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What’s it like to go viral for wearing a wedding dress at the age of 94? How about going up in a WW2 biplane at 97? Or maybe lobstering at a 101? And what’s it like to be 105 years old, and setting a record for running?

Today, meet Audacious Elders!

GUESTS:
Martha Tucker (94) of Birmingham, Alabama, went viral after trying on the wedding dress she'd always wanted. She is joined by her granddaughter, Angela Strozier, who made it happen
Dr. Lew Harned (97) of Madison, Wisconsin, was honored by Dream Flights, which honors WW2 veterans by treating them with a flight in an open-cockpit, Boeing Stearman biplane
Virginia Oliver (101) of Rockland, Maine, has been lobstering for 93 years. She is joined by her son, Max
Julia Hawkins (105) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, set a record in her age group running the 100 yard-dash

Photo: Getty Images

What’s it like to go viral for wearing a wedding dress at the age of 94? How about going up in a WW2 biplane at 97? Or maybe lobstering at a 101? And what’s it like to be 105 years old, and setting a record for running?
Today, meet Audacious Elders!
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>Martha Tucker (94) of Birmingham, Alabama, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/07/19/wedding-dress-black-bride-segregation/">went viral after trying on the wedding dress</a> she'd always wanted. She is joined by her granddaughter, Angela Strozier, who made it happen</li>
<li>Dr. Lew Harned (97) of Madison, Wisconsin, was honored by <a href="https://dreamflights.org/">Dream Flights</a>, which honors WW2 veterans by treating them with a flight in an open-cockpit, Boeing Stearman biplane</li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/548132661">Virginia Oliver</a> (101) of Rockland, Maine, has been lobstering for 93 years. She is joined by her son, Max</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Been-Wondrous-Memoirs-Hawkins/dp/1540770796#:~:text=It's%20Been%20Wondrous%3A%20The%20Memoirs,9781540770790%3A%20Amazon.com%3A%20Books">Julia Hawkins</a> (105) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, set a record in her age group running the 100 yard-dash</li>
</ul>
Photo: Getty Images

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious Elders

Meet two men who survived suicide attempts, and built lives around helping others imagine a future beyond despair.

Kevin Hines, one of the few to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, reflects on the instant regret, the long recovery, and the tools he uses when “brain pain” returns - recorded just days before the 25th anniversary of his attempt.

Then, Connecticut therapist Steve MacHattie shares what it means to live with chronic suicidal urges, after his first attempt at six years old, and how reaching for connection can change the outcome.

This episode originally aired on January 17, 2026.

Resources:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board
In an emergency, please call or text 911

Suggested episodes:
911, What's Your Emergency? Tales From Dispatch
Finding purpose in life after accidentally killing someone
What it's like surviving a plane crash

GUESTS: 
Kevin Hines: suicide attempt survivor, author, film producer, and mental health advocate. At 19, he survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to suicide prevention, sharing his story to reduce stigma and help people through moments of crisis. Kevin is the author of Cracked, Not Broken, The Art of Being Broken, and The Art of Wellness, hosts the HINESIGHTS podcast, and was a leading voice in the effort to install safety nets on the Golden Gate Bridge. His latest documentary, Death Bridge, is set to be released in 2027
Steve MacHattie: a suicide attempt survivor, clinical social worker (LCSW), and founder of the Charter Oak Family Center in Manchester, Connecticut. He first attempted suicide at six years old, and today he supports clients ages 5 to 105 and serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board’s Lived Experience Committee. He also writes poetry used in clinical trainings to help care providers see the humanity and strength in the people they serve

Meet two men who survived suicide attempts, and built lives around helping others imagine a future beyond despair.
Kevin Hines, one of the few to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, reflects on the instant regret, the long recovery, and the tools he uses when &ldquo;brain pain&rdquo; returns - recorded just days before the 25th anniversary of his attempt.
Then, Connecticut therapist Steve MacHattie shares what it means to live with chronic suicidal urges, after his first attempt at six years old, and how reaching for connection can change the outcome.
This episode originally aired on January 17, 2026.
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline </a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a>: text HOME to 741741</li>
<li><a href="https://www.preventsuicidect.org/">Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board</a></li>
<li>In an emergency, please call or text 911</li>
</ul>
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/mental-health/2021-05-21/911-whats-your-emergency-tales-from-dispatch">911, What's Your Emergency? Tales From Dispatch</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-12-09/finding-purpose-in-life-after-accidentally-killing-someone">Finding purpose in life after accidentally killing someone</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-04-21/what-its-like-surviving-a-plane-crash">What it's like surviving a plane crash</a></li>
</ul>
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://kevinhinesstory.com/">Kevin Hines</a>: suicide attempt survivor, author, film producer, and mental health advocate. At 19, he survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to suicide prevention, sharing his story to reduce stigma and help people through moments of crisis. Kevin is the author of Cracked, Not Broken, The Art of Being Broken, and The Art of Wellness, hosts the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToYhTjeTKabh9Os8vIiEp">HINESIGHTS podcast</a>, and was a leading voice in the effort to install safety nets on the Golden Gate Bridge. His latest documentary, Death Bridge, is set to be released in 2027</li>
<li><a href="https://www.charteroakfamilycenter.com/about-5">Steve MacHattie</a>: a suicide attempt survivor, clinical social worker (LCSW), and founder of the Charter Oak Family Center in Manchester, Connecticut. He first attempted suicide at six years old, and today he supports clients ages 5 to 105 and serves as co-chair of the <a href="https://www.preventsuicidect.org/">Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board</a>&rsquo;s Lived Experience Committee. He also writes poetry used in clinical trainings to help care providers see the humanity and strength in the people they serve</li>
</ul>

What two suicide attempt survivors want you to know about staying alive

Wander with the Audacious crew through 175 acres of wonder and delight to meet the people who bring The Big E to life!   

From a Lost & Found sage, to a fairy from the Florence Griswold Museum, to a hot tub ace, to Amber, the bathroom attendant/joy DJ.  

President & CEO Gene Cassidy shares the soul of the Exposition, then we follow our heads, hearts, and (especially) stomachs through cream puffs, Pepe’s pizza, and cookie dough-on-a-stick.

This episode originally aired on October 4, 2025.

Suggested episodes:
Scenes from the Big E: A fair filled with food, animals, music – and heart

 

GUESTS: 
Mary Naughton and Cyndy Penner: mother and daughter duo behind Cyndy’s Bears, selling embroidered teddy bears and other personalized items
Andrea Anderson and Sabrina Gagnon: at The Big E with their Clydesdale horses from Hobby Knoll Stable in Duxbury, MA
Susan Rotondo and Bill Motyl: longtime fair regulars from Southwick, MA
Tammi Flynn: Director of Communications at The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT
Rita Rivera: a fairy for the day, advertising the Wee Faerie Village at The Florence Griswold Museum
Amber Stone: bathroom attendant at The Big E and recovery coach from Springfield, MA
Ed Ame: a Chicago native, who spends most of the year traveling and works at the Lost & Found booth at The Big E
James Tackett: a man from Madison, IN, who runs the mini ball booth at The Big E
Darryl Wilson: sales representative for MAAX Swim Spas and Hot Tubs
Melissa Russell: fife player from Bristol, CT, who performs with a fife and drum corps, and spent Connecticut Day with her family at The Big E
John Barrows: printer at Eastern States Exposition
Eugene Cassidy: President and CEO at Eastern States Exposition
Greg: a Faribault, MN, native, who sells blooming onions at The Big E
Kevin Gagliard: Operations Manager at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana 
Lynn Lischke: Newburyport, MA, resident, who sells cream puffs at The Big E
Josh Virkler: owner of Luann’s Bakery in Ellington, Stafford, and soon Hartford, CT 
Jackson Panek-Henderson: nine-year-old fairgoer from Newington, CT
Joseph Haag: owner of Kora and Mila’s Cookie Dough from Plymouth, WI, serving cookie dough on a stick at The Big E
Josh, John, and Henry Pupa: repeat fairgoers from Griswold, CT

Wander with the Audacious crew through 175 acres of wonder and delight to meet the people who bring The Big E to life!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
From a Lost &amp; Found sage, to a fairy from the Florence Griswold Museum, to a hot tub ace, to Amber, the bathroom attendant/joy DJ.&nbsp;&nbsp;
President &amp; CEO Gene Cassidy shares the soul of the Exposition, then we follow our heads, hearts, and (especially) stomachs through cream puffs, Pepe&rsquo;s pizza, and cookie dough-on-a-stick.
This episode originally aired on October 4, 2025.
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-09-24/big-e-eastern-states-exposition-ct-mass-new-england">Scenes from the Big E: A fair filled with food, animals, music &ndash; and heart</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Mary Naughton and Cyndy Penner: mother and daughter duo behind <a href="https://www.cyndysbears.com/">Cyndy&rsquo;s Bears</a>, selling embroidered teddy bears and other personalized items</li>
<li aria-level="1">Andrea Anderson and Sabrina Gagnon: at The Big E with their Clydesdale horses from <a href="https://www.hks-clydesdales.com/">Hobby Knoll Stable</a> in Duxbury, MA</li>
<li aria-level="1">Susan Rotondo and Bill Motyl: longtime fair regulars from Southwick, MA</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tammi Flynn: Director of Communications at <a href="https://florencegriswoldmuseum.org/">The Florence Griswold Museum</a> in Old Lyme, CT</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rita Rivera: a fairy for the day, advertising the <a href="https://florencegriswoldmuseum.org/wfv-2/">Wee Faerie Village</a> at The Florence Griswold Museum</li>
<li aria-level="1">Amber Stone: bathroom attendant at The Big E and recovery coach from Springfield, MA</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ed Ame: a Chicago native, who spends most of the year traveling and works at the Lost &amp; Found booth at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">James Tackett: a man from Madison, IN, who runs the mini ball booth at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">Darryl Wilson: sales representative for MAAX Swim Spas and Hot Tubs</li>
<li aria-level="1">Melissa Russell: fife player from Bristol, CT, who performs with a fife and drum corps, and spent Connecticut Day with her family at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">John Barrows: printer at Eastern States Exposition</li>
<li aria-level="1">Eugene Cassidy: President and CEO at Eastern States Exposition</li>
<li aria-level="1">Greg: a Faribault, MN, native, who sells blooming onions at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">Kevin Gagliard: Operations Manager at <a href="https://pepespizzeria.com/">Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lynn Lischke: Newburyport, MA, resident, who sells cream puffs at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">Josh Virkler: owner of <a href="https://www.luannsbakery.com/">Luann&rsquo;s Bakery</a> in Ellington, Stafford, and soon Hartford, CT&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jackson Panek-Henderson: nine-year-old fairgoer from Newington, CT</li>
<li aria-level="1">Joseph Haag: owner of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/koraandmilascookiedough/">Kora and Mila&rsquo;s Cookie Dough</a> from Plymouth, WI, serving cookie dough on a stick at The Big E</li>
<li aria-level="1">Josh, John, and Henry Pupa: repeat fairgoers from Griswold, CT</li>
</ul>

The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic

After Charles Wolf’s wife, Katherine, was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he found himself taking on an unlikely new role: activist. 

Wolf became a tireless advocate for victims’ families, challenging the federal compensation system and successfully pushing for reform. His efforts later became part of the movie Worth, with Stanley Tucci playing him. 

Twenty-five years later, Wolf looks back at what grief made him do, what justice can and cannot accomplish, and the life he built without the woman he still loves. 

Suggested episode:
Life after Parkland: A victim’s dad turns to art and activism

GUEST: 
Charles G. Wolf: After his wife, Katherine, was killed in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he became a prominent advocate for victims’ families, pushing for changes to the federal compensation system and working to preserve the legacy of those lost

After Charles Wolf&rsquo;s wife, Katherine, was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he found himself taking on an unlikely new role: activist.&nbsp;
Wolf became a tireless advocate for victims&rsquo; families, challenging the federal compensation system and successfully pushing for reform. His efforts later became part of the movie Worth, with Stanley Tucci playing him.&nbsp;
Twenty-five years later, Wolf looks back at what grief made him do, what justice can and cannot accomplish, and the life he built without the woman he still loves.&nbsp;
Suggested episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-10-20/life-after-parkland-a-victims-dad-turns-to-art-and-activism">Life after Parkland: A victim&rsquo;s dad turns to art and activism</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Charles G. Wolf: After his wife, Katherine, was killed in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he became a prominent advocate for victims&rsquo; families, pushing for changes to the federal compensation system and working to preserve the legacy of those lost</li>
</ul>

Audacious Elders

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