Age, Leadership, and the Taboo of Growing Old - RwtH 012 - 05.19.2025

Recorded on 05.19.2025

In this episode of Rowing with the Homies, I tackle the complex interplay of leadership, age, and personal well-being. I open by examining the recent news concerning President Biden's health, and the broader discussion it ignites about the age and fitness of global leaders like Donald Trump. This leads me to explore how different cultures, from the epic of Beowulf to African and Indigenous cultures perceive and define leadership across various life stages. I then pivot to delving into the uncomfortable truth of how Western society, particularly American culture, views aging – often as a taboo to be fought, rather than a natural progression, and how this contrasts sharply with cultures that revere their elders. Finally, I share a reflection on managing depression in midlife, finding a surprising quiet strength by leveraging the unique advantages of accumulated wisdom and continued physical health. Join me as I connect the global stage of leadership to the intimate landscape of mental well-being, all part of finding my rhythm in the ongoing journey.

Episode note: my microphone failed and I had to use audio from a backup room mic to produce this episode (a good reminder to me to always check the equipment before starting!). Because the quality of this audio was poor, I had to use some tools to restore it which lead to audio artifacts and glitchy sounds, for which I apologize.