WomanWorthy

Living on the Pearl of the Orient

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:14:16 -0300

The Malaysian island of Penang is a wonder: a vibrant nexus of ethnicities, religions, history, trade, architecture, food and industry. Its main city is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the harmonious co-existence of its three main cultures. To better understand this fascinating place, meet Alexis Kerr, who with her family has spent more than three decades “Living on the Pearl of the Orient”.

Japan -- Of Prurient Interest

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:44:19 -0300

In Japan, I’ve been thinking a lot about sex-- from an historic and sociologic perspective. Japanese society expert and author Lesley Downer sets me straight on who's who and what's what.

This is Not Nefertiti's Egypt!

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:01:24 -0400

When you hear about Egypt, you usually hear about its extraordinary, more than 5-thousand-year-old civilization – about its pharaohs, gods and archaeological riches. Join me in Egypt with Maha Abdulkhalek as we discuss the REAL Egypt of today -- the one the tourists don’t see.

Making a Difference with the Peace Corps in Albania

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:45:54 -0400

If you know a young -- or retired -- adult who’s eager to make a difference in the world…or you’re just interested in what it means to be a Peace Corps volunteer in a former Communist country…join me and Katie Gomez in our enlightening conversation from the capital city of Albania.

Growth through Evolution

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:13:18 -0300

For some women who want to live vibrantly as they age, the years after 60 are focused on change: downsizing, moving, learning new skills, seeing new places, building new relationships. For others, it’s about evolving by returning to your roots. Such is the case with author, teacher, actor, playwright and now theatrical producer Lori Myers, who offers an interesting perspective on how to go backward, in order to move forward.

The Challenges of Contemporary Art in Lithuania

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 06:12:40 -0300

What happens to a country’s art when it was suppressed by decades of authoritarian rule? A leading Lithuanian art historian, curator, critic and museum administrator discusses the effects of Soviet rule on Lithuanian contemporary art -- even today, after more than 35 years of independence.

Latvian Writer Challenges Cultural Taboos

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:45:54 -0300

Latvian feminist writer Inga Gaile confronts uncomfortable topics while grappling with her country's complex national psyche...and her own relationship to it. CORRECTIONS: Inga and I regret our errors in the podcast: She has 15 published works in Latvian, https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inga_Gaile, and there are "only" a million Latvian folksongs!

A Brazilian Chef Spills All

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:19:15 -0300

Ana Paula Legey of Rio de Janeiro wants to reclaim her passion for food service, and after a trip to Peru, she thinks she knows how to do that. Learn about the international food world with this fascinating and fun professional chef!

Protecting the Environment in Bolivia

Sat, 03 May 2025 11:35:37 -0300

Meet Carla and Camilla, two strong-minded women of two different generations in Sucre, Bolivia, committed to protecting their country's forests.

Real Estate Entrepreneurs: Two Generations of Peruvian Women

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:06:37 -0300

A 39-year old single woman, owner of a short-term apartment rental in Arequipa, Peru, is following in her mother's footsteps -- asserting her financial independence through real estate development.

Advocating Feminism, Cherishing Islam

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:23:53 -0400

Rafiah Al-Talei, a delightful, outspoken journalist from Oman now living and working in Washington, D.C., defies stereotypes about Muslim women. In this conversation, she candidly talks about navigating bi-cultural and gender expectations, while opening a window for us onto the religion she proudly practices and the conservative Arab culture from which she comes.

Harnessing the Power for Change in Nicaragua

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:02:49 -0400

Mercedes Alvarez uses the the sun's power...and her own...to change the lives of poor rural women in Nicaragua.

Fourth of July Myths

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:32:09 -0300

Not just for "women over 60": This holiday, I share some myths I've learned about our nation's Independence Day!

Our Bodily Autonomy

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:42:58 -0300

There's a lot of talk these days about about women's "bodily autonomy", which usually refers to their reproductive years; but what about the autonomy of our bodies beyond that?

Keep It Down!

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:59:02 -0300

It's so noisy! Is it me, or is the cacophony real? Exploring sound and aging in this episode.

Gray and Gay

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:14:24 -0300

June is "Pride" month, recognizing the humanity and achievements of our LGBTQ+ population; but while there are parades and parties and news coverage of the celebration, what about the more "invisible" gays -- those who are gay...and gray, our gay elders?

Parenting & Grandparenting Adults

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:23:17 -0300

How in the world do you parent or grandparent an adult child or grandchild, whether or not you live with them? What's your role? What dynamics are at play, and how can you address them?

Older Women in the Workforce

Mon, 29 May 2023 01:01:59 -0300

We older women are a powerful force in the global economy...but here in the U.S., if you're an older woman who's still working for pay, you have some particular challenges. What they are and how to deal with them are the topics of this week's podcast.

Group Power Plays

Sun, 21 May 2023 17:49:34 -0300

Thank goodness we're not in middle or high school anymore, where we were subjected to cliques and bullying.....or are we still being subjected to the mindset of group power plays?

When You’re Ready to Leave

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:15:20 -0300

Older women increasingly are refusing to settle for unfulfilling lives with unsuitable partners or in unhappy situations. Some thoughts -- both mine and others' -- on "when you're ready to leave".

Aging & Spirituality

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:07:25 -0300

What happens to the "spiritual" side of us -- even if we're not religious -- as we age? It's not just about preparing to die! Explore with me in this episode.

Entrepreneurship

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:46:39 -0300

Ever wanted to be in business for yourself...or turn your hobby or skills into a money-making venture? Some tips and thoughts on entrepreneurship in this episode of WomanWorthy.

Social Security & Taxes

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:15:03 -0300

Tips and thoughts about the money the government gives...and takes.

Feminism As We Age

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:15:06 -0300

Were you ever called -- or called someone -- a "women's libber"? What does the term "feminism" mean to you? What does it mean as we women grow older? Some stories and thoughts for this March, International Women's History Month.

They’re Out to Get Your Money!

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:46:27 -0400

Hacking...phishing...spoofing...robocalls...and nefarious friends and relatives! So many opportunities these days to get at your money! In this episode, I look at a few of those schemes, and how to address them, but sometimes the solution is as complicated as the crime!

Competition and Rivalry

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:21:22 -0400

Americans live in a competitive society. What role does competition, especially as an older woman, play in your life? Not just in society, but in your personal relationships as well?

Living Intergenerationally

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 01:30:58 -0400

If you're one of the millions of American grandparents who are living with or raising their grandchildren, this podcast is for you!

Anger

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:23:31 -0400

Do you find with age you're getting more, or less angry? Are you turning into a grumpy old woman? Is anger a positive or negative feeling? How can it be managed?

DO Talk to Strangers

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:21:13 -0400

Do you follow, or advocate the maxim, "never talk to strangers"? The research backs up the opposite approach!

Influencer or Inspirer?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:35:35 -0400

Who or what influences or inspires you? Do YOU influence or inspire? What's the difference? Is one "better" than the other?

Are You Boring?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:16:52 -0400

Are you boring? How can you tell? What can you do about it? Have a listen!

Downsizing

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:44:06 -0400

Is it time to downsize -- either to reduce clutter or to prepare for a move? No worries. I'm an EXPERT on that topic!

Widowhood & Finances

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:09:02 -0400

If you're over 60 and partnered or married, chances are you'll also be widowed. Are you financially ready?

Habits: Breaking Them, Making Them

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 19:02:00 -0400

New Year's. A time for resolutions -- or rather, breaking bad habits and starting good ones!

Dietary Supplements

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:35:47 -0400

Weight reducers...physical energizers...sexual enhancers...memory boosters: our media are relentless touters of dietary supplements and even some doctors are on the bandwagon. But do they work?

Give Until It Hurts

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 17:33:24 -0400

During the holiday season, we are inundated with requests, demands and pleas to "give until it feels good", as charitities often express it. But donor beware: philanthropy isn't always what it seems.

Estrangement from Adult Children

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 13:51:20 -0400

If you're estranged from your adult children or grandchildren, you're far from alone! There are many resources on this topic, but in this podcast, I share the perspective of one particular psychologist.

Regrets

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 19:54:28 -0400

Regrets. We all have them...but what do we do with them? And at this stage of our lives, do we need them?

Maturity & Freethinking

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 18:31:05 -0400

What does "maturity" mean when we're...well, mature? Does it mean being responsible for ourselves? Thinking for ourselves? Does that mean we should be "freethinkers"?

Mirror, Mirror: Our Cultural Self-Image

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:28:05 -0400

When someone talks about "self-image", most women tend to think about their physical self. In this episode of "WomanWorthy", we explore the impact of our "cultural image", and learn from an expert about one ethnic group, in particular.

No Sex, Please

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:14:19 -0300

Marriages or partnerships where there's no sex? What's going on there? Turns out, could be a lot.

Techno-Aging

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 09:12:14 -0300

Are you ready for techno-aging? Tele-health? Do-it-yourself testing? Robotic companions? Well, on your mark, get set...because it's here and growing!

On Beauty

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:53:14 -0300

Is beauty really "in the eye of the beholder"? Or are there actual standards for what we consider "beautiful"? Does it really have to be through the "eye" that we experience beauty? Does our concept of beauty change as women age? All this and more in just 21 minutes!

The Science of Aging

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:39:11 -0300

Is age really "just a number"? Or is there actual science going on? And if so, what -- if anything -- can we do about it?

Tips on Solo Aging from an Independent Patient Advocate

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:15:41 -0300

Are you solo aging? Even if you're not now, you could be in the future. In this episode, I interview a board-certified Independent Patient Advocate who specializes in this growing societal trend.

Voluntourism

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 10:13:41 -0300

Interested in doing good while also traveling internationally? A growing trend in volunteering -- for all age groups -- is "voluntourism". Is it right for you?

Is Patience a Virtue?

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:31:07 -0300

Is patience really a virtue? And if so, is it worth to us as older women to practice it?

Food (un)Glorious Food

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:19:13 -0300

The one lasting relationship in our lifetimes is that with ...food. As we get older, that relationship changes, one way or another, for better or for worse. Some things I've learned (but don't necessarily do) about eating and "healthy aging".

Independence Day

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 19:27:38 -0300

What does the July 4th holiday actually mean? Some thoughts about America and being an American in this Independence Day episode.

Misogyny 2.0

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:45:26 -0300

Yes, I'm angry about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. I'm REALLY angry about the effect it will have on women, and I'm even more angry that we have to fight again -- still -- against institutional sexism. Especially discrimination against older women and women of color. One theory for why it exists, is that it's because of how the media portray us.

Our Money

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 15:23:46 -0300

Inflation has been raging and last week, the Feds raised their benchmark short-term interest rate by the largest increase in decades. What does that mean for us? I break it down and offer some experts' tips in "Our Money", the latest episode of WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

Sexism and Ageism in Theater

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:35:12 -0300

This first of two episodes on how older women are represented on-stage and on-screen, features interviews with two theater women who tell it like it is, and their organizations that are trying to change that.

The Elusiveness of Joy

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 18:40:51 -0300

Last week's Memorial Day podcast was on grief and loss, so of course, this week's has to be on joy and happiness. Are they the same? Do we understand and experience them in the same way? Thoughts and, of course, research on the elusive concept of "joy" from some folks who claim to know.

Memorial Day: Grief & Loss

Sun, 29 May 2022 19:13:09 -0300

While Memorial Day is meant to honor military men and women who died in service, for me it is about remembering and honoring those who died who were dear to us. Some thoughts, interesting takes, research, helpful hints and even humor on grief and loss in the latest episode -- published a bit earlier this week -- of WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

The Psychology of Aging: An Intergenerational Approach

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:50:36 -0300

A psychology professor at Shepherd University in West Virginia has a unique way of teaching her annual "Psychology of Aging" course. Dr. Heidi Dobish works with both college students and community senior adults, bringing them together online in an in-depth approach to debunking stereotypes. New older adult participants are welcome! Contacts and comments on the WomanWorthy Facebook page.

Public Policy and Older Women

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:59:11 -0300

A couple of questions to ponder: do we in the U.S. have any public policy that's directed specifically toward older women? And if we do, are older women at the policy-making table? Here's what I found out.

Boomerang Boomers

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:44:27 -0300

People are going back to work and there are plenty of jobs available, and one of the growing number of populations doing this is retirees -- the "boomerang boomers". Why? For the money? For a "purpose-filled life"? Or to have..."something to point to"?

Investigating MAPs

Mon, 02 May 2022 11:20:45 -0300

No, not as in cartography, but as in Medicare Advantage Plans. I have one. Do you, or are you considering one? If so, you should know about this "late-breaking news".

Aging in Place

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:58:31 -0300

Active boomers have always been trend-setters, and we're still at it as we look down the road to the finishing line, opting for aging in place. The pros and cons, and innovations are all in this podcast!

The Emotions of Caregiving

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 16:08:45 -0300

It is not uncommon for women over 60 to find themselves in -- or avoiding -- a caretaking role. Or is it caregiving? The two are not the same and they can encompass very different emotions.

Aging Artfully, Japanese-Style

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:26:16 -0300

The Japanese cherry blossom season comes to a close in Washington, D.C. this week, after more than a century of bountiful beauty, compelling me to take a closer look at aging artfully, Japanese-style.

Be A Traveler, Not a Tourist!

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:12:51 -0300

It's Spring...the threat of COVID seems to be on the wane...If you're thinking about traveling internationally, whether again or for the first time, why not consider traveling solo and independently? Yes, of course you can do it after 60, and it offers so many rewards -- if, of course, you want to be a traveler, not a tourist!

Adapting to Technology

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:07:18 -0300

Ever think, "If I have to meet more technological challenge, I'm going to scream!"? Whether techie or techno-phobe, this just might be worth a listen!

Volunteering: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:42:21 -0300

Volunteering can be very rewarding, but it comes with its downside, too. As Joni Mitchell put it, I've looked at it from both sides, and found the good and the bad -- and indeed, the ugly. Real talk about volunteering in this episode!

It’s Time to End This: Platonic Break-Ups

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:20:15 -0300

Breaking up is hard to do -- and sometimes, it's the non-romantic ones that are the hardest. Whether you're on the receiving or the initiating end, there's something for you in this episode of WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

Crowns and Crones: Breaking the Bias

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:44:18 -0400

This week observes U.N. International Women's Day, whose theme this year is "Breaking the Bias". In my new podcast, we focus on biases against crowns and crones, and meet one woman who celebrates both!

Scams: A closer look at who’s who, and why

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:11:05 -0400

Many of us have been bingeing on movies about scammers. Who does it, and why? Who makes the "best" victims? Yup, it's us -- older women, especially if we're smart!

Creativity

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:13:23 -0400

Is it true that we lose creativity as we age? Can we learn it? Is it important to have it when we're older? Exploring the what, why and how of creativity in this episode of Woman Worthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

A Valentine program: Dating, Sex and Love after 60

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:16:10 -0400

Whether you're over 60 and single or long-time married, these perspectives on dating, sex and marriage are for you! Warning: There is some frank talk and explicit language.

Can You Come Out and Play?

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 14:15:16 -0400

Friendships after 60 -- Thoughts on how they're different from when we were younger, and how we might end some, maintain others, and make new ones.

A podcast for vibrant older women!

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 14:15:36 -0400

This isn't about illness, dementia or death -- or the best walker to buy. This is about living life after 60 meaningfully. It's not a self-help podcast...it's real talk about real issues that confront, challenge and motivate us! New episodes every week.