Over 60 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, spending an average of 15+ hours a week supporting aging parents, spouses with illness, or children with special needs — yet the system offers little support and home care agencies charge up to $82,000 a year. In this eye-opening episode, Lori sits down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, a social-impact healthcare tech startup connecting families directly with vetted, university-enrolled student caregivers at roughly half the cost of traditional agencies. Neal shares his deeply personal journey from hedge fund partner to full-time caregiver for his grandfather with Alzheimer's and his wife through a multi-year cancer battle, and how those experiences drove him to dedicate his career to fixing America's caregiving crisis. From practical tips on finding affordable direct care and running your own background checks, to the promise of AI-powered caregiver training tools and the Medicare Guide pilot program for dementia families, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.

Links from this episode:

• Neal Shah: careyaya.org | Free Guide | Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with Emily Steedman — occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of 10ElevenLife and Longevity Land — to explore what it really takes to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life after 60. Emily breaks down the exciting age tech innovations on the horizon from AI-powered brain training and smart home sensors to companion robots and shares the three most impactful lifestyle changes you can make right now, and reveals why grip strength is a powerful predictor of longevity. Whether you're looking to prevent falls, boost brain health through neuroplasticity, or simply take more control of your wellness journey, this conversation is packed with practical, science-backed advice to help you live vibrantly in your 3rd phase of life and beyond.

Links from this episode:

• Emily Steedman: longevity-land.com | LinkedIn
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with Danielle Roberts, CEO of Boomer Benefits and bestselling author of 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make, to break down the confusing world of Medicare. Danielle explains the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, what Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are, and why missing your enrollment window can result in costly penalties you'll pay for the rest of your life. Whether you're approaching 65 or helping a loved one navigate their options, this episode is packed with actionable advice on when to start researching, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to choose between a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage — so you can make confident, informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Links from this episode:

• Danielle Roberts: Instagram
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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If you’re in your third phase (60+) and you’ve ever wondered which supplements are actually worth taking—and when to take them—this episode is for you. Lori Carpenter welcomes wellness expert Jana Donohoe back to the show for an actionable conversation on healthy aging, strength training, and recovery, with a focus on the basics that move the needle: protein intake, hydration, sleep, and consistency. Jana breaks down why creatine isn’t just for muscles (and how it may support brain health), how to use collagen and protein powder more effectively, and what “third-party tested” really means when you’re trying to avoid fillers. Plus, they share smart travel snack ideas—like pistachios, tuna packs, jerky, roasted chickpeas, and make-ahead options—so you can stay energized on the go without living at the pastry table.

Links from this episode:

• Jana Donohoe: Instagram | Facebook
• Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, Lori Carpenter welcomes back Megan Mazzocco, author of The Sleep System, for a deeper dive into nervous system regulation and why it matters even more after 60. Megan breaks down what it means to move out of fight-or-flight and into a calm “social engagement” state, explains how true rest supports brain health, and shares practical tools you can start tonight—like dimming lights at sunset, avoiding screens before bed, using resonance breathing, gentle shaking to reset your system, and a simple “three good things” gratitude practice that can improve sleep. You’ll also hear how your environment (light, sound, temperature, even aroma) can trigger stress or support calm—so you can live with more clarity, intention, and vibrancy in your third phase.

Links from this episode:

1. Megan Mazzocco: meganmazzocco.com | Instagram @wellbeingxdesign
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram @loricarpenterdesigns

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Sleep can feel harder after 60, but that does not mean you need less of it. In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, Lori Carpenter talks with sleep expert and author Megan Mazzocco about why sleep changes with age, including deep sleep decline and the “phase advance” shift that can make you sleepy earlier and wake earlier. Megan breaks down how chronotype affects sleep, why movement helps dissipate stress, and how the brain’s glymphatic system supports cognitive health during deep sleep. You will also hear practical, evidence-based tools like sleep banking, short strategic naps, and sensory cues to help retrain the brain for more restorative sleep.

Links from this episode:

1. Megan Mazzocco: meganmazzocco.com | Instagram
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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Home care can be shockingly expensive, and many families are caught off guard by what Medicare and Medicaid will and will not cover. In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, Lori Carpenter is joined by Alexandria Edwards, founder of The Care Girl Agency in Atlanta, to break down what in-home care really looks like, typical costs (often $30–$45/hour, which can reach $8,000–$10,000 per month), and the key questions to ask when choosing a provider. They also discuss how to plan ahead with essential documents like power of attorney and advance directives, how long-term care insurance works (traditional vs. hybrid options), ways to reduce risk of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and practical, gentle steps adult children can take to help parents accept support while maintaining independence.

Links from this episode:

1. Alexandria Edwards - Instagram | Linktree
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, host Lori Carpenter welcomes renowned demographic strategist Bradley Schurman, founder of Human Change and author of The Super Age, for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping work, wealth, and life in 2026 and beyond. Bradley breaks down why labor shortages are accelerating the need for older workers, how the “longevity economy” creates different opportunities across the 50–64, 65–74, and 75+ markets, and why inclusive products and marketing will win the next decade. They also explore how entrepreneurs can use AI as a true force multiplier, including Bradley’s “three C’s” for adapting to new tech: creativity, curiosity, and communication. Finally, Lori and Bradley connect the trends to real-life decisions in this third phase, from rethinking retirement and business succession to designing homes that support independence and aging in place.

Links from this episode:

1. Bradley Schurman: behumanchange.com | populationnext.com
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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