Untrained Wisdom: Recent Episodes
Shuva Rahim
If you’re an older adult or have maturing loved ones and welcome inspiration and ideas on leading a more enriching life, this podcast is for you. Untrained Wisdom introduces you to people 55+ who currently redefine the paradigm on what it means to become older, and experienced individuals whose guidance helps seasoned generations live more fully.
After 2 years and 6 seasons of producing interviews, I've decided to end to Untrained Wisdom. In this final episode, I reflect on my experience. Thank you all for listening.
Dorothy Oliver, owner and operator of the general store in rural Panola, Ala., joined forces with a local county commissioner in 2021 to get as many people as she could to get vaccinated from COVID-19 in her small black community. Dorothy's efforts included diligently communicating with residents and educating them about the disease, which resulted in a nearly 99 percent vaccination rate among the community's adults in a state with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S.
In this interview, Dorothy talks about the work she did before and after the vaccine became available as well as the recognition she's received publicly, which includes a personal address by Dr. Anthony Fauci. Her story was also featured in a 2021 short documentary by The New Yorker magazine called The Panola Project.
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Sonya Heitshusen was a television anchor and investigative reporter for nearly 30 years in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area. She's currently the public information officer for the Iowa Auditor of State and has had the opportunity to work on some investigations performed by the auditor's office. She's also an endurance athlete having completed three full Ironman races as well as numerous marathons and bike races. Her latest race, however, has nothing to do with swimming, biking, or running. Earlier this year, Sonya announced her candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives District 28. In this interview, she talks about how her past experiences as a journalist and how her experiences in her previous career as well as endurance training have have prepared her to run for elected state office.
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Sonya's recommendations:
- The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger
- St. Thomas (vacation)
- Power Life Yoga
Shuva's recommendation:
- Belabored: A Vindication of the Rights of Pregnant Women by Lyz Lenz
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Tony Rodriguez was a well-respected trauma therapist whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. Some time after, his wife Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez began journaling. Many of her raw, unfiltered accounts in the first 14 months of grief became the foundation of her 2022 book, "A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance: A Love Story of Grief, Trauma, Healing and Faith" published by Chalice Press. In this interview, Jennifer talks about the complexities of navigating life as a widow and mom to their two sons, the therapies she turned to in helping her healing, writing the book, and who this book is for.
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Jennifer's Recommendations:
- Cello suites of J.S. Bach
- The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Helping others has always been the center of Gwen Tombergs' being, especially when it comes to the senior population. So when the opportunity came to start her own business, she took a leap of faith and started Fresh Start Living QC in January 2021. Based in the Quad Cities – a region of four cities in southeastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois – Gwen helps senior citizens organize and declutter if they are staying in their home or helps them downsize if they are moving. In this interview, Gwen shares how the business started and some of the living situations she comes across.
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Gwen's Recommendation:
- DarrenDaily podcast
Shuva's Recommendations:
- A Slight Change of Plans podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Lillian Colón was the first Latina Rockette to perform at Radio City Music Hall. Her years of experience on stage and backstage prepared her to ultimately audition for and be cast as a dancer in the 2021 musical film In the Heights. In this interview, Lillian shares what it was like to be at the audition and on the set, where she was the oldest dancer. Furthermore, Lillian briefly mentions her rough early years, which she spent in an orphanage and have served as a launching point for recent creative projects, including her memoir called Lilly: The First Latina Rockette.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Alexis Baker is a licensed and board-certified music therapist in Portland, Oregon who started Bridgetown Music Therapy, a subscription-based video library service with lessons targeted for aging adults. In this interview, Alexis talks about what music therapy (and what it's not), who her clients are within the senior citizen population that utilize her service, how the BMT platform works, and why this type of health service is beneficial. Furthermore, Alexis mentions the American Music Therapy Association as a resource for anyone interested in finding a professional in their area.
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Alexis' Recommendations:
- Survivor
- Fixer to Fabulous
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Cheer
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Kai Swanson and Jenni Swanson are two of Illinois' local elected leaders. Kai serves as a member of the Rock Island County Board, and Jenni is an alderwoman in Rock Island, Illinois. In this conversation, the two talk about their interest in politics, why they got involved, how it has evolved in recent years, what they've learned about themselves, and more.
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Jenni's Recommendation:
- Beach / paddleboarding
Kai's Recommendation:
- Sa som i himmelen (As It Is In Heaven)
Shuva's Recommendation:
- My Octopus Teacher
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
In Season 6, I have seven new episodes of guests whose experiences have shaped their narratives and aim to challenge our own beliefs of what’s possible.
All my guests this year are based in the U.S. Guests this season are from Iowa, Illinois, New York, as well as guests for the first time from Oregon and Alabama. This preview episode introduces the following guests:
- 4/3 Season 6 preview
- 4/5 Ep. 48: Illinois Local Elected Leaders Kai Swanson + Jenni Swanson
- 4/12 Ep. 49: Aging Adult-Focused Music Therapist Alexis Baker
- 4/19 Ep. 50: "In The Heights" Dancer Lillian Colon.
- 4/26. Ep. 51: Quad-Cities-Based Packing + Moving Expert Gwen Tombergs
- 5/3. Ep. 52: Grief + Healing Author Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez
- 5/10. Ep. 53: Iowa House Candidate Sonya Heitshusen
- 5/17. Ep. 54: Panola, Ala. Vaccine Advocate Dorothy Oliver
As we say farewell to another interesting year with the pandemic in our lives, a few guests from the show share some of their highlights from their 2021 after an introductory story from host Shuva Rahim about Ep. 12 guests Pat Provencher and Patsy Dullea.
In this episode you'll hear from:
- Estate Attorney Gordon Fischer, Ep. 2
- Personal Video Historian Steve Trainor, Ep. 4
- Climate Action Activist Miriam Kashia, Ep. 5
- Prenatal Yoga Instructor Roberta Kelinson, Ep. 11
- "Women Going For It" Author Diana Coleman, Ep. 22
- University of Iowa Device Advice Leader Ken Brown, Ep. 37
- Dog Biscuit Baker Co-Owner Laura Taylor, Ep. 42
- Iraq War Doctor-Soldier + Stroke Survivor Jon Kerstetter, Ep. 44
- Alzheimer's Family Advocate Karla Hult, Ep. 46
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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
At age 12, Jordan Mittler came up with the idea of a technology program for senior citizens after realizing his grandparents couldn't use an iPhone he had gifted them. Now, in 2021, Jordan is a 17-year-old high school senior providing professional technology education to older adults all over the world through Mittler Senior Technology.
In this interview, Jordan talks about how it felt realizing his grandparents didn't have the same tech skills he did and how he went about introducing himself to the older demographic in his Manhattan community. Furthermore, he shares how he and his peers produced lessons for older adults during the pandemic. Jordan's efforts to help improve the quality of life for seniors has garnered him attention from numerous media outlets, including CNN and People magazine. His entrepreneurial story is inspiring for all ages.
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Jordan's Recommendations:
- The Office
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Friend & Foe by Adam Galinsky and Maurice Schweitzer
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
On Father's Day 2021 Twin Cities-based KARE 11 reporter Karla Hult launched So Many Goodbyes, an advocacy service for families who have loves ones living with Alzheimer's. After seeing her father's decline from the disease, Karla wanted to help others in a way she wished was available to her. Through mentoring and workshops, Karla aims to serve families so they can better navigate the long and difficult experience that one might expect with an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
In this interview, Karla talks about her father and how meaningful he was in her life, the different stages of decline she observed in him, and the emotions of producing a series of personal feature-length stories about her dad and the impact of Alzheimer's. Furthermore, Karla spotlights the stress Alzheimer's places on caregivers – many of whom are senior citizens.
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Karla's Recommendations:
- U2
- The Daily podcast by The New York Times
- Up First by NPR
- All books by Margaret Atwood
- Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
- Schitt's Creek on Netflix
- Game of Thrones on HBO
Shuva's Recommendation:
- In The Heights movie musical
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
A longtime community activist in Colorado, Janine Vanderburg leads Changing the Narrative, a campaign started in 2018 to change the way people think, talk and act about aging and ageism. This year Janine created and launched an anti-ageist birthday card campaign to help change the cultural narrative about aging,
In this interview, Janine shares how she got involved in Changing the Narrative, how the birthday card activism began, and the selection process of the artists involved in the campaign. Furthermore, Janine talks about the message she's articulated to the major greeting card companies about designing birthday cards.
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Janine's Recommendations:
- The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
- Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams
- The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Jon R. Kerstetter completed three tours of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army as a combat physician and flight surgeon from 2003 to 2006. After his return from Iraq, Dr. Kerstetter suffered a stroke while undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm. The resulting cognitive and physical impairments left him unable to continue his career as a doctor and military officer. Through extensive physical and cognitive rehabilitation, he enrolled in a graduate writing program at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, earning his Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction, and is the author of Crossings: A Doctor-Soldier's Story.
In this interview, the Iowa City, Iowa resident reflects on his childhood growing up on an Indian reservation in Oneida, Wisconsin, changing course in middle age to become a doctor, and contributing his medical skills in international conflicts before serving in Iraq. He also talks about the differences between civilian and military medicine, and shares a handful of remarkable experiences being challenged during his time in Iraq as well as on the long road to recovering from his stroke through writing his memoir.
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Jon's Recommendations:
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Killing Crazy Horse by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Marvel Studios' The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
The influence of Alexa – the voice-powered artificial intelligence assistant – among aging adults who live alone is the focal point of a recent study by Dr. Valerie Jones of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In this interview, the associate professor in the school's College of Journalism and Mass Communications talks about the basic components of the study, the Alexa guide provided to help the senior citizens use the device regularly, and the implications the results can have for society.
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Valerie's Recommendations:
- Apeirogon and Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
Shuva's Recommendation:
- The Last Dance Netflix series
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Alex and Laura Taylor embarked back to Iowa City, Iowa, after several years away to start a new chapter in their lives with their family of four. Little did they realize that would later include becoming owners of Woofables, a gourmet dog biscuit bakery which has become a thriving business serving hundreds of vendorsddd across the United States.
In this interview, the couple talks about the challenges in their early years for Woofables as they worked other jobs and raised their kids. Alex and Laura also share a bit about the low points the business experienced, why the pandemic was an unexpectedly good for their dog treats, and where they see the future of the company.
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Laura Taylor's Recommendation:
- Learn new things, keep your brain active
Alex Taylor's Recommendation:
- Be engaged in the community
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Pair a race goal with a travel goal (i.e. 50 states, 50 races)
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Maria Manning, originally from the Cape Verde Islands in West Africa, came to the U.S. when she was 31. After decades of taking care of family members and navigating through various health issues, she finally achieved one of her biggest goals this past spring by earning her bachelor's degree at the age of 88. She graduated with a double major in liberal arts and Spanish public services from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
In this interview, Maria shares a bit about her childhood, her long path to getting an education, and reflections on her time in college, as well as her graduation day.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
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Robert Kaplan, aka Sam the Senior, is the creator of TheOlderFolk.com, an acknowledgement of humor-infused reality on being a senior citizen. The website and Instagram account feature aspects of his life – some in cartoon posts – that articulate the quirky realities of getting older as well as lessons about healthy habits aimed to encourage longevity.
In this interview, Sam the Senior talks about his work with the aging population as a traveling optician prior to starting the site as well as some of the fictional characters developed previously about healthy living. One of those characters is Healthy Man, depicted in The Healthy Man Handbook. Sam the Senior also talks about some of the content on theolderfolk.com that's generated positive feedback and shares what he hopes to accomplish with the site longterm.
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Sam the Senior's Recommendation:
- Hemingway
Shuva's Recommendation:
- The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Check out guest recommendations on Pinterest. Finally, you can support the show through Patreon or leave a tip on the Goodpods app.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
In Season 5, I have eight new episodes of guests whose experiences have shaped their narratives and aim to challenge our own beliefs of what’s possible.
All my guests this year are based in the U.S. and range in age from 17 to 89. Two interview episodes feature guests from my home state of Iowa. The others are from New York state, California, Colorado, as well as guests for the first time from the neighboring states of Nebraska and Minnesota. This preview episode introduces the following guests:
- 8/3: Season 5 preview
- 8/10: Ep. 40: TheOlderFolk.com Creator Sam the Senior
- 8/17: Ep. 41: Class of 2021 Graduate Maria Manning
- 8/24: Ep. 42: Woofables Owners Alex + Laura Taylor
- 8/31 Ep. 43: University of Nebraska Loneliness + AI Researcher Dr. Valerie Jones
- 9/7: Ep. 44: Iraq War Doctor-Soldier + Stroke Survivor Jon Kerstetter
- 9/14: Ep. 45: Anti-Ageist Birthday Card Activist Janine Vanderburg
- 9/21: Ep. 46: Alzheimer's Family Caregiving Advocate Karla Hult
- 9/28: Ep. 47: Teen Tech Educator for Senior Citizens Jordan Mittler
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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out past guest recommendations on Pinterest.
Finally, you can support the show through Patreon.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
After Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, England went into lockdown in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, activities co-coordinator Robert Speker – already accustomed to creating fun activities to keep residents motivated, enthused, and engaged – began a long-desired project to recreate iconic album covers. Robert shared a few images on Twitter in July 2020, which quickly sparked worldwide media attention and praise for the project. This included a few responses from those connected with the original album covers.
In this interview, Robert explains how the strong relationship he's developed with residents over the years fostered the trust displayed for the album project. Furthermore, the husband and father of three shares why lockdown made navigating the logistics of the project easier, how residents reacted when they saw themselves, and the how the images have been used.
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Robert's Recommendations:
Reading
- The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Books by Julia Donaldson
Shows
- The Bonfire of Destiny Netflix series
- After Life Netflix series, Season 1
- Bridgerton Netflix series
- Little Fires Everywhere Hulu series
- Big Little Lies HBO series
- Mindhunter Netflix series
Music
- Simon Lynge
- Rag'n'Bone Man
Travel
- Newcastle upon Tyne
Shuva's Recommendation:
- WandaVision Disney+ series
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Enjoy this podcast? Consider being a regular contributor on the Untrained Wisdom Patreon page.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
In June 2020, Mary Jo Laupp posted a short video on TikTok instructing her 1,002 followers to reserve tickets under fake email addresses to a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The video went viral and the 19,000-seat arena attracted a mere 6,200 to the event, which was held during the coronavirus pandemic.
In this interview, Mary Jo reflects on her journey with social media, which began on MySpace as way to ensure her then 13-year-old daughter stayed safe on the platform. A high school musical director and accompanist in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mary Jo shares how so she learned about TikTok, why she got on it, and what she finds appealing. The mother and grandmother also talks about how her use of the platform has compelled others, including people 55+, to begin exploring it and provides her thoughts on how TikTok can be more inviting to older adults.
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If you have a unique story involving helping an older adult with technology or if you are an older adult who learned a tech-related skill from someone younger, share your story by recording a short voice memo on your phone. Include your first name, city and state and email the recording to untrainedwisdom@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, June 22. Submissions may be used in a future episode.
Mary Jo's Recommendations:
- State of Mine band
- Books by mystery writer Laura Del
Shuva's Recommendation:
- The Queen's Gambit Netflix miniseries
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Enjoy this podcast? Consider being a regular contributor on the Untrained Wisdom Patreon page.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Device Advice is an organization at the University of Iowa in which college students teach senior citizens in the community about technology while making meaningful connections. In this interview, organization president Evita Woolsey and faculty adviser Ken Brown share their thoughts about why the group is beneficial for students as well as older adults.
Starting with the origin story, Ken Brown explains how a prominent donor from St. Louis pitched Iowa's Tippie College of Business to start a chapter after giving the organization its start at Washington University's Olin School of Business. In addition, Evita Woolsey talks about what it was like leading the organization during a pandemic and how a recent rebranding – which resulted in the Device Advice name – further enhances the group's mission and vision so more students can get involved.
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If you have a unique story involving helping an older adult with technology or if you are an older adult who learned a tech-related skill from someone younger, share your story by recording a short voice memo on your phone. Include your first name, city and state and email the recording to untrainedwisdom@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, June 22. Submissions may be used in a future episode.
Evita's Recommendations:
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Radio Headspace podcast
Ken's Recommendations:
- Antarctica
- Do something fun with people you enjoy being around.
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Arctic Circle sign in Alaska
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If this enjoy this podcast, consider making a recurring contribution on the Untrained Wisdom Patreon page.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Driven by a desire to have a transitional living option that positions itself between completely independent living and assisted living, Susan Shullaw and a group of friends co-founded TRAIL of Johnson County. As Iowa's first aging-in-place organization TRAIL modeled itself after the Village to Village Network and has grown to more than 200 members since opening its doors in 2017. In this interview, Susan shares why it's important for the community to have an aging-in-place organization, the benefits provided to members, and her vision for the future of TRAIL. She also shares how locals who are not older adults can become TRAIL volunteers, as well as advice for communities that want to consider starting their own aging-in-place organization.
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Susan's Recommendations:
- Hot Tamale Louie (trailer) by John Rapson
- Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
- Some Kind of Heaven documentary
Shuva's Recommendation:
- At The Ready documentary
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
If this enjoy this podcast, consider making a recurring contribution on the Untrained Wisdom Patreon page.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Devin Perreault, a personal trainer in Boulder, Colo., was a teenager when he was encouraged by his grandfather, Ernie, to start strength training. That love of lifting came around full circle when Devin started training his grandfather at the age of 95. Ernie had just come home from the hospital after a 2.5-month recovery from hernia surgery when the duo started going to the gym twice a week. Under Devin's guidance, Ernie went from walking with a cane to jogging across a basketball court during their workouts.
In this interview, Devin shares how he helped his grandfather increase his strength – all while admiring how much the elder maintained a positive and humble attitude in life – and documented his progress on the 99yearsyoung Instagram account. Ernie passed away in February – months shy of his 100th birthday. But Devin hopes to inspire as many people as possible to get stronger at an older age so they can get as much out of their years as his grandfather did.
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Devin's Recommendations:
- Prince
- Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Stacks books and reading list app
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
If this enjoy this podcast, consider making a recurring contribution on the Untrained Wisdom Patreon page.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Jami Morton and Mary Olson live in the same neighborhood in Washington state. But their friendship began with sharing a love of music through jam sessions with other neighbors and eventually morphed into one-on-one conversations about what life has to offer – specifically for perennial women like them. Driven by a desire to inspire others of their generation, the two friends created Ola Possible as a place for women to look forward to their next chapter in life, "break down the stigma around aging, and believe in what IS possible."
In this interview, Mary and Jami share about how Ola Possible began, as well as the other women involved as partners and what they offer. In addition, the two friends talk about their hopes for expanding their community. Ola Possible can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
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Mary's Recommendation:
-Play a musical instrument
Jami's Recommendation:
- Maui
- The 5AM Club
Find these recommendations and others on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Keyanna Blass' dad was in and out of her life growing up. A veteran in his 70s, Joseph Blass has struggled with drug addiction, schizophrenia, dementia, and homelessness. However, throughout the years, he has created unique and imaginative pieces of art.
In this interview, Keyanna reflects on how the relationship with her father has evolved over time and how his psychological conditions motivated her to amplify the spotlight on mental health in the black community. Furthermore, she talks about Joseph's artwork, which she is featuring on the @art_by_josephblass Instagram account.
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Keyanna's Recommendations:
- Brené Brown
- Dr. Andrew Huberman
- Esther Hicks
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Law of Attraction Changed My Life podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Renae Perry is the chief operating officer at The Senior Source, a nonprofit organization serving older adults and family caregivers in the greater Dallas area for nearly 60 years. Since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas, Renae and her team have been instrumental in ensuring older adults stay informed and have their questions answered.
In this interview, Renae discusses how The Senior Source has helped elderly residents get vaccine appointments. Furthermore, she talks about the importance of collaborating with the health department and other local officials to make sure information about vaccine availability and effectiveness is adequately communicated – especially among underserved populations. Finally, Renae shares ideas on how someone can help an elderly person – such as a neighbor or family member – who has yet to be vaccinated.
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If you have someone in your life unsure about being vaccinated, check out Vaccine Resources: Benefits vs. Myths. This document, created by The Senior Source, includes links to relevant YouTube videos that address common concerns.
Renae's Recommendations:
- Stamped From The Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
- The Great British Baking Show
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Libby app (for checking out e-books and audio books from your local library)
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
In Season 4, I have eight episodes of guests whose experiences have shaped their narratives and aim to challenge our own beliefs of what’s possible.
Four of my guests are from my home state of Iowa. The others are from Texas, Arizona, Washington state, Colorado, and England. This preview episode introduces the following guests:
- 5/4 Ep. 32: Dallas-Based COVID Vaccine Resource Leader Renae Perry
- 5/11 Ep. 33: Mental Health Advocate + Caregiver Daughter Keyanna Blass
- 5/18 Ep. 34: Ola Possible Creators Jami Morton + Mary Olson
- 5/25 Ep. 35: Grandfather's Health Journey Chronicler Devin Perreault
- 6/1 Ep. 36: Iowa Aging-in-Place Nonprofit Co-Founder Susan Shullaw
- 6/8 Ep. 37: University of Iowa Device Advice Leaders Evita Woolsey + Ken Brown
- 6/15 Ep. 38: Tik Tok Grandma Mary Jo Laupp
- 6/22 Ep. 39: Re-Creator of Iconic Album Covers Robert Speker
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Find out more about podcast on the Untrained Wisdom blog, where you can find some FAQs about the show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
In late February 2021, host Shuva Rahim presented a webinar to a group of senior citizens that focused on introducing learners about how to listen to podcasts. This bonus episode is an edited version of that class, which was made possible through TRAIL of Johnson County and the Iowa City Senior Center.
Listeners can follow along by viewing the visual presentation.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
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Patrick Bradley learned a lot about Bald eagles in the most unexpected way imaginable: spending three years in the Canadian wilderness after returning home from the Vietnam War. The isolated experience up north helped him recover from what is more commonly known today as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Years later, Patrick's life would lead him to help other wounded warriors – his efforts formalized through the Avian Veteran Alliance, a nonprofit he co-founded that pairs veterans suffering from PTSD and physical injuries with injured birds of prey. The book The Eagle on My Arm: How the Wilderness and Birds of Prey Saved a Veteran's Life by Dava Guerin and Terry Bivens chronicles Patrick's story of how the soldier used his years of study and solitude to face his demons and turn his pain into helping others.
In this interview, Patrick talks about his first experience seeing a Bald eagle in Canada – the starting point of what would serve as a lifelong love with birds of prey. He shares about how he reshaped a volunteer program in a nature preserve in Florida and witnessed the transformation in his son Skylar, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, when given a bird to walk. Patrick also discusses birds he's worked with, the experience vets have after walking with the injured creatures, and how his work led him to spend time with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, who gifted the younger veteran with his challenge coin. (To learn about challenge coins, listen to this episode of 99% Invisible).
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Patrick's Recommendations:
- Books by Dava Guerin
- 22aDay Movement
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Iowa Raptor Project
Check out these recommendations and more on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page. Find out more about podcast on the Untrained Wisdom blog, where you can find some FAQs about the show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
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Cheri Villa's affinity for horses stemmed from toys, books, and TV shows she was a youngster – not from being around the majestic creatures like many kids. So, years later, when she articulated her desire to have a horse – something that didn't make conventional sense since she never grew up learning to ride – little did she realize that admission would lead her to relocate in 2019 from an intense-paced life in the Washington, D.C.-area to a quaint horse farm in Ocala, Florida.
In this interview, Cheri talks about how she followed her strong desire to shift her life and follow her purpose. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, she became a quick study on caring for horses and eventually starting Pegasus Horse Wisdom, a leadership and life coaching business anchored by her equines. Cheri discusses the role her horses have in helping her clients, many of whom are women in life or career transitions. She also shares tidbits of life with her animals on Instagram (@serenity_at_tudorfarm) and on YouTube (Tudor Farm).
View PDF Transcript
Cheri's Recommendations:
- Mindvalley online personal growth learning platform
- Brendon Burchard, high performance and personal development coach
- Earthing by Clinton Ober, Dr. Stephen Sinatra, and Martin Zucker
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
Check out these recommendations and more on the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
Also, if you or someone you know is unfamiliar or new to podcasts and would like to know the basics about how to access and listen to them, check out this blog post to learn how you can be part of a free online talk Shuva will give on Friday, Feb. 26 at 3:30 p.m. CST.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the Untrained Wisdom blog for some FAQs about the show.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
Niki Kuklenski of Washington state has been involved with llamas since she was a youngster. After graduating from college, she went on to train the top show llama of all time. Following his success, Eagle became registered for therapy work with Pet Partners, a national organization that registers nine different species of animals for such purposes. Since that time, Niki's therapy animal registrations include more than 10 different llamas.
In this interview, the schoolteacher talks about the impact llamas can have on senior citizens in residential care facilities and the benefit of such visits for the animals. Furthermore, she shares the importance of being aware of how llamas react to community environments so they don't feel stressed or upset. With her many years of experience, Niki serves as a valuable resource and expert when it comes to educating the public about llamas and guiding people interested in working with the species in a therapy capacity. She shares her knowledge and daily experiences freely online in various places - including her website (jnkllamas.com), Facebook page (Registered Therapy Llamas), and Instagram account (@therapyllamas).
View PDF Transcript
Niki's Recommendation:
- Heartfelt Connections by Anne E. Beall
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Prairie Patch Farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the Untrained Wisdom blog for some FAQs about the show.
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up here for your own Buzzsprout account.
The Arizona Pet Project is a nonprofit headquartered in Phoenix that focuses on building safer, healthier communities for people and their pets. In this interview, Executive Director Leanna Taylor talks about the work the organization does for people who may be struggling to care for their pets - many of whom are senior citizens on fixed incomes and are experiencing mental or physical challenges as they navigate through transitions in life.
Leanna also talks about how the organization came to fruition, the progress it's made in helping keep pets with their elderly owners, and the services offered to ensure animals are taken care of while their owners work toward getting their lives stabilized.
View PDF Transcript
Leanna's Recommendations:
- Nice White Parents podcast
- Arizona
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Rock'n Roll Arizona Half Marathon
Check out the Untrained Wisdom blog to learn about behind-the-scenes decisions about the show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
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Dr. Chris Herzig is a full-time radiologist in southern California who – in partnership with his wife, Lisa – produces fun learning tools for young school-aged students. His work with Unicorn Jazz, an educational children's community brand that includes books and anAmazon TV show, allows Chris to explore new technologies and creative projects that don't play a role in his medical career. In addition, his science background serves as a foundation to incorporate left-brained learning - especially about nature and different animal species - to the fantasy landscape whose aim is to teach youngsters about belonging, being unique, and believing in others.
In this interview, Chris talks about his willingness to stretch himself by trying new things and how working in a pandemic has positively impacted the Unicorn Jazz community. He also shares details about two upcoming children's books in which he collaborated.
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Chris' Recommendation:
- Mammoth Lakes, CA
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Amtrak's Coast Starlight route
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Only one week after she retired as the CEO and president of a science museum in Iowa, Kim Findlay and her husband left their home to explore the western U.S. in their RV. With them was their 10-year-old Golden Retriever, Harley, who the couple adopted when he was 8 weeks old. In the months to follow Kim's observations of how Harley responded to the world around him, coupled with the dog's changing health, prompted her to celebrate the furry family member in the form of a children's picture book published in 2020 called Harley's Great Adventure: Meeting Change with Courage and Kindness.
In this interview, Kim shares about how Harley spent his days before the RV adventure began, how the process of writing a book took shape, as well as the feedback she got after publication from family and friends. Furthermore, she shares what she hopes the book will bring to readers of all ages.
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Kim's Recommendation:
- 1SE app
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Vivien Fallows of West Sussex, England took horse riding lessons as a child. That experience, though, was not pivotal to her upbringing. She stopped her lessons, grew up, raised a family, had a career, and pursued other interests - including writing a memoir called Travels with George: Diary of a Mum on a Mission published in 2017 about her solo journey to Australia after the age of 50.
After Vivien and her husband moved from London to a small village, where nearly everyone was riding a horse, did she begin thinking about taking lessons again. That eventually led to her being the owner of a Welsh mountain pony named Casper. In this interview, Vivien talks about her experiences with horses as a youngster, the thought process on revisiting riding after many years, as well as how Casper is a ingrained part of her life as they've both matured.
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Vivien's Recommendations:
- The Famished Road by Ben Okri
- Books of Thomas Hardy, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Wilkie Collins
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- The Crown (Seasons 1 and 2)
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Doctor Who
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
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Welcome to Season 3 of Untrained Wisdom, a podcast featuring people 55+ who are currently redefining the paradigm with amazing and inspiring endeavors, and industry professionals whose expertise improves the lives of seasoned generations. An additional common denominator of all the Season 3 guests is interesting animal-related stories, whether it's about a dog, horse, llama, bird or fictional character.
Season 3 consists of 7 interviews - released each Tuesday starting January 19, 2021. Conversations were conducted online with guests in England and the U.S. states of Arizona, California, Florida, and Washington.
Host Shuva Rahim introduces you to the season's guests through audio previews from their respective interviews (:46.16 to 5:01.12).
View PDF Transcript
If you're someone who searches the web to locate a specific episode for a link in the Show Notes, there's now an easier stopping place to turn to: the Untrained Wisdom Pinterest page.
In this short episode, host Shuva Rahim explains some of the different Pinterest boards on the Untrained Wisdom page, which include Guest Businesses/Employers and Guest Book Recommendations.
If you're on Pinterest, follow Untrained Wisdom to stay updated on new pins.
View PDF Transcript
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In what's been a difficult year for many, a few guests from Season 1 and Season 2 share some positive moments from their 2020 after an introductory statement from host Shuva Rahim.
In this episode you'll hear from:
- Nia Instructor Beth Pelton, Ep. 1
- Parent Caregiver & Author Diane Koster, Ep. 7
(Learn about Lindsay's Legacy Fund) - Prenatal Yoga Instructor Roberta Kelinson, Ep. 11
- Card Writer to Senior Home Residents Deborah Widger, Ep. 14
(DM her @shopgalny on Instagram about donating cards) - Poet Mary F. Lenox, Ep. 17
- "Women Going For It" Author Diana Coleman, Ep. 22
View PDF Transcript
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Unlike a lot of family businesses, Brad Borg and Cathy Borg began working together only a few years ago. The close relationship between the brother and sister exudes a level of trust that puts the clients of their Toronto-based business, In and Out Organizing, at ease.
In this interview, the siblings talk about how their different work backgrounds – which include jobs in government, the arts, and education – prepared them to work in the organizing industry. They also discuss the common thread of life-changing experiences – regardless of where someone is in life – that leads people to reach out to them. Brad and Cathy also reflect on some lighter moments in their interactions with clients that keep the work interesting.
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Brad's Recommendation:
- Québec City
Cathy's Recommendation:
- Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?by Peter Walsh
Shuva's Recommendation:
- SelfControl app
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Dr. Serena Liu is a physical therapist who specializes in helping the geriatric population. In addition to working at the Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing Facility in San Rafael, California, she is creator of the @resilientaging Instagram account - an exploration of how to best help older adults navigate the challenges that come with aging outside traditional physical therapy.
In this interview, Serena talks about how she made the decision to focus on older adults and about the types of patients she typically sees. She also shares a success story with one patient in her 90s, and points out the impact of a person's life when adding movement. In addition to the Instagram account, Serena shares valuable - and a few free - resources for older adults on her website.
View PDF Transcript
Serena's Recommendations:
- How Not To Diet by Michael Greger
- Michael Greger's Video Library
- What the Health documentary
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Hal Higdon training plans for runners
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Diana Coleman is the author of Women Going For it! Taking Risks After 50. Describing herself as a risk-taking motivator, the Maine-based writer chronicled the stories of 26 women in their 50s through 80s that celebrate their resilience and stamina in taking personal risks.
In this interview, Diana talks about how idea of exploring risk-taking after 50 began long before the book, with collecting of survey results from all over the country – prior to Survey Monkey existing. She also discusses a few of the stories in the book, which include a heart attack survivor turned singer in her 50s, and a Roller Derby skater in her 70s. Finally, the author speaks about on how women can share their stories as well as continue their own conversations about the book, which is available on Amazon.
Download PDF Transcript
Diana's Recommendations:
- Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride by Peter Zheutlin
- Books by Elizabeth Strout
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Maine
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Peggy Averitt is a grateful liver transplant recipient in Orange County, California who has raised awareness for organ and tissue donation as a OneLegacy/Donate Life Ambassador. With her second chance at life, much of this nurse's volunteer time goes toward sharing her story to audiences so they understand the impact of being a donor.
In this interview, Peggy – who celebrated her 7th Liverversary in the summer of 2020 – talks about her diagnosis with end-stage liver disease and the critical decision her doctor in California made that significantly increased her chances of getting a new organ. Peggy also shares some health obstacles she faced as a result of the transplant, which she says has been worth it because she is alive. A grandmother of two, Peggy's enthusiasm for life and her mission caught the attention of Confidence, an online magazine which featured her on its cover in its May/June 2020 issue.
Download PDF Transcript
Peggy's Recommendation:
- Get involved with Donate Life in your state
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
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Leyla Alyanak is a journalist and former foreign correspondent from France who, at 43, made a major decision to reinvent herself and travel the world for solo for six months. That trip ended up lasting four years – before cell phones, apps, and Google. During that time, she had numerous adventures, including getting lost in a Mozambican minefield and paddling her way out of a flood in the Philippines.
Now in her 60s, Leyla travels the world solo as often as she can, documenting it all on Women on the Road, which is a website for solo travel over 50. However, after COVID-19 hit Leyla shifted her focus on her own country. Ever the optimist, she launched a new travel website called Offbeat France in which she shares lesser-known stories the guidebooks don't tell you.
In this interview, Leyla talks about what her first solo trip as a teenager was like, how she supported herself through her journey as an adult, and why solo travel for women is important. She also shares some valuable tips when traveling solo.
Download PDF Transcript
Leyla's Recommendations:
- Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery series by Donna Leon
- No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith
- Travel to somewhere culturally familiar
Shuva's Recommendation:
- U.S. travel by Amtrak
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Salehuddin and Nahar Ahmed were accustomed to living in different parts of the world for work and education. But they always returned to their home in Bangladesh. It wasn't until their two daughters moved to the Dallas, Texas-area that moving permanently to the U.S. became a consideration. In 2019, the couple was granted permanent residency.
In this interview, the duo shares what the process entailed and compares life in the U.S. and Bangladesh. They also talk about how they are connecting with youngsters from Bangladeshi families locally and worldwide to teach them their native language, Bengali.
Download PDF Transcript
Salehuddin's Recommendations:
- Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
- Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
Nahar's Recommendation:
-Albuquerque, New Mexico
Shuva's Recommendation:
- New England
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After Carleigh Berryman learned her grandmother wasn't as upbeat about life as she used to be, the young woman came up with an innovative idea that would help not only her aging loved one but catalyze a change in the mental health of many senior citizens. Through the 2019 founding of her Washington, D.C.-based company, Viva Vita, Carleigh and her team bring virtual reality (VR) to senior living communities. The curated experiences provided to residents allow engaging interactions while promoting brain health.
In this interview, Carleigh shares what kinds of content are more favorable for senior citizens, describes a typical facilitated group session, and provides some benefits of VR. Furthermore, she talks about how Viva Vita is making the technology more available to communities outside its metro area.
See PDF transcript.
Carleigh's Recommendations:
VR:
- Google Cardboard
- Oculus Go
Books:
-Old Age in a New Age by Beth Baker
- Successful Aging by Daniel J. Levitin
Favorite D.C. museum:
- National Portrait Gallery
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Top Tourist sites in Washington, D.C.
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To say Mary F. Lenox has a way with words is an understatement. A retired university dean, the San Diego, California-based poet draws inspiration from her natural surroundings and regular walks. Several years ago, her observations about the physical world, intertwined with her own evolution as a person, led to a "spiritual practice" of writing a daily poem – a ritual she continues today. Some of those poems can be found in two books she's authored: Threads of Grace: Selected Poems (2015) and Riches of Life: Poems (2019).
In this interview, Mary discusses how different environments have shaped her writing, how she goes about creating a poem, what she hopes readers get out of her poetry, as well as why this form of prose is important. Furthermore, she share a couple of her recent works composed this year, including one after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020.
For anyone who wants to learn more about the art form, Mary suggests listening to The Slowdown podcast hosted by Tracy K. Smith, which introduces listeners to five minutes of poetry each episode.
Mary's Recommendations:
-We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For by Alice Walker
- Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue
- The House of Belonging by David Whyte
- A Summer's Day by Mary Oliver
- On Being podcast by Krista Tippett
Shuva's Recommendation:
-Top 25 Things to do in San Diego, California
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Ann Christenson observed the impacts of climate change early in her adult life. Her interest in raising awareness about the environment compelled her to participate in protests throughout the last decade in Washington, D.C. – one which resulted in a 2011 arrest while opposing the Keystone XL Pipeline. A year later, in 2012, the Iowa mother and grandmother co-founded a group called 100 Grannies for a Livable Future with her friend Barbara Schlachter to give older women like them a platform from which to voice their concerns about anti-environmental actions. Since then, the 100 Grannies – featured in a 2019 MSNBC news story – has made its presence known through Iowa and Nebraska at government meetings and environmental hearings, as well as county-based service organizations, schools, and community events.
In this interview, Ann talks about being arrested, the work 100 Grannies has done she's proud of, and her thoughts on the impact of TIME 2019 Person of the Year Greta Thunberg on younger generations.
100 Grannies has a private Facebook page and can be reached via email at 100granniesiowacity@gmail.com.
Related:
- Ep. 5: Climate Action Activist Miriam Kashia
Ann's Recommendations:
-"The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson
- "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
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For more than 30 years, Deepa Balsavar of Mumbai, India, has been developing curricular materials and collaborating with experts to create educational resources. A few of her works led to an opportunity to write and illustrate children's books beginning in 2005.
Since then, Deepa has flourished in her talents as a writer and artist. Her first children's book "The Seed", published by Tulika, was selected in 2007 an Outstanding International Book for Children in the White Ravens Catalogue put out annually by the International Youth Library in Germany. While Deepa views herself as being "the same person that I always was" when younger, she began her 60s with her most recent book "Nani's Walk to the Park" – published by Pratham Books – having earned the Best of Indian Children’s Writing (BICW) Contemporary Awards in 2019.
In this interview, Deepa talks about her journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator, some of her favorite book projects, as well as how she prioritizes her skillsets as a creator.
Additional Resources:
- This Medium article about "Nani's Walk to the Park" includes images of some draft and final illustrations of the book.
- Deepa's Instagram account
Deepa's Recommendations:
- Books by David Quammen, Ruth Rendell, and Sue Grafton
- "My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises"by Fredrick Bachman
Shuva's Recommendation:
- "Phoebe the Photographer: Gets a Camera" written by Beryl Young and illustrated by Darya Shchegoleva
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Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic led New York residents to be in quarantine in March 2020, Deborah Widger realized the most vulnerable population would be socially overlooked. So she reached out to assisted living facilities in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and sent out batches of "thinking-of-you" cards to senior residents. The project caught the attention of local media and sparked re-shares of her Instagram posts about her card project. In this interview, Deborah talks about why she wanted to focus on senior citizens, her thought process on choosing cards, the message she decided to write on each, and shares how others can do a similar project in their communities.
If you are interested in sending cards to Deborah or providing a donation, send her a DM (direct message) on her Instagram page.
Deborah's recommendation:
- Bodrum, Turkey
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A few years after being introduced to Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa at a fundraiser, Nancy Hale become a volunteer coach for the organization in retirement. In this interview, she talks about her experience with exercise from childhood to young adulthood, why GOTR is important for girls, and how being involved with young people has impacted her life.
Find a GOTR council near you or learn how you can start one in your area.
Nancy's Recommendations:
- Books by Louise Penny
- Scotland Highlands
- BritBox and AcornTV
Shuva's Recommendation:
- The Mandalorian Behind-the-Scenes
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Welcome to Season 2 of Untrained Wisdom, a podcast in which you'll hear from people 55+ who are redefining the paradigm on what it means to become older, and learn from industry professionals whose guidance helps seasoned generations live more fully.
Season 2 consists of 12 interviews - released each Tuesday starting Sept. 15, 2020. Conversations were conducted online with guests in 5 U.S. states - Iowa, New York, California, Texas, and Maine, and Washington, D.C. - as well as internationally in Toronto, Canada, a rural village in eastern France, and Mumbai, India.
Host Shuva Rahim introduces you to the season's guests through audio previews from their respective interviews (:59 to 7:26.15). Check out the transcript for details.
How to Subscribe to Podcasts on Your iPhone or iPad
How to Subscribe to a Podcast on an Android Phone
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In the months leading up to the New Hampshire First In The Nation primary on Feb. 11, 2020, Pat Provencher, at 89, was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Pete Buttigieg presidential campaign. Her energetic spirit, donned by a jacket covered in Pete campaign buttons and a straw cowboy hat adorned with a patriotic-styled scarf as the band, captured the attention of national and international media. In addition to her home state of New Hampshire, Pat campaigned in North and South Carolina. Her daughter, Patsy Dullea, was her mom's photographer, social media manager, and right-hand gal. In this interview, which was recorded shortly after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic shutdown in March, mother and daughter reflect on the highlights of the campaign experience and their hopes for a new administration.
Check out this video from October 2019 of former South Bend, Ind. Mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg hugging Pat Provencher as he makes his way to the Statehouse office to officially have his name on the primary ballot.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Pat's Recommendation:
- Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future by Pete Buttigieg
Patsy's Recommendation:
- Joe Biden
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Chasten Chats
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After retiring as a public school educator, Roberta Kelinson began a new career as a prenatal yoga instructor in the Quad City area (a region of southeastern Iowa and northeastern Illinois). Her love for empowering women to connect with their bodies during pregnancy has allowed the grandmother of two to carve a niche based on her yoga training, as well as her own pre- and post-natal experiences. Through her business, Born to Breathe, Roberta's teaching spaces include the local YWCA and an OB/GYN clinic. Triggered by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Roberta began online classes - thus allowing students from across the U.S. to learn from her.
Looking for a prenatal yoga instructor near you? Do a filtered keyword search on the Yoga Alliance website.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Roberta's Recommendations:
- Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- Birthing From Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
- Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered by Rebecca Dekker
- The Business of Being Born documentary
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
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Najma Sharif has created art since she was a young child, drawing or painting whenever she could - even when discouraged by her parents to do so. However, in recent years, the Halifax, Nova Scotia-area retired economics professor has been capitalizing on her talent by doing live wedding paintings in Canada. In this interview, Najma – who shares her work regularly on Instagram – talks about how she got into doing live wedding paintings, her process of creating an art piece at an event, and why her work stands out.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Najma's Recommendation:
- Books by Jane Austen
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Peggys Cove Lighthouse
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Craig Mosher's interest in leading group discussions about death stems from a family loss he felt could've been handled differently. After being involved in a group in Decorah, Iowa called Doing Death Differently, Craig moved to Iowa City, Iowa where he now leads a similar monthly gathering at the local Senior Center called Death Cafe. Through facilitation of the worldwide "social franchise" Craig encourages normalizing conversations about death and dying among our loved ones.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Craig's Recommendations:
- Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
- When Breathe Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Bonaventure Cemetery Tours in Savannah, Ga.
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After Kelly Sedlacek saw her grandmothers transition in their levels of dependency, she decided in 2015 to create Everyday Helper with the goal of offering senior companion care. The Coralville, Iowa-based small business has grown in staff and services, but working with the senior population remains Kelly's favorite. In this interview, Kelly talks about what companion care means, why it's important to have this service, and how the coronavirus pandemic impacts how she and her staff interact with seniors.
Johnson County Livable Community is a local resource Kelly recommends, but is a valuable site for anyone looking for general information about senior care.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Kelly's Recommendation:
- Calm, an app for meditation and sleep
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Unlocking Us podcast by Brené Brown
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Lindsay Thul was only 28 when she was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive disease. She died 10 months later at age 29 at her Davenport, Iowa home. Her mother, Diane Koster, talks about this difficult journey – much of which is chronicled in a book released in spring 2020 she co-authored with her daughter called Lindsay's Legacy: A Mother's Memories. Lindsay's contribution to the book derives from dozens of GoFundMe posts she wrote to help pay for medical expenses as well as raise awareness about the disease.
Since the book's release Lindsay's Legacy Fund was established through Genesis Health System, which serves a 17-county, bi-state region of Iowa and Illinois. The fund's purpose is to help IBC patients who are burdened by the expense of tests, treatments, consultations, and travel. A portion of annual funds may also be directed to IBC research.
Go to The IBC Network to learn more about Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading facility for IBC research.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
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For Shelley Oglesby, improving her health meant more than losing weight. Driven by a desire to want to grow old well and not be a burden on anyone, she began incorporating Pilates into her life a few times a week in 2012. Her enjoyment of the controlled movements that define this exercise form led her to progress from student to teacher. Nowadays, Shelley is part of the staff at Rivercity Pilates, where she leads mat and Tower classes at the North Liberty, Iowa studio.
Shelley's Favorite Pilates Exercises:
- Open Leg Rocker
- Boomerang
Pilates Method Alliance is the professional association for teachers of this movement form.
Looking for a Pilates instructor near you? Do a search by one or more filters on the Nationally Certified Pilates Teachers website.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Shelley's Recommendation:
- Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
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Miriam Kashia has always loved the outdoors. But the North Liberty, Iowa woman became aware of the impact climate change is having on the planet long before most people, and felt compelled to do something about it. Now in her late 70s, Miriam describes herself as a climate action warrior. In this interview, she talks about walking across the U.S. to raise awareness about the climate crisis, protesting the DAPL project, her arrest record, and more.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Groups referenced in this interview are: 100 Grannies for a Livable Future, MoveOn, 350, and Pachamama Alliance
Miriam's Recommendations:
- The Race to Save the World
- We Rise to Resist: Voices from a New Era in Women's Political Action
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Blue Planet and Blue Planet II
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After a lengthy career as a TV news reporter and anchor, Steve Trainor decided to put his journalism skills to use by interviewing families and documenting their stories on video. His northwest Illinois-based business, Remember Your Life Video, aims to capture people's accounts of their lives so they can be shared for generations. In this episode, Steve talks about his process – including some prompts he provides his interviewees – and why it's important to gather our family members' stories. Furthermore, he shares tips on how anyone can begin collecting memories of their loved ones.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Steve's Recommendation:
- Eating at the Eiffel Tower
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival
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When John and Valerie Bowman moved to Iowa City, Iowa in 2018 from California they were among the first residents at Prairie Hill, the first cohousing community in Iowa and among the first in the Midwest. The couple of 40 years is now active in promoting this collaborative living concept, which aims to strike a healthy balance between connection and privacy among its members. In this interview, the Bowmans discuss what drew them to this residential environment initially, what it's like living close to others in their community, how decisions are made, the kinds of people who live here, and their vision on what Prairie Hill could look like in the future.
To learn more about cohousing check out The Cohousing Association of America.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
John's Recommendation:
- The Sun magazine, an independent, ad-free publication
Val's Recommendations:
- On Being podcast by Krista Tippett
- Medium, an online publishing platform with a hybrid of amateur and pro writers
- The Atlantic magazine
- Deep Adaptation by Jem Bendell and related Facebook group
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Bix 7 road race in Davenport, Iowa
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Who gets your savings, your property, and even your favorite personal belongings after you die? Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based attorney Gordon Fischer of Gordon Fischer Law Firm talks about what's involved in estate planning and why to have one – especially in the midst of a pandemic.
If you're in Iowa and are interested in starting an estate plan, Fischer provides access to a free questionnaire on his website. Not in Iowa? Check out the American Bar Association's listings of attorneys in your state and narrow the search by those whose practice includes trusts and estates.
Also referenced is an an excerpt of an interview by done by Radiolab called Dispatch 3: Shared Immunity.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Gordon's Recommendations:
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Hamilton
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Mix different forms of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness and you get Nia, a fusion practice taught worldwide. One of its instructors is Beth Pelton, a first degree Nia black belt instructor at Body Moves Fitness and Wellness Center in Coralville, Iowa, where her primarily age "50 and better" students can feel good through this unique holistic practice.
Click to view a downloadable link to this episode's transcript.
Beth's Recommendations:
- The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II
- How Not to Die by Michael Greger
- How Not to Diet by Michael Greger
- Pianist and composer Will Tuttle
Shuva's Recommendation:
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
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If you're an older adult or have maturing loved ones and welcome inspiration and ideas on leading a more enriching life, this new podcast is for you. Untrained Wisdom, hosted by Shuva Rahim, introduces listeners to ordinary people who have redefined the paradigm of what it means to become older, and industry professionals whose expertise guides seasoned generations to live more fulfilling lives. This introductory episode includes snippets from interviews with the first season's guests (2:05 to 5:57:15).
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