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The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

By: Navigating Solo Network™
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About this listen

Welcome to The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, a dedicated platform where we explore the unique needs and concerns of solo aging with a focus on empowerment, connection, and proactive planning. As a trusted healthcare advocate and national expert in solo aging, I am thrilled to launch this podcast to provide valuable insights, practical advice, and supportive resources for solo agers navigating the complexities and opportunities of aging independently. The Navigating Solo™ Podcast aims to: - Highlight innovative strategies and best practices for creating a fulfilling and secure future as a solo ager. - Equip solo agers with the knowledge and tools to thrive in their later years. - Foster a supportive community where listeners can share experiences and learn from and with one another. - ​​​Offer ​allied professionals interested in learning more about the unique needs and concerns of solo agers in-depth ​understanding​, ​expert ​perspectives​, ​and practical ​advice​ to help meet the needs of their clients and community members. 30 - 45 minute episodes will be released one the first and third Wednesdays of each month! Join Our Mailing List and more: https://navigatingsolo.com/navsolopodcastCopyright 2024 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • When the Advocate Becomes the Patient: A Personal Reflection with Ailene Gerhardt
    May 21 2025

    In this deeply personal solo episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt, board-certified patient advocate and founder of the Navigating Solo™ Network, shares what it’s been like to shift from supporting others through health challenges to facing a health challenges of her own.

    Ailene reflects on the emotional and physical toll of multiple diagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatments—all while living independently. She speaks candidly about the loss of routine, the disruption to her work, and the vulnerability of stepping into the role of patient after years of advocating for others.

    Through sharing her story, Ailene explores:

    • The blurred line between professional advocate and patient

    • How illness can challenge identity and sense of control

    • The critical importance of compassionate, person-centered care

    • What it means to be present for yourself when your life feels upended

    • How asking for help and acknowledging limitations can be acts of strength

    This episode is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a whole person—and that even those who guide others through healthcare systems need support too.

    Resources & Links:

    • Learn more about the Navigating Solo™ Network: https://navigatingsolo.com

    • Listen to past episodes of the podcast: @navigatingsolo

    Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

    • Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.com
    • The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.com
    • The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

    View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos

    Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more!

    © 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.

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    14 mins
  • Living Longer, Planning Smarter with Cathleen Toomey
    Apr 2 2025

    In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Cathleen Toomey, host of the podcast Seniority Authority to discuss all things aging! They dive into the evolving landscape of solo aging, exploring how living longer presents both unique opportunities and challenges. Cathleen shares insights on the importance of social connection and community involvement as we age, highlighting how volunteering and small acts of kindness can build meaningful relationships and improve well-being.

    They also discuss the impact of negative self-talk and the barriers it can create when trying to form new connections, as well as practical ways to overcome these challenges by stepping slightly out of our comfort zones. Additionally, we address common misconceptions about solo aging, especially around living arrangements like continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, and memory care.

    Tune in to gain practical tips for embracing longevity with intention and planning, and learn why social connection remains a vital component of healthy solo aging.

    Books and Websites Mentioned During This Episode:

    • The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness

    • Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live, Becca Levy

    • Six Steps to Managing Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Guide for Families, Maureen O-Connor

    • Seven Steps to Managing Your Aging Memory, Maureen O-Connor

    Websites:

    • Medicare Plan Options
    • Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
    • Where You Live Matters
    • National Good Neighbor Day
    • National Healthcare Decisions Day

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    Connect with Cathleen Toomey:

    • Website: seniorityauthority.org
    • Email: info@seniorityauthority.org
    • Facebook: SeniorityAuthority
    • LinkedIn: cathleen-toomey-8889531
    • Podcast: seniorityauthority.org

    Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

    • Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.com
    • The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.com
    • The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

    View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos

    Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more!

    © 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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    56 mins
  • The Retirement Puzzle: Crafting Your Solo Aging Vision with Eric Blake
    Feb 7 2025
    In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Eric Blake, a seasoned financial planner with over 25 years of experience specializing in retirement, tax planning, and investment management for women over 55—including those who are single by choice, divorced, or widowed. Drawing from personal experiences with his single mother and widowed grandmother, Eric shares his passion for empowering women to achieve financial independence in retirement. Together, they explore the unique financial challenges solo agers face, from understanding the life events that shape retirement perspectives to practical strategies like “practicing retirement” before leaving the workforce. Eric breaks down his “retirement puzzle” approach, helping listeners piece together key components like Social Security, tax strategies, and income planning to create a clear vision for the future. Key points addressed in this episode: The “Retirement Puzzle” Approach – How to piece together Social Security, tax strategies, and income planning for a secure retirement.Unique Financial Challenges for Solo Agers – Understanding life events that shape retirement perspectives for those aging alone.Practicing Retirement – The benefits of testing retirement strategies before fully leaving the workforce.Choosing the Right Financial Advisor – Critical questions to ask to ensure your advisor aligns with your solo aging needs.Proactive Tax Planning – Strategies to manage required minimum distributions (RMDs) and minimize tax liabilities.The Importance of Building a Support Network – Creating a “micro board of directors” with professionals like financial planners, healthcare advocates, and elder law attorneys.Navigating Retirement During Life Transitions – Approaching financial planning during widowhood, divorce, or other major life changes.Common Missteps in Retirement Planning – Why many women switch financial advisors after losing a spouse and how to avoid reactive planning. For additional resources, check out: The Simply Retirement Podcast: 10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor: Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement Listen HerePurse Strings — Empowering women to take charge of their financial futures. Whether you're navigating retirement solo or supporting someone who is, this episode provides practical tools and thoughtful insights to guide you through the retirement puzzle. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Eric Blake, CFP: Website: www.BlakeWealthManagement.comEmail: info@blakewealthmanagement.comFacebook: BlakeWealthManagementLinkedIn: blake-wealth-managementPodcast: thesimplyretirementpodcast.com Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA: Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.comThe Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.comThe Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more! © 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax or individualized financial advice, nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security. Or engage in any specific trading strategy, results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of Blake Wealth Management. It does not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their clients or their employees. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG advisory or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Advisory Services offered by investment advisory representatives of RFG Advisory, a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
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    47 mins
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