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Many younger adults believe they have a greater chance of seeing an alien spacecraft than a Social Security check. But Zillennial Sadie Shattuck is an unusually young champion of the program.  Sadie leads a group of dedicated advocates in their 20s and 30s who help spread the word about the importance of Social Security to young adults - now and in the future! Sadie says that Social Security WILL be there for younger people IF they advocate for it. In this episode, AARP Michigan's Senior Communications Analyst and coordinator of the Thought Leadership Council of young adults speaks out for America's most successful social insurance program -- an intergenerational compact that has lasted 91 years and counting!

Author and columnist Steven Petrow published a book called "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old" in 2021. And he says, one by one, he has done a bunch of those 'stupid things,' anyway. Steven views aging with humor and compassion. He joins us this week with some hot takes on the joys of aging. He even explains difference between joy and happiness.  Enjoy this fun and feisty conversation about growing older! You can find Steven's books and columns at stevenpetrow.com.

Malcolm Kenyatta is a rising Democratic star with a vision for the future of the party and the country. At age 35, he is Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee -- and the first openly LBGTQ+ person of color to serve in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Malcolm talks about the importance of Social Security to all generations of Americans. He says it's the most popular government program, "one that works in the sense that it benefits everybody." The grandson of civil rights activists, Malcolm was raised to believe in 'getting up and doing something' to change things that we don't like. In this way, advocates, volunteers, and Democratic party can "move the needle in big ways." Join us for this inspiring conversation full of insights from a member of the next generation of Democratic leadership!

Join us for an engaging conversation with the host of the Aging Matters podcast (also a tv and radio show)! Cheryl Beversdorf's program focuses on living longer and healthier lives. She brings to the show her truly eclectic personal background:  army nurse during the Vietnam War, Congressional staffer, and public relations professional -- before launching Aging Matters in 2017. Today's wide-ranging interview covers everything from the prohibitive costs of long-term care to the importance of Social Security to unusual stories from real seniors (including older people who acted in a Canadian horror film cheekily titled, "Silver Screamers").  Don't miss this one! And don't forget to tune into Cheryl's podcast, tv show, and Pacifica radio show. VISIT https://www.agingmattersonline.com.

In this episode, psychiatrist and psychoanalytic thinker Dr. Chris Miller joins us to explore what really happens to our inner world as we age, and why its never too late for meaningful therapy. From treating patients in Brazilian housing projects and U.S. psychiatric emergency rooms to writing about aging and mental health, Dr. Miller shares how scarcity, cultural shifts, and life transitions shape the way we cope with loss, control, and uncertainty.

Stephen Goss was Social Security's Chief Actuary for nearly a quarter of a century, capping off a long career of public service at the Social Security Administration. Today, as a private citizen, he talks to us about Social Security's financial picture… about the factors behind the projected shortfall in the program's trust fund reserves... and about potential ways to strengthen Social Security for the future. This is a rare interview with Stephen since he retired in 2025 and shouldn't be missed!

New York Times bestselling author Gail Godwin has written a memoir interlacing politics and personal experience to ask the question, "How can I become a better person - and a better citizen?" Her story in "The Art of Becoming a Citizen" starts during the 2024 election season and ends on the day Trump was re-elected, prompting deep soul-searching on the octogenerian author's part. From her days as a reporter for the Miami Herald in the early 60s to her current life as a prolific novelist and memoirist, Gail is a fascinating personality with loads of life wisdom to spare!  Gail's memoir is available at gailgodwin.com and fine booksellers everywhere.

This week's episode features a multi-generational meeting of the minds, with host Walter Gottlieb, political director Luke Warren, and communications associate Lucas Kaplan -- on the history and future of Social Security. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law on August 14, 1935. Ninety-one years later, his landmark New Deal program still provides seniors with basic retirement security. But what's next? Walter, Luke, and Lucas give their takes on strengthening Social Security, how younger adults feel about the program, and why Social Security is on the ballot in 2026. Don't miss this lively chat about a program that touches the lives of almost every American.

"Our priority is health care for working Americans, not giving tax cuts to billionaires," says Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) on this week's podcast. The Senator says that when Trump's Big, Ugly Bill takes effect in 2027, people are going to feel the pain of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. Sen. Van Hollen also says Congress must act to preserve Social Security, without cutting benefits. "Social Security is THE bedrock retirement program" and shouldn't be eroded. Chris Van Hollen first served as a congressman, and moved over to the Senate in 2017.  He is a member of the Senate Banking & Finance Committees, and joins us directly from Capitol Hill.

It's been more than a year since Trump signed his Big, Ugly Bill into law, cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid. Most of those cuts haven't even taken effect yet, but people struggling to afford health coverage already are feeling the impacts. And that's just the beginning, says Justice in Aging's Natalie Kean -- a lawyer and advocate for older Americans. Natalie tells us that older patients and people with disabilities will be especially hard hit by these cruel and unnecessary cuts -- all so that the wealthy could get another big tax break.  But... Natalie also thinks there may be an opportunity for Congress to reverse the Big Ugly Bill's worst provisions, depending on the outcome of the next two elections.

Most seniors claim Social Security at age 62, even though they take a 30% cut in benefits by not waiting until full retirement age. Economist Jason Fichtner says that's a mistake – unless you have no real choice. Waiting until 70, on the other hand, yields you a big increase in monthly benefits for life! And Jason should know. He was deputy commissioner and chief economist at the Social Security Administration - PLUS a professor and highly respected expert in the field of retirement security. Jason is on the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. This is a must-listen for anyone nearing retirement!

Shawn Perry is a radio personality in the Washington, DC area who launched a show for older listeners called "The Senior Zone" 8 years ago -- with no experience in broadcasting, but a passion for seniors' issues. Before starting the radio show, Shawn spent 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and worked in the health services sector. Today, he talks about the importance of Social Security and Medicare, the scourge of ageism, and what inspired him to start his own radio show. (Hint: It had something to do with his grandmother.)

It turns out that humor is one of the best tools for healthy aging. No one knows that better than this week's guest, stand-up comedian Missy Hall. She's a nationally-touring headliner best known for her appearances on the Showtime comedy franchise, "Funny Women of a Certain Age." In this debut episode of SEASON FOUR, Missy riffs on her experiences as a comedian, parent of a teenage daughter, grandparent, and cancer survivor - and shares her belief that its never too late to try something new.

Michigan is a fascinating place --- a swing state with a large senior population. In fact, 1 in 5 Michicanders is over 65. Our guest this week, Paula Cunningham, is on the forefront of seniors' advocacy in the Great Lakes State. As director of AARP Michigan, she has a lot to say about the stresses of family caregivers, the value of home and community based care, and the future of Social Security --- among many other things!  Don't miss this chat with a woman on a mission to improve the lives of older people in her state --- and the family members who care for them.    READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::::: https://youearnedthis.org/defending-seniors-in-the-great-lakes-state-aarps-paula-cunningham/

In this encore episode from November, 2025, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means "in the dust" --- by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He's also worried about the future of Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don't miss our visit with one of the most fervent advocates for Americans' health care in the U.S. Senate.