Tad Simons

Tad Simons is a Minneapolis-based award-winning journalist and author who writes about arts, culture, technology, and human folly. Despite his pain (or maybe because of it), he tries to maintain a good sense of humor. Information about his humor blog, fiction, and journalism can be found at www.readtadsimons.com.

Most Recent

How I Approached Aging as a Creative Challenge

You can complain about the changes, or find new ways to thrive

DECEMBER 22, 2016 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

Muhammad Ali: The Courage of His Convictions

Muhammad Ali walks through the streets of NYC with members of the Black Panther

A PBS doc showed his fights outside the ring were as important as those in it

JUNE 4, 2016 | By Tad Simons

Health & Well-Being

Why I Won’t Stop Taking Vicodin for My Chronic Pain

Opioid use isn’t necessarily abuse, this writer says

MAY 18, 2016 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

The Private Lives of Public Boomers

A PBS documentary features 19 influential Americans from this generation

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

Dick Cavett’s Surprising Influence on Watergate

A PBS documentary shows how the talk show host cut through the fog

AUGUST 6, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

PBS Documentary: Deadly ‘Freedom Summer’

Freedom Summer volunteers and locals canvassing.

Murders, beatings and church burnings remembered 50 years later

JUNE 18, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Health & Well-Being

‘All of Me’ Tackles Obesity and Identity

A PBS special documents women's psychological journey after weight-loss surgery

MARCH 17, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

Why Is Sting Singing About Ships?

His hometown inspired his new musical, 'The Last Ship,' and PBS special

FEBRUARY 13, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

Free Your Ears With an Audio Upgrade

How to ditch your earbuds and headphones to rediscover musical passion

JANUARY 14, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Living & Learning

1964: The Year America Lost It

UC Berkeley philosophy student Mario Savio

From Dylan to JFK, a new PBS documentary explores the year the '60s really began

JANUARY 7, 2014 | By Tad Simons

Money & Security

How the Senior Safe Act Could Curb Elder Financial Abuse

The just-passed legislation would help pros alert authorities

Special Report

Strengthening Rural Health Care for Older Adults

This special report includes storytelling, news and information about health care for older adults in rural areas

Presented by

Special Report

Vitality Arts

Our special series, Vitality Arts, shows the powerful effect that participating in the arts can have on our minds, bodies and souls. Look to this page for information, resources and inspiration that will help you age better through the arts and show that creativity has no age limit.

Presented by