Previous Guests & Stories

ROBERT LIPSYTE - Robert Lipsyte is the host of the PBS series Life (Part 2), is a former New York Times columnist, an Emmy-winning television host, and the author of many best-selling, award-winning young adult novels. He also has written adult nonfiction, including his book, In the Country of Illness: Comfort and Advice for the Journey, which recounts his battle with cancer. Lipsyte contributes to ESPN and USA Today, and he is currently at work on a new YA novel, and a memoir, An Accidental Sportswriter. For more information on Robert, go to: http://www.pbs.org/lifepart2/.

MARCI ALBOHER - Marci Alboher is an expert on workplace trends and a Senior Fellow for Civic Ventures, a nonprofit think tank leading the call to engage millions of baby boomers as a vital workforce committed to solving the world's biggest problems. She writes the Yahoo! blog, Working the New Economy and is author of the book, One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success. Marci created the Shifting Careers blog and column for the New York Times, where she is a frequent contributor. For more information on Marci, go to: http://heymarci.com/.

LAURA CARSTENSEN, PH.D. - Laura L. Carstensen, PhD is Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, where she is also the Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr. Professor in Public Policy and the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. Laura will talk about her new book, "A Long Bright Future." For more information on Laura, go to: http://longevity.stanford.edu/about/people/leadership/carstensen .

space

JUDITH BRODER - As Judith Broder watched a play documenting the mental anguish some veterans experience coming home from war, something clicked. Broder created an organization that supports free, confidential, unlimited therapy to service members and their families and for her work, she won the 2009 Purpose Prize. For more information on Judith, go to: http://www.encore.org/prize/nominate?ref=winners.cfm.

ELIZABETH & STEPHEN ALDERMAN - The death of their son on 9/11 brought Elizabeth and Stephen Alderman merciless grief. Soon afterward, they learned that a billion people around the world experience severe trauma. To honor their son and to treat those victims, they created a global foundation that helps create homegrown mental health systems chiefly in Africa, where violence of all kinds has desecrated communities. In recognition of their work, they won the 2009 Purpose Prize. For more information on the Aldermans, go to: http://www.encore.org/prize/nominate?ref=candidatepage.cfm?candidateid=4411 .

IMPACT GIVING - Impact Giving is a women's collective giving organization that educates women to come together to effect positive social change in communities around the world. They seek to partner with 1000 women globally who give $1000 per year so that collectively they will award $1 million annually in the areas of the Arts, Environment, Hunger, Health, Children and Human Rights. For more information on Impact Giving, go to: http://www.impactgivingnow.org/.

TIM WILL - Purpose Prize winner Tim Will saw that his adopted, stunningly beautiful Appalachian community was decaying. Manufacturing jobs had moved elsewhere, so he used his telecommunications background to connect the area's agrarian past to a digitally supported future. For more information on Tim, go to: http://www.encore.org/prize/nominate?ref=winners.cfm.

ANN HIGDON - Purpose Prize winner Ann Higdon has developed charter schools to help area dropouts earn their diplomas while training for jobs, giving her students the skills they needed to build 34 homes in Dayton. Ann Higdon went from being a homeless child to an encore career transforming the lives of dropout students to find success... and hope. For more information on Ann, go to: http://www.encore.org/prize/nominate?ref=winners.cfm.

JUDEA PEARL - Judea Pearl is a UCLA computer science professor who left math equations behind to defy the terrorists who murdered his son, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, by bringing people together through the The Daniel Pearl Foundation. Dr. Pearl will discuss his Daniel Pearl World Music Days, an international network of concerts using the power of music to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and humanity. For more information on Judea, go to: http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/.

GREGG HURWITZ - Gregg Hurwitz is the author of several critically acclaimed thrillers, including "The Crime Writer," which was a finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and the ITW Best Novel of the Year awards. In addition to his novels, Gregg has written several screenplays for major studios and currently writes for Marvel Comics. He will discuss his newest novel, "Trust No One." For more information on Gregg, go to: http://gregghurwitz.net/.

THAT PERFECT MOMENT - Playwrights Charles Bartlett and Jack Cooper and Composer Sky Keegan discuss the play "That Perfect Moment," playing now at the NoHo Arts Center. The play is a bittersweet comedy that tells the story of a one-hit, late sixties rock band, now in middle-age. Charles Bartlett is a successful actor and voiceover artist and Jack Cooper is a published poet - this is their first full-length play. For more information on the play, go to: https://www.plays411.net/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=2053.

CAROL CHANNING - Carol Channing has won three Tony Awards, including one for lifetime achievement, a Golden Globe, and was nominated for an Oscar. She is best remembered for her role as Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! For years Carol has been focusing on giving back - through the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, which helps to put arts back in our schools . For more information on Carol, go to: http://www.carolchanning.org/.

JENNIFER RING - Jennifer Ring is a professor of political science and former director of women's studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her previous publications include The Political Consequences of Thinking: Gender and Judaism in the Work of Hannah Arendt, as well as works in political theory and gender and identity politics. She will discuss her new book, Stolen Bases: Why American Girls Don't Play Baseball, about her own daughter's struggle to play our national pastime. For more information on Jennifer, go to: http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/48yen7sx9780252032820.html.

MICHAEL INTRILIGATOR - Mike Intriligator is Professor of Economics, Political Science and Public Policy at UCLA, where he has been on the faculty since 1963. He is a Senior Fellow at the Milken Institute and speaks all over the world on the economic crisis. His research focuses on economic theory, econometrics, health economics, and strategy and arms control. He will discuss the current global economic crisis, its causes and strategies for potential solutions. For more information on Michael, go to: http://www.econ.ucla.edu/people/faculty/Intriligator.html.

DAVID BANK - David Bank is Vice President of Civic Ventures, a think tank helping society achieve the greatest return on experience, and Editor of www.encore.org, a website catalyzing millions of boomers to engage in encore careers, providing personal fulfillment doing paid work and producing a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems. David was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of Breaking Windows: How Bill Gates Fumbled the Future of Microsoft. For more information on David, go to http://www.civicventures.org/staff.cfm#David_Bank.

CYNTHIA TOUSSAINT - Cynthia founded For Grace, an organization helping women in pain. A former ballerina, she has suffered, after a ballet injury, from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy for 25 years and now has Fibromyalgia. Wheelchair-bound, Cynthia champions awareness of the gender bias against women in pain worldwide. She will discuss her involvement in trying to legislate economic fairness in the pharmaceutical industry. For more information on Cynthia, visit http://www.forgrace.org/.

WANDA JACKSON - Wanda Jackson is known as the "First Lady of Rock n' Roll." In the 1950s she kicked open the door for women in rock ‘n' roll and empowered female rockers to be in control, to be sexy and to write their own songs. She was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in April and will talk about her amazing career. For more information on Wanda, go to: http://www.wandajackson.com/.

JOANNE FISH - Joanne Fish has been a writer/director/producer in the documentary field for more than 25 years, traveling the world chronicling culture in exotic locales for everyone from ABC to the Travel Channel. She will talk about producing the documentary "The Sweet Lady With The Nasty Voice" about Wanda Jackson To find out more about Joanne and the film, go to http://www.wandajackson.com/trailer.html.

PAUL CUMMINS - Paul Cummins is an iconic Los Angeles educator, founder of Crossroads and New Roads Schools and the Executive Director of the New Visions Foundation. He will discuss his new book, "Why Poetry? Reflections on Poetry, Writing and Culture." For more information on Paul, go to http://www.newvisionsfnd.org/.

ROBERT WOODS - Robert Woods was the star of more than 40 "spaghetti westerns" in Italy and Spain, starting off with Clint Eastwood. He also starred in "The Battle of the Bulge" with Henry Fonda, who became a lifelong friend, along with actors like James Coburn and Charles Bronson. Robert also became the main male model for Pierre Cardin and will talk about his long and varied career. For more information on Robert, go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0939961/.

T.C. BOYLE - T.C. Boyle is the acclaimed author of 11 novels, including the PEN/Faulkner Award winning "World's End," and "Drop City," finalist for the National Book Award. He will talk about his newest novel, "The Women," which focuses through the lenses of the wives and mistresses of famously egomaniacal architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Boyle lives in Wright's George C. Stewart House near Santa Barbara). For more information on T.C. Boyle, go to: http://www.tcboyle.com/.

IRA STEINMAN, M.D. - Ira Steinman has focused on schizophrenia for 45 years and has in private practice in San Francisco been able to demonstrate that intensive psychoanalytic therapy in conjunction with the judicious use of anti-psychotic medication can help even the toughest patients recover. He will discuss his book, "Treating the Untreatable." To find out more about Ira, go to http://irasteinman.com/index.html.

KEITH ROBERTS - Keith Roberts is lead singer, acoustic guitarist and songwriter for the Irish Rock band The Young Dubliners. Keith will talk to Tim Carpenter on the Dubs bus during their St. Patrick's Day tour supporting their newest CD, "Saints and Sinners" and we will play tracks. For more information on Keith and the Dubs, go to: http://youngdubliners.com/.

PAT HARRINGTON - Pat Harrington leads the cast of Ray Bradbury's "Falling Upward," an ode to Irish pubs, at the El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District through April 5. Pat is a star of Broadway, movies and regional theatre, best known for his comic TV creations including Dwayne Schneider on "One Day At A Time." To find out more about Pat, go to http://www.raybradburysfallingupward.com/.

WILLIAM MURTHA - William Murtha is a writer, philanthropist and activist dedicated to writing about personal, social and global transformation. He is author of the forthcoming book, Dying for a Change, and founder of both Global Visionaries and The Imagination Project. He tells Tim Carpenter the amazing story of his close brush with death. For more information on Will, go to http://williammurtha.com/.

DAVID LOZELL MARTIN- David Lozell Martin's previous novels include international bestsellers Lie to Me and Tap, Tap and the critically acclaimed The Crying Heart Tattoo, The Beginning of Sorrows, and Crazy Love. In Losing Everything, his first book of nonfiction, the acclaimed novelist tells his wildest, most outlandish story yet -- his own. For more information on David, go to: http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=25&pid=620630&er=9780743294331.

FERNANDO TORRES-GIL - Fernando Torres-Gil is Dean of the UCLA School of Public Affairs where he also serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Policy Research on Aging. Professor Torres-Gil is an expert in the fields of health and long-term care, the politics of aging, social policy, ethnicity and disability, and the author of six books on these subjects. To find out more about Fernando, go to http://www.spa.ucla.edu/dept.cfm?d=ps&s=faculty&f=faculty1.cfm&id=263.

SAM ANDERSON - Sam Anderson appears as Bernard on ABC's megahit, "Lost." His film roles include "La Bamba" and "Forrest Gump" and he has over 100 guest starring roles on TV shows such as "Boston Legal," "C.S.I." and "Malcolm in the Middle." Sam is Co-Artistic Director of The Road Theatre Company in North Hollywood and will discuss his current critically acclaimed role in "The Bird and Mr. Banks" there. And "Mr. Banks" surely knows the ups and downs of getting older! For more information on Sam, go to http://www.roadtheatre.org/.

MARK ST. AMANT - Mark St. Amant serves on the Artistic Board and is Chairman of the Literary Committee for The Road Theatre Company. An award-winning actor, Mark has worked in film, television, commercials, and various regional theatres around the country and he will discuss, along with Sam Anderson, the play "The Bird and Mr. Banks," which he directs at the Road currently. For more information on Mark, go to http://www.roadtheatre.org/.

KATHRYN HALL TRUJILLO - Kathryn founded the Birthing Project, an organization that recreates pregnancy for black women in America by giving them the support that only a true peer and community member can provide. For more information on Kathryn, go to http://www.birthingprojectusa.com/.

TERRIE ROSE - Terrie founded Baby's Space, an organization that delivers her model of quality child care and early childhood development grounded in the perspective of infants and young children and reflective of the context of their families and communities. To find out more about Terrie, go to http://www.babyspace.org/.

JILL VIALET - Jill founded Sports4Kids with the realization that play is fundamental to academic achievement and social growth, and that inner-city children most in need of a safe place to play are the least likely to find it at school. Sports4Kids provides schools with a comprehensive recreation program that taps community resources to meet the needs of disadvantaged children. For more information on Jill, go to http://www.sports4kids.org/.

CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY LAWFORD - Christopher Kennedy Lawford is the son of President John F. Kennedy's sister Patricia and famous Rat Pack actor Peter Lawford. Sober now for 22 years, Chris shared his personal story of redemption in his memoir "Symptoms of Withdrawal." He will discuss his newest book, "Moments of Clarity," which collects stories across all barriers of celebrity, color and class as people share the moments that marked the beginning of clarity for them. For more information on Chris and his books, go to http://www.christopherkennedylawford.com/.

FABRICE FLORIN - Fabrice is the founder of NewsTrust.net, a social news network that helps people find and share good journalism online to make more informed decisions as citizens. He developed Handtap, a provider of multimedia content for mobile phones, and Macromedia's shockwave.com. Fabrice was executive producer at Apple Computer, president of Videowest, an innovative TV production studio, and was recently elected an Ashoka Fellow for his work as a social entrepreneur. To find out more about Fabrice and NewsTrust, go to http://newstrust.net/.

ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER - Since a chance meeting at the University of Denver, Andy Hill and his singing partner Renee Safier have carved out a unique musical niche for themselves in the LA club scene and beyond. Andy and Renee will play LIVE in studio and talk about their musical journey. For more information on Andy and Renee, go to http://www.andyandrenee.com/.

STELLA MORA HENRY - Stella Mora Henry, R.N., is an eldercare specialist and the cofounder of Vista del Sol Care Center in Culver City, California. She has been featured in Time, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and on NPR. She will talk about her new book, "The Eldercare Handbook." For more information on Stella, go to http://www.eldercarehandbook.com/.

JASON ALEXANDER - Jason Alexander is best known for his role as George Costanza on the hit TV show "Seinfeld" but has most recently become the Artistic Director for Reprise Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Jason will talk about his upcoming role in the Reprise musical comedy "I Love My Wife," and in directing a theater company. For more information on Jason, go to http://www.reprise.org/index2.html.

ANDREW ZUCKERMAN - Andrew Zuckerman is an award-winning photographer and director. He directed the film "High Falls" and is the author of the book "Creature." He will discuss his newest book, "Wisdom," in which he photographs, films and interviews 50 of the world's most prominent people over the age of 65. For more information on Andrew, go to http://www.andrewzuckerman.com/.

PHOEBE BEASLEY - Phoebe Beasley is a multi-accomplished artist that has been honored by two American Presidents and celebrates the African American experience. Phoebe's work will be featured at the "Rainbows and Fading Sunsets" exhibit at the M. Hanks Gallery from November through January. For more info on Phoebe, visit http://www.phoebebeasley.com/homepage.htm.

HERBERT GOLD - Herb Gold is the author of dozens of books, rose to national fame with his roman à clef Fathers, was a longtime chronicler of the Beat movement and a lifelong friend of Allen Ginsberg. He will discuss his newest book, Still Alive: A Temporary Condition . For more info on Herb and the new book, visit http://arcadepub.com/book/?GCOI=55970100200640.

BILL BERKELEY - Bill Berkeley was the first president of Elderhostel, America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over, and the world's first organization touting lifelong learning for older adults, currently providing learning adventures to 160,000 older adults each year in more than 90 countries. For more info on Bill and Elderhostel, visit http://www.elderhostel.org/.

LAURENCE & HOPE JUBER - Laurence and Hope Juber have written and produced a musical called "It's the Housewives," which opens in LA in September. Laurence is a Grammy-winning composer, songwriter and world-renowned musician who is best known as the lead guitarist of Paul McCartney's Wings. Hope is a playwright and songwriter and daughter of Sherwood Schwartz, creator of TV's Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island For more information on Laurence and Hope, go to http://www.itsthehousewives.com/production.htm.

THURSTON CLARKE - Thurston Clarke has written 11 widely acclaimed books of fiction and nonfiction, including three New York Times notable books: The Last Caravan, Equator and California Fault. He will discuss his new book, The Last Campaign: Robert F. Kennedy and 82 Days That Inspired America. For more info on Thurston and the new book, visit http://www.thurstonclarke.com/.

PAUL CUMMINS - Paul Cummins founded the Crossroads School in Santa Monica in 1971, taught English at Harvard School and Oakwood School, as well as at UCLA, and founded the New Visions Foundation and New Roads School in recent years. He is the author of four books and will discuss an innovative new education and transition program that helps incarcerated youths. For more info on Paul and New Visions, visit http://www.newvisionsfnd.org/.

HYWEL SIMS - Hywel Sims is the Executive Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. He will talk about their 30^th anniversary season and the rich history of the chorus . For more info on Hywel and the chorus, visit http://www.gmcla.org/public/.

MARSHALL KAPLAN - Marshall Kaplan is Executive Director of the Merage Foundations and former Dean of the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs, where he also headed the Wirth Chair and Institute for Public Policy. Marshall was a senior official at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more info on Marshall, visit http://meragefoundations.com/merage_bios.html.

ELLEN GEER - Ellen Geer has been Artistic Director for the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, a professional repertory, open-air theater in Topanga Canyon, since 1978. She plays a leading role in bringing theater education to Los Angeles school children through several successful Theatricum sponsored programs and continues her extensive acting career. Geer also serves as a Visiting Professor, teaching acting, at the UCLA School of Theater. For more info on Ellen, visit http://www.theatricum.com/.

MARSHA HUNT - Marsha Hunt was an actress that appeared in her first film in 1935 and over the next 12 years appeared in 44 films including Pride and Prejudice and Lost Angel. In 1947 when the House Un-American Activities Committee began their investigation into the Motion Picture Industry, although not associated with left-wing groups, Hunt became a leader of the campaign against the blacklist. Because of her opposition, Hunt was herself blacklisted and struggled to get work in Hollywood. She became involved in charitable activities and worked for various United Nations projects. For more info on Marsha, visit http://www.altfg.com/blog/actors/marsha-hunt/.

BERNIE WEINRAUB - retired New York Times Hollywood and Washington reporter Bernie Weinraub discusses his first play The Accomplices, which won the NYC Stellar Network's 2006 competition, about how U.S. leaders ignored the Holocaust and stymied the immigration of European Jews fleeing Hitler in the 1940s. For more information on Bernie and "The Accomplices," opening July 19 at the Fountain Theater in Hollywood, go to

http://www.fountaintheatre.com/perform.html.

CYNTHIA FRIEDLOB - On this edition of "In My Experience," Cynthia waxes poetic about writers and ageism in this crazy town. Cynthia's career includes many years as a writer of children's television shows and family feature films. She wrote the humorous self-help book, Sorting It Out: One Disorganized Woman Solves the Problem of Too Much Stuff, and blogs at "The Thoughtful Consumer." For more information on Cynthia, go to http://www.cynthiafriedlob.com.

SHARON BEGLEY - Sharon, widely known for her ability to break down complex scientific theories and write about them in beautiful prose, is a Senior Editor and Science Columnist for Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and the author of the ground-breaking book, Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain. For more info on Sharon, visit http://www.newsweek.com/id/32249.

BERNICE BRATTER - Bernice is the author of Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women, a licensed marriage and family therapist and an advocate for both women and the aging. She has been featured on 60 Minutes, 20/20 and in Hour Detroit magazine. For more info on Bernice and her book, visit

http://www.simonsays.com/content/destination.cfm?tab=1&pid=520389.

ARNOLD BRESKY, M.D. - Dr. Bresky is a physician specializing in geriatric health and will talk about his new book, "The Secret for Caregiver Success," plus his 9-point system for health, longevity and "tuning up the brain." For more information on Dr. Bresky, visit http://www.mybraintuneup.com/.

JOAN CARR-WIGGIN - Joan directed "A Previous Engagement," a new independent film now in theaters, from her original screenplay. It tells the story of a librarian who talks her unadventurous husband into a Malta vacation to rendezvous for a date she made 25 years earlier with her first love. For more information on Joan and the film, visit http://www.apreviousengagement.com/.

PAUL LAZARUS - Paul is a director, producer and writer of television, film, and theater projects. He is currently directing a groundbreaking revisionist production of John Steinbeck's beloved tale "Of Mice & Men" at the Pasadena Playhouse. Lazarus sets the play in 1942 during the midst of the Bracero Treaty between the United States and Mexico and primarily features a Latino cast. To find out more about Paul, visit http://www.paullazarus.net/ and about the play at http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/.

CHIP ST. CLAIR - the author of "The Butterfly Garden" talks about his memoir detailing his childhood on the run with his father - who he would find out was one of America's most wanted criminals. Chip is the recipient of a U.S. Congressional Record for ardent advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children and fights to keep child predators behind bars. For more information on Chip and his book, visit http://www.butterflygardenmemoir.com/?page_id=4.

JYLL JOHNSTONE - the award-winning director of Hats Off, a feature-length documentary that profiles the extraordinary 93-year-old actress Mimi Weddell. With the style and grace of Katharine Hepburn, the smoky wit of Dorothy Parker, Mimi is truly an iconic American original, rising above the mundane and difficult confines of her own daily life to reach for the stars and fulfill her dreams. For more information on Jyll, Mimi and the film, visit http://www.hatsoffthemovie.com/.

MIMI WEDDELL - Actress-Model-Mother-Independent Thinker-Free Spirit Mimi Weddell is extraordinary by anyone's account. A striking beauty who speaks with authority and passion on any number of topics, Mimi, cigarette holder in hand, strikes a pose the moment the camera is on her. 93 years old and moving with an intensity most 20-year-olds only dream about, Mimi conquers the world on a daily basis thanks to her wit, grace, and her mantra -- "Rise Above It" -- the phrase written on the walls and even the kitchen floor of the New York City apartment she shares with her daughter, son, son-in-law, and until recently, grandson. To find out more about Mimi, visit http://www.hatsoffthemovie.com/.

JOHN OUTTERBRIDGE - world-renowned artist John Outterbridge's art is influenced by themes that refer to his African and African American heritage, his family, his community and his experiences. His work, assemblage in which he manipulates found objects, reflects his interest in folk art form. ET's Rebecca Novick visited him in his studio to talk about art, retirement and, well, not retiring whatsoever. For more information on John, go to http://www.lacma.org/MICNow/artists/Outterbridge/outterbridgebio.htm.

MARCIE PITT-CATSOUPHES, PH.D. - Marcie is Co-Director of the Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility at Boston College and an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at BC. She will discuss workplace flexibility and the changing ideas of work and retirement as we age. For more information on Marcie, go to http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/.

THE UC BERKELEY RETIREMENT CENTER - a profile of the winner of Civic Ventures' Breakthrough Award. To tap into the incredible brain power of retired staff, UC Berkeley created a website in 2002 to connect former staff to current short-term or part-time openings. Retired staff post online profiles that list their skills, work history and preferences, then hiring managers contact retirees - or vice versa - about open jobs. For more information on the Center, go to http://thecenter.berkeley.edu/.

ERROL MORRIS - Errol is the Academy award-winning documentary director of such films as The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War and his newest, Weapon of Mass Distortion . In this "In My Experience" segment, he talks about whether he ever will retire. For more information about Errol Morris and his films, go to: http://www.errolmorris.com/.

JOHN GOMPERTS- John is President of Civic Ventures and CEO of Experience Corps. He also has served as Chief Operating Officer at Public Education Network and Chief of Staff of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and the National Senior Service Corps . For more information on John, go to http://www.civicventures.org/.

CLAIRE HAAGA ALTMAN - Claire is the Executive Director of ReServe, an organization that won the 2007 Breakthrough Award for its work connecting experienced older adults with stipend-paying jobs challenging them to use their lifetime skills for the public good. She also served for two decades as founder and President of Housing and Services, Inc. For more information on Claire, go to http://www.reserveinc.org/.

CORNELIUS MARX - Cornelius was CEO of three companies in three industries - wine and spirits, publishing, and mail processing - over a 25 year period. Now, at "retirement age," he mentors small- to mid-sized companies in service or distribution businesses, serves as a ReServist for CUNY's Field Center for Entrepreneurship, and serves as Board Member, adviser and consultant to several nonprofit organizations in the fields of performing arts and education.

HOWARD & MARIKA STONE - Howard and Marika Stone chose not to retire at the end of successful careers in international publishing and public relations - instead, they began new careers as life coach and yoga teacher, respectively. In 1998, they co-founded a website, 2young2retire.com, to advocate an alternative vision of the post-midlife years, providing ideas and advice about meaningful work and community engagement . For more information on the Stones, go to http://www.2young2retire.com/.

DEE DEE MYERS - Dee Dee Myers served as White House Press Secretary during the Clinton administration and authored the book Why Women Should Rule the World: A Memoir. In this "In My Experience" segment, she talks about the changing idea of work as we mature.

GENE COHEN, M.D., PH.D. - Dr. Cohen is the Director of the Center for Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University and the lead researcher for the groundbreaking study on Aging and Creativity. He is the author of The Creative Age and The Mature Mind. For more information on Dr. Cohen, go to http://www.gwumc.edu/cahh/about/cohen.htm.

DAVID GALENSON - David is a professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago and the author of the book Old Masters and Young Geniuses: Two Life Cycles of Artistic Creativity. For more information on David, go to http://www.davidgalenson.com/.

JESSICA HOLT - Jessica Holt, a professional artist, founded the Bauen Camp in 1999 on 70 acres in the foothills of Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains. She is a Purpose Prize Fellow. For more information on Jessica, go to http://www.thebauencamp.com/.

GENE JONES - Gene, a decorated WW II bomber pilot, built his post-war career by turning failing businesses into profitable corporations. In 1999, at the age of 84, he turned his attention to the next generation by creating Opening Minds through the Arts . For more information on Gene, go to http://www.omaproject.org/.

PHIL BORGES - At the age of 45, Phil left a successful orthodontic practice and declared himself a full-time photographer. At 58, at the peak of international acclaim, he turned his talent to expanding children's worldview and cultural knowledge by creating Bridges to Understanding. For more information on Phil, go to http://www.bridgesweb.org/.

ABIGAIL TRAFFORD - Abigail is a Washington Post columnist who pens the column "My Time" about issues of later life and she is the author of the book My Time. To find out more about her go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/.

JOHN WOOD - The author of Leaving Microsoft to Save the World discusses walking away from a top-level job to dedicate his life to serving a social cause, founding the Room to Read program. For more information on John, go to www.leavingmicrosoftbook.com. Original music for this segment by Laurent LaFramboise.

GORDON JOHNSON - after trying to change foster care from inside the system, Gordon took matters into his own hands, founding Neighbor To Family, a private nonprofit foster care agency that focuses on keeping siblings together. He was awarded The Purpose Prize in 2007 in recognition of his work. For more information on Gordon, go to www.neighbortofamily.org.

LINDA FRIED - Dr. Fried is the Director of the Center on Aging and Health, Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology and the Director of the Training Program in Clinical and Population-based Research on Aging in the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins. She co-founded Experience Corps. For more information on Linda, go to http://faculty.jhsph.edu/?F=Linda&L=Fried.

BARBARA THOMAS - Barbara is an Experience Corps volunteer at Malcolm X Elementary School in the Bay View Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco. For more information on Barbara, go to http://www.encore.org/news/experience-corps-mrs-tho.

WILMA MELVILLE - After raising four sons and a career as a physical education teacher, Wilma had earned her retirement. Instead, she began a second career, founding the National Search Dog Foundation. For more information on Wilma and her program, go to http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/98/html/index.html.

MARY COHEN - Mary was born in Chicago, raised in the Bronx and settled in North Hollywood, CA after serving in the army during WWII. In this "In My Experience" segment, she talks about what giving back means to her.

SHIRLEY MACLAINE - A movie star looks back. Shirley MacLaine will share how her celebrity afforded her access to everyone from Frank Sinatra to Stephen Hawkins - and what she lkearned from them. She is the author of the new book, Sage-ing While Age-ing. For more information on Shirley, go to www.shirleymaclaine.com.

STUDS TERKEL - master storyteller Studs Terkel has the microphone turned on him for a change - to tell the story of his own unique lifetime in radio. Studs has been an award-winning author, radio broadcaster and American treasure for more than six decades. For more information on Studs, go to www.studsterkel.org.

ANDY GOODMAN - Andy Goodman tells us how to dig deep into our experiences to best share what we have learned - and quite possibly to change society while we are at it. Andy is a communications consultant and trainer specializing in helping nonprofits, foundations, government agencies and educational institutions communicate more effectively. He is also a Civic Ventures Senior Fellow. For more information on Andy, go to www.agoodmanonline.com.

THE STORY OF MY LIFE - be inspired by the story of Suzanne Knode, who at 63 discovered the storyteller within her. She wrote a screenplay for a writing class - which was successful beyond her wildest dreams. To see a portrait of Suzanne on This American Life on Showtime, go to http://www.sho.com/site/thisamericanlife/prevepisodes.do?episodeid=12171. For more information on the Senior Artists Colony, go to: http://www.seniorartistscolony.com/.

STORYCORPS - PEG & DAN STEINBERG - Peg Steinberg tells her son Dan about her onset of cancer, from the NPR show StoryCorps. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is archived at the Library of Congress and millions hear the award-winning broadcasts on public radio and the Internet. For more information on StoryCorps and to hear this piece and others, go to www.storycorps.net/listen/peg-and-dan-steinberg.

CYNTHIA FRIEDLOB - Cynthia is an author and creator of the blog The Thoughtful Consumer, which suggests a 3-step plan to reclaim our consumer sanity, un-clutter our homes and improve our environment. Cynthia wrote pieces for Experience Talks while attending a recent writing class along with Suzanne Knode at the Burbank Senior Artists Colony. For more information on Cynthia, go to www.thethoughtfulconsumer.blogspot.com/.

MARC FREEDMAN - Founder and CEO of CIVIC VENTURES, he also led the effort to create Experience Corps and the Purpose Prize. Marc is the author of ENCORE: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life and will discuss finding purpose in later life. For more information on Marc and Civic Ventures, go to www.civicventures.org.

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON - the nationally syndicated columnist, author of ten books and co-founder and editor of the HuffingtonPost.com will discuss reinventing yourself without fear. Her latest book is On Becoming Fearless.... in Love, Work, and Life and she is co-host of "Left, Right & Center," public radio's popular political roundtable program and her weekly commentary is syndicated in newspapers across the country. For more information on Arianna, go to www.huffingtonpost.com.

FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH HARDSHIP - Purpose Prize Winner Wilson Goode, former Mayor of Philadelphia who mentors children of incarcerated parents, and 9/11 widow Nikki Stern discuss their sense of purpose found in the face of tragedy. For more info on Wilson Goode go to www.amachimentoring.org. For more info on Nikki Stern go to http://1womansvu.wordpress.com/about-2/.

A PROFILE OF SALLY BINGHAM - a profile of the Purpose Prize-winning homemaker turned Episcopal priest. We follow the founder of the Regeneration Project as she works to combat global warming by organizing religious organizations of all denominations to buy green electricity to reduce consumption in their buildings of worship, and by getting them to preach a moral obligation to protect the environment. For more info on Sally Bingham go to http://www.theregenerationproject.org/.

JERRY RUHL, PH.D. - the co-author of "Living Your Unlived Life" discusses his philosophy of finding true purpose in the second half of life. In the first half of his life Ruhl was a journalist and managed communications for two major corporations, but at midlife realized he had climbed far up the corporate ladder only to discover it was "leaning against the wrong wall." He'll discuss ways to determine true purpose while coping with unrealized dreams. For more info on Jerry Ruhl go to http://www.jerryruhlrobertjohnson.com/.

ROBERT STONE - the acclaimed author of seven novels, such as "Damascus Gate," "A Flag For Sunrise" and the National Book Award-winning "A Hall of Mirrors" discusses his career and his unique memory of the 60's from his memoir, "Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties."

DAVID QUAMMEN, science journalist and author of four novels & six nonfiction books including The Song of the Dodo and Monster of God discusses his newest book, The Reluctant Mr. Darwin, about Charles Darwin and his Theory of Evolution. Quammen wrote the popular column Natural Acts for Outside magazine from 1981 to 1995, for which he received the National Magazine Award twice.

For the first time, "the old old" - those over 85 - are the fastest growing segment of the population - and at a time with the fewest caregivers. FRONTLINE producer MIRI NAVASKY, whose 94-year-old grandmother Estelle Strongin is featured in the film, discusses the new realities of aging in America and her film LIVING OLD.

Director MICHAEL APTED will discuss his landmark films documenting the lives of a disparate group of Brits in seven-year intervals - his newest installment, expertly edited with excerpts from the earlier editions to provide illumination on the lives of its subjects, 49 UP is a deeply moving meditation on the natural evolution of existence, recently showcased at the New York Film Festival.

REV. MEL WHITE was a ghostwriter and confidant of such conservative figures as Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, and Oliver North when, in 1994, he made a break with the Christian Right by coming out as a gay man. That story was documented in his memoir, Stranger at the Gate. Now, Mel's new book, "Religion Gone Bad" is an insider's look at Christian fundamentalists and their plans for America.

Documentary filmmakers, NICK DOOB and CHRIS HEGEDUS who brought us The War Room, a behind-the-scenes look at the Clinton presidential campaign, talk about their new release, AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE. The film, that opens this week, follows Al Franken's humorous and high-spirited journey from SNL writer and comedian to political commentator, radio host, and possible future Senator.

Early in his career, an audition with Carlos Santana led to GREG WALKER being selected as the lead vocalist for The Santana Band. Touring Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States, Greg thrilled audiences with his dynamic style and became the focal point of the group's new sound. His talents led Santana into the musical mainstream with three platinum albums; Amigos, Inner Secrets and Moonflower. Subsequently, Greg became a highly sought-after lead singer for musicians and recording artists, such as Herbie Hancock, Kenny G., Jeff Lorber, Rodney Franklin, and Keiko Matsui. He’s also frequently toured with Joan Baez.

We'll follow the journey of the CHARLES BUKOWSKI archives as they make their way to their final resting place at Pasadena's Huntington Library. We'll hear from his widow, LINDA BUKOWSKI, about her surprising collaboration with manuscript curator, Sue Hodson, who believes that it's time for tradition to honor this maverick American writer.

John Badham was born in England and raised in Alabama. He produced and directed for television in the 60’s and 70’s before his breakthrough 1977 box office hit, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER which earned John Travolta an Oscar nomination for his role as Tony Manero. Other hits on Badham’s resume include BLUE THUNDER, SHORT CIRCUIT and WARGAMES, with Matthew Broderick playing a computer whiz-kid just a few clicks away from starting World War III. John Badham will talk about his new book I’LL BE IN MY TRAILER: THE CREATIVE WARS BETWEEN DIRECTORS AND ACTORS that takes a look behind the scenes on film sets from the 70s through to the present.

UCLA computer science professor JUDEA PEARL (right) has left math equations behind to defy the terrorists who murdered his son, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, in 2002. AKBAR AHMED (left), a professor of Islamic Studies, is Pearl’s partner and envoy to Muslims in the U.S. and abroad. The two now travel the country to speak at dialogues for Muslim-Jewish understanding, linking their life stories to a larger call for reconciliation and providing a rare forum for moderate Muslims in the U.S. The Daniel Pearl Foundation sponsors fellowships for journalists and an Internet news service for high school journalists, advocates press freedom, and organizes world music days to bring people together. Ahmed is the first Muslim ever invited to speak at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington. Pearl and Ahmed are both winners of THE PURPOSE PRIZE, investing $100,000 in the work of people over 60 who are engaged in social change.

Award-winning writer JULIA CAMERON is the author of twenty-four books, fiction and nonfiction, including The Artist's Way, Walking in This World, The Vein of Gold, and The Right to Write, her bestselling works on the creative process. A novelist, playwright, songwriter and poet, she has extensive credits in theater, film and television.

SHERRY LANSING broke new ground in the 1980s when, as Chairman of 20th Century Fox, she became the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio. She later became Chairman of Paramount Pictures. Today, she focuses her energies on philanthropic endeavors through her work with the Sherry Lansing Foundation.

The announcement the 5 winners of THE PURPOSE PRIZE. We talk with the people who selected the recipients of this first-time award from the 15 finalists 60 & over who make a difference in our communities. Each of the five chosen will receive $100,000 towards their projects.
Click the photo to visit the Civic Ventures site and pre-register for the LIVE WEBCAST and join the Purpose Prize Innovation Summit at the Stanford Center for Social Innovation on Thursday, September 7th (2 PM PT/11 AM ET)

CARMEN LUNDY is a renowned jazz vocalist and performer. Her newest release, Jazz and The New Songbook-Live at The Madrid, is her first live recording and features many musicians with whom she has worked over her 30 year career.

From his home town of Lost Cabin, Wyoming, Buck Page was a true cowboy all his life. He began performing at the age of 11, and when he was 14, he formed the original RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE. Buck started in radio playing string bass and rhythm guitar and The Riders became NBC staff members for three years at KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, PA. the first radio station in history, doing five one hour radio shows per week coast to coast before heading to WOR Radio in New York. The Riders were known for songs like "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "Tumbling Tumble Weeds," and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You".

Buck recorded and played with Glen Miller, Buck Owens, Benny Goodman and many other greats, and played on the original recording of the theme song for "Bonanza" and more. He was good friends and worked with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and many of the great singing cowboys. Buck appeared in numerous movies including Spartacus, King Richard and The Crusaders, The Eddie Cantor Story, The Boy from Oklahoma, and A Star is Born with Judy Garland.

TURK PIPKIN’s documentary film Nobelity puts the tough questions concerning the most urgent issues of our day to the brightest minds of our time. Inspired by his love for his two daughters, and wondering what kind of planet he is leaving for them to inherit, Turk travels the world to seek out and speak with Nobel Laureates. As a result, he ends up with a deeper understanding of the problems facing our world and a deeper connection with humanity at large.
Turk Pipkin is an actor, a former stand-up comedian, and the author of books on topics as diverse as gambling, comedy and the waters of Texas. He’s also published two novels including When Angels Sing, published by Algonquin Books. Turk can be seen as a recurring character in the third season of "The Sopranos."

LAWRENCE BLOCK is one of America’s most beloved mystery crime writers. He is best known for two long-running series about the recovering alcoholic, P.I. Matthew Scudder, and gentleman burglar, Bernie Rhodenbarr. Block has published over fifty novels and more than a hundred short stories, setting most of his fiction in his home city of New York. He was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993. His latest book Hit Parade centers around the character of John Keller, a professional killer with a conscience.

In his 33-year musical career, Frank Zappa proved to be one of the most prolific musician-composers of his era, releasing over 60 albums, almost all of which consisted of original compositions. He was also a renowned electric guitarist and a gifted producer-engineer who self-produced almost every recording he made after his 1966 debut. His work spanned virtually every contemporary musical genre and was often noted for its blend of high art, rock opera, absurdity, and for its caustic satire. Zappa has a large and fiercely dedicated worldwide following, and his albums were a strong influence on other groups, but he never cared much for mainstream acclaim.

GAIL ZAPPA married Frank in 1967 and they remained together for 28 years, until his death in 1993. They had four children: Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. Gail Zappa handles the businesses of her late husband under the company name the Zappa Family Trust. In 1995, Gail Zappa undertook a major reissue programme in conjunction with Rykodisc Records. The entire catalogue of over 50 of her late husband's albums was remastered and re-packaged with loving care.

"What a long, strange trip it’s been!"
Musician & Actor, BILL MUMY.
The prolific actor & musician talks about his acting career including “Lost in Space” and “The Twilight Zone” and his musical journey & latest solo CD, “With Big Ideas,” plus a live musical performance.

On All Saints Day, 2003, GENE ROBINSON was consecrated as the Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. His appointment sparked a controversy that has threatened to create a schism in the Anglican Church. Gene Robinson has been an advocate for anti-racism training, he's worked for debt relief for impoverished nations, lobbied for socially-responsible investment within and beyond the Church, promoted access to health care for the uninsured as well as doing AIDS work in the US and in Africa. But to many he's simply the ‘gay Bishop’. A new biography Going to Heaven: The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson is now availible from Soft Skull Press.

Over a varied career in business, PURPOSE PRIZE finalist ROBERT CHAMBERS had occasion to work as a car salesman, where he saw both the routine ways dealerships prey on low-income buyers and the bind that rural low-income buyers are in if they don't qualify for a loan. Without a car, they often can't get a job that would allow them to build up their credit. So, in 2001, Chambers created Bonnie CLAC (Car Loans and Counseling) to provide car loans at low-interest rates to low-income buyers, offer financial management courses, and help people get a leg up on a middle-class life. To make it work, Chambers works out agreements with car dealers and banks, and Bonnie CLAC guarantees the loans. So far, more than 725 people have purchased cars with help from Chambers.

GREG WALKER
Early in his career, an audition with Carlos Santana led to Greg Walker being selected as the lead vocalist for The Santana Band. Touring Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States, Greg thrilled audiences with his dynamic style and became the focal point of the group's new sound. His talents led Santana into the musical mainstream with three platinum albums; Amigos, Inner Secrets and Moonflower. Subsequently, Greg became a highly sought-after lead singer for musicians and recording artists, such as Herbie Hancock, Kenny G., Jeff Lorber, Rodney Franklin, and Keiko Matsui. He’s also frequently toured with Joan Baez. His solo albums include the CD, Never Better.

ELLEN ADLER, daughter of the legendary acting teacher, STELLA ADLER, and JACK RODGERS, Vice President of the Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles.

On August 4th, Stella Adler is receiving a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Our guests will illuminate her personality, her passion, and her legacy, as well as her uncompromising and often demanding teaching style that influenced students such as Marlon Brando, Elia Kazan, Warren Beatty, Robert DeNiro, Candice Bergen, Melanie Griffith, Harvey Keitel, and Mark Ruffalo.

Stella Adler is the founder of a unique American approach to acting.
She and Lee Strasberg were both members of The Group Theatre and
began as disciples of the great Russian acting coach, Stanislavski.
Actors were required to think of a moment in their own lives when
they had felt the desired emotion and then replay the emotion in a role in order to achieve a more genuine performance. (Method acting was
developed from Stanislavski's system.) Stanislavski later told Stella
that his theories would had evolved past "sense memory", which he
felt could be actually harmful to the actor, and into the use of the
imagination. Stella Adler pursued this direction, while Strasberg
remained faithful to "sense memory."

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have
one” Stella Adler

Click to view a larger version of the photo and learn more about photographer Art Kane

Documentary filmmaker, JEAN BACH. In August of 1958, in front of a Harlem brownstone, first-time photographer Art Kane assembled 57 of the greatest jazz stars of all time and snapped a picture that would become the most famous photo in the history of jazz. Narrated by Quincy Jones, Jean Bach's documentary, A Great Day in Harlem, recently released on DVD, examines the lives of the musicians who showed up that day to make history.

Renowned Harvard psychologist, DANIEL GILBERT talks about his new book Stumbling on Happiness published by Knopf.

Why are lovers quicker to forgive partners for infidelity than for leaving dirty dishes in the sink? Why will sighted people pay more to avoid going blind than blind people will pay to regain their sight? Why are shoppers happier when they can’t get refunds?

Vividly bringing to life the latest scientific research in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics, Gilbert reveals what scientists have discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future, and about our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get there.

We'll also hear from a documentary filmmaker and others from a dialogue group in Michigan made up of women from both Arab and Jewish descent, as they talk about trying to understand the other. The group, called ZEITOUNA, means (olive in Arabic) uses the process of dialogue as a means to personal transformation, believing that to change the world, one must first change oneself. Their differences are many, but they share the desire to bridge the gulf that has developed between their two communities. The movie REFUSING TO BE ENEMIES by Zeitouna member, Laurie White, documents the developing relationship of these twelve women over a four-year period and their recent visit to Israel and Palestine.


				*Previous Guests & Stories*



	Home \| Our Next Program \| Previous Guests \| Our Team \| About Us \| Listen