Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast

In this hopeful and eye-opening conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Jayanth Peddi, a UK-based GP and integrative/functional medicine practitioner. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing realities for dementia families and professionals alike: chronic caregiver stress. Dr. Peddi explains how stress reshapes the brain–body connection, why mindset and sleep are non-negotiable, and simple, practi...

In this deeply compassionate and insightful conversation, Laura welcomes back licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore one of the most personal and universal experiences of caregiving: losing yourself in the process. Together, they unpack what it means to lose your sense of identity while caring for someone you love — and how to slowly, intentionally begin to rediscover yourself...

Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure where to start or what’s “normal” vs. “not normal.” In this episode, Laura walks you through the signs to watch for, how to know when it’s time to seek answers, and why getting a diagnosis can actually bring relief and clarity. You’ll also learn about common treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, and how to...

In this heartfelt episode, Laura Vaillancourt offers five powerful, research-backed self-care practices for dementia caregivers who are feeling stretched thin. These small, meaningful shifts are designed to help you nurture your mind, body, and spirit — without adding more to your already full plate. If you’ve ever wondered, “But what does self-care actually look like when I’m caring for someone 2...

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) — and how does that intersect with the caregiving journey? In this powerful conversation, Laura sits down with Todd Smith, creator of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast, to explore the gifts and challenges of being highly sensitive while caring for a loved one. Todd shares his personal caregiving experiences, insights o...

Caregivers often wish they had “another set of hands” to help manage endless tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. In this episode of the Life on Repeat Podcast , Laura explores how technology—when used intentionally—can save time, reduce stress, and bring more breathing room into the caregiving journey. From shared calendars and safety monitors to medication reminders and even AI, Laura shar...

Mindfulness is more than meditation — it’s a way of connecting with the present moment, finding calm in chaos, and reclaiming your power even in stressful caregiving seasons. In this episode, Laura Vaillancourt sits down with Laura Alessio , a registered nurse and health and wellness coach, to explore how mindfulness can improve our lives and relationships, help us slow down, and even rewire the w...

In this heartfelt episode, Laura speaks with Rick Henkin, a spouse-turned-caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 65. Rick shares his powerful story of navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, learning acceptance, and discovering how to care for himself so he could better care for his wife. From humor and heartbreak to practical wisdom, Rick offers a moving look at what it t...

In this powerful new episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern, co-founders of Magnolia, about the GUIDE Program — a revolutionary new Medicare pilot project that provides comprehensive, wraparound support to people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Sibai and Alice break down how the program works, who qualifies, and why this signals a major shift in how our he...

In this inspiring episode, Laura sits down with Marisa Payne, certified brain and cognitive health coach and dementia care consultant, to dive into the powerful Dementia Connection Model. Together, they explore how sensory-based strategies, cognitive behavioral theory, and structured daily engagement can transform life for both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Whether you're a fami...

In this heart-opening conversation, Laura speaks with Marty Schreiber , former Governor of Wisconsin and author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver . Marty shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his beloved wife Elaine through Alzheimer's, and how it reshaped his understanding of love, loss, and connection. With humility, humor, and profound ins...

In this deeply meaningful episode, Laura sits down with Dr. Aaron Blight , founder of Caregiving Kinetics , to explore how caregiving reshapes our identity, relationships, and personal growth. Drawing from his experience as a family caregiver, home care business owner, and scholar of caregiving, Dr. Blight shares transformative insights on why reflection—not just action—is vital for caregivers. To...

In this enlightening episode, Laura speaks with Neal Shah , America’s Chief Elder Officer and co-founder of CareYaya, about how technology is transforming the future of elder care . From AI-powered caregiver tools to brain-computer interfaces, Neal shares how innovation—and his own caregiving story—sparked a movement to make high-quality care more accessible, affordable, and human-centered. Whethe...

📝 Episode Overview: In this episode, Laura sits down with licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore the emotional toll of “challenging behaviors” in dementia care. This episode centers the caregiver—what you experience, what you need, and how to protect your own well-being while supporting a loved one. 👤 Meet Laurie Thompson: Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselo...

📝 Episode Overview: In this episode, Laura sits down with Martha Ranon, Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC), to talk about the power of turning personal caregiving experience into community advocacy. Together, they explore how caregivers can access meaningful support, educational resources, and the validation they need to continue showing up with compassion a...

📝 Episode Overview: In this episode, Laura is joined by clinical psychologist and dementia care innovator Dr. Jennifer Stelter to explore the Dementia Connection Model —a powerful, research-backed approach to dementia care that centers on non-pharmacological interventions like sensory stimulation, behavioral therapy, and prescriptive engagement. Whether you’re a family caregiver or a professional...

📝 Episode Overview: In this episode, Laura welcomes Kimberly Best , a professional family mediator and former trauma nurse, to talk about one of the most stressful parts of caregiving: family conflict . Together, they explore practical ways to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a family d...

📝 Episode Overview: In this deeply moving episode, Laura sits down with Cindy Weinstein, author and English professor, to discuss her experience as a long-distance caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Together, they explore themes of grief, memory, storytelling, and how language can help us understand—and cope—with dementia. This conversation blends personal reflec...

📝 Episode Overview: In this honest and deeply relatable episode, Laura speaks with Gretchen Staebler , author of Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver . Gretchen shares what it was like to return to her childhood home to care for her 96-year-old mother—after 36 years of “comfortable distance.” Together, they explore identity, self-care, and the raw truth of what it means to show up in...

In this insightful episode, Laura welcomes Adria Thompson, a speech-language pathologist, dementia educator, and the founder of Be Light Care. Laura and Adria dive deep into how speech, occupational, and physical therapists can support individuals living with dementia — from communication and cognition to mobility and daily living activities. Adria shares her expert tips for navigating challenging...

In this episode, Laura welcomes Dr. Kimberly Dwyer, a clinical psychologist, author, and business coach with over two decades of experience. Dr. Dwyer shares her expertise on sleep, stress management, and mindfulness, especially for those navigating the challenges of caregiving. Together, they discuss why sleep is crucial for well-being and how caregivers can develop healthier sleep routines to be...

In this powerful episode, Laura sits down with Mark Macy and his son Travis Macy to explore their incredible journey of resilience, adventure, and living with Alzheimer's. Mark, a former trial lawyer turned endurance athlete, shares how his life changed after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Together with his son Travis, a fellow endurance athlete, coach, and author, they discuss how endurance sp...

In this powerful rewind episode, Laura speaks with Charlotte Bayala—caregiver, coach, and creator of the  Love Your Caregiving Life  podcast and  Caregiving Confidential  digital magazine. Charlotte opens up about her long-term caregiving journey for her husband following his thyroid cancer diagnosis, and how it forced her to reevaluate everything she knew about self-care. From...

In this inspiring rewind episode, licensed clinical social worker and SoulCollage® facilitator Jennifer Wolfe-Hagstrom joins Laura to explore the powerful process of SoulCollage®—a creative method for accessing your inner wisdom. Jennifer shares how this practice supports caregivers in connecting with parts of themselves that are often neglected and offers tools for healing, reflection, and resili...

Caregivers are no strangers to burnout — but do you really know what it looks like when you’re in it? In this episode, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gabrielle Juliano-Villani helps us untangle the difference between stress and burnout, what red flags to watch for, and how to reconnect with joy (even when it feels out of reach). Gabrielle brings wisdom, lived experience, and a powerful metaphor y...