Michael C. Patterson is a dedicated autodidact whose eclectic career spans the arts, humanities, and sciences—all in pursuit of a central question: how can human beings, capable of both awe-inspiring creativity and destructive folly, tip the balance toward wisdom, compassion, and collective well-being?

Patterson’s early career included formal training in both classical and contemporary acting techniques—beginning with a B.A. in Theatre from Antioch College and further study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England during his year abroad. He performed Off-Broadway and in regional theaters before co-founding The Bear Republic Theater, a California-based troupe that developed intergenerational arts programs, including creative aging initiatives that revealed the transformative power of the arts.

He later brought his passion for education and public service to PBS, where he helped develop two national digital channels—PBS Kids and one dedicated to adult education—and co-created the award-winning Ready To Learn initiative, which empowered parents to extend the learning value of children’s programming.

Patterson earned a Master’s in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University, then chose to deepen his learning through independent study, crossing disciplinary boundaries to explore neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, gerontology, and contemplative philosophy. This integrative approach enabled him to develop frameworks that bring science and spirit into practical alignment.

At AARP, Patterson co-led the Staying Sharp brain health initiative, collaborating with over 100 neuroscientists—many through the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives—to bring cognitive health tools to the public. He later partnered with Dr. Gene Cohen to champion the creative aging movement and was recently awarded the Gene Cohen Arts & Health Award by Encore Creativity.

Patterson is the founder of MINDRAMP Consulting, author of several self-published books, and host of the Flourish As You Age podcast and newsletter. His current project—a three-part book series called Welcoming Wisdom—synthesizes decades of research and reflection into a toolkit for flourishing through life’s later chapters.