Empowered Elder Podcast

Mama Bear Team

Aging doesn’t come with a manual — but it does come with questions. The Empowered Elder Podcast connects adults and families with trusted professionals and real answers to help navigate the aging journey wisely, confidently, and with peace of mind. Through empowering conversations, practical guidance, and heartfelt stories, we transform uncertainty into confidence — because aging is a journey you don’t have to walk alone.

  1. 5d ago

    Does Aging Really Cause Pain? The Truth About Muscle Health & Mobility

    What if getting older doesn’t have to mean living with more pain? In Episode 32 of The Empowered Elder Podcast, Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto sit down with Butch Phelps, founder of The Muscle Repair Shop, to talk about aging, mobility, muscle health, and the everyday habits that can affect how our bodies feel. Butch brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. After a major accident at 18, losing 135 pounds later in life, and experiencing debilitating back pain himself, he went on to study the relationship between the brain, muscles, movement, and pain. One of the biggest takeaways? The place where you feel pain isn't always where the problem starts. We talk about how sitting, screen time, footwear, stress, and everyday movement patterns can contribute to muscle tension—and why consistent movement and stretching may be more important than waiting until something hurts. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Why aging itself doesn't necessarily cause pain • The connection between the brain and muscle tension • How sitting can affect your hips and lower back • Why screen time can contribute to neck and shoulder tension • How footwear can affect the way you move • Butch's stretch-and-release approach • Simple exercises for improving mobility • Why daily movement matters as we age • The mindset and discipline behind healthy aging If you've ever thought, "I'm getting older, so I guess this is just part of it," this conversation may give you a different perspective. 🎧 Listen to Episode 32 of The Empowered Elder Podcast and discover practical ways to support mobility, movement, and healthy aging. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Butch Phelps, Owner & Muscle Therapist, The Muscle Repair Shop🌐 https://mysite.vagaro.com/tmrhpzc/homeHosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    Does Aging Really Cause Pain? The Truth About Muscle Health & Mobility
  2. Sep 28

    Organizing Your Affairs: The Greatest Act of Love for Your Family

    What can you do today to make things easier for the people you love tomorrow? Estate planning isn't just about deciding what happens to your assets. It's also about making sure your family isn't left searching for answers during an already difficult time. In Part 2 of our conversation with Shane Phillips of First Steps Help, we talk about the difference between planning and settlement, why organizing important documents matters, and why both partners should know where the important information is. We also explore end-of-life conversations, digital tools, and resources that can help families navigate the practical side of loss. The goal isn't to plan from a place of fear. It's to create clarity, organization, and peace of mind for the people you love. 🎧 Listen to Episode 31 — Part 2 of the Empowered Elder Podcast. And if this conversation could help someone you know, be generous and share it with them. ❤️ Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: Estate Planning vs. Estate Settlement00:38 – The Stress of Missing Information After a Loss02:54 – Modern After-Loss Care & Digital Document Vaults04:27 – The Origin of the First Steps Book & Concierge Service07:31 – Real-World Solutions: Handling Unique Family Assets09:48 – Planning Ahead vs. Settling an Estate12:26 – Case Study: Complex Estate Settlement Steps13:56 – Organizing Your Affairs: Step-by-Step Guidance16:00 – Starting Crucial Family Conversations Early18:59 – The First Essential Action Step for Families19:59 – Lightning Round: Myths & Key Documents21:42 – Closing Takeaways: Clarity and Peace of MindGuests: Shane Phillips, Founder, First Steps Help🌐https://firststepshelp.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    Organizing Your Affairs: The Greatest Act of Love for Your Family
  3. Sep 14

    The Key to Staying Independent as You Age: Strength, Nutrition & Mindset

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Hackett, OT & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, we explore the physical and mental foundations of healthy aging — including strength, nutrition, mobility, independence, resilience, and mindset. Beth explains why maintaining strength is so important as we age, how muscle loss can affect independence, and simple ways to incorporate strength-building movements into everyday life. We also talk about protein and nutrition, including practical tips for identifying protein-rich foods and making healthier choices. Beth gets personal, sharing her own health journey and the health crisis she experienced before 50 — and why her transformation ultimately required more than a diet. It required a shift in mindset. From changing “I can't” to “How can I?” to understanding difficult emotions, breaking old habits, building new ones, and knowing when to ask for help, Beth offers a powerful reminder that growth doesn't stop with age. And in our lightning round, she shares quick answers on healthy-aging myths, daily habits, independence, failure, and getting unstuck. You’re never too old to challenge what you believe is possible. Guests: Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, Thrive in Wellness, LLC 🌐https://www.trilivyhealth.com/us/en/c...Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...🎧 Youtube: https://youtu.be/cjyeG_FGiws?si=KdsnGHJ_NoeLt_kQ🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

    The Key to Staying Independent as You Age: Strength, Nutrition & Mindset
  4. Sep 7

    You’re Never Too Old: How Mindset Can Change the Way You Age

    You’re never too old — unless you decide you’re too old. In Part 1 of our conversation with Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist and Certified Metabolic Health Coach, we explore the mindset behind healthy aging. Beth shares her own remarkable journey of losing 355 pounds and explains why lasting change went far beyond weight loss. We talk about limiting beliefs, learning to ask for help, celebrating small wins, building healthy habits, and finding the courage to believe that something different might be possible. Beth also shares how she applies these lessons with her clients, helping them break big goals into smaller, achievable steps and build the confidence and independence to keep moving forward. Because healthy aging isn't about perfection. It's about continuing to learn, grow, adapt, and live the life you want to live. In this episode: 00:00 – Beth's journey into occupational therapy02:42 – Losing 355 pounds and changing her health journey03:39 – OT vs. PT: What's the difference?08:10 – You're never too old10:20 – Why mindset comes first11:48 – The importance of asking for help13:10 – Vulnerability and moving past fear15:13 – Always having something to work toward16:02 – Taking care of yourself so you can care for others18:04 – Why mindset matters when life gets difficult18:47 – What healthy aging means to Beth19:01 – Gratitude and celebrating small wins21:20 – The “gratitude sandwich”22:28 – Redefining what a win looks like23:41 – Breaking big goals into smaller steps24:34 – Always having something to work toward26:33 – Knowledge is power26:43 – Moving from “I can't” to “what might I be able to do?” Guests: Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, Thrive in Wellness, LLC 🌐https://www.trilivyhealth.com/us/en/coach/1013192728Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231 ▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/bQoWyCBAEtM 🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

    You’re Never Too Old: How Mindset Can Change the Way You Age
  5. Aug 31

    Financial Advisor Red Flags & Retirement Mistakes to Avoid After 50

    How do you know if your financial advisor is truly the right fit? What retirement mistakes should you avoid after 50? And what financial questions should you be asking before making major decisions? In Part 2 of our conversation with Sharon Starkey, we get practical about financial planning, retirement, aging, and protecting your financial future. Sharon shares the financial advisor red flags people shouldn't ignore—from feeling dismissed or unheard to having calls go unanswered or being told what to do without a meaningful recommendation. We also talk about common retirement mistakes, the importance of saving consistently, tax questions to bring to your financial advisor, and why having the right professional network can make navigating Social Security and other complicated systems easier. Plus, Sharon explains why financial planning should be a judgment-free experience and why something as simple as having a will and power of attorney can make a huge difference for your family. Whether you're over 50, approaching retirement, already retired, or helping an aging parent navigate finances, this conversation is about more than money. It's about confidence, clarity, independence—and ultimately, peace of mind. In this episode:00:00 – Introduction & The Philosophy of Empowered Planning01:53 – Longevity in Financial Relationships06:36 – Empowering Independence and Freedom10:32 – Identifying Subtle Red Flags13:19 – Navigating Systemic Hurdles17:28 – Breaking Down the Financial Planning Process25:15 – Overcoming Judgment and Financial Shame29:34 – The Lightning Round & OutroIn partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/nrKn_SQyT6g?si=9ORpoZCjnaLD0FCW🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Sharon Starkey, Financial Advisor🌐https://www.highlandswmg.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    Financial Advisor Red Flags & Retirement Mistakes to Avoid After 50
  6. Aug 24

    How to Know When an Aging Parent Needs Financial Help

    As parents get older, financial planning can become about much more than investments and numbers. It can become about independence, family dynamics, changing needs, and making sure the person you love can continue living with dignity. In this episode, Sharon Starkey, CFP and CDFA, shares more than 30 years of experience helping retirees, widows, and older adults navigate their finances. She talks about subtle changes that may signal someone needs help, including repeated questions, overdrawn accounts, changes in grooming, and difficulty understanding things they once knew well. Tasha and Nicole also explore the importance of planning ahead — from Power of Attorney and beneficiary designations to wills, gifting, and building a retirement plan well before the transition actually happens. The truth is, these conversations aren't always easy. But having them while everyone is healthy and capable can give families more choices later. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/ydjT6RCts2g🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Sharon Starkey, Financial Advisor🌐https://www.highlandswmg.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    How to Know When an Aging Parent Needs Financial Help
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Aging doesn’t come with a manual — but it does come with questions. The Empowered Elder Podcast connects adults and families with trusted professionals and real answers to help navigate the aging journey wisely, confidently, and with peace of mind. Through empowering conversations, practical guidance, and heartfelt stories, we transform uncertainty into confidence — because aging is a journey you don’t have to walk alone.