Meet the Hosts

The hosts of our memory loss podcast either have a dementia diagnosis or are caring for someone who does. We think it makes us more relatable and empathetic to the sensitive topic at hand. Our firsthand experiences with memory loss allows us to speak with authenticity and vulnerability, creating a genuine connection with our listeners who may be facing similar challenges. Our goal is to break down the stigma surrounding dementia and provide practical advice grounded in real-life experiences. By sharing our journeys, we hope to offer a sense of solidarity and hope to those affected by memory loss, making our podcast an invaluable resource to those in need of support.

Denis Lowe, originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been living in Knoxville since 1988. He holds dual citizenship, being both Canadian and American. Denis is married to his wonderful wife and care-partner, Melissa. They have a daughter, a son-in-law and an 11-month-old grandson who live in Atlanta.

Denis has spent nearly his entire career in sales, focusing on high-end furniture and working as an interior designer in recent years. Denis loved the work he did, helping create beautiful spaces for his long list of residential and commercial clients. Though he intended on working into his 70’s, he was forced to take an early retirement at age 65 due to a diagnosis of young-onset early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive, neurodegenerative condition is both unremitting and incurable. However, with exercise, diet, medical expertise and positive thinking, the decline can be slowed. Denis is passionate about sharing his personal story and helping others discover their unique journeys of living well with memory loss.

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Bob was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and eventually made his way to Tennessee where he built several companies supplying goods for the furniture industry, both internationally and nationally. After selling those companies, Bob created another entity called Sample Makers; a company that creates sample books, cards and other presentations for the automotive, industrial, marine and decorative fabric industries. He owned and operated Sample Makers for nearly 50 years until he sold the company, but stayed on as a consultant for the incredible buyers who remain dear friends today. 

Bob’s been married to Lori Stryer for 35 years and has two sons, one living in Raleigh North Carolina and the other living in Singapore. Bob was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment/ Vascular Disease after having a stroke in 2019, but it’s believed he’d had mini strokes before then that contributed to his diagnosis. 

Bob’s 83-years-young and stays busy working out, walking, fishing, producing this podcast, working for Lori’s company, RIVR Media, researching on the internet and boating. Bob’s had his captain’s license for the past 60-years. He believes healthy eating, exercise and good genes are key to living his best with memory loss.

SuAnne Cobb is a retired nurse who spent most of her practice caring for children. She graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. SuAnne also holds a Master’s Degree in Pediatric Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco. 

SuAnne has a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Multiple Sclerosis. 

SuAnne, along with her wife, Margaret Bickley, volunteer as foster moms with Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee. They enjoy the outdoors. They both participate in a local support group for those with a memory loss diagnosis & their loved ones. SuAnne facilitates an area group called Sharing Experiences Together (SET) and is Chairperson of the group’s Board of Directors. She is passionate about changing the stereotype that memory loss usually carries and spreading the message that those with memory loss can lead rich & satisfying lives. 

Lori Golden-Stryer

Lori Golden-Stryer

Lori Golden-Stryer is the CEO of RIVR Media. She field-produces, post produces, and is responsible for the creation, development, and execution of innovative original series for the company. She is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated Executive Producer and has been creating cutting-edge television for over 30 years.

After a long history in broadcast news as a news anchor and reporter, Lori joined RIVR Media in 1999 and helped in creating the hit series Trading Spaces for TLC, receiving an Emmy nomination for the show. During her career at RIVR, Lori has produced thousands of hours of television for various cable networks such as HGTV, Oxygen, Magnolia, Travel Channel, A&E, MTV, TLC, Animal Planet, Food Network, ESPN, The Weather Channel, LMN, DIY, GAC, TNT, INSP TV, Discovery, and most recently with Sesame Street for HBO Max. 

Jeffrey Cunningham

Jeffrey Cunningham

Meet Jeffrey Cunningham, our resident editing wizard at “Living Our Best With Memory Loss.” With over 15 years of expertise, much of it honed at RIVR Media, Jeffrey has the unique ability to turn raw footage into visually stunning narratives. His skills in motion graphics and compositing ensure that every episode is not just informative but also a feast for the eyes, almost too good for just a podcast.

While Jeffrey hasn’t experienced the impact of dementia personally, he was one of the first to volunteer his editing skills to help those who are. His commitment goes beyond the editing suite; he’s passionate about using his craft to support and enlighten our community. 

Off the clock, Jeffrey is just as active—whether he’s playing soccer or coaching his kids’ soccer teams. His love for the game brings a dynamic energy to his life and work, infusing each project with enthusiasm and precision. When not strategizing on the field or in front of his editing screens, Jeffrey enjoys hiking and camping with his family, bringing his adventurous spirit to both nature trails and narrative trails.

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