This Is Aging

Follow This Is Aging
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Why is no one talking about the upsides of getting older? Your hosts Dana Shultz and Mellisa Reeves take you on a provocative journey to examine how culture shapes our beliefs and choices as we age. With stories from wellness experts, cultural leaders and everyday people, we tackle everything from cutting edge science in health and longevity to raw conversations about beauty, sex, midlife, relationships, elderhood and death. This is Aging is an invitation to let go of the fear of getting older and embrace the process of aging with curiosity and celebration.  New episodes every Tuesday.--Follow This Is Aging on social media @thisisagingSubscribe to the show on Apple PodcastsFind resources in the show notes at www.thisisaging.com

Dana Shultz & Mellisa Reeves


    • Mar 5, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 7m AVG DURATION
    • 14 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from This Is Aging with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from This Is Aging

    Evolutionary Insight on Fertility, Menopause and Longevity | Dr. Deena Emera

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 61:06


    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.

    Less Is More: Holistic Skincare and Embracing Change As We Age | Evan Healy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 73:35


    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.

    Empathy and Self-Regulation in Parenting Spirited Children | Mary Van Geffen

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 43:56


    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.

    BRAIN HEALTH AND HOW OUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS CHANGE AS WE AGE | DR. REETA ACHARI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 62:36


    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.

    Retirement House Shares A Lifetime of Wisdom | Retirement House Cast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 67:32


    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.

    Reclaiming the Power and Wisdom of the Crone | Sil Reynolds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 55:23


    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.

    Playful and Compassionate Movement At Any Age | David Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 80:41


    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.

    Aging Body Liberation and Radical Self Love | Debra Benfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 64:38


    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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 115:58


    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…

    Navigating Midlife Hormonal Changes: Should You Consider HRT? | Maria Claps + Kristin Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 73:07


    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.

    How to Reclaim Aging and Resist Ageism In Our Culture | Karen Walrond

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 63:16


    Today Karen Walrond joins us on This Is Aging for an eye-opening conversation about confronting ageist beliefs and expectations. We explore the evolution of ageism in America, research on happiness in seniors, how to practically resist the anti-aging industry and make choices that feel good to YOU. Karen just recently released a new book, "Radiant Rebellion: Reclaiming Aging, Practicing Joy, and Raising a Little Hell". Our conversation with Karen will inspire you to embrace aging with joy and give you tools for working towards a better world and fighting against ageism.

    A 102 Year Old Doctors' Secrets for a Well Lived Life | Dr. Gladys McGarey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 71:19


    Today on This Is Aging, we sit down with Dr. Gladys McGarey, a 102-year-old holistic MD and co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association. Just this year, Dr. Gladys wrote and released the book: “The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age”. We discuss her groundbreaking work in transforming the way we think about healthcare and self-care, challenge the negative narrative around aging and learn from Dr. Gladys' insights about how love is the greatest healer of all, with many stories from her incredible life.

    Finding Purpose in the Second Half of Life | Jeff Hamaoui

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 66:44


    In this episode of This is Aging, we are joined by Jeff Hamaoui, co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy. Jeff shares his insights on the changing landscape of aging and the need for a new mental model to navigate the second adulthood that comes with increased life expectancy. He discusses the importance of purpose, transitions, and owning one's wisdom in the midlife season. Jeff also highlights the power of community and the transformative experiences that participants have at the Modern Elder Academy.

    Introducing TIA and why we started a pro-aging podcast | Dana Shultz & Mellisa Reeves

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 40:23


    In the inaugural episode of 'This is Aging', we (Dana Shultz and Mellisa Reeves) introduce ourselves and share why we created a pro-aging podcast. We speak about personal experiences and fears about aging, and how dynamic the cultural and social influences can be on our beliefs about aging. We also share snippets of candid conversations with people on the street, as well as our own mothers about how they perceive their aging bodies and how that has influenced us. Every week we'll have honest discussions about physical changes, longevity, health, midlife, sex, relationships, and career as we seek to embrace aging with curiosity and celebration. + New episodes drop each Tuesday + This Is Aging is hosted by Dana Shultz and Mellisa Reeves+ Follow us on social media @thisisaging + Full episode info and transcripts at www.thisisaging.com+ Don't forget to rate and review This Is Aging in iTunes!

    Claim This Is Aging

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel