The Silver Mind Podcast

This episode features the life stories and insights of Anna Margrethe Krogh-Thomsen, a loving mother of two who grew up in Denmark during the second world war watching her father and mother evade the Gestapo as part of the Danish resistance to Nazi Germany. As you’ll hear, though she understands English well, Anna Margrethe speaks Danish and is actually this podcast’s first international guest. In addition to her voice, you’ll hear the voice of her daughter Maj Britt who translated the interview and enabled us to have Anna Margrethe’s insights in English. Her life story is absolutely fascinating and begins in Copenhagen. This episode will be instructive to students of history interested in hearing the first-hand accounts of World War II in Europe, as well as those who  value hearing wise perspectives about teaching children, God, and family. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode feature the life story and perspectives of Maxine Curtis, a loving mother of three with a passion and talent for musical performance. Maxine grew up in Utah, where she learned to ride horses and discovered an aptitude for singing. As you’ll hear, after marrying her late husband, Don, Maxine moved to Southern California where she spent most of her life and continues to live today. Her story starts in Salt Lake City where she grew up and went to college. In this episode, Maxine gives practical, timeless advice for having both a good relationship with your parents when you are a kid and with your kids when you are a parent. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the insights and life story of Ann Sorenson, mother to 5, grandmother to 21, and great grandmother to 31. Ann grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area during World War II, and would later end up living in the East Bay Area for her entire 74 year marriage to her late husband Lee; they even lived in the same house for 66 years where they raised their 5 sons. As you’ll hear, though 94 years old at the time of recording Ann continues to invest in her talents such as the organ, and even played tennis well into her 90’s, whcih blew me away. Her story starts in Chicago nearly one century ago. This episode will be instructive for anyone interested in continuing in the great process of learning well into their 90's.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and perspectives of Madeline Quayle, a Utah native and mother of six who has a passion for music and whose enthuasm for life is infectious. As you’ll hear, Madeline is remarkable in her willingess to continue learning throughout her life well after the age when most people stop; for example, she decided to re-learn the piano when she was pregant with her third child and even graduated with her college degree when she was 52 years old. Her story starts in Utah where she spent most of her life and would later take her to Colorado. Here are the lyrics to the Billy Joel song she quotes later on in the episode, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel):Goodnight, my angelTime to close your eyesAnd save these questions for another dayI think I know whatYou've been asking meI think you knowWhat I've been trying to sayI promised I would never leave youAnd you should always knowWherever you may goNo matter where you areI never will be far awayGoodnight, my angelNow it's time to sleepAnd still so many things I want to sayRemember all the songsYou sang for meWhen we went sailingOn an emerald bayAnd like a boat out on the oceanI'm rocking you to sleepThe water's darkAnd deep inside this ancient heartYou'll always be a part of meGoodnight, my angelNow it's time to dreamAnd dream how wonderfulYour life will beSomeday, your child may cryAnd if you sing this lullabyThen in your heartThere will always be a part of meSomeday, we'll all be goneBut lullabies go on and onThey never dieThat's how youAnd I will be If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Ed Quayle, a father to 6, military veteran, and lifelong artist who used his artistic skills not only in his 33’year career working for the yellow pages but also his military service. Especially on the heels of Veterans day, it was touching to hear Ed´s heartfelt gratitude for the ability to have served his country and as you´ll quickly learn Ed is a salt of the earth type of person, who is extremely humble but also appears to have been able to keep God, country, and family always in the forefront of his mind. This episode will be instructive for anybody who desires a greater degree of focus on what matters most or could use an example of good-natured humility. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the insights and life story of Jerry Gwilliam, a father to seven, airforce veteran, and dentist whose practice in the San Francisco Bay Area spanned no less than five decades of dedicated service. Following an LDS mission to Norway, Jerry literally drew the short stick and was led into military service where, as you’ll hear, he actually had great experiences of sticking up for and living his beliefs when those around him were not. It was extremely apparent in talking to Jerry that he is a devout man of faith who has led a life full of service and characterized by family values.This episode will be valuable for those who value the perspective of someone who has led a life of minimal regrets and strong family relationships. It also features stories of daring to be different and the good that can come from remaining true to your beliefs and convicions. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Steven Spears, a father of 5 that holds no less than two masters degrees and may just have the most interesting career I’ve ever come across. Steve started out as a Navy corpsman who was eventually brought in to help with the Naval investigative service (NIS). In fact, if you’ve ever seen the show NCIS, it was modeled after his job, with one of the special agents he trained becoming teh technical advisor to the show. As you’ll hear, he later worked in counter-intelligence in the Pentagon and traveled all around the the world for his top secret military assignments. Fittingly, Steve was born when his father was serving in the Pacific theater of World War II where he would later spend time in his own deployments. This episode will be extremely interesting for those interested in public and military service and balancing a demanding military career with a fulfilling family life. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Ralph Hunsaker an Arizona-raised father of three who became all-state in no less than three high school sports before playing as the starting quarterback at University of Arizona or UofA for all four years of college. As you’ll hear, Ralph then went on to lead a sucessful career in law, which culminated in serving as chief attorney for the Cental Arizona Water Project, a landmark Congressional legislation to bring water to the Phoenix and Tuscon metro areas, enabling those regions to become what they are today. Ralph grew up in Mesa Arizona, back when it was much smaller than it is today, where he eventually met his wife Martha Jo. This episode will be instructive for those who are attempting to balance family and a demanding athletic or professional career.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

On today´s episode we have Sue Severson, a native Louisiana girl who has led a life of civic service that featured a decade-long stint on her community´s school board and culminated in service as mayor of her Northern California town, all while rasing five kids I might add. As you´ll hear, Sue is a go getter and even after her retirement from public life is now serving as Chairman of the board of a non-profit laboratory researching neurodegenerative diseases. Sue´s life began in Baton Rouge as one of five children and she became the first woman in her family to attend college. This episode will be inspiring for anybody who desires greater involvement in their community or who may be wondering how to lead an ambitious life while raising a family. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and perspectives of Mary Lou Clark, a 97-year-old matriarch who raised no less than 12 kids and today stands at the head of a vast, tight-knit, and ever growing group of descendents. As you’ll hear, she tragically and unexpectedly lost her husband when she was in her 50s, and has been since been an incedible example of positivity and resilience as she continues to lead her family on her own. Sometimes when misfortunes befall us, we may be inclined to take a harsher view of the world, but what struck me about Mary Lou is that despite dealing with intense grief in her life, she seems to have let it only make her warmer and kinder. Mary Lou was born and raised in rural Indiana, where she has spent most of her life and raised her family.This episode will prove instructive to any listener who desires to rise above the hardships of life and remain positive and uplifiting. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

On today’s episode we have John "Jack" Christensen, a father to 10 and one of the military’s first wave of computer science specialists whose career featured working in the Pentagon alongside the Secretary of Defense. John’s a talented musician and natural-born father, who tragically lost his wife Nina before later remarrying. This episode will capture the imagination of anybody serving in the military or who has lost a spouse to an illness.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

On today’s episode we have Marilyn Christensen, an accomplished pianist and mother of eight who couragously packed up and left the comfort of home to raise her family with her husband in Hawaii. Marilyn is a sharp lady who breezed through undergraduate in three years and went on to get a masters in music. As you’ll hear, after raising their kids, Marilyn’s husband sadly passed away leaving her alone and greiving, but she was able to find love again, even in her later years. This episode will be inspiring for those who have lost a spouse and may be wondering whether there is any hope of ever finding love again.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

On today’s epidose we have Orest Komarnyckyj, a dentist turned periodontal regenerative surgeon who built a successful practice before more recently transitioning to be a life coach for middle-aged men. Orest is a first generation American whose parents emigrated from Ukraine, and he grew up in Chicago before his family moved to Arizona. Orest is is the father of two, and as you’ll hear, has a lot to say regarding ways to remain healthy and sharp even into your 70s and beyond. Orest's perspectives will be instructive for anyone hoping to live a life characterized by continual personal development.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Professor Randolph Tom, a former DJ and New York Lawyer turned entrepreneurial advisor and professor who surmounted countless obstacles to lead a long, prosperous, and outwardly focused life. As a young man, Randolph grew up as one of the only Chinese-American kids living in the inwood projects of Upper Manhattan in New York City. As you’ll hear, despite racial bullying, physical limitations, financial pressures, and lack of a role model that looked like him, Randolph put himself through NYU, landed a job at a big New York law firm, and was able to escape the harsh environment of his youth. His story starts in humble circumstances, in a 3-bedroom apartment shared by 13 other family members. This episode will inspire anybody struggling to make ends meet, to escape difficult circumstances,  or to overcome the effects of racial prejudice. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 On today’s episode we have Barry Hall, a San Diego-native marine and father of two who became an accomplished businessman who took two companies public and currently serves as CEO of another. Barry was born in Viriginia while his dad was serving in the Navy but grew up primarily in San Diego. As you’ll hear, though in his mid-70’s Barry remains impressively committed to both lifelong learning and maintaining physical discipline. This episode will inspire anybody looking for ways to remain sharp and high-functioning, even throughout the latter stages of life. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Doris Dudley, a Southern, self-proclaimed jitterbug and mother to 8, grandmother to 22, great-grandmother to 63, and great-great-grandmother to soon-to-be 16. At the time of this recording Doris is nearly 100 years old and has lived a full life, the story of which started (and continues to be written) in Virginia. Doris has lived gracefully through many of life's toughest challenges. She sent her husband off to fight in across the sea in World War II as a newlywed, lost two of her sons to disease, and supported her husband through a prolonged fight with Alzheimers. This episode will be valuable for anybody grappling with similar challenges or working to be a compassionate family member or friend. From my interview with her, it was clear that Doris is an impressively lovely person, whose insights leave all listeners with a greater sense of love for themselves and others. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 On today’s episode we have Len Dreyer, a former marine turned accountant who led an illustrious career in the food industry including a 7-year stint as President and CEO of no less than Marie Calendars. In the episode, Len reflects on his full life and the busy career that often took him away from home more than he would have liked. He has valuable perspectives on what really matters in life after all is said and done in addition to having the inside scoop on the best Marie Calendar pies. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the stories and insights of Anita Hansen, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother extraordinaire who turned a personal family tragedy into an unrelenting determination to go out and make a difference in the lives of others. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 On today’s episode we have George Durgin, a first generation college graduate who went on to become a Marine, aircraft maintenance officer, and distinguisehd aerospace engineer for some of the industry giants, whose career culminated in 12-15 patents on cutting-edge turbine components. Despite these achivements you’ll note that George is a very humble man, whose story starts in modest beginnings in Maine and features a more recent near-death experience that left him with only a 10% chance of survival.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 On today’s episode we have Carol Durgin, a former nurses aid, mother to three, step mother to three more, and now beloved grandmother. Carol grew up in Maine, where she spent a good portion of her life. She spent many lean years as a single mother doing her best to make childhood special for her children, and is one of the most salt-of-the-earth people you’ll come across, with beautiful perspectives on relationships which she shared towards the end of the episode. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 On today’s episode we have Sharyn Larsen, an avid reader, travel lover, and former police dispatch worker who went back to school and got her teaching credential. Sharyn is a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with 55 descendents. Though she lost her husband, her love for him continues to be apparent, and as you’ll hear, she has many wise words for how to date and marry well. This episode will be valuable for anybody looking to build a love story that will last through the eternities and reverberate through the ages. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the experiences and insights of Ann Binning, a lifelong musician and spunky matriarch that rediscovered religion and belief in Christ as a source of strength. Ann was born and raised alongside her three older brothers the San Francisco Bay Area during the Second World War. As you’ll hear, though growing up Christian she eventually lost her belief in God and came to recognize the stark void that that developed in her life. Hers is a story of embracing faith, even while you're living with doubts, and discovering the music it brings. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Jan Hunt, the mother to 5 kids and a former school teacher who might just be the best example you’ll ever come across of maintaining humor and positivity in the face of some of life’s toughest challenges. Jan overcame divorce, the death of a spouse, and even the death of a child and still maintains remarkable humor and good naturedness. This episode will be especially instructive for those looking to have a better attitude in the face of life's challenges. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode features the life story and insights of Criag Willardson, a Southern California beach boy who toured South America in a rock band, and went on to become CEO of a multi-hundred million dollar company who’s career culminated in him shaking hands with none other than the president of the United States. Craig is a lifelong Christian, husband, father, and grandfather who grew up in Southern California, where he has remained more or less ever since. This episode details his insights for navigating the complexities of having a vibrant career while maintaining proximity to loved ones and God. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

This episode details the life story and insights from Guy Hale, a two sport college athlete, wall-street veteran, beloved grandfather, and entrepreneur who shaped the economic history of no less than China. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

 For ages, professionals in the workforce have struggled with the word “balance”. Lewis Dudley, is perhaps one of the best examples of someone who, somehow, was able to raise a remarkable family whilst also navigating the demands of a full, rigorous career. This episode delves into Lewis's family life, career, and advice he would give for young people trying to navigate the tumults of life.  If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

Brenda Dudley is a beloved wife to 1, mother to 4, grandmother to 16, and even great grandmother to soon 5 babies and has lived an extraordinary life, full of loving relationships. Her persepectives will prove valuable anyone in need of peace, who may feel lost in a chaotic world of gnawing anxiety, caustic stress, shallow relationships, or insecure self-centeredness. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

Bruce Cropper grew up in inner city San Francisco in the World War II era. He learned to work hard growing up with his father's laundry business and would become a star baseball player throughout his teenage and early adult years. He attended Cal Berkeley and was stationed as a military police officer in the Presidio in San Francisco. In his college years met the love of his life, Betty Ann Campbell, a girl from Oakland (across the bay), and they built a loving family, centered on faith. Bruce became a CPA and rose through the professional ranks to become a partner at Peat Marwick, today known as KPMG, before setting off to start his own firm as an entrepreneur.At the time of this recording, Bruce is 90 years old and continuing to lead a meaningful life in the East Bay Area where he is cared for by one of his daughters. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA

Introducing "The Silver Mind Podcast," a show dedicated to the invaluable art of learning from our elders so that we too can have a whole rolodex of wise mentors to benefit from. It's about embracing the timeless wisdom that our senior generations have to offer. Learning from our elders can be a shortcut to a richer, more fulfilling life. It's like having a roadmap through the labyrinth of life's experiences. This podcast is meant to add a uniquely rich, cultivated perspective to the public discourse, where ironically the people who have least experience are sharing the most, and become a repository of time-tested perspectives that can bless the human family.This podcast is specifically meant to help you do four things:Avoid Costly MistakesPreserve Cultural HeritageReceive Emotional SupportEnrich Your LifeIn every episode of "The Silver Mind Podcast," we will bring you stories, conversations, and insights from an admirable person over the age of 70. We'll learn from their experiences, discover the wisdom they've gained over a lifetime, and explore how their lessons can shape our futures. If you have a relative or mentor over the age of 70 that you feel would have valuable perspectives for all of us, please submit their name and contact information in the link below, and we'll work to get them on the show!https://forms.gle/VMTVuwLPZpxDVC1SA