Thriving to the Finish Line

The Miller Elder Law Firm

Join us for real, honest conversations with people who help others live well — sharing knowledge, resources, and perspectives to help you feel more prepared, informed, and less alone as you navigate aging, planning, and life’s big transitions.

  1. May 13

    Caregiving That Helps Families Thrive

    In this deeply personal and insightful episode of Thriving to the Finish Line, Shannon Miller sits down with Christina Ramos, Executive Director and Administrator of Touching Hearts at Home, to discuss the realities of caregiving, dementia, aging in place, and end-of-life support. Inspired by her own family’s experience navigating her grandmother’s dementia diagnosis, Christina shares how Touching Hearts at Home was built from a desire to help families feel less alone during some of life’s most difficult seasons. Together, Shannon and Christina explore the emotional weight caregivers carry, the growing challenges families face in finding quality care, and the importance of preserving dignity, independence, and meaningful connection throughout the aging process. The conversation also dives into emerging Alzheimer’s technology, caregiver burnout, hospice and palliative care, support groups, and the deeply human moments that happen at the end of life. Through powerful stories and practical insight, this episode offers encouragement, education, and compassion for anyone caring for an aging loved one or preparing for the future. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or simply navigating the realities of aging with someone you love, this is a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends.

    55 min

  2. Apr 21 ·  Bonus

    Legacy Isn’t Just Wealth. It’s Impact.

    What does it really mean to create a lasting impact in your community? In this Thrive Note, Genna sits down with Sherry Houston, Vice President for Advancement at Santa Fe College, to explore how education, opportunity, and giving can change the trajectory of an entire family. From supporting non-traditional students, ranging from dual-enrolled teens to an 80-year-old pursuing a nursing degree, to expanding workforce programs in fields like HVAC, construction, and law enforcement, Sherry shares how the Foundation is helping remove barriers and open doors for people at every stage of life. You’ll hear how a single $1,500 donation helped one student become the first in his family to avoid incarceration and instead serve his community as a law enforcement officer. It is a powerful reminder that legacy is not just about what you leave behind, but who you lift up along the way. This conversation reframes education, success, and giving, showing that meaningful impact often starts with access, belief, and the right opportunity at the right time.

    5 min

  3. Apr 8

    Legacy in Action: Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

    In this episode of Thriving to the Finish Line, we sit down with Sherry Houston, Vice President for Advancement and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Santa Fe College, whose career has been defined by one thing: showing up for people when they need it most. From mental health advocacy to supporting families at the Ronald McDonald House, to advancing education and opportunity across North Central Florida, Sherry shares what it truly means to meet people where they are, especially during life’s most difficult seasons. Together, we explore: ◼️ Why community and connection are essential to aging well ◼️ The often overlooked challenges facing older adults, especially around isolation and purpose ◼️ How staying active, mentally, physically, and socially, can shape how we experience the later chapters of life ◼️ The role of lifelong learning, volunteering, and giving back in maintaining purpose after retirement ◼️ Practical ways families and caregivers can support loved ones before a crisis occurs Sherry also shares powerful stories from her work, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from the simplest acts such as listening, showing up, and making someone feel seen. This conversation is a reminder that thriving is not about avoiding life’s challenges. It is about building the relationships, purpose, and community that carry us through them. Connect with Sherry: ◼️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryhouston/ ◼️ Santa Fe College Office for Advancement: www.sfcollege.edu/advancement/contact.html

    52 min

  4. Apr 3 ·  Bonus

    What If We Got Hormone Therapy Wrong?

    Hormone therapy has long been surrounded by caution, especially for women over 60. But what if the narrative we've accepted isn’t fully aligned with the data? In this Thrive Note, the conversation revisits one of the most influential studies in women’s health, the Women’s Health Initiative, and unpacks how its conclusions shaped decades of medical guidance. Dr. Anamaria Yeung and Dr. Rachel Coleman explore what the research actually showed versus how it was interpreted, highlighting a surprising reality: for many outcomes, hormone therapy did not increase risk in older women—and in some cases, offered meaningful benefits. From cardiovascular health to bone strength, sleep, and overall well-being, this discussion challenges long-held assumptions and opens the door to more nuanced, individualized decision-making. If you or someone you love is navigating menopause or post-menopausal health, this Thrive Note offers a fresh perspective grounded in data, not fear. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung: https://youtu.be/uNS7fwmLGqM

    6 min

  5. Apr 2 ·  Bonus

    Thrive Note: The Weight of Caregiving

    As we age, one of the most unspoken challenges families face is the expectation of caregiving—and who steps into that role. In this Thrive Note, Shannon and Betsy explore the emotional and practical weight of caregiving within families, especially when roles are assumed rather than chosen. From a physician husband navigating his wife’s long-term illness, to a daughter redefining how she can best support her parents, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: being a good spouse or child does not mean sacrificing yourself to become a full-time caregiver. Instead, it’s about understanding your strengths, setting boundaries, and allowing professionals to step in—so families can return to what matters most: being present with one another. This episode reframes caregiving not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to preserve dignity, relationships, and even moments of beauty in the hardest seasons of life. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Betsy Pepine: https://youtu.be/INiZCXeYI_0

    6 min

  6. Mar 27

    Thrive Note: Hormones, GLP-1s, and the Truth About Women’s Health After 40

    This week’s Thrive Note is a reflection on a simple but powerful truth: there is no shortcut to long-term health. In this moment from our conversation with Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung of Empower Lifestyle Medicine, we’re reminded that midlife—especially menopause—isn’t something to “get through”… it’s an opportunity to finally invest in yourself. But that investment requires something many of us hope to avoid: consistency, awareness, and real effort. From understanding how your body responds to things like glucose, to rebuilding strength through movement, to making intentional daily choices—it’s not about a quick fix or a single prescription. It’s about doing the work. And while that may sound daunting, it can also be empowering. Because when you begin to understand your body differently, you don’t just feel better… you feel stronger, more capable, and more in control of your health than you may have in years. This Thrive Note is a reminder: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation. Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung: https://youtu.be/uNS7fwmLGqM

    7 min

  7. Mar 20 ·  Bonus

    Thrive Note: Vaginal Estrogen and Women’s Health

    Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung of Empower Lifestyle Medicine unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: vaginal estrogen. Often surrounded by fear and misinformation, vaginal estrogen is a localized therapy that supports vaginal and urinary health during menopause and perimenopause—without significantly impacting estrogen levels throughout the body. Backed by research, it has not been shown to increase risks like breast cancer recurrence, blood clots, or stroke for the vast majority of women. More importantly, this conversation challenges a larger issue in healthcare: the lack of open, informed discussions around hormone therapy. Every woman deserves a personalized, risk-benefit conversation—not a blanket “yes” or “no.” This Thrive Note is a reminder that menopause can be a time to better understand your body, advocate for your health, and make informed decisions that support your long-term well-being.

    3 min

  8. Mar 11

    Menopause, Hormones, and Taking Your Health Back

    What if many of the health struggles women face in midlife weren’t inevitable — but preventable? In this episode of Thriving to the Finish Line, Shannon Miller sits down with Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung of Empower Lifestyle Medicine to explore how lifestyle medicine is transforming the way we approach aging, chronic disease, and menopause. Both physicians share their personal journeys from traditional medical practice into lifestyle medicine, a field focused on preventing and reversing disease through six foundational pillars: nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, healthy relationships, and minimizing harmful substances. The conversation dives deep into some of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health, including: ◼️ What lifestyle medicine actually is — and how it differs from conventional care ◼️ Why menopause symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood ◼️ The science behind menopausal hormone therapy ◼️ The long-lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative study on women’s healthcare ◼️ The benefits of estrogen therapy for bone, cardiovascular, and mental health ◼️ The role of testosterone therapy in women Why prevention, movement, and lifestyle change can dramatically improve quality of life Dr. Coleman and Dr. Yeung also explain why their practice focuses on spending meaningful time with patients — something often missing in today’s healthcare system — helping people implement sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on quick fixes. Together, they challenge the idea that aging means decline and instead offer a hopeful message: midlife can be a powerful opportunity to reset your health, invest in yourself, and thrive in the decades ahead. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, supporting aging parents, or simply curious about how lifestyle choices shape long-term health, this conversation offers practical insight and empowering perspective. Learn more about Empower Lifestyle Medicine:https://www.empowerlifestylemedicine.com/

    1h 23m
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About

Join us for real, honest conversations with people who help others live well — sharing knowledge, resources, and perspectives to help you feel more prepared, informed, and less alone as you navigate aging, planning, and life’s big transitions.

Information

  • Creator
    The Miller Elder Law Firm
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Miller Elder Law Firm
  • Show Website
    Thriving to the Finish Line