This episode features a long time friend I met while dog walking. He definitely looked out of place in the Syracuse winter, with his shiny new cross country ski equipment, fancy tech coat and dog who looked a bit like Al Capone. My dog walking companion and I speculated that he was enrolled in the federal witness protection program and his dog, Nate, was his cell dog.

It turned out that wasn't the case. Jeff had been a popular and award-winning humor columnist in Southern California and suburban Boston. Soon he was at it again in Syracuse, addressing topics from family life to local politics. One of my favorite pieces was when he sampled local gas station pizza and judged them from best to worst. Kramer also established himself as a writer and producer of comedic plays, including one inspired by his botched vasectomy.

Now, at 63, he can add to his credits multiple replacement joints and other internal hardware. Plus he's a first-time novelist.

“Mud Season” -- which Jeff humbly calls the funniest book of the decade -- was released March of ‘25. Today we’re going to find out what it takes to write a book in the third act, and how art imitates life. Find out more about Jeff at https://jeffmkramer.com.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

One of the many joys of being a podcaster is that whenever I run across a zestful ager, which is often, I can invite them on the Show. It’s a great way to meet people that look interesting. Recently I was at an Earth Day celebration and I noticed a group of unmistakably zestful agers. I just knew I wanted to introduce myself and get to know them. They had that dynamic, postmenopausal energy.

Today’s guest has spent her life promoting environmental stewardship. Mary Bartlett is part of a local organization called United Climate Action Network (UCAN) which is all about building community around environmental advocacy. I love this group because it’s not a formal non profit. It’s a group of concerned citizens who have organized to address some of these pressing issues. And if they can do it, you might be inspired to do this in your community. This is true grass roots action. Check them out: https://unitedclimateaction.org/

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

What if you had a major life transition in middle age, decided to sell your worldly belongings and buy a RV and travel around the country solo? Would you be that brave? I don’t know if I would. I had the opportunity to speak with full time RVer, Kathy Macdonald, on the Nelson swamp trail, just having been introduced by our mutual friend, Sue Parker. You may remember Sue, the hot shot firefighter who did a similar thing. And here’s a tidbit I love…how did Sue and Kathy meet? Sue reached out when she saw that Kathy and she both had the same obscure trailer brand! That’s the secret. Reaching out, making connections, even if it’s a bit of a leap.

Kathy is a force of nature behind the wheel of her massive F-150, towing her 25-foot travel trailer through the wild landscapes of the American West. She is also a long time journaler. It’s part of her morning ritual and she credits the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron for showing her the power of journaling. Find out more about Kathy’s adventures here: https://www.facebook.com/Kathy.Macdonald17

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