YOU EARNED THIS

The Social Security & Medicare Podcast

From NCPSSM
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

Listen on:

LISTEN NOW

RECENT EPISODES

Join us for an engaging conversation with the host of the Aging Matters podcast (also a tv and radio show)! Cheryl Beversdorf’s program focuses on living longer and healthier lives. She brings to the show her truly eclectic personal background: army nurse during the Vietnam War, Congressional staffer, and public relations professional — before launching Aging Matters in 2017. Today’s wide-ranging interview covers everything from the prohibitive costs of long-term care to the importance of Social Security to unusual stories from real seniors (including older people who acted in a Canadian horror film cheekily titled, “Silver Screamers”). Don’t miss this one! And don’t forget to tune into Cheryl’s podcast, tv show, and Pacifica radio show. VISIT https://www.agingmattersonline.com.

In this episode, psychiatrist and psychoanalytic thinker Dr. Chris Miller joins us to explore what really happens to our inner world as we age, and why its never too late for meaningful therapy. From treating patients in Brazilian housing projects and U.S. psychiatric emergency rooms to writing about aging and mental health, Dr. Miller shares how scarcity, cultural shifts, and life transitions shape the way we cope with loss, control, and uncertainty.

Stephen Goss was Social Security’s Chief Actuary for nearly a quarter of a century, capping off a long career of public service at the Social Security Administration. Today, as a private citizen, he talks to us about Social Security’s financial picture… about the factors behind the projected shortfall in the program’s trust fund reserves… and about potential ways to strengthen Social Security for the future. This is a rare interview with Stephen since he retired in 2025 and shouldn’t be missed!

New York Times bestselling author Gail Godwin has written a memoir interlacing politics and personal experience to ask the question, “How can I become a better person – and a better citizen?” Her story in “The Art of Becoming a Citizen” starts during the 2024 election season and ends on the day Trump was re-elected, prompting deep soul-searching on the octogenerian author’s part. From her days as a reporter for the Miami Herald in the early 60s to her current life as a prolific novelist and memoirist, Gail is a fascinating personality with loads of life wisdom to spare! Gail’s memoir is available at gailgodwin.com and fine booksellers everywhere.

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.

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.