Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

"Sit down and listen" are just some words of advice from Father Don Zimmerman, who was ordained to the priesthood more than 50 years ago. Father Don, who rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for many years, has a lot to share about his own retirement and from working with "golden year" parishioners through the years.

5/9/25 • 41:02

Brenda and Rob Edleston in their later '60's are raising a 9 year old child on a ranch with 37 Cashmere goats, 3 horses, 22 chickens, and 6 dogs. Hear their story of past careers in the military and education, with suggestions of "learning to appreciate yourself" and "giving yourself some grace", as well as "living a life" in another Aging Gratefully podcast

5/2/25 • 58:18

From his early years in a band that made the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and studying nuclear physics, Doug Chapman better known as "Chappie," keeps up with his musical passion on a smaller solo scale in his golden years. While he misses many of his radio contacts from another job he worked along the way, he wakes up every morning and tells himself to have a great day. 

4/25/25 • 33:24

After a busy career as a building official and Assistant Chief for the Manhattan Fire Department, Brad Claussen now has more time to spend with grandchildren and to compete in trap shooting. He tells us how running his own home inspection business with his daughter, religious faith, and family keeps him active in his retirement years.

4/18/25 • 38:19

Taking it easy after retirement are words of advice from this busy couple, Dean Emeritus of K-State's Global campus Sue Maes and her retired psychologist husband Dennis Hemmendinger. However both have continued to stay active in community groups, travelled around the world, and enjoy their role as grandparents.We can learn a lot from this couple of 50 plus years (51 to be exact).

4/11/25 • 45:10

Finding more time to spend with the younger generation is one way retired Healthcare Executive Randy Peterson is dealing with his golden years. We'll also hear from Randy about how to be better advocates for ourselves in medical settings during this time of our life.

4/4/25 • 35:05

"I am not always productive, but I am rarely bored." Frank Arthur shares how he keeps himself busy after a very active career as an entomology researcher, which took him around the world.

3/28/25 • 30:26

Retired business manager, Vietnam veteran, and former Manhattan Mayor Bob Strawn is enjoying his retirement years--learn about his experience coming home from Vietnam and other ups and downs of his life through the years.

3/21/25 • 34:28

Keep fighting and enjoy each day are just some of the words of wisdom from Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman, who run the Parkinson's Program at Meadowlark. Their passion for their work and clients is inspiring in this discussion about a unique portion of the Aging Gratefully population.  

3/11/25 • 34:56

From a busy 4 decades in city government to travelling the world and enjoying time with his wife on a full-time basis, Ron Fehr has made a smooth transition to the retirement lifestyle. While still in the “honeymoon” phase of retirement, the former City Manager shares suggestions on living each day, with a healthy diet, exercise including walks with the family dog, good sleep habits, and hobbies such as trip planning.Ron reflects on both accomplishments and difficult times in his life but offers coping suggestions such as his faith in God and good family support.

3/8/25 • 30:24

This retired early childhood educator has a unique perspective on Aging Gratefully, while dealing with her older father who is in a different stage of his life. Renee Fehr tells us of having to be an advocate for her father as he struggles to learn healthier eating and exercise habits, while dealing with dementia and Parkinson’s disease issues.Renee openly shares the emotional ups and downs of dealing with her father while going through her own retirement journey. Her religious faith, healthy lifestyle, and travel time with family keep her going. Her advice about keeping close with our older relatives and friends and learning more about their early years is heartfelt, reminding us all time might be more limited than we like to admit.

2/28/25 • 33:37

"Just do it" are words of advice coming from Barb DeSanto, who finds herself again teaching at Kansas State University in her 70's, while also working with the Flint Hills Agency on Aging and other local volunteer groups. She tells us how a good circle of friends and her faith have gotten her through her many years of caregiving for her late husband and other transitions in her life.

2/20/25 • 33:55

Imagine being newlyweds in your late '80's and early '90's. Ed and Linda Weis Olson unexpectedly found love a second time late in life and share their love story as they both continue to age gratefully. Linda continues to work as an active real estate broker-owner and both have a good circle of friends and family.

2/13/25 • 41:11

This special retiree began a radio career at the age of 16 and continues to share his skill set as a narrator on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. Steve Smethers retired from many years of broadcasting and educating, with his last position as Director of the A.Q. Miller Schol of Media and Communication at Kansas State University.Steve shares with us how his continuing involvement with friends, former students and other community interests keep him going—even his cats through the years have played a role in his positive attitude. Join us for a fun discussion about his full life even after “retirement.”

2/4/25 • 36:18

Deb Skidmore has had numerous professional roles throughout her career as a journalist.  She tells Cathy about the dynamics of retiring from Fort Riley and Kansas State University. Deb reveals how her new life has given her opportunities to grow in faith.

1/28/25 • 28:06

We have 2 perfect guests for our debut episode.  C. Clyde Jones, now 102, is a Manhattan and K-State icon.  He shares stories of his life experiences and perspectives on becoming a centenarian.  Robbin Cole recently retired as the Executive Director of Pawnee Mental Health, where she made a significant impact in the mental health community.  She talks about making that adjustment to being retired.  C. Clyde and Robbin are wonderful friends, and we couldn't have asked for better guests for our first episode! 

1/15/25 • 29:52

The Trailer!  It’s been just 6 short years since Cathy Scroggs (Dawes) signed off the radio for the last time. Now, she’s back to share her voice, wisdom, and heartfelt conversations on the Aging Gratefully podcast. Learn more about Cathy’s incredible journey and get ready to hear her again as she explores the ups and downs of aging with gratitude.

12/31/24 • 01:28