YOU EARNED THIS

The Social Security & Medicare Podcast

From NCPSSM
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

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RECENT EPISODES

This week’s episode features a multi-generational meeting of the minds, with host Walter Gottlieb, political director Luke Warren, and communications associate Lucas Kaplan — on the history and future of Social Security. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law on August 14, 1935. Ninety-one years later, his landmark New Deal program still provides seniors with basic retirement security. But what’s next? Walter, Luke, and Lucas give their takes on strengthening Social Security, how younger adults feel about the program, and why Social Security is on the ballot in 2026. Don’t miss this lively chat about a program that touches the lives of almost every American.

“Our priority is health care for working Americans, not giving tax cuts to billionaires,” says Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) on this week’s podcast. The Senator says that when Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill takes effect in 2027, people are going to feel the pain of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. Sen. Van Hollen also says Congress must act to preserve Social Security, without cutting benefits. “Social Security is THE bedrock retirement program” and shouldn’t be eroded. Chris Van Hollen first served as a congressman, and moved over to the Senate in 2017. He is a member of the Senate Banking & Finance Committees, and joins us directly from Capitol Hill.

It’s been more than a year since Trump signed his Big, Ugly Bill into law, cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid. Most of those cuts haven’t even taken effect yet, but people struggling to afford health coverage already are feeling the impacts. And that’s just the beginning, says Justice in Aging’s Natalie Kean — a lawyer and advocate for older Americans. Natalie tells us that older patients and people with disabilities will be especially hard hit by these cruel and unnecessary cuts — all so that the wealthy could get another big tax break. But… Natalie also thinks there may be an opportunity for Congress to reverse the Big Ugly Bill’s worst provisions, depending on the outcome of the next two elections.

Most seniors claim Social Security at age 62, even though they take a 30% cut in benefits by not waiting until full retirement age. Economist Jason Fichtner says that’s a mistake – unless you have no real choice. Waiting until 70, on the other hand, yields you a big increase in monthly benefits for life! And Jason should know. He was deputy commissioner and chief economist at the Social Security Administration – PLUS a professor and highly respected expert in the field of retirement security. This is a must-listen for anyone nearing retirement.

Shawn Perry is a radio personality in the Washington, DC area who launched a show for older listeners called “The Senior Zone” 8 years ago — with no experience in broadcasting, but a passion for seniors’ issues. Before starting the radio show, Shawn spent 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and worked in the health services sector. Today, he talks about the importance of Social Security and Medicare, the scourge of ageism, and what inspired him to start his own radio show. (Hint: It had something to do with his grandmother.)

It turns out that humor is one of the best tools for healthy aging. No one knows that better than this week’s guest, stand-up comedian Missy Hall. She’s a nationally-touring headliner best known for her appearances on the Showtime comedy franchise, “Funny Women of a Certain Age.” In this debut episode of SEASON FOUR, Missy riffs on her experiences as a comedian, parent of a teenage daughter, grandparent, and cancer survivor – and shares her belief that its never too late to try something new.

EPISODES WITH TRANSCRIPTS

Starting with Season 1

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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.

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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.