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Randi Mazzella

Randi Mazzella is a freelance writer specializing in a wide range of topics from parenting to pop culture to life after 50. She is a mother of three grown children and lives in New Jersey with her husband.  Read more of her work on randimazzella.com. 

Headshot of Tamron Hall. Next Avenue

Let's Talk With Tamron Hall

Host of a syndicated daytime talk show, Hall is always in search of 'meaningful conversations' and has written a new children's book based on her young son's curiosity
March 12, 2025
A man sitting arm and arm with an older woman. Next Avenue

Welcome to the Grandma Stand

The spirit of wisdom and empathy offered by Grandma Eileen lives on in the words of other grandmas at the Grandma Stand in New York City
March 11, 2025
Mally Roncal with Colleen Rosenblum and Bridgett Biagi Garratt. Next Avenue

Talking About Hot Flashes and Other Cool Midlife Topics

Podcast hosts Colleen Rosenblum and Bridgett Biagi Garratt invite medical experts, authors, celebrities and others to discuss menopause — and so much more
February 13, 2025
An older patient talking to her doctor. Next Avenue, testosterone therapy for women

Can Testosterone Help Women Boost Their Sex Drive?

Hormone therapy has been successful in treating low libido in menopausal women
January 29, 2025
A woman behind a sewing machine. Next Avenue, anxiety, creativity

Anxious? Ask Yourself 'What Inspires Me?'

Instead of trying to calm down to work through anxiety, bestselling author Martha Beck encourages people to get creative in her new book
January 3, 2025
Silhouette of a woman looking out of a window. Next Avenue, caring for children with medical issues

Caring for Children With Medical Issues Gets More Complicated When They Become Adults

Organization creates C.A.R.E. Binder to assist in the transition to adulthood
December 6, 2024
Headshot of a woman. Next Avenue, Dorothy Wiggins

Meet Dorothy Wiggins, the 99-Year-Old Unlikely Social Media Star

Despite thinking social media is 'stupid,' this New Yorker finds lots of love on TikTok and Instagram
December 5, 2024
Steven Petrow and his late sister, Julie Petrow-Cohen. Next Avenue

Steven Petrow Wants You to Find Joy

In a new book, award-winning journalist Steven Petrow offers real-life stories, practical advice and 'how to' exercises to help people find joy every day
October 25, 2024
Headshot of a man. Next Avenue, Gary Janetti

Experiencing a Slight Delay With Gary Janetti

In his new book, 'We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay,' best-selling author Gary Janetti, 58, shares stories and tips from his trips around the world
August 19, 2024
Two people smiling together. Next Avenue, Chaz Ebert

Chaz Ebert Wants You To Give a FECK

The widow of film critic Roger Ebert is an author and activist who believes it’s time for more Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness in the world
August 5, 2024
A black and white photo of a woman outside of a department story. Next Avenue, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue

When Women Ruled Fifth Avenue

A new book tells the stories of three women who piloted fashionable department stores at the peak of their glamour
July 31, 2024
A grieving mother and her son together. Next Avenue, death of a parent, death of a spouse, grief

When Grieving Feels Like a Competition

Adult children approach the loss of a parent differently than the widowed spouse does, which can impact everyone's need for support and communication during the grief process
July 24, 2024
Author Ann Leary walking on a beach. Next Avenue, I've Tried Being Nice

'I’ve Tried Being Nice': An Interview With Ann Leary  

New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary's most recent book, 'I've Tried Being Nice,' is a collection of essays about what she's learned about herself since entering middle age
July 18, 2024
A younger woman with her grandma. Next Avenue, Bess Kalb

'Nobody Will Tell You This But Me'

A new book by comedy writer Bess Kalb tells the story of the love she had for her 'Grandma Bobby'
May 10, 2024
A still from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in the Catskills. Next Avenue

Feeling Nostalgic for the Catskills

By the 1950s, half a million people were visiting the Catskills during the summer season. It was a place for relaxation, recreation and entertainment where Jewish people felt welcomed.
April 5, 2024
Two people smiling together outside. Next Avenue, fight with your partner, spouse, husband, wife

Is There a Right Way to Fight with Your Partner?

Relationship expert Dr. Julie Gottman says if done right, fighting can lead to greater intimacy and connection
April 2, 2024
Ingredients for making an apple cake. Next Avenue, family recipes

Connecting to the Past with Dishes Made in the Present

Remember, you don't have to use the exact recipe to experience the joy of a family dish
March 11, 2024
A group of people eating dim sum and laughing together. Next Avenue, death over dim sum

Death Over Dim Sum

Conversations about end-of-life issues are difficult for everyone. But in many cultures, these important topics are considered almost taboo to discuss.
January 2, 2024
Headshot of Mildred Kirschenbaum with a bloody mary in front of her. Next Avenue

This 100-Year-Old Influencer Shares Her Secrets

Mildred Kirschenbaum has become a social media star and is happily offering the lessons of her ten decades
December 13, 2023
Sister Jean wearing a Final Four hat at a game. Next Avenue

Sister Jean Still Has Stories to Share

The 104-year-old Loyola University basketball fan and author of ‘Wake Up With Purpose’ has intergenerational appeal
November 29, 2023
A red cardinal perched on a snowy tree branch. Next Avenue

Feeling the Spirit of Someone Who Has Died

There's no scientific proof this happens, but for the grieving, the thought of connecting with a loved one can be a coping mechanism
November 23, 2023
A headshot of Mark Harmon while on set filming NCIS. Next Avenue

Mark Harmon's Next Chapter

Once a star of television's 'NCIS,' he has co-written a new book about real-life NCIS agents
November 14, 2023
A father and son at a baseball game. Next Avenue, Tim Russert

Luke Russert Traveled the World to Find Himself

The son of 'Meet the Press' host Tim Russert navigated grief while seeing signs of his late father along the way
October 20, 2023
An older adult waiting for her doctor for an anxiety screening. Next Avenue

Why You May Benefit From an Anxiety Screening

Proper diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders often lead patients to happier and more fulfilled lives
October 18, 2023
A woman on stage holding a mic during a comedy show. Next Avenue

Comedian Maria Bamford Brings Dark Moments to Light

Her new book is titled 'Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere' and features her signature honesty and humor
October 13, 2023
A child working on a DIY home project with their dad. Next Avenue

Memories of Projects With My Dad

Maybe it was a little dangerous for a guidance counselor to dabble in electrical wiring at home, but he helped us develop the fix-it skills we have today
October 3, 2023
A mother and daughter during a family therapy session. Next Avenue, estrangement

Is It Ever Too Late for Family Therapy?

Age really doesn't matter when it comes to improving relationships and fostering healthier family dynamics
August 9, 2023
a group of mourning people laughing at a funeral. Next Avenue

Is It Okay To Laugh at a Funeral?

Humor can help heal, defuse tension and offer mourners a chance to more fully remember a loved one's life
August 4, 2023
A black and white photo of a band playing on stage. Next Avenue

Still Kool After All These Years

A memoir by band member George Brown and a new album, marking Kool & The Gang's 60th year, are reasons for … 'Celebration’
August 1, 2023
A couple smiling together outside. Caregiver burnout, Next Avenue

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers face emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. Offering them practical assistance can be of great help.
July 6, 2023
An older man opening the door for a hospice worker to come inside. Next Avenue

What I Learned During My Father's Time in Hospice

Our family was able to focus on the here and now, be supported and prepare peacefully for my father's death
June 29, 2023
A mother and daughter hugging. Next Avenue

Sorry, There Really Are Many Good Reasons to Apologize

An apology can be therapeutic for the giver and the receiver, even though forgiveness isn't guaranteed
June 26, 2023
Bobbi Brown sitting on a leather couch. Next Avenue, jones road, makeup, business

Bobbi Brown's Beautiful World

The makeup maven finds beauty and simplicity in aging, and power in new projects
June 22, 2023
The Golden Girls. Next Avenue, The Golden Girls Kitchen pop up

Lunch with The Golden Girls

Thanks to pop-up cafés around the country, you can be immersed in the world of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia — if only for a slice of cheesecake
May 3, 2023
Two older sisters sitting down and having an argument. Next Avenue, sibling relationship, rivalry

Sibling Rivalry Isn't Just for Kids

Sibling relationships may be frayed well into adulthood — some can be repaired, and some can't be
April 25, 2023
Fish swimming in a fish tank. Next Avenue

Gone Fishing: The Story of a Promise Kept

A commitment to keep all of my dying father's fish didn't go exactly as planned, but I've found connection and comfort in the new addition to my empty nest
April 11, 2023
Three side-by-side screenshots. Next Avenue, medical professionals on tiktok

How Medical Professionals Are Using TikTok To Teach

TikTok is a surprisingly valuable platform for addressing tough topics like hospice and death
February 20, 2023
Empty nesters at home making breakfast. Next Avenue

Lost and Found - A Story of Empty Nesting

After dropping the youngest child at college, adjusting to a different way of life brings insight and opportunities
January 26, 2023
An older woman taking an online class. Next Avenue, continuing education, career change

Think You Are Too Old to Start Over?

Whether it's going back to school, or entering a new field, don't underestimate what you will bring to the role — and what you'll learn
November 25, 2022
A group of family and friends eating a holiday meal. Next Avenue, Redefining family, family distancing

When Friends Are Family

A foundation of shared interests, trust and affection for each other informs these important connections that may be closer than family relationships
November 21, 2022
A young woman loading a dishwasher while her dad cooks a meal. Next Avenue, moving back home, living with parents

Hey Mom! I'm Home

They may have moved back to save money, but Gen Z kids should also be willing to accept some responsibilities around the house
November 15, 2022
A woman smiling in front of plates of baked goods. Next Avenue, older entrepreneur, sweet success, Candace Nelson book

Sweet Success

Serial entrepreneur Candace Nelson shares the secret behind her cupcake empire, Sprinkles, and explains why she decided to start all over again
October 28, 2022
A narrow street with shoppers and vendors. Next Avenue, house swapping in retirement, vacation local tips

Vacation Like a Local

House swapping in retirement can let you vacation in beautiful locales you might not otherwise be able to afford
October 5, 2022
Three women with their arms wrapped around each other at a restaurant. Next Avenue, Friendship group dynamics, long lasting friendships

The Secret of Friend Groups That Last for Decades

Friends who "knew you when" are often among the most treasured, even as life changes
September 30, 2022
Nina Totenberg and Ruth Bader Ginsburg smiling together. Next Avenue, RBG Nina Totenberg book, dinners with ruth

Nina Totenberg Fondly Remembers Dinners with Ruth

NPR's legal affairs correspondent writes of her late friend Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and also reflects on women's friendships
September 23, 2022
Singer Tom Jones wearing a suit while singing on stage. Next Avenue, music and memory

How Music Sparks Our Memories

Why a song you haven't heard in years can take you back to a different time
September 5, 2022
A woman drinking tea sitting outside. Next Avenue, complicated grief in older adults

When a Relationship is Complicated, So Is the Grief Process

Being honest and facing mixed emotions about a loved one's death can help with healing
September 1, 2022
A meals on wheels worker dropping off food. Next Avenue, Food insecurity among older adults

Food Insecurity May Be Closer Than You Think

Even in apparently affluent areas, some older adults lack reliable access to sufficient quantities of nutritious food
August 9, 2022
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