Zestful Aging

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 particular food has provided emotional sustenance through internment.  Mochi-tsuki has long united Japanese Americans, from the hardships of World War II incarceration to modern-day celebrations. Once a symbol of resilience in incarceration camps, this tradition continues to bring generations together, preserving culture and community. Find out more about Sky: https://skybergmanproductions.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

2/7/26 • 36:32

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 been a competitor and developed programming for ski racing youth. After a long career in sports, Kathy has shifted her focus to becoming an energy medicine practitioner. Her focus is helping people–whether athletes or general public to discover their full energetic potential. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

1/24/26 • 68:16

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 with horses to help her clients through their difficulties. She talks about why horses are uniquely gifted to work with people who are struggling emotionally. Find out about her facility, her team and all of their offerings: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

1/10/26 • 41:38

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 diseases.  Today we're going to focus on two less talked about topics: seniors and scams and how to choose a caregiver for your loved ones. Gwen gives us advice and helps with the confusion when hiring caregivers for your loved ones. Find out more: https://www.constantcare247.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

12/27/25 • 42:53

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 more of a botanical zen doodler kind of gal. Then I saw something online that intrigued me–a free webinar that taught something called "neurographic art" and the science behind it. They talked about rewiring your brain with these strange looking drawings. I was intrigued so I took the free class. I've been a psychotherapist for 35 years and this technique helped me access beliefs that I was aware of but didn't understand that they were still driving the bus. At this point, My friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about it. I ordered an electric pencil sharpener because my colored pencils are getting dull. Ann Ferguson talks about this fun and cutting edge technique to address the beliefs that are causing problems in our lives. She is one of only a  handful of Certified Neurographica Specialists in the United States. Find out more about neurographics here: Mindfulline.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

12/13/25 • 51:53

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 about the obscure world of glass eye making and talk about the psychological and emotional healing that such service brings to someone who has suffered the very visible trauma of eye loss. Check out his fascinating book here: EyesByHand.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

11/29/25 • 43:16

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 would go viral online and inspire people young and old across cultures. They have been known on social media as "the traveling nanas". Their new book, "HERE WE GO" expands on the joyous message of hope that launched them into the spotlight. Find out more about this zesty friendship: https://aroundtheworldat80.com Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

11/15/25 • 44:59

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 too severe for her to continue in her music training. Taking a big career turn, she focused on spinal cord injury and stem cells  before she found her calling in teaching. Frustrated by the western medicine philosophy of looking at the body as sick, she discovered the power of Traditional Naturopathy. Now she promotes simple ways to help our bodies heal themselves. Find out more about Amanda and the world of naturopathy: horaioswellness.com Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

11/3/25 • 36:59

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, working as a prep cook while in high school and as the kitchen manager at her summer camp. As she developed a passion for cooking, Julie discovered a second love-helping people through therapy. She's talked about her treatment approach in all of the major news outlets, including the "New York Times'. And she has a brand new book out "Cooking Your Way to a Calm Mind" a guide to cook your way to less anxiety, more confidence, and a happier life-whether you are comfortable in the kitchen or a nervous newbie-from a licensed social worker and expert in culinary therapy. Find out more at https://www.culinaryarttherapy.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

10/18/25 • 34:12

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 modern elder on using cannabis to help with age related health concerns. Find out more at Lifeischill.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

10/4/25 • 36:46

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, nonprofit executive director—and now, certified death doula, gerontologist/ entrepreneur. Karisha is on a mission to take the fear out of dying so people can live more fully now. She blends spirituality and strategy into everything she offers. Our conversation is in conjunction with the screening of "Caregiving", the documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper highlighting the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America. Find out more about Karisha at KarishaSolomon.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

9/20/25 • 40:46

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 began showcasing her beadingwolves brand at local Native craft shows, selling earrings, necklaces, bows and more. Soon the small business shifted into a fashion brand, Homer Couture. Today, she's the first and only Indigenous fashion designer to show collections during Syracuse Fashion Week. She's also involved in the advocacy group Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and dedicates one of her creations to the group each show. Mary will debut her next line at New York Fashion Week this fall and will be the first indigenous person to do so. Her dream is to design for the met gala.  Follow Mary at: BeadingWolves.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

9/6/25 • 45:25

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 through the defenses we use to protect ourselves, but ultimately keep us stuck in the same old patterns. Lately she's been taking groups on international retreats for more intense healing and adventure. I met Meg about three years ago and was inspired by her dedication to helping people feel better and use tools that are often outside the traditional therapy box. Find out more about Meg here: https://breathingspacepsychotherapy.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

8/23/25 • 43:54

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 the federal witness protection program and his dog, Nate, was his cell dog.  It turned out that wasn't the case. Jeff had been a popular and award-winning humor columnist in Southern California and suburban Boston. Soon he was at it again in Syracuse, addressing topics from family life to local politics. One of my favorite pieces was when he sampled local gas station pizza and judged them from best to worst. Kramer also established himself as a writer and producer of comedic plays, including one inspired by his botched vasectomy.  Now, at 63, he can add to his credits multiple replacement joints and other internal hardware. Plus he's a first-time novelist.  "Mud Season" -- which Jeff humbly calls the funniest book of the decade -- was released March of '25. Today we're going to find out what it takes to write a book in the third act, and how art imitates life. Find out more about Jeff at https://jeffmkramer.com. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

8/9/25 • 34:51

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 I wanted to introduce myself and get to know them. They had that dynamic, postmenopausal energy.  Today's guest has spent her life promoting environmental stewardship. Mary Bartlett is part of a local organization called United Climate Action Network (UCAN) which is all about building community around environmental advocacy. I love this group because it's not a formal non profit. It's a group of concerned citizens who have organized to address some of these pressing issues. And if they can do it, you might be inspired to do this in your community. This is true grass roots action. Check them out: https://unitedclimateaction.org/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

7/26/25 • 35:35

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 having been introduced by our mutual friend, Sue Parker. You may remember Sue, the hot shot firefighter who did a similar thing. And here's a tidbit I love…how did Sue and Kathy meet? Sue reached out when she saw that Kathy and she both had the same obscure trailer brand! That's the secret. Reaching out, making connections, even if it's a bit of a leap. Kathy is a force of nature behind the wheel of her massive F-150, towing her 25-foot travel trailer through the wild landscapes of the American West. She is also a long time journaler. It's part of her morning ritual and she credits the book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron for showing her the power of journaling. Find out more about Kathy's adventures here: https://www.facebook.com/Kathy.Macdonald17 To learn more about me, my Coaching Practice and webcourses, head on to https://www.zestfulaging.com/   For the latest trending information on Mindfulness and Wellness, check out my Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/zestfulaging  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolechristinalcsw  

7/12/25 • 43:28

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 premiere Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 9 p.m ET on PBS (check local listings), and on the PBS YouTube Channel. "Caregiving" will be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS App beginning Tuesday, It's narrated by Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba (you will remember her from "Orange is the New Black") who is bringing her own experience as a caregiver for her mother to the project. Our conversation is with expert in caregiving, Sheila Ohstrom. Once a boss in petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and telecom, Sheila decided it was time to upgrade her portfolio—from high stakes to high heart. Find out more about Sheila's offerings https://www.livingwithdementiacny.org/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

6/28/25 • 41:14

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 Cazenovia NY. She loves bringing women together to craft, share and be in community. It's the most fun Sunday of the month. But what I have discovered is that Sue is a true adventurer, although she's pretty modest about it. She has had an adventurous spirit from the beginning–she was one of the first woman hot shot fire fighters in Oregon! Sue spent her career working to make healthy food accessible to everyone before online food ordering was a thing, she was involved in creating the first online farmers market through the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Eventually she settled down and raised her three children in a quiet upstate NY town. Then tragedy struck. Her 17 year old daughter died unexpectedly, and Sue was left to process that loss as she was parenting her other two children. She took this opportunity to make some big changes even though they were terrifying. Today we're going to learn about what it takes to be resilient through unspeakable loss, and how we can create more courage in our lives. You can find Sue on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.parker.749519 Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

6/14/25 • 63:47

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 people may face. Dr. Regina Koepp is a gerontologist and aging expert with a wealth of information about everything related to mental health and aging. This is a new topic and is coming more into play as the world's population is aging. Questions might include "How do I support my parent who is a caregiver?"; and "What do I do when I suspect cognitive decline?" Dr. Koepp has developed trainings and support resources through her institute, The Center for Mental Health and Aging. Find out more here:  https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/ . Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

5/31/25 • 42:32

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 include shopping more than we admit, drinking more than we say we did, sending our kids money and not telling our partner. She suggests we try a "secret free diet" and points to the research looking at ways even little lies have deleterious effects on our mental and physical health. Find out more at LaurieGerber.com. Listen on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SXrtW1dCVSatkHtcNoN90  Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

5/17/25 • 39:18

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 firsthand experience as a hospice and oncology nurse and palliative care professional at the bedsides of more than 1,000 end of life patients. Today we're going to talk about what makes a good death. Find out more at Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN at https://doulagivers.com/ and her new book: https://thegooddeathbook.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

5/3/25 • 40:55

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 on a tool that really helps and it's simple and fun to use. I'm talking about the Camigo. It's a little monitor that helps us breathe in the way that helps our nervous systems get out of fight or flight. I find it especially effective before bedtime for sleep. Adi Wallach is the inventor of Calmigo. She has her own story of anxiety and is going to help us understand how we can better manage our anxiety without drugs or side effects. Find out more here: https://calmigo.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

4/19/25 • 42:46

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 climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each woman experienced childhood trauma, abuse and oppression—yet, went on to find the path to their power. They use the imposing mountain as both a metaphor for overcoming personal adversity and an opportunity to challenge insurmountable odds--like ending violence against women, undoing racism and overcoming fear. Find out more at ThreeExtraordinaryWomen Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

4/5/25 • 43:55

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 about it and she mentioned that she was a snowshoe racer. You can imagine how I'll be interested in a zesty snowshoe racer. She went on to say that she's participated in ten triathlons. And here we are. Chary Griffin is an elite athlete and at 75, she shows no sign of slowing down. She's been all over the world participating in endurance activities. We're going to talk about what it takes to be a world athlete in your 70s. Follow Chary here: https://www.facebook.com/chary.griffin.5 Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

3/22/25 • 42:07

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. Dr Mary Pardee is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor  who says "she fixes people's poop". We're going to find out what poop tells us about our health. Find out more at https://www.modrnmed.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

3/8/25 • 43:55

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 first real map of the healing process. In the years since then, Laura Davis has continued writing and leading workshops all over the world that have mirrored her passage through life: learning to be a parent, exploring the dynamics of reconciliation, living in the cancer underworld, making peace with a difficult parent, and caring for a mother with dementia. She's created a writing retreat for older women to explore their lives–and you don't have to be a writer. The retreat is held in Santa Cruz and is sure to be spectacular. Find out more here: LauraDavis.net. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

2/22/25 • 44:10

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 aired a segment on Chicago's Cook County Jail. Roger noticed that many of the inmates were playing cards or watching TV. Being an avid pickleball player, he commented to his wife, "They should be playing pickleball. They'd not only get exercise but learn valuable "life skills" like learning from mistakes and how to be a good teammate." And so, "Pickleball in Prison(™)" was born. The success of his program in Chicago led Roger to prisons from coast to coast, from Rikers Island in New York to San Quentin in California. A documentary is currently in the works. Find out more at https://www.picleague.org/ . Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

2/8/25 • 44:19

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. Isn't life hard enough? At this age, I want things to be healthy and fun. That's why we're going to talk about rebounders (mini trampolines). I've used my rebounder to train for the Senior tennis Games and my walk on the Camino in Spain. It's hard not to enjoy jumping up and down to your favorite dance music. My guest this week is  Rob Nells from Needak–the brand of rebounder I've used for 20 years. He's going to tell us about the far reaching health benefits of rebounding and fair warning…you are going to be impressed. Find out more at Needak.com. Use the coupon code "Zestful" and get a free rebounder cover. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

1/25/25 • 45:42

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 inspiring and eclectic life including: pioneering the growing of wheat grass and spirulina, studying oriental medicine and practicing silence for 5 months. Wayne has also produced and directed 3-D Imax films and he's a Master Yoga and Meditation teacher who has taught tens of thousands, and trained hundreds to teach; and currently teaching at the USC School of Gerontology. His new book is called "The Art of Conscious Aging - An Operating Manual for an Extraordinary Third Act". Find out more at https://waynelehrer.com/. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

1/11/25 • 58:13

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. What's happening here and why might you want to consider paying attention to your need to please others? This week's guest is Amy Wilson, the co-host of the popular podcast "WHAT FRESH HELL". Amy has appeared on Broadway in a one person show, and Saturday Night Live. And she's just written a funny and poignant book called "Happy to Help, Adventures of a People Pleaser". Find out more here: https://www.amywilson.com/ Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com  

12/28/24 • 39:19