FiftyForward, Author at FiftyForward

Squeeze The Day Podcast: Coach Bill Courtney uses teambuilding skills to build winners on and off the field

Coach Bill Courtney is known for his inspirational leadership as a high school football coach in West Tennessee. His story, as told in the Oscar-winning documentary “Undefeated,” is a shining example of encouragement to create winners on and off the field. Learn how “Undefeated” was a game changer for Courtney and how today he's recognizing “an army of normal folks” who make a difference in life.

Squeeze The Day Podcast: Volunteer extraordinaire Ed Batsel teaches us about loss and the importance of community

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer Ed Batsel recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden for more than 25 years of service and 4,000 plus hours delivering meals currently through FiftyForward Fresh Meals on Wheels. Despite recently losing his wife, Batsel keeps a positive attitude and shares tips to help us navigate the passing of years. Soon to be 90, he is a model for active aging and is enthusiastic about health, hobbies, and engagement, especially for retirees. In this podcast, we learn about his life and hardships -- including the recent loss of his wife -- and how he is coping. One FiftyForward teammate said, "For me, meeting Ed has changed the picture of what it looks like to be 90."

You recently lost your wife after 65 years of marriage, will you share a bit about that?

Well, a lot of our listeners, I suspect, know what it means to lose a spouse. I think probably the biggest adjustment I've had is simply being alone, sleeping alone, and normally not having anybody come into the house. And, I discovered very, very quickly that the answer to that is to get out of the house, which is what I have done.

In our conversation, he shares with candor and humor some of the lessons he has learned as well as coping mechanisms and forward-looking strategies to help others. In addition, Batsel shares how his own health issues surfaced and have shaped his life.

What advice do you have for others to prepare for life's unpredictable situations?

For a man, you better learn to cook… I'm surprised at how many men whose wives do all of the finances. That’s a bad sign. My wife did ours, but that's only because if it were left up to me, we would not have any money because I'm a spender. She was a very careful, organized budgeter. But she left me with Excel spreadsheets that were totally organized, and the formulas are all worked out … all I have to do is enter the monthly totals.

In the podcast, Batsel stresses the benefit of having tough conversations related to the end of life including wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and tips that can provide peace of mind for families, especially during times of loss. His roadmap is thought-provoking and offers insight and tips for all of us. Learning about what he called his “very famous blue book” offers a very real example of advanced planning.

While sharing about his roots and career we also get a sneak peek of how education shaped the spirit-filled man, his career, and why he became dedicated to service.

How do you suggest people prepare for retirement?

Have something to do, have a hobby, volunteer at Meals on Wheels, get active in something.

Intergenerational sharing is key to Batsel’s fulfillment. His stories showcase real-world examples of learning from people of all ages ranging from a 100-year-old military veteran who received FiftyForward Fresh Meals on Wheels to his very own grandson who is an entrepreneur and a social media influencer.

What would you tell your younger self?

Get started sooner on the non-material things of life, the spiritual side, particularly people, and relationships.

What is it that you do to Squeeze the Day?

I am an early riser and it's the first hour -- although it's getting longer – an hour and a half that I spend in prayer, reading the Bible … Recently it’s about journaling where I just react to what's happening. Good, bad, indifferent.

Don’t miss this podcast full of wisdom and life experience peppered with the importance of preparation, service, and hobbies. Join us for a juicy conversation to learn more about how to Squeeze the Day.

Squeeze the Day Podcast: Dr. William Schaffner’s infectious disease prevention and healthcare advocacy are contagious

Dr. William Schaffner is the Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. An often-tapped resource for infectious disease education he is passionate about health, vaccines, and disease prevention. When not teaching or doing clinical trials he volunteers at The Elephant Sanctuary outside of Nashville.

grandmother and granddaughter dancing in living room

Stay Energy Efficient By Making Small Adjustments At Home To Lower Bills Year Round

We are all looking for ways to cut costs and for those on fixed or limited incomes, the situation is more critical. The advent of record heat, rising cooling costs, and increased demand have created financial challenges that make optimal energy efficiency more important than ever.

Squeeze the Day Podcast: Robb Holland shares his love for racing and competitive cycling as he prepares for the Nashville Grand Prix

Robb Holland is a professional race car driver, automotive journalist, and tv personality with records in the British Touring Car, Pikes Peak, and the World Touring Car Championships

Squeeze the Day Podcast: Engineer turned entrepreneur T.J. Tennent talks about how anger management, self-care, and respect for others help his global tire business shine

T.J. Tennent is a forensics expert, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who has channeled negativity for the greater good. He's a natural-born teacher who uses his longtime passion for all things automotive to create a global tire forensics business that is building momentum. In this Squeeze the Day, let's learn how anger management, valuing relationships, and leveraging expertise have created a booming business.

Squeeze The Day Podcast: Award-winning chef and author Lidia Bastianich blends her life experience including immigration and food to leave a legacy for others

For those who follow Italian cooking on public television, Lidia Bastianich is likely a household name. She's won countless awards including an Emmy as a television host and several James Beard Awards. As a bestselling cookbook author, Lidia is also a celebrated restaurateur

Squeeze the Day Podcast: John Guider shares how stealth mode in nature supports his passion for the arts and rediscovering history

John Guider is a naturalist and internationally recognized photographer whose work is featured in national museums, prestigious corporate and private collections, as well as in the Art in Embassies program.

Squeeze The Day Podcast: Linda Davis and Lang Scott share life lessons on relationships, the music industry, and family

Nashville power couple Linda Davis and Lang Scott have excelled in country and Christian music. As parents of Rylee Jean and Lady A's frontwoman Hillary Scott, their story is inspiring as is their love for life and learning. This podcast shares how they met, married, balanced careers, and managed a family. Learn how a talent series win and work with Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers propelled them; their advice on the music business and their desire to leave a legacy are compelling.

Podcasts offer education and entertainment, here’s our Podcast 101 so you can access them

Podcasts are all the rage and wonderful communications tools. However, we have learned that not everyone understands how to access them, and we are all acutely aware that it’s important to stretch and learn to navigate new things along life’s highway.