We’re At The Age

What happens when we stop treating death like a surprise? In this episode, Lauren Ponder joins us for a deeply human conversation about end-of-life planning, grief, legacy, and the courage it takes to talk about what comes next. Through her work with With Love Events, Lauren helps individuals and families navigate difficult conversations with compassion, intention, and even moments of humor. Together, we discuss the emotional weight families carry when plans are left unspoken, the beauty of meaningful celebrations of life, and how preparing ahead can become one final act of love for the people we leave behind. This episode is an invitation not to fear the conversation, but to finally begin it. More from Lauren: withlove.events

Caregiving rarely starts with a plan... it starts with a feeling that something isn’t quite right. In this episode of We’re At The Age, we’re kicking off our Alzheimer’s series with Jeremy Koerber from the Alzheimer’s Association. Jeremy shares how his own path led him into this work and what he’s learned from supporting families navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia every day. Together, we talk about the early signs that are easy to miss, why so many caregivers find themselves in this role unexpectedly, and how family dynamics can complicate already difficult conversations. Jeremy also breaks down why education and early diagnosis matter, what treatments and supports are available, and how caregivers can access help before reaching a breaking point. This conversation is informative, honest, and grounded in one simple truth: caregivers deserve support, understanding, and resources... early and often.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with Dr. Kate Sinks from the Center for Hearing and Speech to talk about a challenge many caregivers face every day: hearing loss. You’ll hear about why early detection matters, the not-so-clunky advancements in hearing aid technology (goodbye, giant beige gadgets), and how caregivers can respond with patience, empathy, and maybe a little humor. We'll learn that supporting someone with hearing loss can be an opportunity for connection, advocacy, and even a laugh or two. Learn more about the Center for Hearing and Speech: https://chsstl.org/

Join Melody, Marjorie, and Medicare Expert Diane Finnestead-Ellis for an eye-opening conversation that goes far beyond the basics. From breaking down the different parts and tackling the open enrollment maze to addressing the real challenges caregivers face, Diane brings her personal experiences to the table with honesty and clarity. Along the way, she busts common Medicare myths—especially around long-term care—and shares practical tips for choosing the right coverage. This empowering discussion shines a light on why clear communication and education are essential for caregivers and seniors to confidently navigate their healthcare decisions. https://nabip.org/ https://dianeinsurancestl.com/

In this episode, guest Mike George invites us to rethink what hospice really means. He shares his personal journey into the field and breaks down common misconceptions, reminding us that hospice is less about death and more about living well to the very end. The conversation explores the benefits of getting hospice involved early, the deeply personalized care patients receive, and the vital role caregivers play. Mike also highlights the emotional and spiritual support offered, the importance of celebrating life’s moments, and the power of real stories from hospice experiences. Plus, we shine a light on the incredible contributions of volunteers and share resources to help families find the support they need—encouraging everyone to consider hospice not as a last resort, but as a pathway to dignity, comfort, and connection.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with elder law and estate planning attorney Paul Gantner for a deep dive into the world of asset protection and long-term care planning. Together, they unpack the sometimes-confusing differences between Medicare and Medicaid, explore smart spend-down strategies, and talk about why a solid estate plan is so important for protecting assets and ensuring quality care for aging loved ones. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate these tricky topics, this episode is packed with clarity, insight, and practical advice. Your Estate Matters https://www.yourestatematters.com/ National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys https://www.naela.org/Web/Shared_Content/Directories/Find-a-Lawyer.aspx

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie discuss their experiences as caregivers, sharing personal stories about the loved ones they care for. They emphasize the importance of community support in caregiving and address common questions and concerns that caregivers face, including estate planning, hospice care, and mental health issues. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of caregiving, as well as the need for ongoing support and resources.

In the season finale, hosts Melody Fox and Marjorie Moore look back on the powerful conversations that shaped the first season—unpacking what they’ve learned about caregiving, aging, and end-of-life planning. From the emotional weight of advocating for loved ones to the often-overlooked differences between home care and home health, they revisit the stories and insights that stood out most. They also reflect on the tragedy of Gene Hackman, exploring how the lessons from this season could help prevent similar outcomes. With warmth and honesty, Melody and Marjorie highlight the critical importance of open dialogue around death, the need for estate planning, and the value of strong support systems for caregivers. As they close out the season, they invite listeners to keep the conversation going—sharing stories, questions, and ideas for what’s next.

In this conversation, Ryan and Chad Klamen join Melody and Marjorie to discuss the complexities of selling a family home when it's time for an aging loved one to downsize. They explore various selling options, the emotional challenges involved, and the importance of open communication among family members. The guests from Klamen Realtor Group shares insights on market conditions, the benefits of alternative selling methods, and the need for flexibility in the selling process. They emphasize the significance of understanding the seller's objectives and providing support throughout the transition.

In this episode of the We're At The Age podcast, hosts Melody and Marjorie engage in a candid conversation about death and the role of death doulas. They discuss the common fears surrounding death, the misconceptions about death doulas, and the importance of planning for end-of-life care. Dr. Maurya D. Cockrell, a death doula, shares her insights on how to navigate grief, create meaningful legacies, and the various rituals that can help in the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about death and encourages listeners to document their wishes and memories.

This conversation explores the various aspects of home care and home health care, highlighting the differences between the two, the types of services available, and the importance of finding trustworthy care providers. The discussion also touches on financial considerations and shares heartwarming stories from the field, emphasizing the emotional connections formed in caregiving.

In this conversation, Brian Quinn discusses the intricacies of estate planning, focusing on the importance of wills and trusts, strategies to avoid probate, and the necessity of updating estate plans regularly. He emphasizes the role of family dynamics in estate planning decisions and the impact of state-specific laws on the process. The discussion also touches on the costs associated with creating wills and trusts, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the estate planning landscape. He emphasizes the significance of having open conversations with aging parents about their estate plans. The discussion highlights the potential financial and emotional burdens of not having a proper estate plan in place.

In this episode,  Melanie Maynor joins our hosts to discuss the challenges of navigating conversations with aging loved ones, the role of geriatric care managers, and the importance of intentional planning for aging. They explore how to prepare for difficult discussions, manage resistance to change, and recognize signs that may indicate a need for transitioning care. The conversation also highlights the value of care management for individuals with disabilities and offers insights on finding the right care manager. Success stories illustrate the impact of care management, and the episode concludes with a reflection on the essence of aging gracefully.

In this episode, Melody, Marjorie, and Chien Hung discuss the critical role of ombudsmen in advocating for residents in long-term care facilities. They explore the definition of an ombudsman, the challenges faced in the field, and the growing need for advocacy as the aging population increases. Chien shares his personal journey into gerontology and highlights the importance of awareness and funding for ombudsman programs.  

In this conversation, Melody introduces the concept of a 'death party' as a way to facilitate discussions about end-of-life wishes among family members and emergency contacts. Melody and Marjorie talk about the importance of planning for these wishes, navigating legal documents, and the emotional aspects of these discussions. Melody emphasizes the need for open communication and the benefits of having these conversations in a light-hearted manner, ultimately leading to a sense of peace and understanding within families.   End of Life Planning Workbook (not sponsored): https://www.amazon.com/Im-Dead-Now-What-Organizer/dp/1441317996/ref=sr_1_6?crid=TWII2YU9FWLT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X1htgXznnEnsX86Wa578WXFRRImSdbLekKTeNn3KA05PGELtksgWYp4Of_a_HPSvdq-Cz4iWF67MP3xg_Gr60GhhUW6eQSh9KudfGHH9wGdyrongKz5XACfMucRzmo22b1XCpP1zE9-zbIf7OhuM-4pBLFigGGWpLFeNs8HoNP5vGz5e5E8NRTa-kL92h9D7p9_L7qJ7iWel1nCbJFvxTfQHUAoV_X7h6whytD8j82d4zxkiWRJ7TBfLmjRTBmuQvwCX1ZJbeiMj_Rk2Ye2AtsA2JkU-DNjo3CbiKbsj30lG8-OYrOpjNJWmIxvuS3QrNt8nh-okaSnjO72WeKx6T7Bi5LcvBx7FtmlVxJ3pd-dk79SGUBKlAqWdzm1C3oRRda9AgOKAReShkPxuTxQHYOvY43HjgKNlmdrvsuzgig-Q_yDdmpaUlvlweu6xJI1x.IkxFpofw5kPVLcQyw-BIqKPqSPfcK103ZTEKYQZpqs8&dib_tag=se&keywords=end+of+life+planner&qid=1738774643&sprefix=end+of+life+planner%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-6   VOYCE blog about end of life planning: https://www.voycestl.org/blog/preparing-for-death-as-a-momentous-life-event/

In this introduction to the podcast "We're At The Age," Marjorie and Melody discuss the challenges of caregiving for aging parents and relatives, emphasizing the need for community support and resources. We chat about personal experiences with family health issues and the importance of planning for the future, including discussions around end-of-life planning.