The Not Old - Better Show

Revolution, Rebellion, and the Fight for Freedom: Andrew Lawler on the Untold Story of 1776 The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates 6oth anniversary Interview Series, where history comes alive and challenges everything we thought we knew. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today we have a truly electrifying conversation for you. We all know the story of the American Revolution—patriots fighting for freedom against the might of the British Crown. But what if I told you that one of the most pivotal moments in that fight didn’t happen in Boston or Philadelphia, but in Virginia? And what if the spark that helped push the colonies toward independence wasn’t a tea party or a midnight ride, but an act of emancipation? Our guest today, New York Times bestselling author and journalist Smithsonian Associate Andrew Lawler, is here to tell us about his new book, available at Apple Books, A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution.  Andrew Lawler will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our webstie for links and details. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Lawler’s new book, available at Apple Books is A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution. In it, he uncovers the untold story of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s last royal governor—a man who, in desperation, issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved people who joined the British fight. The result? Chaos, fury, and the kind of political firestorm that changed the course of history. Thomas Jefferson himself admitted it: Dunmore’s actions sent the patriots into a perfect frenzy, leading directly to the burning of Norfolk and Virginia’s push for independence. But what about the people who answered Dunmore’s call—the men who risked everything to fight for a different kind of freedom? What happened to them? And how does this forgotten chapter of history still shape the America we live in today? Andrew Lawler has spent years unraveling this remarkable story, and today, he’s here to share it with us. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation about revolution, race, and the myths we’ve built around our nation’s founding. This is history like you’ve never heard it before—right here, on the Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary Interview Series. My thanks to Andrew Lawler.  Andrew Lawler is a journalist and author who has written about history, science, religion, and politics from dozens of countries. Check out Andrew Lawler’s upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation with details in our show notes. 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. Be well, be safe and let’s talk about better, The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary interview series on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody and we’ll see you next week.

The New Fit: Aaron Leventhal on Strength, Longevity, and Reinventing Fitness After 40 The Not Old Better Show Fitness Friday Interview Series INTRODUCTION Welcome to The Not Old Better Show Fitness Friday interview series. Today’s episode is brought to by Acorns. Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing. , I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re talking about something that affects all of us: how we stay strong, energized, and truly fit as we age. Think about this—after 40, the average person loses 7% of their lean muscle mass each decade. Our metabolism slows, our joints feel different, and for many, workouts that once worked… just don’t anymore. But what if we could turn that around? What if fitness in our 40s, 50s, and beyond wasn’t about limitations, but about possibilities? Aaron Leventhal knows exactly how to make that happen. A former professional soccer player, elite performance coach, and now a cancer survivor, Aaron has spent 25 years helping people—from pro athletes to everyday movers—break through fitness plateaus. And now, with his new book, available at Apple Books: The New Fit: How to Own Your Fitness Journey in Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond, he’s redefining what it means to be strong at any age. Today, Aaron is here to shatter myths, share science-backed training strategies, and explain why the key to lasting fitness isn’t just about working out harder—it’s about working out smarter. Whether you're an athlete looking to maintain your edge or someone who wants to feel good getting up the stairs, this episode is for you. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that could change how you move for the rest of your life. Please join me in welcoming Aaron Leventhal to The Not Old Better Show Fitness Friday interview series. My thanks to  Acorns for sponsoring today’s show. Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing. My thanks to Aaron Leventhal, for his generous time, and excellent advice for our audience. Remember to check out Aaron Leventhal and his new book, available at Apple Books: The New Fit: Aaron Leventhal on Strength, Longevity, and Reinventing Fitness After 40

Flying with Dad, Dying with Dad - Yvonne Caputo The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, on radio and  podcast for all of us who embrace life’s second act with curiosity, passion, and a drive to connect. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. It’s a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about family, legacy, and the courage it takes to have the talks that truly matter. Our guest is Yvonne K. Caputo, author of two remarkable books: Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad. Yvonne’s first book, Flying with Dad, is a poignant memoir about her father, a World War II veteran, whose stories of flying B-24 bombers changed their relationship forever. Once distant and brusque, her father became the man she truly got to know—story by story, mile by mile—leading to a connection she never thought possible. In her second book, Dying with Dad, Yvonne takes us on another intimate journey, sharing the profound and practical lessons she learned as she supported her father’s end-of-life wishes. From navigating the powerful Five Wishes document to ensuring he passed away on his terms, Yvonne’s story reminds us of the importance of conversations about life, death, and dignity. Today, Yvonne shares the hidden gifts in her father’s stories, how these conversations transformed her family, and why it’s never too late to have the tough talks that can bring us closer to those we love. So, grab your favorite cup of tea, settle in, and join us for this touching and inspiring episode of The Not Old Better Show. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang—let’s get started. My thanks to author Yvonne K. Caputo, for her generous time and wonderful, helpful insights about end of life deciions and more.  Please check out our website show notes for more details about Yvonne K. Caputo.  My thanks to our Smithsonian team, as well as Sam Heninger & Miranda Heninger for their help in making the show tip top!  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 time.

INTRODUCTION: On the morning of November 3, 1979, in a quiet neighborhood of Greensboro, North Carolina, a crowd gathered for a march—activists, mill workers, and local citizens standing together against the Ku Klux Klan. The press was there, cameras rolling, ready to document a demonstration for justice. But what unfolded in just 88 seconds was something no one could have imagined. Shots rang out. Five people lay dead. The killers—members of the Klan and American Nazis—walked away without consequence. And just like that, an act of political terror carried out in broad daylight became a footnote in American history. No justice. No reckoning. No headlines in history books.   As part of our Black Heritage Month, author and historian Aran Shetterly is here today to change that. His new book, available on Apple Books, Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for an American City’s Soul, is a gripping, meticulously researched account of the Greensboro Massacre—one of the most brazen acts of racial and political violence in modern America, and one that eerily mirrors the polarization, extremism, and law enforcement failures we continue to see today.   Why was this atrocity buried in the past? What does it reveal about justice—then and now? And what lessons can we learn as we approach the 45th anniversary of this chilling event? Aran Shetterly spent years uncovering the truths that many wanted to stay hidden. He spoke with activists, police officers, informants, and eyewitnesses—some who still refuse to acknowledge what happened that day. Today, he joins us to share what he found and why Morningside is more than just history—it’s a warning.   This is The Not Old Better Show, and I’m Paul Vogelzang. Stay with us. My thanks to historian Aran Shetterly and his new book, Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for an American City’s Soul. My thanks to Sam & Miranda Heninger for keeping us going. 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 and we’ll see you next time.

Welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang.   The Academy Awards are Hollywood’s grandest night—the moment when months of speculation, surprise wins, and snubs all culminate in one golden evening. And this year, the road to Oscar glory has been anything but predictable.   Was Anora’s big night at the Critics Choice, DGA, and PGA the ultimate confirmation that it’s the Best Picture frontrunner, or is there still room for a shocking upset? Will Sean Baker walk away with Best Director, or could someone else—maybe The Brutalist’s Brady Corbet or Emilia Pérez’s Jacques Audiard—steal the moment? And what about Wicked, which just had a stunning, completely unexpected win for Jon M. Chu at the Critics Choice Awards? Could the musical blockbuster actually shake up the race?   From underdog stories to behind-the-scenes drama, tonight, we’re unpacking all the Oscar buzz with film critic Smithsonian Associate Noah Gittell. Noah Gittell will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up…please check out our show notes today for more details. He’s been following every twist and turn of this year’s awards season, sorting through the narratives, the rumors, and the history that tell us where the Oscars might be headed. Plus, he’s got the trivia and insights that will make sure you’re the most informed person at your Oscars party.   It’s a night of predictions, controversy, and maybe even a little Hollywood gossip. So, sit back and enjoy—this is going to be a fun one. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old – Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. My thanks to  Smithsonian Associate Noah Gittell. Noah Gittell will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up…please check out our show notes today for more details. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to help us here on the show. My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for their help producing and directing me, and my thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better,  Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast.

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. Today’s show is sponsored by Acorns. Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. Have you ever felt the pull of a dream you’ve carried for years, perhaps even decades? A quiet calling, whispering to you in the rare stillness of life. It might be the book you’ve longed to write, the song you’ve yet to sing, or the project that feels like it’s waiting just for you. But somewhere along the way, guilt crept in—guilt that told you to set it aside, that other responsibilities mattered more. Our guest today, Tamara Protasso Adams, is here to tell you something radical: that guilt? It’s not yours to carry. Tamara is a champion of intuition, imagination, and reclaiming the dreams we’ve been told to silence. Her message is as empowering as it is transformative: those secret dreams are not indulgent—they are the key to your fulfillment. Tamara will share how societal systems, like the patriarchy, quietly push us to abandon our personal passions, convincing us that service to others or productivity must always come first. But she’ll also reveal how imagination and intuition can help us break free, reigniting our sense of purpose. Whether you’ve told yourself it’s too late, or you’ve struggled to give yourself permission to start, this conversation will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take that first step toward a dream that refuses to let you go. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and prepare to rediscover your own creative power. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old Better Show Thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s show: The Not Old Better Show. Acorns. ..I’Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing. Thank you to Sam Heninger and Miranda for their help in making the show better. Thanks to all of you in our Not Old Better Show audience. Be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better.  The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks, everyone, and we’ll see you next time.

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re diving into the world of high-stakes espionage, relentless action, and a prison break unlike any other.   Our guest is the master of the modern thriller, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney. If you love gritty, edge-of-your-seat storytelling, you already know him—the man behind the Gray Man series, a franchise so intense it leaped from the page to the big screen with Ryan Gosling in the lead role. And now, he's back with Midnight Black, just now out, available February 18, 2025, available at Apple Books, a book that might just be his most harrowing yet.   Imagine a Russian gulag buried deep in the frozen wastelands, a place so brutal that even hardened criminals whisper about its horrors. This is where we find Zoya Zakharova, once a master spy, now a prisoner. And there’s only one man insane enough to take on the Russian police state to free her—Courtland Gentry, the Gray Man himself. But this isn’t just another mission. It’s personal. And the odds? Nearly impossible.   Returning guest, author Mark Greaney is no armchair novelist. He’s fired the weapons, trained with special ops, and even flown in fighter jets—all in pursuit of authenticity. His books aren’t just fiction, they feel real because he’s lived the research.   Today, we’ll talk about the terrifying reality behind the Mordovian prison camps, the real-life inspiration for  Midnight Black, just now out, available February 18, 2025, available at Apple Books, and why the most dangerous missions aren’t always fought with guns. We’ll also get a glimpse into the mind of a writer who has dedicated himself to making thrillers as immersive and true-to-life as possible. So, strap in, because this one’s going to be a ride. Please welcome back to The Not Old Better Show, Mark Greaney. My thanks to Mark Greaney, author of the new best selling book,  Midnight Black, just now out, available February 18, 2025, available at Apple Books.  My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for their help, and my thnks 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.

Hello, everyone, and welcome to The Not Old Better Show. Acorns.  Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing..I’m Paul Vogelzang, and if you’ve been searching for inspiration to live fully in the here and now, today’s episode is exactly what you need. Our guest is Dallas Collis, author of The Gift, a powerful and profoundly moving book about breaking free from the stories we tell ourselves and embracing the incredible freedom of living in the present. Dallas has walked a long and challenging path—facing trauma, addiction, loss, and even staring down his own mortality. But rather than letting those moments define him, he found clarity, resilience, and a profound understanding of life’s true gift: the present moment.   In our conversation, Dallas will share how he went from being trapped by his own story to experiencing the liberating power of the “blue sky” that’s always been there, just beyond the clouds of our worries and past pain. You’ll hear his insights on putting down the heavy baggage we all carry and how living intentionally can transform every aspect of our lives, no matter your age or circumstances.   We’ll also talk about the practical steps he recommends—like collapsing life into manageable, joyful moments—and how we can all take those steps, starting today. Trust me, you’ll leave this episode feeling lighter, inspired, and ready to take on your 16 hours with a new mindset.   So, let’s get started! Please join me in welcoming Dallas Collis to The Not Old Better Show. My thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s episode. Acorns.  Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing—my thanks to Dallas Collis for his generous time today. Check out The Gift and more information about Dallas Collis in our show notes today. Thanks always for Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger, my team of edit and admin…thanks for keeping me honest here! My thanks to you my 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, everyone, and I’ll see you next week!  

Hello, and welcome to The Not Old Better Show! Today’s episode is brought to you by Acorns. Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing so your money has a chance to grow for you, your kids, and your retirement. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and as always, I want to thank you for joining us today, where it’s never too late to learn, live, and grow, too.   Today, we’re starting something special—celebrating winners and honorees of the prestigious Golden Door Awards. These awards recognize extraordinary individuals who are using their voices, creativity, and vision to make a positive impact on our world. And who better to kick off this series than today’s guest, Angela Smith! Angela Smith is not just a writer; she’s a powerhouse of inspiration and a champion of emotional resilience.   From children to adults, her books are lighting a path for people to embrace self-love, tap into their inner strength, and unlock their highest potential. Angela is a first-place   gold medalist in the non-fiction category for her latest work, Stepping into Love: A Journey to Self-Healing,a transformative book packed with warmth, wisdom, and practical exercises to guide readers back to themselves. But Angela’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s the author of I Love Myself, a children’s book that has unexpectedly found a huge following among adults, proving that the journey to self-esteem starts at any age. With her heartfelt stories and actionable advice, Angela is helping people of all ages— from 3 to 80—navigate life with purpose, courage, and joy. In today’s episode, Angela will share her fascinating journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how her books are sparking meaningful change around the globe. She’ll also open up about what it means to truly live with integrity, align with your heart’s truth, and embrace a life full of love and gratitude.   So, sit back, grab your favorite cup of tea, and get ready to be inspired. This is going to be a conversation you won’t want to miss.   Let’s dive right in and welcome the remarkable Angela Smith to The Not Old Better Show! My thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s episode. Remember, Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing so your money has a chance to grow for you, your kids, and your retirement. Check out our show notes today for more information about Acorns.My thanks to Angela M. Smith for her generous time today. My thanks to HenHouse Consulting for their excellent work on the program, and 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, Art of Living interview series on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody and we’ll see you next time.

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series.     She’s a global phenomenon, a cultural icon, and now… an economic case study. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a concert—it was a movement. It shattered records, raked in over $1 billion in revenue, and gave cities across the world a much-needed financial boost. But this story goes deeper than ticket sales and glittering stadiums.   This is about the power of one woman to disrupt entire industries. From her fight against Spotify’s streaming royalties to her battle for ownership of her own music, Taylor Swift has consistently challenged the norms of the music business—and won. And now, her record-breaking tour has helped spark a Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation.   But what does it all mean? For the music industry, for local economies, and for the way we view power in the hands of superstars? To answer those questions, we’re joined by Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds, an economist from American University, whose expertise lies in analyzing economic inequality, market power, and the fascinating world of superstars.    Dr. Kara Reynolds will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up for a full presentation titled: Swiftnomics: The Economics of Taylor Swift.  But we have Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds today for a brief tasts of what’s to come.  A self-proclaimed Swiftie, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds takes us behind the scenes of the Eras Tour’s financial ripple effects and breaks down what Swift’s singular influence tells us about the economics of music, gender discrimination, and the forces shaping the modern entertainment industry.   So, sit back and get ready. Because this is not just about Taylor Swift—it’s about the bigger picture of how art, economics, and justice collide. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and this is the Not Old Better Show."   My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds for her generosity and time.  Dr. Kara Reynolds will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up for a full presentation titled: Swiftnomics: The Economics of Taylor Swift.My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.     Smithsonian Associates is celebrating its 60th Anniversary, and 2025 will be filled with great episodes and interviews…check back here often. My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for all they do to support the show. 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, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast.    https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/swiftonomics