What we’re about
WHEN PODCASTS BECOME CONVERSATIONS, AND CONVERSATIONS
BECOME ACTION, WE ALL COME ALIVE TOGETHER
This group is for you......
...... If you are between age 40 and 70+ and enjoy engaging in respectful discussions in small groups (10-14 per Meetup so that everyone can actively participate)
We get together ~ once/month in person on our deck in West Orange, NJ (weather permitting - ~April to October), or by Zoom (if either weather or covid-status do not allow for in-person gatherings - ~November to March) to dialogue about a specific pre-announced topic.
We will assign ~2-4 podcasts (~60-90 min of listening time - less if you listen at 1.25x o 1.5x that are relevant to the chosen topic). Please listen to these podcasts and think about them before the meeting. Topics will include psychology, sociology, religion, science, politics, relationships, lifestyles, self-growth...
The discussions are always informal, and non-judgmental, and aim to have each of us learn about ourselves and about each other.
Meetups will probably be on the 2nd or 3rd Thursday night of the month (7:30-9:30 pm) for 2 hours if LIVE or 8:00-9:30, if by Zoom.
The first 30 min of LIVE meetings will be informal get-to-know-you time and light chit-chat with snacks and drinks (and wine) that we provide and the next 90 min will be moderated friendly discussion time.
Each member is asked to list their real name and have a profile photo that is a CURRENT picture that CLEARLY shows their COMPLETE face. This will allow us to recognize each other when meeting and is for the safety of all group members.
This group has a “No Show” Policy. Anyone who is a no-show to 2 meetups will be removed from the group. To prevent this, update your RSVP from "yes" to "no" well in advance if your plans change.
This group has a “Last Minute Cancellation” Policy. Anyone who cancels less than 24 hours in advance of a meetup on more than 4 occasions will be removed from the group. To prevent this, update your RSVP well in advance.
$2/pp collected at each LIVE Meetup to help cover costs of running this Meetup site, providing wine, and snacks. There is no fee if we meet by ZOOM.
Upcoming events
5
NOV 13th, 2025 TOPIC: ATOMIC HABITS ____________ (LIVE- IN PERSON)
West Orange, NJ, USMeetup is in our LR in West Orange, NJ
(street address sent to NEWBIES 3-7 days ahead of the event)We gather at 7:30 for 30 min of refreshments (and wine), and chit chat, and then spend 90 min in an informal, facilitated discussion based on the assigned podcasts
Please listen to the 2 podcasts below before the meetup
(this is about 2 hrs of listening.... you can fast forward through the advertisements and you'll cut off some time)With the holidays coming up, we often interact with family members in "old ways" that may be frustrating. Can we change these old habits ?
AND
with the New Year fast approaching, and resolutions yet again being made, can we take a better approach that allows us to change bad habits and form long-term good habits?
We will explore this topic using podcast 1 with James Clear, author of Atomic Habits (20 million sales), and podcast 2 with Univ of S. Calif psychologist Wendy Wood who specializes in habitual behavior.
1. What are the biggest roadblocks to adding a good habit, or to getting rid of a bad habit?
2. What tools can help overcome these roadblocks?
3. Is there any information in either of these podcasts that you found useful?[1] The Next Big Idea
James Clear’s Ultimate Guide to Building Good Habits. (1 hr)
Forming a new habit is tough. Sticking with it is even tougher. That’s probably why someone buys a copy of James Clear’s 2018 book “Atomic Habits” every 11 seconds. James breaks down the science of habit formation into simple, actionable steps anyone can take — even you. Today on the show, he talks Rufus through the four laws of behavior change, explains how small improvements compound over time to produce remarkable results, and offers easy tips you can use now to kick bad habits and adopt good ones.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-big-idea/id1482067226?i=1000682390778[2] Hidden Brain
Creatures of Habit
Creatures Of Habit | Hidden Brain Media. 65 min)
At the beginning of the year, many of us make resolutions for the months to come. We resolve to work out more, to procrastinate less, or to save more money. Though some people stick with these aspirations, many of us fall short. This week, we revisit our 2019 conversation with psychologist Wendy Wood, who shares what researchers have found about how to build good habits — and break bad ones.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?i=1000503726514=======================================================================
For newbies (and we love new people/ new voices):
the street address will be sent to you ~3-7 days before the event (lots of street parking)
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Only sign up if you plan to show up (or risk being tarred and feathered).- If you can't make it-- please change your RSVP from YES to NO as early as possible so that others can get in
- $2 on-site for refreshments/cover the annual fees for the meetup site.
13 attendees![Jan 15, 2026: When the Going Gets Tough..... [BY ZOOM]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/next/images/fallbacks/redesign/event-cover-2.webp?w=828)
•OnlineJan 15, 2026: When the Going Gets Tough..... [BY ZOOM]
OnlineMeetup is by Zoom in Dec-Jan-Feb
# We gather at 8:00pm by Zoom for 90 min of informal, facilitated discussion based on the assigned podcasts listed below
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NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT AS YOU LISTEN TO THE 4 SHORT PODCASTS (Total listening time <75 min):
1. How in control are you when faced with an emotional challenge?
2. What tools do you use to effectively manage difficult situations?
3. What strategies mentioned in the podcasts resnate with you as
something that can you learn to improve your emotional agility?
4. Is it really possible to master anything, as suggested by Tony Robbins
or are there some TOUGH GOINGS that seem impossible to master?
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TED
Three secrets from Resilient People (16 min)
Everyone experiences loss, but how do you cope with the tough moments that follow? Resilience researcher Lucy Hone shares three hard-won strategies for developing the capacity to brave adversity, overcome struggle and face whatever may come head-on with fortitude and grace.
Lucy Hone · Resilience expert and researcher builds resilience among individuals, communities and organizations.
https://www.ted.com/talks/lucy_hone_3_secrets_of_resilient_people?#2
TED
The gift and Power of Emotional Courage (17 min)
Psychologist Susan David shares how the way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our actions, careers, relationships, health and happiness. In this deeply moving, humorous and potentially life-changing talk, she challenges a culture that prizes positivity over emotional truth and discusses the powerful strategies of emotional agility.
Susan David · Psychologist, researcher, author from Harvard Medical School Susan David studies emotional agility: the psychology of how we can use emotion to bring forward our best selves in all aspects of how we love, live, parent and lead.
https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_david_the_gift_and_power_of_emotional_courage#3
The Tony Robbins Podcast
How to have the emotional strength to handle anything | Mastering the gift of emotion (30 min)
At 31, Kris Carr, the best-selling author of Crazy Sexy Cancer, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Her battle to survive was not just a physical one – the emotional journey she took was remarkable.
You'll hear from Kris, and you'll also witness a one-on-one session between Tony and a client who must learn how to separate from his stress. Tony helps him tap into the higher part of himself that is more than his emotion, and more than just his thoughts.
Finally, Emilee Garfield of the Cancer Core Recovery Project, shares her own experience, and how she is helping others heal through her "movement as medicine" philosophy.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-have-the-emotional-strength-to-handle-anything/id1098413063?i=1000456279077#4
Debra Kasowski
Develop Your Emotional Strength (11 min)
In this podcast, Debra Kasowski helps you build emotional resilience and strengthen your emotional core by taking a proactive approach to managing your emotions, focusing on what is in your control, learning from your mistakes, embracing challenges, moving with highs and lows, and setting up for your comebacks.
https://debrakasowski.com/2023/08/20/develop-your-emotional-strength/
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Only sign up if you plan to show up (or risk being tarred and feathered in the town square).
If you can't make it-- please change your RSVP from YES to NO as early as possible so that others who might be waitlisted can still join10 attendees![Feb 19, 2026: Laughter is the Best Medicine..... [BY ZOOM]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/next/images/fallbacks/redesign/event-cover-1.webp?w=828)
•OnlineFeb 19, 2026: Laughter is the Best Medicine..... [BY ZOOM]
OnlineMeetup is by Zoom in Dec-Jan-Feb and in person the rest of the year
# We gather at 8:00pm by Zoom for 90 min of informal, facilitated discussion based on the assigned podcasts listed below
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Readers Digest use to have a joke section called Laughter is the Best Medicine. But is it true?- How important is laughter/humor in your daily life/ in your relationships?
- How do you feel after having a good laugh? What benefits do you derive from laughing out loud?
- Do you have less laughter, as much laughter, or more laughter in your daily life as you have gotten older?
- Are there places where you can readily incorporate more humor and derive the benefits of humor compared to what you are doing now and is that a change that you think might be important to make?
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[1]
Ideacast
The kind of humor that helps leaders build trust(30 min)
Leading an organization is a serious job, but Adam Christing argues that humor is a shortcut to building trust at an organization - and without it, you might be missing out on an important leadership tool. Christing is a comedian, speaker and author and he walks through five main kinds of humor that are most effective at work. It's not about knock-knock jokes, he says, but finding a style that's authentic to you. Christing is author of the book The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hbr-ideacast/id152022135?i=1000723592576[2]
Healthy Vitals
Laughter in times of stress (17 min)
What does laughter do to the mind and body? Megan Dean is a Laughter Leader and explains why laughing is beneficial, especially during stressful times. Take a listen and have a chuckle.
Laughter in Times of Stress [Podcast] | Summa Health[3]
Journey Ahead
Benefits of Humor and Laughter as We Age (37 min)
Research shows that, on average, children laugh 120 times a day while adults only laugh 17. As we brave the more serious sides of aging, it is important to incorporate ways to experience life’s lighter side to keep us balanced and be able to cope. In fact, laughter and a healthy dose of humor have been shown in studies to improve our physical, psychological, and social well-being. Tom Kidd of Balanced Wellness Services, a former health educator with approximately 30 years of teaching experience, sits down with Lisa Wells to discuss the benefits of finding humor and laughter later on in life.
Ep 23: Benefits of Humor and Laughter as We Age - Guest Tom Kidd...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Only sign up if you plan to show up (or risk being tarred and feathered in the town square).
If you can't make it-- please change your RSVP from YES to NO as early as possible so that others who might be waitlisted can still join4 attendees
Past events
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