THE BITCHIN SISTERS - Nancy and Janet are old and in the way!
The Bitchin' Sisters is a podcast hosted by Janet and Nancy, two older women who share their candid take on growing old in a rapidly changing world. They mix humor with practical ideas and strong opinions about skyrocketing costs, shifting fashions, and changing social norms. Episodes look back at how things used to be and ahead to what may come, offering entertainment and information for listeners of any age. New episodes arrive twice a month.
Episodes
DO YOU FEEL SAFE?
THE WORLD IS CHANGING. It seems like there are more instances of crime, robberies, home invasions, and more. Nancy and Janet remember their childhood, when they roamed, unchaperoned and without cellphones, in forests and around lakes. They lived charmed lives, no doubt, but currently, for the first time, fear is on the rise.
STORIES WE REMEMBER
STORIES WE REMEMBER--and some we DON'T WANT to remember. Have you ever watched a program or read a book or seen a movie and thought, "what if this had been ME?" Sometimes the story will come at just the right time, and it alters your actions. Sometimes the story, the song, perfectly expresses an event in your life and will always incite the memory. You probably have a memory like this...
SHOULD'NT! CAN'T! DON'T!
THERE AE SO MANY THINGS! Tank tops. Hi heels. Short shorts. Climbing ladders. Shoveling in the garden. Kneeling on the bare floor. ETC. ETC. ETC. As we have aged we have had to change our wardrobe, our jewelry, our household chores, and the way we vacation. While much has been lost, Nancy finds a long list of things she CAN STILL DO!
THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW
NOT TO GET POLITICAL, but the social atmosphere has chilled with the result that divisions seem greater, values seem oppositional, and people are tiptoeing around a lot more. In spite of all this Nancy strives to find a way to connect--and she makes it work!
THE MEANING OF LIFE
NANCY HAS GIVEN THIS A LOT OF THOUGHT. Janet, not so much. Nancy explains how she changed over the years until her values and her expression of her values synced to reveal her life's meaning. She encourages listeners to evaluate their own beliefs, values, and actions. D E E P.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PERSON
EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE! Whether it's a spouse, a friend, or a sympathetic family member, an emotional support person can help you when you most need it. Maybe it's a trip to the emergency room for an illness or accident. You need SOMEONE there, physically, to hold your hand and make sure you're treated well. Or perhaps you're chairing a fund-raising event for your favorite service club--your e
THE WAKE-UP CALL
We're all waiting for it, after a certain age. What will it be?--Cancer? A stroke? COPD? WHAT???? IT'S THE WAKE-UP CALL. We'll learn about it in a doctor's office, or in an email or text. "You're screwed." Everything is going to change. This is IT! You're going to have to go through something you REALLY don't want to do, but there's NO OTHER WAY. And then what--after the change?
WHO MADE THIS MESS?
My great-grandchildren like to taunt me and imitate me, in a good-naturedly way. We are friends. I know them intimately and they know me. I am teaching them how to be grandparents--for when the time comes. From board games to excursions to parks, museums, caves, lakes, plays--grandparents do it all. Nancy has many ideas for entertaining grandkids at home. Grandparenting really IS a way to atone f
MY VACCINE STORY
I was just a little girl when I learned about vaccines. It was the polio vaccine. You cannot imagine the scope of vaccination! Even at age 81 I remember the scene when hundreds of children were vaccinated at my grade school. And today... ???
GHOSTS IN THE GARDEN
Taking a walk through our gardens is like wandering through our lives. So many plants remind us of people we loved, places we've been, and adventures we've had. Janet has a wild, woodland garden with commemorative trees and flowers. Nancy has an Asian influence garden including unique features made by her husband. For the Bitchin' Sisters, the garden is an extension of their lives. Of course, mi
LIFE WITH CARS AND TRUCKS
WHEN YOU GET TO BE OUR AGE you've got some stories about cars and trucks you've owned--anyway, if you live in rural Wisconsin you absolutely need a vehicle. Nancy and Janet remember cars from their childhoods. Vehicles seem to have stories of their own, through the years. From cross-country trips with four children in a station wagon to the disappearance of a silver Mustang, 50 years ago, For most
THE CHOICES WE MAKE
How many times have you looked back and marveled at the result of a choice you made--a relationship, a change in employment, a move to a new place. Do you wonder what MIGHT have been your life if you had made different choices. Nancy found a life's work; She counsels listeners to become more confident, and to make choices that benefit them.
SEEK & YOU SHALL FIND
What is it that you seek out? A rare bird at the feeder? A great bakery with your favorite donuts? A yarn shop? Or maybe it's some hot live music OR some HOT Thai cuisine! What do you seek out?
SPLITTING UP / STARTING OVER
The bitchin' sisters and their friend, Ann, describe three "splitting p" stories. Janet left an abusive realtionship when she still had young children, Nancy's husband died unexpectedly, and Ann's husband of over 40 years left her for a woman wo was younger than their grown daughter--in China! But what did these women do? They'll tell you how they survived, changed, and grew. And you? How did you
Pets-R-Us
PETS are not always the fluffy, cuddly kind. In fact, it seems that the sisters and their friend, Ann, recall stories of some unusual pets, over the years. Still humans seek the companionship of other living beings, no matter how humble.
MY BIKE, MY LIFE, MY LOVE
NANCY tells the story of her husband's sudden death, and how her motorcycle became a means to healing and rebirth. She tells of the far places she rode and the solo trip to Maine, where she had lived years before. She tells of friends along the road. She tells us about meeting Mike, now her husband, on a "poker run." Since then they have traveled 170,000 miles together! She's led an INTERESTING li
SO Last Century
TODAY my husband remarked that the LAST CENTURY was ACTUALLY more than a quarter of a century ago! So MUCH has changed, and I don't just mean the obvious. Not computers and cellphones, I've tried to keep up with that, and I've done pretty well. But there are SO MANY THINGS that have changed while I wasn't looking! I was a hold-out for a cellphone, and that cost me. And then when I got one I had a
GETTING MARRIED ... at 75!
YES! NANCY GOT MARRIED ---AGAIN! And why not? She ans her "better half" had been living together for over 20 years when they were presented with a religious reason to marry. BUT IT WASN'T EASY! There were many steps. MANY STEPS! They followed them all and, on the way, they did sweet little things for each other. They behaved like young lovers, with gifts and gestures. Even when a family tragedy
COMMUNITY SERVICE
IF YOU HAVE THE INCLINATION you can help make your community a better place. Can you read? Maybe you could volunteer to read to children at the library or dschool. You can join a friends group and help where your interests lie. Mark talks aout his 37 years of service as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician. Janet used graphics skills to promote several friends groups. Even Nancy's KNITTING GRO
BACK TO NATURE
THERE IS NO DENYING THE RESTORATIVE POWERS OF NATURE. Janet and Nancy reminisce about childhood days spent in the woods of the Catskill Mountains. This provided a lifelong desire to live in the country, in the woods, in nature. So many people live in cities, in hi-rises, in duplexes, in apartments. Do they ever see the night sky? Do they have any connection with the natural world? Both of the bitc
DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?
NAMES I'VE KNOWN-- Our name defines us, to some extent. Apparently, people name their babies names that signify a higher class that their own. Some people name their babies joke names! My two kids have the first names in the baby names list, Abby and Aaron. There was a bit of a feud with their father--let's leave it at that. Who are you and who have you been. I was everything from "Legs" to "Grand
HOW TO SHOW TRUST
TRUST is such an elusive thing. It is often on shaky ground, but it perseveres. Nancy relates a personal generational story about trust. She also explores how to demonstrate trust and how to nurture it. I've often heard the phrase "trust issues." Apparently a person is loathe to trust when they've suffered a history of broken trusts. Sounds about right.
RISE & GRIND--MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH COFFEE
COFFEE, it's SO much more than a beverage. Nancy saw it as an adult ritual. When vacationing, she sought out coffee plantations and even seemed to form an emotional attachment to a certain blend. Janet just remembers that it was NANCY who got her hooked on coffee creamers--the bain of the middle-age female body. And that's just starters...
DON'T YOU GO DYIN' ON ME
If you have a partner of many years, you have probably discussed the idea that ONE of you will "go" first--unless, of course, you're in an accident, or a house fire, or a mass murder. Otherwise, it's you or them. And then what? I've had friends who've had to "go it alone'" and I have been impressed by how capable and strong they are. How would I react? How wound you?
HOWDO YOU MEASURE YOUR LIFE?
Nancy measures her life by husbands! Yes! And then she measures by her name: maiden name, married names, hippie name! And then she asks, "what if you knew how long your life would be? How would life be different? And what if you could know how long other people would be living? It brings up all sorts of ethical questions.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE A GROWN-UP?
Nancy ponders the myriad definitions of "grown-up." She wonders when she made the cut. Or IF. Age? Relationships? Children? Career? Maturity? Humility? Mark says, "aging is mandatory; maturity is optional." and some of us refuse to grow up. But isn't it good to retain some childlike wonder?
COINCIDENCE - What does it mean?
Janet describes incredible random coincidences she has experienced from around the world and in her own neighborhood. Is there meaning? The only thing "for sure" is that Nowhere, Wisconsin is BIG!
NOW I AM A FULLTIME CAREGIVER!
Our brother Roger talks of the changes in his life since his wife of 37 years experienced dementia. He had been a nurse caring for dementia patients, but having someone so close change so much required him to call on his faith to guide and sustain him. He has explored some options for assistance, but almost all the care is his responsibility.
A CANCER ON THE LAND
OVER-POPULATION - that's what we're talking about! We all know that it can't go on forever. Don't you wonder what will go first? The air? The water? The rising oceans? The food supply? There are so many variables. Maybe a mad scientist will find a way to solve the problem...
CONFESSIONS
Nancy is caught in between the laws of the state and the requirements of her church. If she marries, she loses some valuable benefits that she receives as a widow. If she doesn't marry, she can no longer take holy communion. How will she solve this situation?
Mom, Im Dating a CLOWN
Yes, Nancy was a clown in another life! In fact she inspired over 200 7th graders to become clowns too! She performed in parades and events with some colleagues and a student who eventually became a clown at DISNEY WORLD in Orlando. "I found my inner child," she claims, "making kids happy."
GROWING UP RACIST
Janet grew up in the 1950s and 60s. Her ideas about race and ethnicity were formed by the prevailing culture of the East coast and her parents' beliefs and lessons. Then came life. Her beliefs changed and the culture changed a bit too, over the years. Now, she passes on her acquired beliefs to her family and friends.
LOST & FOUND
When valuable things go missing, older people sometimes feel like they have been careless, silly, and spaced-out. Nancy loses a valuable keepsake and tries to make it better. Janet loses her cellphone in an embarrassing way. Been there and done that?!!
JUST DESERTS! Forgive Me, Grandpa
Janet recalls the idyllic childhood she had while staying with her grandfather in the Catskill Mountains. But when her family moved a thousand miles away, in the 1950s, she lost touch with him. On her one visit before he died, she probably broke his heart. Now Janet gets to have her own heart broken.
REUNIONS?!! Really?
Nancy remembers how her high school reunions changed along with the stages of life. - from fancy sit-down dinners to afternoon potlucks! Best friends become mere memories. Schoolmates become strangers. By the time Janet attends her 60th, it's pretty much pointless.
Hitchin' in the 60s
THIS IS THE STUFF MOVIES ARE MADE OF! Nancy describes the reckless experiences she had as a teenager. There are MANY! And they range from Moscow to a nudist colony. "Was I ever stupid again? asked Nancy. "Oh yeah!" she answers herself.
PARTIES - Oh How You've Changed!
A child's family birthday party - OF OLD - was a simple affair. Not any more! Today's parties have themes and accessories and expensive cakes. Still, some parties stand out through the years - the beginning of an unlikely relationship, a special date in time, a transition. We've had a few of these through the years!
EEK! My Ears Are Growing!
If you think "old" means "wrinkled" you are SO naive! Janet describes the REAL aging body - from batwings to butt droop. Why be shy about it? "Embrace it!" as they say!
CATS - Nobody Owns a Cat
A cat is a great pet but, as an older person, a cat can provide pleasure, but also pain, guilt, worry, and more. You are operating on their schedule, catering to their needs, and responding to their every whim.
YOU MIGHT BE A BOOMER IF...
So much has changed during our lifetime! From party lines to cellphones; cursive to texting! Where are you? Still stuck in your boomer ways and proudly defending them? It's amazing how many changes happen without our even noticing.
POTTYMOUTH
It's getting harder and harder to be a pottymouth any more! It's gone from the days of forbidden words to a world where there ARE no forbidden words. It's been an evolution!
YOUNG LOVE - @ 80???!!
Nancy tells about a couple, 80 and 89 years old, who embody "young love." She urges surviving partners who to keep living, and she tells about her own journey, when her husband died when she was just still young enough to want more out of life.
THERE'S ALWAYS A CONNECTION...
How do some people have real conversations with strangers? How can a chance connection become a lifetime romance? There might be surprises...
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
What are you doing in your old age? Are you alone and looking for new friends and new interests? Are you comfortable with a longtime companion? Nancy muses on what she's doing and what she might do in the future.
YOU'VE COME A THONG WAY, BABY!
From garter belts to thongs! We've seen it all and worn it all. Check your pantyhose for runs or your nylons for straight seams, pull up your whitey-tighties! We comment on the strange changes in fashion DURING OUR LIFETIMES!
OUR TAKE ON TECH
From 2-ton manual typewriters to handheld cellphones - in our lifetime! Technology has altered our homelife and our work - for the better? We were FORCED into the modern age!
WHERE DID ALL THE HIPPIES GO?
By the time you're OUR age you will have gone through many changes. Nancy goes from hitchhiking hippie to Montessori educator, with a few chapters in between. Who knew?
RISKY BUSINESS
How did we survive as children? Tranquilizers, fires, DDT!!!!! There were no cellphones to check on kids. We ran wild, took chances, and somehow survived!
Episode 4 HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO QUIT?
Nancy reveals the moment she realized that she had to quit a job she loved. She explains why her father quit playing golf, his favorite pastime. Janet says retiring leaves you feeling like “less” at first, but she has discovered ways to contribute and to have fun doing it.
Episode 3 THE INCREDIBLE COST OF EVERYTHING!
Janet is shocked by the changes in values during her lifetime. Cars now cost what homes used to cost! People now go bankrupt with medical bills! Nancy finds it ironical that we trade in our lives for material possessions and, then when we’re old, we strive to get rid of these same things!
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE OLD?
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE OLD? Really? Kids will tell you, if you really want to know! Nancy says that the friends you have dwindles, but the funerals you attend grows, and your best friend becomes a cat. Find out if you qualify!
Ep. 1: Don't Call Me "SWEETIE"!
EPISODE 1: Janet is insulted over being called “Sweetie” and “Ma’am” – Nancy not so much! But they both feel ignored by younger people, in spite of the interesting lives they have both lived. Full disclosure: they’re ageist too!
THE TURKEY FIASCO
Flirting with death on Thanksgiving! A shard of metal in the turkey carcass leads to a great adventure! (Spoiler) everyone lived!
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