Tag: garrison keillor

In our first-ever episode of Roundtable Talk, we welcomed the legendary author, humorist, and radio icon Garrison Keillor. Garrison discusses his book, Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80, his 23 insightful rules for aging well, the beauty of octogenarianism and what’s on his bucket list. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the fresh perspectives Garrison shared in his episode of Roundtable Talk: 

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING AT 82?

I lost my ambition, I think is the answer. And I’m doing it for the pleasure of it. I cut back on some things. I no longer go and do lectures to groups… I’ve started this new enterprise as an octogenarian stand-up. I do a solo show…each show is different because I don’t work from a script, and it’s just great fun.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU AGE?

I’m hoping to continue to be lucky. People I know who get into the 90s decade run some real risks we all want to avoid. But medicine is marching forward. I had a stroke about five years ago but this anti-seizure medication has come along and it never has happened since.

DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST OR ANY UNFULFILLED GOALS?

No, I think Shakespeare was right: ‘This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well which thou must leave ere long.’ There’s no time to waste. Each day is sufficient unto itself.

HOW HAS AGING SURPRISED YOU?

The decline of agility is not a problem. I remember what it felt like to be young. I don’t run anymore. I suppose I could, but it doesn’t bother me that I can’t. Life gets smaller, but I accept that as long as I can still do what I need to do.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A STAND-UP COMEDIAN?

No, I would never presume. Stand-up comedy is a real art. I admire my niece Erica Rhodes, who’s a fabulous stand-up comic. But the territory between stand-up and storytelling is movable. I don’t want to be stuck in the position of a narrator. I want to speak in my own voice, even as I tell stories about invented characters.

Varsity, is taking its industry-leading expertise to digital audiences with the launch of a new video podcast called Roundtable Talk. 

Roundtable Talk is a podcast about longevity and aging and will explore what it means to age well and endeavoring to reframe perceptions on aging. Each episode features a discussion with an industry expert or thought leader about how to solve the many mature market challenges facing brands today. 

The podcast is hosted by Varsity President Derek Dunham and kicks off with a line-up of high profile guests. 

The premiere episode features an interview with humorist, author and radio legend Garrison Keillor, who discusses his book “Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80” and his 23 rules for aging. Future guests include Goodwin Living CEO and StrongerMemory program founder Rob Liebreich (November 7) and longevity expert and founding director of the Yale Prevention Research Center, Dr. David Katz.   

Also on the calendar is an interview with humorist, journalist and actor Mo Rocca, who will join the Varsity team for a discussion about people who achieve success and greatness later in life and his book “Roctogenarians.” Dr. Sara Zeff Geber –  the nation’s leading expert on solo aging – and award-winning journalist and New York Times contributor Diane Harris are also on the Roundtable Talk schedule. 

“Fresh perspectives about aging are all around us. Our goal with Roundtable Talk is to shine a spotlight on as many of those perspectives as possible and bring them to life one interview at a time,” said Varsity president and Roundtable Talk host, Derek Dunham. “Along the way, we hope to educate people, dispel a few myths and tell some really engaging and inspiring stories.” 

Roundtable Talk episodes and details about the podcast can be found on the Varsity website at VarsityBranding.com. The podcast is available on various podcast streaming services, including Apple podcasts, Spotify, and I Heart Radio.