About Us
Paul Menzel
Jim Conlan
Season Five: 'Feb '23 to Feb '24
Episode No. 101: "I Can't Afford to be Young Again!"
The Old Dogs ramble about the dubious value of paying millions to be young again.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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RAY SCHILENS, like many others of our generation, got into radio as a teenager and followed broadcasting jobs around the country. As an on-air personality, producer, and creator of programs, Ray has seen a lot of changes in the radio industry, especially in the past 20 years. But some things remain the same. If you're a fan of radio, past or present, you'll want to hear what Ray has to say.
Episode No. 102: "Are You Soured on Pickleball?"
The Old Dogs ramble about the good old days when a phone was just a phone.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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MICHAEL McDONALD is a guy you need to know if you think you just can't handle the stuff that comes with age. A successful advertising executive, Michael battled depression for years, then suffered a couple of debilitating strokes that put a crimp in his retirement plans. In this conversation, Michael explains how he managed these trials and went on to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Episode No. 103: "The One About Doing Nothing"
The Old Dogs ask if it's possible to do absolutely nothing - and, if so, how much practice does it take?
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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MARC CASHMAN is a rather well-known voiceover coach with a history of writing funny radio commercials, being a sought-after voice talent, and narrator of some 200 audiobooks. Marc talks about the past, present and future of the voiceover business.
Episode No. 104: "If It's Noon on the Moon, I Must Be Hungry."
The Old Dogs wonder if we could get scientists to solve the world's problems.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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NANETTE FLORIAN was a singer with the New Christy Minstrels. When she lost her hearing she thought her days of enjoying music were over. But advances in hearing technology and her own careful observation have led to a new way for the hearing impaired to listen to music.
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Episode No. 105: "You'll need subtitles to understand this episode."
The Old Dogs ramble about the challenges of Artificial Intelligence.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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LES SWITZER, now in his eighties, has a multi-faceted career that includes journalist, educator and minister. It all started in South Africa, where he became caught up in the struggle for equal rights in the apartheid era.
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Episode No. 106: "Don't Pet the Fluffy Cows."
The Old Dogs wonder if money really can buy them happiness.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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LOUISE PALANKER AND FRITZ COLEMAN got to know each other a while ago in southern California. When the time was right they pooled their backgrounds in entertainment to start a podcast called MEDIA PATH. It's full of conversations with people who were part of the culture we grew up with. Musicians, actors, influencers - all good stuff for us Old Dogs.
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Episode No. 107: "A Susan B. An-thony Dollar for Your Thoughts."
The Old Dogs ramble about the current worth of a penny.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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MARY HARPER was born to parents who were both blind. As she grew, she learned how different her upbringing had been. This led her to a career as a social worker, becoming a Resource Specialist and psychotherapist for several companies. Her unique experiences led her to write a loving tribute to her parents, The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents’ Story.
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Episode No. 108: "Sorry, sperm donations aren't deductible."
The Old Dogs wonder who we'd root for if they went on strike.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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LARRY BARSH was a respected dentist. But that respect didn't hold him back from engaging in other pursuits. He also became an award-winning photographer, a medical talk-show host and - most recently - a podcaster like us. Even now Larry continues to ask himself what else is out there. Good news! Talking with Larry was NOT like pulling teeth.
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Episode No. 109:"You can't drive with a dog license"
The Old Dogs ramble about national holidays we wish we had.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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FRED KENNEDY is a name you may not know. But Fred was part of one of the storied morning drive teams who made commuting a whole lot more fun. Radio fans in southeast Texas may remember Fred as Mac Hudson, part of the popular Hudson and Harrigan comedy team on KILT FM. Along with Randy Hames, Fred kept the station at the top of the charts for years. Unlike lots of radio personalities, though, fame never went to his head. Which is probably why we're still friends today.
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Episode No. 110: "ThissShoww is Cccreatedd by ChatGPPPPT"
Episode No. 111: "Never throw your mom at a rock star."
The Old Dogs ramble about 50's TV Sitcoms that may have fomented major changes in the 60's.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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DAVID PELTON was by many definitions a successful opera singer and conductor who performed all over the world. But he found it tough to make a living at it. So he hooked up with the energy industry to help participants communicate better. Now his passion is to help people from foreign lands speak comfortably, confidently and competently.
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Episode No. 111: "Never throw your mom at a rock star."
The Old Dogs ramble about 50's TV Sitcoms that may have fomented major changes in the 60's.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
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JACKIE DRYDEN had a successful career as an advertising agency creative director. Upon retirement, she turned her attention to her passion — sharing what our kids wish we knew. Jackie is the author of the unique parenting book; Just Me: What Your Child Wants You to Know About Parenting – 42 bits of advice from a child’s perspective. Her straight-forward approach puts her in high demand as a speaker. Her new parenting book, UNPUSH — Flipping the Script on Parenting, will be released in early 2024.
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The Old Dogs ramble about UFOs: the truth probably isn't out there.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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JACKIE DRYDEN, PART TWO. After a successful career as an advertising agency creative director. Upon retirement, she turned her attention to her passion — sharing what our kids wish we knew. In Part Two, we discuss her methods for helping parents to understand their kids. She's the author of What Your Child Wants You to Know About Parenting – 42 bits of advice from a child’s perspective. Her new parenting book, UNPUSH — Flipping the Script on Parenting, will be released in early 2024.
​
Episode No. 101: "I Can't Afford to be Young Again!"
The Old Dogs ramble about the dubious value of paying millions to be young again.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
RAY SCHILENS, like many others of our generation, got into radio as a teenager and followed broadcasting jobs around the country. As an on-air personality, producer, and creator of programs, Ray has seen a lot of changes in the radio industry, especially in the past 20 years. But some things remain the same. If you're a fan of radio, past or present, you'll want to hear what Ray has to say.
Episode No. 102: "Are You Soured on Pickleball?"
The Old Dogs ramble about the good old days when a phone was just a phone.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
MICHAEL McDONALD is a guy you need to know if you think you just can't handle the stuff that comes with age. A successful advertising executive, Michael battled depression for years, then suffered a couple of debilitating strokes that put a crimp in his retirement plans. In this conversation, Michael explains how he managed these trials and went on to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Episode No. 103: "The One About Doing Nothing"
The Old Dogs ask if it's possible to do absolutely nothing - and, if so, how much practice does it take?
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
MARC CASHMAN is a rather well-known voiceover coach with a history of writing funny radio commercials, being a sought-after voice talent, and narrator of some 200 audiobooks. Marc talks about the past, present and future of the voiceover business.
Episode No. 104: "If It's Noon on the Moon, I Must Be Hungry."
The Old Dogs wonder if we could get scientists to solve the world's problems.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
NANETTE FLORIAN was a singer with the New Christy Minstrels. When she lost her hearing she thought her days of enjoying music were over. But advances in hearing technology and her own careful observation have led to a new way for the hearing impaired to listen to music.
​
Episode No. 105: "You'll need subtitles to understand this episode."
The Old Dogs ramble about the challenges of Artificial Intelligence.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
LES SWITZER, now in his eighties, has a multi-faceted career that includes journalist, educator and minister. It all started in South Africa, where he became caught up in the struggle for equal rights in the apartheid era.
​
Episode No. 106: "Don't Pet the Fluffy Cows."
The Old Dogs wonder if money really can buy them happiness.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
LOUISE PALANKER AND FRITZ COLEMAN got to know each other a while ago in southern California. When the time was right they pooled their backgrounds in entertainment to start a podcast called MEDIA PATH. It's full of conversations with people who were part of the culture we grew up with. Musicians, actors, influencers - all good stuff for us Old Dogs.
​
Episode No. 107: "A Susan B. An-thony Dollar for Your Thoughts."
The Old Dogs ramble about the current worth of a penny.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
MARY HARPER was born to parents who were both blind. As she grew, she learned how different her upbringing had been. This led her to a career as a social worker, becoming a Resource Specialist and psychotherapist for several companies. Her unique experiences led her to write a loving tribute to her parents, The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents’ Story.
​
Episode No. 108: "Sorry, sperm donations aren't deductible."
The Old Dogs wonder who we'd root for if they went on strike.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
LARRY BARSH was a respected dentist. But that respect didn't hold him back from engaging in other pursuits. He also became an award-winning photographer, a medical talk-show host and - most recently - a podcaster like us. Even now Larry continues to ask himself what else is out there. Good news! Talking with Larry was NOT like pulling teeth.
​
Episode No. 109:"You can't drive with a dog license"
The Old Dogs ramble about national holidays we wish we had.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
FRED KENNEDY is a name you may not know. But Fred was part of one of the storied morning drive teams who made commuting a whole lot more fun. Radio fans in southeast Texas may remember Fred as Mac Hudson, part of the popular Hudson and Harrigan comedy team on KILT FM. Along with Randy Hames, Fred kept the station at the top of the charts for years. Unlike lots of radio personalities, though, fame never went to his head. Which is probably why we're still friends today.
​
Episode No. 110: "ThissShoww is Cccreatedd by ChatGPPPPT"
Episode No. 111: "Never throw your mom at a rock star."
The Old Dogs ramble about 50's TV Sitcoms that may have fomented major changes in the 60's.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
DAVID PELTON was by many definitions a successful opera singer and conductor who performed all over the world. But he found it tough to make a living at it. So he hooked up with the energy industry to help participants communicate better. Now his passion is to help people from foreign lands speak comfortably, confidently and competently.
​
Episode No. 111: "Never throw your mom at a rock star."
The Old Dogs ramble about 50's TV Sitcoms that may have fomented major changes in the 60's.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
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​
​
​
​
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​
​
​
JACKIE DRYDEN had a successful career as an advertising agency creative director. Upon retirement, she turned her attention to her passion — sharing what our kids wish we knew. Jackie is the author of the unique parenting book; Just Me: What Your Child Wants You to Know About Parenting – 42 bits of advice from a child’s perspective. Her straight-forward approach puts her in high demand as a speaker. Her new parenting book, UNPUSH — Flipping the Script on Parenting, will be released in early 2024.
​
The Old Dogs ramble about UFOs: the truth probably isn't out there.
​
The Old Dogs Conversation
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
JACKIE DRYDEN, PART TWO. After a successful career as an advertising agency creative director. Upon retirement, she turned her attention to her passion — sharing what our kids wish we knew. In Part Two, we discuss her methods for helping parents to understand their kids. She's the author of What Your Child Wants You to Know About Parenting – 42 bits of advice from a child’s perspective. Her new parenting book, UNPUSH — Flipping the Script on Parenting, will be released in early 2024.
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Episode No. 113: "This episode comes in a senior-proof package."
The Old Dogs ramble about UFOs: the truth probably isn't out there.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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SHEILA BAISDEN spent her adult life working in the field of education, first as a teacher, then as a specialist in counseling. After helping high-school students to find the right school for them, she worked as a recruiter and admissions director for a number of colleges. Even in retirement, she has found a place as a senior consultant for an independent college counseling firm. But seeing the world is still on her radar.
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Episode No. 114: "Double-Dutch jumping for joy."
Episode No. 114: "Double-Dutch jumping for joy."
The Old Dogs ramble about questionable medical practices.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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BARBARA TOBIN worked in USAID funded international public health projects for over twenty years, with a focus on strengthening health systems. She has worked in or visited over 50 countries, including long-term field experience in Kenya, consulting assignments in Africa and Asia, and senior management responsibilities at the U.S. headquarters of both Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Ms. Tobin lived in Kathmandu for four years. She was twice on assignment in Nepal and has also lived and worked long term in Kenya, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
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Episode No. 115: "Are we Us or Them?"
The Old Dogs ramble about Us versus Them.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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SAVANNA MENZEL is a new graduate of the Savannah School of Art and Design. Although she is no relation to the school, she is closely related to her father, Paul Menzel. Since Savanna has extensive experience in the world of online communications, we wanted her take on the mysteries of LinkedIn, Tik Tok, and other means of online self-promotion.
Episode No. 116: "The Lobster-Trap Workout"
The Old Dogs ramble about suspicious Senior discounts.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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MARTIN LANGFORD is proof that you can make a living and enjoy living by playing music. Even in his teens he was playing for pay all over Houston, with an ability to play all sorts of wind instruments and all sorts of musical styles. He was even "instrumental" in the founding of Houston's famous High School for Performing and Visual Arts. As a teacher, Martin has helped launch the careers of dozens of successful performers. And he's still at it today.
Episode No. 117: "We're dead tired of seances."
The Old Dogs ramble about the "value" of senior discounts.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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FRITZ COLEMAN has been welcome in the homes of Los Angelenos for more than four decades. He's legendary both as a TV weatherman and as a stand-up comic. Now he's taking his humor to a national audience through a series of one-hour comedy specials on Tubi, the free TV streaming service. his latest solo comedy show is called “Unassisted Living," which is about getting older in an increasingly confusing time.
Episode No. 118: "How do you pet a grandparent?"
The Old Dogs ramble about speaking and listening: there seems to be more of the former than the latter. .
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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KARL FORD is a home buyer and home seller's dream. A guy whose main joy is making his clients happy - without making the other side miserable. His formula for success is simple: "If you want to take your business to the next level, don't focus on selling, but on service. When I quit "selling," that's when my business and my life took off in a whole new way."
Episode No. 119: "Do you need an emotional-support chicken?"
The Old Dogs ramble about dress-code changes as we age.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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BILL FREEMAN is a man who suffered a life-changing stroke. It resulted in his losing his job, but not his sharp mind or his sense of humor. Mostly confined to his home these days, Bill reaches out daily on Facebook with incisive comments about life, relationships and politics. You should seriously consider friending him.
Episode No. 120: "Past: perfect. Present: tense."
The Old Dogs ramble about dress-code changes as we age.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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KATHY BIEHL is an avid astrologer, gastronome, and reporter on the weird side of life. She is famous for her columns on what's happening in places you're not likely to go to yourself - and for her first book, Eat, Drink and be Wary. She has now written a second book called, Confessions of a Third-Rate Goddess, Traipsing through a World Gone Weird.
Episode No. 121: "Note to Mars: bugs are on the way!"
The Old Dogs ramble about euphemisms.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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If you have or someone you know has memory issues, you'll be glad to know about DENNIS ELMER. He's a man who pursued two very different careers, one of which is as a musician. Over time he became acquainted with folks in their later years who couldn't always remember faces or dates - but always seemed to remember their favorite tunes. He turned that into a career that's made the lives of a lot of seniors a lot happier.
Episode No. 122: "Come ride in my hotsy-totsy jalopy!"
The Old Dogs ramble about the little things that make life worth living.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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PART 1 OF TWO PARTS. Doctor Susan Lieberman has lived in nine cities, written eight books, directed four educational programs, earned three graduate degrees, raised two sons and thinks, one day, she may, perhaps, acquire a partridge in a pear tree. Susan has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, and turning 80 hasn't changed that focus. Susan's newest book gives a fresh perspective on not growing old, but immigrating to the country of old.
The Old Dogs ramble about the keys to living a good life.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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PART 2 OF TWO PARTS. In our second conversation with Susan Lieberman, we explore her views on dying with dignity, with her feelings about relevance, and her approach to writing. Susan's latest book, In the Country of Old, offers a unique and refreshing perspective on being old - not as a catastrophe, but as an opportunity to live life differently.
The Old Dogs ramble about buying used.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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BETTY BUCKLEY has spent most of her life in the production business. In the 90's she produced the popular PBS series Wishbone. In recent years she has turned to filmmaking, as well as lecturing about it at Texas State University. Her latest project The Stars At Night explores the connections between astronomy, mythology and storytelling, and the impact that light pollution has had on them and us humans.
The Old Dogs ramble about Paul's devotion to Costco.
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The Old Dogs Conversation
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JULIE MOORE wants everyone to know about a species of plant that exists only in the Carolinas. It's the Venus Flytrap, and it's endangered. Julie ought to know. She is active in native plant conservation organizations and local land trusts, is past president of the Triangle Land Conservancy and Botanical Society of Washington D.C., founding board member of the Longleaf Alliance, the B W Wells Association, and more recently, the Southern Conservation Partners, and serves as chairman of the board of the NC Plant Conservation Program. She is coordinator for Venus Flytrap Champions a project of Southern Conservation Partners.