On this weekly podcast, members of the Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning team discuss the tools, techniques, strategies, and services that will help you respond with confidence to the legal, financial, and personal challenges created by long life, chronic illness, and disability.
Episode 345: Cremation: What Families Want to Know
Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice, but many families still have questions about the process, costs, and what happens to their loved one's remains.
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin welcomes Tammy Friedman, owner and Family Care Coordinator with Choice Cremation, to answer some of the most common—and sometimes uncomfortable—questions about cremation.
What is the difference between direct cremation and traditional cremation? How can families be certain they're receiving their loved one's remains? Who has the legal authority to make cremation decisions? And what options are available for honoring and memorializing someone after cremation?
Tammy explains the safeguards in place, potential costs, common misconceptions, and why discussing and documenting your final wishes can spare your family unnecessary stress and difficult decisions.
Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one navigate end-of-life arrangements, this episode offers practical information and peace of mind.
Aging Starts Now is brought to you by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families navigate the legal, financial, and personal challenges of aging.
7 Oct 2026
Episode 344: Life Like a Sunflower: Finding Joy in Life's Unexpected Seasons
What happens when the retirement you imagined suddenly looks nothing like the life you’re living?
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis talks with Susan Haig, author of Life Like a Sunflower, about resilience, self-advocacy and finding joy after two life-changing health diagnoses.
Just two years into retirement, Susan suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack after months of knowing something wasn’t right and seeking answers from multiple doctors. Less than a year later, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Susan shares the symptoms she experienced before her heart attack, why she believes it is so important to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right, and how her Parkinson’s diagnosis changed the way she approaches each day.
She also shares the inspiration behind her book, Life Like a Sunflower, and her message about turning toward the people, experiences and things that bring light and joy—even during life’s difficult seasons.
Listen to this inspiring conversation about adapting when life changes unexpectedly, trusting yourself and making the most of the life you have today.
You can check out Susan's blog here: https://somethingsweetwithsusan.com/
30 Sept 2026
Episode 343: Medicare Open Enrollment: What you need to Know
Medicare Open Enrollment is here—but even if you’re happy with your current coverage, should you still take a closer look?
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel talks with Johnson McGinnis Medicare Specialist Tyler McCullar about what you need to know during Medicare Open Enrollment. They discuss the difference between enrollment periods, what changes you can make, why it’s important to review your prescription drug coverage every year, and what to consider before switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
They also tackle Medicare scams and aggressive sales tactics, including how to recognize suspicious calls and why you should be cautious about giving personal information to unsolicited callers.
Most importantly, Tyler explains why reviewing your current coverage—even if you don’t plan to make a change—can help you understand what to expect in the coming year.
Listen now and head into Medicare Open Enrollment with greater confidence.
Who has been a guest on Aging Starts Now
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Mary Teising
Debra King
Tyler McCullar
Steve Perrigo
Paula Daigle
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
79,001
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 73 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
82
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
81
Contact Aging Starts Now
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Aging Starts Now
Who hosts Aging Starts Now?
Dana Hentschel host the show. Published by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Aging Starts Now take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Aging Starts Now?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
