Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

What if the hardest moments in our lives were also the ones that woke us up the most? What if loss, caregiving, and midlife unraveling weren't just things to endure but were actually invitations to live more fully? Today, we're having one of those conversations—the kind that's raw, real, and full of heart. My guest is Katie Prentiss, an actress, filmmaker, and storyteller who found herself at a cr...

What happens when caregiving and advocacy collide? When a personal journey turns into a movement? If you've ever found yourself navigating the complex world of caregiving—especially as a younger caregiver or a person of color—today's conversation is for you. Caregiving is often unseen, unrecognized, and undervalued, yet it is the invisible backbone of our communities. And for so many, the experien...

As the year comes to a close, I want to pause and say thank you . Your support, listens, shares, and heartfelt messages mean everything to me. Together, we've created a space that celebrates caregivers, older adults, and those making a difference in aging services. I'm so excited to share that in the new year, we'll be welcoming a new sponsor who believes in and supports our mission! For those tha...

What's stopping me—or someone I love—from building strength, and how might our lives change if we took that first step? Today's episode is for anyone who wants to better understand the role that strength, movement, and mindset play in the aging process. As we grow older, we naturally lose muscle, and that quiet decline can impact not only our independence but our overall quality of life. The good...

How can hospice care help us navigate life's hardest goodbyes? My guest, Helen Bauer, has spent over 15 years as a hospice nurse, working alongside families and patients during life's most profound transitions. She's the voice behind The Heart of Hospice  podcast, a platform where she breaks down the complexities of hospice care and grief with compassion and clarity. Beyond her podcast, Helen is t...

What makes a nursing home one of the best? One in five U.S. nursing homes rated as "Best." The 2025 evaluation features ratings of nearly 15,000 U.S. nursing homes. Behind those rankings that guide countless families in making life-changing decisions, there's a blend of rigorous analysis, dedication, and a commitment to quality care. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on that process and diving...

"Are we old yet?"   Today's guest, Garry Cole, invites us to reframe that question—not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to embrace the journey of aging with optimism, curiosity, and humor. Aging is inevitable, but the way we approach it is entirely up to us. What if growing older wasn't something to dread but a chance to discover, reflect, and prepare for what's ahead? Garry is not a sc...

Andrea Hughes story is a powerful reminder of how much caregivers give and how little they often keep for themselves. As a caregiver for her mom living with Alzheimer's, she's made it her mission to shift the narrative—to show that caring for others doesn't have to come at the expense of our own well-being. Her approach blends personal experiences, sharing vulnerability so others know they are not...

For many, a diagnosis can bring loss. What if, instead of focusing on what's lost, we saw the vibrant creativity and art that continue to flourish, revealing the fullness of life that still lives within? Today, we're joined by Marilyn Raichle, Author of "Don't Walk Away: A Care Partner's Journey" and Executive Director of Maude's Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer's Care, whose personal journey wi...

What are the ripple effects of caregiving that touch every corner of our lives, not just for those directly involved but for everyone around them? In today's episode, we talk about the layers of caregiving's impact—a journey of empathy, strength, and resilience that changes the caregivers, the cared-for, and everyone who supports them. Joining us is Todd "TJ" Keitz, the founder of My Care Friends,...

How does empathy and accountability intersect to shape a better future for older adults, families and senior living? Rebecca Adelman, is redefining leadership within healthcare and senior living through her "Work-Life Being" philosophy and focus on "Unique Abilities." Rebecca's approach promotes a transformative cultural shift where empathy and empowerment become the cornerstones of care and profe...

How do we cherish the present while preparing for the inevitable? How do we navigate a grief that doesn't come with closure? These are some of the tough questions we're talking about today. Joining us is Dr. Theresa B. Skaar, or as many know her, Dr. T. With her PhD in social psychology, expertise in Mind-Body Medicine, and certification in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Dr. T is deeply commi...

How do caregivers find the strength to continue day after day, navigating the complexities of dementia? It's a journey that demands resilience, patience, and an often-overlooked capacity to find joy in the simplest moments. Our guest, Angela Lunde, M.A., has dedicated over 20 years to understanding the experiences of those living with dementia and their care partners. Her insights into the emotion...

How do rural caregivers navigate caregiving challenges with limited resources and support? For many caregivers in these settings, the isolation can be overwhelming. Today, we're talking about the unique challenges faced by rural dementia caregivers—individuals who often carry the weight of caregiving with little outside help. Research is beginning to shine a light on their needs, and new solutions...

What does it take to advocate effectively for ourselves and our loved ones as we navigate the complexities of aging and healthcare? My guest is Cheryl Field, a seasoned professional with over three decades in nursing, specializing in rehabilitation and post-acute care. Cheryl's journey is in healthcare with a focus on quality, compliance, and patient advocacy. With roles ranging from clinical dire...

How can we truly support those who are balancing careers, caring for aging parents, and raising children? Today's guest is on the frontlines of these challenges and has dedicated her career to finding innovative solutions. Dr. Tina Sadarangani, an Assistant Professor at NYU, is not only a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner but also a tech innovator and an NIH-funded scientist....

How often do we contemplate the ripple effect of taking our medications as prescribed, particularly for the senior community? In today's episode, we're talking all about medication adherence, a cornerstone of effective healthcare, especially for our senior population. My guest today is Dr. Sarah Almilli, an Advanced Clinical Pharmacist, Founder and CEO of ELAK Health Inc. Dr. Almilli's journey fro...

After her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2020, Jennifer Hendrickson was inspired to make a difference. She joined the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota - North Dakota Chapter as the Director of the Walk to End Alzheimer's - Twin Cities. Her work ensures that vital resources and support are accessible to those who need them most. In our conversation today, we'll discuss the upcoming...

What does it mean to have a lifelong friend? Imagine knowing someone for over 75 years—growing up together, sharing triumphs and heartaches, and watching each other's lives unfold in ways you could never have predicted. Today, we explore the enduring friendship of two remarkable individuals who did just that. I'm honored to introduce Herb Cohen, a true master of negotiation, whose sharp wit and pr...

We will be taking our annual summer break, and as we temporarily say goodbye, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who listen and support our podcast. We couldn't do this without you! We continue making an impact and fulfilling our mission of supporting older adults, family caregivers and the care economy! Out of three million podcasts, we are thrilled to announce that we curre...

In a world where we often feel disconnected and overwhelmed, the quest for deeper meaning and spiritual awakening becomes ever more urgent. Today, my guest is Catherine Duncan, a board-certified chaplain, certified spiritual director, an expert in positive neuroplasticity, and a leading integrative spiritual consultant. She is also an author, holistic healer, inspirational speaker, and resilience...

How do the spaces we inhabit and the art we encounter shape our emotions and thoughts, especially as we age? Today, we look at a world where architecture meets art and lifelong learning, a space where curiosity fuels our every day, no matter our age or stage in life. We're joined by Lauren Henkin, the founder and CEO of The Humane Space , an innovative platform that's redefining how we engage with...

What does it take to create a global movement that champions the well-being of our aging population? Joining us today is Jérôme Pigniez, founder and president of On-Medio and SilverEco.org , the premier portal for the Silver Economy sector. With decades of experience in demographic transition and technologies for autonomy, Jérôme has become a leading voice in aging well. His work spans speaking at...

Elder abuse is a topic that's not talked about enough, yet it's a reality for many, cutting across various cultures and families. It's a subject that demands our attention, compassion, and understanding. Today, we're honored to have Dr. Rose Joudi with us, an expert in the field of psychology, with a specialized focus on aging and ethnic diversity. With over 15 years of expertise, Dr. Joudi serves...

How can a few key strategies transform your daily interactions with a loved one living with dementia into meaningful and positive experiences? Today, my guest is Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist who has dedicated over 13 years to this field. Her journey is not just professional but deeply personal, driven by her own experiences and the countless caregivers she's supported alo...