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Delusions can be a good thing, according to Shankar Vedantam, the host of the popular podcast and radio show, “Hidden Brain” and a New York Times best-selling author. In his latest book, “Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain,” Vedantam says the lies we tell ourselves can actually be helpful. It’s an interesting conversation that reveals that honesty isn’t always the best policy.  As the host of several travel shows including her latest on Public TV, “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love”, Samantha Brown has visited more than 60 countries, 250 cities and 40 U.S. states. Along the way she’s learned a lot of life lessons. She explains how much we can learn by traveling and meeting people from all walks of life and offers three tips for people interested in seeing the world at a fraction of the cost.

Annie Griffiths is a trailblazer as one of the first photographers hired by National Geographic. She’s now dedicated to using her talents to bring women’s issues into focus and to help bring exposure to a variety of aid organizations around the world.   Dr. Frank Lipman is one of the pioneers of integrative medicine and he says there is a whole new set of rules to follow when it comes to healthy aging. Find out why he says some of the popular “healthy” diets may be doing more harm than good. In this in-depth conversation, he’ll share the changes you should make in your diet that can make a big difference in your health. 

Laraine Newman is one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live” and a comedy icon. She talks to Growing Bolder about the ups and downs she’s faced over the years including her struggle with drugs and depression and how she found a way forward. Eugenia Zuckerman was a correspondent on “CBS Sunday Morning” for over 25 years and is a world class Flutist and Author. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she’s written a courageous and heartfelt book that gives insight as to what it’s like to live with dementia. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Sam McDowell was a six time all-star whose career was cut short by alcoholism. But what he did next not only saved his life, but a number of other ballplayers as well. In a candid and important conversation, he reveals to Growing Bolder how he found a way to recovery and made it his mission to help others find a new path forward, too.      

Philanthropist, disability rights advocate, CEO of UNITE and author of the book, Call to Unite: Voices of Hope and Awakening, Timothy Shriver reminds us we all have to find a way to end the divisiveness and come together because we are all part of the same community. 85-year-old and two-time Stanley Cup champion, John MacMillan is still playing the game he loves. We catch up with this Rock Star of Aging. Plus, Diane Delano started a rescue center for abused and neglected horses, only to discover that she was doing amazing things for people, too.  

James Hicks, Ph.D., is a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California in Irvine. He’s developed a new class called Exercise as Medicine that examines how and why physical activity can actually work better for us than pills. He shares his tips for incorporating movement into your life. Then, discover how Rabbi Ed Rosenthal turned his love for the ocean into a religious experience with his organization called Scubi Jew. And meet a woman who saw a need in her community and decided to step up and try to make a difference.

When times are tumultuous, wouldn’t it be something to be able to turn to two of the brightest minds ever for some much needed wisdom? Author Douglas Abrams actually got to do that. He sat down right between Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and his holiness, the Dalai Lama, and moderated a conversation that generated so many eye-opening lessons, he even wrote a book about it. The book is called “A Book of Joy,” and Abrams says the lessons he learned then are even more important now. Recently, one of our favorite people passed away. John Corse was a 96-year-old masters swimming champion. We caught up with him after a 10 day-stint in the hospital with COVID-19. He attributed his recovery and long life to staying active and keeping his body strong enough to fight off the virus symptoms and side effects of the course of treatment. As the voice of the rock group Yes, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Anderson is the face of progressive rock. His creativity, his passion and his voice have not diminished over the years. At the age of 73, Jon is as energetic, driven and prolific as ever.

Bruce Feiler is the creator of the NBC hit show “Council of Dads.” He shares how his own cancer challenge sparked the idea and what he’s learned about coping with the “lifequakes” we will inevitably face in our own lives. Plus, Arlinda McIntosh shares her American success story. Once upon a time, she was a newly divorced single mother, desperate to survive. Today, her fashions are worn by some of the most famous people in entertainment. Now in her 60s. she’s connecting with an entirely new audience thanks to her passion for embracing social media. And, despite the pandemic, are you still finding ways to remain connected to people? One of the most common issues we all face as we age is loneliness and coronavirus has only made things more difficult. Learn tips for staying connected through technology. Finally, far too many of us aren’t getting enough exercise. One of the top reasons is the dread associated with hitting the gym that so many of us experience. We’re going to introduce you to a group of women in their 80s and 90s who’ve unlocked the key to staying active — weekly tennis matches

Ken Dychtwald, the world’s No. 1 thought leader and influencer when it comes to the cultural, social and business implications of aging, joins Growing Bolder’s Marc Middleton for a candid conversation on the state of aging today. Dychtwald is a psychologist, gerontologist, sociologist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and founder of Age Wave, a renowned think tank that helps many of the world’s largest companies understand how to speak to and market to the most lucrative yet underserved demographic of all time — older adults. Dychtwald shares his thoughts on how life today is different than ever before and offers his predictions on how things will be in 10, 20 and 30 years. You’ll learn what you need to do to be prepared. Then, Sanford restauranteur Shantell Williams decided there was only one way to honor an African-American motorcycle pioneer — she hopped on her own Harley and rode across 48 states in honor of this unsung hero from the past. Williams shares stories from her lifelong mission to break down stereotypes while building friendships along the way.

Did you know milk jugs can be recycled but milk cartons often are not? Author and legal associate Jennie Romer joins us to explain what can and cannot go in the bin, whether recycling is working at all, and what we can do to change the system to better protect our planet. Then, Dr. Nick Dewan, a nationally known expert in behavioral health discusses the sometimes painful process of coping with change, including how to make the transition from pandemic isolation to reintegration. Find out how our mental health can affect us physically. Sometimes it feels like we’d all be safer if we could live inside a bubble. We’ll introduce you to a Miami-based photographer who did exactly that at the start of the pandemic, resulting in a series of viral photos. George Kamper explains how each of us can find inspiration, even during the most challenging times.

Gretchen Rubin is one of the most influential voices in self help. She says it is possible to experience happiness, even in the midst of a global pandemic. She shares her tips for surviving these stressful times.

Do we really become forgetful as we get older? Is cognitive decline inevitable? The "Godfather of Neuroplasticity" explains why everything you think you know about the aging brain just may be wrong. He shares the good news for all of us.

Caregiving is one of the most painful, stressful and complicated tasks anyone could ever take on. It’s a role Kim Campbell took on when her husband, famed country musician Glen Campbell, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She shares how they journeyed the path together during the Rhinestone Cowboy’s final years and what she learned from the experience.

Samantha Brown has one of those dream jobs we all envy. As the host of several travel shows, including her latest, "Samantha Brown's Places to Love" on public TV, she has visited more than 60 countries, 250 cities and 40 U.S. states. Along the way, she's learned a lot of life lessons

In Central Florida, hotels and motels in the tourist corridor serve as temporary housing for the workforce that is priced out of most housing options. When Rev. Mary Downey moved to town from her home state of Arkansas, she felt called to make a difference for these families, especially the children. She founded the nonprofit Hope Partnership, which helps homeless families get back on their feet. She offers encouragement for anyone inspired to make a difference but uncertain how to start. What do you do when what you love to do just won’t put food on the table? We talk to Scott Brandt, who traded in his canvas for a career in classic cars. He did it by following the mantra — don’t dream it, be it! His expert knowledge of the cars of our past is only surpassed by the wisdom he’s gained about living a life of service, compassion and purpose. What happened when a group of older women in Southwest Florida decided to put on their dancing shoes to stamp out ageism? Wait until you meet the Calendar Girls, self-described as maturity in motion. Not only do they perform at all sorts of community events, they are using their talents and passions to make a difference for military veterans by covering the costs of service dogs.

Dr. Frank Lipman, one of the leaders in the field of integrative medicine, shares the new rules of healthy aging. Get his practical information for healthy eating habits that work -- and don't do more harm than good.

Marlo Thomas has dedicated her life to making a difference. She shares how her passion project, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic. Plus, the bestselling author discusses her latest, “What Makes a Marriage Last,” co-written with her husband of 40 years, Phil Donahue.

Sure, you love spending time with your friends, but do you know just how good they really are for you and your health? Science journalist and author Lydia Denworth presents the natural history of human friendships and evidence of their impact on your health.

Best-selling author and journalist Craig Pittman is a highly respected environmental reporter, but recently, he’s gained a following for highlighting the unusual, fascinating and bizarre events that make Florida, well, Florida. He explains what motivated him to write his hilarious book, “Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.”

Timothy Shriver delivers a powerful and timely message on the importance of unity. He explains why this isn't an abstract ideal, but rather a concrete, actionable goal that can reach across racial, social, economic and political divisions.

Al Roker is a beloved fixture on morning TV. He’s the weather guy and co-host at TODAY and in his spare time, he dabbles in acting (on Broadway no less) and is an author. His latest book is called “You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success.” Is retirement on his radar? He shares his thoughts on what these years should really be like.