As we wrap up another remarkable year, our This Is Growing Old podcast continues to shine a light on the people, ideas, and stories shaping the future of aging. In 2025, the podcast brought listeners some of its most compelling conversations yet — spotlighting breakthrough research, elevating powerful personal stories, and digging into the policy debates that matter most for older adults and their families.
From inspiring guests to conversations that sparked national attention, here are the Alliance Communications Team’s top five moments from the podcast in 2025 — highlights that captured hearts, challenged assumptions, and reminded us why the work of advancing healthy aging matters more than ever.
“My first words to anybody who comments or connects with us is just breathe. First of all, just breathe.”
Each year, we celebrate the incredible patients and advocates who raise awareness and drive change in heart valve disease research. This past February, we continued that tradition by featuring Amy Johnson, President and Director of Rock from the Heart, in a special conversation about aortic and heart valve disease, vital resources for affected families, and the healing power of music. Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s always a good time to listen to your heart. Tune in to Episode 79: “Listening to Your Heart.”
“IP is all about finding cures…”
If you’re like us, intellectual property may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about equitable access to care. That changed this past May, when we sat down with David Kappos, co-founder of the Council for Innovation Promotion, to discuss the critical role IP plays in advancing healthcare innovation. Episode 82: “Demystifying Intellectual Property,” explores the findings of the Alliance-supported white paper A Fair Trade: How Intellectual Property Policies Unlock Better Access to Care, explains the purpose of IP laws, and debunks common myths and misconceptions.
“Medicaid and SNAP are anti-poverty programs”
It’s been a challenging year for advocates and patients alike, as proposals from Congress to reduce funding for Medicaid and SNAP have threatened equitable access to care for millions of older Americans. But no challenge is too tough for the Alliance. In this timely conversation with Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging, we explore the serious implications these proposed cuts could have for vulnerable adults. Check out Episode 81: Defending Medicaid, SNAP, and Equitable Access.”
“Every stage is such beautiful thing in my life.”
At the end of each episode, guests are asked what they enjoy the most about growing older. One of our favorite replies comes from Dr. Amita Patel at the end of Episode 85: “Improving Access to Patient-Centered Care,” on the topic of caring for a loved one experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Dr. Patel said, “[There is] something incredibly grounding about holding a grandchild in one arm and then caring for someone in their 90s. It creates a really powerful awareness of continuity of life. Where we come from and what we pass on. Every stage is such beautiful thing in my life.
The Launch of This Is Growing Old: The Check-Up
We wrap up our list with a pivotal moment for Alliance staff, when we launched This Is Growing Old: The Check-Up in May. A supplemental bonus episode to our main podcast, these mini episodes feature brief updates and perspectives from Alliance staff who are immersed in their topics. In 2025, we released 6 Check-Up episodes spanning topics from Medicare Open Enrollment to-dos, to an inside scoop on our Heroes in Health celebration. Stay tuned in 2026 for more episodes featuring more staff.
We want to hear from you! Have a favorite moment from our 2025 season, or an idea for us to cover in 2026? Email us at [email protected].
Matthew Thompson is the Digital Communications Manager, and Katie Riley serves as Vice President of Communications at the Alliance.
