Podcast
The Senior Zone
Hosted by Shawn Perry · EN
The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.
Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.
🎙️ New episodes weekly
📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC)
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 716 | Honoring Service, Navigating Grief and Protecting Your Next Chapter
2w ago00:59:23Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry brings listeners two compassionate and empowering conversations about receiving the support we deserve during life’s most challenging seasons. In The Legal Zone, brought to us by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, Veterans Empowerment Specialist Ebonee Avery-Washington explains what’s new with LCE’s Veterans Advocacy Project. She discusses how older veterans and surviving spouses can receive help understanding benefits, addressing claims and navigating an often-confusing system. Then, author, speaker, grief educator and end-of-life doula Shaleka Smith joins us to discuss the many faces of grief. Drawing from her book and podcast, Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, Shaleka shares how faith, compassion, community and honest conversation can help us move through loss without losing hope. We’ll also celebrate our Birthdays of the Week, hear from Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and share useful news and resources in the Later Life Lowdown. Hosted by Shawn Perry, The Senior Zone is the DMV’s number-one weekly radio program serving the 50-plus community since 2012. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 715 | Healthy Mouths, Caring Hearts: Dental Wellness and Meaningful Caregiving
3w ago00:59:01Tap to summarizeHealthy aging involves more than treating problems after they arise. It also means paying attention to the quieter signals our bodies and emotions may be sending us.On this edition of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry begins with a conversation about dental and oral health as we age.Dr. Usman Ahmad, Administrative Dental Director at Mary’s Center, explains what older adults should know about changes involving their teeth and gums, the effects medications and chronic health conditions may have on oral health and the barriers that can make receiving dental care more difficult or expensive.Then, Shawn welcomes Dr. Allison J. Applebaum, caregiving expert and author of Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving.Dr. Applebaum discusses the emotional and psychological realities of caregiving, including stress, guilt, isolation, changing family roles and the importance of caring for yourself while supporting someone you love.The program concludes with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown, featuring news, resources and announcements for older adults throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.The Senior Zone is the DMV’s number-one weekly radio program serving the 50-plus community since 2012.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 714 | Advocacy in Action: Maryland, DC & What Older Adults Need to Know
Jul 1300:57:19Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry leads an all-AARP conversation focused on advocacy, aging, and the real-life issues affecting older adults across the DMV.In Segment One, Sara Westrick, State Advocacy Director with AARP Maryland, joins the show to discuss AARP Maryland’s 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up — including key takeaways from Annapolis and what older Marylanders, caregivers, and families should know.In Segment Two, Louis Davis, Jr., State Director of AARP DC, returns to The Senior Zone to discuss the District’s recent primary election, AARP DC’s Community Challenge Grants, Social Security, and the ongoing work of helping older adults stay informed, engaged, and empowered.Plus, we close the show with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown — news and resources for older adults in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00am to 11:00am EST on WYCB 1340AM and streams live at MySpiritDC.com. Listen on demand wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 713 | Living With Grace: Betty Entzminger & RamDev Dale Borglum
Jul 600:59:07Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry welcomes Ms. District of Columbia Senior America 2026, Betty Entzminger, for a conversation about grace, purpose, confidence, and representation after 50. Then, Dale Borglum, author of How to Live So You Can Die Without Fear, joins the show for a thoughtful conversation about living fully, loving deeply, and finding peace before life’s final chapter. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 712 | Protecting Choice, Memory & Peace of Mind After 50
Jun 2900:59:45Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry leads two important conversations for older adults, caregivers, and families. First, attorney Lisa Brown of Legal Counsel for the Elderly explains adult guardianships in Washington, DC — how they work, when they may be needed, and what families should know. Then, as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month comes to a close, Dr. Sharon Brangman joins the show to discuss Alzheimer’s blood tests, early detection, brain health, and how to balance hope with caution. Plus: Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 711 | Longevity Ready Maryland: Aging with Dignity, Direction & Support
Jun 2200:59:22Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry welcomes Carmel Roques, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, for a conversation about Longevity Ready Maryland and what it means for older adults, families, caregivers, and communities across the state. Then, Shawn is joined by Julia Schreiber, SHIP Manager, and Renee Stainrod, MAP Manager, to talk about practical support for Medicare questions, caregiver needs, long-term care planning, and how older Marylanders can find help before a crisis begins. Plus, we continue with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joel Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown. The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST on WYCB 1340 AM and streams live at www.MySpiritDC.com. Episodes are available after the broadcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 710 | Aging With Protection, Planning, and Purpose
Jun 1500:54:50Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry leads a senior-centered conversation about protection, planning, and dignity in later life.In Segment One, Shawn is joined Edwin Walker for a timely discussion on the Older Americans Act, elder justice, nutrition, and why reauthorization matters to older adults, caregivers, and communities across the country.In Segment Two, the conversation shifts to retirement confidence — including Social Security, Medicare, taxes, income planning, long-term care, and avoiding costly mistakes after a lifetime of work.Plus, we celebrate the Birthdays of the Week, hear from Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and share the Later Life Lowdown with resources and announcements for older adults across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 709 | Care, Courage & the Work of Aging Well
Jun 800:59:50Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry brings listeners two meaningful conversations centered on advocacy, caregiving, dignity, and what it means to age with purpose.In Segment One, Shawn welcomes Bob Blancato, one of the nation’s most respected voices in aging advocacy, for a timely conversation about elder justice, nutrition, caregiving, Medicare outreach, and the importance of keeping older adults visible in public policy conversations.In Segment Two, Shawn is joined by Roy Remer, Executive Director of Zen Caregiving Project and author of Zen Caregiving: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Others. Together, they explore the emotional realities of caregiving, caregiver burnout, compassion, mindfulness, and the importance of caring for yourself while caring for someone else.This episode also features The Senior Zone’s Weekly Vitamin, Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown with senior-focused news, resources, and community announcements for DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.Whether you are an older adult, caregiver, advocate, family member, or someone preparing for the next chapter, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for the journey ahead.Segment Highlights: Bob Blancato on aging advocacy, elder justice, nutrition, Medicare outreach, and why older adults must remain central in national conversations.Roy Remer on caregiving, compassion, burnout, mindfulness, and how caregivers can care for themselves while caring for others.Signature Features: Weekly Vitamin Birthdays of the Week Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone Later Life Lowdown Senior-focused resources for DC, Maryland, and Northern VirginiaListen and Share: The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00am to 11:00am on WYCB 1340AM and streams live at MySpiritDC.com. After the broadcast, listen on demand wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple, iHeart, Amazon Music and more.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 708 | Brain Health, Aging Strong & Living Well at Home
Jun 100:59:01Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry welcomes two nationally respected voices for conversations centered on healthier aging, independence, and quality of life after 50.First, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Dr. Juan Rodriguez joins the show to discuss brain health, memory wellness, cognitive aging, and practical ways older adults can better support their long-term mental sharpness and emotional well-being.Then, gerontologist and caregiving advocate Dr. Lakelyn Hogan-Eichenberger from Home Instead discusses what aging in place really looks like today — including caregiving challenges, home safety, family conversations, and how older adults can maintain dignity and independence while remaining at home.Plus:🎂 Birthdays of the Week 💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone 🌟 Later Life LowdownThe Senior Zone — the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program serving the 50+ community since 2012.Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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Ep. 707 | Protecting Your Home, Your Money & Your Future
May 2500:59:34Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone with Shawn Perry, we focus on protecting what matters most as we age. In Segment One, Shawn welcomes Bryony Coiner and Willow Hasson from Legal Counsel for the Elderly for an important discussion on the DC Real Property Tax Lien Auction and the Schedule H property tax relief program that could help qualifying homeowners save money and avoid unnecessary hardship. Then in Segment Two, Shawn sits down with Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, for a meaningful conversation about caregiving, aging with dignity, staying connected, and building stronger communities for older adults nationwide. Plus:🎂 Birthdays of the Week 💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone 🌟 Later Life Lowdown Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
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