Who else has caught the pickleball bug? A veteran tennis player, it took me some time but now I am also smitten. Our guest stumbled upon the game after retiring from firefighting and then caregiving for both her sister and her mother. Grief and loss were softened by belonging to a new community. In addition to playing frequently she became curious about pickleball's meteoric rise, its history and the appeal of the game. Why do millions love the game? Clare Frank decided to go on a year long quest to immerse herself in the game and culture of the game. The result is her new memoir "Just One More Game: A Pickleball Quest". Find out more at https://www.clarefrank.net/

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If you've followed "Zestful Aging Podcast" you know I love nature and appreciate its healing powers. And we all seem to be needing a way to find some peace these days. This week's guest is Matthew Kessi, author of "The Wild Cure". Matthew is a writer and nature-based mentor who helps people rediscover calm, clarity, and direction by reconnecting with the natural world. After years in corporate airline leadership and global travel, Matthew realized some of life's best guidance wasn't happening in boardrooms — it was happening out on the trail. I call his work "forest bathing on steroids." Find out more about Matthew and his offerings at Kessiworld.com.

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One of the joys of being a podcaster is that you can listen to a conversation about caregiving on NPR, look up the guest and invite them to guest on your show. I was thrilled when today's guest accepted my invitation.

Our guest is Kat McGowan a journalist focused on caregiving. She's had first hand knowledge of the experience, having cared for both her sister in law and then her parents. She discovered that 26 million American caregivers who look after friends and family are effectively the nation's largest healthcare workforce. But they're overlooked in social policy and ignored by the media.

Kat's goal is to help people recognize caregiving for what it is: "An essential social service, a form of medicine, a love story, a burden, an honor, a privilege—and, for many of us, a chapter of life." Find out more about her at katmcgowan.com .

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Our guest this week couldn't be more timely. With all of the strife and fear around us many are looking for some way to find comfort. Maryann Roefaro straddles the worlds of science, medicine and spirituality. In her new book "Transitions of Hope", She shares powerful insights from her decades as a healthcare leader, caregiver, and spiritual guide to show how we can replace fear with love and face life's transitions with courage and peace. Check out her new podcast Transitions of Hope: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transitions-of-hope/id1862814649

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Sky Bergman an accomplished, award-winning photographer and filmmaker. She has been particularly interested in the positive effects of intergenerational relationships having enjoyed a loving relationship with her grandmother.

Sky's newest film is about the Japanese American experience and how a particular food has provided emotional sustenance through internment. Mochi-tsuki has long united Japanese Americans, from the hardships of World War II incarceration to modern-day celebrations. Once a symbol of resilience in incarceration camps, this tradition continues to bring generations together, preserving culture and community. Find out more about Sky: https://skybergmanproductions.com/

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How delightful is this? We're in the beautiful kitchen of my next guest, because we're having a little sourdough baking lesson. I love spreading the fun of sourdough making.Those organisms are alive and well.

Kathy Okoniewski has been involved in U.S. ski racing and training for 45 years. She's been a competitor and developed programming for ski racing youth. After a long career in sports, Kathy has shifted her focus to becoming an energy medicine practitioner. Her focus is helping people–whether athletes or general public to discover their full energetic potential.

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Sue Willoughby is a life coach with a real twist. Raised by a single alcoholic parent, Sue came out at 17, hit some serious lows, and still built a life full of grit, growth, and reinvention—from corporate trainer to standup comic, real estate investor, and private pilot. As a coach, Sue partners with horses to help her clients through their difficulties. She talks about why horses are uniquely gifted to work with people who are struggling emotionally. Find out about her facility, her team and all of their offerings: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/

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Our guest today was on the panel of experts at WCNY's event, which showcased Bradley Cooper's film "Caregiving". Gwen Crossett is an R.N. and runs a concierge, boutique-style caregiver agency, assisting caregivers and their loved ones in navigating the challenges of elder care and progressing diseases. Today we're going to focus on two less talked about topics: seniors and scams and how to choose a caregiver for your loved ones. Gwen gives us advice and helps with the confusion when hiring caregivers for your loved ones. Find out more: https://www.constantcare247.com.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com