The Judy Croon Show - Laugh Long and Pro$per

Thriving Beyond Fifty-78 Natural Strategies to Restore your mobility, avoid surgery and stay off pain pills in your 50’s and Beyond by Will Harlow
Looking 50 is great if you're 60.
~Joan Rivers
Are you afraid of aging? Be honest? What’s ‘old ‘nowadays? 90? 80? 20???
Age has been a good source of comedic material for years! Why? Because most people are afraid of it. Big Bad AGE. We make fun of the things that scare us. That’s one of our brain’s favourite ways of coping with stress.
Just look at the following one-liners from people who I’m sure were afraid of aging.
I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
~Andy Rooney
The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
~Erma Bombeck
I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table.
~Rodney Dangerfield
But FEAR NO MORE. There is a fantastic book with a great outlook and lots of juicy info that can help you change your attitude towards the oncoming years. The book is called Thriving Beyond Fifty. Will Harlow is an expert and author who shares valuable information about healthy aging. His practical insight about the physical, emotional and psychological changes that come with chalking up a few more years are a must read.
Harlow argues that age is just a number. He says that it’s an attitude and having a positive attitude towards age can be instrumental when it comes to aging well. As I say in my keynote, Relieving Work-Related Stress with Humour, positive thinking (which definitely includes humour for me) can have such a huge impact on our well-being but especially, as we get older.
Harlow encourages readers to embrace aging as opposed to fighting it. He says to look at aging as a natural, inevitable process of life instead of fearfully dreading and/or trying to avoid it.
Thriving Beyond Fifty echoes many of key elements to aging gracefully that many other authors and experts have championed before such as; nutrition and a balanced diet, healthy mental and physical activity, maintaining strong social connections with family, friends and community, having a sense purpose/giving back and always striving to constantly better oneself. However, Harlow also has a unique spin that he uses called ‘ageless living’. Again, he ties this into having a positive mindset and challenges readers to reframe their attitude towards aging and embrace it with a youthful outlook no matter how old they are. He encourages readers to live a vibrant life at any age. Harlow also offers hands-on, practical advice about financial and estate planning, retirement and end-of-life care. This planning encourages readers to actively secure their futures but at the same time, create peace of mind throughout one’s life.
In conclusion, Thriving Beyond Fifty Thriving Beyond Fifty -78 Natural Strategies to Restore your mobility, avoid surgery and stay off pain pills in your 50’s and Beyond…
encourages readers to welcome and embrace getting older.
Harlow’s shout out to a positive, youthful mindset at any age is fundamental in his message.
He’s resourceful, positive and provides lots of practical and insightful how-to information when it comes to ageless living.
Now, if you are still hiding under the covers and don’t want to deal with the inevitable then at the very least laugh at your fears. Check out a couple more one liners from some classic comedians who probably also hid their fear – using humour.
I'm at an age when my back goes out more than I do.
~Phyllis Diller
My grandmother was a very tough woman. She buried three husbands and two of them were just napping.
~Rita Rudner
He's so old that when he orders a three-minute egg, they ask for the money up front.
~George Burns
Until next time folks, laugh long and prosper.

The Amazing, Incredible and Unbreakable Tina Fey
One of my favorite funny people of all time is Tina Fey.
If you haven’t read her book Bossypants -treat yourself.
By the way, can Tina Fey and Amy Poehler just host all awards shows on the planet?
Here’s a little info about Tina, in case you’ve been living under a 30 Rock.
http://www.JudyCroon.com

The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work.
What does a tomato and productivity have to do with each other?
The Pomodoro Technique (named after a tomato) is a cool way to help you get stuff done during the day. It breaks down big tasks into smaller ones so you don't feel overwhelmed. By using this technique, you'll be able to manage your time better and feel more in control of your work. This will make you a better worker and make your work more fun.
When you break your bigger task into smaller tasks, each of these smaller tasks or time intervals is called a pomodoro, which comes from the Italian word for tomato.
This technique was created by a university student who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to help him stay focused and productive.
Why do Italians call the tomato a pomodoro? Let me tell you!
Apparently in 1548, a Tuscan steward described the tomato as pomi d’oro which translated means golden fruit. That later became pomodoro. But I digress. See, this is why I need help with productivity.
Who invented the Pomodoro Technique?
Francesco Cirillo (the gentleman who came up with this technique) thought of it when he was in university in the 1980s. He had trouble staying focused and organized, so he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him stay focussed. Nowadays, he has a website where he teaches people how to use his technique to be more productive. Check it out PomodoroTechnique.com
To start using the Pomodoro Technique, all you need is a timer and two lists.
Your timer doesn’t have to be a fancy tomato-shaped one like in the original Pomodoro Technique. You can use a stopwatch or even your phone. Make sure it makes noise when the 25 minutes are up. This helps your brain switch between working and relaxing.
Next, make two lists. The first list is your To Do Today list. This list has all the things you want to get done that day. For example, you might have outline presentation structure - 4 pomodori or pay bills - 1 pomodoro.
Where do these tasks come from? They come from your inventory list. This list has all the tasks you want to do now or in the future.
You'll need to learn how to estimate how many pomodori each task will take. Your estimates might not be perfect at first, but you'll get better with practice.
To stay motivated, switch up your tasks. If a big task like time management presentation will take 20 pomodori, break it into smaller parts. It's more rewarding to finish a smaller task than to work all day on one big task without finishing it.
By the way, I don’t use this two-list technique.
I just use the Pomodoro technique until I get one big thing done and off my plate. Wow, I’m using a lot of food references. Now I’m hungry.
So, when do you take a bigger break?
Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes are taken after 4 tomatoes or 4 consecutive Pomodoros.
The Pomodoro technique is basically set up to help you stay focussed.
Each Pomodoro should be dedicated to one task only.
The idea of 5-minute break every 25 minutes is not only to give your brain a break but to also give you a feeling of accomplishment.
So, is the Pomodoro technique effective?
A number of experts say that it’s a good focus tool to help with ADHD. It’s effective in providing measurable time increments as well as a reward system.
What are the drawbacks to the Pomodoro Technique?
Some people take longer to get into a project so 25 minutes doesn’t feel long enough.
So, now that I’ve described this wonderful time saving technique, let’s get onto the big burning question, what’s the difference between pomodoro and red sauce?
Well, typically pomodoro is a thicker sauce and thus more spreadable that marinara -which makes pomodoro a more common choice for pizza sauce.

Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication
Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist. Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper – Shelf Help with a smile.
Today, I have to honour of speaking to Cynthia Rubino, founder of http://www.CytrineConsultancy.ca
Cynthia is a professor, PE Coach, advocate, mentor, speaker and advertising and marketing leader.
On the morning of May 7th we are working on something together called Empower the Future!
This event is happening at Hart House in the Great Hall at U OF T.
I love Cytrine’s Inaugural Event Theme – Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication- Mentoring, Guiding and Supporting Young Professionals in the Workplace.
Cytrine has partnered with the Globe and Mail to present this fantastic inaugural event.
For tickets you can go to http://www.Eventbrite.ca and look for 'Chatter Matters in the Workplace. Here is the direct link.
Empower the Future - Eventbrite Link
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chatter-that-matters-in-the-workplace-tickets-856235743157
There will also be 3 panels going on:
-From the Classroom to the Boardroom ( Professors from various Post-secondary institutions)
-Voices of the Z’S ( Young professionals in the workforce and students)
-Workplace Wisdom ( agency, media sales and marketing sales)
Again, this is happening May 7TH at the prestigious Hart House.
Cynthia also has another special event coming up June 7th – a Gala event entitled; I Matter Shines Light Gala.
For details, feel free to directly reach out at cynthia@cytrienconsultancy.ca Tickets can be purchased directly through Cynthia’s email.
http://www.JudyCroon.com

You are a bad ass – How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life
Do you want to be awesome? "You Are a Badass" is like your personal coach for being the coolest version of yourself.
The author, Jen Sincero, helps you figure out what's stopping you from being amazing and gives you tips on how to kick those bad habits to the curb. It's all about living your best life and making your dreams come true.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to unleash your inner badass!
http://www.JudyCroon.com

Laugh Long And Prosper -How Not To Age by Michael Gregar
Want to know the secrets to staying young and healthy? How Not to Age (The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as you get older (2021) has got you covered! This book dives into the science behind aging, explaining how our bodies change as we get older and what we can do to slow down the process. From eating right and staying active to getting enough sleep and managing stress, this book gives you all the tips and tricks you need to age gracefully. Say goodbye to myths and hello to real, science-backed advice on how to look and feel your best as you grow older.
http://www.JudyCroon

Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist. Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper.
Today, I'm reviewing a great book called, ' A Whole New Mind. Why Right Brainers will Rule The Future' by Daniel H. Pink.
Daniel H. Pink is an American author who has written numerous New York Times bestsellers including: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us; The Power of Regret: How Looking Back Moves Us Forward; When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing and his latest bestseller, A Whole New Mind - Why Right Brainers Will Rule The World.
In A Whole New Mind - Why Right Brainers Will Rule The World, Pink says that people and companies that want to succeed in the future have to ask three very important questions:


1. Can someone overseas do my job cheaper? 

2. Can a computer do my job faster? 

3. Is what I'm offering in demand in an age of abundance, where people are looking to satisfy their aesthetic, emotional, and spiritual demands?
Pink stresses that as artificial intelligence potentially threatens many jobs around the world, artistic and creative skills are becoming even more essential.
Pink suggests that this is the perfect time to lean into the right, bright creative side of the brain; a side that often gets overlooked by the left logical, analytical side.
In doing so, Pink highlights six areas where the right brain excels.
Check it out.
http://www.JudyCroon.com
Judy Croon is Canada’s Keynote Humorist, Tedx motivational speaker, comedian and stand-up coach at Second City. She has worked with many celebrities including; John Cleese, Jon Stewart, and Joan Rivers.
Her specials have appeared on NBC, CBS, CTV and The Comedy Network.
She is a co-author of ‘From the Stage to the Page: Life Lessons from Four Funny Ladies!”
Judy draws from her standup performance and coaching experience to entertain, inform and inspire in her dynamic keynote entitled, ‘Relieving Work Related Stress with Humour’.
Judy is the creator/host of ‘Laughlines’ and ‘Stand Up For The Girls’ which have both helped raise over $650,000 for breast cancer research.

Hi there,
I’m Judy Croon. Canada’s Keynote Humourist Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper. Today I’m chatting with Susan Stewart
For the past 15 years, Susan Stewart has been entertaining and inspiring audiences across North America. Susan is best known for her ability to make people laugh while helping them to meet their challenges with a sense of humour. Susan is the author of 3 books including her latest title, You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously. Susan's podcast, Still A Hot Mess, and her comedy album, Relentless, are available on iTunes and Spotify. You can learn more about Susan at http://www.susanstewart.ca
SHOW INFO
A Bit More Than A Rough Patch: A Comedy Show About Taking Mental Health Seriously
Join comedian Susan Stewart for a night of laughs while she shares her mental health journey and what she has learned the hard way about taking mental health seriously. You won't want to miss this important community event that raises awareness about mental health and raises money for the Brantford General Hospital's Mental Health Unit. Here is the link.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-bit-more-than-a-rough-patch-tickets-777896568577
http://www.JudyCroon.com

I’m Judy Croon. Canada’s Keynote Humourist Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper.
Documentary Review - Live to 100: Secrets of The Blue Zones
This is a great documentary to kick off the new year.
In this compelling 90-minute Netflix movie, author and National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner shares fascinating information about the Blue Zones, five areas in the world where, per capita, there are the most residents who are living to 100 years-old or longer!
The Blue Zones are located in Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California) and, topping the list with the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world, Okinawa (Japan).
Host Dan Buettner, who has studied the Blue Zones for over 10 years with doctors, demographers and psychologists, tries to uncover the secrets to longevity in these parts of the world.
It’s worth noting that presently, according to the CDC (the Centre for Disease Control) the average American is living until they are 78 years-old.
However, research shows that the human body has an excellent chance of making it to 90 years-old, if taken care of properly.
So how do we get back 12 years? How do we protect ourselves from chronic diseases, heart disease and diabetes?
It’s also worth noting another study outside of this documentary that was done in Denmark, involving 2500 Danish twins.
The study revealed that genetics only determine about 20 percent of our longevity. Our lifestyle determines the other 80 percent!
So, what can the Blue Zones teach us?
First of all, if you’re hoping for one easy fix, there isn’t one.
Secrets of the Blue Zones proposes that the key to aging well is a combination of lifelong practices - a series of daily fixes if you will. What’s hopeful about this documentary is that there are lots of takeaways that people living outside of the Blue Zones can use.
Buettner says it boils down to 9 pieces.
Number One: Moving Naturally (without effort)
No gym memberships here. Blue Zone centenarians move without having to think about it.
They build natural movement into their daily routines.
It could be as simple as sitting. The women of Okinawa don’t sit on chairs - they sit on the floor! This means having to get up at least 30 or 40 times a day.
Many Okinawan centenarians also garden at least one hour a day.
In Sardinia, Italy many of the centenarians are or were shepherds.
This means that they easily clock at least 6 miles a day walking up and down hills with their flocks.
It doesn’t get easier when they go home. The town itself has many hills and stairs. Many narrow houses are built with multiple level staircases.
Number Two: Purpose
A recent study showed that more Americans die in their first year of retirement than in their last year of work.
People in the Blue Zones do not have any specific year for retirement. They always keep busy.
Perhaps the centenarians of Okinawa, Japan say it best when it comes to purpose. They have a word for purpose. It’s called Ikigai. Ikigai means’ a reason for being’ - a reason for getting out of bed every morning.
But Ikigai doesn’t have to be complicated.
One resident who is a karate master at 102 years- old says his Ikigai is to continue his martial arts practice.
Another Okinawa centenarian says his Ikigai is catching three fish a week so he can feed his family.
(Cont)

Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist.
A few years ago, during Covid, I did an interview with friend and founder of a group called http://MentalWellness.help
Since then, it has expanded tremendously.
If you are struggling, please reach out.
Free peer support meetings are available around the globe almost 24/7.
Sign up here:
https://www.meetup.com/mental-wellness-peer-to-peer-support-groups/
Since, this interview, they now offer, free professional therapy sessions with licensed professionals. Yes, free!
My guest, Jason Balgopal is a lawyer by day and community volunteer by night.
He graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, and was called to the Bar in 1999. His day job has allowed him to appear in all levels of courts in Ontario, and he has conducted all manner of trials including murder trials.
Being a perfectionist by nature in an imperfect world was one catalyst which started his downward slide into depression in the early 2000’s. By 2004, he was officially diagnosed with depression, and commenced a 10-year path through darkness. With the help of a psychiatrist, a therapist, some medication, friends, family and his supportive wife, by 2014, he was able to get into a better “head space”. During this time, he found that volunteering gave him an opportunity to develop skills and interests outside of his day job.
During this time, he found that volunteering gave him an opportunity to develop skills and interests outside of his day job. Since 2008, many evenings have been spent as a leader on the Board of Directors of numerous not-for-profit and community organizations.
The skills of leadership which he gained on those Boards, combined with a desire to give back to the community, drove him in 2015, to create the Mental Wellness Peer Support Groups.
Currently, after work, he spends most evenings ensuring that the 6 weekly Peer Support Groups are successful, and finding ways to grow and promote these free and confidential groups to a wider audience.
The format is one hour long. Each person may (but doesn’t have to) share how their mental wellness is affecting them. They can then get “feedback” from another member (which is empathy or a technique which has worked for that other member…none of us will tell someone what they “should” do…as none of us is a professional).
The groups have been very popular as they offer three significant benefits:
1. Members learn that they are not alone, and that there are others like them suffering;
2. Members can unburden themselves to a sympathetic ear…rather than continue to over-burden their spouse or parents who don’t have the lived-history to help;
3. Members can get real-world suggestions of techniques which others have used successfully.
Here are some important links:
1. Our website: www.MentalWellness.help and
2. Our FB Page: www.facebook.com/MentalWellness.help/ and,
3. The link to our virtual video conferencing meetings, at which people can sign up (for FREE...all the meetings we offer are for free), at
https://www.meetup.com/mental-wellness-peer-to-peer-support-groups/
4. A video explaining our groups: youtu.be/8rM7Y47KuVc -
Again, here is the group www.MentalWellness.help if you want to speak to a group within 24 hours.
Just remember that you are not alone. As stated in previous shows on mental health, you can also reach out to the following sources:
www.CAMH.ca
-Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline at www.CrisisServicesCanada.ca or call 1-833-456-4566.
-Text the crisis line via SMS 686868.
-Wellness Together Canada at www.ca.portal.gs
-Finally, f you are in crisis now, you can call 911.
For further info, you can reach me at www.JudyCroon.com