Sage Pathways

About Sage Pathways

Sage Pathways is the executive briefing on intentional longevity and lifestyle design. Hosted by the founder of Sage Lifestyle Concierge, we move beyond the "what" of aging to explore the "how." Discover deep-dive interviews with premier senior service providers, expert advice on elder care, and "Pathfinder Profiles"—real-world case studies on aging with vibrancy. Whether you are a professional or a family architecting a future for a loved one, Sage Pathways provides the wisdom and the roadmap for the journey ahead.

Publisher

Sage Lifestyle Concierge

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Apr 2026

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Estate Planning Is for the Living

   — with Tim O'Brien, O'Brien Estate Law When most people hear "estate planning," they think of one thing: the end. Documents for after we're gone. A task for someday. But what if we've been thinking about it backwards? In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Tim O'Brien, founder and managing partner of O'Brien Estate Law, for a conversation that reframes estate planning entirely — as preparation for living longer, more complex lives with independence, clarity, and far less worry about what happens if we can no longer decide for ourselves. Tim earned his law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, and he is known for practical advice and plain-language clarity. As a husband and father of three, he understands that protecting a family's future is about far more than documents — it's about the confidence that the people you love will be cared for at every stage of life. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why estate planning is not just documents — and not only about death — but a holistic, evolving plan built around your assets, family, wishes, and communication • How planning preserves control while you're living, including for incapacity and long-term care • The common mistakes that drive families into probate: missing beneficiary designations, unfunded or outdated trusts, and unclear decision-makers • What Illinois probate really takes in time and cost — especially in Cook County — and how to avoid it • How to prevent family conflict by choosing decision-makers wisely and aligning everyone early • Why planning works best as a team effort with your financial and tax professionals — including awareness of Illinois' estate tax threshold • When to review your plan: after every major life event, and every three to five years regardless • The one first step to take this week Whether you're thinking about your own future or helping a parent put their affairs in order, this conversation will leave you with less "what if" — and more peace of mind. Because as Tim puts it: the greatest gift of estate planning is peace of mind. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:20 Estate Planning Reframed 02:45 Meet Tim O'Brien 04:29 Beyond Just Documents 06:29 Control While Living 08:07 When to Start Planning 09:14 Probate Lessons Learned 11:27 Common Planning Mistakes 14:36 What Probate Really Takes 18:59 Preventing Family Conflict 21:38 Choosing Decision-Makers 26:18 Team-Based Planning 29:54 Long-Term Care Planning 32:26 Review and Update Your Plan 34:57 Tim's Family Approach 37:14 Your First Step 38:33 Disclaimer and Farewell 🎙️ Guest: Tim O'Brien, Founder & Managing Partner, O'Brien Estate Law, LLC 🌐 obrienestateplanning.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/o-brien-estate-law-llc Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this episode does not create an attorney-client relationship. Estate planning laws vary by state and every situation is unique — please consult a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances before making any legal decisions. — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Think Like a Pharmacist: Better Questions, Safer Decisions, Longer Life

   — with Dr. Dan Gonzalez, ClarityRx Advisory We live in an age of infinite health information. Every day brings a new headline, a new supplement, a new protocol promising a longer, better life. And for older adults and families managing multiple medications and complex conditions, that flood can feel less like a gift — and more like a source of confusion, and even fear. What if one of the most powerful tools for living longer and healthier isn't a new treatment at all — but simply clarity? In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Dr. Dan Gonzalez, a clinical pharmacist, healthcare advisor, and founder of ClarityRx Advisory, who helps individuals and families separate evidence-based guidance from noise — and who also provides education and support to Spanish-speaking communities. Dr. Gonzalez makes a compelling case: longevity often begins not with a pill, but with curiosity, engagement, and the courage to ask. His approach — "think like a pharmacist" — means questioning claims, verifying sources, and knowing the red flags before you act. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the most overlooked pathway to longevity has nothing to do with a new drug or supplement • How to "think like a pharmacist" — questioning claims, verifying sources, and watching for red flags like proprietary "secret blends" • Why pharmacists are one of the most accessible safety nets in healthcare — and how to actually use your community pharmacist • How to prepare for medication side effects before they surprise you • Why there's no such thing as a dumb question — and a story that proves the power of simply being heard • Practical tools for caregivers: journals, appointment preparation, and trusted advocates • The cultural barriers that keep some families from asking — and how to overcome them • The three questions every one of us should ask at our next doctor or pharmacy visit • Why health is never cookie-cutter — and why grace and kindness belong in every care conversation ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:09 Clarity as a Longevity Tool 02:33 Meet Dr. Dan Gonzalez 04:10 Curiosity Over Pills 05:16 Why We Fear Asking Questions 06:26 Think Like a Pharmacist 08:21 Spotting Red Flags Fast 09:39 Pharmacist Questions That Matter 12:35 Medication Tracking and the Safety Net 15:05 Use Your Community Pharmacist 17:15 The "No Dumb Questions" Story 21:52 Why Pharmacists Are Trusted 23:27 Cultural Barriers to Asking 25:37 Caregiver Tools and Resources 29:11 Spotting Credible Health Information 33:10 Three Questions to Ask 37:07 Health Beliefs and Grace 38:32 Final Wrap and Disclaimer Whether you're managing your own care or advocating for someone you love, this conversation will help you walk into your next appointment with confidence. Because as Dr. Gonzalez says: clarity is a longevity tool. 🎙️ Guest: Dr. Dan Gonzalez, Clinical Pharmacist & Founder, ClarityRx Advisory 🌐 clarityrxadvisory.com 💼 LinkedIn (newsletter & insights): linkedin.com/in/rxdangonzalez Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation before making any changes to your medications or care. — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

3. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Connecting Generations, One Chessboard at a Time

   — with Shaan Garg, Founder of Bishop Bridges Some of the most powerful medicine for healthy aging isn't found in a pharmacy. It's found in connection — in feeling seen, in sharing what you know with someone who genuinely wants to learn from you. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Shaan Garg, a student and the founder of Bishop Bridges — a student-led community service organization that brings student volunteers and senior residents together through chess, conversation, and shared experience. What began with Shaan's grandparents' move to Chicago and his own love of the game has grown into something remarkable: regular sessions where residents at Clarendale Six Corners are paired with young volunteers, learn or rediscover chess, and — most importantly — talk. About strategy, about life, about everything in between. In this episode, you'll learn: • The inspiration behind Bishop Bridges — and the meaning of its name • Why chess is such a powerful tool for mental engagement and connection across generations • What happens inside a session: accessible setup, thoughtful pairing, and conversations that unfold naturally • The surprising lessons student volunteers learn from the seniors they play with • The real challenges of building a service organization — from nonprofit logistics to resident turnout — and how a young founder pushed through them • Shaan's advice for other young changemakers: persistence, authenticity, and starting anyway • Where Bishop Bridges is headed next — and how you can get involved ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:18 Connection as Medicine 02:26 Meet Shaan Garg 04:09 The Origin of Bishop Bridges 06:06 The Meaning Behind the Name 06:52 Why Chess Matters 07:58 Building the Team 08:49 Inside a Session 12:16 Conversations Across Generations 13:50 Lessons From Seniors 15:00 Challenges and Accessibility 18:00 Partners and Supporters 20:33 Advice for Young Changemakers 23:01 Vision for the Future 24:00 How to Get Involved 25:45 Final Takeaway and Farewell 26:35 Subscribe and Closing This conversation is a reminder that intergenerational connection enriches everyone at the table — and that the ideas that change communities can come from anyone, at any age. 🎙️ Guest: Shaan Garg, Founder, Bishop Bridges ♟️ Learn more or volunteer: www.bishopbridgeschess.com (http://www.bishopbridgeschess.com/) — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

4. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Safe at Home, Private by Design

   -with Bruce Ross, Arqaios What if the safest place for a loved one to age wasn't a facility — but a smarter version of the home they already love? Most monitoring technology asks families to make an uncomfortable trade: safety in exchange for privacy. Cameras watching every room. Wearables that must be charged, remembered, and worn. For many older adults, it feels less like care — and more like surveillance. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Bruce Ross, Founder and CEO of Arqaios, an electrical engineer who spent more than two decades in Tech before turning his talents to one of the most meaningful challenges in aging: keeping people safe at home without sacrificing their dignity. Bruce's inspiration is personal — it began, in part, with his own grandmother's fall. Today, Arqaios embeds intelligent sensors into the ordinary fixtures of a home — light switches, outlets, vents — turning the house itself into an always-on system for safety, wellness, and independence. No cameras. No wearables. Nothing to remember to wear or charge. In this episode, you'll learn: • How smart fixtures detect occupancy and falls using privacy-first "point cloud" data — never video • Why the data stays local and encrypted, and how the system recognizes residents simply by their gait • How automated lighting quietly reduces fall risk — especially at night • How subtle changes in movement patterns can flag health risks early, before they become emergencies • How caregiver alerts work — with escalation, optional 911 dispatch, and guidance for first responders • Why wearables so often fail older adults — and what works instead • The future of the intelligent home: room-level climate control, energy savings, and living spaces that adapt to you. 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 1:16 Why homes matter in the aging journey 2:24 Meet Bruce Ross 3:59 From Motorola to AgeTech 5:16 His grandmother's fall 7:20 The Arqaios origin story 9:03 How smart fixtures work 10:48 Privacy-first design — no cameras, no wearables 13:37 Fall prevention through automation 15:40 Local data and security 16:52 Early health signals in movement patterns 17:50 Alerts, escalation & emergency response 19:29 Why wearables fail older adults 21:57 The future of home automation 24:23 The energy savings vision 26:01 Key takeaway on aging well 27:36 Closing & subscribe Whether you're planning to age in place yourself or supporting a parent who wants to stay home, this conversation will change how you look at every light switch in the house. Because as Bruce puts it: a smarter home can support a longer, safer life. 🎙️ Guest: Bruce Ross, Founder & CEO, Arqaios, Inc. 🌐 arqaios.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/arqaios — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

5. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Spot the Scam, Stay Independent

   — with Tony LaPalio, Senior Tech Support Technology has become a pathway to independence for older adults — it's how we see our grandchildren's faces, refill our prescriptions, manage our finances, and stay connected to the world. But there's another side to that connection: increasingly sophisticated scams that deliberately target seniors, and a sense of shame that too often keeps people from asking for help. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Tony LaPalio, Founder and CEO of Senior Tech Support, for a practical, compassionate conversation about staying safe — and confident — in the digital world. Tony has spent his career helping older adults navigate technology with patience and dignity. And in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on exactly how today's scammers operate — including a chilling new evolution: AI-enabled voice cloning that makes the "grandchild in jail" scam sound terrifyingly real. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why scammers deliberately target older adults — and how social engineering, urgency, and fear actually work • The AI voice-cloning twist that's transforming familiar scams — and how to defend against it • Practical red flags anyone can spot: misspelled sender addresses, poor grammar, suspicious links and attachments • The golden rule of verification: never respond directly — go to the official account or a trusted phone number instead • Exactly what to do if you've been compromised: disconnect from the internet, file a police report, and tell a trusted person • How families can start compassionate, dignity-preserving conversations about online safety — before a crisis • Why the single best defense is free: slow down, and pay attention 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 1:27 Why technology matters now 2:48 Meet Tony LaPalio 4:35 Why scammers target seniors 6:44 The AI voice-cloning scam twist 9:47 Email and text red flags 13:32 IRS impersonation and fear tactics 16:41 If you've been scammed — what to do now 19:44 Talking with aging parents about safety 23:42 Simple steps to take today 26:00 Wrap-up and subscribe Whether you're protecting yourself or a loved one, this episode will replace fear with knowledge — because as Tony says, digital confidence is independence. 🎙️ Guest: Tony LaPalio, Founder & CEO, Senior Tech Support 🌐 www.seniortechsupport.net (http://www.seniortechsupport.net/) 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-lapalio — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

6. 

   7 Aug 2026

   Rethink Your Brain: What the US POINTER Study Reveals About Protecting Your Mind — with Olivia Matongo (Alzheimer's Association) & Dr. Hyejin Kim (Rush University)

   For generations, we believed that brain health came down to luck and genetics — that cognitive decline was simply an inevitable part of aging. But the science is telling us a very different, and far more hopeful, story. What we eat, how we move, how we connect, and how we care for our minds may all shape how we age cognitively. And that means we have more power than we ever realized. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon welcomes two remarkable guests for a conversation that is both scientifically groundbreaking and deeply human. Olivia Matongo, Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, walks us through the landmark US POINTER Study — inspired by Finland's FINGER trial — which tested lifestyle interventions across diet (the MIND diet), physical activity, social and cognitive engagement, and regular medical monitoring. With more than 2,000 participants — 30% from diverse backgrounds — both groups improved, with the strongest results in the structured, higher-support group. It's some of the most encouraging brain health research of our time. Dr. Hyejin Kim of Rush University College of Nursing brings the side of this story we don't talk about enough — the family caregiver. She shares her culturally tailored stress-reduction work for Korean American dementia caregivers, illuminating the language and cultural barriers, the stigma around stress, and the real health impact on caregivers, who are so often older adults themselves. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the US POINTER Study is — and why its findings offer real hope • The "brain health recipe": diet, movement, social and cognitive engagement • Why healthy behaviors can benefit everyone — regardless of age, race, gender, or genetics • How culturally tailored outreach reaches communities too often left out of research • Why family caregivers are so often underserved — and how chronic stress affects their own health • A message of hope: it's never too early, or too late, to start Whether you're thinking about your own brain health or caring for someone you love, this conversation will leave you informed, encouraged, and ready to take the first step today. 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 1:21 Why brain health matters 2:09 Meet today's experts 4:28 What is the US POINTER Study? 7:26 Why culture matters in brain health 8:14 The brain health recipe 11:09 Korean American tailored outreach 13:44 Caregivers and chronic stress 17:22 What's next — and key resources 19:30 Closing hope and takeaways 21:45 Funding challenges ahead 22:58 Final thanks & subscribe 🧠 LEARN MORE & TAKE ACTION 🌐 Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org (https://www.alz.org/) 🌐 Rethink Your Brain: https://www.rethinkyourbrain.org (https://www.rethinkyourbrain.org/) 🎙️ Guests: Olivia Matongo — VP of Programs, Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter Dr. Hyejin Kim — Assistant Professor, Rush University College of Nursing — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

7. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Aging Safely at Home: Compassionate Care, Dementia Support & Keeping Families Connected — with Katie & Ron Fielmann · Comfort Keepers of Chicagoland

   For most families, the wish is simple: to help the people we love stay safe, comfortable, and independent in the homes they cherish. But knowing how to make that happen — especially when dementia or declining health enters the picture — can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Katie and Ron Fielmann, the husband-and-wife team behind Comfort Keepers serving greater Chicagoland, for a warm and deeply personal conversation about what compassionate in-home care really looks like. Their story began with their own family. In 2002, after hiring care for Katie's developmentally disabled uncle — and watching it allow him to live independently and with dignity — the Fielmanns opened their first Comfort Keepers franchise. That personal beginning still shapes their mission today: to treat every client like family. In this episode, you'll learn: • The story behind Comfort Keepers — and why caring for their own family changed everything • "Interactive caregiving" and the powerful philosophy of doing things WITH clients, not FOR them — to preserve dignity and independence • How specialized dementia training, including the Positive Pathways program, supports families facing cognitive decline • How to build trust and genuine companionship between caregivers and the people they serve • Comfort 360 technology — wearables, in-home sensors, a wellness hub, and a family portal — that brings safety, proactive monitoring, and peace of mind • Why no family should navigate caregiving alone — and the resources available to help Katie was recognized in 2025 as the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter's Professional Caregiver of the Year — and in this conversation, you'll hear exactly why. This is an episode full of heart, wisdom, and practical guidance for anyone caring for someone they love. 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 1:22 Why aging at home matters 2:14 Meet Katie and Ron Fielmann 4:34 The family story behind Comfort Keepers 7:23 The interactive caregiving model 8:24 Dementia care training & Positive Pathways 11:22 Personalized, one-on-one care 13:49 Building trust and companionship 15:07 "Doing with, not for" 18:14 Beyond caregiving — connecting families to resources 19:16 Comfort 360 technology tools 25:04 The family portal and staying updated 26:42 Final takeaways — and how to get help 29:02 Closing & subscribe 🎙️ Guests: Katie & Ron Fielmann, Comfort Keepers of Chicagoland 🌐 ComfortKeepers.com 📍 https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/illinois/elmhurst/, https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/illinois/arlington-heights/ — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

8. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Rethinking Retirement: Purpose, Brain Health & the Power of Lifelong Contribution — with Dr. Andrew Barrer · Neuroscientist & Former White House Advisor

   What if retirement wasn't an ending — but a beginning? We're taught to think of retirement as rest. A finish line. A reward for decades of work. But the science of the brain tells a very different story: our minds thrive on engagement, purpose, and continued learning. And the most vibrant, fulfilled people in their later years are often the ones who never truly stopped contributing at all. In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Dr. Andrew Barrer — neuroscientist, public servant, and global health educator — for one of the most remarkable life stories this show has ever shared. Dr. Barrer's journey is extraordinary: • He began working in healthcare at just 16, and went on to study neuroscience and neuropsychology • His clinical work focused on brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation — teaching him about life's fragility and the family impact of trauma • He served six years as a health policy advisor in the Clinton White House — working on the fight against AIDS, expanding the NIH budget, and advancing clean air and water • He led global medical education through Harvard in more than 100 countries, including directing a healthcare city program in Dubai • Today, back in Chicago and living with retinitis pigmentosa himself, he volunteers with the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind — where he helped establish a Family Resource Center and sensory clinic Throughout, Dr. Barrer makes a powerful, science-grounded case: that purpose, volunteerism, and mental engagement do far more for our brain health and longevity than any "quick-fix" supplement ever could. This is a conversation about what it truly means to age with meaning — and why the question isn't when you'll retire, but whether you ever really should. 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways — EP 09, Dr. Andrew Barrer 1:21 Rethinking Retirement — why the brain thrives on purpose 25:54 Going Blind & Giving Back: The Chicago Lighthouse 🎙️ Guest: Dr. Andrew Barrer, Neuroscientist & Public Servant 🌐 The Chicago Lighthouse: www.chicagolighthouse.org (http://www.chicagolighthouse.org/) — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com (http://www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com/) 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com (mailto:info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com)

9. 

   1 Jul 2026

   Retirement Confidence: Building Income That Lasts & Planning for the Real Costs of Aging with Chris Genzler, CFP® · Forum Financial Management

   You spent your whole life saving for retirement. But saving and spending are two completely different skills — and almost no one teaches you the second one. How do you turn decades of savings into income that lasts? How do you protect it from market downturns, taxes, and the rising costs of aging? And how do you find the confidence to actually enjoy what you've built? In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Chris Genzler, a Certified Financial Planner® with more than 35 years of experience at Forum Financial Management, for a masterclass in retirement confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why investing in retirement is fundamentally different from investing while you're building wealth • How to build a sustainable portfolio — with appropriate risk, global diversification beyond the S&P 500, low costs, and disciplined rebalancing • The "cash bucket" strategy for managing withdrawals during down markets — so you're never forced to sell at the wrong time • How to navigate Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and Medicare means testing • Why emotional discipline — staying the course — may be the single most important factor in retirement success • The essential estate documents every family needs — powers of attorney, trusts, wills, beneficiaries, and proper titling — to avoid probate • The real costs of aging: medical care, long-term care, where you'll live, and how to plan for all of it • How social connection, dementia risk reduction, and even digital asset protection fit into a complete plan Chris brings clarity, warmth, and 35 years of wisdom to the questions that keep pre-retirees up at night. Whether you're five years from retirement or already there, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence. 🎙️ Guest: Chris Genzler, CFP® 🏛️ Forum Financial Management: www.forumfinancial.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisgenzler ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized financial advice. Investment decisions should be made based on your personal financial situation and objectives. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Investments involve risk and may lose value. Any examples provided are for illustrative purposes only. Episode References: Fidelity Investments Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, 2025. Figures represent national median estimates and vary by geography, individual health status, and Medicare enrollment. Forum Financial Management, LP has not independently verified this data. Refer to Fidelity for complete methodology. Link here (https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity-investments--releases-2025-retiree-health-care-cost-estimate--a-timely-reminder-for-all-gen/s/3c62e988-12e2-4dc8-afb4-f44b06c6d52e). Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2025. Figures represent national median estimates. Costs vary significantly by state, facility type, and level of care required. Forum has not independently verified this data. Refer to Genworth for complete methodology. Link here (https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1054/carescout-releases-2025-cost-of-care-survey-results). — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com

10. 

    16 Jun 2026

    Downsizing Is a Lifestyle Upgrade: Housing Decisions That Support Longevity & Independence with Michael Jakubiec, SRES® · Realtor | Investor · Crosstown Realtors

    Most people have a financial plan for retirement. A healthcare plan. Even an estate plan. But very few have a housing plan. And yet where you live — the layout of your home, its proximity to family and healthcare, its ability to support your mobility and independence — shapes everything about how you age. It is one of the most powerful longevity decisions you can make. And most families wait until a crisis to make it. In this episode, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Michael Jakubiec — a licensed Realtor, Investor, and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) with Crosstown Realtors in Plainfield, IL — to reframe housing as a proactive, intentional part of every longevity plan. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why housing decisions are a longevity strategy — and how they directly impact safety, independence, and quality of life • The three housing pathways for aging adults: aging in place with modifications, downsizing, or relocating closer to family, transportation, and healthcare • How to recognize the signs that your current home may no longer be serving you • How to navigate the emotional attachment to a long-time home — and help a family member who is resistant to change • The difference between a traditional listing and an as-is investor sale — and how to choose the right path for your situation • What the SRES® designation means and why it matters when choosing a real estate professional for this stage of life • How Michael's targeted marketing strategy generated 53 showings, 23 offers, and a sale $125,000 over asking — funding full Alzheimer's care for a Chicago family Michael's philosophy is simple and powerful: downsizing is not a loss. It is a lifestyle upgrade. And the families who plan their housing strategy early are the ones who maintain the most control, the most dignity, and the most financial freedom in later life. 0:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 1:17 Why housing is a longevity strategy 2:32 Meet Michael Jakubiec — Realtor | Investor | SRES® · Crosstown Realtors 4:07 Proactive housing planning — clarifying your goals before a crisis forces the decision 5:01 Aging in place — home modifications and what makes it work long-term 6:33 Signs it's time to downsize — physical, emotional, and practical signals 7:28 Letting go emotionally — navigating attachment to a long-time home 8:46 Selling paths explained — traditional listing vs. as-is investor sale 10:19 What the SRES® designation means — and why it matters for older adults 11:48 Family dynamics — navigating different opinions about a parent's housing decision 12:39 Using home equity to fund care — the financial connection 14:33 Pricing and selling strategy — how comparative market analysis works 16:27 How to start your housing plan today — the first questions to ask yourself 17:34 Tax considerations and building the right team for your transition 19:15 Client story 21:37 Final takeaways 🎙️ Guest: Michael Jakubiec — Realtor | Investor | SRES® 🏠 Crosstown Realtors · 13246 IL Rt 59, Suite 106, Plainfield, IL 60585 🌐 HomesByMJ.com 📞 630.478.9241 📧 mj@homesbymj.com 📱 Instagram/Facebook: @michael.jakubiec.realtor 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-jakubiec-realtor — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes every two weeks. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com

11. 

    3 Jun 2026

    Estate Planning Is an Act of Love — Wills, Trusts & What Happens Without a Plan with Allyson Russo, Estate Planning Attorney · Russo Law Offices LLC

    You already have an estate plan. You just may not know what it says. If you haven't created your own plan, the state of Illinois has one for you — and it may not reflect your wishes at all. It could split your assets between your spouse and your children in ways you never intended. It could send your family through a public, 8 to 15-month probate process while they're still grieving. And it could leave the people you love most with no clear guidance when they need it most. In this episode, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Allyson Russo — founder of Russo Law Offices LLC and a Chicago-area estate planning attorney with deep expertise in wills, trusts, probate, and Medicaid planning — to demystify one of the most important conversations families are not having. In this episode, you'll learn: • The four foundational documents every estate plan should include — and what each one actually does • The real difference between a will and a trust — and why a revocable trust may be the more powerful choice for your family • What Illinois probate actually looks like — how long it takes, what it costs, and how to avoid it • How to approach a parent who doesn't have a plan — and what to say when the conversation feels impossible • The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts — and when each one is the right tool • Illinois and federal estate tax thresholds ($4M and $15M respectively) — and what that means for your planning • How to protect digital assets and ensure your family can access passwords and online accounts • What Medicaid planning looks like in Illinois — including the five-year look-back period — and why starting early makes all the difference Allyson also shares a real client story involving complex family dynamics, and closes with her most important piece of advice: find an attorney who is both knowledgeable and compassionate — because this work is not just legal. It is deeply personal. 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:25 Why Estate Planning Matters 02:49 Meet Attorney Allison Russo 04:16 Estate Planning Basics 05:38 Trusts vs Wills Explained 08:10 Probate Timeline and Tips 09:43 Talking With Aging Parents 13:16 Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts 15:08 Estate Taxes State and Federal 15:59 When There Is No Plan 19:03 Getting Started and Funding Trusts 21:58 Digital Assets and Password Access 23:34 Client Stories and Family Dynamics 25:53 Medicaid Planning Basics 28:03 Key Takeaways and Closing 🎙️ Guest: Allyson Russo, Owner & Attorney ⚖️ Russo Law Offices LLC: www.russolaw.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russolawofficesllc 📧 russo@russolaw.com — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes monthly. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Please consult a licensed estate planning attorney regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.

12. 

    22 May 2026

    Aging Well Beyond Checklists: Colleen Koziara on Creativity & Whole-Life Wellness

    What if everything we measure in senior care is missing the point? In this episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee sits down with senior wellness consultant and author Colleen Koziara, who makes a bold case: senior care is systemically broken because it prioritizes efficiency and regulation while underfunding the one thing that makes life worth living — genuine enrichment and connection. Colleen unpacks the realities families are facing: a rapidly growing retiree population, rising rates of Alzheimer's and chronic illness, and assisted living costs that can run $7,000–$15,000 a month — often without meaningful programming to match. But this conversation isn't about despair. It's about what's possible. Drawing from her book Taking Flight, Colleen shares practical, low-cost solutions any family or community can use: intergenerational partnerships with scouts and schools, volunteer and animal visit programs, and her "SEE VIPs" framework spanning seven dimensions of wellness. She explains how art programs and Montessori-informed approaches restore autonomy, dignity, and joy — even for those living with dementia — and why meeting elders exactly where they are changes everything. Her closing message is simple and powerful: check on the elders in your life, learn from them, and invite them to keep giving back. In this episode: 00:00 – Rethinking aging well 00:42 – Meet Colleen Koziara 02:54 – What senior care gets wrong 04:56 – Community connections that help 07:26 – The origins of Taking Flight 09:13 – The seven dimensions of wellness 12:32 – Art as empowerment 16:00 – Meeting people where they are 19:55 – A better future for aging 22:04 – The tie-dye painting lady 23:47 – Final message: check in Whether you're caring for an aging parent, working in the senior living industry, or planning ahead for your own future, this conversation offers a hopeful, actionable roadmap for aging with creativity and purpose. 🎧 Sage Pathways Podcast is produced by Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC, helping families navigate the complex world of aging and caregiving.

13. 

    5 May 2026

    The Home You've Outgrown: Downsizing with Compassion & a Clear Plan with Marnie Dawson · Owner, Dawson Relocation Services · NASMM Member

    Most people don't think about downsizing until they have no other choice. A health event. A fall. A home that has quietly become too much to manage. By then, the decision that could have been intentional and empowering becomes reactive and overwhelming. Marnie Dawson has spent 18 years making sure that doesn't have to happen. As Owner of Dawson Relocation Services and an accredited member of the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers, Marnie has helped hundreds of families navigate one of the most emotionally complex transitions of later life — downsizing. Most recently, she was featured on WBEZ Chicago's Say More with Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith on the first day of spring, talking about what it really takes to let go of a cluttered home. In this conversation, she brings that same expertise — and 18 years of compassion — directly to you. In this episode, you'll learn: • What surprises people most when they begin the downsizing process — and why having a clear plan immediately brings relief • The emotional barriers that keep families frozen — from "possession paralysis" to the weight of being the family's legacy keeper • Why proactive planning is always better than waiting — and when the right time to start actually is • The floor-plan-first approach that transforms overwhelming decisions into manageable, meaningful choices • How to find responsible, dignified destinations for donations, heirlooms, and high-value items • What a truly successful move looks and feels like — for both the person moving and the family supporting them Marnie's goal for every client is the same: to feel heard, at peace, and without regrets on the other side of the move. This episode will help your family get there. 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:21 Meet Marnie Dawson 03:01 How She Got Started 03:59 Biggest Downsizing Surprises 05:38 Emotional Barriers Explained 07:32 When to Start Planning 10:12 What Move Managers Do 11:10 What Success Looks Like 14:21 Floor Plan First 16:46 Donations and Resources 17:57 High Value Items 18:45 Peace After the Move 20:21 Start Small Today 21:53 Closing Thanks 💬 We want to hear from you: What are your success — or horror — stories when it comes to cleaning out a cluttered home? Share in the comments or tag us on social. 🎙️ Guest: Marnie Dawson, Owner 🏠 Dawson Relocation Services: www.dawsonrelocation.com 📱 Instagram: @DawsonRelocation 💼 LinkedIn: Dawson Relocation Services 📻 As heard on WBEZ Chicago — Say More with Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith 🔗 Listen to Marnie's WBEZ feature: https://www.wbez.org/say-more-with-mary-dixon-patrick-smith/2026/03/20/its-the-first-day-of-spring-so-get-to-cleaning — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes monthly. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com

14. 

    24 Apr 2026

    Your Retirement Paycheck: Income, Protection & Legacy with Peter Newman CFA · Founder, Peak Wealth Planning · Former Manager, $700M UI Endowment

    Host Sun-Hee Yoon introduces Sage Pathways, a show focused on intentional longevity through expert guidance in health, wealth, legacy, and life design. She interviews Peter Newman, CFA, founder of Peak Wealth Planning and former manager of the $700 million University of Illinois endowment, about what changes when people stop accumulating wealth and begin living from it. Newman outlines three common gaps: creating a clear retirement paycheck replacement plan, protecting assets from unexpected “wealth destroyers” like accidents and lawsuits (including using proper titling and umbrella liability insurance), and completing estate planning by ensuring trusts are properly funded and accounts titled correctly. He explains retirement income planning using needs, wants, and desires, emphasizes tax-efficient withdrawals and psychological permission to spend, and describes a “doomsday file” to organize accounts, documents, and access information for crises. He offers a risk quantification questionnaire and directs listeners to peakwealthplanning.com (http://peakwealthplanning.com/). 00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways 01:19 Meet Peter Newman 03:56 From Saving to Spending 06:47 Building Retirement Income 10:02 Protecting Your Wealth 13:53 Enjoy Today Give Wisely 18:04 The Doomsday File 21:30 Trusts and Follow Through 25:07 One Action Step and Wrap 26:02 Financial Disclaimer Resources from Listeners: Follow Peak Wealth Planning on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@peakwealthplanning) Visit the Peak Wealth Planning Website (https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/) Subscribe to Peak Insider (http://eepurl.com/czgm85) Risk Quantification Questionnaire (https://bit.ly/PWP-Risk-Quantification) The content in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized financial advice. Investment decisions should be made based on your personal financial situation and objectives. Please consult a financial professional before making investment decisions. Investments involve risk and may lose value. Any examples provided are for illustrative purposes only.

15. 

    14 Apr 2026

    Don't Wait for a Crisis: What Every Family Needs to Know About Senior Care with Lisa Henderson, VP of Strategy & Innovation · Astra Health

    Most families don't think about senior care until a crisis forces the conversation. A sudden hospitalization. A diagnosis that changes everything. A discharge planner standing at the bedside asking questions no one has ever prepared for. Lisa Henderson knows this moment intimately. As Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Astra Health — a leading home health agency serving 11 counties in Illinois — Lisa has spent 15 years guiding patients and families through some of the most complex, high-stakes transitions in healthcare. In this conversation, she brings that expertise directly to you. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why most families dangerously assume Medicare covers everything — and what it actually covers • What really happens during a hospital discharge, and how to advocate for yourself or your loved one • The critical difference between home health care and private-duty home care (and why confusing them is costly) • How to navigate the full continuum of senior care — from inpatient rehab and skilled nursing to assisted living, palliative care, and hospice • The one question Lisa urges every family to answer before a crisis arrives: What do you want your life to look like? Lisa also shares how to use Medicare Care Compare to research providers, why getting a second opinion is always your right, and how Astra Health's approach — "In the right hands, good things happen" — is changing what families can expect from home health in Illinois. This episode is for every adult child who has quietly wondered whether they're prepared. The answer is: you can be. And this conversation is where it starts. 🎙️ Guest: Lisa Henderson, VP of Strategy & Innovation 🏥 Astra Health: www.astrahealth.net — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes bi-monthly. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com

16. 

    4 Apr 2026

    Aging Reimagined: The Women Who Refused to Disappear with Gail Zelitzky & Catherine Marienau of Women Over 70

    What does it mean to be 70, 80, 90 — and still building something that matters? In this inaugural episode of Sage Pathways, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Gail Zelitzky (age 84) and Catherine Marienau (age 76) — co-founders of Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined — to dismantle one of the most persistent myths in our culture: that women become irrelevant as they age. Since 2019, Gail and Catherine have featured over 370 women, ages 70 to 110+, on their award-winning podcast — proving, week after week, that the most compelling chapters of a woman's life are often still being written. Their work has sparked a thriving movement built on storytelling, community, and the radical idea that aging is not a decline — it is a continuation. In this conversation, we explore: • The myths society tells about older women — and the counter-truths that set them free • The Six C's: the qualities that define the most vibrant, fulfilled women in later life • Why storytelling and lived experience are the most powerful tools of empowerment • What it means to build a legacy that is active, not archived This episode is dedicated to every woman who has ever been made to feel invisible — and to the ones who refused. 🎙️ Guests: Gail Zelitzky & Catherine Marienau 🌐 Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined: www.womenover70.com 📧 Connect: info@womenover70.com 📱 Instagram: @womenover70 — Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC. New episodes monthly. Follow, subscribe, and walk the path with us. 🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com 📧 info@sagelifestyleconcierge.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings