Shows
Aging Well with VNAMind Matters: Mental Health, Grief, and Aging Well – Featuring John W. Burruss, M.D.In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well.Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers, including stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, and how these experiences can affect long‑term...
2026-02-1045 min
Aging Well with VNAMatters of the Heart: A Conversation on Lifelong Heart Health featuring Dr. Melissa CarryIn this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig sits down with retired cardiologist Melissa Carry, MD, for an informative and engaging conversation about heart health at every stage of life. Dr. Carry breaks down the most common types of heart disease, explains today’s available treatment options in plain language, and offers practical insights on how individuals can reduce their risk through prevention and lifestyle choices.Whether you’re managing a heart condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health, this epis...
2026-02-061h 00
Aging Well with VNAA Conversation with Josh Hickman, Author of Forgetting: The Trials and Triumphs of Caring for a Difficult Parent with DementiaJoin host, Kersten Rettig, in a poignant conversation with author Josh Hickman. His new book, Forgetting, chronicles the unexpected life circumstances of his three-plus year journey of solo caregiving for a mother with whom he had a very difficult relationship.
2025-10-0643 min
Aging Well with VNAAn Economic Outlook for North Texas Seniors with J.H. Cullum ClarkHear from economists and local leader, Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, about the opportunities and challenges for seniors in North Texas. Host, Kersten Rettig, and Mr. Clark explore how the growing region brings opportunities, like jobs for seniors, as well as challenges, such as transportation and cost of living.
2025-10-0344 min
Behind the MealVisiting Nurse Association of TexasOn this episode I’ll be talking with Chris Culak, Vice President of Development and Strategy at Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, VNA oversees the Meals on Wheels program for Dallas County Texas. We’ll discuss the importance of legislative advocacy, VNA’s long history in Texas, and providing services beyond just a meal. I’m your host Dave Colling, all this and more coming up on Behind the Meal. https://www.vnatexas.org/
2025-07-2335 min
Aging Well with VNAUnderstanding Vascular Disease: A Conversation With Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Stephen HohmannHost Kersten Rettig and Stephen Hohmann, MD, do a deep dive into vascular disease, coronary disease and renal disease. Listeners will learn more about the risk factors for these diseases, prevention tools and tips, and how caregivers can help loved ones suffering from illness. Additionally, Dr. Hohmann describes various types of vascular disease and approaches to care from a clinical and at home perspective. You can learn more about vascular disease and find additional resources at the Society for Vascular Surgery.
2025-06-1243 min
Aging Well with VNAEmbracing Aging with Faith and Purpose: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Chris GirataIn this insightful episode of Aging Well with VNA, Rev. Dr. Chris Girata, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, shares his perspectives on aging with grace and purpose. Drawing from his extensive experience in ministry, Rev. Girata discusses the spiritual, emotional, and communal aspects of growing older. He emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and service in navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities that come with aging. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking to support loved ones, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a fulfilling life at any...
2025-06-0246 min
Aging Well with VNAVisiting Nurse Association Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows ProgramIn a recent lunch and learn, VNA Medical Director, Dr. Newcomer, detailed her work leading the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows program at VNA. These vital, immersive training programs provide fellows with experience working with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary teams within the hospice (adult and pediatric) programs, and also make in-home patient visits. Fellows, Dr. Raseman and Dr. King, also shared what they have learned and how their experience will shape their future medical careers.Featuring:Kelley F. Newcomer, MD, FAAHPM, VNA Medical Director of Adult and Pediatric HospiceVNA Fellows Kate Raseman, MD and Andrea...
2025-03-1157 min
Aging Well with VNAA Better Understanding of Supportive Palliative CareJoin podcast host, Kersten Rettig, in a deep-dive conversation with two experts in the field of palliative care, Dr. Kate Taylor and Dr. Cheryl Thaxton, from the College of Nursing at the UNT Health Science Center. You’ll hear perspectives from both adult and pediatric palliative care, resources for caregivers, and how clinical staff come alongside patients and families during serious illness. Show Notes and Resources:Courageous Parent Network – A nonprofit organization working to equip and empower those caring for children with a serious medical condition. Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance – A nonprofit organizat...
2025-03-1047 min
Aging Well with VNAA Conversation with W. Stephen Love, President & CEO of the Dallas – Fort Worth Hospital CouncilHear from W. Stephen Love, President & CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council about the work they do in North Texas in promoting equitable health access and outcomes, training, and clinical collaboration. Mr. Love shares stories of promise and hope in our healthcare system and how we can all live healthier, happier lives when we have access to good preventative and acute care. Show notes:Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council - The mission of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council is to drive evidence-based improvement in patient care and health equity throughout the region.Compassionomics...
2025-02-2446 min
Dividend TalkEP #213 | Sectors Benefiting from Interest Rate Cuts | & What to Consider with a $1 Million InheritanceWelcome to Dividend Talk Podcast Episode 213! 🎙️
In this episode, we discuss sectors benefiting from interest rate cuts, with insights into how various industries may respond to changing economic conditions. We also cover recent financial news, including Tupperware's bankruptcy, Nike's CEO shakeup, and several major dividend hikes by industry giants like Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and Johnson & Johnson.
👉 If you're interested in dividend investing, stock market insights, or financial independence, this episode is packed with European-focused dividend growth strategies.
We also dive into listeners’ questions, offering tips on ma...
2024-09-2158 min
Aging Well with VNAChallenges and Opportunities for LGBTQIA+ SeniorsJoin Aging Well With VNA Podcast Host, Kersten Rettig, in her conversation with Resource Center CEO, Cece Cox, J.D., where they explore the unique challenges and opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ older adult neighbors. Cece shares insights into systemic barriers and discrimination and how that impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, especially as it relates to aging, asset accumulation, healthcare, and housing. You’ll hear about resources available and how we can all be better allies. Episode Links:Resource Center – Resource Center pursues societal equity by proudly offering LGBTQIA+ affirming resources designed to improve health and wellness, strengt...
2024-08-1649 min
Aging Well with VNAUnderstanding Palliative CareFor anyone experiencing serious illness and their loved ones, navigating care options and symptom management can be overwhelming. In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, you’ll hear from VNA’s Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA, and Managing Director of Marketing, Sarah Harris, about a supportive palliative care program, VNA Care Choices. You’ll learn more about who could benefit from one or all of the following offerings: physician-directed care, psychosocial support, symptom management, RN care coordination, medication reviews, advanced care planning, in-home care planning, and child-life specialist support. They will also...
2024-03-2930 min
Aging Well with VNATips and Advice From a Senior Living SpecialistThe journey of finding the right living and care solutions for an aging loved one can be daunting. Paul Markowitz, of Senior Living Specialists, breaks down the types of senior living options and explains what questions families should ask when making this important decision.
2023-12-081h 17
Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA | Lunch and Learn - Understanding Pediatric Hospice with Dr. Kelly Newcomer
2023-05-0233 min
Healing From Emotional AbuseHealing From Emotional Abuse: LIVE: 5 Must Know Tips for Nurses: at Mt. Wachusett Community College, MAnursing,
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2023-03-1452 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well With VNA - Understanding Types of CarePlanning for aging, illness and care can seem like a daunting task, but understanding options and discussing your wishes in advance of a crisis can bring peace for you and your loved ones. Join Elder Care Attorney, Lori Leu, and podcast host, Kersten Rettig, for an informative discussion about short-term and long-term care, insurance options and how to plan for care. Resource Links:National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: www.naela.orgNational Elder Law Foundation: www.nelf.orgSenior Source Elder Financial Safety Center: https://theseniorsource.org/what-we-do/financial-assistance-for-older-adults-in-dallas/financial-help-for-elders/
2023-01-3149 min
Aging Well with VNAVNA Lunch & Learn - A Look Back and a Look Forward with Palliative CareVNA clinical leaders, Olivia Rogers and Sarah Miles, review data released from Medicare related to VNA’s participation in a Medicare pilot for home-based palliative care. Join us as we discuss the success of the program in terms of patient outcomes locally and nationally. Learn how this data, along with new regulations at the state level, are informing VNA’s future palliative care service. FeaturingOlivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, VNASarah Miles, RN, BSN, Director of Quality and Palliative Care, VNA
2022-09-2655 min
Aging Well with VNAA Life Well Lived - Aging Well With VNAIn this episode, podcast host Kersten Rettig visits with VNA Managing Director of Marketing, Sarah Harris, about what hospice provides patients and families. You’ll hear tips and resources for selecting the right hospice provider and how to research options.
2022-09-0242 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well With VNA - Navigating a Terminal DiagnosisHost Kersten Rettig visits with geriatric specialist, Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, about how patients and families can navigate the often confusing, stressful time after receiving a terminal diagnosis. You’ll hear advice from bucket lists, to communicating with family and caregivers, and how to prepare emotionally and logistically for what lies ahead. This important conversation will be helpful for anyone currently experiencing serious illness for themselves or a loved one or those working on advanced care plans.
2022-03-2247 min
Aging Well with VNATwo Pioneering Advocates Share Passion For Culinary Cultural Heritage and Feeding the HungryThis podcast is a little different from our previous episodes. In this episode, we host two culinary greats to discuss their passion for food and feeding the hungry. Toni Tipton-Martin is a culinary journalist, author and a pioneering advocate for the preservation and education of cultural heritage as it relates to cooking, food, and community. Also joining us is Chris Williams, a classically trained chef, restaurateur, and most recently, founder of the nonprofit organization, Lucile’s 1913 in Houston, whose mission is to feed those in need while addressing food insecurity and food waste. Both are headlining VNA’s upcom...
2022-01-2645 minAging Well with VNAFuture of Palliative And Hospice Care - VNA Texas Lunch and Learn - Audio OnlyJoin the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) for a virtual Lunch and Learn featuring experts in the field of Hospice and Palliative Care. There have been many recent changes in this ever-expanding industry, which, like everything else, has been impacted by the pandemic. Our panelists will discuss what the future of serious illness care will look like in the years to come.Moderator:Chris Culak, VP/Chief Strategy & Development Officer VNA TexasPanelists:Dr. Mark Casanova, MD, Supportive & Palliative Care, Baylor University Medical CenterDr. Kelley Newcomer, MD, VNA...
2021-11-0458 min
Aging Well with VNADifficult Conversations - A physician’s perspective on hearing and communicating a serious diagnosis.VNA Associate Medical Director, Mary Anne Chacko, MD, PhD, shares her experience with difficult conversations after a medical diagnosis with patients and as a patient with podcast host, Kersten Rettig. Dr. Chacko provides guidance on how to listen, ask questions and what to avoid in preparing for medical discussions.
2021-11-0356 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - Servicios de Hospicio: Lo que necesita saber.In this VNA podcast, A Hospice Doctor and Nurse share about the hospice benefit. Dr. Kelley Newcomer and Nurse Luz Bueno have worked in hospice for many years and discuss how hospice and palliative care can benefit patients and their families. En este podcast de VNA, un médico y una enfermera de hospicio comparten sobre el beneficio de hospicio. La Dra. Kelley Newcomer y la enfermera Luz Bueno han trabajado en el hospicio durante muchos años y analizan cómo medicina paliativa y el hospicio VNA pueden beneficiar a los pacientes y sus familias.
2021-11-0143 min
The Hospice Chaplaincy Show with Saul EbemaEpisode 69: A Conversation with Dr. Phillip D. WilliamsBiographical Sketch - Dr. Phillip D. Williams, BCC-HPC | Present Position | Chaplain, Southeast Texas, VA Healthcare Center, Temple, TX VA National Chaplain Chairman Hospice Specialty Certification Board, Hampton, VA Consultant, Williams Church Consulting Group, Temple, Texas Adjunct Professor/Board of Governors, Rockbridge Seminary, Springfield, Missouri | | | Work History | Chaplain, Polytrauma/Spinal Cord Care, VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California Lead-Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator, CHRISTUS, VNA, San Antonio, Texas Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator, Nurses in Touch Hospice, Floresville, Texas Chaplain, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Baptist Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas Pastor of Church Planting, Community Bible Church, San Antonio, Texa...
2021-08-0940 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - The Process of Grieving Amidst UncertaintyGrief is a complex journey and one we will all experience. Bereavement is the process of coping with grief and loss. Feelings of grief and loss can happen at any time throughout the course of an illness—for the patient and their loved ones. How each individual deals with grief is unique. In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, you’ll hear from two experienced, trained social worker/counselors at VNA talking about the types of grief, what is “normal”, and how the pandemic has changed the way we grieve. The VNA grief support team is here to help you n...
2021-06-021h 09
Aging Well with VNAThe Covid-19 Vaccine - Myths & Facts Q&A with Medical Professionals and Community LeadersThank you for listening to the Aging Well with VNA Podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear from a panel of medical professionals and community leaders sharing their expertise and insight into the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as overcoming access issues and cultural skepticism. The panel addresses some common questions, concerns and myths that have emerged about COVID-19 vaccines. Panel moderated by Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, VNA Chief Nursing OfficerJoseph Chang, MD, MBA, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer at Parkland Hospital and Gynecology faculty at University of Texa...
2021-03-021h 06Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - A Heart For ServiceIn the early 1930s, public school nurse Lillian Becket led a small group of volunteer nurses into the poorest sections of Dallas and surrounding area to provide desperately needed care to women and children during the Great Depression. In this episode of the Aging Well with VNA podcast, you’ll hear from the grandchildren of Lillian about their grandmother’s heart for service and how she helped found the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas.
2021-02-0826 min
Aging Well with VNAImpact of COVID-19 on Under-resourced CommunitiesCommunity leaders offer their expertise and insight into the needs of and challenges for underserved populations during the pandemic. Join us to listen as they share their experiences and ideas on how to better serve our community and meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Panel moderated by Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Visiting Nurse Association of Texas Panel Members: Stacie Anderson, Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Project Lead, Methodist Health System Dr. Mark Casanova, MD...
2020-09-241h 03
Aging Well with VNAAging well from a geriatrician’s point of viewIn our latest Aging Well With VNA Podcast, hear from VNA Medical Director and Geriatrician Dr. Neeta Nayak about her perspective on aging. Dr. Nayak stresses the importance of preparation and planning on behalf of patients and their families. “You buy insurance before you have an auto accident. You wear a seatbelt before an crash. Preparing for end of life is no different,” says Dr. Nayak. She explains that preparing for end of life is like buying the most important insurance you’ll ever purchase and the best way to prevent chaos for yourself and yo...
2020-02-1428 minAging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - How do I honor you?Anxiety, fear and confusion are often common emotions when planning for senior housing and long-term care. Gerontologist Dr. Mary Norman discusses the levels of care available and how to pay for and plan for the right type of long-term care for yourself and loved ones. She points out that the most important question to begin with is “how can I honor you?” Being well informed and trusting your gut are vital indicators in choosing the right solution. Dr. Norman discusses how to establish a care team and find the needed support for family caregivers.
2020-01-0241 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - Start earlyHear from a dedicated son about how his family worked together to fulfill their parents’ aging wishes. From moving them out of their childhood home in New York to senior living in Texas to managing falls and illness, learn from Doug about his experience with caring for aging parents. He speaks to the financial and emotional requirements of selecting the right senior living facility, which professionals to seek support from and what care options are best. He praises and thanks his parents for getting a plan in place, which has been invaluable for Doug and his siblings as they mana...
2019-12-0538 min
Aging Well with VNAAging Well with VNA - Planning for your future after a dementia diagnosisVNA’s Kersten Rettig visits with Jim Atkins, a surviving spouse of an Alzheimer’s patient, about how they planned for a future with Alzheimer’s. Jim shares how he and his wife worked together to put legal, financial, and end-of-life plans in place before the disease robbed her of her memory. Tune in to hear his touching story of how he carried out her wishes and where he got the help he needed to navigate this terrible disease.
2019-11-0132 min
Aging Well with VNAProtecting Your Future: A legal perspective on aging well from Certified Elder Care Attorney, Lori Leu.Planning for your future or helping a loved one plan for long-term care needs can be daunting. There are many important choices to consider. You’ll need to make decisions to ensure you and your loved ones’ needs are met and your wishes are honored. From knowing how to fund long-term care to understanding what medical documents to have in place, tune in to hear what steps you need to take to protect your future.
2019-09-2635 min
Aging Well with VNAI thought hospice was a dirty word.Often times people associate the word “hospice” with imminent death. However, for those who have experienced the support that hospice care provides, know it is a true gift for patients and their loved ones. Hear from Olivia Rogers, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for VNA, about what hospice is and how it helps seriously ill patients live life to its fullest. For more information please visit vnatexas.org.To speak with a member of our team directly please call: 1-800-CALL-VNA
2019-09-1846 min
Acappella PodcastEpisode 14: Palliative CareSarah Miles, RN and Manager of Palliative Care Services at VNA of Texas, joins us to talk about the need and benefits of a palliative care program.
2019-01-1827 min