Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast

Most of us were never taught how to grieve — yet loss is an inevitable part of life. In this rewind episode, Beth Luwandi , success coach and licensed professional counselor, shares compassionate guidance on how to move through grief in a healthy way. From normalizing the grieving process to learning how to shift unhealthy coping mechanisms, Beth brings hope and perspective to an experience that o...

What happens when your inner critic runs the show—especially while you’re caring for someone else? In this rewind episode, Nicole Burgess , a clinically trained Soul-Led Leadership Coach for highly sensitive professional women, joins Laura to unpack stress in the body , everyday mindfulness practices, and how to soften perfectionism so you can receive more calm, joy, and support. Nicole also share...

In this episode of the Life on Repeat Podcast, I sit down with Peg Sandeen, CEO of Death with Dignity and a social worker with 25+ years in end-of-life care. Together, we explore one of the most difficult—but important—topics for caregivers: end-of-life choices, dignity, and what options really exist for families facing dementia. Peg shares her personal story of losing her husband to HIV-related d...

In this rewind episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Maggie Syme, licensed psychologist and Project Director at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research, about one of the most overlooked topics in dementia care: sexual wellness and intimacy. Together, they unpack how intimacy changes with aging and dementia, the challenges caregivers face, and why it’s essential to honor this part of life with compassion...

In this episode, I sit down with Teresa Quadres, LCSW to explore Polyvagal Theory and how it applies to the caregiving journey. Teresa explains how our autonomic nervous system responds to stress through the “ladder” of three states—ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal—and how recognizing and befriending these states can help both caregivers and their loved ones. Together, we unpack practi...

Join us in this episode as we explore how to get a dementia diagnosis. Laura will review the many causes that look similar to dementia and how to rule out and treat those disorders that are reversible. Find out who the best diagnosticians are when looking at cognitive and memory concerns, the types of assessments that are readily available and learn about dementia as an 'umbrella' term for the man...

In this episode, Laura reviews what is considered "normal" forgetfulness and when to be concerned. Memory impairment is not a normal part of the aging process. Our brains have the capacity to produce throughout life. FOLLOW LIFE ON REPEAT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: lifeonrepeat.podcast Facebook: https://www.lifeonrepeatpodcast.com/ (https://www.lifeonrepeatpodcast.com/) Podcast Website: https://w...

In this rewind episode, I sit down with three incredible voices from the Reimagining Dementia Coalition: Wally Cox, Robin Gerten, and Pia Kontos. Together, we talk about the power of music, art, and community in shifting the narrative around dementia — from stigma and tragedy to joy, creativity, and connection. You’ll hear the story behind the global song project “Let’s Reimagine” and why it’s mor...

What if one of the most powerful tools for connection, communication, and care was something you already had access to — music? In this inspiring episode, Laura is joined by Grace Meadows, music therapist and Campaign Director for Music for Dementia, a UK-based initiative dedicated to making music an integral part of dementia care. Grace shares why music isn’t just a nicety — it’s a necessity — an...

Caregivers hear “self-care” all the time—but what if the more helpful word is resourcing? In this conversation, Laura and Stacy Scheel-Hirsch unpack resourcing as a practical, trauma-informed approach to building capacity (not burnout). You’ll learn simple, doable mindfulness practices, how to spot internal and external resources, and ways to navigate fatigue, isolation, boundaries, and the emotio...

I hope you will enjoy this podcast episode as I talk about the sense of isolation that so many caregivers experience and how to minimize it. I feel so strongly about supporting caregivers that are extremely overwhelmed (all of you!) and are putting others before themselves. Caregivers need every bit of encouragement and support they can get. In this episode, we explore five helpful ways caregivers...

I am so excited to bring you this very special rewind episode featuring a guest I felt I knew long before we ever spoke. Larry Griner’s life took a 180-degree turn when he moved from California to Baltimore to care for his mother, Norma. What began as a temporary leave of absence became a multi-year journey of discovery. In this episode, Larry shares how he found a "different" version of his mom t...

In this inspiring rewind conversation, Laura welcomes Kari Rogenski, LMFT, Director of The Hummingbird Project, and her colleague Susan Martelino. They discuss Kari's groundbreaking program dedicated to bringing joy, meaning, and connection back to the lives of older adults living with dementia. They share why an individualized, strength-based approach is essential for quality of life, how they us...

In this heartfelt and important conversation, Laura welcomes Marianne Shuko, a registered nurse, author, and co-founder and manager of AlzAuthors—a global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and other dementias from their personal experiences. They tackle the powerful reality that one of the most profound ways to navigate caregiving is through sharing and receiving personal stories. Mar...

In this soulful episode, Laura Vaillancourt dives deep into the heart of the female caregiving experience. While the role of a caregiver is often taken on by the women in our families and communities, the weight of "doing it all" can lead to a profound sense of isolation—not just from others, but from oneself. Laura offers a compassionate reframing of the caregiving journey, moving away from unrea...

Welcome to a powerful episode focused on how to manage the relentless chaos of dementia caregiving. Laura welcomes her dear friend and fellow therapist, Tracy Kenela, a certified hypnotherapist and host of the Calming the Chaos podcast. Tracy and Laura dive deep into the mind-body connection, exploring how caregivers can use simple, preventative mental tools—like visualization and mindfulness—to l...

Join me in this exploration of resistance to care, challenging behaviors and getting curious about what is being communicated for those with dementia. We look at who is being challenged and how to approach challenging situations as well as how to assess for low vs high safety behaviors.

In this essential and deeply encouraging conversation, Laura welcomes Amy Cameron O’Rourke (MPH, CMC), a licensed care manager with 40 years of experience and the author of The Fragile Years: Proven Strategies for Handling the Transitions of Aging. Together, they define aging as a predictable life stage—the Fragile Years—and reveal how recognizing this shift can immediately reduce a caregiver's st...

In this powerful and soulful rewind episode, Laura welcomes Dr. Daniel C. Potts, an esteemed neurologist, dementia specialist, and the Founder/President of the Cognitive Dynamics Foundation. They explore a fundamental question: How do we find, honor, and build a relationship with the person still there, even as dementia changes everything? Dr. Potts shares the deeply personal story of his father,...

In this soulful and eye-opening episode, Laura welcomes Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MFT, ATR , a leading expert in the intersection of neurosciences, art therapy, and dementia care. Together, they explore how creativity offers a powerful bridge to connection—transcending traditional communication to reach the "person" who remains despite a diagnosis. Angel shares practical ways for families to use art t...

In today’s episode, Laura sits down with Megan Carnarius—an RN, licensed massage therapist, and nursing home administrator who has spent over three decades revolutionizing the way we care for those with memory impairment. Together, they dive into the "human spirit underneath the disease," exploring how caregivers can shift from a mindset of endless loss to one of soulful connection. This conversat...

Join Laura as she interviews Teresa Quadres, LCSW about hospice, palliative care and the important decisions that caregivers are faced with. She has wonderful tips and thoughtful and very helpful considerations for everyone. You can check out more about her work and her Living with Intention class and the ARC model here: www.teresaquadres.com Also check out this wonderful Advanced Directive for de...

Join us as we explore the types of dementia, some very interesting information about how the brain works and impact on dementia impacts parts of the brain and a great discussion about therapeutic fibbing with those that have dementia. This is a fantastic interview you will not want to miss!

Join us as we learn a little about what a Geriatric Psychologist is, how they might help and when to add one to your team! We talk about the Get in the Lifeboat Summit and an amazing Facebook Support group.

Join Laura Vaillancourt as she explores considerations when moving your loved one from one setting to another. She educates about Relocation Stress Syndrome, how much to share with your loved one, how to make the transition go as smooth as possible as well as how to support the family during this time. Laura's website: www.eldercarecounselor.com Podcast website: www.lifeonrepeatpodcast.com