Show Notes
Gail Zugerman talked with Dr. Peter Rork, a retired orthopedic surgeon who took his passions of saving animals and flying to create Dog Is My CoPilot in 2012, a not-for-profit dedicated to saving dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters to their forever homes across the country. He explains how he has grown the organization from flying 20 animals at a time in a small plane to operating three Caravan aircraft that now transport60-150 animals monthly. Peter also discusses his relationship with Petco Love Foundation and its three key principles of Dog Is My CoPilot that prioritize animals’ wellbeing.
More from Growing Older with Gusto
Receiving a home after losing a loved one brings a heavy emotional toll alongside complex real estate decisions. Knowing how to protect your family's interests and avoid predatory cash buyers is crucial when navigating inherited property. In this episode, host Gail Zugerman sits down with Rhett Fruitman, co-founder and CEO of Inherited Property Match, to explore the critical steps heirs must take during a difficult transition. Discover how his nationwide service vets probate specialists, aligns co-heirs, and helps families manage timelines, carry costs, and tax considerations completely free of charge.
Navigating your retirement years with complete financial peace of mind starts with a clear, personalized Retirement Planning Process. Host Gail Zugerman sits down with wealth manager John Link to discuss how everyday retirees can build confidence without chasing unpredictable market returns. He reveals why conventional asset division between adult children can quietly trigger massive tax imbalances, introducing the crucial concept of estate equalization. You will discover practical ways to coordinate Social Security timing, manage unexpected healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in, and eliminate the paralyzing fear of running out of money. John Link also outlines his structured framework for enjoying hard-earned resources early through dedicated lifestyle accounts instead of leaving wealth behind by accident.
Growing older comes with endless physical and lifestyle changes, but navigating aging with humor can make every step of the journey far more enjoyable. Self-described sit-down, stand-up humorist Diane Dean-Epps joins this episode to discuss how laughter serves as an essential coping mechanism through life's unexpected twists and turns. As the author of Bangs 'N' Botox: My Aging Journey Into, Through, and Beyond Denial, Fillers & Human Preservatives and host of the BANGS ‘N’ BOTOX™: Women Who Wear Aging Well show, Diane shares her personal lightbulb moments—from doctor visits to total hip replacements. In this episode, explore how changing your perspective, staying active, and embracing life’s absurdities can help you grow older with gusto.
Host Gail Zugerman welcomes return guest Sky Bergman, an award winning film Documentarian, to discuss her latest project about finding humor as we grow older. Bergman shares the backstory behind "The Jollytologist", a documentary centered on Allen Klein and the healing power of laughter. She explains how simple attitude shifts and everyday curiosity pull anyone out of a rut. Bergman also talks about her path from Professor Emeritus of Photography and Video at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to full-time filmmaker. Listeners gain tactical insights on staying connected, pursuing new passions, and finding joy in life's smallest moments. She also previews her other recent projects, including "Lives Well Lived" and "Mochi".
Navigating life after work requires more than financial planning when your sense of self vanishes overnight. Retirement mindset mentor George Jerjian joins host Gail Zugerman to explain how individuals can successfully transition into their next stage of life using DARE Method Retirement strategies. By focusing on four key phases—discover, assimilate, rewire, and expand—you can shed your old professional identity and reconnect with your authentic self. George shares practical insights on taking a purposeful gap year and reprogramming your mindset for active growth. You'll learn why traditional retirement is an artificial concept and how staying engaged protects your long-term vitality. Discover how to create a meaningful second act and avoid falling into post-career stagnation.