As we return to our series on Friendship after a brief hiatus, we talk about our animal friends and the value they bring to our lives.  A recurring them that came up in comments submitted from guests, friends, and listeners about what friendship means to them, was he importance pets were in their lives. That's certainly true for us. "Pets" doesn’t even seem like the right word, as to many people, including those of us at OURGENPOD, animals are part of the family. For people without children, they are our children.  ..read more

In this Episode, Host Julian G. Simmons talks with one of the great drummers of our time, MICHAEL SHRIEVE. Michael has a really fascinating story to tell, about how he joined Santana at 18, played a world-shaking drum solo in front of half a million people at Woodstock '69 when he was only 20, and has managed to keep on growing as an artist for 50 years since. In many ways, Michael’s life follows the archetypal track of many of us, from wild youth to our current, more mellow stage of life. His lively conversation with Julian brings it all back; it's quite a tale. But he also de ..read more

This episode invites you to join us as we discover a gem in the heart of Los Angeles -- what may well be the model for conquering the "Epidemic of Loneliness" that is quietly gnawing away at the happiness and longevity of our generation.  The Wallis Annenberg GENSPACE is a remarkable place. This is not our parent's "Senior Center" -- the very phrase is anathema to most of us. But we were truly blown away by our experience there -- based on extensive research and planning, GENSPACE is model for the nation.  ​ You may be, like us, repelled by the notion of joining a Sen ..read more

In this special Halloween Episode, Host Julian G. Simmons brings back the dead....or their spirits, anyway, as we learn the Aztec traditions that are the origins of the Mexican "Dia de los Muertos" celebration. This Episode was originally aired in 2022 ..read more

In the first of our new series on FRIENDSHIP, we hear from an old friend and therapist, Lee Armstrong. Friendship has been called a key to not only our happiness as we age, but our mental and physical health. As we face an "epidemic of loneliness" in America, we hope this series will help find some solutions ..read more

We started this podcast with the slogan "By, For, and About Baby Boomers." But we soon realized that these generational divisions are hurting all of us. We're still coming from the perspective of people 55+ -- like us -- but we ALL need to work together. In this episode, Host Julian G. Simmons talks with Professor Bobby Duffy, Author of "The Generation Myth," who argues it's time to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms -- TOGETHER ..read more

In this special Thanksgiving Episode, Host Julian G. Simmons interviews our Director, Rob Wilson -- who had eight ancestors on the Mayflower. They discuss the origins of this holiday in a very personal way ..read more

In this special Halloween Episode, Host Julian G. Simmons brings back the dead....or their spirits, anyway, as we learn the Aztec traditions that are the origins of the Mexican "Dia de los Muertos" celebration ..read more

In Part Two of our interview with Dr. Shepherd Siegel, Host Julian G. Simmons and Shep talk about the role of "The Trickster" in politics and culture -- and how "Disruptive Play" can help steer society back toward a more healthy place ..read more

In a Special Fourth of July Episode, Host Julian Simmons gives a slightly tongue-in-cheek reading of a pamphlet written by the 16-year-old George Washington, "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation ..read more