A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

Can music reconnect someone with memories that seem lost? In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dan Cohen, founder of the Music & Memory movement, about how personalized music can reduce anxiety, spark meaningful memories, ease caregiving challenges, and bring moments of joy to people living with dementia. Discover simple, practical ways to use music as a powerful tool for connection, c...

When is it time to stop driving? For many older adults, driving symbolizes independence and freedom. For caregivers, concerns about driving safety can bring uncertainty, worry, and difficult conversations. In this episode, occupational therapist and driver evaluation specialist Judy Romano shares practical guidance for recognizing warning signs, approaching conversations with compassion, and helpi...

Autism caregiving can place deep emotional and practical demands on families. In this gentle conversation, Teresa Lyons, PhD and Isabel Melgarejo explore family dynamics, caregiver burnout, multigenerational support, and the importance of sharing care with steadiness and compassion.

Sometimes caregiving is not only about caring for someone else—it is about learning how to care for the way you speak to yourself. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Isabel welcomes Joseph Brooks, motivational speaker, caregiver, and resilience leader, for a conversation about grief, difficult decisions, perfectionism, and the daily practice of self-belief. After growing up in a violent neigh...

What if care could also look like fresh air, nature, and the gentle rhythm of a horse? In this heartfelt episode, Isabel speaks with Dr. Beth Fields about Riding in the Moment , an adaptive horseback riding program created for adults living with dementia. Together, they explore how horses, movement, and community can support joy, connection, balance, long-term memory, and moments of relief for car...

How does caregiving change who we become? In this deeply moving conversation, Isabel speaks with author Suzy McNamara about caring for her husband through early-onset Alzheimer’s, the grief of watching someone change, and the importance of finding joy in the present moment. This episode explores identity shifts, caregiver isolation, allowing others to help, and learning to honor yourself through t...

AI is becoming part of everyday life, and for caregivers, that can bring both curiosity and quiet uncertainty. In this conversation, Isabel Melgarejo and Dr. Jeremy Holloway explore what it means to use AI in a way that feels supportive—without losing the human presence that caregiving requires. Together, they reflect on the balance between receiving help and staying grounded…. between using tools...

Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood — and that fear can keep families from exploring helpful options. In this episode of A Time to Care , Isabel talks with Kristy Osborne, a mortgage and reverse mortgage specialist, about what these loans really are, who they’re for, and how they can support caregivers and retirees. They discuss common myths, planning strategies, and real stories of people u...

Caregivers are always giving — but who takes care of them? In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel sits down with Amy Temperley , founder of Aging is Cool , to talk about movement, rest, purpose, and finding joy even in the hardest caregiving seasons. They explore: ✨ Why small movement matters more than big workouts ✨ How rest is not laziness — it’s survival ✨ Ways ca...

What if success didn’t have to cost your peace? In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel sits down with wellness coach Jessica Rich to talk about something many caregivers silently struggle with: burnout, pressure, and the belief that we must always carry everyone else first. Jessica shares her journey from senior corporate leadership to redefining success on her own term...

In this heartfelt episode, Isabel sits down with Maureen Jirikowic , founder of Miracles of Beauty , to explore what it really means to rediscover yourself after caregiving, grief, and major life transitions. Drawing from her journey as a caregiver to her late husband, Maureen shares how style, self-care, and small daily choices can become powerful tools for healing, confidence, and renewal. This...

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel Melgarejo sits down with Medicare expert Kandice Hall to unpack one of the most confusing topics caregivers and families face: Medicare. Kandice shares her personal journey into healthcare education and explains why Medicare is not “free,” how costly penalties can happen without proper guidance, and why timing matters when enrollin...

In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with caregiver advocate and author Paul Wynn about the emotional and practical realities of caring for multiple loved ones while raising a family. Paul shares his personal story of supporting both his mother and uncle through Alzheimer’s, the challenges of being a working caregiver in the sandwich ge...

“Design isn’t just about beauty — it’s about dignity.” This week, Janet Elizabeth Roche shares how inclusive and trauma-informed design helps people feel seen, heard, and welcomed. If you care for someone, or you need a space that supports your own emotional well-being, this episode will inspire you. If you have questions about any of this, make sure to listen to the episode all the way through. W...

Estate planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel sits down with estate planning attorney Arma Fitzgerald to break down wills, trusts, probate, and how planning ahead can bring peace and clarity to families. This gentle, practical conversation will help you understand what steps truly matter — so you can protect your loved ones an...

Welcome to A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast ! In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Mark Kashar to talk about the importance of insurance, long-term care planning, and how to protect your loved ones with smart financial decisions. Learn why early planning matters, what insurance companies look for, and how to avoid common — and costly — mistakes caregivers face....

In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dr. Laura Paredes , a geriatrician, about one of the biggest challenges caregivers face — burnout . Together, they explore why it happens, how it affects both caregivers and their loved ones, and what can be done to prevent it. Dr. Paredes shares real-life stories from her patients, practical tips for self-care, and the importance of recognizing our own...

In this short update, host Isabel Melgarejo shares exciting news with the A Time to Care community! As the podcast celebrates over 100 episodes, Isabel talks about what’s ahead — including new projects, resources, and ways to support caregivers. She also announces a small change: new episodes will now be released every other week to make space for upcoming initiatives designed to help you thrive i...

In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel Melgarejo talks with Hailey How , co-founder of CareCorgi , an AI-driven caregiving platform designed to make family caregiving simpler and more connected. Hailey shares her deeply personal caregiving story that inspired her to create a tool to support the 53 million caregivers across the U.S. Together, they explore the e...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel Melgarejo talks with filmmaker, actress, and elder care advocate Susie Singer Carter . What begins as a warm, humorous conversation about Susie’s caregiving journey with her mother evolves into a powerful discussion about ageism, dementia, and the broken long-term care system . Susie shares how her persona...

In this insightful episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , host Isabel Melgarejo welcomes her friend and special guest, Lynn Lambrecht, founder of The Living Planner . Drawing from her experience in aviation emergency response and years of helping families prepare for life’s unexpected moments, Lynn shares why planning ahead is an act of love — not fear. Together, they explore how to m...

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Ryan Botzong to explore the often-overlooked side of financial planning: managing risks, protecting loved ones, and making tough conversations easier. From life insurance and long-term care to aligning your plan with what truly matters, Ryan shares practical advice and personal insights on...

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel welcomes Dr. Clay Lowder, family physician and founder of the Winners Travel Foundation. Together they explore the realities of caregiver syndrome, the importance of rest, and how travel can renew body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Louder shares his journey from medicine to creating life-changing retreats and free travel opportunities for...

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast , Isabel Melgarejo welcomes Claudia Cometta, a pharmacist who transformed her own family’s health crisis into a mission of hope and advocacy. Claudia shares how her father’s illness opened her eyes to the struggles patients face and inspired her to guide others with compassion, clarity, and courage. Together, they explore how to reclaim you...

Why do we fear death—and how can we see its beauty? In this heartfelt episode, host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with death doula Martha Jo Atkins about end-of-life care, breaking taboos, and finding peace in life’s hardest goodbyes.