The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) brings together researchers, educators, and practitioners to stimulate dialogue on trends with great momentum to advance gerontology. The Momentum Discussions podcasts delve into various aging-related topics and features conversations with experts in the field. The podcasts explore the latest research, trends, and practical applications in gerontology, covering themes such as the impacts of aging on health, social systems, and policy. Its goal is to advance the understanding and practice of gerontology by sharing insights and innovations that can improve the quality of life for older adults and foster a better understanding of the aging process.
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
In this episode of GSA’s Momentum Discussions, sociologist Dr. Mindy Fried shares how caring for her father inspired her memoir Caring for Red and launched her into podcasting about aging and caregiving. She reflects on the emotional realities of caregiving, the complexities of assisted living, and the power of storytelling to build community and drive change.
Speaker
Mindy Fried, MSW, PhD
Principal, Arbor Consulting Partners
Producer, Open Your Heart
Creator/Host, The Shape of Care podcast
Author, Caring for Red: A Daughter’s Memoir
Host
Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Living Well with Dementia," three individuals living with dementia share personal insights into how they continue to lead meaningful, engaged lives after diagnosis. Through heartfelt reflections, they explore what “living well” truly means—from maintaining daily routines and adapting beloved hobbies to the critical role of peer support and the importance of compassionate care partners. Their stories offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals, families, and communities on how to better support those navigating life with dementia.
This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds.
Speakers
- Scott Guernsey Human Resources Consultant, HR Components, LLC
- Krissan Moss, RN, BSN, Retired Clinical Education Manager, Genentech
- Jay Reinstein, Former Assistant City Manager of Fayetteville, NC | Board member, Alliance for Aging Research
Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
In this GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, members of the National Council of Dementia Minds reflect on their first year living with a dementia diagnosis. They speak candidly about the moment they received the diagnosis, the support they did—or didn’t—receive from their medical providers, and what has helped them adjust to this new chapter of life. Their lived experiences offer clear, actionable insights for primary care teams on how to better support people living with dementia in the months that follow a dementia diagnosis.
This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds.
Speakers
- Phyllis Cole Member, National Council of Dementia Minds, Dementia Friendly Services
- Miriam Owens, Christian Author and Special Education Advocate, Rhema Publishing and Consulting, LLC
- Seth Stern, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYC Health and Hospitals - Jacobi
Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
This GSA Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the first of three episodes developed in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds, highlights how receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia can positively impact overall well-being, relationships, and more. Our three guests who live with dementia offer honest reflections and practical advice for healthcare professionals and the public, emphasizing how early recognition opens the door to self-advocacy, planning, and purpose.
This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds.
Speaker
- Steven Barbieri, President of the National Council of Dementia Minds
- David Compton, MD, Doctors with Dementia Group, National Council of Dementia Minds
- Joanna Fix, PhD, Former College Professor and Psychologist
Host
- Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Jim Mangi reflects on being the loving and selfless caregiver for his wife, Kathleen, whose 17-year journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease ended in December 2024. Jim is a Vietnam veteran, author, retired business owner, and an environmental scientist with a PhD in Ecology – none of which prepared him to be a caregiver. Inspired by his wife’s grace during her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Jim has dedicated himself to dementia activism efforts, including his tireless work in Saline, Michigan, aimed at making it easier for folks living with dementia to enjoy the community with less difficulty and more dignity.
This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Otsuka, Lilly, and Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Speaker
Jim Mangi, PhD, Dementia Friendly Services
Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, Joseph Sapone reflects on his weight journey. He provides us with unique perspectives of an older adult who has lived in a larger body size for most of his adult life. He shares how stigma and bias have affected him in his personal and professional life as well as in healthcare and other settings. Joe discusses how a comprehensive approach to obesity management has helped him to achieve his health and wellness goals, and he offers insights into why it is so important that older adults have access to the full continuum of obesity care.
Guest
Joseph Sapone, MBA
Founder and President, P4+
Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE
Director, Strategic Alliances
Gerontological Society of America
This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, obesity advocate Ted Kyle shares a bit about his personal history with obesity and how this influenced his vital work as an advocate. He discusses his perspectives on how false beliefs and outdated paradigms, along with stigma and bias, negatively affect individuals living with obesity. Finally, he explains that good obesity care requires access to the full range of obesity care tools, and he offers a message to policymakers about the need to offer older adults access to the full range of obesity care options.
Guest
Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA
Founder, ConscienHealth
Chair, Obesity Society’s Advocacy Committee
Steering Committee, STOP Obesity Alliance
Board of Directors, Obesity Action Coalition
Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE
Director, Strategic Alliances
Gerontological Society of America
This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, GSA VP Lisa McGuire and TIAA Institute Head Surya Kolluri discuss how rapid transformations in our society are impacting trends in higher education. With life expectancy rising by 17 years since the Social Security program debuted in the United States nearly 90 years ago, tremendous opportunities have arisen on many fronts, including in higher education. The podcast also addresses some of the headwinds that come from these changes as they relate to institutions of higher education. Lisa and Surya discuss how, by broadening the scope of educational and recruitment efforts to include learners of all ages, institutions can be transformed and experience an economic lift.
Resources
Speaker
Surya Kolluri, MBA, Head of TIAA Institute
Host
Lisa C. McGuire, PhD, FGSA, Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Practice Innovation, Gerontological Society of America
This podcast received funding support from TIAA Institute. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Armen J. Moughamian, a neurologist who cares for people with neurodegenerative brain illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, explains anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. He describes who may benefit from these therapies, discusses their efficacy and safety, and explains the importance of early detection of cognitive impairment. Dr. Moughamian also provides important insights into how primary care teams can help ensure that individuals who might be candidates for anti-amyloid therapies are well prepared for timely referrals to a neurologist.
Speaker
Armen J. Moughamian, MD, PhD, Medical Director at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center, Division Chief of Neurology, Vice Chair of Neuroscience at the California Pacific Medical Center
Host
Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
This podcast episode is supported by Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. John A. Batsis, co-convener of the GSA Obesity and Aging Interest Group, describes exciting findings about how obesity management medications positively impact a variety of major medical conditions. He also describes the unique needs of older adults with obesity and highlights the need for evidence-based, team-based care for them.
Speaker
John Batsis, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Host
Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America
This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).