Sandwich Years - Squeezed and Blessed

If you're caring for aging parents while supporting children, work, pets, and your own well-being, this episode is for you. In this heartfelt episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed & Blessed, we down with Liz as she shares her deeply personal caregiving journey through Alzheimer's, dementia, divorce, parenting, grief, and learning to prioritize self-care. Together, we discuss the emotion...

In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed & Blessed, Chantel sits down with Deanna to discuss one of the most challenging aspects of caregiving: advocating for aging loved ones within the healthcare system. Drawing from her personal experience, Deanna shares practical advice for navigating hospital stays, discharge planning, dementia care, legal preparedness, and caregiver wellness. From sp...

In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed & Blessed, we sit down with Amanda Camacho, owner of Refreshing Waters Psychotherapy and Sandwich Years Supportive Brand, to discuss the emotional realities of caregiving, grief, and burnout within the sandwich generation. We discuss: - Understanding palliative care and holistic family support - Anticipatory grief and coping with loss before it happ...

What does love, caregiving, and family look like in the Sandwich Years? In this episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Mark and Sue Larray to discuss navigating life while caring for aging parents, raising children, and building a relationship in the middle of it all. From finding love later in life to blending a family of nine children, this conversation is filled with real-life insight, hon...

In this episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Miguel to discuss the realities of balancing both the “top bun” (aging parents) and the “bottom bun” (children) — and everything in between. In this conversation, we discuss:-Supporting aging parents with dignity, independence, and care-Using technology and planning to manage long-term health needs-Sharing caregiving responsibilities with family-...

What does it really mean to live in the Sandwich Years — caring for aging loved ones while supporting your children, your career, and yourself? (Sandwich Generation)In this episode, Karen, a small business owner, shares her deeply personal journey of caring for her aging in-laws while raising her family — and now experiencing the joy of grandchildren. Her story offers powerful insights into naviga...

Are you navigating care for a loved one and wondering what support options are available? In this episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Dane from Stay Home Forever Podcast to explore the evolving world of home care in Ontario — from technology and personal support workers to government services and private care options. If you’re caring for aging parents while managing your own life, this co...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence and trauma. In this emotional episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Councillor Nancy, a wife, mother, and community leader who shares her deeply personal story of navigating the past while caring for family in the present. Nancy reflects on growing up around domestic violence and the emotional sc...

Financial planning in the Sandwich Years doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Ellen from RBC Wealth Management to talk about how to better manage your finances while balancing caregiving, dependents, and your own future. If you’re supporting aging loved ones, planning for your children, and trying to stay on track financially...

In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Susie, a psychologist, author, magazine publisher, and single mother navigating the complex reality of caring for both generations at once. Susie shares her story of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship after experiencing abuse and recognizing how difficult it can be for women to find support within traditi...

In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we meet Roxanne — navigating profound change: the loss of a child, the death of a father, separation and divorce, co-parenting, while move across provinces — as well as caring for others in her professional life. Roxanne shares openly about grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to rebuild self love. We talk about: Coping with layered...

In this heartfelt episode of the Sandwich Years Podcast, we sit down with Marcia — a mom, wife, Grammy, and daughter — to talk about kindness love, loss, and finding joy after grief. After losing her father, one of the kindest people in her life, Marcia shares how she learned to navigate grief, support others through loss, and practice kindness toward herself. She opens up about creating a special...

In this heartfelt episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Rosanna — a mom, grandmother of five, wife, sister, daughter, and end-of-life doula — to share a deeply personal story of love, loss, and learning. Rosanna reflects on caring for her father until his passing, and how that experience shaped the way she now supports her mother, who moved in with her family. Through balancing caregiving, f...

In this Sandwich Years episode, Divia shares her journey of navigating life between generations — downsizing with parents, supporting young adults leaving home, and redefining family traditions. We explore the emotions of purging a family home, reconnecting with a partner with kids off to school, making space for self-care, and managing grief while supporting an aging loved one. A warm, honest con...

Moving during the Sandwich Years is rarely just about boxes — it’s about emotions, timing, and life transitions. In this episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Nicole from One Source Moving, a supportive brand that helps individuals and families navigate every stage of moving with care and compassion. From packing up a long-time family home, downsizing, and right-sizing into retirement living...

Meet Chris who opens up about supporting his parents in their 80s while guiding young adults — sharing the real emotions, the tough decisions, and the touching moments that shapes his Sandwich Years. From transitioning parents home, exploring retirement options, and recognizing early signs of dementia, to finding his own moments of joy. Thanks Chris for sharing your journey of learning, adapting,...

We are here talking with Dane Clarke, President & COO  of Stay Home Forever, about the importance of caregiving support and the power of connection. Dane shares valuable insights on: Selecting and working with a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Building trust and comfort through understanding your loved one’s personal story Recognizing the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving Embraci...

Meet Zehra, who shares her moving experience of caring for her parents while raising her own children. As a single mom, she faced the challenge of loving her parents from a distance — traveling home to see them, recognizing her moms illness, bringing her father to Canada, and balancing the guilt and gratitude that come with being stretched between generations. Through it all, Zehra discovered new...

In this episode, we meet Kristina , a Canadian immigrant from Jamaica, a daughter, wife, and mother navigating the complex reality of caring for aging parents while raising her own family from afar. Kristina shares what it’s like to parent parents long-distance — balancing medical concerns, national crises, and the emotional weight of being physically away. A natural disaster back home forced her...

We’re here with Ellen Seyers from RBC Wealth Management, who shares valuable financial insights for those navigating the Sandwich Years. It’s never too late to take control of your finances — and knowing where your money is, matters.  Whether it’s your RRSP, RESP, TFSA, or RRIF, understanding your investments and documenting your plans can make all the difference in building peace of mind for you...

Meet Courtney — a father of four, son, husband, and papa — balancing the many demands of life, family, and self-care while living the reality of being squeezed and blessed. In this episode, he shares his journey of caregiving, parenting, and personal growth — the challenges, the lessons, and the choices made to do what’s best for his family. With honesty and encouragement, Courtney reminds us that...

Meet Shelley — a mom of three, daughter, and partner who is juggling the demands of life, work, family, and self-care while truly living the reality of being squeezed and blessed. In this episode, Shelley opens up about the challenges and lessons she’s learned along the way, offering honest advice and encouragement for others in the Sandwich Years. Her journey reminds us that while you can’t be ev...

Caring starts early for many of us — and for Olu, it began at just 8 years old. In this powerful episode, meet Olu: a mom, sister, daughter, and entrepreneur navigating the complexities of caregiving while managing everyday life. From her mother’s mobility challenges and dementia-related memory loss to the emotional toll of in-home care and the difficulty of adapting her home, Olu speaks candidly...

“I’m All the Things...” In this episode, we meet Maxine — a mom, wife, sister, daughter, and devoted dog mom — who truly embodies what it means to be squeezed and blessed. Maxine opens up about her deeply personal journey of caring for her mother through dementia, navigating the challenges of in-home care, hospital stays, and ultimately the difficult decision of long-term placement. With honesty a...

Welcome to the Sandwich Years, where we open up the honest, messy, and meaningful conversations so many of us are quietly living through. In this episode, we explore what it feels like when life shifts suddenly — when aging parents need more care, work demands continue, and family responsibilities don’t pause. From processing grief and managing burnout, to finding small ways to care for yourself i...