Second Half Now

Radio Guest: Ted Hillson Ted Hillison is a regional ambassador for Aging 2.0.  He has a professional background in business and banking and is using those skills, experience, and connections to provide leadership for this national initiative – and doing it on a regional level. There are over 100 million Americans over the age of 50, with 10,000 joining us every day.  There are constant changes in needs and solutions, but there is no unified effort to bring everything together to work in harmony, coordinating the entities with the information and application of each individual part.  In this episode, we get a start at understanding what the mission of Aging 2.0 is, and we begin to get a peek at how it can benefit all of us: businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Radio Guest: Annie Duhrkoop and Dennis Catmull Annie Duhrkoop is the wife and caregiver of Mark Duhrkoop, who suffered a life-changing stroke.  Annie continues to figure out how to make life work for the family, and is seeking to renew the services and activities of Return Ministries which they had both committed their lives to.  Dennis Catmull is Chairman of the Board of Return Ministries. We’ve all had things barge into our lives that we weren’t prepared for.  We can’t be ready for everything that happens to us, but some of those things can leave damaging, even devastating results.  Hear the story of one family’s journey of faith and courage following such an event.  And hear the heartfelt appeal to you to prepare for some of life’s unknown possibilities.  Think it can’t happen to you?  Neither did they! https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Peter Kozushko Dr. Peter Kozushko is Senior Associate Pastor at Countryside Community Church in Sherwood, Oregon.  He oversees the evangelism and discipleship ministries of the church that serves some 1,200 people.  He equips and motivates members to understand, love, live, and share the true meaning of the Gospel. In the second half of life, we love good news.  In fact, we crave it.  It’s hard to imagine life without a reasonable dose of good news.  There is news, then there is really good news.  It should be no surprise that as a pastor Dr. Dan sees a strong connection between the really good news that God offers and being able to live a life of meaning and purpose.  This is what he talks about on this show with guest Peter Kozushko.  Just what is that really good news?  And how does that help people live a life that matters?  https://secondhalfnow.com

Radio Guest: Doug Hoffman One of the penetrating questions we need to ask ourselves is, “Why am I here?”  Knowing the answer to that question makes all the difference in the world.  It determines what we value and how we spend our time and our resources.  Doug Hoffman tells of his journey in hearing God’s calling and what He is doing now in answer to that call.  Listen for insights on how you can hear God’s calling, and how life changes in big ways when you answer. Doug Hoffman is former President and CEO or Wilco Farm Stores with 900 employees and 26 locations.  How he developed leadership and relational skills, along with a heart of compassion, uniquely prepared him for what he is doing now “in retirement”.  He now serves as Executive Director of Mercy, Inc., a global Christian organization creating healthy and thriving communities mentally, physically, and spiritually. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Scott Golphenee By the time we get to the second half of life, we have been through many changes.  Life has not turned out to be the way we had thought or hoped it would.  Through pain and darkness and the fear of the unknown, we have had to deal with very difficult transitions.  Other changes have been welcomed and wonderful.  So if you’re not in the middle of a significant transition right now, just wait; another one is surely on the way.  How we respond to transition in our life will determine how happy and productive we will be.  Here’s some help. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Sam Haley The goal and mission of Second Half Now is to “help today’s 50-plus American live a life that matters”.  What exactly does that mean, and how do we go about doing that?  Sam Haley helps us get a handle on that by discussing his own personal journey and his deep personal conviction that a life of purpose and meaning is the only life worth living. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Rowanne Haley By the time we get to 50 and beyond we have some pretty “set-in-our-ways” habits.  Some of those habits serve us well, others, not so much.  It may surprise you that some of the most beneficial habits are really rather simple.  Maybe not easy, but simple. Physical exercise will enhance our happiness, our heart health, and our brain function.  Here are some very practical helps to form and keep some good habits of physical movement and exercise. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Jackie B. Peterson In the second half of life, most of us will need to have an ongoing income. But we don’t necessarily need to keep working the same job we’ve been working at. In fact, we may not have to work a job as someone else’s employee at all. The new revolution for Boomers and Seniors is finding what we love or what we’re really good at and learning how to make money doing it. Get some insights right here. http://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Rowanne Haley We have choices in the second half of life.  We can choose to live a life of meaning and purpose – or not. As they say, not to decide is to decide. That means that if we don’t choose to live a life that matters, we are actually choosing to live a life that doesn’t.  Rowanne Haley helps us get a handle on structure, purpose and meaning, and she shares the “Five Pillars” that will help us be passionate and productive in the second half of life. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Quest: Joanne Petrie By the time we get into the second half of life, we have all experienced loss of various kinds.  Loss of a loved one, loss of a marriage, a job, a friend, a prized possession, a relationship, a business,  a dream, a beloved pet.  . . . any of these can have a serious impact on our life.  How we respond to each loss will have a powerful shaping influence on how we live the rest of our lives.  Here are some helps for finding hope and happiness through times of loss. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Jim Ramos As we get older there’s a natural tendency to want to slow down a bit and unplug from the hectic busy-ness of life.  But wait!  Many have discovered that it’s in the second half that we actually have the most fulfilling and fruitful days of our lives.  Sure, we need to evaluate our activities and commitments, but we can make different choices and invest our time and energy into the things that really matter.  Jim Ramos helps us with some great insights. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Anne & Angela, Travel That Matters Pastors would love to be closer to their members, but find it difficult to do.  Everyone is so busy and stressed . . . but, that’s the point.  Group time away can give great opportunities to share life together and grow in their relationships.  Pastors can teach Bible studies or topical lessons on leadership, marriage, ministry principles, prayer, or whatever would be enriching for the group together.  Or they just hang out and have a good time.  Here are some ideas to consider. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Gil & Brenda Stuart So, you take two imperfect people and put them together; what could possibly go wrong?  As it turns out, lots!  The two people are both, by nature, self-centered.  Each wants their needs met by the other, and when they aren’t . . . there’s trouble.  But there are ways to build a happy, fulfilling marriage.  It’s not rocket science, but it is challenging.  Here are some powerful insights.  What Gil and Brenda share are critical components that are not obvious, but they’re also not optional. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Dr. Eric Larson We all know people who have lost their mental capacities in their later years.  It is heart-breaking when an aging loved one gets forgetful, then begins to say things that don’t make sense, then doesn’t remember family members’ names.  But can the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia be postponed or prevented?  This Harvard Medical doctor says “Yes”.  What can we do now to make our brains function well into the aging process?  Listen for answers. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Chuck Hagele, Project Patch Grandparents often feel alienated and distant from their grand kids due to the younger generation’s obsession with social media and technology.  Amazingly, most youth deeply long for authentic connection and meaningful relationships.  Even though grandparents may feel reluctant to step into that space, it’s helpful to know that, when done right, it’s what kids really want.  Here’s how. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Jeff Edmondson, 24/7 Properties The place you live, and how you feel about it, are big contributors to your sense of wellbeing.  Do you like the way it looks?  Does it need upgrades, remodeling, or modifications to meet your current lifestyle?  What can you do to improve or maintain the safety, livability, and value of your home?  Lots of help in this show, including some “must-do’s” if you’re thinking of selling.  Plus, a very special offer to Second Half Now listeners. https://secondhalfnow.com

If you’re a homeowner, you know that your house can be a blessing or a burden in the second half of life.  When the kids are grown and there’s lots of changes in our income and expenses, the equity in our home can be a great source for security, freedom, and peace of mind.  What would life be like if you never had to make another mortgage payment?  Hear how a reverse mortgage can give you lots of options. https://secondhalfnow.com

We are living longer than any previous generation.  In many ways that’s a good thing, but if we don’t have our health, those extra years may not be worth it.  As we age we experience changes in our metabolism, strength, stamina, balance, sleep, and energy.  The good news is that small things can pay big benefits, if we’ll be disciplined and pro-active.  Here are some things that will help.

Radio Guest: Dale Ebel The morals, values, and character of our culture today are vastly different from what they were 50 years ago.  Even more so if we go back to our nation’s founding, which was based on Biblical principles.  What does the Bible say about the prescribed structure of civilization, laws, relationships, and institutions?  Are we perhaps missing out or missing the mark of God’s design for His best?Does it matter today? https://secondhalfnow.com

Radio Guest: Meredith Williamson, Estate Planning Attorney We all put things off.  Sure, we have good intentions, but we just can’t get everything done that we’d like.  But there are some things that are more timely and critical than others.  Taking care of your estate matters – financial and healthcare decisions –needs to have high priority.  If we die without leaving our plans and preferences in legal documents, our loved ones will be given a big burden!  Here’s what you need to know – and do! https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: David Greenidge, Executive Director, National Urban Housing and Economic Community Development Corp. Increasing prices for home ownership and rental housing, is making it more and more difficult for Boomers and Seniors to find a place to live that meets their preferences and also fits into their budget.  But there are options and alternatives.  This show digs into the issue by discussing the causes, and an organization that is doing something about it.

Radio Guest: Gordon & Jill Viggiano Many people experience a turn of events that puts them on a path they never expected and wouldn’t have chosen.  That’s when faith becomes very real, and it makes all the difference in the world.  Hear this story about how their situation was like jumping off a burning building into the arms of a loving and faithful God. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guests: Al & Autumn Ray, founders of Marriage Team After a number of years of marriage, things can get a little dull.  In fact, that happens in most marriages.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  If you’re open to sparking things up again, dramatically improving your communication and fulfillment, you’ll want to hear this show.  And for those who want a practical and powerful way to help other marriages, this just may be the ticket. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Rick Johnson, speaker and author of a dozen books on parenting, family, and marriage Seismic shifts in our culture and family dynamics have brought major changes to the role of grandparents today.  Just when our kids are “grown and gone” (or so we thought), we are often called upon to pick up family responsibilities we weren’t planning on.  Just what are those changes, and how can we deal with them in healthy ways? http://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Dr. Steve Stephens, psychologist, counselor, author, speaker After 20, 30, or 40 years of marriage, you can still have fun, adventure, dreams for the future, and deep fulfillment in life together.  But those don’t happen automatically.  Here are some great ideas for what is possible, and strategies to overcome the landmines and pitfalls.  The rest is up to you. http://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Anne Berry and Angela Jacobus, Travel That Matters Travel can be healthy for us.  It can refresh and renew us, particularly when it is purposeful.  Hear how science agrees, and what all can go into being creative in your travel explorations.  Group travel with common ground and effective planning can be life-changing.  And in the second half of life, that could be “just what the doctor ordered!” http://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Rachel Critchett Dr. Dan’s “30-something” daughter Rachel is in studio to discuss some of the key elements of maintaining healthy and meaningful communication as things change over time.  Parents nurturing a relationship with their adult children is a wonderful and rewarding thing.  But it’s not easy or automatic.  Here are some thoughts from one father-daughter relationship that has grown over time. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Gary Mortensen Every day more than 350 American World War II Veterans die.  And most of them take their stories with them to the grave.  An enormous project called Veteran’s Legacies (www.VeteransLegacies.com) has been undertaken to gather as many Veterans’ stories as possible and give them a place to be told and properly honored.  Gary Mortensen explains that this project is open to Veterans of all U.S. wars and conflicts.  He also tells how others can help tell the story of a Veteran they know, and how those who love this project can help with their volunteer efforts. https://secondhalfnow.com/    

Radio Guest: Ron Heagy Ron is quadriplegic, in a motorized wheel chair for 38 years.  With every reason to be bitter, angry, and depressed, he has the attitude of a winner.  He has earned a Master’s Degree, written a book, started a camp for disabled youth, become a recognized painter, and has spoken to over three million people with a message of inspiration and hope.  How has he overcome his tragic accident to live a life that matters? https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Diane Delaney, Golden Placement Services Is your aging loved able to be safe and happy on their own at home?  What signs should you look for, and what are your options?  This is almost never an easy transition for families.  But when safety and happiness are at stake, you want all the help you can get.  This show has that for you. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Andrey Ivanov, Co-Founder, Flash Love "aired July 1" Here’s a group of dozens of youth who can be mobilized with a few phone calls.  They learn the value of service, and the good feeling that comes from helping others.  Andrey says, “I asked God to show me my purpose in life, but I wasn’t prepared for His answer!” https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Cathe Wiese, Executive Director, My Father’s House "aired June 24" It’s amazing how this works!  When some people help other people, both the giver and the receiver experience a blessing.  That’s what happens at this family shelter.  And it happens every day when the focus is on the two main things everyone needs.  Cathe says, “After 18 years of doing this, I have never grown tired of helping people give and receive hope and opportunity”. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Martin Bradford, General Manager, Hello Milo! "aired June 17" AAPR surveys say that 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as they can.  The challenge is to make sure independence doesn’t become isolation.  Our guest explains the critical importance of nutrition, socialization, and cognitive engagement.  These keys will help the loved one be happy and healthy while still having their independence at home. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Bud Lindstrand, former CEO, Moda Health You can stay engaged and productive well into your later years.  Hear how a former corporate executive does it in his 80’s.  And learn some keys about how you can keep going long and strong also. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Radio Guest: Larry Whittlesey, National Director, U.S. Mission, YMCA What does it take to live a life that matters?  The good news is that it’s not as complicated as you might think.  Hear some stories of how some Second Half’ers are living a life that matters, simply by doing what they love and helping out with something they care about. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Most of us are concerned and compassionate when we see someone who is struggling in life. That struggle takes many forms and often expresses itself in the person being hurting or homeless. We have ideas about why the person is in that situation, and we might even have ideas about what can or should be done to help. But, wait a minute. What if we're wrong? What if our observations and assumptions are not accurate or don't tell the whole story? What if there are different answers? There just may be some things we hadn't seen before. Tune in to our conversation with Bill Russell, Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission. Find out what you may have been missing, and what you can do about it. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Do you know anyone who lives with a disability?  Anyone in your circle of family and friends?  What do you think when you see someone in public in a wheel chair or with obvious limitations?  Do you ever think about what life must be like for them and their family?  Maybe you have said to yourself, or to someone else, “There, but for the grace of God, go I”   This show digs into the issue of disability.  The Viggianos have been there.  And they are still there.  If you want to know what you can do to minimize the harsh impact of a disability, and get a ray of hope, you’ll want to hear this show. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Baby Boomers grew up wanting to change the world. Then reality struck: it’s called “life”. We realized that the world was a lot bigger, and we were a lot smaller than we realized. But maybe it’s not too late. Do you still have things you want to do that will make a difference in your world?  Maybe we can’t change the world like we thought we could, but just maybe we can find a couple things in our life that we would really like to achieve or accomplish. Things that would make life better for us – and for others around us. There is one key to success – maybe at the top of the list - that will give us the results we want. https://secondhalfnow.com/

The subject is a tough one. It is filled with lots of damage and darkness, and has touched the lives of most Americans – in some way – directly or indirectly. We are going to shine a light on the subject, and give hope and encouragement for the future. Toxic Parenting usually involves some sort of abuse, which is more widespread than we have realized. Can you think of someone who has experienced toxic parenting?  Maybe yourself, or someone in your circle of family and friends. Rick Johnson helps us with this delicate, yet powerful subject. He is the author of 12 books on parenting, family issues, and marriage. He is a nationally-known speaker and conference leader, and has delivered helpful and hopeful messages to tens of thousands of people all across America. https://secondhalfnow.com/

On this show, we talk about one of the most significant decisions and transitions we will consider in this second half of life.  It has to do with our home, our residence.  For you, it may be the house where you raised your kids.  It may be the holiday gathering place, or a home that has kept you busy - inside and out.  At some point, a lot of us Boomers have looked around and said, you know, this place is requiring a lot of time and energy, and we’re not sure we want to keep this up.  But what are our options?  And how would we go about exploring them. Listen in.  Answers are here. https://secondhalfnow.com/

There are people all around us who are looking for help and hope. Some turn to churches in their community, but most don’t. Government programs can help, but funds are often limited, and they can’t help from a faith-based perspective. What if there was an organization that could offer real help and real hope from a Christian perspective? An organization that is already in thousands of communities across the U.S., serving millions of people. An organization that is probably known by every American adult. An organization that now has as its national mission a commitment to offer Christian and Biblical programs and resources to serve their communities. And what if the director of that national effort could talk to us on Second Half Now? That’s the show. Tune in. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Are you watching the news lately? A lot of craziness going on in our world. Floods, earthquakes, damaging tornadoes, fires that take out dozens of homes and businesses, terrorist attacks...and that’s just in the past couple weeks! People are displaced, lives are disrupted. Is it the End Times? Or just another couple weeks of news? On this show we talk about the Emergency Preparedness Leadership Forum, a national event rolling out region by region, starting in Portland, Oregon. Every church and every pastor and ministry leader should take this seriously and check it out. https://secondhalfnow.com/

What will your life look like 5 or 10 years from now? Well, that will depend on what you want it to look like, and even more importantly, what you decide and do now to make it actually be that way. We are wise to pause for a bit, learn what we actually can do, and create our future reality with solid values and effective planning. On this show, we get some insight on how to secure our financial future, to minimize the stress and worry that Boomers and Beyonders often experience in the later years. Can you actually create a plan so you never have to worry about money? Listen and find out. Then we’ll be more able to live a life that honors God and blesses others. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Most Boomers will enroll in Medicare – sooner or later. If you are in Medicare now, or are getting close to the qualifying age of 65, you know that it’s easy to get lost in the maze. Some have said, “Hey, it’s a government program; what do you expect?” It seems that something so much a part of our everyday lives should be easier to understand, especially with some of the important decisions we need to make. Well, help is on the way, starting with this show. https://secondhalfnow.com/

How are you doing in the second half of your life? Seriously, how are you doing? Are you doing as well as you had hoped you would? Are you finding satisfaction and fulfillment? How are you doing with energy and enthusiasm for life? Are you able to do the things that are meaningful to you? Are you making a difference somewhere, somehow? Do you ever find yourself wondering if maybe something is missing in your life? Most of us have room for improvement in these areas. Here are some things to ponder. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Do you like to travel? There is a wide range of responses to that question. On the one end, there are those who love to travel, and travel a lot. They travel for recreation, sightseeing, pleasure, and fun. They can hardly get enough of it. On the other end are those who don’t travel much at all, except for necessity. They feel they can’t take the time, it’s too expensive and not really worth all the trouble and expense. Here’s an idea: how about travel with a purpose? Could there be some benefits that are only available by travel? Can you be intentional and purposeful with travel? Could you be a better person and more able to find and fulfill your calling by traveling a little now and then? Listen in and see what you think. https://secondhalfnow.com/

How do you want things to be handled after you leave this earth? Do you have family, assets, and stuff? The only way to make sure your wishes and good intentions are followed is by taking care of it ahead of time. No guessing games, no do-overs, no “he said-she said”. When it’s over, it’s over! We all need to be decisive and diligent about being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Here’s why...and how. https://secondhalfnow.com/

This show is a special focus on men and their role in families and culture. What is God’s design for healthy men to help and inspire others? What kind of man can does it take for God’s plan and purposes in this world to be fulfilled? What are some helps and hindrances that we need to know about? What can the women in our lives do to help us become all that we are created and called to be? Men: this is definitely some “guy stuff”. Women: don’t listen to this show...unless you want to learn some of our secrets! https://secondhalfnow.com/

Experience shows that when an emergency or crisis hits a community, people turn to churches.  They are looking for help: shelter, food, water, safety, human connection, and hope.  Unless you are 100% sure no emergency will happen in your church neighborhood, it is wise to be prepared.  Think of it this way: If your church isn’t willing and ready to help people in a time of significant need, then what are you there for? Two local leaders tell us about the importance for our churches to be prepared to meet the needs in time of emergency, and a great opportunity coming up to help us learn why and how to be prepared. https://secondhalfnow.com/

We take our language for granted, and don’t really think much about it. But what about those around us who don’t speak English, or not very well? What issues and challenges do they face, and what opportunities are there to build a relationship and to change a life? Is there a role for people of faith – individually or in congregations? This area of service just may be one of the greatest gifts we can give, and one of the most powerful connections we can discover to meet needs and plant. https://secondhalfnow.com/

Many families today are providing care for an aging loved one. In fact, there are over 60 million unpaid family caregivers in U.S. today and the number will keep rising for a couple of decades. Those older years are a precious time of life for a family, and we want to handle them well. We need information, support, and resources. We may be able to make life a little easier, and postpone transition to a care facility (if we want or need to) with some interim services. Is all this stuff confusing? Yes. Scary? Oh yeah. Hard? For sure. Let?s talk about it.