Episodes

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 with our guest, Paul, about the ground-breaking concept of the Five Love Languages. This episode promises to revolutionize the way you perceive and express love, while also enhancing your relationships. Drawing on personal stories and experiences with the book, "The Five Lo...

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 Donna's deep-seated passion for authentic care, this episode uncovers her transformative journey, the lessons she's learned, and how she's harnessed her own power to become a more compassionate caregiver. We discuss Donna's book 'Grateful for Grace: Reflections on Caring for...

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 her to discover a strength she never knew she possessed. Navigating medical systems is a daunting task, but Maria's story is one of determination and advocacy, reminding us all of the importance of speaking up for our loved ones. Imagine connecting with someone despite neve...

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 Zetty - who is supposed to be in bed- is on flat on the floor. Join J as she navigates going from a large-scale meeting for her upcoming comedy tour to aiding Zetty - who just got out of the hospital - off the floor in a matter of minutes. Snuggle Up with today’s takeaways...

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 responsibilities, learning to manage them using personal coping strategies -- humor and flexibility. Ever had an encounter with an obstinate loved one refusing to get in a car? Hear about my hilarious adventure of getting Zetty into the vehicle and to her appointment on time. You'll le...

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 usual, embracing the quiet of the early morning to connect with yourself and the world. Sounds peaceful, doesn't it? In J Smiles' conversation with life coach and yoga teacher, Amrit Singh, we learned the immense value of such small moments of self-care, especially for those on...

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. Join J Smiles as she welcomes Jeff Ton, whose heartfelt story ushers us into the emotional rollercoaster that is Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) caregiving. Against the backdrop of the shared love and respect for his father, a revered doctor and bishop, Jeff navigates us throug...

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 tool in creating a better future for those in need? From her aunt and grandma battling cancer, her father's depression and renal failure, to her husband's illness, Jen's resilience and commitment are truly inspiring. What if you were told you wouldn't live past a year? How woul...

Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the incredible Janice Goldmintz, a "super caregiver" who has navigated the unknowns of caregiving for both her parents and her child. Listen in as Janice tells her powerful story of raising a daughter with trisomy 13, a genetic disorder with a life expectancy less than 1 year . With strength, resilience, humor, and a thirst for knowledge, Janice made difficult decisions and advocated for her daughter's care, extending her time on earth. J Smiles' conversati...

Did you know that your nose-picking habit might be putting you at risk for dementia? Join J for a fascinating study conducted by Australian scientists, which discovered that excessive nose picking can lead to amyloid beta plaques on your brain - a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. UGH!! In this eye-opening episode, J Smiles shares anecdotes spanning three generations of nose excavation. Since the majority of humans are world class diggers then J hopes to provide options -- dab on it or scissor t...

Have you ever had neck pain, stomach aches, migraines, TMJ, trouble sleeping -- on top of being a family caregiver? Yeah, haven't we all. What if you heard about a non-Rx, self-sufficient, convenient combat tool? Welp. That is what Lauren Fonvielle and J Smiles discuss, Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping). Anxiety and panic attacks led Lauren on a pilgrimage for better. Now this "tapping" beneficiary turned certified instructor is on a mission to help others expand their self care toolbox. Lau...

How many times have you wondered what to do next when your mom or dad is aging? How many headaches have you had trying to decide if their decline is normal or a problem? Of course, you make the doctor's appointment. But what questions do you ask? And how hard do you push your parent into modifying major components of his or her life? Look no further, Star Bradbury has a guide for to YOU "successfully navigate your parents' senior years" (book title BTW). See what J did there. Star has real life ...

J Smiles and Zetty, Thelma and Louise or Cleo and Frankie, it is hard to separate classic chicks being chased by cops. What happens when your mom directs you to "have fun" with the horsepower in a 5speed while belting out rock tunes? Take a ride down memory lane with J Smiles as she figures out why National Institutes of Health suggests positive reminiscing for mental health. Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher. Catch J's signature S...

J Smiles runs into an old friend of Zetty. The problem is this "close" old bestie wants J to promise to tell Zetty a ton of specific memories from sixty years ago (silently - lady my mama doesn't know what day it is). Trying not to be rude goes wrong and J is stuck in quandary. Yell fire while ditching the conversation or bite her lip by entertaining the notion that Zetty will "remember" old bestie. What would you do? J stumbles through this encounter, shares a few other touchy examples and leav...

Mad that caregivers are not getting enough love from the self-help industry, J Smiles sets her sights on acknowledging and creating dynamic groups similar to Myers Briggs, Love Languages and Ancestry-Lineage tests. Family caregivers exhibit remarkable above average traits day in and day out. Wouldn't it be nice to identify your super power and intentionally lead with it? Better yet, know how to spot super powers in others and call them into duty when needed. It's called plugging the holes. J use...

J learns the hard way about shadowing in the world of dementia when Zetty approaches her from the rear and they both end up on the floor. Tuck your earbuds close for a rollercoaster of laughs and heartfelt storytelling. Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled love and laugher. Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways. "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/pa...

J was traveling, meeting new friends. While describing what she does back home, Zetty came up. Feeling connected and free, J showed videos of Zetty to this intimate group of newcomers to her life. A single voice exclaims, "J, your mom does not have ALZ." Startled and intrigued, J leans in and a very uncommon conversation ensues. No ALZ? Listening and learning, teaching and advising J Smiles walks away full. Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality lifted sprinkled love ...

J planned for a nothing Dec 25th. Surely she could at least have a quiet day with Zetty during such a festive time of year. Shortly after breakfast all-hell broke loose. Zilch plan be damned. Z's incontinence had plan of its own. But it is NOT shower day, dammit!!! Stuck between a rock and a very soft, smelly space, J tries to regroup and salvage her already bleak Christmas hopes. Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality lifted sprinkled love and laugher. As always J's ...

When Zetty's trainer and hired caregivers tell J Smiles of her reluctance to step up or onto things, J is perplexed. Why? Zetty has the physical strength, she is in good spirits -- are the caretakers exaggerating? Is this related to ALZ? Maybe Zetty is taking advantage of them. J is determined to get some answers because remodeling the house feels overwhelming. Expert advice from Home Care Assistance Edmonton and Vision Aware are shared too! As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offers p...

When Superhero, SUPA-hunk Chris Hemsworth finds out each parent gave him the rare gift of APOE4, J Smiles is blown away. How can THOR, a god of longevity, be 10x more likely to get Alzheimer's? YES - Chris is an actor. THOR is a fictional character. The collision of the two allowed the medical discovery which could save Chris' life. J taps into National Geographic's Limitless, a docuseries on longevity. She covers a bit of Dr. Peter Attia approach to extending a person's life with a higher quali...

Patti Davis, US President Ronald Reagan's daughter, joins J for an in-depth conversation about her new book, Floating in the Deep End: How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer's. Patti shares personal stories of caring for her dad and becoming a caregiver saved her life. J digs into Patti's experience running a support group for caregivers after her dad's death. The honesty about issues with family members, struggles with denial and learning to lie are only a few of the topics where these two di...

A quick text turns into a caregiver support session. J thinks she is surprising a "brother-cousin" caregiver yet she is the one left shook. Ever the optimist, Smiles decides to embrace the visit even after a dark start. Join J as she explains all the emotions of visiting a caregiver in the thick of it. As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offering provocative take aways. FOLLOW US++++++ 📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP: http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't got...

J Smiles is a self-proclaimed master napper. This super skill has saved her countless times throughout life. J expects to utilize it frequently during caregiving duty. Until... Exhausted from a live comedy performance, Smiles attempts to catch a quick nap while on-shift with Zetty. One problem, Zetty keeps interrupting. Foggy and frustrated, J has to figure out how to manage the moment. Expert Power Nap tips round out the episode before J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offering provocative take ...

J Smiles, hired to perform an entire 60 minute comedy set on caregiving content feels slimy when the audience demands juicer jokes. Does telling the dirty truth about Zetty's dark ALZ moments on stage make J a snitch? In a flash protecting Z is at odds with performing. The responsibilities of caregiving often interrupt J's schedule but this is the first time her stage-life is at stake. Join our favorite ALZ DUO on another magical ride and lean into J's signature SNUGGLE UP at the end offering pr...