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Helping men and women embrace
the second half of life with less fear.
With the help of professional guests and your peers, we're aiming to educate, motivate, inspire, support, and offer hope

“Age is nothing. Waking up is everything.” - Maya Angelou

Research shows that more than ever before we’re living longer than any previous generation. The prospect of that can invoke fear and dread for many of as we grapple with the possibility of isolation and loneliness, physical decline, and a sense that we’re gradually becoming invisible…. If you’re not fully embracing the joy of getting older, Cate Shaw and Ros McMaster are on a mission to bring meaning back into your life.

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Ep1 Ros McMaster & Cate Shaw.... Meet your hosts and discover the inspiration behind Ironing Out the Wrinkles

Meet us... your hosts Ros and Cate, as we share our journey through our own lives and how the podcast came to be.  For Ros, there were major turning points in her 50's... cancer, divorce, healing the past.... that propelled her into living fearlessly and embracing getting older. Cate too has had many turning points that continue to indicate the need to look inwards, to reassess what's important 

Ep2 Dr Ann Moir-Bussy - 5 simple secrets to embracing mid-life and beyond. 

Dr Ann Moir-Bussy. -  Counsellor, Transformative Life Coach and Consultant.  Anns own journey to healing lead her to develop ways to facilitate change for others who were looking for a sense of purpose and inner freedom in the second half of life.  So…. if you need some mid-life inspiration to guide you to a more fulfilling ‘afternoon of life’, Dr Ann is going to tell us how to get unstuck and reset our life purpose, with 5 simple secrets to embracing mid-life and beyond.

Ep3 Nourish Coaches Debbie Peterson and Wendy Bright-Fallon share their 5 Foundations of Healthy Aging.

The Nourish Coaches say we truly can re-imagine and re-create ourselves with nourishing lifestyle practices, following the Nourish Five Foundations of Health……. It’s a philosophy that gently guides people to find their own definition of health and wellness through nourishing foods, quality sleep, movement, a growth mindset, and connection with others. They believe you can start anytime, so why not right now?  

Ep4 Terry Tucker - Motivational Speaker and Author. From Discomfort to Resilience Using the 4 Truths and 3 F's which he developed after losing his leg to cancer

Are you stuck in a cycle of fear and negativity about getting older? Fear of the physical changes. Fear of losing independence Maybe you have a fear of death itself. Whatever is driving your discontent as you journey through this second half of life, Terry Tucker (motivational speaker on mindset, motivation, and self-development.) is going to help you move from discomfort to resilience.

Ep5 Maggie Shambrook, founding member of HOW (Housing Older Women) looks at  Systemic Issues & Solutions in the face of rising numbers of homeless older women.

Older single women are the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Designing solutions to this problem involves understanding the root causes of the problem, including structural gender inequality, then identifying the drivers of better outcomes for such women. Not least amongst these is the need for more social and affordable housing, appropriate to their needs.

Ep6 Peter Whertime, 94 years young, and His partner Janine Quine, share personal wisdom 

Born in Melbourne in 1928, 94-year-old philosopher Peter Wertheim  has spent his life critically analysing and challenging the cultural, political and historical issues  that exist in Australia – that is in the nature of a philosopher.   That ageism exists is not surprising to him, yet he will not be defined by the stereotypes that abound around being old. 

Ep7 Kasia Rachfall - Energy Magician and Akashic Records Teacher looks at the 7 windows of ageing through Soul Agreements and the Alchemy of Numbers

According to today's guest, Kasia Rachfall, each of us has 7 windows of opportunity in our life. By the time you reach age 50, you are almost at the accountability window which can show up as an inner pressure or drive to finally start living. At age 52 you are there in full swing! It's often the time when people finally get serious about making their dreams real if they haven't up to that point. 

Ep8 Shama Persson and her Golden Age Models are taking on the Ageism in the Modelling World 

In May of 2022, Shama founded the 50+ Golden Age Models agency, and became an active spokesperson against agism. In todays episode, Shama shares with us her motivation for creating 50+ Golden Age Models agency….. what has been the response from clients and competitors in the modelling industry….. and most importantly, what has been the personal impact on the models themselves.

Ep9 Rowena Clayton - Addressing Ageism Stereotypes and Common Myths in the Cosmetic Enhancement Industry  (Botox)

Everyone expects their appearance to change as they age, but for some, the desire to retain a more youthful look does not fade over the years. Despite a rise in self-esteem during middle age, confidence levels often drop as people age past their mid-60s.  Rowena Clayton will give us a look at a day in the life of a clinical cosmetic nurse and how she challenges agism stereotypes within the industry.

Ep10 Lachlan Green Takes Us Down a Philosophy Rabbit-hole Empowering Social and Ecological Justice in Aged Care Settings

Lachie has worked in the aged care sector for many years since starting as an Assistant-in-Nursing. While working in the sector he completed a philosophy degree and began a Ph.D. candidature in bioethics.  In his studies, Lachie was curious that, even though it’s a common human experience, there was limited focus on aging in philosophy. Since then, he’s done a lot of philosophical thinking on the topic! 

Ep11 Dr Jane Offor - Sexual Medicine. Understanding age-related issues in sexual dysfunction and re-igniting the sexual spark for dating later in life

Sexuality is an important component of emotional and physical intimacy that men and women experience through their lives. But getting older also means increasing the likelihood of encountering problems that put a chill on sex. In fact, about a third of the elderly population has at least one complaint with their sexual function. Dr Jane is going to help us understand age-related issues in sexual dysfunction and what we can do about it.

Ep12 Dr Ron Fitzgerald - 93yrs young - Shares The Secret to Ageing Well ... Love Yourself, Spread Kindness & Compassion

While todays guest still enjoys quality independence living, at the age of 94, Dr Ron Fitzgerald says that many years of retirement have provided him the opportunity to frequently review his thoughts on a range of relevant issues arising in the rapidly expanding field of aged care.  On this matter, he says with utter conviction  “Let the vigorous exchange of positive ideas begin and continue.  I look forward to the challenge”.

Ep13 Audiologist Mitchell Quine Helps Us Understand Age-Related Hearing Loss & how to Properly Converse with People Wearing Hearing Aids

Around 54% of Australians aged between 61 and 70 experience some form of hearing loss, increasing to 74% in people aged 71 and over.  In most cases, this happens naturally. Like the rest of the body, the delicate structures of the inner ear start to break down in later life after a lifetime of use.  So if you’re shouting to be heard, or you’re the one being shouted ‘at’, stick around ….. Audiologist Mitchel Quine, is kindly taking time out of a very busy schedule to address all things to do with hearing loss

Ep14 Rachel Quigley Researcher (JCU) Looking at Aging Well for Indigenous Peoples Aging -Holistic concepts where connections to culture, land and the wider community are integral.

Researcher Rachel Quigley shares findings on what aging well means for Indigenous peoples and challenges that impacted Indigenous peoples' ability to achieve good health and wellbeing in later life. (1) holistic health and wellbeing; (2) maintaining connections; (3) mindset; and (4) facing the challenges. She tells us why aging well is a holistic concept with reliance on connections to person, place and culture and influenced by the social determinants of health."

Ep15 Kieran Hoare - Merthyr Law. Why is it important to have a Will? Who's my Executor? Importance of Probate. Elder Abuse. Asset Protection & Superannuation. DeFacto Rights. 

Over 60% of Australians are dying without a will. .Although managing these details can seem daunting, and even depressing, Estate planning is essential for seniors and for their family members to be prepared in the event of a loved one’s illness or passing.  Kieran Hoare of Merthyr Law gives us all why’s, what for’s, why not’s, and how to’s of essential Estate Planning.

Ep16 Kay McGrath - Journalist and social campaigner shares the challenges of gracefully getting older, and the movement to reframe ageing in her own life.

Queensland TV legend and award-winning journalist, Kay McGrath is also a passionate senior advocate, sharing her views on how to care for your physical and mental well-being as you age. At 66, Kay says “There is pressure on women in her field to “look youthful and keep their figures”, but adds that “I don’t feel my age. And I can attest that as you get older, you do grow into yourself and feel more comfortable and confident. That’s a very powerful thing, particularly for women.” In this episode, Kay discusses her own personal experience with getting older and the driving force behind her recent look at aging for a series on channel 7.

Ep17 Ashton Applewhite Ageism Activist & Author.  What is Ageism, Using Ageist Language, and Why Should We Care About Ageism

Ashton says: It’s not the passage of time that makes it so hard to get older. It's ageism, a prejudice that pits us against our future selves -- and each other. Ashton Applewhite urges us to dismantle the dread and mobilize against the last socially acceptable prejudice. "Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured," she says. "It is a natural, powerful, lifelong process that unites us all."

Ep18 Rob Gerrand Author says "It's Not Over.... It's Just Beginning"  - Finding Your Passion in the Second Half of Life

Rob Gerrand walked away from a successful life in the corporate world to pursue art and writing. Now a well-established and highly regarded writer, editor, and publisher, Rob believes that good food, exercise, and social interaction with friends is important for a happy life.  Believing in exercising the mind - he is always learning, reading, writing, and maintains a positive outlook no matter what.

Ep19 The Dating Doctor Kim Dunlop helps us navigate the fears associated with finding love again after 50

What It’s Like to Date After Middle Age? Newly single older people are finding a dating landscape vastly different from the one they knew in their 20s and 30s. And unless you know what you're doing, it can lead you in the opposite direction from where you truly want to go. Kim Dunlop, is here to help us navigate the myre of fears associated with finding love again in this second half of life.

Ep20 Mark Maiden of Driving Miss Daisy  - AGED CARE SERVICES

Do you or your loved ones need assistance for appointments, shopping or an enjoyable outing? At Driving Miss Daisy, we help people to remain happy, active members of society. Our service starts from the front door into a Daisy vehicle rain or shine. All journeys are pre-quoted and include returning safely back to the front door again, sharing fun and friendship along the way.

Ep21 Dr Nikki-Ann Wilson NeuRA Dementia Studies  - How worried should we be? What is Dementia & what can we do about it?

Dementia was the condition most older people feared falling vulnerable to. To help us understand this complex condition, we’re joined by Dr Nikki-Anne Wilson who completed her PhD as part of the Frontier dementia research group at the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney.  Her research examined the breakdown of cognition in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and how this relates to the social challenges associated with this form of dementia.

Ep22  Reverend Doshin Kusan Roshi - Benefits of Zen Meditation & Preparation for Death & Dying

The Buddha taught that through practices such meditation and the development of mindful awareness, one may cultivate a path towards liberation from suffering. For in awareness of the present moment, “there is no aging”. Toda, Rev Doshin will discuss the place of Zen Buddhism and mindfulness meditation as a tool to 'aging well & dying well' . Doshin's talk draws on his personal experience as a Zen Buddhist student and teacher and his work as a psychotherapist working mainly in palliative care, cancer care, grief and loss, anxiety, stress and depression.

Ep23  Steve Fiksdal Strengths Process - Your most powerful, and overlooked strengths are those that are most natural to you. What are yours and how do you discover them.

Our most powerful, and overlooked strengths, tend to be those that are most natural to us. Not those acquired through career skills and education… With the big transitional shifts that come with change, knowing your innate strengths can give you the ability to craft a new direction for yourself. How do we discover what our innate strengths are?….. Today's guest, Steve Fiksal, is going to give us the tools to find out. 

Ep24 Marg Buckley (Brown) - Personal Story Shared. Walking away from a much loved career in Palliative Care to fully embrace retirement

We can grow happier, healthier, wiser but not younger. If one is to look up the word “Rejuvenation”, it means to have a renewed life, time to process, new energy and add more vigour to something one values. Many studies show that when one is aged after 50, many people find it is like experiencing a new life time. Today’s guest Marg Brown is 73years, proves its true.

Ep26 Christine Luck - What we have to learn from Aboriginal Elders 

Christine Luck gives us an in-depth look at what it means to be an Aboriginal Elder and what we might learn regarding the treatment and respect for the wisdom of our aging population,

Ep27 Pauline Field - The Reality of retiring without a plan. Are you ready to take the steps to make your next phase your best one yet?

Pauline Field is a highly sought-after coach. She says “Many women are just waiting to retire so they can turn off the alarm, play tennis, take care of their grandchildren, travel.  What they don't realize is that it all gets old after a while and they find themselves asking, Now what? Is this it? There's a lot they can do but they haven't yet thought it through - because they didn't know they would face this problem.”

Ep28 Jade Cassar Pillates Instructor (Power By Pillates) - the importance of stretching as we get older

As people get older, they can lose some of their balance and coordination. Pilates increases strength and flexibility in both the core and the legs, which positively affects balance. This, along with basic fitness benefits, can help them reduce the risk of falls," says Herman.  Jande looks at the 'how to's and why's of pilates.

Ep29 Rachael Ooi of Your Wealth Consultants - Making Your Retirement Saving Work For You - Do’s and Don’ts to Keep You Living Well Throughout your Retirement

Lets look at * the traps that people fall into regarding spending the nest egg. * Pros and cons of financially ‘helping the adult children *Making super work for you before you leave employment  * Relying on super and understanding changes that may or may not affect retirees * where to get information and more importantly where not to get it.

Ep25 Gena Alston Spiritual Healer & Coach - In Pursuit of Understanding ... the path to ageing joyfully

Gena believes that the body is a remarkable machine that needs to be taken care of.  So in her 70’s she decided to become a Zumba Instructor. She’s been exploring the meaning of life for over thirty years and now chooses to share this knowledge with everyone, and that means you. Gena say “life is precious, exciting and that we need to step boldly into who we are, where we are, and create the magical experience of living your dream. 

Ep30  Teresa Plane  - Palliative care pioneer and NSW Senior Australian of the Year

Palliative Care pioneer Teresa Plane. Even as she approaches her 90th year of life, Teresa Plane, former registered nurse, continues to be an enthusiastic ambassador for palliative care – a professional and personal passion she has had for over 40 years.

For Teresa, palliative care can be compared with the once popular 19th-century railway platform tickets.

Ep31 Candice McGregor - Age Well Club - Alternatives to Age Care .... Putting the Power of Choice Back in Your Hands 

While working in retirement living, Candice discovered that the average person didn't want to move to a retirement village or aged care home.  Candice decided that there had to be a way to empower people to age in their own homes, while still giving them the benefit of retirement village services, so she created the Age Well Club to offer just that. 

Ep32 Suzanne Linkroum PHD. - Setting Healthy Boundaries with Adult Children

As a parent, it is natural to have a strong instinct and desire to help your children, no matter what their age. However, crossing the boundary between supporting and enabling can have negative, unintended consequences for your relationship with your child AND your adult child’s sense of independence and confidence. It may also have adverse affects on your own sense of well-being. 

Ep33  Dr Daniel Harvie - Treating Persistent Pain Using Virtual Reality

Dan is a Pain Scientist and Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia. His research focuses on exploring new approaches to treating persistent pain using virtual reality and sensory training approaches. Daniel is a co-author of the new book "Pain and Perception: A Closer Look at Why We Hurt" 

Ep34  Dr Chris Gillespie Colorectal Surgeon - minimally invasive surgery, anal fistula, and colorectal pelvic floor disorders including faecal incontinence and defecatory dysfunction. 

Dan is a Pain Scientist and Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia. His research focuses on exploring new approaches to treating persistent pain using virtual reality and sensory training approaches. Daniel is a co-author of the new book "Pain and Perception: A Closer Look at Why We Hurt" 

Ep35 Nikki Lovell - Gather My Crew - Helping People to Help People. Local community initiative bringing people together to support their neighbours.

When life gets tough, community gets you through Gather My Crew gets to the heart of strengthening community by providing Australians with the tools they need to get the right help at the right time. They’re an Australian charity and emerging movement that exist to help people to help each other. We know that human connection, and providing, or receiving, 

Ros McMaster

M: +61 412 108 058

roslynmcmaster@icloud.com

Cate Shaw

shawcate5@gmail.com

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