In this episode, we sit down with Tina Lifford, the celebrated actress known for her role as Aunt Vi on 'Queen Sugar.' Beyond her acting accolades, Tina is a mentor and author who champions the concept of 'Inner Fitness'.

At 70, she shares her journey of overcoming fear, embracing self-compassion, and redefining purpose throughout life's transitions.

Tina also unpacks her Inner Fitness Project, a wellness initiative aimed at helping people manage their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The episode delves into practical steps for living fully alive, the power of self-kindness, and the importance of continuous growth and intentional living.

Tina's new book, 'The Inner Fitness Revolution: A Roadmap to Your Freedom and Joy', was just released on March 11, 2025.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

01:56 Tina's Philosophy on Aging

03:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery

04:32 Overcoming paralyzing fear

08:34 The Inner Fitness Project

10:29 Living Fully Alive

14:35 Redefining Yourself

19:05 Conclusion and Call to Action

Pre-order/order Tina’s book here: https://www.theinnerfitnessproject.com/book

Visit Sage Collective to learn more about the in-person and virtual programs they offer for older adults: https://sagecollective.org

In this episode of Sage Advice Vibrant Living, we delve into the pervasive threat of financial scams targeting older adults.

Donna Gaines President of Sage Collective leads us into the conversation with a frightening scenario too many older adults have experienced.

With the help of correspondent Monique Caradine Kitchens and financial crimes expert Trevor Bundrige, the episode explores how scams—from romance and grandparent scams to phishing and tech support fraud—exploit the vulnerabilities of the elderly.

Real-life stories illustrate the emotional and financial devastation these scams can cause, and crucial tips and strategies are provided to help protect older adults and their loved ones from falling victim.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

00:03 A Startling Phone Call

00:26 Introduction to Financial Scams

01:07 Common Scamming Techniques

02:50 The Romance Scam

07:50 The Grandparent and Computer Scams

08:50 Real-Life Scam Stories

12:56 Phishing Scams and Personal Experiences

14:16 Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones

18:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

For more information on how to protect yourself from financial fraud, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an official agency of the United States Government

To learn more about the programs Sage Collective offers for older adults, visit https://sagecollective.org

There's a growing population of older adults silently trying to figure out how to finance their later years. Where will they live? How will they eat, pay bills and survive? Especially if there's no nest egg waiting for them when they retire.

In this episode, Elizabeth White shares her personal journey of financial insecurity in her 50s and how she addressed the challenges of job loss and economic instability.

She describes her journey from despair to empowerment, the power of community, and the importance of resilience.

Her book, '55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal,' serves as a guide for older adults facing similar issues, urging a national conversation on financial insecurity among aging populations and introducing innovative concepts like co-living spaces.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:

00:27 The Hidden Reality of Financial Insecurity

00:49 Elizabeth White's Story: From Despair to Community

04:27 The National Crisis: Aging and Financial Insecurity

07:31 Redefining Aging: Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Strength

08:27 A New Beginning: Elizabeth's Journey to Empowerment

13:29 The Power of Community: Resilient Circles and Shared Living

18:56 Call to Action: Shaping a New Way of Life

You can get a copy of Elizabeth’s book, 55, Underemployed and Faking Normal here:

On Amazon

On Barnes & Noble

Elizabeth is working on a co-living space for older adults. Here’s the link:

https://www.nuuagecoliving.com/

Learn about the work we do for older adults at Sage Collective:

https://sagecollective.org/residences/

Even though we may have done so in our 20s, eating hamburgers on the regular might not be the best idea once we reach a certain age!

In this episode we explore the secrets to longevity. How can a plant-based diet and "Blue Zone" eating habits become the norm among African American older adults? How can we extend our life span?

With insights from best-selling author and celebrity physician Dr. Ian Smith and raw food pioneer Karyn Calabrese, this convo covers the benefits of plant-based diets, the importance of detoxing, and practical tips for incorporating healthier habits into daily life.

Dr. Ian emphasizes the need for resistance training, proper sleep, and reduction of red meat, while Karyn shares her personal journey and the holistic practices that have kept her vibrant at nearly 80 years old.

Here are some highlights from this conversation:

01:22 Karyn Calabrese's Journey from sickly to healthy

03:46 The Benefits of Plant-Based Living

06:10 Dr. Ian Smith on Aging and Nutrition

11:30 Practical Tips for a Plant-Based Lifestyle

16:34 Karyn's Continued Mission and Resources

17:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

Find out what Karyn’s up to here:

Karyn on Instagram

https://www.shopkaryns.com/

Connect with Dr. Ian here:

Dr. Ian on Instagram

and Order Dr. Ian's new book: Eat Your Age!

Sage Collective offers numerous programs (virtual and in-person) geared specifically to older adults. Visit https://sagecollective.org

Who will help care for you as you get older?

In this episode we explore the transformative role of being a caregiver through the stories of three individuals: Ugochi, Joel, and Dawnita.

Despite unique challenges, these caregivers demonstrate unwavering commitment and support in caring for their parents. Let's take a peek into their daily routines, emotional journeys, and and find out how they avoid burnout while balancing other life responsibilities.

From Ugochi's hands-on care for her Nigerian immigrant parents to Joel's tender moments with his mother living with dementia, and Dawnita's establishment of support networks for black daughter caregivers, this episode highlights the resilience and resourcefulness required in caregiving.

Listen and gain real insights into the unseen lives of caregivers and find hope and inspiration in their stories.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

00:45 Meet the Caregivers: Ugochi's Story

07:23 Joel's Journey: A Son's Dedication

11:08 Dawnita's Experience: Balancing Life, Career and Care

13:16 Strategies for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

15:00 The Importance of a Support System - Sage Collective's New Program

20:10 Coping with Family Dynamics

22:16 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES:

• Dawnita’s organization: https://heycaregiver.com/binti-circle/

• Ugochi recommends: https://www.helpathome.com/

• Check with your city’s Department of Aging for additional resources.

Also, Sage Collective recently launched a comprehensive Caregiver Support Group. Learn more here: https://sagecollective.org/sage-advice/caregiver-support/

A healthy, sexual relationship is still possible later in life!

Welcome to Season 2 of Sage Advice Vibrant Living, the Podcast. Kicking things off is a candid conversation about how couples can maintain a strong connection and keep their love vibrant as they age.

Ministers Michael and Larraine Forrester and octogenarians Lizzie and Frank share insights on the evolving nature of love and intimacy.

The Forresters share some of their personal story and give advice on reigniting the sexual spark through mental and physical connection, while Lizzie and Frank's story emphasizes enduring love and communication.

The episode encourages couples to stay connected at every stage and age.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

00:28 The Changing Dynamics of Love and Intimacy

02:00 Meet the Forresters: Rekindling the Spark

04:53 Challenges and Triumphs in Relationships

06:33 Communication: The Key to Lasting Love

08:56 Lizzie and Frank: A Love Story for the Ages

12:44 The True Meaning of Intimacy

14:47 Wisdom on Love and Relationships

To learn more about Michael and Larraine Forrester’s work, go here:

Work Book: https://armbookstore.square.site/

Website: https://www.arelationshipministry.com/

To connect with Sage Collective and learn more about the programs they offer to older adults, visit https://sagecollective.org

Welcome back to Sage Advice: Vibrant Living, the podcast that’s redefining what it means to age well. We’re here to shift the narrative—because aging is not a disease; it’s an incredible part of our life journey.

This season, we’re bringing you thought-provoking conversations with trailblazers who embody vibrant living, including Actress Tina Lifford, Dr. Ian Smith, Author Elizabeth White, Raw Food Pioneer Karyn Calabrese, International Vocalist Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, and more!

Together, we’ll explore relationships, money, caregiving, health, sex and how to thrive as you get older.

Get ready for deep insights and actionable strategies to help you live boldly at any age. Subscribe now and join us for Season 2 of Sage Advice: Vibrant Living—where wisdom meets possibility!

🎙️ New episodes dropping 2/14/25.Visit http://sagecollective.org

The final episode in Season 1 of Sage Vibrant Living, the Podcast is a masterclass on storytelling led by a master storyteller.

Donald Brooks Jones is an author and the co-founder of Alchemy Media Publishing. He explores why storytelling matters and provides practical advice for anyone looking to tell their own stories.

From establishing the discipline of writing to distinguishing between autobiography and memoir, this discussion aims to inspire listeners to document and share their life experiences.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

02:00 The Essence of Storytelling: Starting Your Journey

02:53 Crafting Your Story: Techniques and Discipline

04:34 Overcoming Writing Challenges: Alternatives and Solutions

06:20 Memoir vs. Autobiography: Finding Your Story's Focus

08:06 Don Jones Shares His Personal Story

12:49 Writing Techniques and Story Types Explored

20:07 The Impact of Storytelling and Final Thoughts

Visit Alchemy Media Publishing and learn more about Don’s book Little Did I Know: The Coming of Age of a Black Boomer here.

This original digital content was developed for Sage AdviceⓇ the official “experience” platform of Sage Collective. Amplifying stories like this, is what Sage Collective is all about. Are YOU living vibrantly? Visit sagecollective.org and click Contact Us so we can get to know each other.