"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"

Designing Your Slice of Heaven with Leo Santana

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786819/fan_mail/new] Got a garden plot you're not sure what to do with? Or maybe a balcony that could use a little extra spice? Well good news! Leo Santana returns this week to help point you in the right direction. For those who haven't heard Leo on the show before, he's an interior designer and one of the founders of D'Novo Design. He shares a ton of information about making your garden and balcony space into a truly beautiful and comfortable place to be: picking plants that suit your location, finding decor that matches the vibe, and all the secrets of design that'll make your balcony the envy of both friends and onlookers. To see some of Leo's design work for yourself, you can follow him on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/leosantana178/], or visit his website at dnovodesign.com. [https://dnovodesign.com/] And if you're in need of a consultation, you can also send him an email at leosantanadesign@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod [https://www.instagram.com/barbjanet/]. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

Why Essentrics is Essential with Susan B.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786819/fan_mail/new] Time to get moving! This week's show sheds some light on a little-known (but positively excellent) exercise program called Essentrics, which might just hold the secrets to unlocking the body stiffness most of us experience as we age.  This week's guest is Susan, a former Essentrics coach who's been doing their workouts herself for many years. She describes the program as "One of the best things that's ever happened to me," and it's easy to see why: it's musical, whimsical and puts lots of emphasis on staying fit & limber without pushing yourself too hard. While most exercise plans focus on concentric movements like weight lifting, Essentrics instead prioritizes eccentric movements, which use the muscles fully extended and don't require weights of any kind. As Susan explains, they pack a ton of benefits for anyone with stiff joints or trouble moving around. Just look at Susan herself! At 76 years old, she can still get on her hands and knees to play with her baby grandson - and even stand back up with him in her arms. And the best news? You don't even need to leave your house! There are in-person Essentrics classes running all over the place, but if you can't find one near you, they also have a huge repository of classes available to stream online at essentrics.com. [https://essentrics.com/] For any of our listeners in the USA, you can also find their workouts on PBS, under the name "Classical Stretch." Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod [https://www.instagram.com/barbjanet/]. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

Summertime Sadness: Seasonal Depression in Warmer Weather with Jackie Adams

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786819/fan_mail/new] Did you know Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't limited to the winter months? Our good friend and resident mental health expert Jackie Adams returns this week to shed some light on why seasonal depression can sometimes rear its ugly head as the weather warms up. From longer days leading to less sleep, to the pressure of getting your "beach bod" ready (and the self-esteem trouble that comes from not having one), Jackie dives into all of the various factors that might lead to stress, anxiety and depression in the summer.  But of course, those factors only tell part of the story - which is why we also discuss the impact of social media and the draining effect of the 24-hour news cycle on our mental health. If you'd like to get in contact with Jackie for therapy or advice, you can send her an email at JackieLAdams@gmail.com, or visit her website [https://www.jackieadamscounseling.com/] for more information. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod [https://www.instagram.com/barbjanet/]. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

Life Reflections at 73

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786819/fan_mail/new] In this rare and deeply personal solo episode, Barb reflects on her 73 years of life on Earth, and all the things she's learned and experienced in that time. She discusses love, heartbreak, connection, loss, sadness, joy, and most importantly, how all of those experiences have affected the person she is today.  She also shares some excellent tips for fellow Boomers on how she stays fit, happy, and healthy - both mentally and physically. (Hint: It helps to start as early as you can. Take notes, 20-somethings!) Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod [https://www.instagram.com/barbjanet/]. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

Journaling: A Resurgence

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786819/fan_mail/new] Can journaling help reduce stress, process grief, spark self-discovery, and even become part of the legacy we leave behind? In this thoughtful conversation, Barb and returning guest Denise Torgerson explore the many forms journaling can take—from art and gratitude journals to guided prompts, and even letter writing. They share personal stories of using journals through major life transitions, including loss, dating, healing, and personal growth, while reflecting on why putting pen to paper can be such a powerful act of self-care. Whether you’ve kept journals for decades or have never written a word, this episode may inspire you to pick up a pen and begin. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod [https://www.instagram.com/barbjanet/]. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!