Welcome to the Uplift Aging Podcast, a LeadingAge Texas production.
Through insightful discussions, our guests help reshape aging perceptions. Join us to challenge stereotypes, explore the positives, and empower each other to embrace the journey of aging. Whether you're an older adult, caregiver, or just curious about aging, this podcast is for you. Together, let's Uplift Aging!
S2 E05: Where Expertise Meets Mission | with Cory Macdonald
Aging services is shaped by people serving in many different roles, including some the public may rarely see or associate with the field. Amanda sits down with healthcare attorney, Cory Macdonald, a member at Reed Claymon and longtime general counsel for LeadingAge Texas, who has spent two decades helping mission-driven aging services organizations navigate growth, change, governance, regulation, and public policy. Cory reflects on the expertise, mentorship, and relationships with not-for-pro...
24 Apr 2026
S2 E04: Living the Dash: Storytelling That Transforms How We See Aging | with Nathan Jones & Shelby Rayner
Amanda is joined by Nathan Jones and Shelby Rayner of Dash Media (a LeadingAge Texas gold sponsor), a storytelling and social media agency working with aging services providers across the country. Nathan, a former college football coach, found his way into aging services after a sermon about "the dash" on a gravestone representing the life that is lived. Shelby built her career in senior living sales and went viral making videos with her grandmother, Nanny, before joining Dash. They shar...
23 Mar 2026
S2 E03: Rooted in Purpose, Driven by People | with Christie Hinrichs
Amanda sits down with Christie Hinrichs, President & CEO of Frasier (Boulder, Colorado) and LeadingAge (national) Board Chair. From her first job at 15 in a rural Nebraska nursing home to leading one of the most prominent life plan communities in the country, Christie's career is a masterclass in persistence, purpose, and servant leadership. The conversation covers the thirty years she spent growing into nearly every role at Tabitha in Nebraska, what legacy meant when it was time to go, a...
25 Feb 2026
S2 E02: Re-envisioning Aging Successfully | Part 2 with Mark Lenhard
In this episode, Amanda and Mark Lenhard, President & CEO of UMC, continue their discussion recorded at LeadingAge's Annual Meeting in Boston, MA (November 2025), going deeper into Mark's TEDx Talk, "Re-envisioning Aging Successfully," and what it was like to step onto that stage. They explore the power of storytelling in shaping how we understand and communicate about aging, the ripple effect of human connection, and the hope Mark carries for the future of our field and the people in it....
24 Nov 2025
S2 E01: Re-envisioning Aging Successfully | Part 1 with Mark Lenhard
In this conversation, Amanda and Mark Lenhard, President & CEO of UMC, sit down at LeadingAge's Annual Meeting in Boston, MA (November 2025) to explore the themes of aging, human connection, and leadership within the context of aging services. They discuss Mark's TEDx Talk, "Re-envisioning Aging Successfully," the importance of living abundantly, the role of relationships in being human, and the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating change. The conversation emphasiz...
21 Nov 2024
007: On Leadership, Aging, and The Power of Books | with Darrell Jones
In this episode, Amanda chats with Darrell D. Jones, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret), President and CEO of Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio, to discuss the pivotal role of reading in shaping effective leadership in aging services. Darrell shares how his passion for reading has shaped his approach to management and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. Darrell offers book recommendations and shares some of the most impactful books that have influenced his leaders...
28 Aug 2024
006: Aging Well | with Robin Gonzalez
In this episode, Amanda talks with Robin Gonzalez, Director of Resident Health Services & Nurse Navigator at Westminster in Austin, Texas, about the community’s holistic, resident-centered approach to aging services. Robin shares how her social work and nursing background is beneficial in her role as she partners with residents and families to address health and wellness needs with minimal interruption to everyday community life. Robin's role at Westminster helps to reduce the stress ofte...
25 Jul 2024
005: Ageless Creativity | with Dr. Hayley Moseley and Brian Parman of CC Young
In Episode 5, Amanda interviews Dr. Hayley Moseley, Director of Campus Education, and Brian Parman, Director of The Point & Pavilion from CC Young in Dallas, Texas, about how the arts inspire ageless creativity. CC Young's Spirit is Ageless Art and Writing Contest is a premier example of a LeadingAge Texas member celebrating the incredible talents of older adults, challenging societal perceptions, and inspiring a (renewed) appreciation for the arts. Dr. Hayley and Brian highlight the...
25 Jun 2024
004: Opening Doors to Aging Services | with Gwen Fitzgerald
Episode 4 features the second part of Amanda's conversation with Gwen Fitzgerald, Director of Public Messaging at LeadingAge (national). They explore how LeadingAge’s Opening Doors to Aging Services initiative is reshaping perceptions about aging services through research and storytelling. Discover the profound impact on public trust, government support, and personal insights into navigating aging with dignity and understanding. This episode offers a compelling look at why redefining o...
22 Mar 2024
003: Careers in Aging | with Gwen Fitzgerald and Rahim Habib
Episode 3 features two guests to help us highlight careers in aging services for #CareersInAging Month. First, Gwen Fitzgerald, Director of Public Messaging at LeadingAge (national), provides insights into the workforce landscape in aging services and touches on the Opening Doors Initiative. (psst! get excited because we'll explore this more in an episode next month!). Then, Rahim Habib, Managing Principal at CLA, shares his journey into aging services not as a nurse, a social worker, or the...
7 Feb 2024
002: Care. Love. Connection. | Part 2 with Nicole Gann
In Episode 2, host Amanda Wiedenfeld continues her interview with Nicole Gann, MS, SPHR, President & CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. They discuss the power of words and the importance of continuous personal growth. Nicole shares her unexpected journey into aging services, and the two discuss changing perceptions of aging services and the benefits of living in a community. Nicole shares a powerful moment that has shifted her perspective on aging and emphasizes the value of continual le...
17 Jan 2024
001: What is aging, anyway? | Part 1 with Nicole Gann
Welcome to the Uplift Aging Podcast's debut episode! Host Amanda Wiedenfeld and special guest Nicole Gann, MS, SPHR, President & CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities, embark on a powerful conversation about the profound journey of aging. This episode elevates the conversation on aging by diving into the question, "What is aging, anyway?" and the duo chat about: Aging is more than "just getting old"; it is a testament to a life lived and a journey of growth and wisdom.It is time to sh...
14 Jan 2024
000: Welcome to Uplift Aging (Trailer)
Get ready to Uplift Aging! Our first episode drops January 17 - subscribe now. --- Visit upliftaging.org/episodes for show notes and more information about each episode. Join the movement as we continue to elevate the conversation on aging by visiting upliftaging.org and following us on our socials @upliftaging. --- The Uplift Aging Podcast is a production of LeadingAge Texas.
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