Older Women & Friends

Jane Leder

Award-winning author Jane Leder and guests take a deep dive into the joys and challenges of being an older woman. "Older Women & Friends" is a podcast that sets the record straight, dispels the myths, explores the many contributions older women make and the wisdom they have earned and are anxious to share. Add a sense of humor, and there are many reasons why older women are the happiest demographic in the country today.

  1. Solo Agers: Older Americans Living Alone w/ Sara Zeff Geber

    2D AGO

    Solo Agers: Older Americans Living Alone w/ Sara Zeff Geber

    Summary In this conversation, Sara Zeff Geber discusses the phenomenon of solo aging, particularly among women, and the societal changes that have led to an increase in the number of people choosing to age alone. She emphasizes the importance of planning for the future, including financial, legal, and social aspects, and highlights the need for community and connection as people age. The discussion also touches on evolving definitions of solo aging and the implications of family diaspora for relationships and support systems. Takeaways Women gained independence through higher education and job opportunities. The ability to support oneself has changed divorce rates. The family diaspora affects where children live in relation to their parents. Solo aging can be a positive experience if planned well. Community and social connections are crucial for solo agers. Planning for aging should start early to avoid crises. Financial literacy is essential for long-term planning. Living in a supportive community can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Older men are more likely to remarry than older women. The trend of solo aging is expected to continue.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/ https://sarazeffgeber.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w

    34 min
  2. Oldest Female Winter Olympian of All-Time Shares Her Story of Perseverance & Victory w/ Anne Abernathy

    FEB 5

    Oldest Female Winter Olympian of All-Time Shares Her Story of Perseverance & Victory w/ Anne Abernathy

    If you watch the Winter Olympics, you have seen and heard about luge, a sport where athletes race down an icy track on a small sled, lying on their backs with their feet pointing forward, reaching speeds over 90 mph.   At age 34, today’s guest, Anne Abernathy, set the record as the oldest female to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. But that wasn’t the ending of her career. She made the US Virgin Islands’ luge team six more times. At age 63, Anne was the oldest woman to compete in the sport at the Olympics. And just for the heck of it, she honed her archery skills.   As you might have guessed, Anne’s journey was not trouble-free, far from it. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma just before her first Winter Olympic Games; she’s had twenty knee operations, too many broken bones to count, and her home was demolished in a hurricane.   So, the question remains: What drives a star athlete to continue competing against all odds, and what has Anne learned about herself and the process of getting older? Takeaways Anne Abernathy set the record as the oldest female luge competitor. She faced numerous challenges, including cancer and serious injuries. Her background in music helped her cope with the pressures of competition. Anne discovered luge during a trip to Lake Placid, New York. She trained for three years before competing in her first Olympics. Despite being told she couldn't train due to cancer, she persevered and competed in six Olympics. Anne's serious brain injury led to a unique recovery process. She transitioned to archery after retiring from luge and continues to compete. Aging has provided Anne with a wealth of experience and knowledge. She believes that getting older is liberating, not limiting. https://anneabernathy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/anne.abernathy1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-abernathy-709213/

    32 min
  3. Who Is That Woman Behind The Mic? w/ Jane Leder

    JAN 22

    Who Is That Woman Behind The Mic? w/ Jane Leder

    I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom. I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride! Takeaways Jane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity. She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error. Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes. Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age. Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death. Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging. Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections. Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning. Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane.  Titles A Journey into Podcasting at 77 Vitality and Humor in Aging Sound bites "I want to be a podcaster." "It's okay to make mistakes." "Humor is key to aging." Chapters 00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster 05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality 10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning 15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing 22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytelling janeleder.net https://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends

    27 min
  4. Keep The Memories & Not The Stuff: Rightsizing w/ Jeannine Bryant

    JAN 8

    Keep The Memories & Not The Stuff: Rightsizing w/ Jeannine Bryant

    When I think about moving from a home that my husband and I have shared for 32 years, I break out in a cold sweat. There's the kitchen with its overabundance of antique bowls and gadgets, my great-grandmother's china, my office with decades worth of my books, research materials, and file folders. And then there's my husband's studio with . . . Well, don't get me started. So this is where Jeannine Bryant can help save the day. She's a senior move manager who owns her own company and knows all about helping seniors or their sons and daughters. Well, let's face it, we're talking daughters. She helps find that place between too much and too little, and how we can keep the memories and not the stuff.  Takeaways Moving can be an emotional experience, especially after many years in one home. Women often take on the responsibility of organizing family belongings. Right-sizing is a more positive approach than downsizing. It's never too late to start decluttering and organizing. Discussing death and planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones. Family experiences can motivate proactive planning for one's own belongings. Start decluttering with easy items to build momentum. Keepsakes should be displayed or used to bring joy. Gifting items to loved ones can create meaningful memories. Resources like senior move managers can provide valuable assistance.  Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Moving 02:57 The Role of Women in Family Organization 05:45 Understanding Right-Sizing vs. Downsizing 08:43 The Importance of Early Planning 11:38 Confronting the Topic of Death 14:41 The Value of Proactive Planning 17:36 Practical Steps to Declutter 20:40 Making Decisions on Keepsakes 23:42 Gifting and Sharing Memories 26:43 Planning for a Move 29:47 Connecting with Seniors 32:53 Resources for Moving and Decluttering https://easyrightsizing.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNA775OFJQif29NHbfuovw https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninebryant/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jeannine+bryant&crid=13KK34II4WFGS&sprefix=Jeannine+Bry%2Caps%2C91&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

    36 min
  5. The Midlife Gals Gone Gray, w/ sisters Kelly and Sally Jackson

    12/18/2025

    The Midlife Gals Gone Gray, w/ sisters Kelly and Sally Jackson

    Kelly Jackson, 73, and Sally, 75, are sisters who have lived together without husbands or children for almost 20 years. They reconnected as live-in caregivers for their mother, and during the four years they cared for her, they turned to blogging and short videos to keep their spirits up. They used the handle, "Midlife Gal's Gone Gray," and their mission was to ensure that women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond never stop laughing. After a decade living in Honolulu, the sisters are back on the mainland, intending to become senior social media influencers. With over 300,000 viewers on their platforms and thousands of likes, shares, and subscribers, I'm betting on their success. Chapters 00:25 Introduction and First Impressions 00:48 Sisters Reunited: A Journey Begins 10:25 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics 17:16 Caring for Mom: A New Chapter 23:06 Finding Laughter in Life's Challenges 28:40 Political Humor and Social Media Aspirations 30:26 Words of Wisdom for Older Women "We're two sisters, old as dirt and bold as brass. Reality at its most bizarre." Takeaways The sisters had a non-traditional upbringing with a mother who was not very maternal. They decided to care for their mother when they realized she needed help. Laughter and humor are essential for coping with life's challenges. Moving to Hawaii was a significant turning point in their lives. They found creative outlets to express themselves and cope with caregiving. The importance of sibling relationships and shared experiences is highlighted. Aging can be navigated with humor and creativity. They reflect on their childhood memories and how they shaped their lives. The sisters emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life. Wisdom gained from experiences can be shared with others, especially older women. https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts   https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifegalsgonegray https://www.instagram.com/sallyjackson5848/?hl=en I'm now up on YouTube. You can watch this episode at  https://youtu.be/72wGKcF6m4U

    32 min
  6. Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up with Patricia Ryan Madson

    12/04/2025

    Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up with Patricia Ryan Madson

    In this conversation, Patricia Madson, a drama professor emeritus and author, shares her journey from a curious and adventurous child to a seasoned educator in improvisation. She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, the transformative power of improvisation in personal and professional life, and the significance of finding purpose and gratitude in everyday experiences. Patricia also introduces Eastern philosophies that emphasize self-reflection and proactive living, encouraging listeners to appreciate the interconnectedness of their lives and the people who have influenced them. You can go to her website: https://improvwisdom.com/bio.html Order "Improv Wisdom" on that site or go to Amazon and all other online book stores My friend and fellow podcaster, Wendy Green, is the host of "Boomer Banter." heyboomer.biz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-green-heyboomerpodcast/ https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/

    30 min
  7. Think Cannabis Is Only for Getting High? Think Again. Health Benefits for Women & Men as We Age w/ Kelly Judge Goldberg

    11/20/2025

    Think Cannabis Is Only for Getting High? Think Again. Health Benefits for Women & Men as We Age w/ Kelly Judge Goldberg

    Haven't made a trip to your local cannabis dispensary? Haven't talked to your physician about a medical marijuana card? Don't have a clue how cannabis may help with all kinds of health issues, from insomnia to anxiety, from certain serious diseases to focus/concentration? Or, what the hell? Maybe for relaxation and fun. How did cannabis get a bad rep in so many circles? What role has racism played? Greed? And why the heck is alcohol seen as somehow okay when cannabis is not? My guest today is Kelly Goldberg, a cannabis educator and advocate, about the health benefits of cannabis, particularly for women as they age. Kelly shares her personal journey into cannabis advocacy, the historical context of cannabis legality, and the various medical benefits of cannabis. The discussion also covers how to navigate cannabis use, dosage, and the importance of understanding THC and CBD. Kelly emphasizes the need for education and advocacy in the cannabis space, especially for older women seeking alternative health solutions. It's important to find an RN, MD, or a "budtender" who is knowledgeable and can answer questions and suggest or prescribe. I assume that many of us have smoked "pot" in college and beyond. Or, at least took a "hit" or two at a raucous party. One woman I spoke to said all she knew how to do was "roll" a "joint," but had no idea about the best way to consume cannabis today. Stick around. You'll learn a lot! https://scps.depaul.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/kelly-goldberg.aspx https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjudgegoldberg/ https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goldberg.3/ For Questions About Cannabis (or any of the other topics we've covered) j.leder@comcast.net Sally Duplantier sally@myzinglife.com

    32 min
  8. "Likeable Badass: How Women Get The Success They Deserve" with the author, Alison Fragale, PhD

    11/06/2025

    "Likeable Badass: How Women Get The Success They Deserve" with the author, Alison Fragale, PhD

    This episode, "Likeable Badass" with author/PhD Alison Fagale, covers so many bases that I've chosen more of a summary or an outline. As I wrote on another site, Alison is a Dynamo who knows her stuff inside and out because she's lived it, taught it, and written about it. What is it? It is a woman who studies people, the science of people. It is a toolbox that women (and men) can use to hone their communication skills and succeed at what's most important to them. What does that mean? Well, here you go with some examples: The Two Dimensions of Status The Art of Self-Promotion The Power of Compliments Authenticity in Reputation Management It's always great to get feedback from listeners. You can go to my website at janeleder.net, subscribe to my site for podcast episodes, my blog 80 & Me, information about upcoming guests, and more. Here is Alison's website: https://alisonfragale.com/about/ And here is the link to Wellness Wednesday, hosted by Sally Duplantier. This is a free monthly webinar series that brings practical, evidence-based strategies for healthy aging to hundreds of people each week. Each program is also recorded, so no one misses out on the inspiration and tools to live well. Learn more at www.myzinglife.com.

    38 min
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4.7
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Award-winning author Jane Leder and guests take a deep dive into the joys and challenges of being an older woman. "Older Women & Friends" is a podcast that sets the record straight, dispels the myths, explores the many contributions older women make and the wisdom they have earned and are anxious to share. Add a sense of humor, and there are many reasons why older women are the happiest demographic in the country today.

Information

  • Creator
    Jane Leder
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Older Women & Friends
  • Show Website
    Older Women & Friends

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