Welcome to The Not Old – Better Show, Technology Interview Series on radio and podcast, where we explore ideas that matter to those who are 50 and older, encouraging discovery, adventure, and learning. 

Today’s episode promises to be one of our most insightful yet, as we delve into a topic shaping our world at lightning speed: artificial intelligence. 

Our guest is Charles Ferguson, the co-founder of PromptPerfect, a pioneering company in AI innovation that is making waves with its cutting-edge tools designed to enhance how we interact with AI. Charles has been at the forefront of developing AI solutions that are not only powerful but also accessible, especially for small businesses and individuals who might just be stepping into the AI landscape.

In this conversation, we’re going to cover a lot of ground—from what AI actually is and how it can be useful, to whether we should be wary of its rapid rise. Charles will offer insights on how tools like PromptPerfect work, why he believes AI is a vital tool for growth, and how you, our listeners, can embrace AI in your daily lives, whether for personal projects or small business ventures.

With AI becoming more prevalent in everything from healthcare to marketing, this episode is for everyone who’s curious, cautious, or just eager to understand where AI is headed and how it can be a force for good—especially for those who might feel left behind in the digital age. So, sit back, enjoy the conversation, and let’s learn together.

Join me in welcoming our guest today, co founder of PromptPerfect, Charles Ferguson

My thanks to all, Charles Ferguson, Sam Heningerand our wonderful audience on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and let’s talk about better.  The Not Old Better Show.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, on radio and podcast, I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang. Today, we’re diving into a world on the verge of collapse—where passion, politics, and peril collide in the summer of 1914. The world was inching toward the Great War, and in the heart of Britain, secrets were being exchanged that could have changed everything.

Our guest today is the brilliant Robert Harris, whose latest novel, available on Apple Books, Precipice, masterfully intertwines history and fiction to bring this harrowing moment to life. Harris, renowned for his storytelling and meticulous research, takes us inside a clandestine affair between the British Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, and the young, aristocratic Venetia Stanley. But this is far more than a tale of forbidden love—it's a thriller that exposes the fragility of power, the dangerous intersection of personal and political, and how the secrets of a single woman could threaten an entire nation.

In Precipice, Robert Harris paints a vivid portrait of a society on the brink, capturing not just the politics but the people whose choices echo through history. Today, we’ll discuss the extraordinary research behind this novel, the real-life affair that could have toppled a government, and the timeless lessons it offers for our world today.  

We’ll also discuss ‘CONCLAVE’film is releasing in theaters in early November.  The adaptation of Harris’ book, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

My thanks to Robert Harris, author of the new book, Precipice, available at Apple Books.  Remember, Robert Harris also authored ‘CONCLAVE’film is releasing in theaters in early November.  The adaptation of Harris’ book, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.  Check it out. My thanks to our wonderful executive producer Sam Heninger.  My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast, Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™. The Not Old Better Show.  Thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associatesseries on radio and podcast. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode takes us to the heart of one of history’s most critical periods—a time when the future of Europe, and the world, hung in the balance. 

But rather than battlefields or the halls of power, our story today begins in the quiet countryside of Kent, England, at a place called Chartwell—the beloved home of Winston Churchill.

In the 1930s, Churchill was not the wartime hero we know today. Churchill was a man out of government, politically isolated, and with few allies. Yet, it was at Chartwell, far from the center of British politics, that Churchill launched his most crucial campaign—sounding the alarm against Nazi Germany. It was here, behind closed doors, that he convened with great minds and trusted advisers—figures like Albert Einstein, T. E. Lawrence, and even American diplomat Joseph Kennedy—seeking intelligence, building alliances, and preparing for the storm he knew was coming.

But we have Katherine Carter today and we’ll talk about Churchill’s Chartwell.  Katherine Carter knows Chartwell better than anyone. She’s spent over a decade managing the house and its remarkable collections. Katherine joins us to discuss her latest book, available at Apple Books, Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm. In this fascinating work, Katherine Carterunveils the little-known meetings that took place there and the critical influence they had on Churchill’s eventual rise to power and the course of history.

Get ready to explore the untold stories of Churchill’s quiet yet powerful citadel. And now, let’s welcome Katherine Carter to The Not Old Better Show.

Stay tuned! You won’t want to miss this incredible look into a pivotal moment in history.

My thanks to Katherine Carter, her generosity today, and her wonderful new book Churchill’s Citadel.  Katherine Carter will be presenting at Smithsonian Associates and the title of her presentation is ‘Churchill At Chartwell,’  please check out our show notes today for details about Catherine Carter at Smithsonian Associates.  My thanks to Smithsonian for their ongoing support of the show and for all they do.  My thanks to Executive Producer Sam Heninger, his work on sound design and making the show the success it is.  My thanks to all of you online and via terrestrial radio.  Be well, be safe an let’s talk about better!  The Not Old Better Show.  Thanks everyone and we’ll see you next time. 

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today we’re diving deep into the lost world of dinosaurs—those awe-inspiring giants that have captured our imaginations for generations.

While we all know about T. rex’s mighty roar or the towering neck of the Brachiosaurus, how much do we really know about how they lived? That’s where our guest comes in. SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATE Dr. David Hone is one of today’s leading paleontologists, known for his groundbreaking work on dinosaur behavior. His new book, Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know, is a thrilling exploration of how these creatures lived, communicated, and even raised their young.

Smithsonian Associate, Dr. David Hone will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up.  Check out notes here via the links for more information. Dr. Hone is here to break down the latest discoveries and reveal how paleontologists use everything from fossils to living animal behavior to make educated guesses about these long-extinct giants. We’ll hear about everything from dinosaur signals and combat to their surprising colors and social habits—insights that challenge what we thought we knew.

Get ready for an exciting conversation that blends ancient mysteries with modern science. Whether you’re a lifelong dino fan or just curious about the prehistoric past, today’s episode will be a treat.

Dr. Hone, welcome to the show!

My thanks to Dr. David Hone for joining us today on The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series. 

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Welcome back to The Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Healthy Living Interview Series, I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang. Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects millions of men and women around the world—hair loss. Whether it’s thinning strands or full-blown baldness, losing your hair can shake your confidence, your self-esteem, and even your sense of identity. But what if there were a way to not just halt that hair loss, but actually reverse it, and better yet—without wigs, transplants, or extreme measures?

Today, we have an extraordinary guest who has dedicated his life to answering that very question. Joining us is Lars Skjøth, the founder of Harklinikken, a revolutionary hair clinic that’s changing the way we think about hair restoration. Now, when we think of a clinic, we might imagine a sterile, medicinal space. But Lars had something else in mind—a sanctuary where patients can feel comfortable, supported, and hopeful about their future hair health. With clinics in Beverly Hills, New York, Florida, Iceland, the UAE, and Denmark, Harklinikken is now a global force in scalp wellness.

Lars didn’t start out in hair science. He was a commercial airline pilot who, in his spare time, turned his own frustrations with hair loss into a lifelong obsession. Today, his clinics offer treatments that are highly personalized—yes, every treatment is bespoke—using extracts from nature, tailored specifically for each individual’s scalp and hair condition. And these aren’t just products off a shelf; these are formulas that have taken Lars decades to perfect.

But what really sets Harklinikken apart? Well, clients like Ricki Lake, who after battling hair thinning for 30 years, found real results. Her story is a testament to how life-changing these treatments can be. It’s not just about restoring hair; it’s about restoring confidence and well-being.

In today’s conversation, we’ll dive deep into Lars’ fascinating journey from young scientist in Denmark, mixing ingredients in his kitchen, to building an internationally renowned hair clinic that’s giving hope to people around the world. We’ll explore the science behind Harklinikken’s success, the importance of a healthy scalp, and how Lars continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hair restoration.

So sit back, relax, and let’s talk hair with Lars Skjøth.

My thanks to Lars Skjøth. My thanks to Prevention Magazine and Harklinikken for sponsoring today’s episode.  Please check out our show notes today for more details about the BETTER20 discount through Dec. 21 at Harklinikken.  My thanks to Sam Heninger and to our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Thanks everyone and we’ll see you next month.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is truly special. We are diving—quite literally—into one of the most mysterious, vast, and awe-inspiring environments on our planet: the open ocean. Our guest today, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Sönke Johnsen, a distinguished oceanographer and professor of biology, will guide us on this incredible journey. Please check out our show notes and the Smithsonian Associates website for more details on Dr. Sönke Johnsen’s upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation titled ’The Great Wide Ocean.’

Smithsonian Associate Dr. Sönke Johnsen has spent his career exploring the world far beyond the shore, 

where sunlight disappears, and the rules of survival defy everything we know. From bioluminescent creatures that light up the abyss to translucent animals so clear they become invisible to predators, the open ocean is teeming with life forms that are as bizarre as they are fascinating. But this fragile ecosystem is under threat from human activity and climate change, and Dr. Johnsen's work reveals both its beauty and the urgent need to protect it.

His latest book, available at Apple Books, Into the Great Wide Ocean, gives us an intimate look at how these deep-sea creatures thrive in the face of crushing pressures, extreme darkness, and the constant battle for survival. Through vivid storytelling and groundbreaking research, Dr. Johnsen opens our eyes to the wonders hidden beneath the waves.

Today, we’ll hear firsthand about his daring expeditions, the breathtaking discoveries, and the challenges of working in such a formidable and enigmatic environment. Prepare to be amazed as we explore what Dr. Johnsen calls “the last great frontier on Earth.”

Please check out our show notes and the Smithsonian Associates website for more details on Dr. Sönke Johnsen’s upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation titled ’The Great Wide Ocean.’  My thanks, always, to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My ongoing thanks to excutive producer Sam Heninger, and my thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™.  The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates edition. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and I’m so glad you’re joining us today.

At the height of World War II, the United States faced one of its greatest challenges: the urgent need for intelligence to help win the war against Nazi Germany. But who would answer the call? Soldiers and generals were obvious choices, but what if I told you that some of the most effective spies weren’t military men at all? What if some of the heroes behind enemy lines were actually scholars, librarians, and literature professors?

It sounds like something out of a spy novel, but it’s true. Today, we have a fascinating and thought-provoking episode that will take us deep into one of the most unexpected stories of World War II. Our guest is historian Elyse Graham, here to share insights from her remarkable new book Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II. Elyse’s research uncovers how the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the CIA, turned to academia—recruiting some of the sharpest minds from American universities to carry out top-secret operations.

These “bookworms” went undercover, decoding enemy communications, hunting spies, and gathering intelligence that helped change the course of the war. Among them were Joseph Curtiss, a literature professor who tracked down German agents, and Adele Kibre, an archivist who smuggled valuable documents out of neutral Sweden—while the world watched in suspense.

This story is not just a testament to the power of knowledge, but a reminder of how intellectual curiosity and a love of books can make a real difference in the world—even in times of war.

So, what can we learn from these brilliant, unexpected spies? How did their work shape modern intelligence and even American higher education? And why is this story so relevant today, as libraries and the humanities face increasing pressure?

Today, Elyse Graham will answer these questions and more, as we explore the incredible story of how bookworms helped beat the Nazis.

Stay tuned—it’s an episode you won’t want to miss.

My thanks to Dr. Elyse Graham for her generous time and check out Dr. Graham’s upcoming Smithsonian Associates presentation titled, “How Bookworms Beat The Nazis.” Check our show notes today for more information about Dr. Graham’s Smithsonian Associates presentation. My thanks to Smithsonian for all their support of the show. My thanks to Executive Producer Sam Heninger. My thanks to you, our Smithsonian Associates audience on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and let's talk about better. The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. Thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast, I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang. Today’s show is brought to you by Acorns.  Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing. Today, we’re tackling one of the most important and misunderstood issues of our time: immigration. 

Now, immigration is a word that can stir up a lot of emotions and controversy. It’s a subject that often divides people, politicians, and headlines, but what if I told you that much of what we believe about immigration—about its effects on our jobs, our economy, and our culture—isn’t backed by the facts?

Our guest today is someone who’s spent nearly two decades researching this very topic. His name is Zeke Hernandez, a professor at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his new book The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers flips the script on how we think about immigration. This isn’t just a book about policy, but about people—their stories, their contributions, and the undeniable data that shows how immigrants are not just filling gaps in our workforce, but are driving innovation, creating jobs, and making our communities stronger.

In today’s conversation, we’ll dig into the myths and the reality. Is immigration really a zero-sum game where one group has to lose for the other to gain? What happens when we shift our focus from fear to facts, from seeing immigrants as competitors to recognizing them as catalysts for growth?

Zeke’s work challenges us to broaden our understanding. He’ll share eye-opening statistics, compelling real-life examples, and a clear, nonpartisan look at how newcomers—from the engineers behind your favorite tech gadgets to the chefs behind the dishes we love—are essential to a thriving society.

And as many of our listeners know, this show is about celebrating every stage of life and every story that adds value to our world, especially for those of us aged 50 and above. Immigration isn’t just an issue for younger generations—it directly impacts retirees, businesses, and the future of our communities.

So, whether you’re curious, skeptical, or simply ready to hear a new perspective on a long-debated issue, stick with us. You might just walk away seeing things in a whole new light.

My thanks to Acorns for sponsoring today’s show.  Acorns makes it easy for everyone to start saving and investing

My thanks to our guest today Zeke Hernandez, author of the excellent new bookThe Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers. My thanks to Sam Heninger, executive producer and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and let’s talk about better.  The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast.  Thanks everbody and we’ll see you next week.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Monthly Healthy Living Series. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang.  Today’s Prevention Magazine October episode is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans. At UnitedHealthcare, we provide coverage you can count on for your whole life ahead.

We have a jam packed show today.  Today we’re exploring a topic that is both simple and profound: the power of walking. Our guest is the inspiring Joyce Shulman, co-founder of 99 Walks, author of the best selling book, ‘Why Walk,’ TED Talk famous, and Joyce will join us as we lace up our shoes and experience the transformative benefits of walking.  

First are two audience favorites from our The Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Monthly Healthy Living Series. Senior Health Editor—Nutrition & Fitness, and Kaitlyn Phoenix, Deputy Editor, Hearst Health News Room are here to share their perspectives, insights and special touches to the October Prevention Magazine issue.  

With Alyssa Jung and Kaitlyn Phoenix we’ll be talking about important, relevant, and timely health topics from the October issue like breast health, ‘earworms,’ and finding the right ‘weight neutral’ doctor.  Then, Alyssa will tell us about the cover story, “Walk Away the Pain" setting us up to hear from "Why Walk" author Joyce Shulman.

In today’s episode, Joyce will share her journey from lawyer to entrepreneur, discuss the importance of staying motivated, and offer practical tips on how to incorporate walking into your daily routine—even when the weather isn’t on your side. We’ll also dive into how walking is becoming a vital component in healthcare, with Medicare plans now offering walking tours and group classes to promote health and wellness for seniors.

So, grab your walking shoes and get ready to be inspired by Joyce Shulman’s passion and insights. You’ll learn why walking is much more than just exercise—it’s a pathway to a better life.

You’ll find links in our notes today for each of the October Prevention Magazine stories, as well as for Joyce Shulman.  My thanks to UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans. At UnitedHealthcare, we provide coverage you can count on for your whole life ahead.

My thanks to all you our speical Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Healthy Living series audience here on radio and online.  My thanks to executive producer Sam Heninger. And thank you, our audience, for tuning in. Remember, knowledge is power, and it's never too late to live your best life. The Not Old Better Show Prevention Magazine Health and Wellness Interview Series. Check it out the October 2024 issue, available now on newstands everywhere, and please sign up for the Prevention Magazine Prevention Premium Program. Everything will be in our show notes today…Be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™…The Not Old Better Show, Prevention Magazine Health and Wellness interview series.  Until next time, stay informed and stay healthy; thanks, everybody, and we will see you next month. 

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today we have an extraordinary episode for you. We’ll be speaking with Smithsonian Associate Dr. April Nowell, a distinguished Paleolithic archaeologist and professor of anthropology, whose groundbreaking work is giving a voice to a forgotten and overlooked population from the Ice Age—children.

In prehistoric societies, children made up nearly half of the population, but until recently, their roles in the ancient world have been largely invisible. When we think of our Ice Age ancestors, we tend to imagine adults—hunting, gathering, crafting tools, and creating art. But what about the infants, toddlers, and adolescents living alongside them? Dr. Nowell’s research challenges us to reframe how we understand the past.

Link for details about Dr. Nowell’s presentation titled: Growing Up in the Ice Age.

Dr. Nowell will take us on a journey back in time, as we learn how Ice Age children played, learned, and adapted to a challenging environment, leaving marks—literally and figuratively—that have lasted tens of thousands of years. Their contributions weren’t just crucial to their survival, but to the survival and flourishing of humanity itself. In a time when their small bones and quiet voices have long since disappeared, Dr. Nowell’s research brings these children back into focus, helping us understand how their lives shaped the culture, survival, and innovation of our species.

It’s an honor to have Dr. Nowell here today, and I’m excited to dive into her fascinating work and the compelling stories she’s uncovered about childhood in the Ice Age. So, without further ado, let’s begin our conversation with Dr. April Nowell. Welcome to the show."

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. April Nowell.  Smithsonian Associate Dr. April Nowell will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates and you’ll find details in our show notes today about her upcoming presentation, titled, Growing Up in the Ice Age.  My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do for the show.  My thanks to executive editor Sam Heninger and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.

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Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s conversation is both powerful and eye-opening. We’re exploring an untold chapter of the Civil Rights Movement, one that’s been overshadowed for decades by other, more well-known events. On June 9, 1964, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, hundreds of Black men, women, and children gathered at First African Baptist Church to march for equality. What happened next became known as Bloody Tuesday—a day of brutal police violence, where law enforcement, backed by deputized white citizens and Klansmen, attacked innocent protesters with tear gas, fire hoses, and nightsticks. Yet for years, this horrific event remained buried in history.

Our guest today is Smithsonian Associate, historian John M. Giggie, has devoted more than a decade to uncovering this pivotal moment. His new book, Bloody Tuesday: The Untold Story of the Struggle for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa.  You’ll find details in our show notestoday about his upcoming presentation, titled, Bloody Tuesday: The Untold Story of the Struggle for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa.

We have Dr. Giggie today and he’ll share with us briefly about his upcoming presentation, including work he’s done on the deep scars left by this tragedy, and the incredible resilience of those who survived it. Dr. John Giggie’s will also touches on the ongoing fight for racial justice, reminding us that these stories are not just history—they are still shaping the present.

Smithsonian Associate Dr. John Giggie is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Alabama 

Today’s interview will challenge what you think you know about the Civil Rights Movement, and shine a light on the continued importance of reckoning with our nation’s past. Please join me in welcoming John Giggie to the show.

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. John Giggie. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do for the show.  My thanks to executive editor Sam Heninger and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.

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