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    Blooming Boomers, Late Bloomers of Autumn and Winter Podcast

    The booming Blooming Boomers, Late Bloomers (and Others) podcast is an Autumn and Winter Productions podcast. The podcast focus is on topics resonating especially with those of us 50 years old and up, and up: the booming, blooming Boomers, the late Bloomers, and just us all of us more mature folks: exploring, celebrating, sharing, the wonderful creative and amazing autumn and winter seasons of our lives. Topics are wide-range and include health, travel, dating, making new friends, dress code, bursts of new-found creativity, dealing with loss, retirement, fitness, residential care, dealing with ageism, down-sizing, new careers and businesses, happiness, ageing well, death, quality of life as we get older .... Each podcast is 15-30 minutes in duration and follows one of the following 3 formats: co-hosts Anna and Mirella share their personal views on a particular topic; or, invited guest(s) add their input and stories based on their knowledge, experience, challenges, achievements; or, On the Street perspectives on a specific topic from the general public - random passers-by. We generally post 1-2 episodes per month (with possible exception during the summer months and December). Some of the experiences and perceptions we discuss are common to us all as we get older, some are very unique as each one of us. The overall goal of the podcast series is to provide a voice, and even a community, for those of us 50 years old and well beyond, in a society that at large tends to minimize those voices and their relevance. We'd like to continue helping to shape the world, to contribute, encourage discussion, to inspire, inform, question, to understand, even provoke and challenge what it means to be an autumn and winter bloomer today in our communities, in our society and in the world in general. During each podcast, we strive to be our authentic selves and share our journeys, so our style is personal, open, curious, sometimes even philosophical, partly our own self-discovery and growth - so please join us. A bit more about the podcast team: AnnaKC (Kaz Chmielewski) (nickname "Anya") - podcast co-host, podcast executive producer; engineering and business graduate from Montreal, worked as a Project Manager in various tech industries and past liaison and associate producer for the Backstage-Vancouver video blog; currently working on various shorts, documentaries, short stories; Mirella Gibeau - podcast co-host; Mirella holds a Masters degree in Education from the University of Alberta; she is a former high school theatre arts teacher; presently Mirella is working as an actress already seen in various films, shorts, commercials - one of her latest projects is "The Tale Blazers" www.talltrueandtangled.com ; Nick Wangersky - podcast audio/editor; Nick is a Vancouver Arts Institute graduate; he is the editor of Hollywood North Magazine, and an all-around talent in the independent film industry. We record out of various locations in the Vancouver, BC, Canada area - hence any local references and service locales are within that geographic area. We also include contact info for anyone interested. However, we feel our topics have relevance just about anywhere you are located and likely any service(s) we refer to can be just as easily found in your area too. Our guests although often from the Vancouver region also hail from other parts of the world. Feel free to check our our constantly evolving website www.thebloomingboomers.com, contact us with your feedback if you like via email bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com or use the form located on the web site. We look forward to your input.
    en-us31 Episodes

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    Episodes (31)

    S3 E12 - Writing Stories

    S3 E12 - Writing Stories

    Anna and Mirella talk to author Irene A Godin. They discuss subject matters about how she got into writing, her life journey around the world, and what her stories are inspired from. Irene shows that despite the hardships of changing technology and hectic schedules even after retirement, being creative is still a possibility and the results are amazing. Irene's book 'The Lonely Little Flute' can be found here:
    https://www.amazon.ca/Lonely-Little-Flute-Irene-Godin/dp/B08C9D749Y/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+lonely+little+flute&qid=1631552802&sr=8-1

    S3 E11 - Psychology of Colour

    S3 E11 - Psychology of Colour

    Debbie Rootman is the guest for this edition of the Bloomers podcast discussing colour with  Anna and Mirella. Debbie describes  what colours people can wear as they get older,  explains how colours affect us, how colours can brighten up our day and lift our moods, and the importance of right colours in day-to-day life.


    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E10 - Benefits of Belonging to a Community

    S3 E10 - Benefits of Belonging to a Community

    Anna and Mirella discuss and explore the advantages of community connections, especially during a pandemic,  with their guest,  Donna Becker.  Donna is part of a Jewish organization at the Peretz Centre which is a centre for secular Jewish culture and humanistic Judaism in Vancouver, BC.  Donna describes what they're doing amidst the COVID pandemic, what kind of services they offer, the advantages and disadvantages of being in a community, and how things look for the future.


    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E9 - Relocating at a Mature Age

    S3 E9 - Relocating at a Mature Age

    Debbie Rootman joins Anna and Mirella again for another Bloomers podcast to discuss what it's like to move when you're older. Topics of discussion include why Debbie chose to move across country (Canada) from Vancouver where she has lived for decades to predominantly French-speaking Quebec City,  what the moving experience was like - the challenges and joys, how it has affected her, and what life is like in her new city.


    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E8 - Thriving as a Small Business Entrepreneur During Retirement

    S3 E8 - Thriving as a Small Business Entrepreneur During Retirement

    Anna and Mirella talk with senior citizen and local New Westminster, BC barber Guy Quesnel on operating his small business. Guy explains how he got into cutting hair, what the job has been like over the years including during the pandemic, the advantages of running a small business, and why he has chosen not to retire yet.

    We learn Guy has worked as a barber for many years beginning working for his father who originally owned the business. So you might say Guy is a bit of a staple in New Westminster.
     
    If you live in the area and require barber services (including for children and youth) or simply want to drop by and say "hello",  Guy's barber shop is located at:
    Elk's Barber Shop
    771 Sixth Street
    New Westminster, BC
    604-524-2922
    https://elksbarber.ca
    (Covid protocol and safety measures in place)



    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E7 - Films Through The Years

    S3 E7 - Films Through The Years

    Anna and Mirella converse with UK podcaster Ash Hurry regarding films through the years. One of Ash's passions is films and he hosts his own podcast called
    Film Exploration with Ash Hurry.
    All of you film lovers please check it out at:
    https://podtail.com/en/podcast/film-exploration-with-ash-hurry/

    Ash tells us what motivated him to get into films, what goes into storytelling, and how films have evolved over the years. He also lists his own  favourite films and tells us why, explains how European films are different from the North American and other ones, and what's in store for films down the road.

    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E6 - On The Street - What do you think of 2020?

    S3 E6 - On The Street - What do you think of 2020?

    In this episode, Anna and Mirella travel around Granville Island, BC and ask passers-by their thoughts on 2020 - how they're currently coping with the pandemic, how they feel about the future,  what's important to focus on going-forward, ....

    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been recorded on the street along with real-time noise.

    S3 E5 - Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors

    S3 E5 - Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors

    Anna and Mirella talk to former FBI agent Frank Runles. Frank describes the type of scams out there, especially those targeting seniors, how to detect a scam,   a typical scam artist profile, and what preventive measures you can take to not end a victim of fraud.

    A bit  of back ground on  Frank Runles:
    Mr.  Frank Runles was a Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for more than 21 years. During his tenure with the FBI, Frank investigated a wide variety of criminal matters to include organized crime, financial institution fraud, health care fraud, labor racketeering, kidnappings, and serial murders. During his investigative career, Frank conducted more than 1,000 interviews both internationally and domestic. 

     Frank also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Virginia as part of the FBI National Academy. In this role, Mr. Runles instructed more than 900 Secret Service, U.S. Marshal Service, Department of Homeland Security Agents, and other U.S. and international senior law enforcement officers on Advanced Interview Techniques and Forensic Statement Analysis.  Frank was also the Lead Instructor for new FBI agents, instructing courses on Interviewing and Interrogations, Detection of Deception, and Intelligence Collection Techniques.  In a similar role, Frank taught these same courses for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) State Security Division Investigators and Intelligence Officers.

     Frank was also selected by the FBI for overseas duty. In this role, Frank worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and with the CIA and Joint Special Operations Forces in Iraq conducting intelligence debriefings of hundreds of foreign fighters captured during combat operations. Frank also served for 10 years on the FBI SWAT team, including in the role of Sniper Team Leader.

     Frank is the host of the “Lies People Tell” podcast, where each week he teaches how to know when you are being deceived using Deceptive Language Analysis.
    You can listen to his podcast at:
    https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-rugged-individualist-with-frank-runles

    Below are several links Frank thought would be helpful, especially for those of you residing in the United States, although similar/equivalent resources are likely available in other countries as well.

    National Center for Victims of Crime:
    https://victimsofcrime.org

     The National Center for Elder Abuse:
    https://www.ncea.aoa.gov/index.html

     Federal Trade Commission:
    www.ftc.gov

     The National Association of Adult Protective Services:
    www.napsa-now.org

     
    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E4 - Creativity at a Mature Age

    S3 E4 - Creativity at a Mature Age

    In this episode, Anna and Mirella talk to guest, Day's Lee, who explains how she has expressed her creativity at writing and films relatively later in life.  Day's talks about her beginnings  starting with a degree in journalism,  tells what kind of stories she has written, her inspiration, what it's been like for her to get her recent documentary done and what had motivated her.  She also talks about some of the benefits of writing, making films when more mature in age, and offers realistic encouragement to anyone wishing to start their creative journey at more mature years - it is never too late.

    A bit about Day's Lee -

    Day’s Lee is an author who has just completed her first documentary entitled Meet and Eat at Lee’s Garden. It is about her family’s restaurant, Lee’s Garden, and other Chinese-Canadian restaurants in Montreal in the 1950s. The documentary will look at the history behind the restaurants, the food they served and what they mean to the Chinese and Jewish communities.  

     The documentary will air on the CBC program Absolutely Canadian on Saturday, November 14th at 7p.m. in the province of Quebec only. It will be available for streaming in the rest of Canada on CBC’s GEM app as of Friday, November 13th. 

     Her children’s picture book The Fragrant Garden, short story collection, The Red Pagoda and Other Storiesand young adult novel Guitar Hero tell stories about the Chinese-Canadian community. Growing up in Montreal, she realized that her parents’ generation didn’t have a voice. Language and cultural barriers prevented them from telling their stories of life, loss and disappointment. Lee writes fiction and non-fiction to share their stories and a history that is slowly fading from the public’s memory. 

    Website:   https://dayslee.ca/ 

    Documentary:  https://dayslee.ca/documentary/  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Meet-and-Eat-at-Lees-Garden-622271004773961/  

     
    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E3 - Death

    S3 E3 - Death

    Anna and Mirella discuss the topic of death in this episode.  Why do so many people fear talking about death? How do some people understand death? Anna and Mirella draw from some of their personal experiences, and share their views plus provide advice how to live a happy life with minimal fear of death.

    "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift."
    - Eleanor Roosevelt

    https://youtu.be/WgDCoH79kyo
    -  "How Did You Die?",  Edmund Vance Cooke

    https://youtu.be/rkIi68Ijk8I
    - " Psalm of Life",  H. W. Longfellow

    https://app.feedblitz.com/f/?fblike=https%3a%2f%2fwww.timegoesby.net%2fweblog%2f2020%2f10%2fmonday-time-out.html
    - Time Goes By  blog, Ronni Bennet

    https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/10/bruce-springsteen-and-art-aging-well/616826/
    - Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well, The Atlantic, David Brooks

    - Life after Life, Raymond Moody
    Raymond Moody coined the term  "near-death experience"  (NDE)

    - The Handbook of Near-Death Experiences,  Bruce M. Greyson


    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E2 - Senior Care during Pandemic (one person's experience caring for her mom)

    S3 E2 - Senior Care during Pandemic (one person's experience caring for her mom)

    In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna's and Mirella's guest is Trilby Jeeves. Trilby shares her personal experience of taking care of and advocating for her mother who is suffering from dementia and resides in a care facility in P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island, Canada). And the additional challenges while under the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Below are links describing some of Trilby's creativity, advocacy and self-isolation ideas in PEI.

    https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/provincial/trilby-jeeves-uses-her-creativity-to-keep-in-touch-with-her-mother-at-beach-grove-home-429205/
     
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-fun-things-to-do-covid-19-self-isolating-home-1.5503255

    And if you'd like to see a touching film on caring for aging parents, see Michelle Boyaner's upcoming It's Not a Burden documentary.
    https://Itsnotaburden.com

    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-)  Apologies.

    S3 E1 - Alone vs. Lonely

    S3 E1 - Alone vs. Lonely

    In this podcast of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella discuss the differences between being alone versus feeling lonely, especially if you're single and during the pandemic. Discussion also includes how the younger generation tends to feel more at ease being single and living on their own. And Mirella and Anna offer some tips how to minimize loneliness.




    As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-) 

    S2 E10 - Friendship

    S2 E10 - Friendship

    In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella connect via Zoom to discuss friendship, what their definition is, their experiences and challenges especially during this pandemic period, and why some friendships may not be meant to last forever.

    As always, we look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-) 

    S2 E9 - Happiness during COVID-19

    S2 E9 - Happiness during COVID-19

    In this episode, Anna and Mirella try to define "happiness" - what it means to them, especially during this pandemic period. They relate their struggles, challenges and opportunities along with activities they do to keep themselves happy and stable during this period.

    As always, we look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-) 
    We are still working on a YouTube Blooming Boomers version.

    S2 E8 - COVID-19 Thoughts from Our Listeners

    S2 E8 - COVID-19 Thoughts from Our Listeners

    In this edition of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella read some of the emails received on how people are handling the pandemic and also discuss how this current status of the virus outbreak has impacted their lives.

    As always, we look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest  on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.

    Please note: This edition of Blooming Boomers has been audio-recorded via Zoom, along with real-time noise, microphone, etc. glitches :-) 
    Please stay-tuned for an upcoming YouTube Blooming Boomers version as well.

    S2 E7 - Career Programs for 55+

    S2 E7 - Career Programs for 55+

    In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella speak with Keith Goodwin, a career advisor at the local YWCA. Keith talks about employment for those 55 and up and what programs like his can offer.
    Keith also recounts his journey through life and how he has successfully re-invented himself a few times. It's never too late for any of us.

    For those considering working longer, and needing support, motivation, do check for programs and resources in your community: YWCA, YMCA, libraries, colleges and also any government programs are good sources.
    As Keith mentioned, ageism does exist, but equally there are also opportunities.


    We look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com 

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel. 

    S2 E6 - On The Street - Do You Exercise?

    S2 E6 - On The Street - Do You Exercise?

    In this edition of 'On The Street', Mirella asks passers-by if they exercise, how they exercise, why they do it, and if it will be a lifelong lifestyle for them.


    We look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel. 

    S2 E5 - Pilates

    S2 E5 - Pilates

    In this episode of the Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella continue with the importance of fitness topic. Amongst various activities (yoga, cardio, weight training, zumba, walking, swimming, cycling, running, gardening, dancing, ...), Pilates is another option. Lorraine Stilitis, certified Pilates instructor at Vitalcore Fitness Pilates in Coquitlam, is their guest. Lorraine explains what Pilates is, its history, and its benefits.

    We look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel. 

    S2 E4 - The Benefits of Physio

    S2 E4 - The Benefits of Physio

    In this episode, Anna and Mirella talk with physiotherapist Janice Low. Janice describes what physiotherapy is about and provides fitness tips especially as we get older.  Anna and Mirella also learn that engaging a physiotherapist proactively is a good preventive measure to maintain a healthy body, mind and lifestyle, not just when already in pain.

    Below is an inspirational YouTube video Janice often uses to motivate her patients and clients: Don't Grow Older But Bolder
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbPEC5vKqD8
    that our listeners may find helpful.

    Janice Low works in Burnaby, BC
    at the Cedar Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic
    https://www.cedarhealth.ca/
    that offers an individualized healing approach via integrated healthcare solutions.

    Janice also has her own practice in Vancouver,BC 
    Resilience Active Rehab
    If interested, see her schedule https://calendly.com/lowjanice99 
    She also teaches yoga in New Westminster https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/81655809725 


    As always, if you have any feedback for us, please contact us via email:
    bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel. 

    S2 E3 - Exercise and Fitness

    S2 E3 - Exercise and Fitness

    In this episode, Anna and Mirella discuss the importance of physical activity to one's health, especially as we age and sometimes the lack of motivation to get started.

    We look forward to your input.
    Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com
    www.thebloomingboomers.com

    And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest  on our podcast and/or YouTube channel.