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)
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 714 | Advocacy in Action: Maryland, DC & What Older Adults Need to Know
1w ago00:57:19Tap 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
2w ago00:59:07Tap 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
3w ago00:59:45Tap 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
4w ago00:59:22Tap 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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Ep. 706 | Veterans, Money & Moving Forward
May 1800:59:52Tap to summarizeThis week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry brings together two meaningful conversations centered around veteran care, financial freedom, and thriving after 50.First, Shawn welcomes Vamsee Potluri, Medical Center Director of the Washington DC VA Medical Center, to discuss healthcare access, caregiver support, mental health resources, and the VA’s commitment to improving the veteran experience throughout the DMV.Then, Chris Miles — founder of Money Ripples and nationally known “Cash Flow Expert” — joins the show to challenge traditional retirement thinking and explain how older adults can create greater financial flexibility and passive income in today’s economy.Plus:🎂 Birthdays of the Week 💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone 🌟 Later Life Lowdown📻 Listen live every Monday from 10am–11am EST on WYCB 1340AM 🌐 Stream live at MySpiritDC 🎧 Podcast available immediately after the broadcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, 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. 705 | Power, Purpose & Aging Forward
May 1100:56:58Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to age with purpose—not just gracefully, but powerfully?This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry leads a compelling conversation on leadership, legacy, and the importance of staying visible and valued after 50. Featuring Karyne Jones, President & CEO of NCBA, Inc., our first episode explores how advocacy, economic empowerment, and community voice shape the future of aging in America.And then in segment two, we shift the lens just a bit…Because beyond programs and policies—there’s something deeper that we all need. We’re going to talk about what it really means to be still seen… and still needed—right where you are in life.Plus, we wrap with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simon, and the Later Life Lowdown—bringing you the resources and inspiration you need to keep moving forward.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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