Meet the Team Behind Aging Rewired

Aging Rewired is back for a third season! Your favorite podcast about the intersection of aging and technology will have new episodes released every two weeks and dive into the issues that matter most to older adults. This season, the podcast covers access to affordable and reliable transportation, how groups of seniors are supporting each other through end-of-life preparation, the social benefits of environmental activism, and so much more.

Curious to know more about who is behind the deep conversations? Read on to meet the team…

Sheila Solomon (Host):

What are you excited about in Season 3 of Aging Rewired?

Who do we get to meet this season? It’s getting harder to keep up with technology changes. I know it can be scary but for us older adults on our own it can also put us in a position to do more of the things we want to do. We’re hoping to share more of that kind of information this season. And I hope we’ll hear from more of you, too!  (To reach out with an idea or question, email agingrewired@aarp.org)

Any favorite moments from past seasons?

I can imagine being friends with the people on our podcast. I interviewed a man in our first season and discovered two years later that we had a mutual friend. On another episode two women’s openness made me giggle and I stepped a little out of my shell. Frankly, I believe I could be friends with any of the people we’ve interviewed.

What podcasts do you love?

The Perfect Scam, Selected Shorts, Death, Sex & Money, Proof, This American Life, You Look Like Me, What’s Ray Saying

What does “Aging with Attitude” mean to you?

I’m constantly tweaking my response to this question. Everyday I awake thankful for being alive and saying a prayer for those in my life. I love sharing my energy, learning new things, meeting new people, and tackling new goals.

Connor Whitley (Producer):

What are you excited about in Season 3 of Aging Rewired?

I’m excited to get the microphone in front of more older adults and hear an even wider perspective on the topics that we have been looking into. I have really enjoyed trying to connect stories that at first glance you wouldn’t think might be related, and I’m looking forward to seeing how our audience reacts to them.

Any favorite moments from past seasons?

I grew up in Alabama so it was really amazing to hear about the work Janice Malone is doing in communities there through her non-profit Vivian’s Door (Season 2 – Aging and Working Episode). I was also really moved by a segment we produced about a Senior Planet participant, Nancy, and how her participation in our open mic night series has brought joy into her life as she cares for her mother (Season 2 – Aging and Caregiving Episode).

What podcasts do you love?

Every interesting fact that I’ve ever offered at a dinner party has come straight from Radiolab – it’s my favorite! Also, Wind of Change, Missed Fortune, Serial, Chameleon, American Scandal, Ologies, and Heavyweight.

Pam  Hugi (Producer):

What are you excited about in Season 3 of Aging Rewired?

I think this will be our best season yet. We’re covering some topics we’ve all been wanting to talk about for a while but haven’t had a chance to. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing how our listeners react to episode 2, which is about how older adults are using technology to support each other and talk about end-of-life preparations

Any favorite moments from past seasons?

I loved our episode on decluttering in season 2. I recently moved and took a lot of Tracy’s advice to heart.

What podcasts do you love?

I listen to a LOT of podcasts, but to name a few that my co-workers haven’t already listed…Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel, Weight for It, S Town, and, of course, Aging Rewired.

To learn more and listen to all Aging Rewired episodes, including our episodes on senior travel, decluttering and dating after 60, visit seniorplanet.org/podcast.

YOUR TURN

What do you think of Aging Rewired?  What other podcasts do you listen to? Let us know in the comments!

 

Photos: (L to R) Connor Whitley, Sheila Solomon, Pam Hugi; photos courtesy of Anna Budinger, Senior Planet, and Jeanette Spicer