One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a community snowshoe and I overheard one of the volunteers say, “Yeah they cancelled world’s. Not enough participation.” That got my attention. I asked her about it and she mentioned that she was a snowshoe racer. You can imagine how I’ll be interested in a zesty snowshoe racer. She went on to say that she’s participated in ten triathlons. And here we are.

Chary Griffin is an elite athlete and at 75, she shows no sign of slowing down. She’s been all over the world participating in endurance activities. We’re going to talk about what it takes to be a world athlete in your 70s. Follow Chary here: https://www.facebook.com/chary.griffin.5

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Did you know that the gut is called “the second brain” and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain connection especially as we age. Our guest is an expert in problems like reflux, bloating and conditions that women might complain about as we age.

Dr Mary Pardee is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor  who says “she fixes people’s poop”. We’re going to find out what poop tells us about our health. Find out more at https://www.modrnmed.com/

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I first became aware of today’s guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller “The Courage to Heal” 37 years ago. It’s a book I’ve recommended many times in my psychotherapy practice. “The Courage to Heal” gave hope to millions because it provided sexual abuse survivors with the first real map of the healing process. In the years since then, Laura Davis has continued writing and leading workshops all over the world that have mirrored her passage through life: learning to be a parent, exploring the dynamics of reconciliation, living in the cancer underworld, making peace with a difficult parent, and caring for a mother with dementia. She’s created a writing retreat for older women to explore their lives–and you don’t have to be a writer. The retreat is held in Santa Cruz and is sure to be spectacular. Find out more here: LauraDavis.net.

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

Today’s subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter.

Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on the cover of Money Magazine!) who was an avid pickleball player. One night, the show 60 Minutes aired a segment on Chicago’s Cook County Jail. Roger noticed that many of the inmates were playing cards or watching TV. Being an avid pickleball player, he commented to his wife, “They should be playing pickleball. They’d not only get exercise but learn valuable “life skills” like learning from mistakes and how to be a good teammate.” And so, “Pickleball in Prison(™)” was born. The success of his program in Chicago led Roger to prisons from coast to coast, from Rikers Island in New York to San Quentin in California. A documentary is currently in the works. Find out more at https://www.picleague.org/ .

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By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at a gym grinding it out on an elliptical. And the idea of a “boot camp” makes my blood run cold. Isn’t life hard enough?

At this age, I want things to be healthy and fun. That’s why we’re going to talk about rebounders (mini trampolines). I’ve used my rebounder to train for the Senior tennis Games and my walk on the Camino in Spain. It’s hard not to enjoy jumping up and down to your favorite dance music.

My guest this week is  Rob Mah from Needak–the brand of rebounder I’ve used for 20 years. He’s going to tell us about the far reaching health benefits of rebounding and fair warning…you are going to be impressed. Find out more at Needak.com. Use the coupon code “Zestful” and get a free rebounder cover.

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

My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are “off the mainstream” and who offers us a new way to think about our own aging. And I’ve never had a theme park designer on the show before!

Wayne Lehrer is a vibrant and curious 73-year-old who has lived an inspiring and eclectic life including: pioneering the growing of wheat grass and spirulina, studying oriental medicine and practicing silence for 5 months. Wayne has also produced and directed 3-D Imax films and he’s a Master Yoga and Meditation teacher who has taught tens of thousands, and trained hundreds to teach; and currently teaching at the USC School of Gerontology. His new book is called “The Art of Conscious Aging – An Operating Manual for an Extraordinary Third Act”. Find out more at https://waynelehrer.com/.

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

When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others happy and comfortable is causing them distress. The good news is that as we age, we seem less and less interested in putting everyone’s needs first. What’s happening here and why might you want to consider paying attention to your need to please others? This week’s guest is Amy Wilson, the co-host of the popular podcast “WHAT FRESH HELL”. Amy has appeared on Broadway in a one person show, and Saturday Night Live. And she’s just written a funny and poignant book called “Happy to Help, Adventures of a People Pleaser”. Find out more here: https://www.amywilson.com/

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

As a psychotherapist, I’m always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, meditation, crafting, pets and the like. I’d like to add one that is a bit less conventional.

Thrift stores provide a kind of mini community and sense of shared purpose (the thrill of the hunt) that’s important in times like these. We’re in the middle of an epidemic of loneliness, and I find that frequenting my local thrift is a way of feeling less isolated. There’s no pressure to have long involved conversations with fellow thrifters. Instead, one might ask, “what is the color of the day?”, “can I slide my cart by you?” and engage in small talk that helps us feel a bit more connected. I’ve had sweet conversations that have left me feeling a little more energized and uplifted.

There’s also something about rescuing abandoned quality clothing that is satisfying to me, but may be an acquired taste. Some have expressed concerns that buying from the thrift stores takes away resources from people with less means. I’ve had concerns about this myself. That’s why I was happy to be able to put this question directly to Adam Minter, an expert in the global second hand trade (his episode link is below). From my experience, the racks are so stuffed at the thrift stores there’s more than enough for everyone. I was also surprised to see U.S. used clothes at a recent trip to a chain thrift store in the Caribbean. There’s simply too much stuff. 

Thrifters agree that the thrill of the hunt is addicting. It’s fun to find that needle in the haystack of discarded items. I’m partial to cashmere–especially vintage–and I’ve been lucky to find many beautiful pieces that I’ve taken home and restored. They are a pleasure to wear. Thrifting isn’t for everyone. But it might be worth trying if you like hunting for hidden gems and being around people who like that too. You never know what you will find.

https://sites.libsyn.com/456789/adam-minter-where-does-your-discarded-stuff-go

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

I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O’Neil, who hosts the podcast Check Up From the Neck Up on WCNY. We’ve co-hosted his show a couple of times before and it is so fun. We tape at the public radio station WCNY and you feel like a real radio star in the sound booth. So many buttons! He wanted to talk about holiday stress. I quipped, “Politics, alcohol and family…what could go wrong?” We have a spirited discussion about how to navigate prickly family get togethers. My personal  favorite tip is using the statement, “I don’t talk politics or diets.” Find out more about Dr. Rich O’Neil here: https://www.wcny.org/cycleofhealth/

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

If you’ve listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we’re going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not have heard of. I do ask that you keep an open mind, because it sounds unconventional until you understand the science behind it. Dr. Laura Koniver is a holistic physician, and internationally recognized grounding advocate. Her work has been featured in many news and media outlets. She’s going to explain why grounding is essential to our good health. Find out more about Laura and grounding here: https://intuition-physician.com/ .

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