In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with licensed aesthetician and professional skin therapist Susan Sorensen of About Face Skin Therapy to demystify skincare for women over 60. Susan explains why it's never too late to start caring for your skin and breaks down what really happens to mature, menopausal skin — from transepidermal water loss and declining collagen and elastin to the important difference between dryness and dehydration. She shares practical, expert-backed advice on staying hydrated, the ingredients that actually work (ultra-stable vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and the gentle plant-based alternative bakuchiol), and the treatments worth your money, including professional red and blue light LED therapy. Susan also cuts through the hype around glass skin, beef tallow, coconut oil and Korean skincare, makes the case for daily sunscreen (her favorite: SolaVida Face SPF 30), and reveals her single most important habit for healthy, glowing skin at any age. A must-listen for anyone 60+ who wants radiant, vibrant skin in this third phase of life.

Links from this episode:

• Susan Sorensen: aboutfacesusan.com | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with dementia expert and occupational therapy assistant Cody Normoyle to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in caregiving: the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia. Drawing on more than a decade of clinical experience and her own journey caring for her mother, Cody explains the most common early warning signs of cognitive decline, the everyday habits that support brain health, and what testing and treatment options are actually available today. Most importantly, she shares practical, real-life strategies caregivers can use right now; regulating yourself first, validating before you redirect, and becoming a "behavior detective" to de-escalate sundowning, repetitive questions, agitation, and refusal of care. She also introduces her affordable Behavior Decoder mini-app and free hygiene-refusal guide, offering hope and tangible tools for families who want to navigate dementia caregiving with more confidence and less overwhelm.

Links from this episode:

• Cody Normoyle: Instagram | Threads
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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What if the most powerful decision you can make for your health, happiness, and financial wellbeing isn't what you eat or how much you exercise it's where you live? In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with Ryan Frederick, CEO and founder of HERE and author of Right Place, Right Time, to explore the concept of Place Planning, a research-backed framework that helps people in the second half of life evaluate how their home and community support four key areas: environment, health, community, and finances. Ryan shares why only 20% of our longevity is determined by genetics, why the strength of our relationships in our 50s and 60s is the greatest predictor of thriving at 80, and why aging in place without a plan can be dangerous. Whether you're in your empty-nest years or approaching your 70s and 80s, this conversation will make you stop and ask: am I in the right place?

Links from this episode:

• Ryan Frederick: here.life | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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Over 60 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, spending an average of 15+ hours a week supporting aging parents, spouses with illness, or children with special needs — yet the system offers little support and home care agencies charge up to $82,000 a year. In this eye-opening episode, Lori sits down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, a social-impact healthcare tech startup connecting families directly with vetted, university-enrolled student caregivers at roughly half the cost of traditional agencies. Neal shares his deeply personal journey from hedge fund partner to full-time caregiver for his grandfather with Alzheimer's and his wife through a multi-year cancer battle, and how those experiences drove him to dedicate his career to fixing America's caregiving crisis. From practical tips on finding affordable direct care and running your own background checks, to the promise of AI-powered caregiver training tools and the Medicare Guide pilot program for dementia families, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.

Links from this episode:

• Neal Shah: careyaya.org | Free Guide | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with Emily Steedman — occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of 10ElevenLife and Longevity Land — to explore what it really takes to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life after 60. Emily breaks down the exciting age tech innovations on the horizon from AI-powered brain training and smart home sensors to companion robots and shares the three most impactful lifestyle changes you can make right now, and reveals why grip strength is a powerful predictor of longevity. Whether you're looking to prevent falls, boost brain health through neuroplasticity, or simply take more control of your wellness journey, this conversation is packed with practical, science-backed advice to help you live vibrantly in your 3rd phase of life and beyond.

Links from this episode:

• Emily Steedman: longevity-land.com | LinkedIn
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with Danielle Roberts, CEO of Boomer Benefits and bestselling author of 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make, to break down the confusing world of Medicare. Danielle explains the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, what Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are, and why missing your enrollment window can result in costly penalties you'll pay for the rest of your life. Whether you're approaching 65 or helping a loved one navigate their options, this episode is packed with actionable advice on when to start researching, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to choose between a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage — so you can make confident, informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Links from this episode:

• Danielle Roberts: Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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If you’re in your third phase (60+) and you’ve ever wondered which supplements are actually worth taking—and when to take them—this episode is for you. Lori Carpenter welcomes wellness expert Jana Donohoe back to the show for an actionable conversation on healthy aging, strength training, and recovery, with a focus on the basics that move the needle: protein intake, hydration, sleep, and consistency. Jana breaks down why creatine isn’t just for muscles (and how it may support brain health), how to use collagen and protein powder more effectively, and what “third-party tested” really means when you’re trying to avoid fillers. Plus, they share smart travel snack ideas—like pistachios, tuna packs, jerky, roasted chickpeas, and make-ahead options—so you can stay energized on the go without living at the pastry table.

Links from this episode:

• Jana Donohoe: Instagram | Facebook
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, Lori Carpenter welcomes back Megan Mazzocco, author of The Sleep System, for a deeper dive into nervous system regulation and why it matters even more after 60. Megan breaks down what it means to move out of fight-or-flight and into a calm “social engagement” state, explains how true rest supports brain health, and shares practical tools you can start tonight—like dimming lights at sunset, avoiding screens before bed, using resonance breathing, gentle shaking to reset your system, and a simple “three good things” gratitude practice that can improve sleep. You’ll also hear how your environment (light, sound, temperature, even aroma) can trigger stress or support calm—so you can live with more clarity, intention, and vibrancy in your third phase.

Links from this episode:

1. Megan Mazzocco: meganmazzocco.com | Instagram @wellbeingxdesign
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram @loricarpenterdesigns

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