Clown School in Paris where she journeyed within to discover her inner clown. Having lost both her mother and brother, this “school of movement, mind and theater” helped her regain her innocence- her silly side-and she learned that 20 minutes of daily laughter enriches your life and is good for your brain. Today she focuses on physical comedy, formerly known as slapstick.
”Humor is vital to our sanity and longevity.”
Pamela is the “Self-proclaimed president of the mature mothers’ society”. Her daughter was born when she was 42, and not wanting her to be an only child, she birthed twins at 51. She believes in positive addictions - meditation, eating healthy foods, chi gong, weight training, Pilates, and, of course, humor.
Pamela Rand is a role model for an aging population and an inspiration for youth.
CONNECT WITH PAMELA:
Website: PamelaRand.net
Website: Adventures in Feeling Young
You Tube: Adventures in Feeling Young
TikTok: Adventures in Feeling Young
Instagram: Adventures in Feeling Young
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For 50 years, Marcia Naomi Berger, 79, has experienced a journey from madness to love and meaning. Her first manic episode was at 29, when she was already a well-respected licensed clinical social worker - an experienced psychotherapist well-trained in cognitive-behavioral, family systems, process, and psychodynamic approaches. She draws from many treatment approaches to fit the needs of her clients.
Naomi’s life changed abruptly when she experienced the first of two difficult hospitalizations.
While her early upbringing was difficult and influenced her decision to become a therapist and concentrate on relationships, nothing prepared Naomi for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. From that moment on she was determined to write a book about this difficult, shame-inducing condition. Everytime she took pen in hand, she found she could only get so far and would put it away. It was only in May of this year that she accomplished her goal and The Bipolar Therapist was published.
Prior to that, Naomi published two books on relationships.
Naomi lives her life by three convictions:
Don’t bow down to stigma - you are a multi-faceted person who has a lot to give to this worldWhatever your situation is, don’t let other people define you.Live a whole meaningful life. Find happiness every dayCONNECT WITH NAOMI:
Email: [email protected]
Books: The BiPolar Therapist
Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love,
Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You've Always Wanted
LinkedIn Profile
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Anne Burke, age 80, retired Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, began her career as a physical education teacher, earned her undergraduate degree as an adult student at the School for New Learning/DePaul University, completed a law degree while raising four children, and created the Special Olympics. Her law practice centered on helping vulnerable children and citizens. Anne served on the Illinois Supreme Court for 16 years, the last three years as chief justice, during the covid pandemic. Upon retirement, Anne returned to DePaul University as a non-degree seeking student taking courses in history, philosophy, ethics, and creative writing. She has received numerous awards and 13 honorary degrees, including from her alma mater.
"The core of me is children; I am devoted to helping special populations."
Connect with Anne
Email: [email protected]
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Ruth Schimel, 84, has original ways to make the most of life’s possibilities. An author of over 70 published articles and seven books, she was previously a diplomat/foreign service officer at the Department of State. She has also taught at four universities. With her mother, Ruth created the Schimel Lode to promote collaboration and innovation in the DC area.
In her 40’s, Ruth designed an inside-out approach to career and life management that transcended narrow labeling of her clients. Preferring to honor their complexity using adventure and good judgment, she continues to provide the tools and experiences to help clients access and keep developing their true selves independently. As a child, Ruth and her family were isolated by a flood for four days. She learned first-hand the power of uncontrolled water. That experience makes her involvement with efforts to mitigate climate change reality based. Finding ways to transcend isolation during the pandemic, Ruth and her long-time friend and colleague, Shari, developed a process for using art to generate engaging conversation, deeper relationships and visual intelligence. Their mashups of juxtaposed paintings with poetry became recordings to share online to benefit others’ explorations and insights.
"Becoming courageous is a process accessible to most people to step into the life they want."
Her PhD research on courage, international experience, work with a range of clients and continuing curiosity are catalysts for her own growth and her work assisting others. Ruth knows that becoming courageous involves “the willingness to realize your true capacities by going through discomfort, fear, anxiety or suffering and taking wholehearted, responsible action.” It is a process accessible to most people.
CONNECT WITH RUTH:
Website: https://www.ruthschimel.com/
Website: https://artingconversations.com/
Website: https://www.theschimellode.net/
Books: https://www.ruthschimel.com/books/
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Susan Baur, 84, has been a writer, historian and psychologist for 50 years. As a child, nothing grabbed her passion like listening to her father’s stories which seemed to describe other worlds that exist inside our own. Pursuing these other worlds ever since, the force of nature keeps pulling at her very being and led her first into an obsession with turtles and then to start removing garbage from ponds in Cape Cod, MA.
This is hard work. The water is often cold, visibility poor but nevertheless she dives in and sees . . . garbage - garbage like tires, futons, bicycle wheels and tons of beer cans. Trash. She couldn’t do this work alone so invited others to help. Women 64-84 joined in. It led Susan to be named Climate Resilience Hero by the Red Cross.
If you align yourself with the force that governs, you know how to age.
Susan believes in this work. Although she has written books on the history of science and psychology, and books about turtles for children, it is her sense of wonder and how it changes a person that unites her varied interests. She is happiest exploring Wonderlands and encouraging others to join her. Although she is widely seen as creating the next generation of conservationists, she is more focused on fostering enchantment wherever it is found. Susan is, herself, the embodiment of wonder.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN:
Website: OLAUG-MA.COM
Books: The Turtle Sisters series and A Guide to the Best Ponds on Cape Cod AND the Best Ways of Preserving Them may be found on her personal website: theturtlesisters.com
Email: [email protected]Aging Reimagined Symposium Celebrating Who We Are as We Age
Sat Oct 19, 2024 [8:00] AM – [6:00] PM
Plymouth Place, 60526
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenover70/1255769
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Karen Ross, 76, is a champion who keeps reinventing herself. Self-confident, curious and proactive, Karen never stops finding new ways to stay involved, support herself and others, and meet interesting people.
She thought she would be a musician and entered college intending to major in music. However, Broadway show music is what interested her and classical music was what the college preferred she study. It didn’t take long for Karen to move on and several years and careers later found herself hosting a radio show. When that show ended she moved to South Carolina.
"Curiosity leads me to keep engaging in new topics, career choices, and environments."
A change in formats sent her back to Chicago where she decided to hire a coach to help her find what was next. The coach noticed that she was always desirous to be of service and, so, suggested she become a coach.
Soon after starting her practice, Karen discovered hypnosis, believing it could help her patients find deep relaxation and access to their subconscious minds, while eradicating chronic pain, sleep issues and major loss. She continues to this day working with clients who benefit from hypnosis and personal coaching.
Karen pays close attention to her health, doing a daily practice called Aging Backwards. She walks all over the city and listens for her inner ageist to consciously reject the notion that she is old.
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://karenrossnow.com/
Meet with her at: https://karenrossnow.com/schedule/
Watch my 60-second video:
https://karenrossnow.com/schedule/
https://womenover70.com/symposium/
https://linktr.ee/womenover70
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Elderwerks’ dynamic CEO and Founder, Jennifer Prell, understands older adults. She believes elders deserve respect and loving care. She gets worked up when talking about how difficult it often is for older people, no matter their income level, to find proper housing as they age. Adult children reach out because a parent is declining. That parent does not always recognize there is a problem and that makes it extremely difficult to help them make the transition to safer housing. Jennifer and her team are trained to ask the questions that will guide them in determining the correct paths to take.
Jennifer started a 2nd business called Safe Moves for Seniors so that she could work with income-restricted older people. Through this business they write grants and raise funds to aid older adults in downsizing and moving with dignity.
Their knowledge seems never-ending in all the ways to find proper housing for their clients as they age.
Connect with Jennifer:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Elderwerks.org
Website: www.safemovesforseniors.org
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The hardest part of getting older is the realization that some dreams are never going to be realized. Some situations are not going to change. Jackie Greenbaum, however realistic she remains, has lived her life as though dreams are meant to be followed. Discouraged from a career in law at a young age, Jackie pursued teaching, only to find it unsatisfying for the world in which she wanted to live. Soon after leaving the field of education, Jackie immersed herself in becoming a legal secretary, then a paralegal and combined those two to work in business development and human resources. A dynamic, successful rainmaker was her mentor and her career proved both satisfying and rewarding.
"There are close friends to be had in every setting when meaning and purpose drive your life."
After retiring, Jackie and her husband moved to an over 55 community. Using all the skills she practiced while working, Jackie soon became deeply involved on the WOW board and developed strong friendships within the community.
Jackie takes advantage of every minute because…….you just never know.
Womenover70.com
Aging Reimagined Symposium Celebrating Who We Are as We Age
Sat Oct 19, 2024 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Plymouth Place, 60526
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenover70/1255769
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If we are looking for what we enjoy doing, then, logically, we’re going to be good at it. Joyful thoughts spiral upward. We are on this planet to love and be loved, to be truly authentic.
Gail Sussman Miller, Inspired Choice.com, believes how we think, and communicate, is a key issue for leaders of organizations. She helps them manage difficult conversations, to listen not only to respond, but to understand. You can be kind and honest. She helps people see how they need to change to achieve their desired outcomes. An expert coach, focusing on communication, Gail has been serving clients since 2001. By integrating her beliefs into her coaching, she invites her clients to see through different lenses.
"It’s about the spirit and energy you bring to the conversation, rather than specific words."
As you listen hear her thoughts on:
Wild Fit - a program based on anthropological nutrition and behavioral psychology for optimum health. Gail has integrated this knowledge and food choices as a lifestyle and finds it works for her on both a physical and spiritual level.Archetypes, based on the work of Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette and Carolyn Myss include our protective human ego (Victim, Saboteur, Wounded child, Prostitute - all fear-driven behaviors) and our Spirit, Higher Self, love driven behaviors. (Lover, Sovereign, Warrior, Magician - ways in which we deepen the truth of who we are.A Course in Miracles – helps us shift from a thought system based on fear to one based on loveHeadspace App - powerful meditation and mind training to keep joy present in our livesTears - your body’s response to hearing what is true for you.Gail celebrates life through spirituality, gratitude and rituals.
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Wendy Green, founder and host of Hey, Boomer,! knows about personal transformation first-hand and coaches women to “live the meaningful, purposeful life they want to live.” Wendy left the world of corporate training to focus on women’s experiences of growing older—as a coach, podcaster, show host, and blogger. Podcast guests, along with members of Boomer Banter, talk about a range of topics such as family dynamics, gray divorce, changing relationships, feeling old, and the vital value of female friendships.
I still feel inside the younger parts of me. - Wendy Green
Connect with Wendy
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://heyboomer.biz
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Sally Jean Fox’s 2023 book, Meeting the Muse After Midlife: A Journey to Meaning, Creativity, and Joy, tells her story of finding joy in being creative after 50, as she explored gardening, clowning, improv theatre, storytelling, and singing. Always keen on writing, Sally took up painting at age 69 and exhibited 30 paintings three years later. Although Sally now sees herself as an artist, she emphasizes that creativity is not just about producing art; rather, the “most creative thing we can do is design our lives, every day, to be engaging, expansive, and full of learning. As the head of Engaging Presence, Sally also coaches professionals to design their lives around what matters most to them and to share their stories.
Connect with Sally
Email: [email protected]
Website: Engaging Presence—Shaping Stories That Matter
https://www.engagingpresence.com
Book: Meeting the Muse After Midlife
https://www.engagingpresence.com/book/
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Cheri Boublis is Senior Director for Hospitality Services at Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, Illinois, a model for active community living. Cheri collaborates with the leadership, residents, vendors, and the larger community to offer wide-ranging services for adults who choose a vibrant lifestyle. Choice is the guiding concept for most everything at Plymouth Place—design of living space, travel, dining, cultural programs, the arts, wellness, and more. Cheri says she is of the age that she could live at Plymouth Place, and she looks forward to doing so when she is ready for that transition.
Plymouth Place is the premium sponsor and host site for Women Over 70’s first, in-person Symposium on October 19, 2024.
Connect with Cheri
Email: [email protected]
Website: Plymouth Place | Senior Living in La Grange Park, IL
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Joy has always been a part of Beverly Pimsleur's life. Her extended family in Louisville KY loved to be together, to dance, sing and have fun.
She recognized the importance of language from a young age and started learning French in high school. She met her husband, a French professor, on a blind date in her twenties and changed her plans about living in France in order to marry him, anticipating they would someday live there together — which they
did.
She became fluent in 4 different languages and believes in the importance of teaching English as a 2nd language.
Paul was the creator of the Pimsleur Language Program. When he died at 48, Beverly, alone with two young children, returned to New York and, with a colleague of her late husband, continued to develop the business. Simon & Schuster eventually purchased the company.
Life with her 2nd husband, Peter, was quite different. They moved to Nice for 12 years, where he died of a genetic disease. Beverly turned to tango as a release for her grief and dance became an obsession. With her children married, she traveled the world, dancing until she was 82. Her passions are multi-faceted and include cooking, traveling, writing and publishing.
"I'm afraid I’m not going to have enough time for all the things I want to do."
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As an educational leader and mentor, Dr. Helen Benjamin tells stories about
growing up in the segregated South, living and working in two worlds—Black
and White, and helping younger Black professionals navigate their CEO roles
in community colleges. In semi-retirement, Helen leads HSV Consulting, Inc,
works with “dozens of colleges, boards, and CEOs to advance student-
centered organizational and leadership improvement,” and continues writing
to preserve African American history. Helen finds that at age 74 she is in
“the best place I’ve ever been in my life—smarter, wiser, thriftier, and more
relaxed.”
No one can tell the story of our lived experience better than
we can.
Connect with Helen
Email: [email protected]
Books by Helen:
● How We Got Over-Growing Up in the Segregated South: A Collection of
Narratives
● The Chocolate Truth: An Anthology of Perspectives from Community
College CEOs
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