Ageing Agitators Podcast

Kevin is two weeks shy of 75, still working full‑time, and still asking the big questions. In this profound conversation, he shares how a life‑altering shock at 24 set him on a decades‑long journey into meditation, alchemy, and the pursuit of human completeness.He reflects on invisibility in ageing, the wisdom elders can offer society, and why meaningful connection — not metrics — is what truly transforms people and systems.This is an episode for anyone seeking depth, purpose, and a richer understanding of what it means to grow into yourself.

Sally is 67 and feeling 40, energetic, connected, and joyfully in charge of her life. After a major upheaval in her 50s, she rebuilt her world from scratch, creating deep friendships, discovering new passions, and embracing fun as a daily practice.From learning the cello to forming a tight‑knit community of women who dance, laugh, and grow together, Sally shows us what ageing can look like when you choose purpose, connection, and play. This episode is a masterclass in designing a life you love at any age.

Kim has lived many lives as a researcher, survivor, teacher, and now, detective of his own family history. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges that shaped him, the grit that carried him through, and the surprising joy he’s found in tracing the decisions, migrations, and mysteries of generations before him.This is a conversation about resilience, curiosity, and the unexpected adventures that come with ageing, including the freedom to reinvent yourself again and again.

The people have spoken – they want more Terry!! From his beginnings at the Scanlon dinner table to being here on the podcast to deliver his takeaways, Terry’s Takeaways continue to flow. In this bonus episode, we check in with Tez about his key thoughts from the rich conversations we have had this year on Ageing Agitators podcast.

At 82 years old, Betty has a very full life including her work as a community visitor as part of the Office of Public Advocate, her exercise regime and social catch ups. When I spoke with Betty, I was struck by how little age factored into her choices so, if you are ready to be put to the test with how you spend your time and your willingness to take on new pursuits, then Betty’s chat is for you.

If we all had a teacher like Terry when we were teenagers – we’d be going in the right direction. In this chat we hear from the lovely Terry about his many experiences as a teacher and why he is still up for the challenge of working with teenagers as he approaches 80. He is never short of a story or a meaningful anecdote so you will come away from this chat with a golden nugget or two.

Through his many accomplishments and changes in life, Neville has brought an attitude of gratitude and acceptance which appears to have held him in good stead. When you listen to him you'll feel both reassured and energised to face a change. You'll also get some insight into longlasting true love when you hear him speak of his wonderful partner Di. Please enjoy! 

From the get go, Denise is open, colourful and clever in how she retells the many exciting (and some scary) stories from her life. The thread of excitement and courage are woven through her experiences as a young person in London in the 60s and as a female journalist in Melbourne at a time when sexism in the workplace was the norm. Get ready to have some fun with this episode. 

What you see (or hear!) is what you get with Ray. A warm, uncomplicated man who has used his strong values to guide him, particularly as he navigates his more experienced years. Ray reflects on stressors throughout his life and how they have informed how he copes in life now. Ray is able to distill key values in amongst noise and hype, enjoy this calm and insightful chat. 

In this episode we speak with friends Robyn and Jan who share insights into the role and the nature of friendships in your more experienced years as well as reflections on relationships over the lifespan. Jan and Robyn met in recent years; in our conversation they weave in previous and new experiences via their reflections on friendships and relationships. You're in for a laugh, a cry and reassurance. 

Anne is a vivacious and clever educator and leader who has thrived throughout life by being sure of having a purpose. The purpose has varied and at times has shifted in levels of responsibility and intensity, through it all Anne has found ways to meaningfully contribute, and it is these contributions that has given her that joyful energy you will hear. Anne has a lovely way of explaining things and gives us some helpful guidance for preparing for retirement and perhaps even to reconsider how we define retirement. 

Graham Walker draws on his experiences from 21 years in the Australian Regular Army and his work on the domestic battleground of supporting returned servicemen and women.  In his work with the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia, Graham has assisted thousands of veterans to receive their entitlements, advised governments, authored research and campaigned for the official history of Agent Orange to be rewritten.  Passionate about music and the arts, Graham has acted as a military and curatorial advisor on projects ranging from Bryce Courtney novels and David Williamson plays to music video clips, museum exhibitions, theatrical dance productions and the Australian TV mini-series, Vietnam.  Graham offers us ideas about managing adrenaline and taking opportunities – you’ll want Graham in your ear throughout your life. 

Pauline is an author, counsellor and psychotherapist, founder of Stillness Meditation Therapy and delightful person to speak with. You will hear Pauline reflect and guide us through chaos. Pauline draws on her personal experiences as a partner and mother and how these then informed her career as a psychotherapist. This is a conversation covers very real-life struggles like unexpected deaths and changes in relationships with a grace and at times, humour, that will leave you feeling reassured. 

Barry Golding, an Honorary Professor in adult and community education, shares reflections on ageing, focusing on the roles of physical activity and friendships. This enlightening conversation continues as we couldn’t fit all his wisdom into one episode!In the continuation, Barry delves into the Men’s Shed movement, tracing its history and philosophy. As Patron of the movement, his insights will have you eager to discover a Men’s Shed near you or for someone in your life.

Professor Barry Golding was an Honorary Professor in adult and community education of Federation University Australia in Ballarat since June 2021. Barry has held many positions in his career including Adjunct Professor, Associate Dean Research, School of Education & Arts at University of Ballarat, Australia; and founder of the RAVE (Researching Adult & Vocational Education) Group, President of the Adult Learning Australia Board, a voluntary Patron of the Australian Men’s Shed Association since 2009. Once you start listening it’ll be no surprise to hear that we could’ve chatted with Barry for hours, hence breaking our conversation into two parts. In this part 1 of our conversation Barry very generously shares his reflections on the ageing process particularly the role of physical activity and friendships.