In Clear Terms with AARP California™ – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with fraud prevention specialist and former District Attorney investigator Jason Collom to talk about how travelers can stay safe and avoid scams before and during their trips.

Drawing from more than 30 years in law enforcement and decades of personal travel experience, Jason shares practical ways to protect your money, personal information, and belongings whether you’re planning a vacation overseas, taking public transportation, or traveling solo. From fake rental listings and hotel phone scams to public Wi-Fi risks and stolen phones, the conversation covers real situations travelers face every day.

Jason also explains why traveling light can improve safety, how using a money belt can reduce risk, and what steps people should take before leaving home to better protect important documents and financial accounts. 

Whether you’re preparing for an international getaway or just looking to become a more confident traveler, this episode offers useful advice to help you stay alert and enjoy the journey.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about fraud prevention and scam alerts from AARP: aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
• Learn more about AARP California and ways to get involved: aarp.org/ca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens after a scam goes beyond financial loss. It often leaves people dealing with emotions they are not prepared to face or talk about. In this episode, Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Randi Izdonavicius, Program Manager for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Victim Support, about the real impact scams have on victims.

Randi shares what she hears from callers, from shock and embarrassment to anger and hesitation to speak up. Many people keep their experience to themselves, which only adds to the weight. The conversation also explores how scammers use tactics like urgency, authority, and secrecy to gain trust and keep control.

They walk through what to do in the immediate aftermath, including ending contact, protecting financial accounts, and reporting the incident. Randi outlines the actions that can help limit further damage and create a path forward.

Whether you have gone through a scam or want to be ready if it happens, this episode offers practical steps and a clearer way to move ahead.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• Learn more about recovery steps for identity theft: identitytheft.gov
• Explore more resources: www.aarp.org/ca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Utility costs are top of mind for many Californians but there are practical steps being taken to address them. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN—The Utility Reform Network. Since 2008, Mark has led TURN’s efforts to advance energy affordability, broadband equity, and consumer protection throughout the state. The conversation covers the key reasons behind California’s rising utility bills, how wildfire mitigation and utility profits intersect, and potential solutions. Mark also outlines actionable tips for lowering costs at home and shares how residents can get involved in pushing for meaningful reform. 

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about AARP’s utility policy work: AARP Utilities Policy
• See how AARP is advocating for safer, more affordable utilities: AARP Is Fighting for Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Utilities Across the Country
• Read about recent grassroots advocacy efforts: AARP California Delivers 14,000 Postcards Protesting Utility Rate Increase
• Know more about TURN: About TURN: Who We Are

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab and host of TecHype, about the latest developments in artificial intelligence. They break down what AI really is — beyond the hype — and how it’s already impacting daily life, public services, and even medical advances. Brandie shares practical ways AI is supporting older adults, from health innovations to smarter public services, and outlines the ethical and privacy concerns that everyone should be aware of. They also discuss how California is leading on AI regulations and what older adults can do to protect themselves from fraud and scams. This is a grounded, clear-eyed look at the future of AI and why staying informed matters now more than ever.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Brandie Nonnecke’s work: CITRIS Policy Lab
• Explore TecHype: techhype.org
• Senior Planet Virtual AI Resources: seniorplanet.org/AI
• Download the AI Guide for Older Adults: AI-Guide-for-Older-Adults_Dig.pdf
• Read about older workers' views on AI: Older Workers Have Mixed Feelings About AI
• Check out 2024 Tech Trends for Older Adults: 2024 Tech Trends

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Rachel Tate, Vice President of Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. They explore the critical role of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in California. Rachel explains what ombudsmen do, how they advocate for quality facility care and residents’ rights, and the types of concerns they handle — from neglect and medical care issues to something as simple as boring activities. They also discuss what happens during natural disasters like fires and floods, and how ombudsmen help to ensure safety before, during, and after emergencies. This conversation offers an eye-opening look into a topic that touches many Californians and their loved ones.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Find your state’s Ombudsman office: aarp.org/findombudsman
• Wise & Healthy Aging Ombudsman Services: https://wiseombudsman.org/

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, about the increasing risk of scams following disasters. They discuss why fraud spikes after major events, how scammers exploit disaster victims, and what you can do to stay safe. Kathy shares insights from her work at AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, covering everything from FEMA impersonation scams to fraudulent contractors, price gouging, fake charities, and rental fraud. She also provides key tips on how to spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams, as well as resources from AARP to help victims. If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from post-disaster fraud, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Follow Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
• How to Avoid Disaster Relief Scams: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/disaster.html
• Report Fraud to AARP’s Helpline: Call 877-908-3360 (8 AM – 8 PM ET, Monday – Friday)
• FEMA Scam Reporting: www.fema.gov

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Dr. Nina Weiler-Harwell, Associate Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for AARP California, and Dr. Donna Benton, Research Associate Professor of Gerontology at USC and Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center. They discuss the evolving landscape of caregiving, the challenges faced by family caregivers, and the resources available to support them. The conversation also highlights the broader societal impact of caregiving and what it means for the future of long-term care. Listen in for another informative episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California. 

Follow Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Access AARP Caregiving Resources: www.aarp.org/caregiving
• Explore the AARP Prepare to Care Guide: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/prepare-to-care-planning-guide
• Find Support at Caregiver Resource Centers in California: https://www.caregivercalifornia.org
• Share Your Caregiving Story: caaarp@aarp.org
• Learn about Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today: www.aarp.org/RealTalk
• Find out about free webinars and in-person workshops that are dedicated to the needs of family caregivers, as well as to find events nearest to you: aarp.org/local
• Contact the AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line:
  • English: 1-888-333-5885
  • Spanish: 1-888-971-2013

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Dave Morrow, President of Plateau Security Advisors, LLC, which provides cyber security and threat consulting to large and small businesses. Dave joins Dr. Gordon to discuss what you need to know about the latest trends in cyber security, including how to tell if someone has stolen your identity, behaviors that make us vulnerable to scammers online, what to do if you’ve been scammed, and all about AARP’s Fraud Watch resources. Listen in for another informative episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California. 

To sign up for email alerts about scams, visit AARP.org/FraudWatchNetwork, where you can also get great info on how to protect yourself and share your stories on our scam-tracking map.

Follow Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with David Eisenman, MD, MSHS, Director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and Co-Director of the UCLA Center for Healthy Climate Solutions. Dr. Eisenman joins Dr. Gordon to discuss what you need to know about wildfire smoke, including: the effects of smoke on physical and mental health, measures that are being taken to address inequities caused by wildfires, and what you can do to prepare for wildfire smoke in your own home. Listen in for another informative episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California. 

To get a local air quality forecast, visit AirNow.gov.

Follow Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with  Shirley N. Weber PhD., California Secretary of State. Secretary Weber joins Dr. Gordon to discuss where, when, and how to vote in California – as well as topics such as what her office is doing to boost voter turnout, how they are ensuring integrity in our elections, and how you can get involved as an election worker. Listen in for another informative episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California. 

Find information on key races, important dates, recent voting changes in California, how to vote, and more by visiting aarp.org/CAvotes. For more information on voting in the 2024 elections, visit sos.ca.gov/elections. To track your mail-in ballot, visit WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

Follow Us

• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.