In Good Company Podcast: Age Better

What happens when you stop avoiding the hardest topic of all — your own mortality? In this raw and deeply human episode, John Ray, Spencer Ernst, and Executive Producer Alex Wallace sit down to have the conversation most people never do — about death, legacy, and the relationships that shape who we are. This episode explores the Hospice Foundation for Outreach’s inspiring Bucket List +1 program — a simple but powerful initiative that helps people plan the life they still want to live, and prepare for the moment we all eventually face. 🔍 In this episode: The story and purpose behind Bucket List +1 (hospiceoutreach.org/bucketlist) How to talk honestly about death — and why doing so can make you more alive Navigating medical choices, funerals, and the pain of estranged relationships What it means to live fully before it’s too late Why facing the end might be the most important act of courage you’ll ever take 💡 About the Bucket List +1 Program: Created by the Hospice Foundation for Outreach, this free initiative gives you the tools to Talk • Learn • Plan • Notarize your end-of-life wishes. Participants receive a resource packet with an advance health-care directive and step-by-step guides to make their choices known — clearly, compassionately, and legally. 👉 Learn more or request your packet here: hospiceoutreach.org/bucketlist 🕯 Why this conversation matters: Most of us spend our lives planning for everything except the end. But when we finally do — something shifts. We find gratitude. We find courage. And sometimes, we find healing where we least expected it. 🎧 Watch. Reflect. Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder: it’s never too early to start the conversation that matters most. #BucketListPlusOne #HospiceFoundation #legacy #endoflifecare #beforeyoudie #leadership #healing #podcast #ingoodcompanypodcast #HospiceFoundationforOutreach

Mayo Clinic has announced that starting January 1st, 2026, it will leave most UnitedHealthcare and Humana Medicare Advantage networks. For thousands of seniors across the Midwest, Mayo will no longer be “in-network.”
In today’s episode of In Good Company: Eldercare in Your Backyard, host Spencer Ernst breaks down exactly what this means—clearly and without the noise.
🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ Who’s affected by Mayo’s network exit✔️ Why Mayo and insurers are splitting✔️ How top hospitals like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, and Cleveland Clinic handle Medicare Advantage✔️ A simple refresher on Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage✔️ Five essential steps to protect your access to care✔️ Why these changes signal a bigger shift in the healthcare system
Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or someone planning ahead, this episode gives you the insights you must know before the next Medicare enrollment period.
🏥 What’s the Bottom Line?
Top hospitals—including Mayo—are pulling away from many Medicare Advantage plans due to rising costs, tight reimbursements, and heavy prior-authorization requirements.
But the good news?Original Medicare + Medigap continues to be accepted almost everywhere, including every major specialty hospital in this episode.
Your healthcare access shouldn’t be a guessing game.
🧭 What You Should Do Next
🔍 Review your Annual Notice of Change📞 Call your plan to confirm hospital access🗓️ Use October 15–December 7 to switch plans if needed🛡️ Consider whether a Medigap plan fits your needs and budget💵 On Advantage? Explore critical illness coverage for added protection
If you want real, practical guidance for navigating Medicare, eldercare, and the healthcare decisions that matter most, you’re in the right place.
👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe
If you found this episode helpful, please like the video, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations that help you care for yourself and the people you love.
Welcome to In Good Company. We’re glad you’re here.

What does leadership really feel like when the stakes couldn’t be higher? In this riveting episode, Dr. Curt Mattson pulls back the curtain on the emotional, mental, and even spiritual reality of leading when pressure mounts and failure isn’t an option. Forget the highlight reels — this is what it looks like when courage meets exhaustion, when confidence meets doubt, and when conviction is tested by crisis. Dr. Mattson shares hard-won insights about how leaders stay grounded when everything feels like it’s coming apart — and why those moments, though painful, can become the most defining seasons of our lives. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or a family, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about leadership and remind you that great leaders aren’t born in comfort — they’re forged in the fire. #healthcaredecisions #healthcarecosts #healthinsuranceexplained #healthcareupdate #healthcarepolicy #healthcarepodcast #healthcareinnovation #futureofhealthcare #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #empathyinmedicine #humancenteredcare #patientexperience #humanconnection #digitalhealth #aiinhealthcare #healthtech

If you’ve seen shocking increases in your Medicare Part D drug plan premiums — you’re not imagining it. In 2026, some plans are jumping by hundreds of percent, deductibles are climbing, and a few $0 premium options are disappearing altogether. In this episode, Spencer breaks down exactly why this is happening — and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from overpaying. From the Inflation Reduction Act’s new rules to the redesigned Part D phases and the new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, you’ll learn how to navigate the biggest Medicare prescription drug changes in decades. 👉 Inside this episode: ✅ Why some Medicare Part D premiums are skyrocketing ✅ How the Inflation Reduction Act changed everything for 2026 ✅ What those new deductibles and copays really mean for you ✅ 5 simple steps to protect yourself and lower your total drug costs ✅ Costly mistakes to avoid during the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period 📅 Key dates: Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025 New 2026 plans begin Jan 1, 2026 💡 Bottom line: Don’t panic — prepare. With the right plan comparison and a few smart moves, you can avoid surprise bills, stay covered, and save hundreds (even thousands) next year. 🎥 Watch until the end for Spencer’s 5-step protection plan that could make all the difference. 💬 Found this helpful? Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help more people understand the changes coming to Medicare Part D. #medicare #medicare2026 #medicarepartd #medicarepremiums #medicareplans #MedicareDrugCoverage #partd #inflationreductionact #MedicareSavings #RetirementPlanning #SeniorHealth #MedicareTips #medicarehelp #medicareopenenrollment #AEP2025 #MedicareNews #PharmacyCosts #prescriptiondrugs #healthcarecosts #seniors #agingwell #ingoodcompanypodcast #eldercare #healthcareexplained

In a world where healthcare often feels impersonal, Dr. Curtis Mattson is proving that technology and empathy don’t have to compete — they can collaborate. As the Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services at CoxHealth, and a clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Mattson brings a rare perspective to how people and systems thrive together. In this conversation, we dive deep into the evolving relationship between AI, leadership, and the patient voice, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we heal, communicate, and connect. From reimagining the role of caregivers to understanding the psychology of decision-making in hospitals, Dr. Mattson reveals how the next frontier of healthcare is built on one timeless principle: human connection.#healthcaredecisions #healthcarecosts #healthinsuranceexplained #healthcareupdate #healthcarepolicy #healthcarepodcast #healthcareinnovation #futureofhealthcare #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #empathyinmedicine #humancenteredcare #patientexperience #humanconnection #digitalhealth #aiinhealthcare #healthtech

Turning 65 soon? You’re about to make one of the most important (and confusing) health decisions of your life — choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Supplemental Insurance).
In this episode of In Good Company, Spencer breaks down what’s new for Medicare in 2026, how each path actually works, and which option could save you thousands. Learn the key differences between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, plus how to avoid common enrollment mistakes and lifelong penalties.
You’ll discover:✅ What’s changed for 2026 — new Part B premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits✅ The pros and cons of Medigap vs. Advantage (networks, costs, freedom, and stability)✅ How the $2,000 annual cap on drug costs works — and why it matters✅ Timing rules that can make or break your enrollment (OEP, ANOC, and more)✅ A simple 7-point checklist to choose confidently✅ Myths that cost retirees thousands — and how to avoid them
By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly which Medicare path fits your health needs, travel habits, and budget style.
🎧 Listen to more episodes of In Good Company for practical, no-sales-pitch insights about Medicare, retirement, and healthcare decisions that truly matter.
#medicare #medicare2026 #medicareadvantage #medigap #originalmedicare #medicaresupplement #turning65 #medicareenrollment #retirementplanning #seniorhealth
 

In this episode of In Good Company, Spencer breaks down one of the biggest Medicare myths — what’s actually covered for dental in 2026, and what isn’t. From cleanings and crowns to dentures and implants, most dental care falls outside of Original Medicare. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck footing the whole bill.
You’ll learn:✅ What dental services Original Medicare (Parts A & B) really covers✅ How Medicare Advantage (Part C) handles dental — and why every plan is different✅ The truth about Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) and standalone dental plans✅ How to compare dental benefits, annual maximums, and waiting periods✅ The pros and cons of dental discount programs✅ Quick answers to FAQs like “Can I add dental anytime?” and “Can I have two plans?”
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your smile and your wallet — with coverage that actually works for you.
🎧 Listen to more episodes of In Good Company for clear, honest insights about Medicare, health care choices, and aging well.#medicare2026 #medicare2026 #medicaredental #medicarecoverage #medicareadvantage #medigap #dentalcoverage #dentalinsurance #dentalcareforseniors #seniorhealth #healthcaredecisions #retirementplanning #agingwell #healthinsuranceexplained #moneyandhealth #financialwellness #protectyoursmile #healthcaremyths

We’re joined by Dr. Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston and Gabriel “Gabe” Humiston from Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. — a trusted, family-owned funeral home in Springfield, Missouri serving families with “Tender Moments – Tender Care” since 1989. Dr. Ruth Ann, a second-generation owner and licensed funeral director with over 35 years of experience, continues the compassionate legacy started by her parents. Her son, Gabe Humiston, now the general manager, proudly represents the third generation carrying forward the family’s mission of care, integrity, and community service. In this episode, we talk about: The family legacy behind Walnut Lawn Funeral Home and its guiding philosophy of “Tender Moments – Tender Care.” The importance of pre-planning funerals and how it eases emotional and financial stress for loved ones. How pre-need arrangements and payment options can help families prepare with peace of mind. Ways Walnut Lawn helps families create meaningful, personalized services that honor every life uniquely. How faith, community, and compassion play a vital role in the grieving and healing process. And the growing importance of education and technology in modern funeral care. Whether you’ve never thought about funeral pre-planning or are in the process of making arrangements, this conversation offers comfort, clarity, and practical guidance on preparing for one of life’s most profound moments. 💐 About Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Founded in 1989 by the DeGraffenreid-Wood family, Walnut Lawn Funeral Home has become one of Springfield’s most trusted funeral and cremation providers. With a commitment to honoring every life with dignity and compassion, their team offers personalized funeral, cremation, memorial, and pre-need services — including Cherished Pets Funeral Home, a dedicated division for pet loss and remembrance. 📍 Location: 2001 W. Walnut Lawn St., Springfield, MO 65807 🌐 www.walnutlawnfuneralhome.com 📞 (417) 886-6127#funeralplanning #preplanning #endoflifeplanning #funeralprearrangement #peaceofmind #legacyplanning #finalarrangements #funeralservice #cremationservices #lifecelebration #faithandcommunity #familylegacy #compassionincare #griefsupport #healingtogether #communityservice #honoringlife #TenderMomentsTenderCare

Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement (Medigap) — what’s the real difference, and which one actually protects you when life takes an unexpected turn? In this episode of In Good Company, we break down the fine print that could save you thousands of dollars — and a whole lot of stress. Financial advisor Paul Morrison joins host Spencer Ernst to unpack: 💡 Why Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans (like Plan G or Plan N) are two completely different systems 💡 The hidden trade-offs behind “$0 premium” plans 💡 What questions you MUST ask before enrolling 💡 How to protect your future self from surprise medical bills 💡 The human side of healthcare — how your values, not just your budget, should guide your choice Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to make an informed Medicare decision. #medicare2026 #medicareadvantage #medigap #medicaresupplement #plang #planning #originalmedicare #turning65 #medicareenrollment #seniorhealth #healthcaredecisions #healthinsuranceexplained #smartretirement #moneyandhealth #financialwellness #healthcarecosts #retirementplanning #medicaremadesimple

In this special edition of In Good Company, we sit down with Anjanette LaBellarte and Matt Day from the Hospice Foundation for Outreach (HFO) — a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring dignity at life’s end. Together, they share personal and professional insights that redefine what hospice and palliative care truly mean. Matt opens up about surviving cancer and how it reshaped his purpose, while Anjanette reflects on her experience as a caregiver and advocate for compassionate care. We also discuss HFO’s new film, “The Soft Surrender,” a powerful look into love, courage, and connection at life’s final chapter. Highlights: Honest stories about illness, caregiving, and healing. Understanding hospice — separating myth from truth. “The Soft Surrender” documentary and its mission to inspire open conversations about life and death. Practical resources for patients, families, and caregivers. 💡 Learn more about HFO: Website: hospiceoutreach.org Resources: hospiceoutreach.org/resources Film info: hospiceoutreach.org/the-soft-surrender Donate or get involved: hospiceoutreach.org/donate 🎬 Watch, reflect, and share. Join the conversation about hope, dignity, and the beauty of life’s closing chapters.#hospicecare #palliativecare #endoflifecare #hospiceawareness #hospiceeducation #dignityincare #compassionatecare #hospicesupport #lifeanddeath #qualityoflife #caregivingjourney #healingthroughstories #TheSoftSurrender #LoveAndLoss #HopeAndHealing #humanconnection #courageandcompassion #griefsupport #livingwithpurpose #emotionalwellness #HospiceFoundationForOutreach #hfo #endoflifeeducation #communityoutreach #patientadvocacy #healthcaredecisions #nonprofitspotlight #educationalpodcast