Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...