Wisdom of Age

Meet 75-year-old Herbert Sweat, a Vietnam War veteran whose experiences have driven him to support fellow veterans and honor their sacrifices. In this episode, Herbert reflects on growing up in Brooklyn, serving in the jungles of Vietnam, and facing the challenges of coming home. Through it all, he’s found redemption in helping others navigate the journey.

Hear him talk about:

• Growing up in Brooklyn and navigating integration
• Serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam
• Confronting PTSD after returning home
• His work mentoring veterans through the court system
• Why veterans need your help

Learn more about some of the organizations Herbert Sweat

At 92 years old, Kimiko Koyanagi, a third-generation doll-maker born in Tokyo, Japan, continues to create her art. Her experiences, from surviving the bombings of Tokyo during World War II to her travels around the world and eventual immigration to Canada and, much later, the U.S., have deeply influenced both her worldview and her entirely unique Japanese dolls. Listen in as Kimiko shares her wisdom on resilience, creativity, and the acceptance of life’s fortunes.

Hear her talk about:

• Surviving the devastation of World War II in Tokyo
• Traveling the world and then immigrating to Canada
• Building a career as a female artist in a male-dominated field
• Her philosophy on accepting one’s fortune and embracing creativity despite limitations
• Why creativity is essential to her life, even at 92

Meet 97-year-old Mary Alice Husted, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose deep faith and family-centered life have guided her through nearly a century of joys and challenges. In this episode, Mary Alice shares her reflections on growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, her marriage to the love of her life, Bill, and how her faith helped her navigate the loss of loved ones, including her father, husband, son, and great-grandson.

Meet 84-year-old Betsy Samuels, a retired Christmas tree farmer and military spouse. In this episode, she reflects on life at Foxfire Christmas Tree Farm, her experiences growing up in Virginia Beach during WWII, and the lessons she learned moving across the country as a military spouse. Betsy also shares her philosophy on the importance of community, resilience, and choosing happiness, no matter the challenges life brings.

Image courtesy of Betsy Samuels.

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