Turning Hallway Conversations into a Global Classroom: Why I Started the Aging Together Podcast
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
By Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG
After nearly a decade on hospital floors as an occupational therapist, I was still stunned by how many families arrived unprepared when an older loved one landed in the ER. Most had no idea what came next:
• What rehab settings even exist?
• What does insurance actually cover—and what does it never touch?
• Where do you turn for community programs that might prevent a second fall?
The system is fragmented. The stakes are high. And most families are left Googling at 2am, panicked and overwhelmed. I wanted to change that.
So in January 2023, I opened my laptop, plugged in a basic USB mic, and launched the Aging Together Podcast. What started as a passion project—a free, on-demand roadmap for caregivers—has grown into a podcast, a care consultancy, and an online hub for proactive caregiver education and support.
What’s Fueled the Show’s Growth
Consistency has been key. At the start of each season, I set a cadence—and stick to it. My audience knows when and what to expect, and that builds trust.
I also bring a level of dedication that comes from years of clinical handoffs. Each episode is prepared with intention: clear goals, efficient structure, and deep respect for the listener’s time. Whether I’m interviewing a dementia care specialist, a trauma-informed yoga instructor, or a family caregiver sharing their story, I treat each conversation with the same thoughtfulness I’d bring to a care plan.
And finally—versatility. Aging is a universal experience, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Our topics range from Medicare appeals to cultural grief rituals. Our guests span medical, holistic, and lived-experience perspectives. That diversity keeps things real and relevant.
Should You Start a Podcast? It Depends.
If you’re ready to play the long game, yes. Podcasting isn’t a shortcut to leads; it’s a marathon of trust-building. My rule of thumb? If changing ten listeners’ lives would be worth 100 hours on the mic, press record. If not, blog first.
Podcasting takes time, effort, and a genuine desire to serve. The rewards are slow but meaningful: messages from caregivers who finally feel seen, or professionals who use an episode to teach their own teams.
But if you’re just looking for a quick way to monetize, this probably isn’t the path. Most shows take time to grow a following, and even then, monetization only works if it aligns with your values and audience.
About the Aging Together Podcast
The Aging Together Podcast explores the challenges and opportunities of aging, elder care, and caregiving. I talk to bedside providers, alternative medicine practitioners, tech innovators, and everyday family caregivers navigating real-life decisions.
Our listeners include adult children juggling care with work, aging adults preparing for the future, and professionals across the gerontology space. Episodes blend practical advice with deeply human stories—because elder care is never just clinical; it’s emotional, logistical, and profoundly personal.
You can listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
For me, podcasting has become a way to turn those “hallway moments” from the hospital—those quick, clarifying chats with families—into something global. Something lasting. I’m honored to be part of this PODCASTARS issue, and I hope it inspires more voices to demystify elder care for the families who need it most.
Connect With Pooja
IG, FB, YT, & threads: @agingtogetherpodcast
LI: @agingtogetherllc
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