The Not Old - Better Show

The Not Old – Better Show is a radio show that is broadcast over the Internet using podcast technology discussing the hottest issues and topics that fascinate and inform those 50+ age Americans and are of interest and concern to boomers. Not Old – Better viewers and listeners can “tune in” whenever they want, giving them the freedom to enjoy the show in the gym, in the car, at home or work.A SHOW FOR THOSE 50+, BY THOSE 50+ Talk About Better®

Art of Living series: Helen Sheehy, Just Willa 07/22/2025

Sun Protection That Works: Sabina Wizemann on the Science of Smarter Skincare 07/21/2025

The Great Museum of the Sea: Why Shipwrecks Capture the Imagination 07/20/2025

The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington’s Army 07/14/2025

The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington’s Army The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington’s Army The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 🎧 They didn’t just serve Washington—they saved the Revolution. Listen now: 👉 🪖 They weren't just soldiers. They were fishermen, craftsmen, abolitionists, and immigrants. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Black, white, Native American, and Hispanic—united not by uniform, but by purpose. 🎙️ On the latest episode of I sat down with acclaimed military historian and author Patrick K. O’Donnell to uncover the nearly lost story of The Indispensables—a Marblehead, Massachusetts regiment that quite literally carried the Revolution on their backs... and in their boats. Patrick O’Donnell will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up and the title of his presentation is The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington’s Army. , but we have Smithsonian Associate Patrick O’Donnell today! 🌊 From rowing Washington across the ice-filled Delaware on Christmas night... ⚓ To creating the foundations of the U.S. Navy... 🧪 To leading one of America’s first public health responses to a deadly virus outbreak... …these soldier-mariners defined what it means to serve a country still being imagined. 📚 Patrick’s storytelling is immersive, human, and deeply researched—bringing back voices that history left behind. Including the “canceled” Revolutionary War-era doctor who was shunned, then went on to save the entire Continental Army. 🇺🇸 This isn’t just a story of battle—it’s a story of character, community, and what happens when ordinary people do extraordinary things. If you believe in the power of history to teach us something about the present… this one’s worth your time. 🔗 Listen now: https://apple.co/3FAbebT 💬 And if you’re moved by the conversation—drop a comment or share with someone who’d love this. NotOldBetter #SmithsonianAssociates #AmericanHistory #Leadership #Veterans #MilitaryHistory #RevolutionaryWar #PatrickODonnell #LifelongLearning #AgingBoldly #DiversityInHistory For more details, please check out Smithsonian Associates: /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/37405200

Vikings Were Here: Love Notes, Lost Games, and the Hidden Lives Beneath the Helmets 07/08/2025

Separate Paths: Why Canada Rejected America’s Revolution 06/30/2025

Birth of a City: From New Amsterdam to New York 06/28/2025

Grill Smarter, Cook Wilder: Inside BBQ’s Hottest Trends with Nicole Papantoniou! 06/26/2025

Chains, Chords and Grace: The Redemption of John Lee Hooker, Jr 06/25/2025

Dignity, Data, and the Decisions That Shape Our Later Years 06/24/2025

Riding with History: Jefferson, Madison, and the Journey that Shaped a Nation 06/20/2025

🔥 Forget boring BBQs… it’s time to grill with flavor, joy, and purpose! - Kate Merker 06/19/2025

🔥 Forget boring BBQs… it’s time to grill with flavor, joy, and purpose! - Kate Merker We’re talking grill season like you’ve never heard it before with Good Housekeeping's Kate Merker Good Better Best, The Not Old Better Show, Good Housekeeping Interview Series 🔥 Summer just got a whole lot more delicious — and more intentional. This week on The Not Old Better Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Merker, Chief Food Director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group and the culinary genius behind Good Housekeeping’s legendary Test Kitchen. We’re talking smart summer grilling — not just sizzling steaks, but heart-healthy, high-flavor meals that celebrate aging, wellness, and the joy of good food. Kate brings nearly 20 years of experience in food media and fine dining — and she brings that knowledge home to our listeners in the most accessible, fun, and inspiring way. In our conversation, she shares her favorite simple grill recipes, her secret weapon ingredients, and why grilling for one can be just as joyful as cooking for a crowd. What struck me most is how Kate reframes grilling from a once-in-a-while indulgence to a vibrant, everyday tool for better living. She talks about cooking as connection — to ourselves, to others, to health — and her insights speak especially to those of us navigating new phases of life. Whether you're retired, an empty nester, or just trying to cook smarter, this episode is for you. 🥗🍢 👨‍🍳 Plus: We dive into her work at Good Housekeeping, what it takes to develop a recipe readers can trust, and how the GH+ Membership gives exclusive access to all this smart, science-backed content — including product testing opportunities, expert interviews, and member-only recipes. 🎧 If you’re hungry for change — or just a better way to do summer dinner — I invite you to listen in. The grill's hot, the ideas are fresh, and you won’t want to miss what Kate has to say. 👇 Tune in now and taste what’s possible. #NotOldBetter #HealthyAging #GrillSmart #GHKitchen #WellnessOver60 #SmartCooking #Hearst #GoodHousekeepingPlus /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/37062255

Resilience is Much More Than Grit! Jennifer Watson 06/12/2025

Menopause, Aging and Food Freedom: Taylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN 06/10/2025

Heart & Soul: Kenny Vance, Singer, Songwriter, Film Maker 06/07/2025

“Being a YouTuber: One Creator's Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers” 05/26/2025

The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France 05/21/2025

Humorist Dave Barry, Class Clown Memoir 05/13/2025

Humorist Dave Barry, Class Clown Memoir Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living series. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “Maybe you can joke your way through life after all.” Because our guest today—Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, bestselling author, and unofficial king of common sense absurdity—Dave Barry—has done just that. Yes, that Dave Barry. The man who warned us about exploding toilets, tangled with telemarketers until they stopped answering their own phones, and wrote the kind of newspaper columns that made you snort coffee out your nose on a Sunday morning. He's been called “the funniest man in America” by the New York Times, and in his latest book, Class Clown, he finally turns that razor-sharp wit on himself. Today’s conversation is a fun one, although, and you can hear this…I was nervous. At one point during a roundabout question from me, Dave asks: “ iwas wondering wehre you were going with that?” I left it in the edit for your enjoyment. I’ve talked to 100’s of big time guests from all walks of life, like Smithsonian, Prevention Magazine, Good Housekeeping and have never been tongue tied or nervous…not today. That’s on me as, Dave is a wonderful guest, and he shares what it was like growing up in a world before Wi-Fi, when entertainment meant throwing rocks and preparing for nuclear war by hiding under desks. He talks about his path from a rock band in the '60s to the pages of The Miami Herald, where he turned exploding Pop-Tarts and Rollerblade Barbie into Pulitzer-worthy satire. And yes—he really was almost crushed by a bale of airborne cocaine. Florida, folks. But more than just laughs, Dave opens up about his late parents, his unique upbringing, and the emotional truth behind humor that doesn't always mean happiness. It's a rich, honest, and uproarious reminder that growing older doesn’t mean growing dull—and that maybe, just maybe, the class clown gets the last word. Stay with us—because the very funny, very thoughtful Dave Barry is here. And this is The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living series, with me, award-winning host Paul Vogelzang. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36550025

Prevention Magazine Healthy Liviing Interview Series, Amy Larocca 05/10/2025

The Forgotten Sense: The New Science of Smell 05/05/2025

The Forgotten Sense: The New Science of Smell The Forgotten Sense: The New Science of Smell The Not Old Better Show, Inside Science Interview Series 🎵 Today’s show, brought to you by Acorns, might just change how you think about your next breath—literally. Sign up now and join the over 14 million all-time customers who have already saved and invested over $25 billion dollars with Acorns. Head to or download the Acorns app to get started. We breathe in and out over 20,000 times a day. And with every breath, our nose takes in invisible information that stirs memories, emotions, cravings, warnings—and connections. But how often do we stop to think about what our nose is telling us? Our guest today is Dr. Jonas Olofsson, a cognitive scientist, professor of psychology at Stockholm University, and one of the world’s leading experts on the sense of smell. His new book, The Forgotten Sense: The New Science of Smell and the Extraordinary Power of the Nose, is a fascinating, deeply human exploration of something we often overlook—until it’s gone. In this conversation, we’re talking about why our sense of smell is so vital to memory, emotional well-being, and intimacy—especially as we age. We’ll also explore a few unexpected findings from his research, including a surprising link between smell aversion and political beliefs, and why our noses are far more powerful—and more personal—than we’ve ever given them credit for. And yes—we end with a few rapid-fire questions for Dr. Olofsson. What scent does he hate but others love? What’s the one smell he’d never want to forget? And which profession does he think has the best-trained nose? His answers might surprise you. So settle in, breathe deep, and get ready for a truly sensory experience. Here’s Paul Vogelzang, your host of the Not Old Better Show. 🎵 That was Dr. Jonas Olofsson, author of The Forgotten Sense, sharing his passion for the overlooked world of smell—how it connects us, shapes us, and yes, even reveals our politics. Remember, today’s show was brought to you by Acorns. Sign up now and join the over 14 million all-time customers who have already saved and invested over $25 billion dollars with Acorns. Head to or download the Acorns app to get started. If you’ve ever caught a whiff of a scent that transported you decades into the past—or if you, like so many, experienced smell loss during the pandemic—you know just how much this sense matters. And thanks to Dr. Olofsson’s work, we now have a better understanding of how to care for it, train it, and value it more. You can listen to this episode and all our previous conversations at notold-better.com. And be sure to follow us on social media—we’re @NotOldBetter on Twitter and at notoldbetter on Instagram. This episode was a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. I’m Paul Vogelzang—thanks for listening, and I hope you’ll join me again next time. 🎵 /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36436615

Death In The Red Dirt Uncover the Truth Before the Outback Buries It 04/29/2025

Death In The Red Dirt Uncover the Truth Before the Outback Buries It Death In The Red Dirt Uncover the Truth Before the Outback Buries It The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series 🎙️Intro: The Not Old Better Show – Art of Living Series🎙️ Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living series—where we speak with fascinating people who prove that age isn’t a finish line… it’s an invitation. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re diving into a conversation that blends the edge-of-your-seat excitement of a thriller novel with the quiet awe of standing alone in the Australian outback. Our guest is Alice Cadd, and she’s not your everyday thriller writer. With a 30-year career as a psychiatrist, Alice knows the human mind better than most. But instead of retirement and rocking chairs, she picked up the pen—and what came out is a stunning new psychological thriller titled Death in the Red Dirt. It’s intense, it’s smart, and it pulls you deep into the rugged beauty and hidden tensions of the Australian outback. Her tagline? “Uncover the truth before the Outback buries it.” That’s not just a warning—it’s a promise. But Alice’s story doesn’t end on the page. She’s also a fierce environmentalist, a solo camper, and someone who’s swum with whale sharks, heard humpback whales sing beneath the sea, and watched turtles glide past under the stars. She’s chosen a life full of risk, beauty, and meaning—and she's doing it all in what she calls the third stage of her life. We’ll talk about reinvention, about leaning into change with curiosity instead of fear, and how writing, wildness, and wonder have become Alice’s new compass. So stay with us, because this is not just a story about crime fiction—it’s a story about finding your truth, even when the road gets dusty. And it’s told with grace, grit, and a bit of red dirt on your boots. This is The Not Old Better Show, and I’m your host, award-winning journalist Paul Vogelzang. 🎙️So let’s get into it—because whether you’re thinking about what’s next in your own life, or you just love a good story with sharp twists and deep insight, Alice Cadd has something to offer. From the consulting room to the red dirt roads of the outback, she’s lived it, written it, and she’s here to share it. Alice Cadd, welcome to the show. 🎙️ That was psychiatrist-turned-thriller-writer Alice Cadd—what a fascinating conversation. From the quiet power of reinvention to the thrill of new beginnings, Alice reminds us that this stage of life is every bit as dynamic, daring, and meaningful as the ones before it. Her novel Death in the Red Dirt is available now, and trust me—it’s not just a great read; it’s an experience. Be sure to follow Alice on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, where she shares glimpses of her writing process and her breathtaking adventures in the Australian wilderness. To hear more inspiring conversations like this one, visit us at notold-better.com, where you can listen to today’s episode and explore our full archive of past interviews. We’re also on social media—follow us on Twitter @NotOldBetter and on Instagram at notoldbetter. The Not Old Better Show is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. I'm Paul Vogelzang—thanks for spending time with us today. Be well, stay curious, and join me again next time. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36365485

The Toughest Choice: Caring for Aging Parents, Family Conflicts & Life-Changing Decisions 04/26/2025

The Toughest Choice: Caring for Aging Parents, Family Conflicts & Life-Changing Decisions The Toughest Choice: Caring for Aging Parents, Family Conflicts & Life-Changing Decisions The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show—I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today we’re talking about something that will touch every single one of us at some point in life. Whether it’s making decisions for aging parents, navigating sibling dynamics, choosing the right senior living option, or even planning for our own future, these are conversations that matter. And let’s be honest—these are conversations that most of us avoid until we’re forced to have them. But today, we’re making it easier. Our guest is , a longtime friend, real estate expert, and now author of Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones. Deb has spent decades helping families through some of life’s most challenging transitions—from downsizing and selling homes to dealing with grief and the tough realities of dementia. And she’s been through it all personally, too—so she’s not just giving advice; she’s lived it. In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ The one thing everyone over 50 should do right now to prepare for the future ✅ How to handle sibling conflicts when caring for aging parents ✅ The 40+ questions you must ask when choosing an assisted living facility ✅ Why selling a home “as is” might be the best move—and when it’s not ✅ And how to move forward after loss—on your own terms This is real talk, real advice, and a conversation filled with humor, heart, and practical wisdom. So whether you’re an adult child managing care for a parent, a solo ager making plans for yourself, or just someone who wants to be prepared instead of panicked, you’re in the right place. Stay with us—this is going to be an insightful and empowering conversation. And now, let’s welcome to The Not Old Better Show. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36322785

Too Many Options? The Real History of Freedom and Choice with Sophia Rosenfeld 04/17/2025

Too Many Options? The Real History of Freedom and Choice with Sophia Rosenfeld Too Many Options? The Real History of Freedom and Choice with Sophia Rosenfeld The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series QUOTE: "Our choices shape our identity—but not everyone gets the same menu." – Sophia Rosenfeld ⚖️ Welcome to I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re asking a question that touches every part of our lives—one that feels especially relevant to those of us 50 and older, navigating life’s later chapters with purpose, curiosity, and maybe... a little decision fatigue. What if the very thing we’ve been told defines our freedom—our ability to choose—is actually overwhelming us? Our guest today, renowned historian , asks that very question in her brilliant new book available at Apple Books, . will be appearing at coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details on her presentation titled: A History of Freedom in Modern Life: The Age of Choice. But we have today who’ll tell us that from grocery aisles to voting booths, from personal belief to political identity, Rosenfeld takes us on a riveting tour of how we came to equate picking from a menu with liberty itself—and what that belief has cost us. This is no abstract academic exercise. For those of us who’ve lived through decades of cultural shifts—from the rise of consumer culture to the women’s movement to the explosion of digital options—this story feels personal. Why does having more choices so often lead to more anxiety, not more joy? What happens when freedom starts to feel like pressure? , chair of the history department at the University of Pennsylvania, brings rich detail, warmth, and sharp insight to this conversation. We’ll talk about dance cards and department stores, ballots and beliefs, and how something as simple as choosing your lunch became a reflection of who you are. So, whether you’re rethinking your next big decision—or just what kind of toothpaste to buy—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old Better Show. Let’s get into it. In a time when everyday life feels saturated with decisions—what to buy, how to vote, who to trust— reminds us that more options don’t always mean more freedom. Sophia Rosenfeld’s powerful insight reframes modern liberty, challenging us to rethink how choice shapes our lives, values, and collective future. That’s it for today’s conversation—fascinating, right? My thanks to who will be appearing at coming up. Please check out our show notes for more details on her presentation titled: A History of Freedom in Modern Life: The Age of Choice. has taken us from 18th-century shopping stalls to modern-day ballots and browsers, showing us that freedom isn't just about choosing... it’s about understanding why we choose, how we choose, and who shapes the options we’re given. For those of us over 50, this episode hits home. We've lived through eras where choice expanded dramatically—and now, we’re often the ones making the biggest decisions of our lives: retirement, caregiving, health, even where to call home. Rosenfeld’s insight is a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t about endless options—it’s about meaningful ones. You can listen to this episode and so many more at NotOld-Better.com, where our entire archive is available for streaming anytime. Follow us on social media—we're on Twitter at @notoldbetter and Instagram at notoldbetter—and let us know how you define freedom in a world full of choices. This is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios, and I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang. Thanks for spending time with us today, and please—join me again next time. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36213175

99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life 04/10/2025

99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Nearly 40% of Americans say they’re NOT getting ahead, even though they’re doing everything right. That’s not a work ethic problem. That’s a system problem. ADAM CHANDLER Hard work ≠ Success anymore. New episode: The grind is failing us. 🎙️ Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler | 99% Perspiration Welcome, everyone, to another powerful episode of on radio and podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re diving into one of the most explosive, eye-opening conversations we've had in some time. Let me ask you: Have you ever worked your fingers to the bone, only to feel like you’re standing still? You're not alone. In fact, nearly 40% of Americans now say they’re failing to get ahead despite working hard. And here’s the kicker—many of us, especially those of us over 60, were raised to believe that success was a matter of effort. Grit. Determination. The “perspiration” part of the American Dream. But what if that dream is actually… a myth? My guest today, journalist and author . will be appearing at coming up, and the title of his presentation is Check out our show notes today for more details about , , and details about . But we have Adam Chandler today and he is here to blow the lid off the “work hard, get ahead” narrative in his brand-new book, available at Chandler argues that what we’ve been sold about work, opportunity, and success may actually be hurting us—and dividing our country. He takes us coast to coast, from fast food fryers to Fortune 500 execs, revealing a nation at war with itself over work. We’ll talk about the gig economy, loneliness, political extremism, and how America stacks up against countries like France and Denmark where people work less—and live more. If you’ve ever questioned why “the grind” is glorified, why retirement feels further away, or why we tie our worth to our work—this conversation is for you. Buckle up. This isn’t your grandfather’s idea of the American Dream. This is 99% Perspiration, and it just might change the way you see your job—and your life. My thanks to for his time and generous answers to our questions. will be appearing at coming up, and the title of his presentation is Check out our show notes today for more details about , links, and details about . My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show, and my thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.Remember, be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36082245

Lost and Found: Caroline Topperman on Family, Identity, and the Search for Home 04/07/2025

Lost and Found: Caroline Topperman on Family, Identity, and the Search for Home Lost and Found: Caroline Topperman on Family, Identity, and the Search for Home The Not Old Better Show, Family History, Genealogy Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Today’s show is brought to you by Acorns. . ..I’ What does it mean to belong? Is home a place, a language, a history—or something else entirely? thought she knew. She grew up speaking Polish, knowing her family’s deep roots in the country, and believing that moving there with her husband would feel like coming home. But instead of familiarity, she found disconnection. Instead of certainty, she found questions. The result of that search is her stunning new book, Caroline’s story is not just about her journey—it’s about the generations before her who crossed borders and survived wars, about ancestors who built roads in Afghanistan, fought political battles in Poland, and escaped the horrors of World War II. It’s about what gets passed down through family stories, and what gets lost in translation. She uncovered letters, documents, and even an entire book her grandfather wrote—one referenced in The Holocaust Museum and Stanford’s Hoover Institution. But she also found the gaps, the missing voices, the untold truths. And through it all, she wrestled with a question so many of us face: Do we ever truly find a home, or do we create it? This is an unforgettable conversation about identity, history, and the invisible ties that connect us to our past. If you’ve ever wondered how much of your family’s story shapes who you are today, this episode is for you. Let’s welcome to The Not Old – Better Show, writer, entrepreneur, and world traveler, And now, your host, the award-winning Paul Vogelzang. My thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s episode. —my thanks to and her time and patience and willingness to answer our questions. My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next week. /episode/index/show/notoldbetter/id/36025635

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