Wisdom of Age

Essential Questions: How to Uncover Family Stories with Dr. Elizabeth Keating

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Keating, an anthropology professor at UT Austin and author of Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations. In this special bonus episode, Dr. Keating shares insights on how to spark meaningful conversations with your elders to uncover the rich stories and lessons they carry. Inspired by her own experience of loss, she offers practical advice on preserving family legacies through thoughtful questions with the people you love.

Herbert Sweat: Never Forget That Freedom Isn't Free

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 integrationServing with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in VietnamConfronting PTSD after returning homeHis work mentoring veterans through the court systemWhy veterans need your helpLearn more about some of the organizations Herbert SweatBlack Veterans for Social JusticeNational Association for Black VeteransVeterans Treatment Court---Like this show? Please leave a rating and review.Expand your wisdom by following the show in your favorite podcast app and on Instagram.Find episode transcripts and sign up for our newsletter on our website.Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. It was produced and hosted by Stacy Raine, with editing and music design by Sandra Levy Smith. Learn more.

Kimiko Koyanagi: We Must Accept Our Fortune to Live

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 TokyoTraveling the world and then immigrating to CanadaBuilding a career as a female artist in a male-dominated fieldHer philosophy on accepting one’s fortune and embracing creativity despite limitationsWhy creativity is essential to her life, even at 92Learn more about Kimiko’s art process and see her dolls on her website.Like this show? Please leave a rating and review.Expand your wisdom by following the show in your favorite podcast app and on Instagram.Find episode transcripts and sign up for our newsletter on our website.Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. It was produced and hosted by Stacy Raine, with editing and sound design by Sandra Levy Smith. Learn more.

Mary Alice Husted: You Cry, and You Keep Going

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.Learn more about the Tarver Braddock Foundation. Like this show? Please leave a rating and review.Expand your wisdom by following the show in your favorite podcast app and on Instagram.Find episode transcripts and sign up for our newsletter on our website.Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. It was produced and hosted by Stacy Raine, with editing and sound design by Sandra Levy Smith. Learn more.

Betsy Samuels: Love Thy Neighbor (Even if You Don't Want To Sometimes)

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.Like this show? Please leave a rating and review.Expand your wisdom by following the show in your favorite podcast app and on Instagram.Find episode transcripts and sign up for our newsletter on our website.Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. It was produced and hosted by Stacy Raine, with editing and sound design by Sandra Levy Smith. Learn more.