In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Lester Kwok, a retired FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of experience investigating fraud. Lester brings deep insights from his time working financial crimes and leading elder fraud initiatives, both within the FBI and now in the private sector.

They break down the evolving tactics scammers use to target older adults, including the rise of artificial intelligence tools like voice cloning and deepfake videos. Lester shares real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps you and your loved ones can take to stay safe, especially during the busy holiday season.

You’ll also hear what to do if you think you've been scammed, how to report it, and why it’s so important to speak up. This episode gives you the tools to pause, think, and protect yourself.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about fraud prevention: AARP Fraud Watch Network™
• Report a Scam or Get Help: AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) [help.aarp.org]
• Learn how to spot scams: Scams & Fraud Prevention Tips

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family caregivers are the unsung backbone of California’s long-term care system and they’re under increasing pressure. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon is joined by Dr. Donna Benton, Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center, and Dr. Nina Weiler-Harwell, Associate Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement with AARP California. They break down new state-level data on caregiving, share recent policy wins like SB 590, and call out the real gaps facing unpaid caregivers across California.

From workplace challenges and financial stress to legislative advocacy and the California Master Plan for Aging, this conversation brings clarity to the caregiving landscape in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or just want to better understand the caregiving crisis in California, this episode offers key takeaways and real solutions.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Explore AARP’s Caregiving Hub: aarp.org/caregiving
• Read Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Family Caregiving Across States
• Read Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: California

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Heather Tinsley-Fix, Senior Advisor of Employer Engagement at AARP, to discuss the value of experience in today’s workplace. Heather shares data and insights on how older workers are shaping the modern job market, the myths that still hold many back, and the growing movement toward intergenerational organizations. From job search strategies to addressing ageism, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at the realities—and opportunities—of working at 50 and beyond.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Visit aarp.org/work to jump-start your job search.
• Learn more about age discrimination: Fighting Age Discrimination
• Explore resources to help employers become age-inclusive: Unlock the Value of a Multigenerational Workforce
• Read 3 Things Older Workers Should Know About the Tough Job Market
• Read The Prism of Age in the Workplace via AARP’s Employer Resource Center

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Older Californians face growing transportation challenges as they age, especially in rural and underserved communities. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon is joined by Arun Prem, Executive Director of Full Access and Coordinated Transportation (FACT), and David Azevedo, Associate Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement with AARP California.

The discussion explores what Human Services Transportation (HST) is, how it differs from traditional public transit, and why it's a critical component for helping people age in place. Arun shares FACT’s innovative approaches in San Diego County, including cost-saving brokerage models that maximize local resources. David highlights AARP California’s statewide advocacy efforts and new research into how communities can better support mobility for older adults.

This conversation offers policy insight, community-level solutions, and practical ways for listeners to get involved in improving access to transportation.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about FACT: factsd.org
• Explore AARP’s RideSheet solution for rural mobility: RideSheet: A Transportation Technology Solution for Rural America
• Read how technology can be right-sized for rural communities: Rightsizing Transportation Technology for Rural America

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about SB 590: CA SB590 Bill Text
• Explore AARP’s Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving
• Find Local Caregiver Resources Serving California: Family Caregiver Resources for California
• Find Paid Leave Fact Sheets: aarp.org/capaidleave

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Explore AARP’s Disaster Resilience Tool Kit: AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit
• Read the research on Older Adults and Disasters: New Research: Older Adults More Vulnerable after Disasters

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about The Second Fifty: The Second Fifty
• Explore AARP’s campaign on caregiving: Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today. RealTalk
• Join the fight to protect Social Security: aarp.org/socialsecurity

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about AARP’s utility policy work: AARP Utilities Policy
• See how AARP is advocating for safer, more affordable utilities: AARP Is Fighting for Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Utilities Across the Country
• Read about recent grassroots advocacy efforts: AARP California Delivers 14,000 Postcards Protesting Utility Rate Increase
• Know more about TURN: About TURN: Who We Are

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.