The Not Old - Better Show

Prevention Magazine Healthy Liviing Interview Series, The Not Old Better Show The Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Healthy Living Series 💸 Wellness is now a trillion-dollar industry… but is it making us well or just broke and tired? 🎧👇 👉. https://apple.co/3FAbebT 🧘‍♀️ Biohacking. Gratitude journaling. $400 sleep rings. We’ve been told that these tools make us “well.” But are they helping—or just making us poorer and more stressed? 📚 Journalist and former fashion editor Amy Larocca joins me on the latest episode of The Not Old – Better Show to discuss her provocative new book: How to Be Well, Without Spending All Your Money and Losing Your Mind. 💡 It’s a must-listen for professionals, especially women 50+, who are tired of chasing the next trend and ready for the truth about real health. 🎧 Listen here: https://apple.co/3FAbebT 💬 Let's stop buying into perfection—and start reclaiming wellness on our terms. #WellnessIndustry #WomenOver50 #PersonalHealth #MediaLiteracy #NotOldBetterShow

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 acorns.com/nob 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 acorns.com/nob 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. 🎵

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.

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 Deb C. Miller, 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 Deb C. Miller to The Not Old Better Show.

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 The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. 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 Smithsonian Associate Sophia Rosenfeld, asks that very question in her brilliant new book available at Apple Books, The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life. Smithsonian Assocaite Sophia Rosenfeld will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates 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 Sophia Rosenfeld 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? Smithsonian Associate Sophia Rosenfeld, 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—The Age of Choice 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  Smithsonian Assocaite Sophia Rosenfeld who will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates 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. Smithsonian Associate Sophia Rosenfeld 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.

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 The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 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 Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler. Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, and the title of his presentation is 99% Perspiration: Does America’s Work Culture Still Work? Check out our show notes today for more details about Smithsonian Associates, links, and details about Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler. 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 Apple Books, 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life. 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 Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler for his time and generous answers to our questions. Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, and the title of his presentation is 99% Perspiration: Does America’s Work Culture Still Work? Check out our show notes today for more details about Smithsonian Associates, links, and details about Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler.  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. https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/99-perspiration  

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. The Not Old Better Show. Acorns. ..I’Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing What does it mean to belong? Is home a place, a language, a history—or something else entirely? Caroline Topperman 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, Your Roots Cast a Shadow: One Family’s Search Across History for Belonging. 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, Caroline Topperman. And now, your host, the award-winning Paul Vogelzang. My thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s episode. Acorns.  Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing—my thanks to Caroline Topperman 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.

Move Over, Sir! How Women Took the Throttle on America’s Railroads The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, right here on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is part of our special 60th Anniversary celebration with Smithsonian Associates—marking six decades of education, inspiration, and powerful storytelling. And this one, friends, is both powerful and long overdue.   You’re about to hear a remarkable conversation with Smithsonian Associate Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, about an exhibit that challenges history’s blind spots and spotlights the women who helped build—and quite literally run—the railroads of America.  Patricia LaBounty will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates, and the title of her presentation is Move Over Sir: Women Working on the Railroad.  More details are available via links in out show notes today.    The exhibit is titled “Move Over, Sir!”, and the title isn’t just clever. It’s a line drawn in iron, a statement about persistence in the face of exclusion. When we think of the railroad, we often picture smoke-belching locomotives, dusty rail yards, and stoic men in overalls. What we don’t picture—at least not often enough—are the women at the telegraph, in the ticket booth, on the repair lines, and yes, in the engineer’s seat. From the Civil War, when more than 100,000 women filled vital rail roles as men went to battle… to the 1930s when Union Pacific created women-only cars staffed by trained nurse-stewardesses… to trailblazers like Bonnie Leake, the first female engineer at UP, and Edwina Justus, the first Black woman in that role—this is history that’s gritty, inspiring, and still unfolding.   Smithsonian Associate Patricia LaBounty joins us to share these stories and more: women who were told to step aside, sit down, or stay home—and who refused. These are the voices that helped carry this country forward, and it's our honor to put them front and center today.   So, settle in. You’ll never hear the words “all aboard” quite the same way again. Here now, with the music of Glen Miller echoing in the background—a nod to the rail era that changed this country—our conversation with Patricia LaBounty, curator of “Move Over, Sir!” at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.   And this is The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang. Let’s begin.   That’s our show for today. Again, a very special thanks to Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and to all those women—past and present—who’ve shown what strength, skill, and leadership look like on and off the tracks.   Patricia LaBounty will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates, and the title of her presentation is Move Over Sir: Women Working on the Railroad.  More details are available via links in our show notes today.    To hear more inspiring conversations like this one and explore our full archive of interviews, visit us online at notold-better.com. While you're there, you can listen to past Smithsonian Associates episodes and catch up on our 60th Anniversary series. Follow us on social media: 📱 Twitter: @notoldbetter 📸 Instagram: @notoldbetter And if you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with someone who appreciates history, grit, and a good story well told. 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 I hope you’ll join me again next time. Until then, be well, be safe, and remember Let’s Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, and it’s never too late to live with purpose. Smithsonian Associates details and website URL:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/women-working-on-railroad

The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem - Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Today on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates series, we welcome award-winning science writer and New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer—author of Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe, available at Apple Books. With every breath we take—more than 20,000 each day—we draw in not just oxygen, but thousands of invisible organisms: fungi, bacteria, pollen, even algae. This unseen ecosystem, the aerobiome, surrounds us every moment, yet until recently, it was barely studied. Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our show notes for more details on Carl Zimmer and this presentation titled:  The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer has written 15 books about science, taught at Yale, and contributed to National Geographic, The Atlantic, and Scientific American. His new book blends storytelling, history, and cutting-edge science to reveal how we’ve misunderstood the air—and how that misunderstanding shaped our response to COVID-19, climate change, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in the air around you—or how the past might have protected us better—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. That was science author Carl Zimmer, joining us today on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates series, with stories from his new book Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe, available at Apple Books.  Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our show notes for more details on Carl Zimmer and this presentation titled:  The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to you, our wonderful audience on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show, Smithsoninan Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast.  To listen to more inspiring conversations like this one—from scientists, historians, artists, and beyond—check out our full back catalog at notold-better.com. You can also follow us on social media: we’re on Twitter @notoldbetter and on Instagram at notoldbetter. This is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. I’m Paul Vogelzang—thank you for spending time with us today, and I hope you’ll join me again next time.

Welcome back to The Not Old – Better Show! I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re talking about turning clutter into cash, attic junk into treasures, and maybe—just maybe—your next garage sale into a goldmine. Think about it—how many of us have boxes of old collectibles, furniture gathering dust, or a closet filled with clothes we haven’t worn in a decade? Downsizing and decluttering can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you that hidden in those stacks of “stuff” could be real money—thousands of dollars just waiting to be uncovered? Well, today’s guest knows exactly how to find it. Aaron LaPedis, better known as The Garage Sale Millionaire, made his first deal at age nine, flipping baseball cards and coins. By 21, he was a self-made millionaire—all from garage sales, storage auctions, and resale finds. He’s spent the past 40 years uncovering hidden gems, dodging scams, and teaching everyday people how to cash in on forgotten treasures. Aaron’s going to reveal the biggest mistakes people make when selling their stuff, the top five things in your home right now that could be worth serious money, and how to master the art of negotiation—whether in person or online. We’ll even get into the wild world of storage unit auctions—do they live up to the TV hype? If you’ve ever thought about downsizing, decluttering, or making extra income in retirement, this episode is for you. So grab a pen, take notes, and get ready to see your garage, attic, and even your junk drawer in a whole new light. Now, let’s welcome to the show—The Garage Sale Millionaire himself, Aaron LaPedis!