We’re At The Age

In sickness and in health.

Most of us say those words without knowing exactly what they may ask of us.

When Doug Whitman’s wife Pam experienced a sudden stroke, their lives changed in an instant. In the days and months that followed, Doug found himself navigating a new role — not only as a husband, but as a caregiver.

In ...

What if music could offer comfort, peace, and connection during one of life’s most profound transitions? In this episode of We’re At The Age, we explore the beautiful world of music thanatology with Tony Pederson, a music thanatologist who uses the harp and voice to provide therapeutic support for people nearing the end of life.

Tony shares how music thanatology blends music, science, and compassionate presence to suppo...

What happens to your dog if you suddenly need weeks of rehab after an illness, injury, or surgery?

For many people, it's a question filled with worry. For the team at Clare's House, it's a problem they're working to solve every day.

In this episode, we sit down with the Executive Director of Clare's House to talk about their one-of-a-kind mission: providing free temporary care for dogs while their St. Louis owners get better. We di...

What happens when we stop treating death like a surprise?

In this episode, Lauren Ponder joins us for a deeply human conversation about end-of-life planning, grief, legacy, and the courage it takes to talk about what comes next. Through her work with With Love Events, Lauren helps individuals and families navigate difficult conversations with compassion, intention, and even moments of humor.

Together, we discuss the emotional weigh...

Caregiving rarely starts with a plan... it starts with a feeling that something isn’t quite right.

In this episode of We’re At The Age, we’re kicking off our Alzheimer’s series with Jeremy Koerber from the Alzheimer’s Association. Jeremy shares how his own path led him into this work and what he’s learned from supporting families navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia every day.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with Dr. Kate Sinks from the Center for Hearing and Speech to talk about a challenge many caregivers face every day: hearing loss. You’ll hear about why early detection matters, the not-so-clunky advancements in hearing aid technology (goodbye, giant beige gadgets), and how caregivers can respond with patience, empathy, and maybe a little humor. We'll learn that supporting someone...

Join Melody, Marjorie, and Medicare Expert Diane Finnestead-Ellis for an eye-opening conversation that goes far beyond the basics. From breaking down the different parts and tackling the open enrollment maze to addressing the real challenges caregivers face, Diane brings her personal experiences to the table with honesty and clarity. Along the way, she busts common Medicare myths—especially around long-term care—and sha...

In this episode, guest Mike George invites us to rethink what hospice really means. He shares his personal journey into the field and breaks down common misconceptions, reminding us that hospice is less about death and more about living well to the very end. The conversation explores the benefits of getting hospice involved early, the deeply personalized care patients receive, and the vital role caregivers play. Mike also highlight...

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with elder law and estate planning attorney Paul Gantner for a deep dive into the world of asset protection and long-term care planning. Together, they unpack the sometimes-confusing differences between Medicare and Medicaid, explore smart spend-down strategies, and talk about why a solid estate plan is so important for protecting assets and ensuring quality care for aging loved ones. I...

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie discuss their experiences as caregivers, sharing personal stories about the loved ones they care for. They emphasize the importance of community support in caregiving and address common questions and concerns that caregivers face, including estate planning, hospice care, and mental health issues. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of caregiving, as well as the need for ongoin...

In the season finale, hosts Melody Fox and Marjorie Moore look back on the powerful conversations that shaped the first season—unpacking what they’ve learned about caregiving, aging, and end-of-life planning. From the emotional weight of advocating for loved ones to the often-overlooked differences between home care and home health, they revisit the stories and insights that stood out most. They also reflect on the trag...

In this conversation, Ryan and Chad Klamen join Melody and Marjorie to discuss the complexities of selling a family home when it's time for an aging loved one to downsize. They explore various selling options, the emotional challenges involved, and the importance of open communication among family members. The guests from Klamen Realtor Group shares insights on market conditions, the benefits of alternative selling methods, and the...

In this episode of the We're At The Age podcast, hosts Melody and Marjorie engage in a candid conversation about death and the role of death doulas. They discuss the common fears surrounding death, the misconceptions about death doulas, and the importance of planning for end-of-life care. Dr. Maurya D. Cockrell, a death doula, shares her insights on how to navigate grief, create meaningful legacies, and the various rituals that can...

In this conversation, Brian Quinn discusses the intricacies of estate planning, focusing on the importance of wills and trusts, strategies to avoid probate, and the necessity of updating estate plans regularly. He emphasizes the role of family dynamics in estate planning decisions and the impact of state-specific laws on the process. The discussion also touches on the costs associated with creating wills and trusts, providing liste...

In this episode,  Melanie Maynor joins our hosts to discuss the challenges of navigating conversations with aging loved ones, the role of geriatric care managers, and the importance of intentional planning for aging. They explore how to prepare for difficult discussions, manage resistance to change, and recognize signs that may indicate a need for transitioning care. The conversation also highlights the value of care managemen...

In this conversation, Melody introduces the concept of a 'death party' as a way to facilitate discussions about end-of-life wishes among family members and emergency contacts. Melody and Marjorie talk about the importance of planning for these wishes, navigating legal documents, and the emotional aspects of these discussions. Melody emphasizes the need for open communication and the benefits of having these conversations in a light...