AARP Without Limits is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities that come with aging in the Tar Heel State. Join us as we dispel the myths of aging and explores ways to help you and your family live your best life after 50.

Meet your host Mike Olender

Mike Olender began his work in North Carolina in 2013 as Associate State Director for Outreach and Local Advocacy in Charlotte where he built AARP’s first local volunteer structure to better bolster AARP effectiveness when it comes to local, state, and federal advocacy. Before AARP North Carolina, Olender served as Associate State Director-Outreach with AARP New York for five years, leading AARP’s work in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. In 2012-13, Michael served as Interim State Director for AARP New Hampshire, leading staff and volunteers through voter engagement efforts during the 2012 election season.

Prior to joining AARP in 2007, Mike worked as a community organizer in New Jersey on a variety of consumer issues including health care reform, affordable prescription drugs, utilities, and other issues affecting New Jersey residents.

Mike Olender serves as State Director of AARP North Carolina, leading staff and a team of nearly 500 volunteers who are working to improve the health, finances, and well-being of the Tarheel State’s 50+ population and 1.1 million AARP members in the state.

NC Democrats
In this second part of a two-part special, we resume the conversation about what the state Republican and Democratic organizations do, and how they engage and listen to voters in NC. In this episode we speak to Anderson Clayton, Chair of the NC Democratic Party.

NC GOP
What do the state Republican and Democratic organizations do? How do they engage and listen to voters in NC? In this first of a two-part special, we speak to Jason Simmons, Chairman of the NC GOP, about just that.

Caregiving
Informal caregiving is a huge part of the health care system. Though it may be unpaid, it comes at a huge cost. Rita Choula of the AARP Public Policy Institute joins us to talk about AARP’s new caregivers report to better understand the issue and impact in NC.

Making NC More Age Friendly
North Carolina continues to attract more new residents, including older residents. Mary Bethel of the NC Coalition on Aging returns to the show to talk about how efforts make sure NC is the best place to live and age, and what challenges we currently face.

Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane preparedness and response is something every North Carolinian needs to be aware of. Director William Ray of Emergency Management for the NC Department of Public Safety joins us to talk about how the state prepares and responds to emergencies and what you need to know before a storm or disaster strikes.

Institute for Emerging Issues
The Institute for Emerging Issues connects stakeholders on various issues to help identify of collaboration and problem solving. Director Sarah Hall from the IEI joins us to talk about how they engage the public and what they're saying.

Health Care Cuts in NC
After the passage of major federal legislation and state budget negotiations, health care cuts have been in the news lately. Will this affect you and your family? In this edition, we speak with Josh Dobson of the NC Heathcare Association about his organization and the role hospitals play in the state's health care system.

Preventing Summertime Scams
The summer heat is unbearable if fraudsters have taken advantage of you. In this episode, AARP's Steve Hahn joins us to talk about the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the latest virtual "Summer Scam Jam", which can be viewed online.

Improving lives of 50 Plus North Carolinians
2025 has been quite a year for both federal and state legislation. AARP NC's advocacy team joins us to talk about the status, opportunities and challenges ahead for improving life for 50+ in North Carolinians.

Emerging Issues in North Carolina
The Institute for Emerging Issues connects stakeholders on various issues to help identify of collaboration and problem solving. Director Sarah Hall from the IEI joins us to talk about how they engage the public and what they're saying.

AARP Community Challenge Grants
The 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant projects have been announced! AARP's Mark Hensley joins us to talk about how communities are being supported by this year's grants.

What's going on with Social Security?
Social Security is turning 90 this summer. With all that is changing around us, having a solid foundation of financial security remains a top priority for AARP. Chad Mullen of AARP joins us for a discussion about why this program is so important and how AARP is marking its 90th birthday.

Keeping Healthy and Inspired
Rev. Odell Cleveland returns to the show to talk about what inspired him to make community and preventive health his priorities as a community leader.

Meet Your State Treasurer
North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner joins us to discuss his new role as the state’s Treasurer, and dives into the dynamics of the state as well as his priorities immediate and long term.

Taking the Pulse of Older Americans
AARP works hard to serve its members, and one of the ways it keeps track of what's on their minds is through polling. Kate Bridges from AARP Research joins Mike Olender to discuss how they do that and some of the most recent results.

North Carolina Senior Games
North Carolina's seniors are more active than ever, as evidenced by the growing numbers participating in the NC Senior Games. Brad Allen is executive director of the NC Senior Games and joins Mike this week to talk about how North Carolina is a leader in the senior games movement and where there's a place for you to help.

The People of North Carolina
North Carolina's seniors are more active than ever, as evidenced by the growing numbers participating in the NC Senior Games. Brad Allen is executive director of the NC Senior Games and joins Mike this week to talk about how North Carolina is a leader in the senior games movement and where there's a place for you to help.

Helping Workers Save More for Retirement
Jerrod Lowery is a rising star in NC politics. He is also a champion for a new bill that would allow workers to more easily save for retirement. In this edition, we speak to Lowry about his efforts to improve life for working North Carolinians.

Life as a Statehouse Reporter
Ever wonder what it is like to be a statehouse reporter? We do, too! WUNC Bureau Chief Colin Campbell comes to Without Limits to discuss the business of covering NC.

The Future is Now
AI and other advancements are coming every single day, changing how we live our lives. Jim Barnett from AARP's Futurecasting team returns to the show to talk about how trends and technology have rapidly changed how we are addressing problems in 2025.

Understanding NC Politics in 2025
NC political commentator and lobbyist Joe Stewart returns to the show to give his perspective on what has changed and what we might expect to see this year in Raleigh and Washington, DC.

Your Volunteer State President
Volunteer State President of AARP NC David Sevier kicks off the new year with a look into his background and his vision for engaging volunteers across the state.

Calling All Communities!
The 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant application period has begun! In this episode, we speak to AARP's Mark Hensley about how this initiative has helped many North Carolina organizations make improvements to their communities and how your community could benefit in 2025.

Charity Fraud
Charity fraud is common after disasters and during the holiday season. But how common is fraud in NC, and how can you tell if a charity is legit? NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall returns to the show to explain it all.

Reflections of a Top Volunteer
Helen Mack's term as AARP NC State President may be coming to an end, but she leaves behind an incredible legacy. In this year-end special, we talk to Mack about her reflections on volunteerism, making an impact locally and across the country, and what is next for her.

Election 2024 and North Carolina
Election Day has come and gone. What did North Carolina voters decide and how will it impact life in the state moving forward? Brian Lewis returns to the show to run through the results with an eye on how the state legislature and new Governor will work together.

Voting after Hurricane Helene
AARP recently had a teletown hall with AARP members living in the counties most heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are going to share with you some moments from that program today, including some from Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of NC State Board of Elections.

The "Unexpected Caregiver"
Caregiving is one of the most important roles we may ever play in our lives – and it often comes very unexpectedly. In this episode, we speak with Mic Alexander, host of the podcast “Dear, Unexpected Caregiver” about how she is connecting caregivers and helping families meet the challenge.

Hurricane Helene and Older Adults
Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. With many western counties having a large percentage of older adults, they were disproportionately affected. The NC Division on Aging joins us to talk about how older adults, including long term care facilities, fared the storm and how recovery for them is so important.

We're the "Deciders"
In 2022, 64% of the voter turnout in NC was people age 50+. In this year's election, they very well make the difference. AARP recently asked older voters in Charlotte what they want to be hearing from the candidates, and what issues are most important to them.

What Do NC Older Voters Think?
This election season, the polls are everywhere. But what are older voters here in NC thinking? Pollsters Bob Ward and Jeff Liszt join us to talk about the newly release AARP poll about the candidates and the issues important to them.

Mic Check with Billy Warden
For many of us, getting paid to experience unique things and places and write about it is a dream job. For Billy Warden, it is real life! In this edition, Billy talks to us about his unique career from E! Entertainment to Our State Magazine, sharing his experiences through his unique storytelling.

Ready, Set, Go!
NC Senior Games has been engaging and inspiring older adults to challenge themselves for many years now. Brad Allen of NC Senior Games joins us for a discussion on its roots, its many events and awards, and how you can get involved as a participant or a volunteer.

To serve and not be served — meet Phil Lenowitz
From making the National Institutes of Health the first government agency designated an AARP Best Employer for People 50+, to helping local volunteers in the mountains of NC, Phil Lenowitz's history with AARP has had impact. Phil joins us to talk about his journey helping make life better for people as they age.

Election Deadlines
Do you know all the deadlines and new rules regarding voting in the general election? Karen Brinson Bell from the NC Board of Elections returns to the show to walk through all of the important information you need to know to cast your ballot legally and on time.

The ABCs of Self Care
'A' is for apples, 'P' is for... prostate? Yes, you read that right! Reverend Odell Cleveland returns to the show to talk about his recent experience in the hospital and his important message to men (and women) regarding preventive care and caregiving.

AgeTech Collaborative
In these fast paced days, high tech companies of all sizes are paving the way forward with new innovations to help Americans age better. In this edition, Mike speaks to Rick Robinson of AARP's AgeTech Collaborative about how AARP is helping to connect and support companies with new ideas.

Voter Forum in Charlotte
In 2022, 64% of the voter turnout in NC was people age 50+. In this year's election, they very well make the difference. AARP recently asked older voters in Charlotte what they want to be hearing from the gubernatorial candidates.

Understanding Politics Better
Brian Lewis, host of the podcast "Make Politics Better," returns to the show to talk about what he's learned about NC politics since his podcast began, as well as his take on the state's political dynamics during this important election year.

Mack is Back!
2024 is turning out to be a strong year for AARP! As we hit the mid-year point, AARP NC volunteer State President Helen Mack returns to the show to talk about all of the great work AARP NC is doing to help improve the lives of all people 50+ in the state.

Veterans' Benefits Navigator
Did you know that there is more than $150 million in federal grants available to Veterans, including for home modifications? In this edition, David Sevier returns to the show to talk about AARP's new Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide and how it is helping connect Veterans with grants to allow them age in their own homes.

All Ages: All Stages NC
All Ages, All Stages NC was formed after the Governor's Executive Order to allow state agencies to help make the state more age-friendly. Now that group has released their official recommendations to do just that. Mary Bethel joins us to talk about the long fight to make NC a better state to age and what is coming next.

Talking AI with Rep. Deb Ross
Artificial intelligence is officially here. With all of its benefits, however, come a lot of risks and concerns. US Representative Deborah Ross returns to the show to talk AI and how Congress is addressing the opportunities and concerns.

The Power of a Story
What is storytelling? Why are stories so powerful and how do they change the world? Today we speak with David Hunt about how stories from older adults can inspire others and change the world.

AARP at the State Legislature
AARP NC Advocacy Manager Chris Brandenburg joins us to talk about this year’s state legislative session and what issues AARP is focusing on.

AARP is "Empowering U"
In this edition we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month with a special program on "Empower U", AARP's statewide conference of volunteer leaders, and what inspires them to serve their communities.

Chasing Dreams After Age 50
Defining aging on your own terms means spending time how you want to spend it, and trying new things for the first time. David Gwilt returns to the show to talk about how to discovered acting in community theater and what it means to him.

North Carolina's Health Care Workforce Challenge
North Carolina is in the midst of a healthcare workforce shortage that is only getting worse. Dr. Catherine Sevier has been advocating for nurse practitioners to be empowered to help address this challenge.

Social Isolation
Staying connected becomes more challenging as you get older, and social isolation has significant effects on both physical and mental health. David Gwilt returns to the show to talk about the importance of staying connected.

AARP on the NC Coast
AARP has a strong community presence in Eastern NC, and statewide on Veterans outreach. AARP Assoc. State Director Rosalie Calarco joins us for a conversation on this important work.

What the 2024 Primary Election Results Mean
North Carolina's March primary election just took place. The players for the general election have been set. Politico Joe Stewart joins us for a non-partisan discussion on North Carolina politics.

Dating for the Ages
Dating and romance don't expire, but some things do change. Commentator David Gwilt joins us for a conversation and good advice on 50+ dating.

One-On-One with Reverend Odell Cleveland
Making a positive, lasting impact requires taking a wide view and an openness to opposing perspectives. Community leader Reverend Odell Cleveland joins the show to talk about how he has committed his life to making life better for people both locally in Greensboro and beyond.

AARP Community Challenge Grants
Its that time again! Each year AARP accepts applicants for the Community Challenge Grants, which help fund local improvements that make life better for people of all ages and abilities. In this edition we speak to Mark Hensley of AARP Triad about this year’s grant opportunities and projects.

Futurecasting
Don't you wish you could see into the future? At AARP, we have a team that tries to do just that! In this edition, we speak with Jim Barnett of AARP's Futurecasting team about identifying trends and "signals" about what the future holds.

New NC Voting Requirements
North Carolina now requires voters to present a photo ID before casting their vote. Do you know everything you to know before the primary election in March? In this broadcast of AARP Without Limits, Karen Brinson Bell of the State Board of Elections joins us to talk about the new voting process and where to find additional information you may need.

AARP in 2024
AARP North Carolina volunteer State President Helen Mack returns to the show to talk about what we were able to accomplish in 2023 and what 2024 looks like for older North Carolinians.