Growing Bolder

Dr. Daniel Amen is one of the most influential psychiatrists in the country. A respected thought leader on brain health, he talks to Growing Bolder about the near-epidemic levels of depression and anxiety in this country and offers strategies we can all use to deal with these common issues.

Marlo Thomas has dedicated her life to making a difference. She first rose to fame in 1966 with her star-making role in the hit TV show, “That Girl.” Since then, she’s won Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, a Peabody, a Grammy and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Thomas earned even more honors due to her tireless philanthropic work, especially with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. She talks about her latest book, “What Makes a Marriage Last,” co-written with her husband of 40 years, Phil Donahue. She reveals how they’ve lasted all these years and shares stories they collected from some of their famous friends, such as Billy and Janice Crystal, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, and Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick.

Maintaining strong friendships is surprisingly important and can have a significant impact on our overall well-being, especially as we age. Journalist and author Lydia Denworth explains why a healthy social life is just as important as our physical and mental health.

Studies show that having a sense of purpose is linked to better health and greater well-being. Richard Leider is one of the leading experts in motivation and a pioneer in the global purpose movement. He talks about how we can unlock our own power of purpose.

Todd Kashdan is a psychology professor at George Mason University who believes sometimes it’s good to be bad. His book, The Art of Insubordination, reveals how changing your perspective and asking questions can lead to greater understanding and creativity.

Best-selling author and journalist Craig Pittman is a highly respected environmental reporter, but recently, he’s gained a following for highlighting the unusual, fascinating and bizarre events that make Florida, well, Florida. He explains what motivated him to write his hilarious book, “Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.” He also chats with Growing Bolder about his latest book, “Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther.”

Al Roker is a beloved fixture on morning TV. He’s the weather guy and co-host at TODAY and in his spare time, he dabbles in acting (on Broadway no less) and is an author. His latest book is called “You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success.” Is retirement on his radar? He shares his thoughts on what these years should really be like.

Known as the creator of the survivor TV genre, Les Stroud has faced the elements in Antarctica, the wilds of the rainforests, and more, to teach us not just how to survive, but how to connect with the earth, ourselves and each other. Now, the 59-year-old outdoorsman and survival expert is talking to Growing Bolder about surviving one of life’s toughest challenges — aging.

Did you get a good night’s sleep last night? If you’re like most people, the answer is definitely no. Sleep expert Kathryn Nicolai joins us to reveal how to learn how to sleep like it’s your job. She is the host of the popular Nothing Much Happens podcast and she’s been called the “architect of coziness.” Nicolai is the creator of soothing stories that ease the reader into dreamland, one story at a time. She joins Growing Bolder to share some of her secrets to getting a good eight hours a night, and soon, you, too, will be sleeping soundly.

Speed seems to be a requirement in almost everything we do, but is faster better? Author, Carl Honoré is the founder of the Global Slow Movement. Find out why he strongly believes that when it comes to life, slow is the only way to go.   

If you’ve ever experienced a midlife career change, you know they can be filled with fear and uncertainty. This is true even if you are an Olympic gold medalist. Speed skating icon Apolo Anton Ohno has been through it and wants to help you make your life’s transitions as successful as possible.

Jill Heinerth has one of the most dangerous jobs there is. As one of the top underwater cave explorers in the world, she’s explored icebergs, volcanic lava tubes, and submerged caves. She talks to Growing Bolder about her experiences being the hands and eyes of climatologists, archeologists, and engineers, helping them to better understand our earth.

Are you tired of all the divisiveness in America today? Many talk about it, but few actually listen. Author and public radio host Celeste Headlee explains how we can all become part of the solution if we just learn to have conversations that matter.

Valerie Bertinelli discusses how to avoid regret in life. Whether it’s diet, parenting, or the loss of loved ones, she reveals how her struggles have made her stronger and happier than ever.

They shared the stage with Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. So why did it take them 50 years to make their first album? Meet Denise Kaufman from the Ace of Cups, the first all-female band in rock. Find out why they turned away from stardom and what ultimately brought them back together.

Take a trip back in time with one of the most iconic rock photographers in history. Henry Diltz was the man behind the camera for some of the most famous rock photos in history. He also photographed famed album covers such as The Doors’ Morrison Hotel and James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James. Diltz joins us to share stories about this unique time in American music history. Plus, discover what gets him excited these days.

If everybody’s talking, who’s listening? Have we forgotten how to really hear what others have to say? From political division to racism and hatred, Dr. Dietra Hawkins, PsyD, explains how much we can grow if we just take the time to listen.

One of four people over the age of 65 takes at least 5 prescription drugs every day. Overmedication is a huge problem but there is another way. World-renowned physician, scientist, speaker and author of "Eat to Beat Disease", Dr. William Li explains which widely available foods can be your best medicine.

Why you should never regret feeling regret. Best selling author Daniel Pink explains how regrets can make you stronger, better, and happier than ever.

As the voice of the rock group Yes, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Anderson is the face of progressive rock. His creativity, his passion and his voice have not diminished over the years. Now in his 70's, Jon is as energetic, driven and prolific as ever.