Engaging Aging:
As age-well advocates, Erin DiCarlo and Lauren Watts shed light on topics that help older adults live their best lives. From highlighting their client’s real-life stories to sharing wisdom from many years working in the senior living industry. Join Erin and Lauren as they demystify the realities of aging and showcase the silver linings that occur later in life.
It's Never Too Late: Rewiring the Aging Brain with Silver Minds
In this episode of Engaging Aging, Erin welcomes Gwen Sorley from Play Attention and Silver Minds for an eye-opening conversation about cognitive health, aging, and the incredible neuroplasticity we maintain throughout life. Gwen shares how NASA-inspired neurotechnology is helping older adults strengthen attention, memory, processing speed, and executive function — whether they're looking to stay sharp, prevent decline, or navigate early cognitive changes.
Together, they explore the emotional side of aging, why cognitive vitality has become the top concern for older adults, and how holistic support — including personalized neurocognitive training, movement, mindfulness, learning, and community — can create meaningful improvements in day-to-day life. Gwen also shares the personal story behind the creation of Silver Minds, and why it's never too late to change your brain.
If you've ever wondered what's possible for your cognitive health or a loved one's, this conversation offers science, hope, and practical, empowering next steps.
Connect With Silver Minds
Phone: 📞 828-676-2239 | Website: www.mysilverminds.com [http://www.mysilverminds.com/]
Consultation: https://calendly.com/gsorley/silver-minds-call
Upcoming Webinar Registration to learn more about Silver Minds https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717335103103/WN_Wdexw1kXSmKNWGfag-uucA#/registration
2 Oct 2025
The Grief Backpack: Katie Brandt on Caregiving, FTD, and Finding Strength
In this powerful episode of Engaging Aging, we sit down with Katie Brandt, nationally recognized advocate and Director of Caregiving & Education at the MGH Frontotemporal Disorders Unit.
Katie shares her deeply personal journey—caring for a husband with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a father with Alzheimer's disease, and raising her young son—all while navigating profound loss. She opens up about carrying what she calls the "grief backpack," why love should guide every care decision, and the importance of building a strong support system.
This conversation is a reminder that caregivers are never alone, and that even in the hardest seasons, joy and grief can coexist.
✨ Inside this episode:
* What every family should do right after a diagnosis
* Why promises around care should be rooted in love, not guilt
* Practical advocacy tips: documenting changes, speaking up, and getting connected with the right professionals
* How grief and happiness can exist side-by-side, and what it means to care for yourself as well as your loved one
🔗 Helpful Resources & Links
* Learn more about Katie Brandt: katibrandt.org | Instagram: @katibrand6 [https://instagram.com/katibrand6] | From Care to Care Podcast (Apple/Spotify)
* The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): theaftd.org
* Alzheimer's Association: alz.org [https://www.alz.org/] | 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
* MGH Frontotemporal Disorders Unit: massgeneral.org/neurology/ftd-unit
23 Sept 2025
Plant Medicine & Aging: Exploring Microdosing, Healing, & Hope with Setas Seminary
In this thought-provoking episode of Engaging Aging, Erin and Lauren open up a powerful conversation about the emerging role of plant medicine in supporting mental health, cognitive health, and overall well-being—especially for older adults. Joined by Reverend Dr. Leah Linder and Reverend Pam Convoy, experts in plant medicine and therapeutic integration, we explore:
* What plant medicine really is (hint: you may already be using it daily!)
* How psilocybin microdosing is showing promise for anxiety, depression, PTSD, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and more
* The importance of addressing root causes, not just symptoms, in aging and mental health
* Real client success stories, from renewed creativity and calmer moods to improved focus and reduced pain
* Why quality, safety, and integration practices matter when considering plant medicine
This episode shines a light on both the science and the spirituality of these ancient practices, while breaking down stigma and misconceptions. Whether you're an older adult, a caregiver, or simply curious, you'll walk away with new insights into how plant medicine may become part of the future of aging well.
You can learn more at https://www.setasseminary.org
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,312
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
51
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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