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Take Second Chances

March 29, 2012 By 1 Comment

In this episode, we honor those who never give up, despite setbacks and obstacles. How are you Growing Bolder? Learn from these role models and start your own adventure today.

  • Famous Face

His life was one of abuse and rejection. The more he suffered, the stronger his resolve. No one believed in him, until a chance meeting with a fledgling talk show host changed everything. Now, after 20 years as Oprah Winfrey’s personal makeup artist, Reggie Wells is set to soar.

  • Roderick Sewell

Just a few years ago, Roderick Sewell was a homeless teenager with no legs who was failing school. Today, he’s a world-class athlete, attends college and he’s set his sights on a big goal — making the Paralympics team. His life started turning around when he got involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization that not only provides running legs for disabled athletes — it provides a pathway to a successful life.

  • Second Chance at Life

At age 68, Larry Pontius had a life expectancy counted in single-digit days. Even the smallest things reminded him of his own mortality — commercials for a football season he might never see; pictures of places he might never get to visit. Then came a life-changing call.

Plus, we talk to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn about the stories behind the Byrds in Growing Bolder With…, and we feature Bungee Jill’s amazing birthday celebration in How Are You Growing Bolder?

Filed Under: All Seasons, Big Names, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Making a Difference, Overcoming Obstacles, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Born to Dance

March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In this week’s episode, we show you how men and women are leaping, twirling and inventing their way into happy lives. See why it’s truly never too late to change your direction and start Growing Bolder.

  • With the Greatest of Ease

67-Year-Old Joe Johnston is a champion at track and field, and the pole vault is his speciality. He flies through the air with the greatest of ease, but he’s no circus performer. Joe says he has the secret to life, and he’s sharing it with Growing Bolder.

  • So She Thought She Could Dance

Thanks to the popularity of dance shows on network TV, dance studios around the country are busier than they’ve been in decades. Many more people would love to take lessons but worry about embarrassing themselves. By all accounts, Quin Bommelje was so bad when she first started, her teacher and even her husband couldn’t bear to watch. She had a hard time to keeping time to the beat. Now, her younger dance partner has a hard time keeping up with her!

  • Final Resting Place

It’s art. It’s a memorial. It’s grandma’s cremated remains! We’re all about living and normally wouldn’t cover the National Funeral Directors Convention, but we heard the industry is changing rapidly. We promise, this story isn’t depressing. A little weird? Yeah, we’ll give you that. From launching your loved one’s ashes into space to tucking them into the barrel of a hunting fan’s shotgun, we’ll give you unusual ideas for a final resting place.

Plus, author Barbara Hannah Grufferman takes on the anti-aging industry in this week’s Growing Bolder With… and we feature the legendary Dennis McCoy of BMX fame in How Are You Growing Bolder?

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Season 3, Sports Stars, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Gospel of Good

March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

How are you making a difference? Following your dreams, or taking a stand against aging stereotypes? Donating money or proving that it’s never too late? In this week’s episode, meet the Gospels of Good.

  • From Broadway to Busts

Lawrence Holofcener wrote for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” Sammy Davis Jr. and Merv Griffin. After becoming one of the top songwriters around, he decided to walk away and take another risk — he wanted to be an actor. Not only did he become an actor, he made his debut on Broadway in “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.” He even went on to star in “Hello, Dolly!” with Carol Channing and in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Now, at the age of 85, he’s a respected painter and sculptor. One of his most famous pieces is a tourist destination in London. He’s used two simple words to guide him through his amazing life: why not?

  • Gospel of Good

With the daily news filled with stories of unethical businessmen and out-of-control corporate greed, we’re happy to shine the light on a Fortune 500 company and a retired CEO who are proving that giving back is the best way to move forward.

  • Ageless Beauty

Oleda Baker is a supermodel who is decades older than the “typical” cover girl. Plus, she runs her own business, writes and serves as a role model for women of all ages.

Plus, NBA Executive Pat Williams shares what he’s learned from some of the biggest and most inspirational people in the world in Growing Bolder With… and we feature one of the coolest collaborations of all time, between a 91-year-old drummer on an oxygen tank and a 62-year-old eccentric songwriter/filmmaker, in How Are You Growing Bolder?

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Making a Difference, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters, Video

True Grit

March 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What makes you unique? How will you be remembered? This week’s episode shines the spotlight on unsung heroes of positive attitude — men and women who refuse to let obstacles overcome them.

  • What’s SUP?

We had to know what’s SUP after receiving an email that read, “At 46 years old, I took a BOLD move, quit my 19+ year safe and secure job with the Florida Lottery and started living my dream.” That got our attention. We had to know more. We found a family living their dreams and helping others discover a new FUN way of exercising — at any age.

  • Eclectic Collector

Everybody likes to collect things, but what if those things get out of hand? What if they take over everything? Audrey Lentz has always had an eye for things that please her. From Howdy Doody to the present day, from pinball to pez, she has an amazing collection. But what sets her apart is, her home… her ENTIRE home is her display case!

  • True Grit

From the outside looking in, Tom Ross has it all — a high-powered job, Broadway plays in New York and downhill runs in Utah. From the inside looking out, the view is much different. When he came to a crossroads in life, he chose to start growing bolder.

Plus, Rowdy Gaines shares his insights from his (late) start in swimming in Growing Bolder With… and we feature the young Josh King, harmonica prodigy extraordinaire, in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment.

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Making a Difference, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters, Video

On a Mission

March 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In this episode of Growing Bolder, we take a look at people who are making a difference in the world, by inspiring others, serving as role models and proving it’s never too late to impact others’ lives.

  • The Father of Juicing Fights Back

He’s 87, still vibrant and still on a mission. Just don’t call Jay Kordich the Juiceman anymore. A legal battle took the name from him but not his spirit or his conviction. He believes raw juices saved his life more than 60 years ago. See why he’s been shouting it to the world ever since.

  • Life Lessons From Coach Bill

Growing Bolder Vice President Bill Shafer spends his days guiding the GB team and his nights and weekends molding lives on his son’s youth hockey team. We followed Coach Bill and his team as they battled for a spot in their league’s championship and discovered what they learned off the ice may be more important than any final score at the rink.

  • Man on a Mission

Mr. Bill is on a very serious crusade; to improve the lives of families in need. His job at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, Florida, is often back-breaking work, but Mr. Bill does it all with a smile. Hear what keeps him going.

Plus, Dr. Dot Richardson shares some of her secrets to a long, happy life in Growing Bolder With…, and we introduce you to The Midlife Gals in How Are You Growing Bolder?

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Making a Difference, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Boomer Babes

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What do you want to do with your life? It’s never too late to chart a new course — and as you’ll see in this episode, it can be by bike, by stroke or from stage to stage!

  • Big River Man

The world’s most prolific endurance swimmer is 53-year-old Martin Strel, a man you’ve probably never heard of. Strel once swam for 84 hours non-stop covering miles 313 miles in the Danube River. His most famous swim is the entire length of the Amazon — the largest, longest and the most dangerous river in the world. Strel swam 3,278 miles in 66 days through waters that are home to bull sharks, piranha, stingrays, anacondas, electric eels, crocodiles, poisonous snakes and giant catfish that have been known to swallow dogs and children.

  • Old Dogs Can Rock

Mickey Carroll has quite a unique approach to music these days. Back in the 1950s, when he released his first record, being a star was all about ego. And he had reasons to have an ego. He was one half of the doo-wop duo Billy and Mickey, the first white duo to be played on black radio. Now 70, Mickey says he’s found a more rewarding role — musical community activist. Find out what that is and how he’s making a difference in many lives in his community.

  • Boomer Babes

They say the view is better when you’re the lead dog. That’s one reason why more and more women aren’t satisfied with just being a passenger on a motorcycle. They want control, and they’re getting it.

Plus, travel expert Gary McKechnie shares his tips for getting the most out of your trips in Growing Bolder With… and we feature the incredible Aunt Doris and her love for the piano in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment!

Filed Under: All Seasons, Big Names, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Find Your Fans

February 16, 2012 By 1 Comment

What inspires you to get out of bed and embrace each and every day for all it offers? It’s great to have an internal drive, but sometimes, you need a jumpstart. So be sure to check out the stories featured in this episode, from true celebrities to ordinary people inspiring thousands of people.

  • Why Red Green is White Hot

“The Red Green Show” was one of the longest running series on television. But, years after ending production, the world’s most inventive handyman is still in demand! We caught up with Steve Smith as he embarks on the Wit and Wisdom Tour to find out what makes Red one of TV’s most endearing characters.

  • Ann’s Fans

With all due respect to the dozen former Olympians and more than 1,000 other competitors, the swimmer with the largest and loudest fan support at the U.S. Masters Swimming national championships was a 71-year-old woman from Minnesota named Ann. What’s her story? Find out how she’s inspiring everyone who meets her to keep chasing dreams and to never, ever give up.

  • The Story of Ruth: An Amazing Life

It’s hard to say that a 109-year-old died too soon. But Ruth Hamilton led a full and amazing life. She was simply amazing. Just some of the highlights, she was married to a Major League Baseball player, she was one of the first women to host a radio show, in 1937 she came face to face with Hitler and tried to warn the world, she was the first woman elected to the Legislature from New Hampshire, and those are just a few of the things that made Ruth a national treasure.

Plus, Roger McGuinn shares some of the behind-the-scenes stories to his success in Growing Bolder With and we celebrate runner Eric Gelber’s incredible ultramarathon adventures in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment.

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Longevity, Season 3, Sports Stars, Unforgettable Characters

Head of the Pack

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

How are you making a difference? In this episode, we shine the light on people who have devoted their careers (or their free time!) toward helping people start Growing Bolder themselves.

  • From Mission Trips to Mission Statements

More and more Americans are taking a page from Paul Newman’s book and starting a social enterprise — a business you love as a means to helping others. After many mission trips, Jane Hursh felt obligated to share the blessings of her life. So she turned to a lifelong love — baking cookies. Now with her shortbread, biscotti and granola, Jane is using something sweet to change bitter circumstances.

  • 97 Years of Saving Lives

At the time, it was just a simple, selfless act. The right thing to do. Seventy years later, a young Army captain’s good idea is responsible for saving countless lives. It was just one incident in the long, rewarding life of Dr. Norman Wall, who is one of the most compelling, relevant and fascinating 97-year-olds on the planet.

  • Soaring to New Heights

The best glider pilots in North America over the age of 55 recently gathered to compete in the Senior Soaring National Championships. Former fighter pilots and commercial airline pilots call soaring the greatest test of all. How can a 2,000 pound plane with no engine stay aloft for hours flying at 65 miles per hour? Growing Bolder stopped by the final practice round to find out.

Filed Under: All Seasons, Current Season, Episodes, Making a Difference, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters

Little Miracles

February 2, 2012 By 1 Comment

If you knew how long you’d live — would you change what you do today? Tomorrow? In this episode, we speak with people who have challenged stereotypes, overcome major obstacles and proven that when you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.


  • Three Promises

One moment Carolyn and Chad Moor were celebrating their love. The next, he lay dying, the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. During their final moments, Carolyn made three promises that she’s spent many years and tears trying to keep. Hers is a story of Growing Bolder in the face of heartbreaking loss. See how she learned to live and even laugh again and how her story even caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey.

  • Enjoying Life’s Little Miracles

She’s not really an athlete. She’s a retired biologist who loves adventure. That’s why 96-year-old Mary Anne Cooper traveled from British Columbia to Arizona to compete in the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships. Mary Anne isn’t trying to be a role model or set an example, but with every stroke, she’s doing just that. She even inspired her 70-year-old daughter to also compete at Nationals.

  • Free Throw King

Andy McGuffin is the best there is. Mr. Automatic. The Free Throw King once made 400 in a row. Bill Shafer goes one-on-one with Andy to learn the secrets to his success.

Plus, thoughts from Growing Bolder With… contributor Pat Williams, who wants to you redefine the meaning of “consequences,” and we feature PGA professional and YouTube superstar Don Trahan in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment!

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Overcoming Obstacles, Season 3, Sports Stars, Unforgettable Characters, Video

A Beautiful View

January 26, 2012 By 1 Comment

Sometimes life is all about how you look at it — as something to cherish, or something to get through? All of the people in this episode are striving to meet new goals every day, and we think they’ll inspire you to change your own view.



  • Finding His Purpose Late in Life

Artist Robert Sutz is a messenger for beautiful people filled with horrific memories. Sutz, 82, is creating what he calls irrefutable evidence of one of the darkest chapters in human history — the Holocaust. He calls it proof for those who don’t believe and a painful reminder to those who might forget.

  • Life From the View of a Canoe

Rod Price was a successful businessman, but he wasn’t happy. Then he discovered his passion in the grueling endurance sport of Adventure Canoeing. Now, more than 200 wins later, he has rediscovered his zest for life, and at 51, he has never been happier.

  • The Crown Jewel

An unlikely corporate icon, Bruce Rossmeyer parlayed street smarts and a willingness to gamble into a major business empire. In a GB exclusive, we visited Rossmeyer shortly before his tragic death and found a man motivated not by money, but by fun.

Plus, thoughts from Growing Bolder With… contributor Rowdy Gaines, with advice on setting goals that you can actually reach, and we feature world traveler and birthday celebrator Jay Freeman in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment!

Filed Under: All Seasons, Big Names, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Season 3, Sports Stars, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Still Having Fun

January 19, 2012 By 1 Comment

What’s your story? Whether you’re inspired by music, art, sports or something else, we think you’re Growing Bolder. So we’re shining the spotlight on people who are proving it’s not about age; it’s about attitude.

  • Orleans: They’re Still Having Fun

Think you know music? Who sang “Still the One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time?” Orleans was the band, but who was the singer? Leave it to Growing Bolder to introduce you to one of the most recognized voices but least-known names in music.

  • In for the Long Haul

Siphiwe Baleka is a one-of-a-kind Yale graduating, globetrotting, God-fearing, truck-driving, fast-swimming family man. And he’s got a new mission — to help long-haul truckers everywhere improve their health, fitness and quality of life.

  • Conversations of a Lifetime

We all have a tale to tell, and that’s the premise of NPR’s Story Corps. We take you inside an amped up Airstream that’s a one-of-a-kind time capsule and it’s helping people across the U.S. leave a priceless legacy for future generations.

Plus, thoughts from Growing Bolder With… contributor Dr. Dot Richardson, who says you need to believe in the gifts that God has given you, and we feature intergenerational artists Meg Mosley and her grandmother in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment!

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Full Episodes, Making a Difference, Season 3, Sports Stars, Unforgettable Characters, Video

Fun and Funky

November 11, 2011 By 4 Comments

This new season of Growing Bolder TV kicks off with some truly inspirational people — but if you asked them, they’d say they’re just ordinary folks trying to pursue extraordinary lives!

Segments in this episode include:

  • A Mom Who Walks on Water

As a teen, Karen Putz lost her hearing while barefoot water skiing. More than 25 years passed, but her desire to get back on her feet kept burning within. Some family members told her she was too old. But Karen had rediscovered her passion.

  • Keep on Rocking

Meet the Bats, a popular Kentucky group that regularly sells out its gigs and always leaves the audience laughing. See why they’re inspired to keep on rocking the stage, even if they still have day jobs.

  • This WASP Still Stings

Betty Wall Strohfus was one of a handful of female pilots in World War II. After the war, she thought that part of her life was over. She was in her 70s when she felt compelled to honor her fellow WASPs by telling her story. Now at 91, she’s more proud and passionate than ever, and she’s one of the feistiest people you’ll ever meet!

Plus, thoughts from Growing Bolder With… contributor Roger McGuinn on putting a “Beatle Beat” on your own life, and we feature Diane White in our How Are You Growing Bolder? segment!

Filed Under: All Seasons, By Title, By Topic, Current Season, Episodes, Overcoming Obstacles, Season 3, Unforgettable Characters