Seniority Authority

As more Americans choose to age at home, home-based support has become essential — but also misunderstood. In this episode, we welcome entrepreneur and caregiving expert Stephen Limpe, founder of CompassCare and co-founder of the new AI caregiving platform WiseBird.Stephen shares the hard-earned lessons he gained through his own medical crises and reveals the hidden complexities of home care: what it costs, what caregivers can and cannot legally do, how state rules vary, and why families need to plan long before care is needed.Listen to Stephen—you'll come away with practical tools for evaluating agencies, understanding the real gaps in Medicare/Medicaid, and navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of supporting loved ones who wish to age in place. What's Next?Have a question you want Cathleen to explore on a future episode?Send it to us at [email protected] — your question may be featured on the show.Stay ConnectedWebsite: https://seniorityauthority.orgFacebookInstagramNewsletter: Sign up on our website for updates and resources

Palliative care isn’t “giving up”—it’s teaming up. Nurse practitioner Minnie Sabin explains how comfort, clarity, and support can begin from day one of a serious diagnosis—not just at the end. In this conversation, she demystifies palliative care, outlines who can benefit, and shares how early involvement can ease stress for both patients and families.You'll learn how palliative teams coordinate with doctors, manage symptoms, and guide meaningful conversations about goals and values. Minnie also shares powerful real-world stories that highlight the difference this approach makes in quality of life and peace of mind.Timestamps0:00 - Intro3:25 - What palliative care really is—and how it differs from hospice7:10 - When to involve palliative care and what families can expect10:45 - The interdisciplinary team: medicine, emotion, and spirit14:20 - Common misconceptions and real patient stories18:30 - How palliative care supports families and improves quality of lifeWhat’s NextIf palliative care might help you or a loved one, start by asking your doctor for a referral. Visit The Conversation Project to explore free guides that help families talk about wishes and values before a crisis.Stay connected with Seniority Authority on Facebook and Instagram for more practical, positive conversations about growing older with purpose.

I’ve worked with older adults for a long time, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the hardest conversations are often the most necessary. We plan for weddings, retirements, even vacations—but not for how we want to be cared for when we can’t speak for ourselves. That’s why I invited Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, to join me for a powerful, practical conversation about how to talk with your loved ones about your wishes for care through the end of life. Spoiler alert: it's not really about dying—it's about how you want to live. 🕰 Timestamps    0:00 – Why we avoid the conversation (and why we shouldn’t)    2:00 – What is The Conversation Project?    4:45 – Why it’s so hard to talk about this stuff    8:20 – Making it personal: creative ways to start the conversation    11:00 – Choosing your decision-maker (and making sure they know)    14:00 – “Just pull the plug” and other myths    18:00 – What really matters: values over medical procedures    22:00 – Free tools to help, including My Health Checklist    26:00 – How this work has changed Kate’s own family conversations 🔜 What’s NextWant to be sure your voice is heard—no matter what happens? Head to theconversationproject.org and download their free guides. They’ll help you prepare, talk, and plan for the care you want, on your terms. 📬 Stay ConnectedIf this episode sparked something for you, send it to someone you love. The best time to talk is now. Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, visit seniorityauthority.org, or reach out anytime at [email protected].

When you think about sunlight, you probably picture warm summer days — not a cutting-edge medical treatment. But as recent research reveals, specific wavelengths of UV light can help calm runaway inflammation, a key driver behind autoimmune diseases.In this conversation, John MacMahon, co-founder of Cytokind and veteran medical device entrepreneur, shares how a dermatology treatment for psoriasis led to groundbreaking results for MS, COVID, and other inflammatory conditions. We dive into the science behind phototherapy, how it’s used in clinical trials, and why your immune system might be craving more sun than you realize.You’ll hear:Why a narrow band of UV light can “teach” your immune system to make better decisionsHow clinical trials in COVID and MS have shown dramatic reductions in mortality and relapsesWhy inflammation — not just symptoms — should be the focus of autoimmune careWhat you can do today to naturally boost your regulatory T cells (hint: it’s free)If you or someone you love is living with an autoimmune condition, this episode could open the door to a whole new way of thinking about treatment and prevention. Links & ResourcesLearn more on Cytokind’s website: cytokind.netCan Sunlight Cure Disease? – Scientific American (May 20, 2025) — Explores UV light therapy for autoimmune conditions like MS, including patient Kathy Reagan Young’s “UV-fueled rebirth” and underlying photoimmunology research. NB-UVB lights are FDA-cleared for dermatology from pediatrics to geriatrics. Their use beyond dermatology is experimental in the US.  Timestamps0:00 - Intro2:15 - Why sunlight matters for healthspan and immunity4:10 - John’s journey into medical devices and phototherapy6:55 - How UVB light “teaches” your immune system to regulate inflammation9:22 - COVID-19 clinical trial results and survival rate impact13:48 - The MS connection and Dr. Prue Hart’s groundbreaking study18:36 - How the device works and what patients can expect21:50 - Potential benefits for stress, sleep, and aging well26:05 - Insurance coverage, FDA path, and future trials31:42 - Simple steps you can take today to support immune health34:40 - Closing thoughts and where to learn more What’s Next?Do you or someone you love live with an autoimmune condition? Are you curious about simple, safe ways to reduce inflammation and improve your healthspan? If you have questions about this episode or ideas for future topics, reach out to us at [email protected]’d love to hear from you. 

I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up to my first Death Over Drinks event. The name alone was enough to stop me in my tracks—equal parts playful and provocative. But what I found that night was something I didn’t even realize I was looking for: real, meaningful connection. We laughed. We cried. We reflected. And we built something that’s in short supply these days—community.In this episode, I sit down with Laura Cleminson, the visionary behind the Pre Dead Social Club, to talk about why she created this movement, how it’s grown, and why conversations about death are actually conversations about life. 🕰 Timestamps0:00 - How the Pre Dead Social Club began5:41 - Death cafés, mailing lists, and casting a wide net8:49 - What talking about death really means12:05 – How events are structured—and why that matters15:00 - Attracting all ages and backgrounds22:00 - Meeting people where they are28:30 - How to get involved, wherever you are 🔜 What’s NextIf you're curious about your own relationship with mortality—or just want to meet new people in a surprisingly joyful setting—head to predeadsocialclub.com to sign up for the newsletter and get involved. 📬 Stay ConnectedIf this episode moved you, share it with someone you care about. Let’s keep these conversations going, because the more we talk about death, the more alive we all feel. Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, visit seniorityauthority.org, or get in touch at [email protected].

Are you completely burned out from caregiving? Do you feel like nobody quite understands what you’re going through?In this heartfelt, wisdom-packed episode, caregiving advocate and author Carol Bradley Bursack joins Cathleen Toomey to talk candidly about the emotional tightrope that family caregivers walk every day. From navigating resistance to preserving dignity, Carol offers gentle, actionable strategies to help you support your loved one without losing yourself in the process.You’ll learn how to:Start difficult conversations without triggering defensivenessAvoid the “parenting your parent” trapCreate a caregiving plan that actually honors autonomyFlip the script when someone resists helpSay “yes” when friends offer support and how to ask for what you really needPlus, we explore how small self-care rituals can make a huge difference in managing stress and finding your footing as a caregiver. 🔗 Links Minding Our Elders by Carol Bradley BursackCaregiver Action NetworkAlzheimer’s Association Support GroupsBetter Health While Aging – Dr. Leslie KernisanWhen Your Aging Parent Needs Help by Dr. Leslie Kernisan⏰ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and caregiver statistics  01:11 - Meet Carol Bradley Bursack and her caregiving background  02:00 - Why caregiving for aging adults is uniquely challenging  03:01 - Opening respectful conversations with aging parents  05:26 - Understanding their wishes and planning ahead  09:00 - Why “parenting your parent” is the wrong approach  12:33 - The emotional toll of isolation for caregivers  14:50 - Online support groups and where to find them  17:37 - Reframing resistance to help from aging parents  20:45 - Daily self-care practices that actually work  24:53 - How to accept and direct help from friends  27:30 - Final reflections and caregiver encouragement   👉 What’s Next?Feeling the caregiving crunch? Visit seniorityauthority.org for more episodes, expert advice, and resources to help you navigate aging with grace and confidence.  💌 Stay ConnectedHave a question about aging you’d love us to tackle in a future episode? Email us at [email protected]. 

What if retirement isn’t the finish line, but a new beginning you haven’t trained for?In this powerful episode, host Cathleen Toomey sits down with Harvard Business School professor emerita Dr. Teresa Amabile to explore the surprising truths behind retirement. Based on a decade of research and 200+ interviews, Dr. Amabile challenges the myth that money and health are all you need for a satisfying life post-career. Make sure not to miss this one—we reframe retirement as a phase requiring intention and reflection (and yes… a little work!)Dr. Teresa Amabile is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration, Emerita, at Harvard Business School. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford and over 40 years of research into creativity, motivation, and inner work life, she brings a deep, evidence-based lens to one of life’s biggest transitions: retirement. Her latest book, Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You, is the result of a decade-long collaborative study with colleagues from MIT, Bentley, and Boston University.From redefining identity to rebuilding purpose, this conversation is filled with practical insights—and moving personal stories—that reframe retirement as a phase requiring intention and reflection (and yes… a little work!). 💬
 What's Next?Check out the book Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You and start exploring what your next chapter could look like. Try journaling about what purpose and identity mean to you—without your current job title. 🤝
Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Seniority Authority wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1556496158Follow Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn Learn more at http://seniorityauthority.org

Is Your Financial Plan Missing Something Big?What if your retirement plan has a blind spot you didn't know existed?In this enlightening episode, host Cathleen Toomey welcomes wealth management experts Tom Sedoric and Casey Snyder of Clove Hitch Advisors to break down the real secrets of retirement success. With decades of experience and national recognition from Forbes, these two know exactly what can derail even the most prepared retiree---and how to fix it.Tom and Casey dive into the psychology of financial planning, including the dangers of optimism bias and recency bias. They discuss why collaboration with estate planners and accountants is essential, and how to create tax flexibility for a more secure future.You'll learn:Why your plan might not be as resilient as you thinkHow to start the financial conversation with your familyThe critical importance of having a written planAnd how financial advisors themselves can future-proof their businesses🔗 Links and Resources:The Optimism Bias by Tali SharotHumble DollarThe EconomistBloombergFinancial TimesThe New York Times ❓ What's Next?What are your views, comments or questions on financial planning for retirement? Share them with us at [email protected]! 🤝🏻 Stay ConnectedConnect with host Cathleen Toomey on LinkedInFind out more on the Seniority Authority website, and follow us on Facebook and InstagramSubscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🤝🏻 Timestamps00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Common blind spots in financial planning and the importance of anticipating change04:04 - The role of optimism bias and recency bias in retirement planning06:16 - Why collaboration with accountants and estate planners is critical08:22 - Tax flexibility and long-term strategy in light of changing laws13:18 - The increasing gap between capability and need as we age—and why early conversations matter17:12 - Exercises to test financial resilience and the dangers of only planning for best-case scenarios20:11 - How to answer the "How much do I need for retirement?" question22:14 - The importance of team diversity, continuity, and future-proofing a financial firm23:00 - Recommended financial media  2023 | 2024 Source: Forbes.com — Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, and firm nominations; as well as quantitative criteria including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Neither Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC nor its Wealth Managers pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information, visit www.SHOOKresearch.com.

Fraudsters are getting smarter---and their biggest targets? Older adults. With a staggering $28 billion lost annually to scams, it's time to take action.In this episode, fraud prevention expert Ron Long shares insights on how scammers operate, why elder financial abuse is skyrocketing, and---most importantly---how to stay safe. Ron has spent years working to protect seniors from fraud, from his early days at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to leading the charge at Stevens & Lee.What are the most common scams? Who are the perpetrators? And how can you safeguard your finances? Tune in for practical steps, eye-opening stats, and real-world solutions that could save you or a loved one from financial disaster.🔗 Resources Mentioned:*Learn more about the Moonshot Initiative: LinkedIn Page  *Stevens & Lee -- Financial fraud prevention experts: Website  *AARP Fraud Watch Network: Website  *FTC Scam Alerts: Website🎧 Subscribe & Stay Informed:Don't miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.💬 Join the Conversation:What steps have you taken to protect yourself or your loved ones from scams? Share your thoughts at [email protected].  Links and Resources:The Moonshot Initiative on LinkedIn -- Learn more about the global effort to combat elder financial abuse. LinkedIn PageSstevens & Lee -- Ron Long's firm specializing in financial fraud prevention. Website* AARP Fraud Watch Network -- AARP's resource for recognizing and preventing scams. Website* Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alerts -- Updates on the latest scams targeting consumers. WebsiteTimestamps for Mentions:[00:35:03] -- The Moonshot Initiative on LinkedIn[00:37:42] -- Stevens & Lee and their fraud prevention services[00:28:00] -- The importance of family passwords to prevent fraud[00:21:00] -- The rising use of AI in scams, making them harder to detect

Are you a people pleaser? Do you find yourself apologizing for things you shouldn’t? Ann Leary, New York Times bestselling author, is here to inspire you to rewrite the script. In her newest collection, I Tried Being Nice, Ann shares witty, insightful essays about overcoming lifelong tendencies to people-please, redefining kindness, and embracing the unapologetic freedom of midlife. From confrontations with a neighbor (and their unruly dog) to honest reflections on her marriage, parenting, and self-discovery through tennis, Ann discusses the trials and triumphs of finding one’s voice later in life. Find out why she believes post-menopause is her prime and how shedding old habits has transformed her relationships and outlook.Key Topics:The difference between kindness and people-pleasing Why midlife is the perfect time to embrace authenticity Parenting, empty-nesting, and reclaiming your true self How tennis became both a hobby and a metaphor for life Join us for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you feeling empowered—and ready to embrace your unapologetic self. More About Ann LearyOfficial WebsiteFollow Ann on InstagramGet her book I Tried Being NiceConnect with Us:Email us at [email protected] Seniority Authority on the webFollow us on Facebook and InstagramSubscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts or Spotify today!  Timestamps02:00 - Exploring Ann’s Writing Journey10:08 - Inspiration Behind I Tried Being Nice13:01 - Empty Nest Adventures19:45 - Life Lessons from the Tennis Court24:03 - Breaking Free from People-Pleasing