Age is not something to fear. It is something to be celebrated. Welcome to the Sage Vibrant Living Podcast, where we challenge stereotypes and celebrate those who are rewriting the script on aging.

This series features stories told by individuals age 60 and older who are embracing life with purpose and curiosity. From entrepreneurs to advocates, our guests have one thing in common: they refuse to let age define them.

Whether you're in your golden years or simply curious about what lies ahead, tune in and discover the beauty and possibility that come with embracing every stage of life.

Season 1 of Sage Vibrant Living, the Podcast premiers Spring 2024 and features:

• Fashion Designer Barbara Bates
• Media Executive Alfred Edmond Jr.
• Joy Seeker and Retired Physician, Dr. Cheryl Woodson
• Activist and advocate Dwain Kyles
• Former Radio Personality Emilie McKendall
• Vibrantpreneur Dr. Geneva Williams
• Publisher and storyteller Donald Brooks Jones

Sage Vibrant Living, the Podcast is a podcast series created for Sage Advice, a subsidiary of Sage Collective.

We are thrilled to introduce Sage Vibrant Living Podcast.

This is where we'll challenge stereotypes by highlighting stories of people 60 and older, who are living vibrantly.

From artists and activists to entrepreneurs and adventurers, our storytellers come from diverse backgrounds and have one thing in common: they refuse to let age define them.

Get ready to be inspired as we redefine the narrative on aging, one captivating story at a time.

The 6-part series premieres on all audio podcast platforms on April 18, 2024.

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This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

We kick off Season 1 of Sage Vibrant Living the Podcast with Barbara Bates’ unexpected journey from the West Side of Chicago to influential fashion designer and philanthropist.

Barbara shares her early love for designing, spurred by her fascination with Barbie dolls and luxury fabrics, and recounts the turning point in high school that led her to pursue fashion design as a full-time career.

Despite starting without formal training or a business plan, Barbara's passion and unique designs not only caught the eye of famous clients like Michael Jordan but also paved the way for her lasting impact on the fashion industry and her community.

Now in her late sixties, Barbara reflects on her career, the challenges she overcame and shares her plans for the future.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

01:32 Barbara's Early Love for Fashion and Design

02:44 The Turning Point: From Hobby to Career

04:03 Building a Business and a Brand

07:11 The Secret of her Past Becomes Public: Embracing Teen Motherhood

09:36 The Birth of the Barbara Bates Foundation

10:38 Fashion Meets Philanthropy:

16:29 Conclusion: The Impact of Sage Collective

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

Alfred Edmond, Jr. is the storyteller featured in this episode. At 64, he's defying the typical health issues that affect far too many Black men of his age.

From avoiding doctors to becoming a competitive bodybuilder and health enthusiast, Alfred boldly lives out his mantra that "health is wealth."

Listen as he emphasizes the importance of living longer (and healthier) to enhance your earning capacity and shares how early discovery of his prostate cancer reinforced his health commitment.

Alfred's story also touches on the impact of ageism, the importance of financial planning for life beyond retirement and his role as a mentor and influencer.

Alfred is a long-time executive at Black Enterprise, one of the nation's premiere media companies.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

00:46 The Intersection of Health and Wealth in the Black Community

02:47 Alfred's Early Struggles and Wake-Up Call to Health

13:42 Breaking the Time-Money Equation: Strategies for Sustainable Wealth

15:49 Embracing Age with Purpose and Passion

17:11 Sage Advice for Living Vibrantly at Any Age

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

Our featured storyteller in this episode is retired physician Dr. Cheryl Woodson. She shares her “joy journey,” and how she’s prioritizing vibrant living through high-intensity training, writing, and redefining personal relationships.

You’ll also hear about her vibrant, 97-year-old Aunt Terri who continues to be an inspiration in Dr. Woodson’s life.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

03:04 Redefining Relationships and Embracing Joy at 60

05:10 Physical Activity and Challenging Age Stereotypes

06:13 Learning from the Elderly: Wisdom and Wellness

10:23 The Power of Storytelling and Family History

11:54 Embracing Creativity: Dr. Woodson's Writing Journey

13:22 Advocacy, Aging Excellently, and Final Thoughts

Visit Dr. Woodson’s website at https://DrCherylWoodson.com

Check out her books:

To Survive Caregiving - https://amzn.to/3Jec38Z

The Doctor is IN - https://amzn.to/3VUqHKi

What the Mirror Sees (under pen name Teria Robens) - https://bit.ly/3TQAQF3

Dear Lauren, Love Mom - https://amzn.to/3UcGMJX

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

This episode features two passionate storytellers who believe that advocating for yourself or others is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a vibrant life at any age.

Emilie McKendall is a retired Chicago radio personality now residing in Florida. She shares how she is advocating for a proactive approach towards health care rather than a reactive, 'sick care' system.

Dwain Kyles, General Counsel for Sage Collective, shares poignant family stories to emphasize the vital need for advocacy, particularly for those unable to do so for themselves.

The episode also highlights systemic and cultural barriers to proper care for the elderly, advocating for a more inclusive, supportive community that values intergenerational connections and utilizes technology to reduce isolation.

Overall, the episode is a powerful call to action for self-advocacy, community support, and a healthier, more empowered approach to aging.

Here are some episode highlights:

01:01 Emilie McKendall: Your health matters. Speak up!

03:18 Exploring non-traditional health care alternatives

06:10 Dwain Kyle's Journey: From Civil Rights to Senior Advocacy

10:22 Sage Collective: Pioneering Advocacy for Older Adults

13:51 Intergenerational Bonds: Strengthening Communities

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

This episode features the inspiring story of Dr. Geneva Williams, a Vibrant Living Expert who, in her mid-70s, continues to lead a dynamic and impactful life.

Despite facing profound personal loss, including her husband and parents, she embarked on a transformative journey, reinventing herself as an entrepreneur in her late sixties. Her story challenges societal misconceptions about aging, promotes lifelong learning, and encourages older adults to pursue dreams, and embrace new challenges—demonstrating that it’s never too late to start anew.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

01:24 A Legacy of Impact: Dr. Geneva's Inspirational Family Story

05:10 The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Grief

09:01 Embracing Vibrancy at Any Age: Dr. Geneva's Mission

15:35 Finding Resilience Through Personal Loss

19:14 Becoming a beauty pageant winner, late in life

24:23 The Vibrantpreneur's Call to Action

Resources:

Dr. Geneva's website is: https://drgenevaspeaks.com

The book Dr. Geneva wrote with her dad is available on Amazon: Justice on the Jersey Shore: How Earnon K. Jones Ignited Change and Won.

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.

The final episode in Season 1 of Sage Vibrant Living, the Podcast is a masterclass on storytelling led by a master storyteller.

Donald Brooks Jones is an author and the co-founder of Alchemy Media Publishing. He explores why storytelling matters and provides practical advice for anyone looking to tell their own stories.

From establishing the discipline of writing to distinguishing between autobiography and memoir, this discussion aims to inspire listeners to document and share their life experiences.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

02:00 The Essence of Storytelling: Starting Your Journey

02:53 Crafting Your Story: Techniques and Discipline

04:34 Overcoming Writing Challenges: Alternatives and Solutions

06:20 Memoir vs. Autobiography: Finding Your Story's Focus

08:06 Don Jones Shares His Personal Story

12:49 Writing Techniques and Story Types Explored

20:07 The Impact of Storytelling and Final Thoughts

Visit Alchemy Media Publishing and learn more about Don’s book Little Did I Know: The Coming of Age of a Black Boomer here.

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.