YOU EARNED THIS
The Social Security & Medicare Podcast
From NCPSSM
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
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About The Podcast
Advocating for a Decent Quality of Life for Older Americans
Brought to you by NCPSSM (The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare), the You Earned This Podcast features a new VIP guest each week, covering Social Security, Medicare, and other vital topics affecting older Americans and their families today.
We discuss serious issues with a light touch with an average 15 minutes of listening time per episode. Tune in every week!
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RECENT EPISODES
Shahab and Walter answer your questions about Social Security & Medicare — and we troll the trolls! Is it time to scrap the payroll wage cap? Is Social Security really running out of money? And how do you switch from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare? We take on the trolls who claim that Democrats want these programs “to fail” —- and that Social Security is “going broke” because of “fraud.” Lots to answer — and debunk. Let’s get to it! NOTE: Please do not make any financial, medical, or health insurance decisions based on this show. Seek guidance from a financial or insurance professional, your State Health Insurance Program, or the appropriate federal agency.
We go behind the scenes of our new documentary film, “Social Security: 90 Years Strong.” The film takes us from the 1930s, when Social Security was signed into law by FDR, to today — when we are fighting to defend it from Trump & DOGE. Join director Walter Gottlieb, producer Melanie Reilly, and editor Marcie Robusto for a lively chat about the making of this landmark film! Plus — some compelling clips from the documentary.
In our Season 3 premiere, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) excoriates the Trump administration for gutting Medicaid, endangering Medicare, and monkeying with Social Security. Rep. Boyle says Trump is “too lazy to learn” how Social Security really works, allowing DOGE to run amok at the Social Security Administration. He also tells us that some 500,000 Pennsylvanians will lose health coverage because of Trump’s “Unfair, Ugly Bill.” Meanwhile, Medicare may see a huge, automatic cut because of the bill’s deficit-swelling tax cuts for the rich. Rep. Boyle, though not yet 50 years old, is one of the biggest champions for seniors in the U.S. House. Make sure to give him a listen!
Half of Medicare beneficiaries did not visit the dentist during the past year because they couldn’t afford to. Melissa Burroughs of the advocacy group Care Quest says neglecting oral health can contribute to serious health issues in older people — including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes. Worse yet, traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental care. As Melissa tells us, it’s time for that to change!
Jon “Bowzer” Bauman is best known for his 50s greaser character from the tv show “Sha Na Na.” In addition to his career as an entertainer, Jon is an outspoken advocate for Social Security and Medicare! In this encore episode of the podcast, he tells us how we can save Americans’ earned benefits during the Trump/Musk regime. We also hear how Bowzer went from Doo Wop revivalist to seniors’ activist. If you’re wondering if Jon also will sing for us… well… you can bet your rama-lama-ding-dong, Daddy-O!
Starting with Season 1
MEET YOUR HOST
WALTER GOTTLIEB
Walter is Director of Communications at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. He is responsible for the organization’s public messaging and communications strategies – including earned media, social media, the Entitled to Know blog, and media relations.
Walter is also an Emmy award-winning television and video producer, writer, and director. He produced programming for Discovery, History Channel, Smithsonian Networks, Animal Planet, and National Geographic, among others.
As the host of the podcast, Walter brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the subject, asking well-informed guests the most pressing questions our listeners want and need to know.
ABOUT NCPSSM
An Advocacy Group for Older Americans
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (NCPSSM) routinely delivers letters of support or opposition to Congress and the White House on legislation that will impact the health and retirement security of older Americans now and in the future. Expert testimony from our President & CEO or policy advisors is also given during hearings before House and Senate committees.