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.

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 integration
• Serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam
• Confronting PTSD after returning home
• His work mentoring veterans through the court system
• Why veterans need your help

Learn more about some of the organizations Herbert Sweat

Black Veterans for Social Justice

National Association for Black Veterans

Veterans Treatment Court

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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.

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 Tokyo
• Traveling the world and then immigrating to Canada
• Building a career as a female artist in a male-dominated field
• Her philosophy on accepting one’s fortune and embracing creativity despite limitations
• Why creativity is essential to her life, even at 92

Learn 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.

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.

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.

In the second part of our conversation with 97-year-old WWII veteran Hubert Seipel, he reflects on his experiences aboard the USS Lexington, including witnessing the aftermath of the war in Tokyo and visiting Pearl Harbor, where he saw the devastation of the USS Arizona. Hubert also shares his thoughts on the importance of family, faith, and resilience, along with his advice for building a happy marriage. Tune in to continue listening to the wisdom and reflections of Hubert Seipel.

Image courtesy of the Seipel family.

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.

Meet 97-year-old WWII veteran Hubert Seipel. After growing up during the Great Depression, he enlisted in the Navy when he was just 17 and served in the Pacific aboard the USS Lexington. He reflects on his experiences during World War II, his thoughts on the changing fabric of American society, and his memories of family and hard work. Tune in to this episode to hear the wisdom of Hubert Seipel.

Image courtesy of the Seipel family.

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.

After a lifetime of experiences, what perspectives hold true? What opinions and beliefs have been forged over decades of lessons learned? What do people know for sure when they are 80, or 90?

In this introduction to Wisdom of Age, Stacy Raine shares her inspiration and intention for this show. Join her as she explores the lives and life lessons from people in our oldest generations, who have a lifetime of wisdom to share.

Expand your wisdom by following the show in your favorite podcast app and on Instagram.

Like this show? Please leave a rating and review.

Find episode details and transcripts, and sign up for our newsletter on our website.

Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. Learn more.