Tune into our engaging conversations with women in their 70s, 80s and 90s whose stories about living meaningful and productive lives will inspire, educate and motivate our listeners. Through these stories, older and younger women alike can anticipate exciting years ahead.
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Tune into our engaging conversations with women in their 70s, 80s and 90s whose stories about living meaningful and productive lives will inspire, educate and motivate our listeners. Through these stories, older and younger women alike can anticipate exciting years ahead.
354 Jody Wilhelm: From Rural Recluse to Global Filmmaker
Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined
31 minutes 20 seconds
3 days ago
354 Jody Wilhelm: From Rural Recluse to Global Filmmaker
Jody’s life reads like a movie—one she ultimately wrote and directed herself. Growing up in isolation and surviving severe trauma, she moved through poverty, rape, separation from siblings, and profound loss—the deaths of her mother, grandmother, and daughter. Yet Jody transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a mother, model, teacher, TV’s beloved adult facilitator on Romper Room, guidance counselor, and author. At 84, she achieved what few could imagine: becoming the Oldest Female First-Time Feature Filmmaker, earning awards and international recognition. Her film, Letters to Stephanie, tells an inspiring adoption story drawn from her decades-long fight to reconnect with her granddaughter. When South Carolina law blocked grandparents from signing the Adoption Reunion Registry, Jody helped change it. Now, at 85, she’s writing her memoir—the final dream on her bucket list. Jody’s journey is a radiant testament to resilience, courage, and the unstoppable power of reinvention.“Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead. Don’t listen to dream snatchers—and know who your angels are.” - Jody WilhelmConnect with Jody Email: jodywilhelm9@gmail.comWatch Letters to Stephanie: Letters to Stephanie (2024) directed by Jo-Ann Wilhelm • Reviews, film + cast • LetterboxdLearn more about Jody: This is 85: Filmmaker Jo-Ann "Jody" Wilhelm Responds to The Oldster Magazine QuestionnaireThanks to our Sponsor Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, IL Discover the extraordinary at Plymouth Place—a vibrant community designed for active adults. Elevate your retirement living experience with tailored independent options, premier amenities, and a full continuum of care. Explore our diverse living choices and embrace the joy of a life well-lived.https://plymouthplace.orgThanks to Age-Wise Collective Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement.MEET: Yvonne Marchese, founder and host of Late Bloomer Livinghttps://www.latebloomerliving.com a podcast for women in midlife, inspiring and cheering each other on, sharing stories and taking bold action, in order to define and rock the next chapter of life and achieve new life goals.
Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined
Tune into our engaging conversations with women in their 70s, 80s and 90s whose stories about living meaningful and productive lives will inspire, educate and motivate our listeners. Through these stories, older and younger women alike can anticipate exciting years ahead.
