Been There Done That Podcast

Jo Ann is a regular guest on City Cast Denver which focuses on everything about The Mile High City from the arts to zoning issues. On a recent episode, she joined Bree Davies, Paul Karolyi and Peyton Garcia to gab about vacant office space downtown, the mayoral runoff candidates, and cultural happenings around the city.

See their photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

And check out https://denver.citycast.fm

Gun violence has become commonplace in America. People directly and indirectly affected by it are increasingly finding it tough to cope with mass shootings.

Dana is a teacher who sees the effect that school shootings have on students, educators and staff. She describes the stress felt inside school buildings where active shooter drills are as important as learning English and math. 

See photos for this episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

We talk about addiction and substance abuse more readily today as overdose deaths continue to rise. 

Betty Jo started drinking and using drugs in middle school to deal with a mental health issue that she was unaware of for years. She's in recovery now and hopes that sharing her story will be of benefit to more addicts who are struggling.

Photos for this episode are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

World Champion Bull Rider Charlie Sampson talks about being a kid from Watts who became the first African American to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His many championship rides paved the way to his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Charlie attributes his success to hard work, determination, and the unsung Black cowboys who blazed the trail before him.

See photos of Charlie at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also visit https://charliesampson.com

Educator, community activist and cultural leader Rick Waters, Executive Director of the Denver Indian Center, talks about growing up in Oklahoma, Indian terminology, important moments in Native history, appropriate land acknowledgements, and more.

See photos for the episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Denver Indian Center website is https://denverindiancenter.org

First Americans Museum website is https://famok.org

While Caitlyn Jenner, Elliot Page and RuPaul may be accepted, many more trans people are ridiculed, attacked and murdered over their gender expression. Activists say transphobia is being codified in some states by the growing number of anti-trans laws. Jo Ann explores gender expression and trans rights with Sable Schultz and Mia Yamamoto.

This episode is dedicated to those killed and injured at Club Q and The Pulse, and everyone who has suffered because of gender identity or gender diversity.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Fred and Linda and Brian and Joanne celebrate The 1967 Landmark Supreme Court ruling, Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state laws that prohibited interracial marriage. The couples talk about their lives over the past 50 years, including raising mixed race children and dealing with closed-minded people. They also offer advice to young couples about being true to themselves.

Photos of the couples and their families are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

Jo Ann talks with William, a man who lives on the streets of Denver, about what his day-to-day life is like. And she speaks with Johnny, a man who works to provide services to homeless people.

Jo Ann also offers ideas for helping, without judgment, people in dire need.

Episode photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

Marc joins Jo Ann on the premiere of Season 4 to talk about how he became a podcasting pioneer, why stand-up comedy remains his first love, where acting fits in his world, and how he's living his best life as a person and a performer.

See photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

A preview of Jo Ann's conversation with comedian Marc Maron about the success of WTF and why he enjoys being a podcaster.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Encounters with police officers too often turn deadly for Black people in America. This is the story of a Denver resident who was stopped by a deputy sheriff for carrying what looked like a rifle on a suburban street in Colorado, a state where open carry is allowed by law.

See photos for this episode at

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann shares breathtaking vistas of the Rockies from the vantage point of her high-rise apartment in Denver. See the photos at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Bill Douglas https://billdouglas.cc

Ars Nova Singers https://arsnovasingers.org

To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we revisit a show from November 2020 with Civil Rights attorney Mia Yamamoto, a trans rights activist who transitioned late in life. She remembers decades of struggle in the wrong body and her eventual decision to make a change.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com has photos of Mia. Click on Episodes and scroll down to Season 2 Ep 2. 

Highlights from a memorable Season 3 that features the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, a convict who turned his life around, a visionary artist, 3 remarkable journalists and a brave female firefighter.

See photos at

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

It used to be unusual for a little girl to grow up wanting to be a firefighter. Most folks were under the false impression that women weren't strong enough for the physically demanding job. But thankfully things changed, and in 1980, Laura and a group of brave women proved it was time to put such antiquated thinking to rest.

Laura tells stories about becoming a firefighter, describes life in the firehouse and remembers gut wrenching moments from being on duty.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann chats with Rachel Maddow about journalism, podcasting, getting started in radio news and much more. This is the last of a trio of episodes Jo Ann dubs her "farewell to journalism" conversations as she transitions to new challenges. 

See photos of Rachel at work and play at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also check out photos of Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! and Maria Hinojosa of Futuro Media from the previous "farewell" episodes.

Rachel Maddow is one of the most trusted people in broadcast news. I reconnected with my old friend to get her take on the well-being of journalism today. We talk about loving our profession, podcasting and more. This is a little taste of the full episode coming March 9.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Multiple Emmy, Peabody & Murrow awards winner Maria Hinojosa joins Jo Ann to talk about what newsroom leaders must do in order to practice journalism that reflects the country; calling out public media brass in particular.

She offers advice to young people of color for staying sane while pursuing a journalism career and defines terms that describe the growing and diverse Latinx community.

Maria is the founder, president and CEO of Futuro Media Group.

https://www.futuromediagroup.org

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Seniority Authority is a podcast that focuses on all aspects of aging well, from fitness to finance, brain health to downsizing, isolation to insurance and more. In this episode, host Cathleen Toomey and Jo Ann talk about the need for older people to engage actively with the world in order to make it a better place thru humanity and the understanding that comes from experience.  

You can find more episodes of SA and watch Cathleen's Tedx Talk at: 

https://seniorityauthority.org/about/

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann begins her “farewell to journalism” trio of podcasts with veteran reporter Amy Goodman, who is celebrating 25 years of hosting Democracy Now!, the independent nightly news program on TV and radio stations across the country.

Amy talks about her concern for young people suffering thru the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of people working to understand each other during this time of extreme polarization, how industrialized countries must get serious about combating climate change, and why citizen journalists should be involved in making sure the truth is reported.

See photos from this episode at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

https://www.democracynow.org

The ups and downs of life continue as the coronavirus pandemic remained front and center for another year. No one can say for certain what will change next year and what will stay the same. In this episode, Jo Ann looks back on the vicissitudes of 2021 and looks forward to a better 2022.

See photos at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Mary is a visual artist who is full of life, creativity and thoughts about this crazy world in which we live. She and Jo Ann were friends who lost track of each other more than 30 years ago. They recently discovered that they live only a few miles apart. Listen to them catch up as if they never skipped a beat.

See photos for this episode including Mary and Jo Ann's reunion at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also check Mary's artwork at:

https://www.marydryan.com

From the Margins to the Center debuted in early October featuring an interview with Jo Ann as part of a series highlighting women of color podcasters in Colorado who share their best stories, biggest moments on the mic and give a glimpse into their experiences in the audio industry. The goal going forward for this House of Pod production is to amplify voices of marginalized folks.

You can find more episodes of FTMTC at:

https://www.weareamped.co/podcast

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Johnny is a convict. He's been in and out of prison 4 times and has definitely seen a few things. He talks about serving time and what he's up to now that he finally turned his life around.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

Approaching the 20th Anniversary of The World Trade Center attack, WNYC Reporter Beth Fertig and Jo Ann remember the toll the tragedy took on its many victims, New York City and them as journalists. The former colleagues relive the difficulty of covering that gut wrenching day and the weeks that followed September 11.

See photos for this episode at:

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

WNYC Senior Reporter Beth Fertig joins Jo Ann to talk about being journalists on September 11, 2001 and how they feel 20 years later. Season 3 Episode 1 debuts September 8.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann learns to stop paying lip service to balance issues after sustaining a serious head wound and a concussion. She describes how a recent fall is prompting her to make needed changes.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Melissa Davey talks about the joy of making "Beyond Sixty," a documentary that challenges the way we think about aging by exploring ten remarkable women whose resilience, defiance and achievements prove there is life beyond sixty.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann is always asking Baby Boomers to reveal personal stories. In the Season 2 finale, she remembers stories from her own life including a secret she's kept for 50 years.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Anti-Asian American hate is nothing new. The difference today is we see it with our own eyes; the unbelievably horrific attacks against innocent people.

Greg and Rachel have dealt with forms of hate and prejudice all their lives.

See photos and leave a comment at

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Jo Ann interviews the Robin Hood CEO about how everyday people can address racial injustice in this moment.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

https://vailsymposium.org/

In the summer of 1967, Martha and her sister Molly got a job in a Boston bar that, unbeknownst to them, was owned by mobsters. They became entangled in a dispute with the owners that landed them before a judge.

See photos of the sisters at beentheredonethatpodcast.com

What is it like to survive a small plane crash? John knows all too well. He describes the moments leading up to, during and after a recent accident in his Piper Cherokee 160.

You can see photos of the plane before & after the crash, as well as John serving as the Crew Chief of an Army Medevac Unit in Vietnam at beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

This re-podcast of AARP’s Take on Today is from a recent Q&A tele-town hall that Jo Ann took part in about building community during the pandemic. The event highlights the virtual resources available to help older people heal and make friends.

https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/take-on-today/

aarp.org/coronavirus

Coming soon: Season 2 Ep 5 about a pilot with a "seat of his pants" tale.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

When Death, Sex & Money opened up the phones to talk with listeners over 60 about life today, we heard from people across the country about big changes and small ones. Here are some highlights from the special that Jo Ann co-hosted with DSM’s Anna Sale.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Alix is a retired, decorated cop who makes the case for defunding the police.

The link to a story about Jo Ann’s close encounter with a sheriff’s deputy in 2016, including photos together, is at beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

Jo Ann talks about podcasting later in life on AARP's Tele Town Hall on Thursday, Jan 28 at 7PM ET. 

She also takes part in the rescheduled national call-in about aging on Wednesday, Feb 3 at 8PM ET on NPR stations. You can stream it live on Death, Sex & Money's Facebook page.  

Our country is rapidly aging. People over 65 may nearly double over the next 40 years. We’re also working later, living alone more often and facing greater financial hardship. Plus, the pandemic: 80% of COVID-related deaths in the U.S. have been people over 65.

In this bonus episode, I host the podcast Death, Sex & Money to break down some of the silence around aging by speaking with listeners about what it’s like to get older.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

deathsexmoney.org

This year is coming to an end, at last. Jo Ann and 3 friends say goodbye to one of the most painful years of all-time and look forward to 2021.

beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also, my special project about aging for Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios drops January 6. Check out my earlier conversation with host Anna Sale at deathsexmoney.org/aging.

Civil rights attorney Mia Yamamoto is a trans rights activist who transitioned late in life. She remembers decades of struggle in the wrong body that led her to the decision to make a change. beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also, my special project about aging for Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios drops next month. Listen to host Anna Sale interview me at deathsexmoney.org/aging. 

E J Carr served in Vietnam as a Navy flier who tracked enemy subs & ships. He reads from letters he wrote during the war and remembers how he felt during the fighting.

My 80-yr-old sister Betty returns with an update on her health 6 months after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

I am hosting a special project about aging for the podcast Death, Sex & Money from WNYC Studios. Listen to host Anna Sale interview me at deathsexmoney.org/aging.

Baby Boomers are back to tell real life stories. Photographer E J Carr remembers his service in Vietnam. And my big sister Betty is back to talk about her ongoing recovery from COVID. 

The show that tells the real life stories of the Baby Boom Generation returns October 28 with photographer E J Carr remembering his time in Vietnam. And I speak with my sister Betty about how she's doing 6 months after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

Betty is a COVID-19 survivor at the age of 80. She’s also Jo Ann’s big sister. They talk about how Betty attributes her recovery to her nurses, her grandchildren, her positive attitude and the prayers of family and friends. She also offers advice on handling the disease.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show and host Jo Ann Allen. Write a paragraph about a real life story you'd like to tell and submit it on the contact page.

Jeanne Robertson is a standup humorist who’s been on the comedy scene for 56 years. Her fans are mostly Baby Boomers who readily identify with her tales of living, delivered in a patented North Carolina accent. Her anecdotes about family & friends appeal to younger audiences as well.

Jeanne opines about humor in the time of Coronavirus, remembers hilarious situations she’s found herself in and reveals at least one secret of her professional longevity. 

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more about the show and host Jo Ann Allen. Also write a paragraph about a real life story you'd like to tell.

Jamie remembers his wife, Metropolitan Opera radio broadcaster Margaret Juntwait, who died of ovarian cancer in 2015. Their intense love and mutual respect kept them enjoying life and each other as they battled the disease for more than a decade. In this special episode, Jamie talks about how the pain ebbs and flows nearly 5 years after Margaret’s death.   

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show and host Jo Ann Allen. There are also photos from her longtime friendship with Margaret and Jamie. 

A pair of stories features Baby Boomers telling separate but equally funny tales of surprise and misfortune. Pam laments a politically incorrect decision in the 1970s to assure herself more tips from waiting tables. While Linda recounts being the victim of a petty crime in the 1980s that would have landed her in jail had she reported it.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show, host Jo Ann Allen and engineer Patrice Mondragon. Plus, how to get in touch to tell your story.

As the trial of Donald Trump captures the country’s attention, BTDT goes back to the months leading up to the re-election of Richard Milhous Nixon, the first president in recent times to face possible removal from office and the only chief executive to resign. Jane recalls what it was like to work for the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, or CREEP, before the Watergate scandal broke open.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show, host Jo Ann Allen, producer Rae Solomon and how to get in contact.

Attitudes have changed about a lot of things over the lifetime of the Baby Boom Generation. The red-blooded, all American family of the 1950s was thought to consist of a mom, a dad and multiple biological children. But society must have forgotten to tell Helena because she had a very different take on what makes a family perfect. And, Helena she had no qualms about making her feelings known as the proud, only daughter of the equally as proud parents who adopted her.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show, host Jo Ann Allen, producer Rae Solomon and how to get in contact. 

Back in the day, many LGBTQ Baby Boomers thought long and hard about the right time to reveal themselves to family and friends. It took Ann Marie a bit longer than she would have liked to take that all-important step. But when she did, the reaction to her revelation is unique in the annals of coming out stories.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show, host Jo Ann Allen and producer Rae Solomon.

Cathy and Jo Ann become lifelong friends while attending Bishop Toolen High School for Girls in Mobile, Alabama in the late 1960s. In the debut episode of Been There Done That, the show that tells the real life stories of the Baby Boom Generation, they recount a close call in the segregated South that surprised them both.

Visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information about the show, host Jo Ann Allen and producer Rae Solomon.

Trailer for Been There Done That: the show that tells real life stories of the Baby Boom Generation.

Coming Fall of 2019

visit beentheredonethatpodcast.com for more information