PODCAST · society
Zestful Aging
by Nicole Christina
How can we age with zest, courage and vibrance? How can we tackle the challenges of aging--including ageism-- with awareness and skill? Nicole Christina, a psychotherapist of more than 30 years, interviews culture changers from all over the world and of every persuasion–including Python hunters in the Everglades and Hospice workers at San Quentin Penitentiary. Her topics have a humanitarian theme and are typically off of the mainstream. An expert interviewer and author of "Not Just Chatting: How to Become a Master Podcast Interviewer" Nicole's conversations are deep and heartfelt. In these conversations, the challenges of aging are not sugar coated. Bodies age. We're not as fast or agile as we once were. 60, it turns out, is not the new 40. Acceptance is the key, although it's easier said than done. Our goal, then, is to navigate the losses of aging as well as to highlight the gifts. Many people report being happier when they reach 50 and are delighted by the freedoms they experience.
Episodes
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Last Episode of Zestful Aging Podcast Illustrates Resilience and Healing
I've been following this week's guest on Facebook for many years. Her posts about emotional health and recovery from trauma are always wise and resonant. So when I discovered that she'd just released a book about her experiences as a trauma survivor, I knew I wanted to have her on the show.…
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What You Didn't Know About Domestic Violence
After a long and successful career in the corporate world, today's guest took the leap to fulfill her dream of being a filmmaker. You may remember our conversation years ago when she created "Beyond Sixty". Since then she's created "Climbing into Life", a film about the oldest woman to scale El...
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Basic Eye Care that We All Need to be Doing
I don't know about you, but I haven't thought about my eye health that much over the years. I've been pretty lucky that I haven't had many concerns. I have begun wearing eye protection for pickleball when I learned that you can suffer from a detached retina. But it turns out, eye health is the…
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Who Else is a Little Afraid of Death?
Some of us don't mind admitting that we're a little afraid of death. This week's guest says she thinks about her death 20-30 times a day. A psychologist and memoirist who has been on Zestful Aging before, Liz Scott's new book "You're Going to Die But I'm Not!" delves into all things death. Liz...
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The Healing Power of Laughter (Why We Need This Now)
When is the last time you had a belly laugh? Most of us haven't had a good laugh in recent memory. Our guest this week is Yvonne Conte who is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and corporate culture expert who has spent more than 30 years studying the power of humor,...
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Podcast Trailblazer Reflects on Her Daughter's Fatal Overdose
My guest today is podcast royalty. She is a Podcasting Hall of Famer, Corporate Speaker & Comic and the Co-Founder of She Podcasts which started as a Facebook group and is now the largest podcast platform in the world. She's been Featured in Forbes & Entrepreneur as a visionary for women and...
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Making Things Leads to Happier Aging
You've likely spent your life caring for others and building a career, and you've done it well. But life is marching on. When is it your turn? As a psychotherapist I hear this a lot. We have been serving others for so long we don't even know what brings us joy. My guest this week is Dr. Minette...
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Are You Ready to Age "Unapologetically"?
You may have noticed that getting older isn't exactly celebrated in our culture, especially if you are a woman. Because our worth is still determined by our physical appearance, aging often leads to feelings of invisibility or even worthlessness. It can be a very difficult transition, especially...
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Why is Pickleball So Addictive?
Who else has caught the pickleball bug? A veteran tennis player, it took me some time but now I am also smitten. Our guest stumbled upon the game after retiring from firefighting and then caregiving for both her sister and her mother. Grief and loss were softened by belonging to a new community.…
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What is "The Wild Cure" and Why is it So Important?
If you've followed "Zestful Aging Podcast" you know I love nature and appreciate its healing powers. And we all seem to be needing a way to find some peace these days. This week's guest is Matthew Kessi, author of "The Wild Cure". Matthew is a writer and nature-based mentor who helps people...
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Why is Caregiving So Undervalued?
One of the joys of being a podcaster is that you can listen to a conversation about caregiving on NPR, look up the guest and invite them to guest on your show. I was thrilled when today's guest accepted my invitation. Our guest is Kat McGowan a journalist focused on caregiving. She's had first…
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Who Needs Some Hope Right Now? (I Do!)
Our guest this week couldn't be more timely. With all of the strife and fear around us many are looking for some way to find comfort. Maryann Roefaro straddles the worlds of science, medicine and spirituality. In her new book "Transitions of Hope", She shares powerful insights from her decades as…
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Mochi: A Symbol of Resistance in WWII Japanese Incarceration Camps
Sky Bergman an accomplished, award-winning photographer and filmmaker. She has been particularly interested in the positive effects of intergenerational relationships having enjoyed a loving relationship with her grandmother. Sky's newest film is about the Japanese American experience and how a...
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45 Years with the US Ski Team
How delightful is this? We're in the beautiful kitchen of my next guest, because we're having a little sourdough baking lesson. I love spreading the fun of sourdough making.Those organisms are alive and well. Kathy Okoniewski has been involved in U.S. ski racing and training for 45 years. She's...
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The Healing Power of Horses
Sue Willoughby is a life coach with a real twist. Raised by a single alcoholic parent, Sue came out at 17, hit some serious lows, and still built a life full of grit, growth, and reinvention—from corporate trainer to standup comic, real estate investor, and private pilot. As a coach, Sue partners...
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How to Screen and Hire Caregivers for Your Loved Ones
Our guest today was on the panel of experts at WCNY's event, which showcased Bradley Cooper's film "Caregiving". Gwen Crossett is an R.N. and runs a concierge, boutique-style caregiver agency, assisting caregivers and their loved ones in navigating the challenges of elder care and progressing...
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Neurographic Art: The Most Fun to Resolve Conflict
Sometimes we accidentally come across something that changes our lives. You've heard me talk about the local creative hub I attend monthly and how sweet it is. Not long ago my friend Laraine brought in a sample of neurographic art. I thought to myself, "that is strange looking. And ugly." I'm…
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Discover the Fascinating World of Glass Eyes
Do you know what an ocularist is? Neither did I until I went to a talk by today's guest, author Dan Roche. I never would have known about Dan or his book about glass eyes unless I was friends with the illustrator of his new book: "Eyes By Hand". And it is fascinating. In this episode, we learn...
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Around the World at 80
When Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip met more than 25 years ago, after becoming empty nesters and then widows, it was best friends at first sight. They never could've imagined that their relationship would propel them, in their eighties, through an around the globe adventure, or that they...
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The Power of Traditional Naturopathy
Amanda Conta Steencken is a classically trained musician and neuroanatomist originally from Argentina who has a fascinating story about her journey into health and wellness education. Amanda was training in classical piano when she began having problems with her hands. Her health problems became...
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"Cooking Your Way to a Calm Mind"
Psychotherapist and author Julie Ohana combines two of my loves–psychotherapy and cooking. In fact I just pulled 2 sourdough boules out of the oven. Who bakes in summer? I do! Cooking has been a passion of Julie's since childhood. It started while baking family recipes with her grandmother…
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Does Cannabis Have a Role to Play in Healthy Aging?
Who else is confused about the use of cannabis, or pot, as we used to call it? And what's with all of the dispensaries opening up? Does cannabis have a place in a healthy lifestyle? Today we're going to speak with Dr. Dana Lillestol, a retired nurse practitioner whose passion is educating the...
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From Candy Striper to Helping People Live and Die with Purpose
Part executive director, part death doula, Karisha Solomon has been helping people live—and die—with purpose. With over two decades of experience, Karisha's journey has taken her from candy-striper to nursing aide, caregiver coordinator, nursing home administrator-in-training, adjunct professor,...
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The First Indigenous Fashion Designer to be Invited to New York City Fashion Week
I had the honor of speaking with Mary Homer of Oneida Nation's Wolf Clan in Upstate NY. Mary spent 10 years dreaming of designing clothes. She wants her clothes to express "class, not trash." She loves working with velvet, although it's a difficult fabric As a fourth-generation bead worker, she...
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Who Needs a Nervous System Reset?
Today's episode is with Meg Tobin, a Mental Health Counselor and the owner of Breathing Space Psychotherapy. Meg is an expert in mind body approaches to help regulate the nervous system. She uses EFT (Tapping), Brainspotting, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and several somatic techniques to cut...
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What it Takes to Write a Humor Novel in Your 60's?
This episode features a long time friend I met while dog walking. He definitely looked out of place in the Syracuse winter, with his shiny new cross country ski equipment, fancy tech coat and dog who looked a bit like Al Capone. My dog walking companion and I speculated that he was enrolled in…
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What Can I Do to Help the Environment?
One of the many joys of being a podcaster is that whenever I run across a zestful ager, which is often, I can invite them on the Show. It's a great way to meet people that look interesting. Recently I was at an Earth Day celebration and I noticed a group of unmistakably zestful agers. I just knew…
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Would You Sell Everything and Live in an RV?
What if you had a major life transition in middle age, decided to sell your worldly belongings and buy a RV and travel around the country solo? Would you be that brave? I don't know if I would. I had the opportunity to speak with full time RVer, Kathy Macdonald, on the Nelson swamp trail, just...
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Caregiving: What You Need to Know
You may have noticed that the caregiving crisis is finally receiving its due. Our conversation today is part of promoting the film "Caregiving", the documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper highlighting the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America. Caregiving will…
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Adventure, Courage and Healing
Today's episode is about resilience and courage. What it is, why it's important, and how we can create more courage in our own lives. I don't know about you, but in this phase of life I don't want to miss any opportunities because of fear. Sue Parker is the co-founder of the Creative Hub in...
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Understanding Mental Health and Aging
Did you know that the majority of older adults with mental health concerns do not get the mental health care they need, resulting in worse medical problems, higher health care costs, family strain, and needless suffering. Loneliness, depression and addiction are just some of the challenges older...
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All of Our LIttle Lies Add Up
Laurie Gerber is an expert in the field of life and relationship coaching with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of individuals and couples. She has a unique focus–on the mental and physical problems associated with lying. She calls it "personal pollution". All of us do it. Examples...
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What Makes a Good Death?
Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN was named the Humanitarian Ambassador for "Oprah Magazine" for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world. Her life's mission is to increase access to high quality end of life education and care for patients and families She has...
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Drug Free Anxiety and Stress Reduction
It's no secret that we're in the middle of an anxiety epidemic. Many factors are contributing to this–but one thing is for sure….people are feeling unmoored. As a psychotherapist I've learned various tools and techniques to manage anxiety and I've been using them over the years. Then I stumbled…
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Three Extraordinary Women Climb Kilimanjaro
I met Pearlette Ramos when she invited me to the screening of her first feature documentary: Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, held at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The documentary tells the story of three women of color who were brought together through friendship and a desire to...
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What is it Like to be a World Champion at 75?
One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a community snowshoe and I overheard one of the volunteers say, "Yeah they cancelled world's. Not enough participation." That got my attention. I asked her...
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What is Your Gut (poop) Telling You?
Did you know that the gut is called "the second brain" and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain connection especially as we age. Our guest is an expert in problems like reflux, bloating and conditions that women might complain about as we age....
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A Retreat for Older Women Asking "Who Am I Now?"
I first became aware of today's guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller "The Courage to Heal" 37 years ago. It's a book I've recommended many times in my psychotherapy practice. "The Courage to Heal" gave hope to millions because it provided sexual abuse survivors with the...
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Bringing Pickleball to Maximum Security Prisons
Today's subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter. Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on the cover of Money Magazine!) who was an avid pickleball player. One night, the show 60 Minutes...
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The Most Fun and Effective Exercise EVER!
By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at a gym grinding it out on an elliptical. And the idea of a "boot camp" makes my blood run cold.…
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"Life is a Play in Three Acts"
My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are "off the mainstream" and who offers us a new way to think about our own aging. And I've never had a theme park designer on the show before! Wayne Lehrer is a vibrant and curious 73-year-old who has lived an...
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The Dark Side of People Pleasing
When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others happy and comfortable is causing them distress. The good news is that as we age, we seem less and less interested in putting everyone's needs first....
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HOLIDAY BONUS: Why I Thrift for My Mental Health (Surprise Guest)
As a psychotherapist, I'm always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, meditation, crafting, pets and the like. I'd like to add one that is a bit less conventional. Thrift stores provide a kind of mini community and sense…
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Stressful Holiday Get Togethers: Here Are Some Tips to Help Cope
I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O'Neil, who hosts the podcast Check Up From the Neck Up on WCNY. We've co-hosted his show a couple of times before and it is so fun. We tape at the public radio station WCNY and you feel like a real radio star in the sound booth. So…
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Help! How Can I Destress?
If you've listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we're going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not have heard of. I do ask that you keep an open mind, because it sounds unconventional until you…
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How Ayurveda Promotes Longevity
Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list of prescription drugs. Some of our conversations can devolve into a comparison of newly discovered ailments. Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh was an emergency...
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What is a Life Well Lived?
You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she created the film "LIVES WELL LIVED", where she interviewed 40 people aged 75 and older to find out their thoughts on what was a life lived well. Based on...
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Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain
Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Well we get the straight story from a researcher and clinician who is an expert in Dementia. Dr. Mitchell Clionsky is the co-author of "Dementia...
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Is Your Head in the Sand About Your Future Finances?
Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and it's to our detriment. I know for myself money brings up a lot of anxiety. Will I have enough to retire? What about long term health needs?…
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Empty Bowls: An Innovative Approach to Addressing Hunger
Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I talk about the initiative that she directs that brings attention to hunger in our community. Empty Bowls is a grassroots, innovative and creative...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
How can we age with zest, courage and vibrance? How can we tackle the challenges of aging--including ageism-- with awareness and skill? Nicole Christina, a psychotherapist of more than 30 years, interviews culture changers from all over the world and of every persuasion–including Python hunters in the Everglades and Hospice workers at San Quentin Penitentiary. Her topics have a humanitarian theme and are typically off of the mainstream. An expert interviewer and author of "Not Just Chatting: How to Become a Master Podcast Interviewer" Nicole's conversations are deep and heartfelt. In these conversations, the challenges of aging are not sugar coated. Bodies age. We're not as fast or agile as we once were. 60, it turns out, is not the new 40. Acceptance is the key, although it's easier said than done. Our goal, then, is to navigate the losses of aging as well as to highlight the gifts. Many people report being happier when they reach 50 and are delighted by the freedoms they experience.
HOSTED BY
Nicole Christina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Zestful Aging have?
Zestful Aging currently has 430 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Zestful Aging about?
How can we age with zest, courage and vibrance? How can we tackle the challenges of aging--including ageism-- with awareness and skill? Nicole Christina, a psychotherapist of more than 30 years, interviews culture changers from all over the world and of every persuasion–including Python hunters in...
How often does Zestful Aging release new episodes?
Zestful Aging publishes regularly with 430 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Zestful Aging?
You can listen to Zestful Aging on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Zestful Aging?
Zestful Aging is created and hosted by Nicole Christina.
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