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Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with journalist Randall H. Duckett, author of Chronic Pain Chronicles: insightful and inspiring stories of resolve, resilience, and relief, a book that offers realistic hope and help to the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who endure long-lasting hurt — and who, far too often, also endure delays, obstacles, and stigma in getting their very real pain addressed.

Randall H. Duckett bio: Randall H. Duckett is a journalist who has created, written for, and edited scores of magazines and who has authored articles for, among others, National Geographic Traveler, USA Today, and AARP: The Magazine. In addition to Chronic Pain Chronicles, he is the author of Seven Cs: The Elements of Effective Writing; 41 How-To Tips for Creators.

Diagnosed at age 6 with a severe form of an inherited disease that causes his bones and joints to deform, leading to osteoarthritis throughout his body, Randall is also intimately familiar with chronic pain. He has undergone eight joint replacements, including both hips twice, both shoulders, and both knees, and has had both his ankles fused. He is never one to minimize the toll that long-lasting pain can take on the body and the psyche; yet he lives a productive and engaged life with his wife and family in the Philadelphia area.

Show notes:

Purchase Chronic Pain Chronicles on Amazon in any of these formats:

Paperback Edition

Hardback Edition

Kindle Edition

Resources (excerpted from "Sources of Solace" notes in Chronic Pain Chronicles):

U.S. Pain Foundation: uspainfoundation.org or painconnection.org

Chronic Pain Anonymous (CPA): chronicpainanonymous.org

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA): acpanow.com

See other resources listed in "Sources of Solace" in Chronic Pain Chronicles

Watch for host Jan M. Flynn's first-in-a-series fantasy novel for readers 8 and up, Griffin Speaker, releasing May 5, 2026 from Disney-Hyperion Books and available for preorder now.

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Is this another day of just not giving a you-know-what? Getting older can zap your zest for life, as dopamine — your "Whoo-Hoo!" brain chemical — diminishes over time. In this episode, health and fitness writer Linda Melone gives you ten ways to get your mojo back (most without breaking a sweat).

For more energizing ideas about fitness and life, check out Linda's column on Crow's Feet.

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The 6 Pak Band is a seven‑piece, high‑energy, all‑female rock and roll group bringing the best hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond to life. Their mission is simple: keep the crowd dancing, singing, and smiling from the first note to the last.

Originally formed in 1967, the band reunited thirteen years ago, blending original members with a few new faces. They’ve been rocking Western Michigan ever since. With a loyal fan base known as “The Returnables,” along with a steady stream of new followers, The 6 Pak fills every show with nostalgia, fun, and infectious energy that keeps audiences coming back.

The band was voted #2 in the 2025 Best Bands in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine. And this year, they reached a major milestone with a performance at Michigan’s Gun Lake Casino and continue expanding their reach to larger venues and bigger crowds. Their momentum even caught national attention when NBC’s America’s Got Talent discovered them on YouTube, where one of their videos surpassed 3 million views.

For booking and pricing information, contact Cindy at cindythe6pak@gmail.com.

Additional Information regarding the band can be found at the following web links:

The 6 Pak - All Girl Band - YouTube

Facebook

The 6 Pak Band

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Here's Eric V. Martin reminiscing about his not-so-good old days in Little League, yet with a fondness that's grown over the years. If you'd like to read along, click the link to Eric's story on Medium's Crows Feet channel.

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June Squibb has been performing for more than six decades—and shows no signs of slowing down. In this conversation with Melinda Blau, she reflects on late-life success, her approach to acting, and what still surprises her about aging. Squibb also talks about her 40-year marriage to her late husband and shares news of upcoming projects.

Producer/Host Melinda Blau

Website/blog

On Medium

On Amazon

Melinda Blau’s 16th book, “The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter”, is about women in their 90s and 100s – like June – who give us hope about aging.

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Mariann Aalda is an American actress, a performance artist, a stand-up comedian, and an age-full evangelist. You may know her from old ABC soap operas like Edge of Night or, from street theater in New York City, from shows like Designing Women or The Bay, or a host of commercials. Mariann is a 50 year member of the Actors’ Guild and has not only witnessed but been an important voice in the transformation of the acting industry for black actors. She has studied and practiced hypnosis and respects the power of your words to influence your life. Now she styles herself an Agefull Evangelist and an Anti-Aging Activist.

Mariann’s website: mariannaaldainherprime.com

Where do you know her from?
Check her IMDB page.

Links to her activities

Mariann on TEDx

Her Age Disruptor column at Crunchytales.com

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A Crows Feet Life As We Age Extra featuring Patricia Ross (87, psychotherapist, still working and author of "From There to Here: An Alphabet Memoir" and "From Here to Beyond.”) Here’s Patricia reading her Crows Feet article “Why Shame?” or the embarrassment of looking old.

And a link to the story in case you’d like to read along with her narration.

Hear Patricia Ross's story of how resilience, curiosity and good choices led to an "exuberant geezerhood" in this earlier episode of Crows Feet Life As We Age.

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Right in time for Valentine's Day gift-giving, The Turquoise Butterfly is Dr. Atkins' sensitive, heartwarming portrayal of the role a grandparent can play in a young one's life — from helping them overcome anxiety to facing loss, while transforming into the version of themselves they dream of becoming. It's a great opportunity to share by reading aloud to any young child with whom you have a close relationship.

Dale Atkins bio: (cribbed from her website)

Based in New York City, Dale Atkins is a licensed psychologist with more than 40 years as a relationship expert focusing on families, wellness, managing stress, and living a balanced, meaningful life. Author of seven books and many chapters, articles, and journals for popular and professional audiences, Dale is a featured speaker who lectures and leads seminars worldwide. Dale has appeared regularly on NBC’s TODAY and CNN, including her recent interview on TODAY featuring her new book The Turquoise Butterfly. Dale has a private psychology practice in New York City and has been a member of, and advisor to several nonprofit boards, including Jumpstart for Young Children, from which she recently retired after serving twenty-two years, since its founding. She has two children and six grandchildren, and lives in Connecticut.

Show notes & Links:

Dr. Dale Atkins, website: https://www.drdaleatkins.com/

Purchase The Turquoise Butterfly at your favorite bookseller, online at Mascot Books or on Amazon

Watch Dr. Atkins' recent TODAY show interview here.

Watch for host Jan M. Flynn's first-in-a-series fantasy novel for readers 8 and up, Griffin Speaker, releasing May 5, 2026 from Disney-Hyperion Books and available for preorder now.

Support the show