• Faking Normal: How older adults are silently facing financial insecurity, with Elizabeth White
    Mar 7 2025

    There's a growing population of older adults silently trying to figure out how to finance their later years. Where will they live? How will they eat, pay bills and survive? Especially if there's no nest egg waiting for them when they retire.

    In this episode, Elizabeth White shares her personal journey of financial insecurity in her 50s and how she addressed the challenges of job loss and economic instability.

    She describes her journey from despair to empowerment, the power of community, and the importance of resilience.

    Her book, '55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal,' serves as a guide for older adults facing similar issues, urging a national conversation on financial insecurity among aging populations and introducing innovative concepts like co-living spaces.

    Here are a few highlights from the conversation:

    00:27 The Hidden Reality of Financial Insecurity

    00:49 Elizabeth White's Story: From Despair to Community

    04:27 The National Crisis: Aging and Financial Insecurity

    07:31 Redefining Aging: Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Strength

    08:27 A New Beginning: Elizabeth's Journey to Empowerment

    13:29 The Power of Community: Resilient Circles and Shared Living

    18:56 Call to Action: Shaping a New Way of Life

    You can get a copy of Elizabeth’s book, 55, Underemployed and Faking Normal here:

    On Amazon

    On Barnes & Noble

    Elizabeth is working on a co-living space for older adults. Here’s the link:

    https://www.nuuagecoliving.com/

    Learn about the work we do for older adults at Sage Collective:

    https://sagecollective.org/residences/

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    26 mins
  • Live Long, Live Strong! How to unlock longevity with Dr. Ian Smith and Raw Food Pioneer Karyn Calabrese
    Feb 28 2025

    Even though we may have done so in our 20s, eating hamburgers on the regular might not be the best idea once we reach a certain age!

    In this episode we explore the secrets to longevity. How can a plant-based diet and "Blue Zone" eating habits become the norm among African American older adults? How can we extend our life span?

    With insights from best-selling author and celebrity physician Dr. Ian Smith and raw food pioneer Karyn Calabrese, this convo covers the benefits of plant-based diets, the importance of detoxing, and practical tips for incorporating healthier habits into daily life.

    Dr. Ian emphasizes the need for resistance training, proper sleep, and reduction of red meat, while Karyn shares her personal journey and the holistic practices that have kept her vibrant at nearly 80 years old.

    Here are some highlights from this conversation:

    01:22 Karyn Calabrese's Journey from sickly to healthy

    03:46 The Benefits of Plant-Based Living

    06:10 Dr. Ian Smith on Aging and Nutrition

    11:30 Practical Tips for a Plant-Based Lifestyle

    16:34 Karyn's Continued Mission and Resources

    17:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Find out what Karyn’s up to here:

    Karyn on Instagram

    https://www.shopkaryns.com/

    Connect with Dr. Ian here:

    Dr. Ian on Instagram

    and Order Dr. Ian's new book: Eat Your Age!

    Sage Collective offers numerous programs (virtual and in-person) geared specifically to older adults. Visit https://sagecollective.org

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    20 mins
  • The Hidden Heroes: Ugochi, Joel and Dawnita Pull Back the Curtain on their Caregiving Journey
    Feb 21 2025

    Who will help care for you as you get older?

    In this episode we explore the transformative role of being a caregiver through the stories of three individuals: Ugochi, Joel, and Dawnita.

    Despite unique challenges, these caregivers demonstrate unwavering commitment and support in caring for their parents. Let's take a peek into their daily routines, emotional journeys, and and find out how they avoid burnout while balancing other life responsibilities.

    From Ugochi's hands-on care for her Nigerian immigrant parents to Joel's tender moments with his mother living with dementia, and Dawnita's establishment of support networks for black daughter caregivers, this episode highlights the resilience and resourcefulness required in caregiving.

    Listen and gain real insights into the unseen lives of caregivers and find hope and inspiration in their stories.

    Here are a few highlights from this episode:

    00:45 Meet the Caregivers: Ugochi's Story

    07:23 Joel's Journey: A Son's Dedication

    11:08 Dawnita's Experience: Balancing Life, Career and Care

    13:16 Strategies for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

    15:00 The Importance of a Support System - Sage Collective's New Program

    20:10 Coping with Family Dynamics

    22:16 Resources and Final Thoughts

    RESOURCES:

    • Dawnita’s organization: https://heycaregiver.com/binti-circle/

    • Ugochi recommends: https://www.helpathome.com/

    • Check with your city’s Department of Aging for additional resources.

    Also, Sage Collective recently launched a comprehensive Caregiver Support Group. Learn more here: https://sagecollective.org/sage-advice/caregiver-support/

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    27 mins
  • Keeping the Spark Alive: Navigating Love, Sex and Intimacy as you Age
    Feb 14 2025

    A healthy, sexual relationship is still possible later in life!

    Welcome to Season 2 of Sage Advice Vibrant Living, the Podcast. Kicking things off is a candid conversation about how couples can maintain a strong connection and keep their love vibrant as they age.

    Ministers Michael and Larraine Forrester and octogenarians Lizzie and Frank share insights on the evolving nature of love and intimacy.

    The Forresters share some of their personal story and give advice on reigniting the sexual spark through mental and physical connection, while Lizzie and Frank's story emphasizes enduring love and communication.

    The episode encourages couples to stay connected at every stage and age.

    Here are a few highlights from this episode:

    00:28 The Changing Dynamics of Love and Intimacy

    02:00 Meet the Forresters: Rekindling the Spark

    04:53 Challenges and Triumphs in Relationships

    06:33 Communication: The Key to Lasting Love

    08:56 Lizzie and Frank: A Love Story for the Ages

    12:44 The True Meaning of Intimacy

    14:47 Wisdom on Love and Relationships

    To learn more about Michael and Larraine Forrester’s work, go here:

    Work Book: https://armbookstore.square.site/

    Website: https://www.arelationshipministry.com/

    To connect with Sage Collective and learn more about the programs they offer to older adults, visit https://sagecollective.org

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    17 mins
  • Season 2 Trailer - Premieres Friday, February 14, 2025
    Feb 9 2025

    Welcome back to Sage Advice: Vibrant Living, the podcast that’s redefining what it means to age well. We’re here to shift the narrative—because aging is not a disease; it’s an incredible part of our life journey.

    This season, we’re bringing you thought-provoking conversations with trailblazers who embody vibrant living, including Actress Tina Lifford, Dr. Ian Smith, Author Elizabeth White, Raw Food Pioneer Karyn Calabrese, International Vocalist Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, and more!

    Together, we’ll explore relationships, money, caregiving, health, sex and how to thrive as you get older.

    Get ready for deep insights and actionable strategies to help you live boldly at any age. Subscribe now and join us for Season 2 of Sage Advice: Vibrant Living—where wisdom meets possibility!

    🎙️ New episodes dropping 2/14/25.Visit http://sagecollective.org

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    2 mins
  • Ep. 6 - The Power of Storytelling with Donald Brooks Jones
    Apr 18 2024

    The final episode in Season 1 of Sage Vibrant Living, the Podcast is a masterclass on storytelling led by a master storyteller.

    Donald Brooks Jones is an author and the co-founder of Alchemy Media Publishing. He explores why storytelling matters and provides practical advice for anyone looking to tell their own stories.

    From establishing the discipline of writing to distinguishing between autobiography and memoir, this discussion aims to inspire listeners to document and share their life experiences.

    Here are a few highlights from this episode:

    02:00 The Essence of Storytelling: Starting Your Journey

    02:53 Crafting Your Story: Techniques and Discipline

    04:34 Overcoming Writing Challenges: Alternatives and Solutions

    06:20 Memoir vs. Autobiography: Finding Your Story's Focus

    08:06 Don Jones Shares His Personal Story

    12:49 Writing Techniques and Story Types Explored

    20:07 The Impact of Storytelling and Final Thoughts

    Visit Alchemy Media Publishing and learn more about Don’s book Little Did I Know: The Coming of Age of a Black Boomer here.

    This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

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    21 mins
  • Ep. 5 - How to Make Your “Dash” Mean Something with Dr. Geneva Williams
    Apr 18 2024

    This episode features the inspiring story of Dr. Geneva Williams, a Vibrant Living Expert who, in her mid-70s, continues to lead a dynamic and impactful life.

    Despite facing profound personal loss, including her husband and parents, she embarked on a transformative journey, reinventing herself as an entrepreneur in her late sixties. Her story challenges societal misconceptions about aging, promotes lifelong learning, and encourages older adults to pursue dreams, and embrace new challenges—demonstrating that it’s never too late to start anew.

    Here are a few highlights from this episode:

    01:24 A Legacy of Impact: Dr. Geneva's Inspirational Family Story

    05:10 The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Grief

    09:01 Embracing Vibrancy at Any Age: Dr. Geneva's Mission

    15:35 Finding Resilience Through Personal Loss

    19:14 Becoming a beauty pageant winner, late in life

    24:23 The Vibrantpreneur's Call to Action

    Resources:

    Dr. Geneva's website is: https://drgenevaspeaks.com

    The book Dr. Geneva wrote with her dad is available on Amazon: Justice on the Jersey Shore: How Earnon K. Jones Ignited Change and Won.

    This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

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    24 mins
  • Ep. 4 - Speak Up! How to advocate as you age. Featuring Emilie McKendall and Dwain Kyles
    Apr 18 2024

    This episode features two passionate storytellers who believe that advocating for yourself or others is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a vibrant life at any age.

    Emilie McKendall is a retired Chicago radio personality now residing in Florida. She shares how she is advocating for a proactive approach towards health care rather than a reactive, 'sick care' system.

    Dwain Kyles, General Counsel for Sage Collective, shares poignant family stories to emphasize the vital need for advocacy, particularly for those unable to do so for themselves.

    The episode also highlights systemic and cultural barriers to proper care for the elderly, advocating for a more inclusive, supportive community that values intergenerational connections and utilizes technology to reduce isolation.

    Overall, the episode is a powerful call to action for self-advocacy, community support, and a healthier, more empowered approach to aging.

    Here are some episode highlights:

    01:01 Emilie McKendall: Your health matters. Speak up!

    03:18 Exploring non-traditional health care alternatives

    06:10 Dwain Kyle's Journey: From Civil Rights to Senior Advocacy

    10:22 Sage Collective: Pioneering Advocacy for Older Adults

    13:51 Intergenerational Bonds: Strengthening Communities

    This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

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    17 mins