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Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well
Wendy Green
Recent Episodes
In this powerful episode, Sandy Rosenthal shares her remarkable story of resilience and determination in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. With no background in engineering or law, Sandy took on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after uncovering a devastating truth: the levee failures that flooded New Orleans weren’t just an act of nature—they were preventable mistakes. Her journey reminds us how vital it is to hold institutions accountable, especially in times of crisis.
Sandy opens up about the emotional toll and uphill battle she faced while pushing back against powerful forces trying to shift the blame onto local communities. Her advocacy wasn’t easy, but she refused to back down. This conversation brings to light the complex web of power, responsibility, and the courage it takes to speak truth to that power, all of which is covered in her book, "Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina."
Her story is more than just a tale of disaster—it’s a call to action. It’s about purpose. About using your voice. And about realizing that even without credentials or a platform, each of us can still make a real impact.
This episode is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to stand up, speak out, and bring about change—whether in your neighborhood or on a larger scale.
Links referenced in this episode:
- The grassroots organization that started it all: levees.org
- To get information about Sandy's book, what she is doing now, and her podcasts, go to sandyrosenthal.net
- Check out Older Women and Friends, hosted by Jane Leder.
- Try out the Boomer Banter Membership, free for a month. Email me at wendy@heyboomer.biz to get access to the virtual gatherings.
- Support our sponsor, Greenwood Capital
Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm, Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter” has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.
What happens when a journalist spends decades documenting the rise, fall, and rebirth of American cities—only to find himself at a turning point in his own career? In this episode of Boomer Banter, I sit down with veteran journalist and author John Gallagher to talk about his memoir, Rust Belt Reporter, and his reflections on journalism, storytelling, and legacy.
John spent over 30 years at the Detroit Free Press, covering urban transformation in Detroit, as well as some world events. He was there for the bankruptcy of Detroit, the fight against redlining, and even witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall firsthand. Now, in his memoir, he shares what it was like to report on these historical moments while also navigating the changing landscape of journalism.
Together, we dive into:
✅ How journalism has changed from the 60s, 70s, and 80s to today
✅ The importance of storytelling in documenting history and shaping personal legacy
✅ What makes a good memoir—even if you don’t think you have “big” stories to tell
✅ The decline of print journalism and the rise of AI in news reporting
✅ Finding purpose after retirement and navigating the transition into a new chapter
John also shares tips on memoir writing, why documenting your own life story can be transformative, and how writing can help us make sense of the past—and plan for the future.
Links referenced in this episode:
- To try out the Boomer Banter membership, free of a month, email me at wendyboomer.biz
- Check out the podcast, Older Women and Friends:
- I reach out to John Gallagher directly, email him at jtgallag49@gmail.com
This special episode of Boomer Banter is part of Podcasthon's week-long initiative to have podcasters shine a spotlight on non-profits they support.
I chose to highlight the impact of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), with an in-depth examination of the organization's commitment to advocating for women's rights and educational equity.
My guest, Doris McLallen, is the State President of AAUW-SC and has been a member of AAUW since 1978. She told the historical story of the founding of the organization, tracing its origins back to 1881 when a group of women sought to redefine the societal expectations placed upon them. Taking us to the present, the mission of AAUW is "to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy."
In our discussion we reflected on the barriers that continue to impede women's progress in higher education and employment. Doris discussed AAUW's innovative programs, such as Work Smart and Start Smart, which empower young women with the necessary skills to negotiate salaries and advocate for themselves within the workforce.
This was an inspiring episode that reflected on the advancements women have made in education and the workforce and reminded us of the barriers that are still present.
Takeaways:
- AAUW has been advocating for women's education and employment opportunities since its inception in 1881, highlighting its longstanding commitment to gender equity.
- This episode emphasizes the importance of community engagement in empowering women through networking and mentorship opportunities provided by organizations like AAUW.
- The discussion outlines the challenges women face in negotiating salaries and the vital role of programs like Start Smart in equipping them with necessary skills.
- The episode illustrates the historical context of women's rights and the ongoing struggles for equality, emphasizing the need for continuous advocacy and support.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Join us on the next Boomer Banter membership Zoom, on Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30pm ET. Email me at wendy@heyboomer.biz to claim your free month now!
- Visit www.podcasthon.org to discover hundreds of other associations through the voices and talents of amazing podcasters!
- Explore the amazing work that the American Association of University Women is doing to support women and girls in higher education and the workplace. aauw.org
- Email Doris McLallen directly to learn more about AAUW.
- Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm, Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter” has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.
In this meaningful conversation, Wendy Green sits down with Becky Blue to talk about aging with curiosity, purpose, and passion. Becky shares her journey of becoming a first-time author at 60, proving that it’s never too late to follow a dream. Her book, Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days, isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation to rethink what’s possible in the years ahead.
Together, Wendy and Becky dive into the common fears and doubts that can hold us back as we get older—like the fear of failure or feeling like our best days are behind us. But what if we approached aging like an explorer—full of curiosity and open to new possibilities? They explore how adopting this mindset can help us break through limiting beliefs, embrace change, and step into the unknown with excitement instead of hesitation.
This episode is filled with real talk, personal stories, and encouragement to help you redefine what aging means to you. Wendy and Becky also touch on the power of community and connection, reminding us that we don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start something new, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take the next step—whatever that looks like for you!
Takeaways:
- It is NOT too late to pursue new interests or skills, as demonstrated by individuals who have embraced new challenges later in life.
- Approach aging with an explorer's mindset, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for uncovering new possibilities and experiences.
- Self-care encompasses not only physical health but also mental and spiritual well-being, necessitating a holistic approach to living fully as we age.
- Creating supportive communities is crucial for navigating the complexities of aging, as shared experiences foster accountability and encouragement in pursuing new ventures.
Links referenced in this episode:
Try the Boomer Banter membership today, a warm, welcoming space where real conversations happen, friendships form, and we navigate this next chapter together.
Email me at wendy@heyboomer.biz to claim your free month now!
Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm, Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter” has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.
What would you do if someone told you that you were too old to chase a dream? For Dierdre Wolownick, the answer was simple: prove them wrong.
At 66, she did something that would challenge even the fittest athletes—she climbed El Capitan, one of the most iconic rock faces in the world, in a single day. And she didn’t do it alone—she tackled the climb alongside her son, legendary climber Alex Honnold. But Dierdre’s journey is about so much more than just scaling a mountain. It’s about defying expectations, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and discovering just how much we’re capable of—at any stage of life.
In this episode, Dierdre shares her remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. From navigating an unsupportive marriage to redefining what’s possible in her later years, she opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to push past fear and self-doubt. We’ll also talk about what it’s really like to climb with Alex Honnold (spoiler: he doesn’t slow down for anyone), the power of preparation, and why she chose to go back up El Cap at 70—this time on her terms.
Dierdre’s story is proof that life doesn’t slow down unless you let it. Whether you’re a climber, an adventurer at heart, or just someone looking for a spark of inspiration to take on your next big challenge, this episode is for you.
Takeaways:
- Deirdre Wolownick's journey exemplifies the profound impact of pursuing one's passions despite societal expectations and personal challenges.
- The importance of self-motivation is paramount, especially when navigating unsupportive relationships that may hinder personal growth.
- Overcoming physical limitations and age-related stereotypes can lead to remarkable achievements, as demonstrated by Deirdre's climbing feats.
- Journaling serves as an effective tool for self-reflection and planning, empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward their goals.
- Recognizing that growing older is a privilege can inspire individuals to embrace life fully and pursue their dreams without hesitation.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Subscribe to the Thriving Through Time Newsletter: bit.ly/navigateaging
- Subscribe to Dierdre's blog: Dierdre's place | A site about exploration
- Connect with Dierdre on Instagram: @dierdre_wolownick_honnold