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Episodes

June 24, 2024

You Can Prevent Dementia? A Conversation with Dr. Mitch

Ever wondered how a professional caregiver navigates all of the emotional and psychological strains while maintaining a balance? Join me as I connect with Dr. Mitch, an esteemed neuropsychologist and fellow caregiver. In this...

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June 10, 2024

Comedy & Caregiving Concierge: A Conversation with Jennifer Cain-Bir…

What does it take to transform the caregiving landscape on a global scale? Join us as we uncover the journey of Jennifer Cain-Berkmose, a trailblazing caregiver who has dedicated several years to revolutionizing care for the ...

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May 27, 2024

When Cancer Looks Like Dementia: A Spouse‘s Caregiver Journey

When laughter and wisdom intertwine, you find solace on the unpredictable path of caregiving. Join me as I sit down with Jim Cooper, the ex-DJ who spun his caregiving tales into a guidebook full of practical advice. From the ...

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May 13, 2024

Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

Parenting Up! Was birthed out of compassion and a strong urging within. In this episode, I'm diving deep into what happened before my dad passed, and my mom was never the same. Balancing caring for my mom with Alzheimer's wh...

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April 28, 2024

Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

When I began the caretaking journey for my mom, I was not prepared for the twists and turns ahead. Now, with caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson by our side, we unravel the complexities and joys of caring for those we love. Pa...

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April 14, 2024

Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

As our guest Jennie Lee navigated the complex and emotional path of caring for her mother through her battle with brain cancer, she discovered that the ancient wisdom of yoga therapy held a beacon of light amidst the chaos. T...

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March 24, 2024

The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

Navigating the range of emotions and decisions that come with caregiving, I found myself sharing the profound responsibility of caring for my mother as her memories began to fade into the shadows of dementia. Timothy Poore's ...

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March 10, 2024

A Simple Solution For Stress: A Conversation with Christian Yordanov

Stress is daunting, lurking in the shadows of our daily lives, from the innocent years on the playground to the relentless pressures of adulthood. Our latest conversation unpacks this challenge, laying out an arsenal of strat...

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Feb. 25, 2024

Caring For Parents Who Didn't Care

When the walls we build for sanctuary crumble, where does the family stand? Our latest episode courageously exposes the underbelly of a home in turmoil, exploring the raw and often concealed struggles that families endure. J'...

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Feb. 25, 2024

Caring for Parents Who Didn't Care

When the walls we build for sanctuary crumble, where does the family stand? Our latest episode courageously exposes the underbelly of a home in turmoil, exploring the raw and often concealed struggles that families endure. J'...

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Feb. 11, 2024

Ash Said It: Never Give Up!

As we navigate the unpredictable currents of life, our paths can shift in an instant, leaving us with roles we never expected to fill. Our remarkable guest, Ash Brown, shares her heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey from tic...

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Jan. 28, 2024

Focus on Humans, Not Systems: A Conversation with Michaell

Every so often, we stumble upon a story that not only challenges our perception of the world but also offers a profound lesson in resilience. Michaell's journey is one such tale. Struggling with dysgraphia and dyslexia, Micha...

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Jan. 14, 2024

Boosting Joy: A Conversation with Eunice Sykes

When love is rekindled and a family is beautifully blended, the heart sings a tune of joy – until a shadow, quiet and unassuming, threatens to mute the melody. That's where my story begins, with a love so bright against the c...

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Jan. 14, 2024

Boosting Joy: A Conversation with Eunice Sykes

Journey with us through the bittersweet symphony of memory, love, and laughter as we open our hearts about life in the shadow of Alzheimer's disease. We're graced with the presence of Eunice Sykes, whose story of love and lo...

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Dec. 24, 2023

Did My Mama Play Me?!

Every caregiver has their Everest, and for me, it was trying to create that perfect TV moment with my mom, Zetty. As she battles advanced Alzheimer's, I balance the unpredictable world of caregiving with my role as a comedian...

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Dec. 10, 2023

Finding A Greater Purpose: A Conversation with Andrew

Ever been blindsided by life's cruel surprises? Andrew sure has. A brain aneurysm hit him out of nowhere--at the airport! This episode takes you on a journey as we learn about Andrew's fight for survival, and his journey to r...

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Nov. 26, 2023

Becoming A Love Language Linguist as a Caregiver

Ever thought how our backgrounds and experiences shape the way we give and receive love? What if we could turn learning the language of love into a fun and interactive game? Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation ...

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Nov. 12, 2023

A Little More Time Together: A Conversation with Donna Olivia

Have you ever wondered how artistry intertwines with caregiving? Today, we're chatting with Donna Olivia, a knowledgeable author, retired teacher, and caregiver who's been looking after her mother for 7 years. Brimming with D...

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Oct. 23, 2023

The Universe Has The Best Clickbait

On this episode, J speaks with co-host of the Remember Me Podcast and resilient figure in the caregiving world Maria Kent Beers. Her journey began with a mother diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS, leading...

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Oct. 9, 2023

Why is Zetty on the floor?

Often times caregiving comes with surprises. In this episode of the Parenting Up podcast, J talks about when she was having a productive wave, planning her Comedy tour, creating with her staff, and boom —she is notified that ...

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Aug. 27, 2023

Embracing the Chaos: No means No

Ever found yourself caught in the unexpected whirlwind of caregiving on what you thought was a typical day? Discover how I navigated through night-before-appointment anxiety and carried the weight of overwhelming responsibili...

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Aug. 6, 2023

The New Weed: The Power of Pause with Coach Amrit Singh

Amrit's personal journey from being a weed-head to discovering yoga and meditation offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery and the transformative power of coaching. Imagine waking up just 30 minutes earlier than us...

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July 23, 2023

But Dad Remembers Everything: A Conversation of FTD with Jeff Ton

Has the thought of becoming an unexpected caregiver for a LOVED ONE ever crossed your mind? Imagine the journey of a man thrown into this role, tasked with caring for his charismatic and beloved father after his mom dies. Joi...

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July 10, 2023

Caregiver, Caree, Badazz: Jen Hardy

J Smiles is joined by Jen Hardy, an experienced caregiver, and Alzheimer's awareness advocate, who shares the triumphs and struggles of her unique caregiving experiences. Who knew that saying "no" could be such a powerful to...

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