In this episode, I chat with Sandell Morse. Our conversation is part of The Orchid Series. The interviews feature inspiring men and women over 75 years young. Curious, engaged, active, interesting. The sort of human we all hope to be when we grow up!Sandell and I discuss how she and her husband have aged differently, the importance of a community, developing interests separate from our partners, and what we should pay attention to as we age. I loved hearing about her charming town and neighborhood, how living apart works for Sandell and her husband, her furry friend, her writing, and how she keeps active. I especially enjoyed learning about her year as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette!At age 81, Sandell published her first memoir, The Spiral Shell: A French Village Reveals its Secrets of Jewish Resistance in World War II. According to Sandell, "It's never too late!""You don't give things up, they give you up."Subjects we reference:Yoga with AdrieneThe newsletter Sandell reads every dayEulogy For A Dress: Or the Life I Didn't LiveScandinavian Shrimp SaladThe Spectacular by Fiona DavisPortsmouth, New HampshireFor more information, please visit Sandell's website, or follow her on Instagram. Other episodes/articles you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastIf you're interested in Botox ...Exercises Crucial to Aging WellHow Aimee Found her "Thing"Books and More BooksHave you gotten a Shingles shot?  I'd love you to follow me on Instagram (@pamelalamp2) or Facebook @PamelaLamp. I'd also love to hear about a new thing you discover!

What next? Aimee Oates had a happy marriage, a well-adjusted son, and a beautiful life. But she wanted more. Aimee wanted something for herself. A project where she felt accomplished and fulfilled and gave to others. For years, Aimee agonized and struggled with what was next. And then she found her IT.In this episode, Aimee and I discuss life on the road, raising her son, and what she loves about Aspen. She describes the steps she took to find her passion project, what she learned about herself, and how it feels to be of service while feeling accomplished and productive. And, as always, Aimee shares her one new thing—it's a fun one!Subjects we reference:Floral Design Institute in Portland, OregonGeny's FlowersThe Nashville Petal ProjectJohn OatesIf you're interested, here is a sample of an Adult Aptitude test. And here is another.Aspen Animal ShelterOther episodes you may enjoy:A Backup Vocalist for a Country Music SuperstarThe Benefits of KindnessA Grandmother Stuns on Shark TankAn Innkeeper in OregonAnother Woman Who Determined What was NextAnd, if you'd like, read How to Listen to a PodcastPhoto credit Debbie KadotaI'd love you to follow me on Instagram (@pamelalamp2) or Facebook @PamelaLamp. I'd also love to hear about a new thing you discover!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Maureen Seitz returns to Who I Met Today to explain all the things we need to know about strokes.She describes the various types of strokes, the warning signs, and the importance of taking TIAs seriously. Dr. Seitz explains we can prevent a stroke and talks about the ways to do so. We discuss the clot-busting treatments, the importance of noting the time, and why those with atrial fibrillation should be vigilant.Dr. Seitz holds a BA in Biology from Earlham College in Richmond, IN. She earned her medical degree cum laude and continued her residency training at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Seitz completed a fellowship in Geriatrics at Vanderbilt University and is board-certified in both Family Medicine and Geriatrics.She refers to the Memphis Mobile Stroke Unit.Warning Signs of StrokesDr. Seitz provides a printable wallet card to remind us of symptoms.Other articles and episodes you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastDr. Maureen Seitz - Bone DensityDr. Maureen Seitz - Shingles VaccineMacular DegenerationIdeas For Making FriendsWhere to Go on a Girls' TripI'd love you to follow me on Instagram (@pamelalamp2) or Facebook @PamelaLamp. I'd also love to hear about a new thing you discover!

Meet Marty Jordan! A backup vocalist for country music superstar George Strait, Marty discusses her singing career, touring life, the Grand Ole Opry, and gold and platinum records.Marty reveals what traveling on a tour bus is like as the only female member of the legendary Ace in the Hole Band. She explains studio musicians, staff bands, and music charting. I loved our conversation, and I hope you do, too. Other podcast episodes you may enjoy:Plant-Based EatingReasons to Love YogaPickleball!Cast Iron CookingDesign TrendsBlog articles you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastNewport MansionsMacular DegenerationThings to See and Do in NashvilleI'd love you to follow me on Instagram (@pamelalamp2) or Facebook @PamelaLamp. I'd also love to hear about a new thing you discover! My email is pam@whoimettoday.com.

In episode 27, Suzanne Coleman, a longtime yoga practitioner and instructor, explains all the many reasons to love yoga.Suzanne discusses the types of yoga, along with its mental, physical, and emotional benefits. We discuss breathing, the all-important final pose, and what Suzanne does to combat worry. She highlights what we should all remember while doing yoga and suggests books and online instructors. Her new thing is a good one!Referenced in this episode:Living in the Light by Deepak Chopra M.D.Bone Density with Dr. Maureen SeitzLight on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B.K.S. IyengarRodney Yee, AM and PM Yoga for BeginnersYoga with AdrienneBlue ZonesOther podcast episodes you may enjoy:Healing Retreats for Women with Breast CancerKey Exercises as We AgePlant-Based EatingShould You Get a Shingles Vaccine? Is Botox for You?I'd love you to follow me on Instagram (@pamelalamp2) or Facebook @PamelaLamp. I'd also love to hear about a new thing you discover! My email is pam@whoimettoday.com.

In this episode, Michelle Beckwith recommends books to gift others—or yourself! As a book reviewer Michelle reads A LOT, and she considers these books her "best of the best" of the past year. It's not too late to hop down to your local bookshop, and pick up a last-minute gift!We also discuss literary versus contemporary fiction, the beauty of preordering a book, and Michelle's rather large one new thing.In this episode, we reference:Book Reporter@caseygirlsread on Instagram@booksandchicks on InstagramThoughts From a Page podcastNet GalleyBooks we discuss:The House of Eve by Sadeqa JohnsonThe Yellow Wife by Sadeqa JohnsonThe Glass Chateau by Stephen KiernanGo As a River by Shelley ReadBeing Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry WinklerGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheyFalling by T.J. NewmanDrowning by T.J. NewmanA World of Curiosities by Louise Penny

Books make great gifts for kids! In this episode, Sherri Puzey, a California bookshop owner, offers kids' book recommendations. She suggests books that adults won't mind reading to the children in their lives—over and over and over again.As a bonus to our discussion. Sherri also recommends three adult books she's recently enjoyed. And, of course, she reveals her one new thing.In this episode, we reference:Zibby Books Zibby's BookshopAdult novels we discuss:Happiness Falls by Angie KimThe River We Remember by William Kent KruegerTake My Hand by Dolen Perkins-ValdezThe House is on Fire by Rachel BeanlandKids' book recommendations:Amelia Bedelia by Peggy ParishBlueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskeyIf I Was a Horse by Sophie BlackallHello Lighthouse by Sophie BlackallFarmhouse by Sophie BlackallBig by Vashti HarrisonCornbread and Poppy at the Museum by Matthew Cordell

In this episode, pickleball fanatic, evangelist, and author Erin McHugh discusses the game, all the reasons to love pickleball, and how to get started.Erin explains the game's history, its quirky rules, and an easy way to handle the tricky scoring system. She suggests ways to get involved in games, where to find courts, the right equipment needed, and the clothes to wear. Erin, a "missionary for the sport," assures listeners a tennis background isn't necessary, it's never too late to take up the game, and pickleball is an ageless sport.Pickleball is affordable, accessible, easy to pick up, and a terrific way to meet people and make friends.Seventy-one-year-old Erin explains why we should be watchful that our lives don't become smaller as we age.Erin's book is an informative and entertaining look at pickleball—Pickleball is Life: The Complete Guide to Feeding Your ObsessionReady to grab a paddle and jump in?Erin recommends this paddle for the beginning player.Other podcast episodes you may enjoy:Dr. Ravi Goel and Cataract SurgeryMaking FriendsPlant-Based EatingTipping Tips with Lizzie PostArticles you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastA King Arthur Baking InstructorIs Curiosity the Secret?Where to Go on a Girls' Trip

In this episode, Anne Byrn, one of my favorite cookbook authors, chats about her books, baking, and secrets to successful cast iron cooking.Listeners will learn the benefits of cast iron cooking, how to clean and care for a skillet, and how to keep the finish shiny, black, and beautiful. We learn how to properly sear, how much oil we need, and how to store the skillet after use. Anne shares how she became known as the Cake Mix Doctor, her Thanksgiving menu, her new things, and much more.Anne's CookbooksA New Take on CakeSkillet LoveAmerican CookieAmerican CakeThe Cake Mix DoctorFor more of Anne's books, and to sign up for her newsletter, Between the Layers, visit her websiteAnne's latest cookbook, to be published September 2024Cast Iron Cooking ReferencesThe Ringer—Anne's go-to skillet scrubberLodge skilletsHer Warm Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe I love!Nathalie DupreeOther podcast episodes you may enjoy:Healing Retreats for Women with Breast CancerA fun Thanksgiving Tradition for Kids of all Ages

Need a fun and creative Thanksgiving tradition? In this episode, April George discusses Turkey on the Table, the company she founded with business partner Kerry Maunus. Their adorable little feathered creation is a fun way to celebrate the holiday, begin a tradition, and reinforce the practice of thankfulness.April describes how—and why—she and her friend came up with the idea for Turkey on the Table and brought the company to fruition. She explains how the decorative turkey fosters thankfulness and some ways to "use" the turkey during the Thanksgiving holiday. We discuss how young kids, older kids, and adults with no kids love this turkey. April shares the retailers who sell the turkey, how her daughters' thankfulness has expanded, and their partnership with Feeding America.She also describes her honey of a new thing! We reference this beekeeping podcast episode.I absolutely love this Thanksgiving tradition, and I hope you do too!Other episodes you may enjoy:Tipping TipsBeekeeping with Kim FlottumHave you had a Shingles vaccine? Key Exercises as We AgeDesign IdeasPlant-Based EatingArticles you may enjoy:How Do You Count Your Blessings? Butterball Turkey Hotline ExpertHow Do You Beat the Winter Blues?Soups for the WinterHow to Listen to a PodcastPhotos courtesy of April George

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode features Jen Lofgren, the Regional Program Manager for Casting for Recovery. If a woman in your life is in any stage of breast cancer, I can't wait for you to learn about this wonderful organization and the breast cancer retreats they offer. Free of charge.Jen, a fly fishing instructor and guide, serves on the national staff of Casting for Recovery. For more than 25 years, the organization has provided healing outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer–with no charge to the participant. Jen discusses the nationwide fly fishing retreats, what they involve, and how women apply for them. She details the program's beginnings, metastatic retreats offered, and ways to volunteer. Jen stresses almost all women come into the retreats with no fly fishing experience—and leave feeling refreshed, informed, and encouraged.Other episodes you may enjoy:Tipping TipsHave you had a Shingles vaccine? Key Exercises as We AgeDesign IdeasPlant-Based EatingArticles you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastAn Aircraft Carrier CommanderNewport MansionsFrom Cancer to GingersnapsPhoto courtesy of Jen Lofgren

Perhaps it's my imagination, but gratuities seem more expected nowadays. To shed some light on tipping tips and etiquette, I turned to Lizzie Post. Lizzie is the great-great-granddaughter of etiquette icon Emily Post and the Co-President of The Emily Post Institute.In this episode, Lizzie explains how the Institute determines etiquette guidelines and suggestions and how long couples really have to send wedding thank-you notes. We discuss tips for hotel staff, restaurant waitstaff, and rideshare drivers. She drills down on holiday tipping, gifting, and thanking the service providers in our lives. And the dreaded tipping screen–should we feel obligated?We reference the following in this episode:Ted Talk on finding your purpose in lifeEmily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition by Lizzie Post and Daniel Post SenningThe Emily Post Institute websiteThe Emily Post Institute guide to holiday tippingOther episodes you may enjoy:A retina specialist and cataract surgeryA knitting enthusiastHow to Make Friends with Nina BadzinArticles you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastOne of the highest-ranking Naval officersFavorite travel accessoriesA neuroscientist and Alzheimer'sPhoto courtesy of Lizzie Post—Gina Doost, Photographer

In this podcast episode, Ann McMeans, a registered dietitian for more than four decades, and I discuss plant-based eating.Ann retired last year from her role as a Senior Dietitian and Nutrition Research Manager at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Prior job responsibilities included managing and serving as a co-investigator in pediatric and adult nutrition research at the Clinical Research Center at Texas Children’s Hospital and the USDA Children’s Nutrition Research Center. She’s currently working part-time as a pediatric gastroenterologist intestinal research dietitian with Baylor.Ann will explain:The difference between a vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based dietExamples of plant-focused mealsWhy these foods are importantHow many fruit/vegetable servings to consume each dayHow much protein we really needBenefits of various grainsBenefits of eating a plant-based dietWhat is a healthy microbiomeIn this episode, we reference:Weekday Vegetarians by Jenny RosenstrachEat More, Live Well by Megan RossiForks Over Knives7-Day Eating Plan (in Eating Well)Article by Paul GreenbergOther episodes you may enjoy:How to Listen to a PodcastThe Shingles Virus with Dr. Maureen SeitzBotox Considerations with Dr. Melissa LangleyHow to Make Friends with Nina BadzinArticles you may enjoy:A nutritionist and fatsA cookbook author and vegetablesA neuroscientist and Alzheimer'sPhoto courtesy of Ann McMeans

By popular demand, Dr. Seitz is back! In this episode, Dr. Maureen Seitz and I discuss the shingles virus. She explains nerve distributions, symptoms, and how it is transmitted. She also talks about vaccines, reactions, complications, and vaccine recommendations. Vaccines are never 100% effective, and the shingles virus is one you don't want to get!Other podcast episodes you may enjoy:Dr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityEllen Jovin's Grammar TableThe Carville LeprosariumIs Botox for You? Nina Badzin and Making Friends

After reading a couple of bee-related novels, I wanted to learn more about the intelligent little creatures and their importance to our planet. And so I reached out to beekeeping expert Kim Flottum.In this episode, Kim explains the different sorts of honey bees, their assigned jobs in the hive, and the places they build nests. We discuss mad honey, how to support beekeepers, the reasons the bee population is decreasing, and the small steps everyone can take to help our honey bees. Kim also tells us why a beehive is almost as clean as an operating room!Kim co-hosts The Beekeeping Today podcast.For more than three decades, Kim edited Bee Culture—The Magazine of American Beekeeping. Books by Kim FlottumNovels referenced in the episode:Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney BoylanThe Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick DaltonYou may also enjoy these episodes:Dr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityTanya Singer and the Joys of Knitting (with an interesting Holocaust story too)Design Trends with Sarah Eilers and Sandy LucasThe Science Behind Random Acts of KindnessA car seat invention and Shark TankHow to Listen to a Podcast

Calling all grammar nerds and language lovers! In this podcast episode, I talk with Ellen Jovin about her New York City-based pop-up grammar advice stand, the Grammar Table. Ellen is the author of several books on language, a business writing teacher, and a grammar expert. She is the co-founder of Syntaxis, a communication skills training firm.In 2018, Ellen lugged a table, chair, and grammar necessities from her Manhattan apartment to a subway stop and set up shop dispensing grammar advice. We discuss her latest book, birdwatching in Central Park, her Grammar Table travels, and the 25 languages she's studied. She describes memorable experiences from her nationwide tour and the types of individuals who frequent her advice table.Other topics we reference in this episode:Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian is Ellen's recent national bestselling bookLittle Island ParkLearning languages online through PimsleurFor more about Ellen, please visit her website.You may also enjoy these podcast episodes:Amanda Skenandore and the Carville LeprosariumDr. Ravi Goel and Cataract SurgeryTanya Singer and Stories Surrounding KnittingDr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityHow to Listen to a PodcastPhotos courtesy of Ellen Jovin

Making new friends in different phases of our lives is not easy for anyone, no matter our age. And friendships, social engagement, and connectivity seem to play important roles in staying sharp as we get older. In this episode, friendship guru Nina Badzin suggests a variety of ways to meet people and build friendships.Nina is a Minneapolis creative writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, voracious reader, and podcast host. For the last almost ten years, Nina has been answering anonymous advice questions on the topic of friendship.We discuss how she got started in the friendship arena and how all friend-making activities are not created equal. Nina cites the importance of beginner games, Facebook groups, Kaddish, and "putting yourself out there." She offers a long list of places and activities where people might make new friends.We reference this friendship study, an online book club source, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.As always, Nina shares her one new thing.Nina is reading Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.For more information about Nina, her podcast, and her book club, please visit Nina's website. If you have suggestions for how to make new friends, I'd love to hear them!You may also enjoy these episodes/articles:Is Botox for You? Tanya Singer and The Joys of KnittingMacular DegenerationAn inspiring octogenarianHow to Listen to a PodcastI'd love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram, visit my website, or email me at pam@whoimettoday.com

At some point in our lives, almost all of us will need cataract surgery. In this episode, Dr. Ravi Goel discusses when the time is right for surgery and what to expect during the procedure. Dr. Goel is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon at Regional Eye Associates in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.He talks about premium eye lenses, potential laser surgery to dissolve scar tissue, and the varying degrees of cataracts. He compares our eye's natural lens to a peanut m and m!Before cataract surgery, Dr. Goel advises patients to inform our doctors of all previous eye surgeries, including LASIK. Be sure to check with your surgeon regarding swimming, exercising, and wearing eye makeup post-surgery.For more information on cataracts and other eye issues, Dr. Goel suggests visiting the American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Health website.And, as always, Dr. Goel reveals his one new thing.You may also enjoy these episodes:Dr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityThe Science Behind Random Acts of KindnessA novelist and the Carville LeprosariumHow to Listen to a PodcastI'd love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram, visit my website, or email me at pam@whoimettoday.com

Is Botox for you? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Langley, a leading Nashville dermatologist, describes the ins and outs of this cosmetic procedure. She defines Botox, the different brands for the generic name, complications, precautions, and how to choose a provider.We discuss the history of Botox and its non-cosmetic uses too. Dr. Langley describes the sorts of wrinkles Botox may treat, what is involved, and where the injections can be administered. And, of course, we always end each episode with my guest's one new thing.For more information, please visit Dr. Langley's website. You may also enjoy these episodes:Dr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityTanya Singer and the Joys of Knitting (with an interesting Holocaust story too)Design Trends with Sarah Eilers and Sandy LucasThe Science Behind Random Acts of KindnessA car seat invention and Shark TankHow to Listen to a PodcastI'd love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram, visit my website, or email me at pam@whoimettoday.comAnd—if you enjoyed this episode, I'd love you to review or rate it. Thank you!

In 2016, Laura Carney discovered her late father's bucket list. In this episode, Laura discusses how she completed his list, lived out her father's dreams, and learned a little about herself in the process.Laura describes several of the bucket list items. We talk about how the journey—and doing a lot of scary new things—brought her gifts she had not imagined.  My Father's List  by Laura CarneyA portion of the book's proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Carney FoundationInstead of a bucket list, some readers may consider a teacup list. For more information, please visit Laura's websiteIn case you aren't certain—How to Listen to a PodcastYou may also enjoy these episodes:Amanda Skenandore and the Carville LeprosariumTanya Singer and Stories Surrounding KnittingDr. Maureen Seitz and Bone DensityI'd love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram, visit my website, or email me at pam@whoimettoday.comAnd—if you enjoyed this episode, I'd love you to review or rate it. Thank you!