In Good Company Podcast: Age Better

Where you connect to the voices shaping care for our elders or aging better. From neighbors to experts, these are the people supporting aging in your community. 

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Episodes

Monday Feb 23, 2026

Scammers are getting smarter. More convincing. More aggressive. And they are targeting everyday Americans using phone calls, texts, social media, and even Artificial Intelligence. In this episode of In Good Company, we break down the four red flags that nearly every scam has in common — and how recognizing them could protect your money, your Social Security number, and your family. You will learn: ✔️ How scammers impersonate Social Security and government agencies ✔️ Why urgency is their most powerful weapon ✔️ The payment methods that should immediately raise alarms ✔️ How AI is being used to clone voices and create fake credibility ✔️ What to do immediately if you suspect a scam ✔️ Where to report fraud and protect your credit National “Slam the Scam” Day on March 5, 2026 reminds us that awareness is power. The more we talk about these tactics, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Before you answer that next unknown call… watch this. Then share it with someone you love. Because one conversation could save thousands. #SlamTheScam #ScamAwareness #FraudPrevention #SocialSecurityScam #ConsumerProtection #StopScammers #IdentityTheft #FinancialSafety #ProtectYourParents #AIscams #InGoodCompany

Wednesday Feb 18, 2026

No one talks about this part. While you’re managing medications, appointments, sleepless nights, and impossible decisions… your own body is absorbing the stress. 📉 Caregivers have a 23% higher risk of mortality than non-caregivers the same age. 🧠 Up to 70% report clinically significant depressive symptoms. 😴 Sleep disruption, chronic stress, weight gain, burnout — it adds up. And when the doctor asks, “How are you doing?” You say, “I’m fine.” But you’re not fine. In this episode, we unpack the hidden physical and mental toll of caregiving — from stress hormones and sleep dysfunction to muscle loss, chronic disease risk, and the quiet guilt caregivers carry every day. We talk about: • Why caregiver burnout is more dangerous than you think • The science behind stress, cortisol, and chronic illness • How sleep, exercise, and nutrition change long-term outcomes • Why the healthcare system often overlooks caregivers • Simple ways to start protecting your own health today If you are caring for a spouse, parent, or loved one — this conversation is for you. You deserve care too. 🎧 Listen now. Share with someone who needs this reminder. #CaregiverLife #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverSupport #AgingParents #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverHealth #MentalHealthMatters #ChronicStress #BurnoutRecovery #SelfCareForCaregivers #HealthyAging #PreventativeHealth #WellnessJourney #SleepHealth #ExerciseIsMedicine #ChronicDiseasePrevention #Longevity #HealthcareSystem #CaregivingJourney #InGoodCompanyPodcast

Wednesday Feb 11, 2026

What does dying really look and sound like — and why are families so often unprepared for it? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Debra Parker Oliver — a nationally recognized hospice researcher, former hospice founder, and author — shares what she learned not just through decades of research, but through living hospice care three times: as a wife, a daughter, and a caregiver. Dr. Oliver pulls back the curtain on the parts of dying families are rarely warned about — from the sounds and sights of the final days, to the emotional toll of caregiving, to the hidden suffering caused by a fragmented healthcare system. She explains why even medical professionals can feel like novices when it’s their own loved one, and why caregivers so often become exhausted, invisible, and overwhelmed. This episode is an honest, compassionate look at end-of-life care — what we get wrong, what we avoid talking about, and how families can be better supported before a crisis hits. If you are a caregiver, love someone who is seriously ill, or want a deeper understanding of hospice and palliative care, this conversation will stay with you. You are not alone — and this is a conversation we all need to have. #HospiceCare #EndOfLifeCare #PalliativeCare #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverLife #FamilyCaregivers #CaregiverBurnout #InvisibleCaregivers #CaregiverHealth #SupportCaregivers #YouAreNotAlone #Grief #DyingWell #DeathAndDying #EndOfLife #HospiceAwareness #HospicePodcast #HealthcareConversations #RealTalk #PatientCenteredCare #PalliativeMedicine #HospiceProfessionals #HealthcareLeadership #CompassionateCare #LifeAndLoss #CaregivingJourney #HardConversations

Wednesday Feb 04, 2026

Dr. Amanda Altobell is the Director of Ethics at Mercy Springfield, where she helps patients, families, and care teams navigate some of the most emotionally complex moments in health care. Trained as both a clinician and ethicist, her work is deeply shaped by hands-on hospice experience, a death and dying fellowship, and her own personal journey supporting loved ones through the end of life. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Altobell challenges the way we think about death—especially the belief that dying means failure. She explains why modern medicine often confuses “doing everything” with “doing what’s right,” why hospice is so often misunderstood, and how a simple advance directive can prevent devastating family conflict. She also breaks down hard truths most people never hear: why CPR is rarely successful, what medical TV shows get wrong, how Missouri’s unique laws leave families legally powerless, and why waiting “until later” to plan is often too late. This episode is honest, compassionate, and deeply human—an essential listen for anyone who has aging parents, works in health care, or simply wants to live (and die) with dignity.

Wednesday Jan 28, 2026

Podcast Episode Description
What does hospice really look like — and why do so many families misunderstand it?
In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Kim Therriault, Director of Hospice at Haven Home Health and Hospice, whose decades-long career has been shaped by one defining belief: people deserve choice, dignity, and a voice at the end of life.
Kim shares the pivotal moment that changed how she practices hospice care forever — a conversation with a patient who chose the freedom to drive his restored car over stronger pain medication. That moment became the foundation of her approach to care: honoring what matters most to the patient, not just the diagnosis.
Throughout the conversation, Kim breaks down:
Why hospice is often misunderstood — and why families wait too long
How hospice can actually extend life and improve quality of living
The power of self-referral and starting the conversation sooner
Why control, autonomy, and honest conversations matter more than aggressive treatment
How hospice supports not just patients, but entire families
This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, adult children, healthcare professionals, and anyone navigating serious illness — or who simply wants to understand what compassionate, patient-centered care truly means.
Because hospice isn’t about giving up.It’s about choosing how you live — right to the very end.#InGoodCompanyPodcast#HospiceCare#HospiceAwareness#EndOfLifeCare#PatientChoice#DignityInCare#QualityOfLife#Caregivers#ElderCare#HealthcareWithHeart#MeaningfulConversations#MustListen

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026

In this episode of In Good Company, we’re joined by Dr. Will Vincel, a general dentist at Ozarks Preferred Dental Group in Springfield, Missouri, and an adjunct assistant professor at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. With much of his practice focused on older adults, Dr. Vincel shares a patient-first approach centered on listening, conservative care, and clear communication.
We discuss why slowing down matters in healthcare, how involving family improves outcomes, and what it truly means to deliver dignified care as we age.
Learn more about Dr. Vincel and his practice at my417dentist.com.

Wednesday Jan 14, 2026

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families—but many people don’t realize how much progress depends on advocacy, education, and public policy.
In this episode of In Good Company, we’re joined by Marcia Rauwerdink, a longtime volunteer advocate and board member with the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss:
The real impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers
Why advocacy and legislation matter in the fight against the disease
Breakthroughs, challenges, and what still needs to change
How everyday people can get involved and make a difference
Marcia’s journey began after losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, and for over 17 years she has worked at the local, state, and federal levels to raise awareness, push for research funding, and fight for better care and treatment options.
🧠 About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. They are dedicated to accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, and advancing early detection and quality care.
🔗 Website: https://www.alz.org
📞 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900Free, confidential support for people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families, and professionals.
💜 Services include:
Caregiver support and education
Local community programs
Research funding and advocacy
Guidance for navigating diagnosis and care
If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, help is available, you are not alone.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Camelia Jacob, founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder, Jacob’s Houses, and Jacob’s Care Center—alongside Luchiia Lebed, manager and integral part of the mission. Together, they share the incredible story behind a network of intimate, faith-led end-of-life homes where compassion isn’t just a value… it’s the culture. What began as a leap of faith—sparked by prayer, purpose, and a $5,000 sign—grew into one of Missouri’s most unique care models: small, home-like environments where dignity is protected, families are supported, and no one has to die alone. Camelia and Luchiia reveal: How a calling became a community resource for those facing the hardest moments of life Why traditional facilities struggle to deliver truly personal care What families need (but aren’t told) when navigating end-of-life decisions Common hospice misconceptions and what comfort care actually looks like How Jacob’s Ladder gives peace—not just to patients, but to entire families The extraordinary stories of healing, reconciliation, and faith they witness daily This episode will open your heart, challenge your assumptions, and leave you hopeful about what end-of-life care can be. Contact Jacob’s Ladder If you or someone you love needs guidance, support, or care—reach out. Jacob’s Ladder is here to help. 📞 Phone: 417-425-4409 🌐 Website: https://jacobsladdercare.org 📧 Email: Jacobsladdercare@gmail.com 🏠 Jacob’s Houses Email: Jacobshousesllc@gmail.com 📱 Follow on Social Media: Instagram & Facebook — Jacob’s Ladder and Jacob’s Houses #JacobsLadder #JacobsHouses #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceCare #NoOneDiesAlone #CompassionateCare #FaithBasedCare #CaregiverSupport #DignityInDeath #ComfortCare #HospiceAwareness #HealingJourneys #FaithInAction #HopeAndHealing #SpringfieldMO #OzarksCommunity #FamilyCaregivers #CommunitySupport #InspiringStories #PodcastEpisode #HumanStories #ReconciliationStories #PurposeDrivenLife

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with the Development Director of the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) to uncover the powerful work happening behind the scenes of one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits. For nearly 60 years, OACAC has been quietly transforming lives—helping individuals and families break cycles of poverty, access essential resources, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency. OACAC is part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies founded to combat poverty at the local level. Today, the organization serves ten Southwest Missouri counties through a wide range of programs designed to meet people where they are. From education and employment opportunities to housing assistance, crisis support, early childhood programs, energy assistance, community partnerships, and more, OACAC works every day to create real, lasting change. In this conversation, you’ll learn: ✨ What Community Action Agencies are—and why they matter ✨ The story behind OACAC’s mission and decades of service ✨ How local families are supported through wraparound programs ✨ Why collaboration, compassion, and community leadership are essential in addressing poverty ✨ How YOU can get involved, support the mission, or connect someone in need Whether you’re familiar with OACAC or discovering this organization for the first time, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of poverty in the Ozarks—and the hopeful, hands-on work being done to fight it. 🔗 Learn more about OACAC: https://oac.ac (Replace with your actual link if different) If you enjoy conversations that highlight meaningful local impact and the people creating real change, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Wednesday Dec 24, 2025

In this heartfelt episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Casey Cordell, Admissions Director at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri, to explore what compassionate, personalized care really looks like during one of life’s most challenging transitions. With five years of experience in healthcare admissions, Casey has helped countless families navigate the journey from hospital to rehab with confidence and calm. She shares her own story, what makes James River Rehab unique, and how her team ensures every admission feels personal, welcoming, and full of heart. 💜 🏥 What You’ll Learn What to expect during the rehab and skilled nursing admissions process How James River Rehab supports patients and families — every step of the way Common myths and misconceptions about rehab care Real stories of healing, hope, and community 💬 Connect with James River Nursing & Rehabilitation 📍 Address: 3550 East Battlefield Street, Springfield, MO 65809 📞 Phone: (417) 882-0320 🌐 Website: www.jamesriverrehab.com 📧 Email: info@jamesriverrehab.com 🎧 Listen, Learn, and Share If you or a loved one are preparing for rehab or long-term care, this conversation is for you. 👉 Watch now, and discover how compassion and connection make all the difference. 💡 Subscribe to In Good Company for more inspiring stories from caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the communities that support them. #InGoodCompany #JamesRiverRehab #SkilledNursing #RehabilitationCare #HealthcareHeroes #PatientStories #CompassionateCare #CaseyCordell

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