Episodes

In this episode, J Smiles talks about Zetty's life before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Zetty, or better known to her friends as 'T.Y.' was passionate about voting and instilled in J a great sense of responsibility for exercising her civil rights and responsibilities. From being mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King himself, to meeting her future husband while debating about politics, Zetty was all in when it came to making sure that she was fighting for social justice and for what was right...

Join us as we chat with the multi-talented Rodney Perry, who combines the art of comedy with the heartfelt caregiving journey. Rodney opens up about his personal comedy experiences and providing care for his family, from following in the footsteps of his idol Eddie Murphy to sharing the spotlight with him in "Coming to America 2." Through the lens of humor, we explore the impact caregivers have and uncover how family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system. Perry also talks abo...

In this episode, we sit down with fan-favorite, comedian Kelly Kellz. Known for her side-splitting stand-up and hilarious videos online, Kelly isn't just funny—she’s real. Kelly opens up about her life beyond the laughs, sharing her love for her family, maternal influences, the ups and downs of having the gift of comedy, and how transparency heals. J Smiles dives deep with Kelly as she talks about her journey helping her grandmother care for one of her great-grandmothers, both 'spunky' women wh...

Welcome to our new series - Comedians Care! First up we have multi-talented comedienne Cocoa Brown! Ever wondered how humor can become a lifeline when facing life's toughest challenges? Cocoa Brown shares her personal journey of balancing comedy and caregiving. Cocoa's parents unfortunately faced devastating health issues, including early onset dementia, diabetes, and cancer, nonetheless, she was able to find ways to take care of them through their last days. This episode delves into the compl...

Join us as we speak with the incomparable Dr. Tina, a member of the sandwich generation. In this episode, we dive into the science and emotional toll of caregiving, highlighting the struggles and the small victories that make it all worthwhile. From managing medications and doctor appointments to maintaining our mental health, the responsibilities of caregiving are immense. Dr. Tina offers invaluable insights into the need for systemic change and community support, shedding light on the often-o...

Can you imagine juggling a caregiving routine for a parent with Alzheimer's while preparing for a last-minute TV comedy appearance? That's the reality I faced as I navigated a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and heartfelt moments. With help from my incredible teams, I managed to balance podcast production and the meticulous caregiving of my mom. Through all the craziness, I learned the vital importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in the most challenging situations. From the cha...

What if you suddenly found yourself in a role you never imagined, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's? Join me as I share my unexpected journey from an accomplished career in engineering, law, and activism to becoming a full-time caregiver for my mother, Zetty. Despite my professional background, caregiving was never part of my life plan. Through humor and raw honesty, I share the emotional and physical weight of this unplanned responsibility, debunking the myth that caregiving is a natural...

Have you ever felt the frustration of juggling caregiving with everyday life hassles? Well, you're not alone. Today, we hear the life-changing story of family caregiver, Sherri Atwood, who turned daily annoyances into an innovative creation. I share my deeply personal experience of caring for my mother with Alzheimer's, shedding light on the urgency of early detection and the complex world of family dynamics. Sherri joins us to offer her heartfelt story about managing caregiving, indifferent sib...

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 episode, we shed light on the critical role of neuropsychologists in diagnosing and treating brain disorders. We also delve into the emotional roller-coaster of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, and how humor and community support can become lifelines. Dr. Mitch ope...

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 elderly through her work with NGOs, nonprofits, and governments. Jennifer's story of passion and resilience aligns with my experiences as a comedian and caregiver, from her roots in the United States to her impactful career making a global impact. Together, we discuss the p...

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 early tremors of illness that shook his wife to the enormity of his new role, Jim's path from music to manuscript is as inspiring as it is instructive, offering a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the caregiving seas. Caregiving is no solo journey, and this episode is a ...

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 while finding solace in the world of stand-up comedy was a journey. Finding true fulfillment often means breaking free from the mold society casts for us. I'm reflecting on my own journey from a legal career fueled by civil rights activism to the creative realms of engineering...

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. Pamela's personal and professional experiences, including courtrooms and care facilities, serve as the backdrop for our conversation, bringing to light the skills and resilience it takes to navigate this path. The medical system can be daunting, but together, we dissect the c...

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. This episode features Jennie Lee, a seasoned yoga therapist, who brings her expertise and heartwarming personal narrative to our discussion. Together, we explore the ways yoga therapy intertwines with traditional therapy to serve as a powerful tool for stress relief, especial...

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 mom also has dementia. It was a journey instigated by the silent toll of type 2 diabetes, a reality many are unaware of until it hits home. This episode is not just a sharing of his stories, but a conversation that brings to light the critical aspects of Alzheimer's awarenes...

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 strategies to keep it at bay. We zero in on Pregnenolone, a supplement that may well be the best-kept secret for combating stress, as Christian recounts his encounters with this aid during sleep-deprived nights as a new father. The episode promises not just tales of struggle but ...

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's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences with us sheds light on the complexities and painful realities of harsh familial ties. From hard words to the brink of collapse, this conversation is a journey through the battlefield of a home divided. This is no ordinary discu...

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's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences with us sheds light on the complexities and painful realities of harsh familial ties. From hard words to the brink of collapse, this conversation is a journey through the battlefield of a home divided. This is no ordinary discu...

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 ticking off life's checkboxes to assuming the mantle of caregiver for her grandfather, sister and mom. Ash's raw and honest account reveals the profound resilience and humor that emerge in the face of addiction, health crises, and the various responsibilities thrust upon caregi...

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, Michaell's path was far from conventional. Yet, this remarkable individual has authored six books and evolved into an artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries. Throughout this episode, we delve into the world of neurodiversity, where Michaell's story acts as a call to ...

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 creeping dusk of Alzheimer's. Our guest, Eunice Sykes, joins me in sharing the raw and honest paths of caregiving for our partners with Alzheimer's, emphasizing the bittersweet symphony of cherishing the sparks of joy while navigating the fog of cognitive decline. Life's unp...

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 loss, as detailed in her book "Boosting Joy," offers a moving narrative that illuminates the enduring power of cherishing the good times, even in the face of terminal illness. From the disquieting emergence of early dementia signs to the triumphant resolve to live each day wit...

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 and podcaster. This episode is a raw and humorous recount of our attempt to watch my television appearance together—a plan thwarted by caregiving surprises and Zetty's own schedule. But there's a silver lining in the form of a recorded show waiting for us, a reminder that s...

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 redefine himself in the face of adversity. From a successful teacher and soon-to-be author to a full-time caregiver for his mother diagnosed with ALS, Andrew's story is one of resilience and the unwavering human spirit. He paints a vivid picture of the terrifying trip to the...