Elderhood, Death-Phobic Culture and Finding Meaning in a Troubled World | Stephen Jenkinson

In this riveting episode with Dr. Deena Emera, an Evolutionary Geneticist, we unravel the evolutionary enigma of menopause, diving into the “grandmother hypothesis”, the contrasts in reproductive biology, and the implications for aging. Dr. Emera shares compelling insights from her new book, "A Brief History of the Female Body," offering a profound understanding of the female life-cycle, fertility, and the most up to date science on aging, menopause and longevity. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in why the female body evolved the way it has, why so many of our modern health challenges exist, and how to balance the mystery and wisdom of our bodies with a scientific understanding of our history.  

In this enlightening episode of This is Aging, Evan Healy, a pioneer in holistic skincare, shares her transformative journey from conventional esthetics to creating a globally recognized natural skincare brand. Evan shares her philosophy of embracing the wisdom of aging and the potent healing properties of earth-sourced ingredients. With a focus on minimalistic skincare routines that honor our natural beauty, Evan challenges societal beauty standards and promotes a deeper, more meaningful connection with ourselves. From discussing the significance of clay treatments and hydrosols to exploring the beauty of accepting the changes we experience as we age, this episode is rich with insights into caring for your skin in the most holistic and loving way. Evan's approach to skincare as an act of self-care and her advocacy for simplicity and self-acceptance offers a revitalizing perspective on beauty and aging.

In this deeply engaging episode of "This is Aging," Mary Van Geffen shares her journey of transitioning from feeling overwhelmed in parenting to becoming a beloved coach helping parents of “spicy ones” find support. We explore the nuances of nurturing children with strong personalities, emphasizing the significance of understanding and accepting their unique traits. Mary opens up about her experiences with ADHD and how it has shaped her perspective on parenting and self-awareness. From discussing the impact of generational patterns on parenting styles to exploring strategies for fostering autonomy in teenagers, this episode is filled with heartfelt stories and practical advice. Mary's approach, blending kindness with firmness, offers a refreshing viewpoint on navigating the complex waters of parenthood and the role of empathy and understanding in raising confident, resilient children. Join us in this captivating dialogue that promises to reshape how you view the parenting journey, especially if you have a “spirited” or neurodivergent child. 

 In this compelling episode of, Dana and Mellisa sit down with Dr. Madhureeta Achari — widely known as Dr. Reeta — a seasoned neurologist who brilliantly integrates her medical expertise with nutrition and Ayurveda. Exploring how our dietary needs and mental health evolve with age, Dr. Reeta unveils powerful insights into tending to our bodies throughout the decades. From tackling modern dietary challenges to the benefits of traditional food combinations to the pivotal role of community and relationships in longevity, this episode is packed with practical and comprehensive information. Through personal stories and her holistic approach, Dr. Reeta brings a warmth and curiosity to an often complicated conversation and offers a refreshing perspective on aging with vitality. 

In this episode of This is Aging, Dana and Mellisa fly out to Hollywood to be on set with the cast and crew of Retirement House, a popular show on Instagram and TikTok showcasing the day to day lives of 6 friends in their later years. Capturing not just hilarious stories and the amazing chemistry of the cast, but profound life wisdom for listeners of any age, this episode is a celebration of aging vibrantly and visibly. Challenging all of the stereotypes about aging and reminding us that “retirement” is just an idea, this episode is a lovely reminder that life doesn’t wind down after a certain age. The cast shares stories of personal ambition and success, hard-learned lessons, the background and evolution of the Retirement House show, and how culture has changed over the lifetime of the cast, making for an inspirational and provocative conversation. 

In the latest episode of "This is Aging," Dana and Mellisa welcome Sil Reynolds, an extraordinary guide with a background as a Jungian Psychologist, Womens’ Coach and Nurse Practitioner. With over forty years of experience, Sil joins us to dive into the deep, evolving journey of womanhood. This episode is a beautiful tapestry, woven with the sacred threads of life's stages - from the fresh beginnings of the Maiden to the nurturing depths of the Mother to the profound wisdom of the Crone. Sil's insights, enriched by her decades long mentorship with Marion Woodman, a renowned Jungian psychologist, offer a unique perspective on the feminine and masculine energies within us all and how that plays out in our society.Sil challenges us to rethink our societal norms and to embrace the unfolding beauty and depth of our later years. As Sil shares her profound and fascinating insights about the Crone archetype, she encourages women to embrace the full spectrum of our experiences, to listen to our inner voices, and to boldly step into the wisdom that is innately ours.

In this inspiring episode of This is Aging, we welcome David Wilson, the passionate advocate behind Old School Moves. At 64, David brings a fresh and enlightening perspective on the role of movement in our lives, particularly as we age. Honestly sharing his personal journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming a movement advocate, David lets us in on how he discovered the joy and importance of a compassionate, playful approach to physical activity. This episode goes beyond traditional fitness narratives, exploring how our perceptions of movement and ageism can profoundly affect our overall well-being.This conversation is particularly relevant as we come into the New Year, a time when so many are affected by the pressure to create “resolutions” and impose restrictions upon ourselves. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to start the year with a more compassionate, curious and playful perspective on aging, health, and movement.

Join us in this episode of This is Aging as we welcome Debra Benfield of Aging Body Liberation, a seasoned expert in the intersection of body positivity and pro-aging. With over 35 years of experience as a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and yoga teacher, Debra shares her wealth of wisdom around the complexities of aging, disordered eating, and societal pressures. She challenges the anti-aging narrative and offers a transformative perspective on embracing our bodies during the aging process. Full of both deep insight and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the holiday season with self-compassion and foster a nurturing relationship with their aging body. Tune in to be part of a crucial conversation that reshapes how we perceive and treat our bodies at every stage of life.

In this episode, we share the profound work of Stephen Jenkinson, an internationally renowned teacher and author of Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul and Come of Age: The Case for Elderhood in a Time of Trouble. Stephen shares his experiences working with dying people and their families as a former program director in a Canadian hospital, shedding light on the brokenness of our modern Western approach to death and end of life care. He challenges the prevailing death phobia in our society and explores the importance of embracing the reality of dying in order to live more fully. Through his thought-provoking insights, Stephen invites us to reconsider our understanding of aging, what it means to be an elder and the fears we face about our changing modern world.Stephen also shares his insights on spirituality and the blurred lines between a spiritual life and a regular life, the challenges faced by both the oldest and youngest generations in a rapidly changing world and the importance of understanding our past and the potential consequences of our actions on future generations. Tune in for a deep and introspective conversation that will leave you questioning your role in shaping the world around you and your impulse for “answers” in light of the realities of our times… 

In this episode of This is Aging, we are joined by Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps from Wise and Well, both experts in perimenopause and menopausal health. They shared their extensive knowledge and experience working with women in this midlife stage. We dive deep into the topic of perimenopause, discussing the shifts in body composition, the importance of lifestyle factors like fitness, sleep, and stress management, and the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Kristen and Maria debunk common misconceptions about HRT and hormonal changes, shedding light on the real challenges and opportunities women face during this time. If you're approaching midlife or want to better understand what's happening in your body and choices that might be available to you as you age, this episode is a must-listen.