You Earned This: The Social Security & Medicare Podcast!

Senator Ron Wyden: Trump Leaves People "in the Dust" (Encore episode)

In this encore episode from November, 2025, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means "in the dust" --- by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He's also worried about the future of Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don't miss our visit with one of the most fervent advocates for Americans' health care in the U.S. Senate.

A Boomer Gyrocopter Pilot Takes to the Sky (Encore episode)

62 year-old gyrocopter pilot Caroline Paul is an inspiration to Boomers seeking a sense of adventure in later life. She's the author of the new book, "Why Fly: Seeking Awe, Healing, and Our True Selves in the Sky." In this encore episode, Caroline shares her philosophy about approaching life courageously, while weighing risk and reward. A must-listen for anyone who dreams of soaring -- literally or otherwise! Her book is available at carolinepaul.com. READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::::: https://youearnedthis.org/why-fly-a-boomer-takes-to-the-sky-w-author-caroline-paul/ [https://youearnedthis.org/why-fly-a-boomer-takes-to-the-sky-w-author-caroline-paul/]

Your Facebook Questions Answered! (Plus - Trolling the Trolls)

Host Walter Gottlieb and digital media manager Shahab Shokouhi answer questions from our Facebook community about Social Security! And... we troll a few social media trolls! Questions include: How do we demonstrate that the $2.6 trillion in the Social Security trust fund is real? Are Social Security rules unfair to single people? And... Is Social Security constitutional? Hint: OF COURSE IT IS!

Beatlemania Boomers & The Retirement Wealth Gap (Encore Episode)

USA Today dubbed the generation born in the early 1960s the "Beatlemania Boomers." New research suggests these younger boomers have less retirement security than their older counterparts. In this encore episode, Anqi Chen of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College explains why retirement may be a Hard Day's Night for this age group --- compared to older Boomers and the younger generations... underscoring the need to boost, not cut, Social Security benefits!

Do You Want to Live Past 100? w/author William J. Kole (Encore)

More of us will be living to 100 and beyond, says Bill Kole, author of "The Big 100" in this encore episode. But do we want to? And how will we pay the bills for all those extra decades? What is the impact of "super aging" on Social Security? Bill paints a picture of the coming centenarian boom and all of its implications - good & bad - in this lively and surprisingly fun episode! After all, where else can you hear a 120-year old woman doing hip-hop? Bill's book, "The Big 100: The New World of Super Aging," is available at billkolebooks.com and through fine booksellers everywhere! READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE::: https://youearnedthis.org/living-to-100-and-beyond-super-aging-with-author-william-j-kole/ [https://youearnedthis.org/living-to-100-and-beyond-super-aging-with-author-william-j-kole/]