Half of Medicare beneficiaries did not visit the dentist during the past year because they couldn't afford to. Melissa Burroughs of the advocacy group Care Quest says neglecting oral health can contribute to serious health issues in older people --- including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. Worse yet, traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental care. As Melissa tells us, it's time for that to change!

Jon "Bowzer" Bauman is best known for his 50s greaser character from the tv show "Sha Na Na." In addition to his career as an entertainer, Jon is an outspoken advocate for Social Security and Medicare! In this encore episode of the podcast, he tells us how we can save Americans' earned benefits during the Trump/DOGE regime. We also hear how Bowzer went from Doo Wop revivalist to seniors' activist. If you're wondering if Jon also will sing for us... well... you can bet your rama-lama-ding-dong, Daddy-O! Originally released March 4, 2025.

David Tatel was the nation's first blind federal judge. He has written a new book entitled "Vision," offering reminisences from his time on the bench --- and wisdom for any older person who wants to live life to the fullest. Plus, everything you need to know about David's faithful service dog, Vixen! Enjoy this encore episode featuring a senior living with a major disability who made a major contribution to our country.

Tom Harkin is very concerned about the future of Social Security. In this episode, the former U.S. Senator and one-time presidential candidate says seniors and their advocates must go on OFFENSE to protect the program from Donald Trump & DOGE. Otherwise, he says, they will "terminate Social Security as we know it." The Senator also sees nefarious motives behind DOGE's getting access to Americans' sensitive personal data. "They want the data on you and your kids and families so they can control you in the future," Harkin warns. He also shares stories from his 1992 presidential run, including the time he worked on a lobster boat in New England --- and the time he left the campaign trail to interrogate his teenage daughter's first date!

Let's face it--- 2024 was a better year for Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid than 2025. Here are highlights from last year's podcast for your enjoyment, featuring host Walter Gottlieb and VIP guests:

Jim Roosevelt (Grandson of FDR); Dr. S. Jay Olshanksy (aging expert - University of Illinois); Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); Michael Hiltzik (Columnist, Los Angeles Times); David Tatel (Retired federal appeals court judge, Author of "Vision: A Memoir of Blindess and Justice") and many more!

Just in time for your retirement... Trump and the Republicans are messing with Medicare. They're trying to turn into a privatized program like Medicare Advantage. Also, the recent "Unfair, Ugly Bill" could trigger Medicare cuts down the road. Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi tells us it's a time to be concerned for the future of these programs --- and take action to defend them... in this encore episode from April, 2025!

In this special episode from April, 2025, host Walter Gottlieb and digital media manager Shahab Shokouhi answer your questions & school the trolls from our Facebook page. Questions include: Will Social Security still be there for me? How much money is in the trust fund? And when will people formerly limited by WEP & GPO get their checks? We also answer the Facebook trolls who insist we are "commie Democrats spreading lies." Fun times!

Ann Crittenden was a correspondent for the New York Times in the late 70s and early 80s. She left the paper to care for her newborn son --- and later become an advocate for the millions of Americans who stay at home to care for kids, elderly parents, or other relatives in need. Author of the 2001 best-seller, "The Price of Motherhood," Ann says it's finally time that our society placed more value on caregiving --- and caregivers! She also reflects back on her time at the "Newspaper of Record," aka "The Grey Lady," including putting a member of Congress in jail and the perks of being a Times correspondent.