YOU EARNED THIS

The Social Security & Medicare Podcast

From NCPSSM
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

Listen on:

LISTEN NOW

RECENT EPISODES

AI may threaten human existence, but in the meantime it may also be compelling older workers to leave the workforce early. Many of them are leaving of their own volition, anxious about adapting to AI. Economics professor Geoffrey Sanzenbacher (Boston College) tells us which aging workers are more vulnerable or ‘exposed’ to AI and why. At the same time, he says, there are older employees who are quickly adapting! It’s a fascinating discussion that anyone grappling with the fast-moving impacts of AI will want to hear!

We wouldn’t have Social Security without Franklin D. Roosevelt. It’s one of the legacy programs that the Roosevelt Institute works to preserve. This week’s guest is Roosevelt Institute CEO Elizabeth Wilkins. Elizabeth tells us that today there’s a broken feedback loop between what people want and what government does… and that – despite what the financial elites say – we can fund Social Security for the future without any benefit cuts. She also says that in these troubled times, people crave the kind of visionary leadership that FDR provided during his time in office. Elizabeth has a long track record of public service, including key roles in the Obama and Biden administrations. In this episode, she also talks about the legacy of her father, civil rights advocate and attorney, Roger Wilkins.

Author and journalist Phil Moeller (formerly of PBS NewsHour) says our privately-owned health care system is too expensive, including Medicare Advantage. Meanwhile, our ‘key markers of well-being,’ in terms of longevity and health, are near the bottom of Western countries. He also blames Trump’s immigration crackdown for a growing shortage of caregivers. Phil brings his outside-the-box thinking on health care and caregiving for seniors to this fascinating episode. He is currently author of the “Aging in America” Substack. Visit philmoeller.substack.com.

Many younger adults believe they have a greater chance of seeing an alien spacecraft than a Social Security check. But Zillennial Sadie Shattuck is an unusually young champion of the program. Sadie leads a group of dedicated advocates in their 20s and 30s who help spread the word about the importance of Social Security to young adults – now and in the future! Sadie says that Social Security WILL be there for younger people IF they advocate for it. In this episode, AARP Michigan’s Senior Communications Analyst and coordinator of the Thought Leadership Council of young adults speaks out for America’s most successful social insurance program — an intergenerational compact that has lasted 91 years and counting!

Author and columnist Steven Petrow published a book called “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old” in 2021. And he says, one by one, he has done a bunch of those ‘stupid things,’ anyway. Steven views aging with humor and compassion. He joins us this week with some hot takes on the joys of aging. He even explains difference between joy and happiness. Enjoy this fun and feisty conversation about growing older! You can find Steven’s books and columns at stevenpetrow.com.

Malcolm Kenyatta is a rising Democratic star with a vision for the future of the party and the country. At age 35, he is Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee — and the first openly LBGTQ+ person of color to serve in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Malcolm talks about the importance of Social Security to all generations of Americans. He says it’s the most popular government program, “one that works in the sense that it benefits everybody.” The grandson of civil rights activists, Malcolm was raised to believe in ‘getting up and doing something’ to change things that we don’t like. In this way, advocates, volunteers, and Democratic party can “move the needle in big ways.” Join us for this inspiring conversation full of insights from a member of the next generation of Democratic leadership!

EPISODES WITH TRANSCRIPTS

Starting with Season 1

Older Couple viewed from behind sitting at a park

About The Podcast

Advocating for a Decent Quality of Life for Older Americans

Brought to you by NCPSSM (The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare), the You Earned This Podcast features a new VIP guest each week, covering Social Security, Medicare, aging with dignity, and other vital topics affecting older Americans and their families today.

We discuss serious issues with a light touch. Tune in every week!

MEET YOUR HOST

WALTER GOTTLIEB

Walter is Director of Communications at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. He is responsible for the organization’s public messaging and communications strategies – including earned media, social media, the Entitled to Know blog, and media relations.

Walter is also an Emmy award-winning television and video producer, writer, and director. He produced programming for Discovery, History Channel, Smithsonian Networks, Animal Planet, and National Geographic, among others.

As the host of the podcast, Walter brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the subject, asking well-informed guests the most pressing questions our listeners want and need to know.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified of new episodes

ABOUT NCPSSM

An Advocacy Group for Older Americans

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (NCPSSM) routinely delivers letters of support or opposition to Congress and the White House on legislation that will impact the health and retirement security of older Americans now and in the future. Expert testimony from our President & CEO or policy advisors is also given during hearings before House and Senate committees.