The Not Old - Better Show

🏠 Small home fixes can bring big peace of mind. Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement and Outdoor Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, returns to The Not Old Better Show with practical advice for making home life safer, brighter, and easier. We talk no-electrician kitchen lighting, including under-cabinet upgrades, simple mosquito protection without a science lecture, indoor air quality basics, and smart water leak detectors that can warn you before a small leak becomes a costly mess. For adults 60+, this is about comfort, confidence, and staying ahead of problems at home. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on The Not Old Better Show.

Still in the Groove: Martha Reeves Keeps Searching 🎙️ What does a life of creative longevity sound like? In Martha Reeves' case, it still has plenty of rhythm, purpose and joy. 💃🏾🎶 Martha Reeves has spent more than six decades giving people reasons to dance. Her voice powered Motown landmarks like "Dancing in the Street," "Heat Wave," "Jimmy Mack," and "Nowhere to Run," songs that still spill from radios and playlists with enough spark to lift a room. Now, as she approaches her 85th birthday, Reeves isn't interested in nostalgia. She's still chasing the next song. "The word retirement doesn't mean a thing to me," she says with a laugh. That outlook fuels Searching, her first new album in 22 years. Recorded in New Orleans and co-produced by acclaimed trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and her longtime manager Chris Roe, the project blends Motown soul with jazz, blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Rather than revisiting old triumphs, Reeves sounds energized by fresh collaborators and a new musical setting. Ask her about the recording sessions and she laughs before finishing the first sentence, as if she's still standing in the middle of them. "It was a magic carpet ride," she says. "The collection of musicians, the place, the studio—it was just beautiful." Players arrived from Cuba, New York, Alabama, Georgia, and beyond, gathering in New Orleans to build a sound that lets Motown shake hands with the Big Easy. Horns rise in bright bursts, the rhythm section settles deep into the beat, and Reeves' unmistakable voice ties it all together with warmth that hasn't faded. She lights up when talking about Marsalis, recalling the quiet authority he brought to the sessions. "He was very, very serious," she says. "Anything he said he was going to do, he did it." Having watched legendary producers at work during her Motown years, Reeves knows disciplined musicianship when she sees it. She remembers watching Marsalis conduct the horn section and seeing the respect he commanded from every player in the room. "To see Delfeayo work with those horns and the magic that happened with these arrangements—I can't wait for people to hear it." The experience also gave Reeves something she deeply appreciated: a genuine creative voice.
"I was asked my opinion. I was asked to add lyrics or add songs that I had written," she says. "It's like I've graduated."

Right now, inside your body, cells are dividing. Each time they divide, they must copy an enormous instruction manual: your DNA. Most copies are remarkably accurate. Some acquire changes. We tend to think of DNA as fixed. You receive it from your parents, carry it through life, and perhaps pass part of it to your children. But scientists are finding that inheritance is only the opening chapter. As we grow older, our cells collect mutations. Sunlight can leave its mark on skin cells. Tobacco smoke can alter cells in the lungs. Inflammation, infection, copying errors, environmental exposures, and simple chance can all play a part. Most of those changes may never matter. Some help our immune system recognize new threats. A few give one population of cells an advantage over its neighbors. And some are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other health risks. That means the cells in your body do not all carry precisely the same genetic story. For those of us in our 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, this raises a fascinating question: How much of our health is inherited, and how much continues to be written as we live? Our guest is award-winning science journalist and Smithsonian Associate Roxanne Khamsi. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, WIRED, The Economist, and other leading publications. Her new book is Beyond Inheritance: Our Ever-Mutating Cells and a New Understanding of Health. Roxanne Khamsi, welcome to The Not Old Better Show.

👔 The most powerful costume may be the one we stopped noticing. In Suitable: The Sartorial Revolution and the Fashioning of Modern Men, fashion historian and former Broadway costume designer Chloe Chapin follows an extraordinary transformation. Men moved from colorful coats, patterned waistcoats, and elaborate display to the plain, dark suit. That change carried political meaning. During the early American republic, restrained clothing came to represent democracy, rationality, masculinity, seriousness, and public authority. Plainness became a choice that looked increasingly natural. Chapin also asks us to consider the cost. As men presented themselves as standing outside fashion, fashion became more closely associated with women, frivolity, and cultural unseriousness. Around the world, the Western suit also displaced traditional forms of male dress. Our Smithsonian Associates Interview Series conversation ranges from George Washington's badly fitting trousers to cotton technology, domestic manufacturing, race, gender, and the visual signals we still use to decide who looks credible. 🎙️ Listen to The Not Old Better Show and ask yourself: Why does power still dress in dark wool? #TheNotOldBetterShow #SmithsonianAssociates #ChloeChapin #Suitable #FashionHistory #AmericanHistory #Democracy #Menswear #CulturalHistory

🦬 Before highways, subdivisions and shopping centers, the American East belonged to giants. Bison moved through Indiana and Illinois. Elk ranged across Appalachia. Wolves and cougars lived in forests we now consider entirely human territory. Then they disappeared. Now, some are returning. 🌲 But recovery gets complicated when an elk crosses a highway, a bison needs a fence or a wolf appears near someone's home. Environmental writer Andrew Moore joins me to discuss his fascinating new book, The Beasts of the East: The Fall and Rise of America's Eastern Wilderness. 🎙️ How much land, control and comfort are we willing to give up to make room for something truly wild? Listen to The Not Old Better Show.

🌲🧭 Some lives begin again at the trailhead. On this episode of The Not Old Better Show, I speak with Melanie Radzicki McManus, author of Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail. Melanie hiked 1,100 miles across Wisconsin in 36 days, moving through forests 🌲, prairies 🌾, wetlands 💧, farms 🚜, glacial landscapes 🪨🧊, and small-town gathering places 🤝. The mileage is impressive. The message is even better: there is no one way to hike. You can section hike. Use a shuttle. Stay in a motel. Walk with friends. Start small. Begin safely. 👣 For adults 60+, that is a powerful model for healthy aging: adapt without apology, stay curious, keep moving, and let the outdoors reconnect you to people, place, and purpose. 💪🌅✨ We talk about women in the outdoors, trail community, ambition after midlife, and the adventure still ahead. 🎙️📚 🎧 Listen now at notold-better.com
#NotOldBetter #ThousandMiler #IceAgeTrail #HealthyAging #ActiveAging #WomenOutdoors #PurposefulLiving #Hiking #OutdoorLife

Working for the Common Good: The People Behind America's Smithsonian The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 🏛️ What if one of America's greatest career opportunities is hiding inside a museum? 🤔 Discover the people, purpose, and passion behind the Smithsonian with Fredie Adelman. 🎙️ Listen now! 🇺🇸✨ #Smithsonian #America250 🏛️ What if museums are some of the most innovative workplaces in America? Most of us think of museums as places to visit. But they're also places where scientists, engineers, educators, conservators, veterinarians, cybersecurity experts, communicators, and researchers work every day to improve our understanding of the world. 🌎🔬 🎙️ In this fascinating episode of The Not Old Better Show, Fredie Adelman of Smithsonian Associates takes us behind the scenes of America's Smithsonian as our nation marks its 250th anniversary. ✨ Discover hidden careers. 🤖 Learn how AI is changing museum work. 🦖 Explore groundbreaking research. ❤️ Hear how thousands of people work for the common good. This conversation may change forever the way you think about museums. 🎧 Listen today at notold-better.com Important links and resources from Fredie Adelman: For people who are interested in the work of museums around the world: International Council of Museums (ICOM) and in the US, the American Alliance of Museums – they're responsible for an annual survey of museum-goers and learned that 60% of visitors believe that all museums support emotional well-being; 69% of museum-goers think museums provide intellectual stimulation and support cognitive health,  and 9 out of 10 visitors think that museums help them feel more connected to others, half of those responded that they feel stronger connections to other cultures and half feel more connected to nature. These results are from surveys conducted by Wilkening Consulting. We've also learned that museums rank among the top 3 most trusted institutions in a survey with ten options and 1 out of 3 US adults think that museums are non-partisan / neutral sources of information. As for Smithsonian specific info; here are a few links: Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Smithsonian Affiliations, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) , and Museum on Main Street and of course Smithsonian Associates. Here too are some resources about the Lincoln watch story and the Sutter's Mill gold nugget. As for beekeeping, I should have fact-checked b/c it seems that the 'Insect Zoo' at the Natural History Museum is undergoing transformation and will re-open in the spring, so here's an article about bee collections. Finally, should anyone be interested in following up about internships, there's here's a link to the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships and for fun, here's the link to tiger nutritionist and an article about the current veterinary nutritionist.  #Smithsonian #America250 #Museums #Curiosity #LifelongLearning #Innovation #HealthyAging #Podcast

👂🫀 Is your body trying to tell you something? 🤔 Bestselling author, Smithsonian Associate & physician Dr. Giulia Enders reveals what science says about listening to your body for better health, strength, and longevity. 🎧✨ Your Body Is Talking. Are You Listening? The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 🫀 We spend a lot of time asking what's new in health. 🤔 Maybe the better question is… what has our body been trying to tell us all along? That question became the foundation of one of my favorite recent conversations on The Not Old Better Show with physician and bestselling author, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Giulia Enders, author of the new book, Organ Speak, Available from Apple Books. 📚 We talked about muscles as an active organ, why recovery is part of exercise rather than a break from it, how the immune system responds to stress, and why the strongest evidence for healthy aging still points toward remarkably simple habits. 💪😴🥗 Walk more. Sleep well. Preserve muscle. Recover. Stay socially connected. These ideas aren't trendy. They're supported by decades of research, and scientists continue learning more about why they matter. If you're interested in practical, evidence-based conversations about healthy aging, resilience, and living well after 60, I hope you'll join us. 🎧 I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts after you listen. #HealthyAging #Longevity #Science #Leadership #PreventiveHealth #Podcast #Wellness #AgingWell #SmithsonianAssociates For more information, please check out:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/listening-to-our-bodies

👂🫀 Is your body trying to tell you something? 🤔 Bestselling author, Smithsonian Associate & physician Dr. Giulia Enders reveals what science says about listening to your body for better health, strength, and longevity. 🎧✨ Your Body Is Talking. Are You Listening? The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 🫀 We spend a lot of time asking what's new in health. 🤔 Maybe the better question is… what has our body been trying to tell us all along? That question became the foundation of one of my favorite recent conversations on The Not Old Better Show with physician and bestselling author, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Giulia Enders, author of the new book, Organ Speak, Available from Apple Books. 📚 We talked about muscles as an active organ, why recovery is part of exercise rather than a break from it, how the immune system responds to stress, and why the strongest evidence for healthy aging still points toward remarkably simple habits. 💪😴🥗 Walk more. Sleep well. Preserve muscle. Recover. Stay socially connected. These ideas aren't trendy. They're supported by decades of research, and scientists continue learning more about why they matter. If you're interested in practical, evidence-based conversations about healthy aging, resilience, and living well after 60, I hope you'll join us. 🎧 I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts after you listen. #HealthyAging #Longevity #Science #Leadership #PreventiveHealth #Podcast #Wellness #AgingWell #SmithsonianAssociates For more information, please check out:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/listening-to-our-bodies

Fitness Freedom: Exercising While Traveling or On the Go, Episode 2 The Not Old Better, American Council on Exercise (ACE) Live Long Better Interview Series Travel is an obstacle course with coffee. ☕✈️ Dr. Sabrena Jo shares how adults 60+ can stay mobile in airports, hotels, cars, and real life. #FitnessFreedom   Travel has a way of telling the truth about our bodies. ✈️ The airport is not just an airport. It is an obstacle course with coffee: long corridors, heavy bags, tiny seats, rental cars, hotel beds, unfamiliar chairs, and the occasional gate change that feels suspiciously like interval training. In this upcoming American Council on Exercise Live Long Better conversation, I'll talk with Dr. Sabrena Jo about fitness freedom while traveling or on the go. This is not about turning vacation into boot camp. It is about staying connected to movement when routine disappears. We'll cover hotel-room workouts, bodyweight exercises, travel-friendly tools, and smart strategies for adults 60+ who want to keep moving through airports, road trips, family visits, conferences, and everyday life away from home. The best fitness plan is not the one that only works when everything is convenient. The best one travels. 🧳💪 🎧 Coming July 2026 on The Not Old Better Show. #TravelFitness #HealthyAging #LiveLongBetter #FitnessOver60 #NotOldBetter #MovementMatters

Maintaining Independence Through Functional Fitness, Episode 1 The Not Old Better, American Council on Exercise (ACE) Live Long Better Interview Series Fitness after 60 deserves a better headline. It is not about vanity. It is not about punishment. And it is certainly not about pretending we are all training for the Olympics. At its best, fitness is about freedom: the freedom to rise from a chair, climb stairs, carry groceries, reach a shelf, and keep participating in the life we have built. 🏡 In this upcoming American Council on Exercise Live Long Better conversation, I'll speak with Dr. Sabrena Jo about functional fitness and aging in place. We'll look at the daily movements that quietly determine independence: strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, and confidence. This episode asks a simple but powerful question: what if the real fitness test is not what happens in the gym, but what happens in the kitchen, the garden, the hallway, the grocery store, and the home we hope to keep living in? For adults 60+, movement is not just exercise. It is preparation. It is protection. It is a vote for future independence. 💪 🎧 Coming July 2026 on The Not Old Better Show. #HealthyAging #FunctionalFitness #AgingInPlace #LiveLongBetter #NotOldBetter #ExerciseScience

The Anti-Hype Beauty Episode: Good Housekeeping's April Franzino on Testing, Trust, and the Aging Well Core Promise to the Listener The Not Old Better Show Good Housekeeping Good Better Best Interview Series Beauty advice has moved from the department store counter to the magazine page to the endless scroll. That shift matters, especially for adults 60+. Today, consumers are trying to make sense of sunscreens, retinol, dark spot correctors, fragrance, skin-tightening products, "anti-aging" claims, and social media recommendations that often sound more certain than the evidence allows. On this episode of The Not Old Better Show, I speak with April Franzino, Senior Beauty and Style Director at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention. April brings the perspective of a journalist, editor, product tester, and consumer guide. We talk about the Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards, the role of Beauty Lab testing, why sunscreen remains central to skin care, and how readers can separate practical guidance from polished salesmanship. For me, the larger question is trust. Who has earned it? What has been tested? What should we question before spending money? Experience matters. Longevity matters. And in beauty, as in health journalism, confidence should never outrun evidence. 🎙️🧴✨ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174

👀 LOOK TWICE: What a Former CIA Officer Wants You to See Before Trouble Finds You: Vol 3 🛡️✈️ The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series 🛡️ "Safety isn't about fear — it's about preparation." – Tim Beard, former CIA officer, Marine, and now author of the Look Twice safety series. Tim has protected U.S. assets in hostile regions across the globe. But now, his mission is closer to home—helping seniors and families protect themselves from threats in daily life. 👁️ From elevators and ATM lines to phishing emails and parking garages, Look Twice teaches you how to spot what others miss—and act before danger escalates. This is the episode to share with your family. If you're caring for aging parents, living alone, or just want to sharpen your awareness, Tim's advice could be life-saving. 🎧 Tune in to The Not Old – Better Show to hear how to protect your future with simple, powerful preparation: Apple Podcasts, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174

The Call Before the Crisis: Ken Duckworth on Men, Mental Health, and the Families Who Notice First The Not Old Better Show, Healthy Living Interview Series A man can say "I'm fine" and still may be asking, in the only way he knows how, for someone to notice. That is where this episode begins. 🎙️ For June 2026 and Men's Health Month, I'm joined on The Not Old Better Show by Dr. Ken Duckworth, longtime Chief Medical Officer at NAMI and author of You Are Not Alone. His work is rooted in medicine, family experience, and the stories of people who have lived with mental illness and learned what helped. We talk about men, silence, shame, depression, suicide risk, partners who are worried, adult children who are scared, and the hard question many families face: when is this more than a rough patch? This conversation is for the man who keeps saying he is fine. It is also for the wife, husband, partner, brother, sister, daughter, son, friend, or neighbor who sees the change and does not know how to start. Listen to the episode. Then do one small thing today: call, text, stop by, or ask the second question. "How are you really doing?" 💙 If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. In the U.S., if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. Listen on Apple Podcasts!

When the Guru Falls: Meryl Davids Landau on Yoga Bind, Betrayal, and the Courage to Begin Again 🧘‍♀️🔥 The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series Today, we're talking about story, spirit, betrayal, friendship, and the search for something steady when life throws us off balance. My guest is award-winning author, independent health journalist, certified yoga teacher, and returning fan favorite, novelist Meryl Davids Landau. Meryl is the author of what she calls mindful women's novels, including Downward Dog, Upward Fog, the award-winning Warrior Won, and now her third novel, Yoga Bind. This new book brings us back into a circle of spiritually seeking women, but this time, the ground underneath them shifts. Janelle, the central character, is moving along her spiritual path when a serious accusation against her revered yoga guru forces her to ask a painful question: If the teacher is tainted, are the teachings tainted too? That's a powerful question. And it's not only about yoga. It's about trust. It's about community. It's about how we hold complexity when someone we admire disappoints us, or worse. And for many of us, especially as we get older, it's also about how we keep growing without becoming cynical.

Eat Strong, Move Smart: Stefani Sassos on Food, Fitness & Health Claims That Matter After 50 The Not Old Better Show, Good Housekeeping, Good Better Best Interview Series 🥗 What does "healthy" really mean after 50? It's a question many of us ask while standing in the grocery aisle, reading a supplement label, hearing about a new diet trend, or wondering whether our workouts are doing enough to keep us strong. On the Good Housekeeping Interview Series from The Not Old Better Show, Paul Vogelzang welcomes Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, Nutrition and Fitness Director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Stefani is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer who helps people make sense of food, fitness, and the health claims we see every day. In this episode, Stefani talks about the Mediterranean way of eating, her High-Protein Mediterranean Cookbook, protein and muscle strength, why hamstrings matter for movement and balance, and how fitness and food work together as we age. We also get into the topics that make many people pause: SPF in a pill, supplements that may worsen hair loss, postbiotics, USDA food labels, and how Good Housekeeping reviews health information before sharing it with readers. For professionals, caregivers, adult children, and anyone focused on aging well, this is a smart and grounded conversation about staying curious, asking better questions, and making choices that support a fuller life. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174

🚘🔥 Modesto, chrome, rock & roll, and American Graffiti Festival 2026 The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series 🚘 Some communities have landmarks. Modesto California has a soundtrack, a streetlight, a polished hood, and a story that helped shape American pop culture. On this episode of The Not Old Better Show, Paul Vogelzang talks with Steve Perry and Chris Murphy about the 2026 Modesto Graffiti Festival and Car Show — a celebration tied to George Lucas, American Graffiti, classic cars, radio, rock and roll, and the culture of 1950s–70s Americana. But this conversation goes far beyond chrome. Steve and Chris share why the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum matters as a civic project, an educational space, a home for local stories, and a way to preserve memories that may otherwise be lost. For donors, sponsors, volunteers, and local partners, this is a chance to help Modesto protect its own story — and share it with families, visitors, students, car lovers, and future generations. 🚗 History has horsepower. Check it out HERE> Community gives it a future. Watch/listen: notold-better.com

Rachel Carson's Question: What Are We Not Seeing? Smithsonian Associates Interview Series with Rebecca Henson 🛑 Before the headlines… before the movement… there was a question: ❓ What are we not seeing? Rachel Carson—📖 writer, 🔬 scientist, ⚖️ truth-teller—challenged a nation at the height of its confidence. Her words didn't just inform—they unsettled, awakened, and changed the course of history. 🎙️ Smithsonian Associate Rebecca Henson joins us to reveal Carson's full story—her wonder, her courage, and why her message hits just as hard today. 🎧 Listen now: notold-better.com #NotOldBetter #RachelCarson #LiveWithPurpose #AgingWell #EnvironmentalInsigh

🧠 The Math Lie: You Were Never Bad at Math—You Were Taught to Fear It 🔥 🧠 What if math was never the problem—only the way we were taught to see it? In this episode of The Not Old Better Show, Paul talks with award-winning author Junaid Mubeen about Think Like a Mathematician and the surprising tools math gives us for everyday life: spotting patterns, weighing choices, escaping all-or-nothing thinking, and understanding why small actions can change everything. 🔥 From combinatorics to chaos theory, this is math without the panic and with real purpose—especially for adults 60+ who are still curious, still learning, and still rewriting old stories. 🎧 Listen now and retire "I'm not a math person" for good. Because better thinking is healthy aging, too. ✨ Tune in now.

🇺🇸 America turns 250… but what exactly are we celebrating? And who gets to decide the story of the United States? 🤔📜 This week on The Not Old – Better Show, award-winning host Paul Vogelzang sits down with Princeton historian and CNN political analyst Dr. Julian Zelizer for a timely conversation about democracy, polarization, patriotism, and the future of America itself. From the founders' vision 🇺🇸 to today's battles over elections, misinformation, and civic trust, Dr. Zelizer explains why America 250 may become a defining test for the nation. 🎧 Thoughtful. Provocative. Essential listening. Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174 #America250 #HistoryMatters #Democracy #JulianZelizer #SmithsonianAssociates #TheNotOldBetterShow #CivicEngagement #AmericanHistory

The Mental Health Benefits of Movement Live Long Better, Fitness Interview Series with Dr. Sabrena Jo What if one of the best things you can do for your mood, your memory, your confidence, and your independence does not require a gym, a stopwatch, or a brand-new pair of shoes? What if it starts with standing up, taking a walk down the hall, stretching while the coffee brews, or practicing balance beside the kitchen counter? Welcome to the April Live Long Better series from The Not Old Better Show. Today, we are talking about "The Mental Health Benefits of Movement," and here is the provocative truth: after 50, movement is far more than exercise. It is a daily vote for steadiness, self-trust, sharper thinking, lower stress, and a stronger sense of possibility. Our guest is Dr. Sabrena Jo, Senior Director of Science and Education at the American Council on Exercise. She joins us to reframe movement as something joyful, useful, and deeply human—not a chore, not a punishment, and never a test you have to pass. We will talk about the brain-body connection, movement after a fall, balance training, fear, confidence, and the small steps that can help us feel more like ourselves again.

Behind Closed Doors: Why Historic House Museums Are Rewriting the Story of America's Past: America 250 The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series We don't just inherit history—we decide how it's told. 🏠 In this episode, Smithsonian Associate Ken Turino shares why historic house museums are at a turning point. These aren't just preserved spaces. They're places where real lives—complicated, human, unfinished—still speak. What happens when we stop admiring the furniture… and start listening to the stories? For those of us thinking about legacy, community, and meaning—this conversation hits deeper than expected. For more information, please check out the Smithsonian Associates website:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/historic-house-museums Listen here: notold-better.com

Dr. Robert Watson, Distinguished Professor of American History at Lynn University, reveals the lesser-known stories, surprising twists, and forgotten voices behind the most iconic document in U.S. history. Drawing from a wealth of primary sources—including letters, diaries, newspapers, and diplomatic communiqués—Watson reconstructs the debates, drafts, and drama that surrounded the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Focusing on the influence of women, enslaved individuals, and Indigenous peoples, Watson brings to light the varied cast of often-forgotten characters and perspectives that shaped the American experiment in his book, Declaration: The Story of American Independence. Along the way, he explores the document's philosophical roots, its political impact, and the enduring struggle to realize its lofty promises of liberty and equality. Learn more about Watson's new book Declaration: The Story of American Independence

What if better health didn't require drastic change—just smarter habits?   In this episode of The Not Old Better Show, I speak with Dr. Sabrena Jo from the American Council on Exercise about two highly effective, accessible strategies: strength training and morning light exposure.   For adults over 50, maintaining muscle, balance, and mobility is essential for independence. Dr. Jo explains how simple resistance exercises—done just a few times a week—can make a measurable difference.   We also explore emerging research on morning sunlight. Just 10–20 minutes early in the day can help regulate sleep cycles, improve mood, and even support metabolic health.   The takeaway is simple and encouraging: small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful improvements in how we feel and function.

Anthony Horowitz: Murder, Mystery, and the Power of a Second Act The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series What if your finest work comes later? 📚 In this episode of The Not Old Better Show, Anthony Horowitz reflects on a career that keeps finding new life. From Foyle's War and Alex Rider to Marble Hall Murders and A Deadly Episode, he continues to surprise readers and viewers with wit, nerve, and remarkable range. What stayed with me most is this: growth does not end with early success. For writers, readers, and anyone in a second act, Anthony speaks candidly about risk, structure, discipline, and staying curious. It's a conversation about craft, ambition, and why the next chapter can still be your strongest. Check out A Deadly Episode on Apple Books! https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-deadly-episode/id6751496045

😴 What's Really Ruining Your Sleep? The Mattress Myths, Cooling Claims & Bedding Fixes That Actually Matter 🛏️🔬✨ The Not Old Better Show, Good Housekeeping Good Better Best Interview Series 😴 Poor sleep affects far more than your nights. It can shape focus, mood, recovery, and how you show up the next day.   🌙 In recognition of National Sleep Awareness Month, Good Housekeeping's Good Better Best features Grace Wu and Amanda Constantine from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab.   Their work combines lab analysis, hands-on product testing, and feedback from real consumers across the country. In this episode, they look closely at what actually helps people sleep better — from mattresses and bedding to cooling claims, smart beds, and long-term comfort.   What makes this conversation stand out is its focus on evidence. It cuts through bold marketing and centers on support, temperature control, durability, and the everyday sleep problems people are trying to solve.   For product teams, retailers, and consumers alike, the takeaway is clear: better sleep starts with better information. Listen to the episode here: Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174 #SleepAwarenessMonth #SleepHealth #ConsumerInsights #GoodHousekeeping #GoodBetterBest

Before Independence… There Was Doubt 🇺🇸😳 What Really Happened in 1776? The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 1776 wasn't inevitable 🇺🇸⚡ At the start of that year, most Americans weren't calling for independence. They were asking for fairness… representation… a better version of the system they already knew. And yet, in just twelve months, something extraordinary happened. People changed their minds. Not overnight. Not easily. But through a steady collision of ideas 📜, lived experience, and undeniable reality. Pamphlets like Common Sense didn't just inform—they reframed the debate. What once felt acceptable suddenly felt impossible. What once felt radical became necessary. That shift is worth paying attention to—especially now. Because 1776 reminds us that transformation doesn't begin with certainty. It begins with conversation 🗣️… with disagreement… with the courage to rethink long-held assumptions. It asks a hard question: what does it take for individuals—and entire societies—to move from comfort to conviction? For those of us thinking about leadership, legacy, and the future we're shaping, that question still matters.   The founding generation didn't have the luxury of clarity. They had risk. They had doubt. And they moved forward anyway ⚔️   🎧 I explore this in a recent conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Smithsonian Associate Edward J. Larson and his new book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. It's not just a look back—it's a lens on how change actually happens.   for more information: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/declaring-independence?utm_source=SEM&utm_medium=OA&utm_content=Google_Performance_Max&utm_campaign=CAP26Q3&promo=287683&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20779232108&gbraid=0AAAAABMPhB8MEw5x0LfoAadEhgoG-4n2S&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zKW4UgJasqWdGNG4wfs7yEn62FM7cBRPfosr8609Ty54WrMGnXeIhxoCUf8QAvD_BwE  

ROAR: Michael Clinton on Why It's Time to Stop Acting Old—and Start Living Loud Again The Truth About Aging No One Tells You—and What to Do About It Now Today's episode is brought to you by Wayfair, Every Style Every Home. We don't talk enough about what happens after success. In my latest conversation with Michael Clinton—former President of Hearst Magazines and author of ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life—we explored a question many professionals quietly face: What now? For decades, the narrative has been clear—work hard, achieve, and then eventually step aside. But what if that model no longer fits the reality of longer, more active lives?  Michael offers a different perspective: don't retire—refire. What stood out most is how often limitation isn't physical—it's psychological. Many people begin to scale back not because they have to, but because they believe they should. The real shift is internal. Moving from external validation to internal alignment. From what looks impressive… to what actually feels meaningful. If you're in the second half of your career—or thinking about what comes next—this conversation may challenge more than your plans. It may challenge your assumptions. 🎧Listen on KLOI Community Radio! #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Aging #FutureOfWork #Purpose #LifelongLearning You can learn more about Michael and his work at roarforward.com, and as always, you can explore this episode and our full library at notold-better.com.  Today's episode is brought to you by Wayfair, Every Style Every Home.

🔥 Some episodes stay with you. This one grabs hold. Brad Taylor joins Paul Vogelzang on The Not Old Better Show for a conversation about Shadow Strike (available for pre order on Apple Books!), Pike Logan, old enemies, global stakes, and the hidden cost of keeping others safe. Taylor's fiction reads like a diplomatic cable with a lit fuse—headline-hot, tense, and deeply human. For listeners who know that duty leaves marks, and that reinvention can arrive later in life, this episode hits home. Thriller fans, readers, writers, and anyone who loves a bold second act will find something here. #BradTaylor #ShadowStrike #PikeLogan #ThrillerBooks #SecondActs #AgingWell Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-not-old-better-show/id1085682174   Shadow Strike (available for pre-order on Apple Books!), Pike Logan, old enemies, global stakes, and the hidden cost of keeping others safe! Check it out!

🇺🇸 AMERICA AT 250: The Story We Tell… vs. The Truth We Live 🚗🔥 The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, commemorating 250 Years of Independence in 2026 Welcome to The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series—on radio and podcast. For ten years now, The Not Old Better Show has celebrated health, wellness, culture, and the stories that remind us we're not old—we're better. Now, as America commemorates 250 years of independence in 2026, this special series offers a dynamic exploration of America's past, present, and future.  Explore the people, ideas, conflicts, and aspirations that have shaped America–and how the past informs the challenges and possibilities ahead. At 250, America is still young enough to dream, and seasoned enough to know that freedom asks something of every generation. Through our Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, we invite you to hear that story with fresh perspective, honest reflection, and renewed purpose.   This is The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, commemorating 250 Years of Independence in 2026. Anniversaries matter. Meaning matters more.     History is never just behind us. Sometimes it sits right beside us, asking who we are, what we value, and what we owe the future. Stay with us as Paul Vogelzang continues this Smithsonian Associates conversation on the people, ideas, and moments that still call us to be better.   Thanks for joining us this week on The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, commemorating 250 Years of Independence in 2026—on radio and podcast. To hear more about today's stories, catch our new Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, and enjoy our extensive back catalog of previous shows, please visit notold-better.com. Follow us on X at Not Old Better, and on Instagram at Not Old Better. This is a production of N.O.B.S. studios. I'm Paul Vogelzang. Thanks for spending this time with us. Join me again next time as we continue sharing stories that remind us we're getting better, not just older. Because 250 years later, Better is still a conversation worth having. Let's talk about Better. This is The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, commemorating 250 Years of Independence in 2026

This Is Your Life, Carolyn Forté: Good Housekeeping's Queen of Clean Opens the Big Red Book The Not Old Better Show, Good Housekeeping Interview Series: Good Better Best   Today's episode is brought to you by Wayfair, Every Style Every Home. And today's episode is special. Today's guest is special.  we open a very large, very red book… and it begins with a familiar scene: a kitchen. A sink. A dish towel. And someone—possibly you—asking, "Do I really have to pre-rinse this?" Carolyn Forté has spent more than 40 years at Good Housekeeping, moving from the Textiles Lab to the Home Care & Cleaning Lab—where "clean" isn't a vibe, it's data. She and her team don't just read labels; they challenge them. They make stains on purpose. They time cycles. They inspect fibers. They argue with myths. They test what works, what's hype, and what's going to leave your towels smelling like regret.   She's written books, taught millions, partnered with the American Cleaning Institute, and helped turn everyday home care into something practical, even reassuring—especially for those of us who want our homes to stay safe, comfortable, and easier to manage as the years add up.   And yes… somewhere in the pages of this big red book is a sentence you never expected to hear: a waterproof computer keyboard… went into a dishwasher. For science.   So settle in—because today is a warm, funny, heartfelt look back at the career of the woman who's saved more family arguments than any referee ever could. Remember today's episode is brought to you by Wayfair, Every Style Every Home.

When "Denied" Goes Viral: AI Claim Denials, TrumpRx, and America's Healthcare Trust Crisis The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series Thank you, I'm Paul Vogelzang. Today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking. Have you ever stood at the pharmacy counter, card in hand, and heard one word: denied? For our listeners over 50, that moment isn't about inconvenience. It's blood pressure meds. It's insulin. It's the medication that keeps you steady, independent, and in your own life. And then comes the "solution": "Try a coupon." "Pay cash." "Use a marketplace." Behind that advice is a system that can feel like a black box—prior authorization, shifting formularies, and now, more and more, algorithms. AI can speed up decisions, but it can also shut a door without giving you a clear, human explanation. Now add the third ingredient: social media. A nonstop feed that can take real pain and turn it into a blame spiral—until people stop asking, "How do we fix this?" and start asking, "Who do we punish?" We've seen how fast outrage can spread, and how dangerous it can become when it's celebrated instead of cooled down. Today on The Not Old Better Show, we're connecting those dots—insurance hurdles, AI-driven denials, and the polarization that's eroding trust. Our guest is Dr. William Soliman, CEO of the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and a leading expert on pharma and health insurance. He'll explain TrumpRx—what it is, what it isn't, and why a discount price that doesn't count toward your deductible can backfire for seniors on multiple medications. We'll talk reform. We'll talk responsible tech. And we'll talk empathy—because healthcare can't run on anger. And it's never too late to insist on dignity at the doctor's office. Remember, support our sponsors: today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking.

Your Watch Is Smart. You're Smarter: AI Fitness Without Losing the Human Live Long Better: The Not Old Better Show, ACE Interview Series With Dr. Sabrena Jo TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FITBOD AND MARS MEN ⌚🤖 Your watch has years of data. Now AI wants to tell you what it means—and what to do next. ACE CEO Dr. Cedric Bryant said, "AI is now central to fitness."  In 2026 AI may become the backbone of programming, scheduling, personalization, and even staffing in gyms. 😮🏋️‍♀️🤖 Exciting? Yes. But here's the myth to drop: AI and wearables won't replace coaches or common sense. 🧠✅ On Live Long Better, Paul and Dr. Sabrena Jo (ACE) break down what to track (resting HR ❤️, sleep 😴, weekly movement minutes 🚶‍♂️) and how to use AI for safer intensity, smarter recovery, and steadier habits—without stress. 🚩📊 REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FITBOD AND MARS MEN

🎀👵👧 From Grandma to Granddaughter: "Bows & Ties" and the Power of Sisterhood with Kavya Thakrar 📚✨ The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series 🎀📚 Who's the woman you still call when life feels wobbly? 👵👧 Today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking, and this week on The Not Old – Better Show, 16‑year‑old author Kavya Thakrar shares "Bows and Ties," built from 19 interviews celebrating sisterhood, confidence, and family wisdom. Tell us: who's your "tie"? 💛 🎀👵👧 Quick question: who was the woman who steadied you when you were young—and have you thanked her lately?   This week on The Not Old – Better Show, we're featuring Kavya Thakrar, who published her book "Bows and Ties" at just 16. 📚 It's a collection of 19 interviews with founders, creators, and doctors, woven with reflections on sisterhood, confidence, and connection.   What stayed with me is how naturally this conversation bridges generations. ✨ For grandparents, parents, mentors, and leaders, it's a reminder that the words we say at the kitchen table can echo for decades. For teens, it's proof their voice matters right now. Try this today: 💬 send one message that starts with, "I still remember when you…" and finish it with a specific moment. A mother. A grandmother. A teacher. A friend. Those details build community—at any age. ❤️ Remember, today's episode is brought to you by Caraway. Good Looking. Clean Cooking. If you want an episode you can share with your daughter, granddaughter, sister, or your closest circle, this one hits home. 🎧📺 Watch/listen here: notold-better.com

Good Housekeeping, Good Better Best: All About Coffee: The Best Coffee Makers for Your Money & Smart Tips for a Better Brew with Eva Bleyer The Not Old Better Show, Good Better Best Interview Series   ☕🚨 Is Your Coffee Maker Ruining Your Morning?   We talk endlessly about productivity 📈, performance 🎯, optimization ⚙️, and daily habits.   But when was the last time you examined the one ritual millions rely on every single morning?   ☕ Coffee.   In our latest episode of The Not Old Better Show, I sat down with Eva Bleyer, Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 🧪, to ask a deceptively simple — and surprisingly revealing — question:   👉 Is your coffee maker helping your brew… or quietly sabotaging it?   What followed was not a casual conversation about gadgets. It was a masterclass in precision 🎛️, temperature control 🌡️, grind size ⚡, maintenance 🧼, and smarter purchasing decisions 💡.   Small variables. Massive impact.   Because here's the truth: details matter. In the test kitchen. In business. In leadership. In life.   We also explored how evolving lifestyles — downsizing 🏡, living solo, simplifying routines 🧘‍♂️ — should change the tools we choose. The "best" option is rarely the most expensive 💰. It's the one aligned with who you are now.   There's something powerful about refining the ordinary.   A better cup of coffee may seem small. But elevating daily rituals can sharpen focus 🧠, reduce waste ♻️, conserve money 💵, and bring greater intention to how we start our day.   If you value evidence over hype 📊, insight over marketing noise 📣, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately — this conversation is for you.   🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode

Chris Parker: Privacy Without Paranoia — Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers The Not Old Better Show, Technology Interview Series If someone says "Don't tell anyone" or "Read me that code," the safest move is to pause. 🚨 This week on The Not Old Better Show, we talk with Chris Parker—founder of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com and host of the Easy Prey podcast—about privacy without paranoia for the 50+ community (and for the families who look out for them). 🔒📱👵🧓 A few takeaways worth sharing at the kitchen table: ✅ Data isn't just "marketing"—it can become access ✅ A simple public / private / secret test for what you share ✅ The 10‑second pause that breaks urgency traps If you help a parent with banking, set up logins for a loved one, or manage accounts for a small group or nonprofit, this episode gives clear language and practical habits—without turning life into a tech project. ❤️ Remember, today's show is brought to you by Wayfair and Mars Men. . Please check out our show notes today for details and great deals from Wayfair and Mars Men. LISTEN: notold-better.com

🚨 "Family" = "target." 😮‍💨🛡️ Mark Greaney on THE HARD LINE (Gray Man #15, Feb 17) & why Court Gentry turns protector. 🎧Listen NOW   🕵️‍♂️⚠️ What happens when the mission stops being professional… and becomes personal?   On the latest Not Old Better Show, brought to you by Fitbod. Fitbod: WORLD'S BEST FITNESS PROGRAMMING FOR LIFELONG PROGRESS we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney, creator of the Gray Man series, to talk about his newest thriller: THE HARD LINE (Gray Man #15, out Feb 17, 2026). 📚🗓️   This story shifts Court Gentry's focus from hunter to protector 🛡️—because "family" becomes another word for "target." ❤️🎯 For many of us, especially 50+ and 60+, that lands close: the lifelong role of keeping others safe, even when it costs you sleep, comfort, or peace of mind.   We also talk craft and credibility 🔍🌍—Mark's location work (including D.C. energy 🚇🇺🇸), the reality behind modern espionage, and how he writes an antagonist with a code ⚔️🧩… someone you may not agree with, but can't ignore.   If you like conversations about resilience 💪, loyalty 🤝, and the bonds we build over a lifetime ❤️—this episode is for you. 🎧👉 check it out: https://notold-better.com

Troublemaker: Jessica Mitford's Life of Principle, Protest, and Wit The Not Old Better Show, Art Of Living Interview Series I'm Paul Vogelzang and welcome to the show, brought to you generously by Caraway: Good Looking. Clean Cooking. And just for our listeners, you can get an extra 10% off by visiting Carawayhome.com/NOB or using code NOB at checkout. Today's guest brings us a story about someone who was impossible to ignore in life—and refuses to be forgotten in history. What does it look like to live a life built on principles—but never lose your sense of humor? Jessica Mitford—known as "Decca" to her friends—was born into British aristocracy. But she traded ballrooms for protest marches, royal privilege for civil rights work, and eventually became one of the fiercest investigative writers of her generation. She stood up to Congress, challenged corporate greed, and believed deeply that laughter could fuel resistance. In this new episode of The Not Old – Better Show, I speak with acclaimed author and scholar Carla Kaplan about her biography Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford. The book is based on hundreds of interviews and archival discoveries, and paints a remarkable portrait of a woman who challenged systems—without ever becoming grim. We talk about Decca's legacy, her journalism, her friendships with figures like Maya Angelou, and what it means to be a successful ally. Her story is inspiring, funny, and—as Carla Kaplan says—urgently relevant. Whether you're interested in social justice, biography, or just a good story well told, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen at: Apple Podcasts! https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode  

SAINTS, SEX, SENTIMENT, AND CHOCOLATE: A SHORT HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 💌 Valentine's Day wasn't always about roses and chocolates. In fact, it started with a goat. Yes, really. In our latest Smithsonian Associates Interview Series episode on The Not Old Better Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth, cultural historian, prolific lecturer, and scholar-in-residence at the Jefferson Educational Society. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates and you can find out more HERE, but we have Dr. Roth today to talk about Saints, Sex, and Chocolate: The Surprisingly Naughty History of Valentine's Day Dr. Roth's talk, titled "Saints, Sex, Sentiment, and Chocolate: A Short History of Valentine's Day", is a tour-de-force through the strange, sensual, and surprisingly political roots of this global celebration of love. From pagan fertility rituals and medieval courtship to the Victorian explosion of mass-produced valentines, this episode asks: What are we really celebrating each February 14th? For older adults, many of whom have witnessed several decades of changing cultural norms, this episode is especially resonant. It's not just about romance—it's about how we express care, connection, and desire across generations. And yes, we cover the juicy stuff, too. So whether you're single, smitten, or somewhere in between, this conversation will make you think twice the next time you unwrap a heart-shaped chocolate. 💘 Happy Valentine's Day! 🎧 Listen here on Apple Podcasts:  https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode #NotOldBetterShow #ValentinesDayHistory #SmithsonianAssociates #LifelongLearning #Over50Voices #LoveAndCulture https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/valentines-day

Look Twice: What a CIA Spy Wants You to See Before It's Too Late THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, ART OF LIVING INTERVIEW SERIES 🕵️‍♂️ Tim Beard spent years in the CIA's Clandestine Service. Now, he's on a mission to help you and your family stay safe—starting with what he calls the Look Twice Mindset. You're listening to The Not Old – Better Show, Art of Living series. I'm Paul Vogelzang and today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. How are you showing extra love this February? Whether it's for someone special or just for yourself, Cozy Earth makes it easy to bring comfort and care into your everyday life. Thanks for joining us today. Whether you're 35 or 75, there are moments in daily life where you're most vulnerable—and most unaware. Tim's new book series, Look Twice, translates high-stakes security habits into simple, powerful routines for ordinary people. 👁️ From ATMs and elevators to road rage and digital scams, Beard teaches listeners how to spot danger before it escalates. It's not about fear—it's about preparation. And it starts with recognizing the blind spots in your daily habits. On this episode of The Not Old – Better Show, Tim shares practical, field-tested insights from his CIA days—and how you can use them to protect yourself and your loved ones. 🎧 If you care for aging parents, live alone, or just want to sharpen your awareness, this episode is well worth your time. Listen here → https://notoldbettershow.info/NewEpisode #LookTwice #SituationalAwareness #SeniorSafety #PersonalSecurity #TimBeard #NotOldBetter #ArtOfLiving  🛡️ "Safety isn't about fear — it's about preparation." – Tim Beard, former CIA officer, Marine, and now author of the Look Twice safety series. Remember today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. How are you showing extra love this February? Whether it's for someone special or just for yourself, Cozy Earth makes it easy to bring comfort and care into your everyday life.

🌧️➡️🌤️ Before the Change Came: Sam Cooke, Civil Rights & the Song That Still Waits The Not Old Better Show, Music Today Interview Series Thank you. I'm Paul Vogelzang and today's episode is brought to you by Hungryroot.  Hungryroot…tailored meals for your taste. There are voices that entertain us… and then there are voices that change us. Today, we're talking about one of the most important voices in American music—and arguably, American history: Sam Cooke. Most of us know the hits. "You Send Me." "Wonderful World." "Twistin' the Night Away." And of course, "A Change Is Gonna Come"—a song so powerful it still feels unfinished, because the change it calls for is still unfolding. But here's the thing: if we only talk about the hits, we miss the man. We miss the gospel prodigy shaped in church choirs. The strategist who understood crossover before the industry had a name for it. The entrepreneur who built his own label to protect artists who looked like him. The quiet innovator who helped design the very sound that Motown, Stax, and soul music itself would ride to greatness. Sam Cooke lived fast, worked relentlessly, and died tragically at just 33 years old. His death—controversial, unsettling, and still debated—often overshadows something far more enduring: his intention. Not just to make beautiful music—but to make music that moved culture forward. Today, we're going deeper. Not the obvious songs—but the revealing ones. The deep cuts that tell the story of where Sam came from… where he was going… and why his influence still surrounds us today—whether we realize it or not. Music historian Scott Shea joins us to unpack six songs that don't just sound good—they explain Sam Cooke. This is Music Today. And this is a story worth listening to closely. As we close today, it's worth remembering this: Sam Cooke didn't just sing songs. He built bridges—between gospel and pop, between Black audiences and white radio, between joy and justice. Yes, his death remains unsettled. And yes, the unanswered questions still linger. But the most important truth is this: his life was not defined by how it ended—but by what it set in motion. Every time you hear the ease in his voice… the hope behind his phrasing… the confidence of an artist who knew his worth… You're hearing someone who understood that music could soften hearts and sharpen conscience at the same time. Sam Cooke showed us that progress doesn't always shout. Sometimes, it sings. So if today's conversation sent you back to his catalog—especially the deeper cuts—listen closely. Not just for nostalgia, but for intention. For courage. For the quiet blueprint of soul music as we know it. Because long after the mystery fades, the music remains. And that—ultimately—is the change that came. I'm Paul Vogelzang. Thanks for listening to Music Today, brought to you by Hungryroot!  Go to Hungryroot dot com slash NOB and use code NOB. Until next time, keep listening with curiosity—and heart.

 🚐🌄 Sacred Landscapes: Sam Gennawey's 175,000-Mile Quest for Meaning The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 🌄 What if your second act began at 60… behind the wheel of a van? Meet Smithsonian Associate Sam Gennawey — former urban planner, theme park historian, and now full-time van lifer. Sam made the bold decision to leave his Los Angeles loft, hit the road in a Mercedes Sprinter he calls Darlene, and spend six years exploring America's most sacred places: our national parks.  Sam Gennawey will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details about Sam's presentation, but we have Sam today! 🚐 175,000 miles. Nearly 390 parks. Countless stories. But this isn't about travel tips. It's about rediscovery. It's about confronting our history — the awe-inspiring and the uncomfortable — and asking what it means to age with purpose. 🎙️ In this episode of The Not Old Better Show for Smithsonian Associates, Sam shares the most moving moments from the road — the quiet places, the stories we don't tell enough, and how volunteering inside the parks helped him find meaning, community, and clarity. 📚 His new book, Sacred Landscapes, isn't just a travelogue — it's a blueprint for intentional living, especially for those of us asking, What's next? 🎧 Whether you're dreaming of a van, a new start, or simply a deeper understanding of your country, this conversation will inspire you.  Sam Gennawey will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details about Sam's presentation, but we have Sam today! Listen here on Apple Podcasts!  https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi #SmithsonianAssociates #VanLife #NationalParks #ReinventionAfter50 #SecondActs #NotOldBetterShow #PurposeDrivenAging #SacredLandscapes https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/architecture-of-national-parks?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223

🔥 From Invisible to Invincible: Kimber Hardick on Reclaiming Intimacy, Confidence & Joy After 50 💃💫 THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, ART OF LIVING INTERVIEW SERIES💡  What if the second half of life is actually the most honest, sensual, and powerful part? On this week's episode of The Not Old Better Show, award-winning host Paul Vogelzang speaks with Kimber Hardick, author of An Invitation to Shine, about intimacy, self-trust, and reclaiming desire after 50…today's episode is brought to by Fitbod: Your Personalized Strength Plan Kimber brings a candid, empowering perspective to aging—one that challenges cultural myths about invisibility, desirability, and confidence in midlife. Her insights on dating, self-worth, and emotional healing are timely for anyone navigating life after divorce, illness, or major change. From using plant medicine to heal from Lupus to learning to surf in her 60s, Kimber is living proof that reinvention is real—and that it's never too late to feel seen, wanted, and whole. Remember, …today's episode is brought to by Fitbod: Your Personalized Strength Plan 🎧 Listen to the full episode at notold-better.com #ValentinesDay #MidlifeReinvention #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #NotOldBetter  

The Quiet Strength of Nonviolence: What Dr. King Taught Us About Healing Conflict—At Home and Beyond The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series   🎙️ NEW EPISODE: "Nonviolence Isn't Just for Protest Signs — It's for the Living Room, Too." As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we often think of speeches, marches, and monumental change. But what if the most radical act of nonviolence today happens around the dinner table—or during a tough conversation with someone you love? Danielle Reiff, a retired U.S. diplomat with over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, joined The Not Old Better Show to share how she applied King's teachings of nonviolent non-cooperation not in a war zone—but in her own family. The results? Deeply personal. And deeply transformative. Now leading Peacebuilders, an initiative to promote unity in diversity in the U.S., Danielle is helping people understand how nonviolence applies to politics, media—and our daily lives. She's also a contributor to Overcoming Information Chaos, a book that offers practical strategies for living as responsible, informed citizens in the face of disinformation. This conversation is especially meaningful for older adults looking to lead with compassion, heal family divisions, and stay active in shaping peaceful, connected communities. 🎧 Listen here: https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi   #MLKDay #Leadership #ConflictResolution #MediaLiteracy #Peacebuilding #NotOldBetter #CivicEngagement #LifelongLearning

🧠 Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Losing Your Mind. Literally. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series In our latest episode of The Not Old Better Show for the Smithsonian Associates series, I sat down with neurologist and memory expert Dr. Barry Gordon—and let me tell you, this one stays with you. You may remember Dr. Gordon from his previous appearances, where he captivated us with his rare blend of scientific clarity, wit, and heart. He's back today to talk about the facts—and fictions—surrounding Alzheimer's and other dementias. And, Dr. Gordon will be back at Smithsonian Associates for another excellent, thorough presentation coming up. Check out our show notes for more details, but we have a snapshot with Dr. Gordon today. Dr. Gordon, who founded the Memory Clinic at Johns Hopkins, breaks down the fears surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia—and he doesn't sugarcoat it. But he also refuses to accept the tired narrative that memory loss is just a part of growing old. In fact, his message is clear: there's a lot you can do, and the earlier you start, the better. From aerobic exercise (yes, it's that powerful) to managing chronic conditions like hypertension and sleep apnea, Dr. Gordon lays out practical, proven steps to support brain health. He also reveals when you should raise the red flag about memory changes in yourself or a loved one—and what to do if you suspect something deeper than "just aging." He even goes after the status quo in Alzheimer's research—challenging the industry's overemphasis on plaques and tangles, and advocating for a broader, patient-centered approach that includes prevention, lifestyle changes, and early behavioral interventions. If you've ever worried about your memory—or someone else's—this episode is a must-listen. It's not just informative. It's empowering. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Barry Gordon—clear, candid, and compassionate, as always.  You may remember Dr. Gordon from his previous appearances, where he captivated us with his rare blend of scientific clarity, wit, and heart. He's back today to talk about the facts—and fictions—surrounding Alzheimer's and other dementias. And, Dr. Gordon will be back at Smithsonian Associates for another excellent, thorough presentation coming up. Check out our show notes for more details. https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/alzheimers-disease-and-dementias 🎙 Full episode here → Apple Podcasts:  https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi #SmithsonianAssociates #AlzheimersAwareness #Neurology #HealthyAging #NotOldBetter #LeadershipInMedicine #CognitiveHealth #BrainHealthMatters

Is the American Republic Overdue for a Tune-up? The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series Author and political thinker Mike Bedenbaugh believes so—and he's done something about it. Drawing on his life as a Navy veteran, historic preservationist, and civic leader, Mike wrote Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America. Today's episode is brought to you by Hungryroot! Hungryroot…tailored meals for your taste. In our latest interview, he explains how George Washington's Farewell Address still holds powerful lessons for today's governance—and how we've drifted far from that original wisdom. We talk about foreign policy, career politicians, corporate influence, and the emotional wear-and-tear on civic trust. But this isn't doom and gloom. Mike is refreshingly practical and grounded. 🎧 Tune in if you care about service, reform, and the role of citizens—especially experienced ones—in shaping the next chapter. Today's episode is brought to you by Hungryroot! 🔗 Listen here on Apple Podcasts:  https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi

🎙️📚 New The Secrets Thomas Jefferson Tried to Keep Episode: Being Thomas Jefferson—An Intimate History 🗽 Thomas Jefferson is often treated as an idea more than a person. But what happens when we pause, look closer, and ask who he really was—emotionally, physically, privately? In this week's episode of The Not Old Better Show, I'm joined by historian Andrew Burstein, whose new book uncovers a Jefferson marked by chronic illness 🤕, obsessive order 📊, emotional vulnerability 💔, and lifelong secrecy.  Today's episode is sponsored by Caraway.  Good Looking & Clean Cooking. 📜 Through letters, lists, and private moments, Burstein reveals a man who avoided confrontation, controlled his surroundings, and struggled to reconcile ideals with personal choices—especially in his relationship with Sally Hemings. 🎭 This conversation also asks why Jefferson still matters so much today—claimed by all sides, reshaped by each generation, and never fully settled. For listeners who value depth, nuance, and honest reflection, this episode resonates deeply. 🎧 Listen here: https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi Today's episode is sponsored by Caraway.  Good Looking & Clean Cooking. 🌐 Explore more at notold-better.com

Skip the Resolutions—Do What Works: Sabrena Jo on Wellness After 55 Live Long Better: The Not Old Better Show & the American Council on Exercise Happy New Year and welcome to 2026, everyone! I'm so glad you're here with us on Live Long Better, part of The Not Old Better Show. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang. Today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, COMFORT THAT ELEVATES EVERY DAY UNWRAP UNMATCHED SOFTNESS THIS SEASON! As we step into a brand-new year, it's tempting to make grand plans, big promises, and bold resolutions. But today, we're doing things differently. No pressure, no reinvention — just thoughtful reflection, meaningful movement, and a focus on what's already working. Joining us is our returning friend and trusted expert, Dr. Sabrena Jo, Senior Director of Science and Education at the American Council on Exercise. Sabrena has a gift for cutting through the fads and fluff, and today she's helping us shift away from the typical "New Year, New You" mindset and toward something far more powerful — continuity, confidence, and connection. In this episode, Sabrena shares how adults over 55 can use movement, social connection, and real-life motivation to support better health without the burnout. She'll bust a few fitness myths, offer science-backed strategies you can actually stick with, and remind us all that aging well isn't about starting over — it's about moving forward with purpose. So whether you're walking with a friend, stretching in your living room, or simply taking stock of the year ahead, this one's for you. Let's get started—with Dr. Sabrena Jo. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is Live Long Better, part of the award-winning Not Old Better Show. That's it for today's episode — and what a way to kick off 2026.  Remember, today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, COMFORT THAT ELEVATES EVERY DAY UNWRAP UNMATCHED SOFTNESS THIS SEASON A huge thank you to Dr. Sabrena Jo for reminding us that healthy aging isn't about chasing trends or starting over — it's about building on the strength, wisdom, and movement we've already earned. So whether it's a morning stretch, a walk with a neighbor, or simply giving yourself credit for what you are doing — keep moving, and keep meaning it. To hear more episodes like this one, including our full archive of inspiring conversations, head over to notold-better.com. You can also follow us on social media — we're on Twitter @notoldbetter and Instagram at notoldbetter — for more insights, encouragement, and community. This episode is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. From all of us here, I'm Paul Vogelzang — thank you for spending time with us today. Have a healthy, meaningful, and joyful start to your 2026, and I hope you'll join me again next time.  Live Long Better: Move smarter. Stay stronger. Find meaning in motion. 👟💪💛

"Bloody Crowns and Broken Myths: Michael Livingston on the Real Hundred Years War" The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series For more details, check out Smithsonian Associates:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/hundred-years-war The Hundred Years War: A New History Bloody Crowns A New History of the Hundred Years War ⚔️ Henry V at Agincourt. Joan of Arc at Orléans. But that's just the beginning… Smithsonian Associate, Military historian Michael Livingston joins The Not Old Better Show to expose what really happened during the Hundred Years War—and why it wasn't 100 years at all. Think two centuries of shifting alliances, brutal innovation, and the making of modern Europe. 🎙️ Hear the true stories behind the myths now: https://notold-better.com #NotOldBetterShow #SmithsonianAssociates #HistoryMatters #MichaelLivingston #BloodyCrowns #50PlusLife 🔍 Think you know the Hundred Years War? Let's rethink that. Smithsonian Associate, Military Historian Michael Livingston, Citadel Distinguished Professor and former Secretary-General of the U.S. Commission on Military History, joined me on The Not Old Better Show – Smithsonian Associates Series to talk about his new book, Bloody Crowns: A New History of the Hundred Years War. What he revealed shocked even me—a timeline that's not 100 years, but 200 years of continental chaos from 1292 to 1492. ⚔️ It wasn't just England and France. From Scotland to the Holy Roman Empire, from Italian city-states to the Iberian Peninsula, this conflict redrew the map of Europe and rewired the way nations thought about power, leadership, and identity. 🎯 We spoke about the decisive moments—like young Edward III's shocking move at Nottingham Castle—and the long, grinding ones too: famine, mercenary bands, peasant revolts. And yes, we dug into the legends: Agincourt, Crécy, Poitiers, and the blazing courage of Joan of Arc. 📚 For those of us 50 and older, this conversation isn't just about dusty old battles. It's about understanding how we got here, how power shifts across generations, and how myths shape our memory. Michael's storytelling is rich, witty, and accessible, and this episode is one I think you'll truly enjoy. 🎧 Listen now: https://notold-better.com Let me know what surprised you most—or which figure from this era you'd want to meet in history. Attend Michael Livingston's upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation for all the details, after our interview here. https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/hundred-years-war

🎙️The Giant Leap: Is Space the Future of Life on Earth? The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to the Smithsonian Associates series on The Not Old Better Show. I'm your host, award-winning journalist Paul Vogelzang. Today's conversation is as big as it gets. We're talking about the future of life—not just on Earth, but beyond it. Our guest is Smithsonian Associate, Dr. Caleb Scharf—NASA astrobiologist, acclaimed author, and one of the boldest thinkers about the place of life in the universe. Dr. Caleb Scharf will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up! Please check out THIS link for more details. But we have Dr. Scharf briefly today and in his new book The Giant Leap, Dr. Scharf makes a provocative case: that our expansion into space may not just be a technological milestone—it might be the next phase of evolution itself.   He calls this moment a "disruption in the story of life" as profound as when creatures first crawled out of the sea. He's spent his career studying black holes, exoplanets, and the fingerprints of life across the cosmos. He's also a storyteller who blends science with wonder, and reminds us that the night sky isn't just something to look at—it's something we're becoming part of. If you've ever stared up at the stars and asked, Where are we going next?—this episode is for you. Remember, Dr. Caleb Scharf will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up! Please check out THIS link for more details.