Paid family leave is often the difference between stability and stress for working families. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with California State Senator María Elena Durazo and Katie Duberg, Political Organizing Director at the California Work & Family Coalition, about how California’s paid family leave policies are evolving and why those updates matter for older adults and caregivers.Senator Durazo shares her personal journey from migrant farmworker roots to her work leading major labor and policy reforms. She breaks down the new wage replacement structure and what SB 590 could mean for families who rely on chosen caregivers. Katie Duberg adds insight from the ground, explaining how the Coalition supports families and pushes for change that reflects California’s diverse caregiving needs.You’ll hear why the definition of family is at the heart of paid leave policy, how advocates are helping Californians navigate their options, and what’s next in the fight to expand care access.Follow UsTwitter @AARPCAFacebook @aarpcaliforniaInstagram @aarpcaAdditional Resources:Learn more about SB 590: CA SB590 Bill TextExplore AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregivingFind Local Caregiver Resources Serving California: Family Caregiver Resources for CaliforniaFind Paid Leave Fact Sheets: aarp.org/capaidleavePresented by AARP Californiawww.AARP.org/CA
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22:41
How Older Californians Can Stay Safe During Disasters
Older adults are especially vulnerable during natural disasters and staying safe goes far beyond just having an emergency kit. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Luke Beckman, Division Disaster State Relations Director for the Pacific Division of the American Red Cross.Luke shares practical steps older Californians can take to better prepare for extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and more. The conversation covers how to create a realistic go-bag, why local emergency alerts are essential, and the role that neighbors and community play in saving lives. He also explains how California’s new heat ranking system is shaping local response strategies and why older adults need tailored plans that prioritize communication, transportation, and accessibility.This episode offers smart advice and approachable ways to plan for the unexpected.Follow UsTwitter @AARPCAFacebook @aarpcaliforniaInstagram @aarpcaAdditional Resources:Explore AARP’s Disaster Resilience Tool Kit: AARP Disaster Resilience Tool KitRead the research on Older Adults and Disasters: New Research: Older Adults More Vulnerable after DisastersPresented by AARP Californiawww.AARP.org/CA
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39:29
The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond
Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond.Debra shares the key questions that guided her own thinking as she turned 50: How long will I live? Will I be healthy? Will I lose my memory? How long will I work? Will I have enough money? Where will I live? How will I die? From brain health to long term care mindset to money the conversation breaks down big ideas into relatable real life issues.Debra brings a deep background in research policy and advocacy and her own experience navigating the second half of her life. Whether you're 50 plus or just thinking ahead, this episode offers smart insights and practical ways to plan for what’s next.Follow UsTwitter @AARPCAFacebook @aarpcaliforniaInstagram @aarpcaAdditional Resources:Learn more about The Second Fifty: The Second FiftyExplore AARP’s campaign on caregiving: Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today. RealTalkJoin the fight to protect Social Security: aarp.org/socialsecurityPresented by AARP Californiawww.AARP.org/CA
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38:26
What is Happening with California Utilities?
Utility costs are top of mind for many Californians but there are practical steps being taken to address them. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN—The Utility Reform Network. Since 2008, Mark has led TURN’s efforts to advance energy affordability, broadband equity, and consumer protection throughout the state. The conversation covers the key reasons behind California’s rising utility bills, how wildfire mitigation and utility profits intersect, and potential solutions. Mark also outlines actionable tips for lowering costs at home and shares how residents can get involved in pushing for meaningful reform. Follow UsTwitter @AARPCAFacebook @aarpcaliforniaInstagram @aarpcaAdditional Resources:Learn more about AARP’s utility policy work: AARP Utilities PolicySee how AARP is advocating for safer, more affordable utilities: AARP Is Fighting for Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Utilities Across the CountryRead about recent grassroots advocacy efforts: AARP California Delivers 14,000 Postcards Protesting Utility Rate IncreaseKnow more about TURN: About TURN: Who We ArePresented by AARP Californiawww.AARP.org/CA
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26:53
The Latest on Artificial Intelligence
In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab and host of TecHype, about the latest developments in artificial intelligence. They break down what AI really is — beyond the hype — and how it’s already impacting daily life, public services, and even medical advances. Brandie shares practical ways AI is supporting older adults, from health innovations to smarter public services, and outlines the ethical and privacy concerns that everyone should be aware of. They also discuss how California is leading on AI regulations and what older adults can do to protect themselves from fraud and scams. This is a grounded, clear-eyed look at the future of AI and why staying informed matters now more than ever.Follow UsTwitter @AARPCAFacebook @aarpcaliforniaInstagram @aarpcaAdditional Resources:Learn more about Brandie Nonnecke’s work: CITRIS Policy LabExplore TecHype: techhype.orgSenior Planet Virtual AI Resources: seniorplanet.org/AIDownload the AI Guide for Older Adults: AI-Guide-for-Older-Adults_Dig.pdfRead about older workers' views on AI: Older Workers Have Mixed Feelings About AICheck out 2024 Tech Trends for Older Adults: 2024 Tech TrendsPresented by AARP Californiawww.AARP.org/CA
At AARP California, we are so much more than our membership card and ‘In Clear Terms’ is all about informing you about the great things that we do for Californians of all ages. This podcast will cover news that you can use as you think about healthcare, retirement savings, caregiving, new technology, and legislation you should be aware of that we are engaged in on your behalf. Join Thyonne Gordon for conversations that are fun and thought provoking with community leaders, thought leaders, elected officials, AARP staff and volunteers. We are here to empower you with the facts and information that will help make California more livable for people of all ages.
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