The Hart Of It All with Teri Hart

Caregiving burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s a slow, chronic depletion that can quietly impact your mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience. In this episode, returning guest Alyson Schafer, parenting expert, family counsellor, and current caregiver, joins Teri to unpack what burnout really looks like for caregivers. They explore how love, duty, and guilt can blur the early w...

Most Canadians have heard about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), but what does it truly entail? Dr. Jean Marmoreo, one of Canada's first practitioners of MAiD, reveals how this groundbreaking program has evolved over nearly a decade and why it remains a vital part of end-of-life care. If you or loved ones face difficult choices or simply want a clearer understanding of how MAiD works, this epis...

When Cheryl Hickey’s father was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, her family was thrown into a world they were not prepared for. In this candid conversation, Cheryl shares the emotional and practical realities of caregiving for an aging parent navigating dementia and Parkinson’s disease, including the difficult decision to move him into long-term care. She reflects on caregiver guilt,...

Where we live as we age is one of the biggest decisions families face, and one of the most confusing. In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri Hart is joined by elder-care expert Pat Irwin, president and founder of ElderCareCanada, to walk through the full spectrum of senior living options, from aging in place and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), to retirement communities, li...

Most people underestimate how deeply Parkinson’s disease reshapes identity, independence, and daily life. In this revealing episode, award-winning writer and journalist Marni Jackson shares her journey from diagnosis to redefining how she lives, including the unexpected ways she pushes back through boxing, mindfulness, and movement. Marni speaks candidly about living with an incurable disease, the...

Caring for someone living with dementia changes everything. In this episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with Dr. Adriana Shnall, program director at the Baycrest Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving, to explore what caregivers are really carrying. Dr. Shnall shares why dementia caregiving is uniquely complex, touching on ambiguous loss, personality changes, repetitio...

In this deeply personal episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart is joined by filmmaker and casting director Heidi Levitt, who shares her journey as a caregiver to her husband, Charlie Hess, following his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Heidi opens up about the emotional weight of caregiving, the shock and clarity that came with an early diagnosis, and how love and partnership evolve in...

When should you see a geriatrician? Dr. Amina Jabbar explains aging, cognitive decline, and care options for older adults and their families. If you are caring for aging parents or worried about dementia or Alzheimer’s, this conversation brings clarity without fear. This week, Teri Hart is joined by Dr. Amina Jabbar, a GTA geriatrician and health policy PhD candidate at McMaster University, for a...

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we’re opening a 4-part series on Alzheimer’s and dementia with Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. In this first episode, Cathy helps cut through fear and misconceptions to focus on what really matters early on, including why getting a clear diagnosis is so important, what “respite” actually looks like in real life, and how caregivers...

Caregiving is growing fast in Ontario and across Canada, and too many people are doing it quietly, without support. To wrap up 2025, Teri Hart is joined by Ontario Caregiver Organization CEO Amy Coupal to break down the biggest takeaways from this year’s Spotlight on Ontario Caregivers report, from burnout to the financial and workplace impact. They also talk about why identifying as a caregiver m...

Caregiving does not always look the way we expect, and sometimes the hardest role is the one filled from a distance. In this episode, Teri Hart speaks with The Honourable Marci Ien about caring for her mother after a devastating stroke that occurred just days before Marci was elected as Member of Parliament. With a demanding new role, young children at home, and her sister taking on full-time care...

Holiday gatherings can be busy, loud, and full of nostalgia, yet they can also carry quiet clues about how a senior in your life is truly coping. In this bonus episode, Teri sits down with geriatrician Dr. Amina Jabbar to explore how to spot those subtle signs with warmth rather than worry. Dr. Jabbar shares a thoughtful perspective on aging that blends clinical experience with real-life stories,...

If you have ever wondered whether you or a loved one should get your hearing checked, this episode is for you. Registered audiologist and educator Beverley Wolfe sits down with Teri to explain how common hearing loss really is in midlife and beyond, why so many people wait years before seeking help, and what changes in conversation, background noise, and everyday listening might actually be tellin...

Planning for future care can feel intimidating, but it is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect yourself and the people who may need to make decisions on your behalf. In this episode, Wills and Estates Lawyer Jordana Talsky returns to explain the two key documents that operate while you are alive: Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care. Jordana br...

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Wills and Estates Lawyer Jordana Talsky sits down with Teri to demystify the documents, decisions, and conversations that shape what happens after we are gone. Jordana explains what a will actually does, why choosing an executor matters, and how probate really works. She also touches on digital assets, common mistak...

When Corie Begley’s parents first moved in, it was to support her mom through the final stages of her life. Thirteen years later, her dad still lives with them, woven into the daily routine, the dinner table, and even the laundry schedule. Corie joins Teri Hart to talk honestly about what long-term multigenerational living really looks like: the grief that started it, the boundaries they had to fi...

Join Teri Hart as she sits down with the hilarious Gerry Dee, one of Canada's most beloved comedians, to discuss his journey from teaching to comedy, his new Netflix special "Funny You Should Say That," and the heartfelt realities of caregiving for his aging father. With humor and sincerity, Gerry shares personal stories that highlight the importance of laughter in life's challenging moments. Don'...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Brian Goldman, renowned ER physician, author, and broadcaster, joins Teri Hart to share his deeply personal experience caring for his sister living with dementia. Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, the importance of early diagnosis, and how even a lifetime of medical expertise can’t prepare you for the heartbreak of watching so...

In this insightful episode of "The Heart of It All," host Teri Hart and tech expert Lisa Chang delve into the intersection of technology and caregiving. They explore how digital tools can empower seniors and their caregivers, from overcoming tech-related fears to utilizing smart home systems for enhanced independence. Discover practical tips on managing digital wellness, ensuring online security,...

In this heartfelt episode of "The Heart of It All," host Teri Hart sits down with her longtime friend, Pay Chen, Canadian television host, writer and producer, to explore the deeply personal journey of caregiving. Pay shares her poignant experience of caring for her father, who battled early dementia and cancer. Through candid conversation, they discuss the emotional and logistical challenges of c...

Join registered dietitian Devon Peart in this enlightening episode as we explore the intersection of senior nutrition and the well-being of caregivers. Discover how social factors, such as loneliness, can significantly impact appetite and nutritional intake in seniors. Devon shares valuable insights on how caregivers can address these challenges while also prioritizing their own health needs. Lear...

In this eye-opening episode of The Hart Of It All, host Teri Hart delves into the pervasive issue of fraud targeting seniors. Joined by Jeff Horncastle from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, they explore the sophisticated tactics used by scammers and share actionable advice to protect yourself and your loved ones. Discover why seniors are particularly vulnerable, learn about common scams like the gr...

In this inaugural episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with renowned parenting expert Alyson Schafer to explore the delicate art of caregiving conversations. As we navigate the complexities of aging, Alyson shares her insights on how to approach difficult topics with our loved ones, emphasizing respect, honesty, and collaboration. Whether you're part of the sandwich generation o...

Welcome to The Hart Of It All with Teri Hart, a podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving. No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind  The Hart of It All , hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Out of loss, something meaningful was born. After losing her father, Teri experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find guidance, resources, and honest conversati...