Episode 22 - “Nothing Is Easy At This Age”

Episode 22 - “Nothing Is Easy At This Age”

Recorded on November 14, 2025; In this conversation Elana reflects on the challenges of aging, and the importance of - as well as struggles with- maintaining a social life. She admits that everything she does, physically, is hard but she’s doing ok and grateful for her otherwise good health. This somehow leads, for better or worse, into a discussion about the government shutdown at the time, the Epstein files, and whether or not this is the downfall of Trump (as we know it was not, at least so far). This leads to a discussion about power, war, religion and our theory that those in power not only exploit their position for control but for money, leading inevitably to immorality and corruption.  We then, of course, somehow get around to Allan and his food issues, Elana’s past behaviors with friends, and another thing that we both agree on - that you can’t be perfect, there’s no such thing.  Larry takes us out on a more uplifting vibe with “Blues on Bourbon Street".  Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw

Episode 21 - "I Got Your Heart. I Got Your Soul"

Recorded on August 18, 2025, with special guest Elana’s son, Ben Nachsin.  In this special episode, recorded while visiting Elana in Florida last August (the day before Elana’s 93rd birthday and Ben’s 26th heart transplant birthday), Ben joins us to reminisce with and pose questions to his mother about everything ranging from his early heart diagnosis to Earl entering their lives to stories that highlight the independent, strong, generous and fiercely righteous person she is, to the legacy she hopes to leave behind - and everything in between. Ben shares the lessons he learned from growing up with such a powerful role model in his life and how he feels those qualities are exemplified in the person he’s become. As is made clear in this episode, the joy and positivity they share for life, and for having an impact on those around them, are just some of the many qualities that Elana and Ben share, prompting Ben to declare to his mom, “I got your heart, I got your soul”. Not to mention the sense of humor, always the humor!  Larry’s “Saxy Funk” at the end seems tailor made for this episode.  Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw

Episode 20 - “I’m Aware, More Than Ever, How Blessed I Am”

This conversation, recorded five months ago in August 2025, just a few weeks before Elana’s 93rd birthday (!), starts out with only minimal technical challenges until Allan saves the day (once again) with his discovery of “echo cancellation”. Once troubleshooting is over, we discuss topics ranging from health challenges, growing old and its continued challenges for Elana (and her sharing of the “old saying” about getting old, which I’ve never heard described in quite that way…!).  She shares that she’s been less depressed lately, as a result of getting out more and especially from dancing, and that she feels blessed by her close relationships with her family. We marvel at all the August birthdays in her family (lots of Leos) including hers, Larry’s, her niece Lynne, Charlie and of course Ben’s Heart Birthday, the day of his heart transplant over 25 years ago on Elana’s birthday (August 19). Before wrapping things up we delve into the current divisive political landscape, questioning whether a cult has been formed within the political party, and agree we’re not in a good place (and continue to not be).  “Bird in Flight” from Larry seems like the right music to take us out, and a little bit away maybe.  Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw

Episode 19 - “Where the Hell Did I Come From?”

Recorded on July 16, 2025; In this conversation, Elana talks about how growing old is not easy, but she still wants to experience joy, especially the joy that comes from her family, and will keep trying to do that as much as she can.  We touch on the significance and power of listening, honesty, and asking for help, which Elana is really good at and has taught me the importance of over the years - something I’ve never been good at but getting better! We then delve into how she got the way she got - a lady with a lot of chutzpah - from being raised by two mild mannered parents. As two prime examples of her chutzpah, she retells the legendary story of how she and a friend attempted to get into Frank Sinatra’s room at the Waldorf in the 1940s (and I read a letter she wrote to him on 12/29/45) and how she got her father backstage at 1776 on Broadway to meet the lead actor, Howard Da Silva, for his birthday.  Once again she questions where she got her chutzpah and asks herself, “where the hell did I come from?” Larry’s little ditty, reminiscent of Elana’s Frank Sinatra days - “1940’s Slow Dance”- is quite fitting to take us out. Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw

Episode 18 - "I Have No Secrets"

Recorded on June 22, 2025, about a month or so after Elana was hospitalized in Florida for a few days with kidney and hemoglobin issues, which we went down to help her through. After a procedure to deal with the issue that was affecting the hemoglobin, she was released and as good as new, the “warrior” (Charlie’s term for her) that she is.  Post-hospitalization and post-illness, in this conversation we discuss Elana's ongoing struggles with anxiety and the impact of isolation on her mental health, which may or may not be a result of her hospitalization and the toll it took on her physically and mentally. We talk about the affect on her social life and the importance of socializing in keeping depression at bay. We also talk about the role of medication in managing her anxiety and it’s impact as well. Elana reflects on her past, her relationships with family, her regret, and her desire to engage more with her community. Elana shares her insights on the importance of honesty in communication and self-advocacy. The conversation ends with a commitment from Elana to be more social and engage with the community, starting on the following Tuesday when Allan plays piano at Aviva and she’s on the schedule to recite her recently written poem, “Masks”, in which she will affirm her notion that she ‘has no secrets’.  Larry’s soothing tune, “Fields of Green” is the right way to wrap things up.  Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw