What does it mean to stay politically engaged as we get older, especially at a time when the news can feel overwhelming? In Political Activism After 60, Ruth sits down with Darrell Parrish Bakeman for a thoughtful conversation about using our experience, perspective, and voices to make a difference. Together, they explore the many ways people can remain engaged beyond the ballot box, from advocacy and volunteering to community involvement and conversations across generations. They also discuss finding a sustainable balance between staying informed and avoiding political burnout, and why decades of lived experience can be such a valuable resource for our communities. Whether you’ve been politically active your entire life or are wondering how to become more involved in this chapter, this episode is a reminder that retirement from work doesn’t mean retirement from citizenship.

Meet the Guest

Darrell Parrish Bakeman is a retired non-profit executive. Her decade of socio-economic, development and business ventures range from political and organizational fund-raising, public speaking, hosting radio and cable talk-shows serving as founder of Worship It’s A Simple Thing. She has served on the board of several major organizations and has a long history of active civic involvement. Darrell earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Huston Tillotson College, in Austin, Texas. She helped raise millions for the first African American mayor of Chicago, serve as focus group moderator and volunteer for national political campaigns; both presidential and congressional.

Pets can bring companionship, laughter, routine, and a whole lot of love into our lives. But what does pet ownership look like in this chapter of life? Ruth sits down with longtime friend Sharon Hager to talk about the joys and realities of welcoming a pet after 60. Sharon shares how her pint-sized pup Oliver became an unexpected companion in retirement, bringing new rhythms to her days, new connections to her community, and plenty of personality along the way. From choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle to navigating travel, costs, mobility, and planning for their future, Ruth and Sharon explore what it really means to make room for a four-legged friend in your next chapter.

About Sharon Hager

Sharon Hager is a retired healthcare attorney and former general counsel whose career began as a registered nurse working in critical care and emergency medicine. After decades in healthcare and law, Sharon retired in 2023 and quickly discovered that life after work would be anything but quiet. Just days after retiring, she welcomed Oliver, a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu mix who has since become her constant companion. Today, Sharon embraces retirement with an active social life, travel, new interests, and, of course, Oliver by her side.

In the Season Two premiere of Beyond 60: Unscripted, Ruth Williams-Brinkley sits down with personal trainer Jason Ogden for a fun, practical, and encouraging conversation about what it really means to get stronger after 60. Together, Ruth and Jason explore how fitness goals change in this season of life, from building strength, balance, mobility, and endurance to making exercise feel less intimidating and more connected to everyday independence. Whether it is getting up from the floor, climbing stairs, carrying groceries, recovering your balance, or simply feeling more confident in your body, Jason reminds listeners that it is never too late to begin. This episode is for anyone who has ever thought they were too old, too weak, or too out of shape to start, and needed a friendly push to find some way to keep moving.

Meet the guest:
Jason Ogden is a Personal Trainer and Assistant Lead Trainer at Fitness Together in Tysons Virginia. Originally from Manassas, Virginia, Jason grew up playing sports and later made a career shift from retail management into fitness after the birth of his son in 2013. Today, he helps people over 60 build strength, improve their health, and feel more confident through customized fitness plans, accountability, and a practical approach to movement that fits real life.

Learn more:
https://fitnesstogether.com/tysons