Fifty Plus

Doug weighs in on hands-free towing, the end of the penny and whether caffeine can slow aging. Plus, thoughts on politics, the future of AI and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Doug discusses the red tide affecting parts of the Texas coast, his latest round at Whispering Pines and the upcoming Spirit International. He also weighs in on political division, strange headlines, whether Texas really is America’s loudest state and Zachary Levi’s plans for a new film studio outside Austin.

Doug reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 before speaking with Sean Tucker of Kelley Blue Book and AutoTrader about rising car prices, affordable new and used vehicles, electric cars and what buyers should know before making a purchase.

Doug covers a Virginia mother punished for allowing her five-year-old to walk through her gated community, the mistreatment of a 12-year-old autistic student, and the sharp contrast in Labor Day shootings between Chicago and Houston. He also weighs in on sanctuary-state immigration policies, the Carmelo Anthony case, Nike’s dramatic decline, Iran’s latest missile attack, the Lindsay Clancy trial, Texas politics and more stories from around the country.

Doug reflects on the approaching anniversary of 9/11, changes to Texas’ social studies curriculum and the Lindsay Clancy case. He also covers black bears expanding their range into Texas, a disruptive airline passenger, Lake Mead’s receding shoreline and more stories from around the country.

Doug Pike discusses the mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case, the Strait of Hormuz, Democrats turning against Senator John Fetterman and privacy concerns surrounding Flock cameras. He also covers a nationwide egg recall, California’s sanctuary laws, the upcoming Republican midterm convention in Dallas, changes at the WNBA and more stories from around the country.

Doug checks the Labor Day weekend forecast and the quiet Gulf before discussing the Lindsay Clancy jury deliberations and controversial gender policies in schools. Dr. Shalsee Vigeant, Medical Director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Sugar Land, joins Doug with advice on choosing a healthy pet, spotting adoption red flags and safely introducing a new animal at home. Plus, National Wildlife Day, alligator and rattlesnake encounters, a stolen Picasso, a courageous protest in Iran and more stories from around the country.

Doug tracks the remnants of Edouard and Houston’s rain chances before discussing mounting tensions with Iran, illegal immigration, California’s legal battle over boys competing in girls’ sports and America’s growing tax burden. Plus, a naked DoorDash delivery, men and dieting, an unlikely lightning-strike survivor, the Astros, Labor Day confusion and more strange stories from around the country.

Doug Pike looks back at Tropical Storm Edouard’s uneven impact across Southeast Texas and weighs in on Iran, government spending, welfare abuse, the search for life beyond Earth and a staggering HOA assessment facing California retirees. He also covers a deadly bank robbery attempt, Hollywood headlines, public-safety concerns involving unqualified truck drivers and James Talarico’s past comments about capitalism and Texas oil and gas.

Doug Pike takes a practical look at Tropical Storm Eduardo and what the Houston area can expect as it moves ashore near the Texas-Louisiana border. John Wesley Downey, host of The Movie Show, joins Doug to remember Dolly Parton and revisit her memorable film career, including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Plus, Doug discusses the debate over socialism in Congress, rising COVID cases, illegal immigration and the remarkable return of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle to Texas.

Doug Pike discusses the difference between loneliness and social isolation with Dr. Cindy Wolverton, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School. They explore why older adults may become disconnected and the small steps they can take to rebuild meaningful relationships. Doug also covers food recalls in Texas, the benefits of slow jogging, the best and worst states for outdoor recreation, and more stories from around the country.

Doug Pike looks at a potential Atlantic storm, the latest market and oil updates, and renewed concerns about toilet paper tariffs between the United States and Canada. He also discusses a lawsuit involving a California school trip to a mosque, the state’s costly new tire regulations, fraud tied to Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future program, the health risks of recreational cannabis, AI-generated text messages, a groundbreaking retina transplant, America’s energy debate, and the growing political influence of Hasan Piker.

Doug Pike reflects on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton before weighing in on taxpayer-funded political campaigns, repeat offenders cycling through the justice system, the rise of socialism and government bureaucracy. He also checks conditions in the Atlantic, discusses the challenges of staying active in Houston’s heat, and shares stories about Burning Man, Target’s controversial Halloween costume, a Missouri grandmother fighting to serve free breakfast to her community, and the World War II–era Purple Hearts still being awarded today.

Doug Pike talks with Dr. Brandi McKelvey of UTHealth Houston about how sleep changes with age and simple ways to improve it. Doug also covers the tropical weather outlook, food recalls, financial literacy in schools, Hollywood’s potential move to Austin, a fisherman’s incredible survival story and more news from around the country.

Doug Pike discusses the brutal Texas heat, the quiet tropics and how to protect your pets during dangerously hot weather. He also weighs in on the Carmelo Anthony case, a teacher who resigned after being forced to change a student’s failing grade, James Talarico’s political messaging, a cocaine operation involving Penn State fraternities and Seattle’s approach to drug paraphernalia. Plus, Doug covers the latest scams, New York’s controversial property taxes, street takeovers, organized shoplifting and more stories from around the country.

Doug Pike discusses concerns surrounding election integrity and voter ID laws ahead of the midterms, Iran’s increasing economic isolation, and the latest questions surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic-era records. He also weighs in on Jake Tapper’s admission that the media failed to properly cover President Biden’s decline, Nike’s financial struggles, immigration concerns in Europe and the United States, and the WNBA’s treatment of Caitlin Clark. Plus, an Astros update, National Radio Day, $100 hot dogs and the possible long-term effects of watching too much television.

Doug Pike looks at why so many Americans find retirement intimidating and questions whether some people will ever be able to afford to stop working. He also discusses reports that IRS refunds have increased following President Trump’s tax cuts, Senator John Cornyn’s defense of keeping Texas Republican primaries open and a polling firm that admitted publishing fake polls as part of a “social experiment.” Plus, Doug weighs in on electric airplane test programs coming to Texas and shares more interesting stories making headlines around the country.

Doug Pike talks with David Roddenberry, co-founder and attorney at Mama Bear Law, about how the firm helps families navigate serious medical malpractice, birth injury and personal injury cases—and how new technology is making legal help more accessible. Doug is also joined by John Wesley Downey, filmmaker and host of The Movie Show on KPRC, to discuss a new movie release, what audiences can expect and whether it’s worth seeing. Plus, Doug covers more stories making headlines across the country.

Doug Pike checks the forecast and what’s happening in the Gulf of America, breaks down the latest Wall Street news, and asks what led to a Spring man’s arrest. Doug also talks with Katherine (Kate) Henderson, Associate Attorney with Lever & Ecker, PLLC, about keeping our kids safe, and Nicole Howell, Director of Direct Care Workforce Development at the National Council on Aging, about choosing the right home care agency for those you love. Plus, Doug looks at what Dallas-area airports are doing to accommodate Muslim travelers and asks, when will it stop? And more stories from around the country.

Doug Pike dives into the latest developments in the Gulf and what they could mean for the Gulf Coast. He also shares entertaining stories from the golf course, takes a hard look at whether today’s education system is failing students, discusses liberal judges and the impact of lenient sentencing, provides an update on the spread of socialist policies, and rounds out the show with interesting stories making headlines from around the country.

Doug covers the latest weather threats in the Atlantic and what could still develop during hurricane season, plus a look back at his trip to Arkansas with his son for college. Other topics include an Air Canada flight incident involving a child, a Marine released from Russian custody, Trump’s reported Air Force One escape, more on Fauci, the latest election news, Talarico vs. Paxton, men and women competing on opposite-sex sports teams, keeping an eye on the Gulf, and the growing tipping culture.

Doug Pike dives into another packed hour of news and opinion, breaking down the return of Lina Hidalgo's free childcare proposal, why movie theaters continue to struggle for audiences, and the biggest frustrations Boomers face at the grocery store. He also looks at San Francisco's latest tax, what Zohran Mamdani's policies could mean for New York City, whether the summer heat is making people lose their cool, and why the media seems so determined to push stories the public isn't embracing—including the WNBA. Plus, plenty of other headlines and hot takes from around the country.

Doug Pike weighs in on another week of news and commentary, discussing the rise of divisive political rhetoric and why voters should pay close attention to the candidates they elect as socialism continues to gain traction in some circles. He also settles the age-old Texas debate—is it the heat or the humidity? Plus, Doug covers the massive fire in Galveston, the seemingly never-ending I-45 construction, concerns about transgender teachers in schools, and the latest discussion surrounding the possibility of life on Mars.

Doug Pike covers a wide range of stories from across the country, beginning with a heartwarming display of patriotism at a baseball game. He also takes a closer look at the growing problem of fraud, with a special focus on scams targeting older Americans and what can be done to stop them. Plus, Doug discusses shifting smoking trends as tobacco use declines while marijuana use continues to rise, the case of a British woman living in Katy who admitted to illegally voting in U.S. elections, and wraps up with several other headlines making news around the country.

Doug Pike tackles a wide range of headlines, starting with the dangers of reckless driving and why it's becoming an even bigger problem on our roads. He also discusses reports of City of Houston employees being caught sleeping, fishing, and otherwise not working on the job. Plus, Doug weighs in on the latest dangerous TikTok "blackout challenge" putting kids at risk, and the debate unfolding in a Muslim-majority Michigan city where some residents are calling for Christian churches to stop ringing their bells. It's another thought-provoking hour covering the stories making headlines around the country.

Doug Pike covers the latest local headlines, weather updates, and the stories shaping the day. He shares highlights from a recent visit to Quail Valley Golf Course, dives into new statistics on gang violence in America's largest cities, and discusses the possibility of Wisconsin electing a new Democratic governor and what that could mean for law enforcement. Plus, plenty of other news, opinions, and conversation from around Texas and beyond.

On today's Fifty+, Doug Pike breaks down the latest from Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony, including his repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times. Then, Dr. Zack Gassoumis joins the show to discuss the growing problem of elder abuse, the warning signs families should know, and the sobering statistics behind it. Doug also wonders who's responsible for all the trash littering our roads—is it really younger drivers? Plus, a look at the political controversy surrounding James Talarico as past comments resurface and become part of the public conversation.

On today's Fifty+, Doug Pike covers a wide range of stories making headlines. He takes a look at new ideas being floated by the Democratic Party and what they could mean for the country's future. Doug is also joined by Theresa Pina from Gulf Coast Blood to discuss the ongoing need for blood donations across the Houston area and how listeners can help save lives. Plus, he dives into the latest developments surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci and the controversy over him invoking the Fifth Amendment, along with plenty of other interesting stories and conversations from around the country.

Another day, another hot and humid forecast as Doug wonders if we're living through Groundhog Day. He also checks in on oil prices and why they're still higher than they should be. Dr. Ali Alavi from New Promise Neuropathy joins the show to discuss the latest in neuropathy treatment, while Meredith Jackson from Capital One highlights resources for the nearly 200,000 veterans transitioning to civilian life each year. Plus, Doug weighs in on the growing trend of teen mall takeovers, the violence that's followed in some cases, and rounds up other major stories making headlines across the country.

Hurricane Bertha passed with minimal damage, but there’s plenty to discuss. Doug recaps the storm, checks in on the latest developments involving Iran, and shares the quirky fun of the Deer Calling World Championships. Budgeting expert Trae Bodge offers practical tips on how to stretch your money without sacrificing your lifestyle, and the show wraps up with an inspiring medical breakthrough as a man paralyzed for years regains movement in his hands thanks to a groundbreaking double neural bypass procedure.

On today's Fifty+ with Doug Pike, Doug keeps an eye on Hurricane Bertha and what Houston can expect from thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds while discussing the pressure placed on CenterPoint to keep the power on during severe weather. He welcomes Jen Wirt, CEO of Coral Care, to explore the impact excessive screen time can have on children, and Annie Morton shares practical advice on avoiding the pitfalls of overwatering and underwatering your garden during the brutal Texas heat. Plus, Doug talks surfing, and weighs in on concerns surrounding commercial driver's licenses and roadway safety.

Houston hits its first 100-degree day of the year as Doug Pike dives into the week's hottest headlines. From Sunny Hostin's son making headlines after an alleged trespassing incident, to conservation efforts paying off with the return of once-struggling species, and why younger couples are spending less on weddings, it's another engaging mix of news, culture, and conversation on Fifty+.

On today's episode of Fifty+ with Doug Pike, Doug visits with experts from two innovative companies serving the needs of older adults. He talks with Alden Fedke from Memorial Hermann GoHealth Urgent Care about accessible healthcare and urgent care services, then sits down with Maura Horton from MagnaReady Clothing to discuss adaptive apparel designed to make getting dressed easier without sacrificing style.

Today, Doug Pike interviews CEO of Red Rocket Pets Tom McConnell about litterbox odor.

Today, Doug Pike interviews Dr. David Hunter about Alzheimer's Disease. Pike also speaks with the CEO of the Lone Star Flight Museum Anna Hawley about the museum's offerings.