The Not Old - Better Show

The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem - Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Today on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates series, we welcome award-winning science writer and New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer—author of Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe, available at Apple Books. With every breath we take—more than 20,000 each day—we draw in not just oxygen, but thousands of invisible organisms: fungi, bacteria, pollen, even algae. This unseen ecosystem, the aerobiome, surrounds us every moment, yet until recently, it was barely studied. Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our show notes for more details on Carl Zimmer and this presentation titled: The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer has written 15 books about science, taught at Yale, and contributed to National Geographic, The Atlantic, and Scientific American. His new book blends storytelling, history, and cutting-edge science to reveal how we've misunderstood the air—and how that misunderstanding shaped our response to COVID-19, climate change, and more. If you've ever wondered what's really in the air around you—or how the past might have protected us better—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. That was science author Carl Zimmer, joining us today on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates series, with stories from his new book Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe, available at Apple Books. Smithsonian Associate Carl Zimmer will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our show notes for more details on Carl Zimmer and this presentation titled: The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to you, our wonderful audience on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, Let's Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show, Smithsoninan Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. To listen to more inspiring conversations like this one—from scientists, historians, artists, and beyond—check out our full back catalog at notold-better.com. You can also follow us on social media: we're on Twitter @notoldbetter and on Instagram at notoldbetter. This is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. I'm Paul Vogelzang—thank you for spending time with us today, and I hope you'll join me again next time.

Welcome back to The Not Old – Better Show! I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today, we're talking about turning clutter into cash, attic junk into treasures, and maybe—just maybe—your next garage sale into a goldmine. Think about it—how many of us have boxes of old collectibles, furniture gathering dust, or a closet filled with clothes we haven't worn in a decade? Downsizing and decluttering can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you that hidden in those stacks of "stuff" could be real money—thousands of dollars just waiting to be uncovered? Well, today's guest knows exactly how to find it. Aaron LaPedis, better known as The Garage Sale Millionaire, made his first deal at age nine, flipping baseball cards and coins. By 21, he was a self-made millionaire—all from garage sales, storage auctions, and resale finds. He's spent the past 40 years uncovering hidden gems, dodging scams, and teaching everyday people how to cash in on forgotten treasures. Aaron's going to reveal the biggest mistakes people make when selling their stuff, the top five things in your home right now that could be worth serious money, and how to master the art of negotiation—whether in person or online. We'll even get into the wild world of storage unit auctions—do they live up to the TV hype? If you've ever thought about downsizing, decluttering, or making extra income in retirement, this episode is for you. So grab a pen, take notes, and get ready to see your garage, attic, and even your junk drawer in a whole new light. Now, let's welcome to the show—The Garage Sale Millionaire himself, Aaron LaPedis!

The Balanced Brain with Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show—Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and today, as part of our Inside Science interview series, we're diving deep into the most powerful organ you possess: your brain. Think about this for a moment: what if your brain isn't broken, but simply trying to regain balance in a world that constantly throws it off-kilter? What if pleasure, pain, memory, and mood—all the things that make you you—are less about mystery and more about biology? Today, we're joined by the brilliant Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord, neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge and author of the groundbreaking new book, available at Apple Books, The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, and the title of her presentation is The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health. Please check out our show notes today for more details about Dr. Nord's upcoming Smithsonian Associates presnentation. But we havec Dr. Camilla Nord today and in this riveting conversation, we'll explore the science behind what makes us feel good—or not—and how everyday actions like a walk in the park, a chat with a friend, or yes, even a bite of chocolate literally shift the chemistry of our brains. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord challenges old ideas. She dismantles the myth of the "mind-body divide," shows us how mood and inflammation are intimately connected, and explains why there will never be a single magic pill for mental health—because there doesn't need to be. Instead, she offers something more empowering: a new framework for understanding ourselves. For our audience of vibrant adults over 60, this conversation is more than science—it's a roadmap. A way to better understand what's happening under the surface and to take meaningful action, now, to feel better, think clearer, and live longer—without the stigma. So—what is a balanced brain? And how can you get one, and keep it, at any age? Let's find out. Here's my conversation with Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord. My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. Camilla Nord who will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, and the title of her presentation is The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health. Please check out our show notes today for more details about Dr. Nord's upcoming Inside Science Smithsonian Associates presentation. My thanks always to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support our show. My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, and Let's Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody and we'll see you next week.

The Day Washington Nearly Fell: Smithsonian Associate, Dr. Robert Watson on the Civil War's Forgotten Gamble The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Washington almost fell in 1864. 🇺🇸 Hear the untold story today. 🎙️ https://notold-better.com Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series—I'm Paul Vogelzang, and today's episode takes us straight into the heart of history… a moment most Americans have never heard of… and one we came this close to never recovering from. 📖 Rebels at the Gates is the title of Smithsonian Associate Dr. Robert Watson's thrilling new book, available at Apple Books for preorder. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Robert Watson will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes today for more information about Smithsonian Associates. But we have Dr. Robert Watson today and he tells the story of the final year of the Civil War—when the Confederates launched a last, desperate, and nearly successful attempt to capture Washington, D.C., and quite possibly win the war on their terms. Imagine it: Lincoln is in the White House. Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to Petersburg. Washington's defenses are stripped bare. And Confederate troops—starving, shoeless, but emboldened—are just five miles from the Capitol dome. This isn't fiction. This is real. And in July 1864, it nearly ended the American experiment. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Robert Watson—historian, professor, author of more than 40 books, and passionate storyteller—joins us today to bring this forgotten crisis vividly to life. From President Lincoln refusing to leave the capital, to the crusty, hard-charging Confederate General Jubal Early, to the moment alcohol may have accidentally saved the United States… this story has everything. We'll talk about bold military gambits, political peril, and what it really means to lead in times of chaos. So stay with us—this is history that matters, and it's never been more relevant. Here now, my conversation with Robert Watson. 🎙️ I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old Better Show—Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. Thanks for joining us today. My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. Robert Watson. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Robert Watson will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes today for more information about Smithsonian Associates. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all their help with the show. My thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and Let's Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. Thanks everybody and we'll see you next week.

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, the podcast for those who believe life gets better—and even sweeter—with age. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today we're diving into the soul-stirring legacy of two musical giants whose voices, harmonies, and vision shaped the very sound of a generation: Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler. If you grew up spinning 45s on your record player or gathered around the radio to hear those smooth, soaring harmonies, then you already know that Mayfield and Butler weren't just voices—they were storytellers, activists, and pioneers of a sound that broke barriers. Together, they helped shape the golden age of soul music, and their influence continues to inspire generations. But did you know that before the world knew them as soul legends, they were just two young men from Chicago's Cabrini-Green projects, united by gospel music, ambition, and a dream of something bigger? Today, we'll uncover the fascinating story of how Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield met, formed the Impressions, and created hits like the unforgettable "For Your Precious Love." We'll also explore why Jerry's path ultimately led him to go solo—and how Curtis turned his heartbreak into a revolutionary career that brought soul music into the Civil Rights Movement. Joining us today is returning guest Scott Shea, a writer and expert in music history, whose latest article brings these incredible stories to life. From Curtis Mayfield's genius as a songwriter to Jerry Butler's powerful, underrated baritone, we'll reflect on their journey, their struggles, and their lasting impact on American music and culture. This one's for the music lovers, the memory keepers, and anyone who remembers the days when a song could soothe your soul and spark a revolution. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit back, and let's celebrate the legacy of two legends who reminded us all to "Keep on Pushing." I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old Better Show. Let's get started.

Enough is Enuf: Why Isn't English Easier To Spell? Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES INTERVIEW SERIES 📚 Ever wondered why English spelling makes no sense? 🤯 Why does G in George sound different from G in gorge? And why are we still spelling enough like that?! Author Gabe Henry joins The Not Old Better Show to unravel 500 years of failed spelling reform. From Twain to texting, is change finally here? 🔡✨ Listen now! 🎧👇 🔗 https://apple.co/3FAbebT Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today, we're diving into the wonderfully chaotic, utterly confusing, and downright hilarious world of English spelling. Why does the G in George sound different from the G in gorge? Why does C begin both case and cease? And seriously—why is enough spelled like that? Our guest today, Smithsonian Associate and author Gabe Henry, has spent over a decade unraveling the twisted history of English spelling reform. Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up and the title of his presentation there is Enough is Enuf: Why Isn't English Easier To Spell? Please check out our show notes today for more information about Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry at Smithsonian Associates. But we have Gabe Henry today to tell us a little about it all including his new book, avialable at Apple books, Enough is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell, takes us through 500 years of determined—yet doomed—efforts to straighten out our language. From Mark Twain and Ben Franklin to C.S. Lewis and George Bernard Shaw, some of history's greatest minds have fought to make English more logical…and lost. But here's the twist—what spelling reformers couldn't do, technology just might. Thanks to texting, social media, and emojis, English may finally be simplifying itself. So, are we witnessing a long-overdue spelling revolution? Or is this just another chapter in the ongoing saga of linguistic chaos? Gabe Henry is here to make sense of it all, with plenty of humor along the way. So grab a cup of coffee—or should that be k-o-f-e?—and let's get into it. Please welcome to the show, Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry. Thanks to our wonderful guest, Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry for his generous time. Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up and the title of his presentation there is Enough is Enuf: Why Isn't English Easier To Spell? Please check out our show notes today for more information about Smithsonian Associate Gabe Henry at Smithsonian Associates. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to you, our wonderful Smithsonian Associates audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and Let's Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody, and we'll see you next week.

Mike Donlin: A Rough and Rowdy Life From New York Baseball Idol to Stage and Screen The Not Old Better Show, Art of Living Interview Series Ladies and gentlemen, picture this: A baseball star so good they called him "Turkey Mike," a man who could hit, run, and put on a show at the plate like nobody else. A fan favorite, a heartthrob, a natural entertainer. But also—a brawler, a drinker, a man with a temper so fierce he got himself suspended almost as often as he hit home runs. And then? He walked away. Right at the peak of his career, with numbers that could have made him a legend, Mike Donlin did the unthinkable—he left baseball. Not for injury. Not for money. But for love. Her name was Mabel Hite, a Vaudeville star with a dazzling smile and a quick wit. Together, they became one of the most famous couples of their time—packing theaters, charming audiences, and proving that baseball and showbiz weren't so different after all. But their story wasn't all curtain calls and encore performances. Tragedy struck, and Donlin, once the brightest star on both the diamond and the stage, found himself at a crossroads once again. Today, we're diving into this forgotten, fascinating, and downright unbelievable story with baseball historian and award-winning author Steven Steinberg. His new book, available at Apple Books, Mike Donlin: A Rough and Rowdy Life from New York Baseball Idol to Stage and Screen, brings this larger-than-life character back into the spotlight. We'll talk about Donlin's triumphs, fights, Hollywood years, and the love that changed everything. Baseball, Vaudeville, scandal, romance, and a man too big for just one stage—this is going to be a great one. So, grab a seat, and let's get into it. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old – Better Show.

What if growing older wasn't just about adding years but about stepping into wisdom, influence, and purpose? What if instead of fading into the background, we embraced a new role—a role of guidance, leadership, and transformation? Today, we're speaking with someone who has dedicated his life to redefining what it truly means to age. Dr. Marc B. Cooper is a coach, author, and thought leader who challenges the idea that aging is simply about preservation. Instead, he asks us to consider: Are we merely "Older," or are we evolving into "Elder"? Because there is a difference. Older is resignation—Elder is possibility. Older is retreat—Elder is engagement. Older is a conclusion—Elder is a beginning. Dr. Cooper's work—including his book Older to Elder: The Thinking and Being of a Contemporary Elder—lays out a clear, compelling path for those 60 and beyond who refuse to be sidelined by outdated expectations. Instead, he encourages us to step forward as storytellers, mentors, and wisdom-keepers for the generations that follow. In our conversation today, we'll explore how to embrace this powerful transition. What does it take to move from simply aging to becoming a true Elder? How do we overcome ageism and societal doubts? And most importantly—how can we shape the legacy we leave behind? Dr. Cooper has coached, written, and traveled the world sharing these insights, and today, we're honored to have him with us. So, let's get started. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang, and this is The Not Old – Better Show.

Today's special guest, singer, songwriter, and musician, Sarah Martin McConnell, is a remarkable example of how life's twists and turns can lead us to discover our true purpose. A Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a background in social work, Sarah has spent the past 16 years bringing the joy and healing power of music to seniors through her nonprofit, Music for Seniors. This organization started with a simple, heartfelt idea: connect talented musicians with older adults, especially those who are isolated or living with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. What began as a personal effort to lift her own mother's spirits after Hurricane Katrina has blossomed into a citywide—and now national—program that lights up lives through live music. Sarah's work has shown that music has a magical ability to spark memories, create community, and bring joy to people of all ages, especially those who need it most. Today, we'll explore Sarah's inspiring journey, from singing alongside her mother during a challenging time to building an award-winning nonprofit that has touched countless lives. We'll hear stories of resilience, creativity, and music's incredible impact—stories that will move and inspire anyone who's ever cared for a parent, grandparent, or friend. So, whether you're a music lover, a caregiver, or someone seeking purpose in your next chapter, this episode is for you. Sit back, relax, and join us as we celebrate the healing power of music and the extraordinary legacy of Sarah Martin McConnell. Thanks to Sarah Martin McConnell, singer-songwriter and founder of Music For Seniors. Please enjoy Sarah's latest music and stay tuned for her debut album, which we will link to soon. My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for all they do to keep the ships here running on time and for keeping me honest. My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and Let's Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks, everyone and we'll see you next time.

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. In 1839, five women gathered in a Boston parlor, asking two profound questions: What are we born to do? How shall we do it? Their answers helped shape one of the most important intellectual movements in American history—Transcendentalism. We know the names Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. But what about Mary Moody Emerson, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, Lydia Jackson Emerson, and Margaret Fuller? These women weren't just observers of the movement; they were its architects. They nurtured its philosophy, challenged its leaders, and laid the foundations for American feminism. Yet, history largely ignored them. Their ideas, often groundbreaking, were overshadowed by the men they inspired. Until now. Today, we welcome Smithsonian Associate Dr. Randall Fuller, the Herman Melville Distinguished Professor of 19th-Century American Literature at the University of Kansas, to uncover the hidden story of Transcendentalism. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Randall Fuller will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes today for details on his presentation, titled Bright Circle: Five Remarkable Transcendentalist Women. His book of the same name, available at Apple Books, Bright Circle: Five Remarkable Women in the Age of Transcendentalism, challenges what we think we know about this movement and restores these women to their rightful place in history. Did Emerson's most famous ideas actually begin with his aunt? Did a woman's journal from Cuba shape the way Americans saw nature? And how did one wife push her husband to take a stand on abolition? This is a conversation about the influence, erasure, and intellectual power of women in a time that tried to silence them. So, let's step back into the 19th century and meet the women who changed America—without ever getting the credit. My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. Randall Fuller will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up. Please check out our show notes today for details on his presentation, titled Bright Circle: Five Remarkable Transcendentalist Women His book, of the same name, and available at Apple Books, Bright Circle: Five Remarkable Women in the Age of Transcendentalism. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. Please wish them a Happy 60th Anniversary this year! My thanks to Sam and Miranda Heninger for all they do to help ths show, too. And my thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe, and Let's Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, thanks, everybody and we'll see you next time.