You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!

Author & activist Ashton Applewhite is a relentless opponent of Ageism, which she says runs rampant in our society. Whether it's the way we look at ourselves as older people, or the way we think other people look at us, Ashton believes it's time for a re-interpreation of what it means to grow older in this country -- heads held high, and no more talk of 'senior moments.' This is a compelling discussion with the author of the book, "This Chair Rocks," and the Substack, "Things I Used to Say." Don't miss it! You can explore Ashton's work at www.thischairrocks.com 

President Trump promised to protect Social Security, while doing just the opposite. According to new research, it has become harder for workers to claim Social Security Disability Insurance benefits since Trump took office again. One of the study's authors says this is partly because of severe staffing cutbacks by Trump and DOGE at the Social Security Administration… AND … the Social Security Commissioner's out-of-touch "technology agenda" that leaves many people with disabilities behind.  Katie Savin is assistant professor in the division of social work at California State University, Sacramento.  Katie knows this topic better than most – because they were a disability beneficiary as a young adult. They tell us more about the difficulties people with disabilities are having when trying to claim Social Security benefits under the Trump regime.  See a couple of corrections to the show content below. CORRECTIONS: 1) Children under 18 do not receive SSDI benefits based on their own work history and would generally apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).    2)  When Katie speaks about "somebody receiving disability benefits who was in their 70's," they meant "someone in their 60s" since SSDI converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age.  

Terrence Roberts (84), is one of the surviving members of the Little Rock Nine, the group of Black students who desegregated Central High School in 1957.  Nearly 70 years later, Terry shares his vivid recollections -- and reflections -- from that historic period.  We revisit all of it - the white mobs threatening to kill Terry and his fellow students, President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard, and the tumult inside the halls of the school. As an adult, Terry went into psychology and continued his advocacy for racial equity and understanding, believing in the power of interpersonal dialogue to improve life for everyone. Join us for this fascinating look back at 20th century civil rights history with someone who was at the epicenter -- and says there is more work to do! 

AI may threaten human existence, but in the meantime it may also be compelling older workers to leave the workforce early. Many of them are leaving of their own volition, anxious about adapting to AI. Economics professor Geoffrey Sanzenbacher (Boston College) tells us which aging workers are more vulnerable or 'exposed' to AI and why. At the same time, he says, there are older employees who are quickly adapting! It's a fascinating discussion that anyone grappling with the fast-moving impacts of AI will want to hear! 

We wouldn't have Social Security without Franklin D. Roosevelt. It's one of the legacy programs that the Roosevelt Institute works to preserve. This week's guest is Roosevelt Institute CEO Elizabeth Wilkins. Elizabeth tells us that today there's a broken feedback loop between what people want and what government does… and that - despite what the financial elites say - we can fund Social Security for the future without any benefit cuts. She also says that in these troubled times, people crave the kind of visionary leadership that FDR provided during his time in office. Elizabeth has a long track record of public service, including key roles in the Obama and Biden administrations. In this episode, she also talks about the legacy of her father, civil rights advocate and attorney, Roger Wilkins. 

Author and journalist Phil Moeller (formerly of PBS NewsHour) says our privately-owned health care system is too expensive, including Medicare Advantage. Meanwhile, our 'key markers of well-being,' in terms of longevity and health, are near the bottom of Western countries. He also blames Trump's immigration crackdown for a growing shortage of caregivers. Phil brings his outside-the-box thinking on health care and caregiving for seniors to this fascinating episode. He is currently author of the "Aging in America" Substack. Visit philmoeller.substack.com.

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.