The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing some personal updates on Denis’ treatment journey—including the challenges, frustrations, and lessons learned along the way. From navigating the maze of health insurance approvals to advocating for timely care, I’m diving into the reality of what it takes to ensure our loved ones get the treatment they need. If you’ve ev...

Send Cathy a text:) In this deeply personal episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast , I share a heartfelt announcement about pausing the podcast and my services to focus on what matters most—caring for my beloved spouse, Denis, as he battles aggressive cancer. Inspired by Hoda Kotb’s Where We Belong , I reflect on the challenges and emotional journey of caregiving, the importance of self-care, and se...

Send Cathy a text:) We’ve all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But what if the lemons never stop falling? In this episode, we tackle the relentless challenges of caregiving—constant medical appointments, emotional strain, and the physical toll of caregiving. Drawing from personal stories and insights, we’ll share how to build resilience and find small moments of joy,...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever felt like a cluttered closet could throw off your entire day? I certainly have, and in this episode, I share my journey from chaos to clarity by tackling the messes in my life—starting with that very closet. We explore how disorganization can stir up stress and guilt, especially for those of us juggling caregiving, work, and household responsibilities. By sharing personal...

Send Cathy a text:) Understanding the importance of self-reflection is crucial for caregivers navigating their responsibilities. In this episode, we discuss six essential questions that can help caregivers prioritize self-care, manage stress, and create effective contingency plans while fostering gratitude. • The necessity of prioritizing self-care for overall well-being • Being realistic about wh...

Send Cathy a text:) This episode focuses on the reflections and resolutions caregivers can embrace as they transition into the New Year. The host shares personal experiences, practical strategies, and the importance of self-care to cultivate energy and resilience moving into 2025.  • Reflecting on personal experiences during the New Year as a caregiver  • Creating new traditions and finding conten...

Send Cathy a text:) Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, the caregivers were stirring, with duties to rouse. Join me, Cathy, on this heartwarming Christmas Eve edition of the Caregiver Cup Podcast as we celebrate the unsung heroes who give their all every day. Through a heartfelt twist on the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas," I pay tribute to your spirit,...

Send Cathy a text:) The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for caregivers, it can also bring added stress, exhaustion, and feelings of isolation. In this heartwarming episode, we unveil "Festive Self-Care for Caregivers: 12 Tips to Thrive This Holiday Season." Designed specifically for those who tirelessly support their loved ones, this episode offers practical, festive...

Send Cathy a text:) Navigating the stormy seas of caregiving during chemotherapy can be daunting, especially when unexpected crises arise. Picture this: a routine chemotherapy session quickly spirals into an emergency room visit due to alarming symptoms like a rapid heart rate, fever, and severe headache. This episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast takes you through our whirlwind experience, sheddin...

Send Cathy a text:) How are you feeling this holiday season, caregiver? The holidays can be especially challenging when you’re balancing caregiving duties with festive expectations. In this heartfelt episode, I share my personal journey through eight holiday seasons as a caregiver, highlighting the top five emotions many of us experience: overwhelm, isolation, guilt, grief, and fear. Discover prac...

Send Cathy a text:) What does it truly mean to be a caregiver? Join us in this heartfelt episode as we explore the courageous journey of Danielle, who shares her personal story of leaving her daycare and culinary career to care for her ailing mother. Danielle opens up about the emotional toll and resilience required to navigate the challenges of managing her mother's stage three ovarian cance...

Send Cathy a text:) Hello, my friend! Caregiving can feel overwhelming, and finding ways to reflect, release, and recharge is essential to showing up as your best self. In this episode, we’re diving into a practice that has been my personal lifesaver since my caregiving journey began—journaling. But before you think, “I don’t have time for that,” let me assure you: journaling doesn’t have to be a...

Send Cathy a text:) Exploring Cathie’s Journey, Experiences, and Effective Self-Care Techniques In this episode, Cathie Gregory shares her heartfelt journey as a caregiver, offering invaluable experiences and self-care strategies that have helped her maintain her well-being while caring for her loved one. Tune in to discover practical tips and inspiring insights that can empower you on your own ca...

Send Cathy a text:) Waiting room fatigue is a struggle many caregivers face but rarely discuss. Imagine sitting in a hospital waiting room for hours, filled with anxiety and anticipation, as your loved one undergoes medical procedures. This episode unpacks how these long waits can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion for caregivers, like me, waiting for Denis during his needle biopsy and chem...

Send Cathy a text:) What happens when a devoted caregiver and mother of four decides to pursue a midlife career change into acting? Join us for an engaging conversation with Katie Prentiss, who shares her personal story of caring for her mother with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) while raising her family. Katie opens up about the emotional and practical challenges she faced, the tough decisions she...

Send Cathy a text:) In this enlightening episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast , we explore the essential role of advocacy in the caregiving journey. Understanding how to effectively advocate for your loved one can transform both the quality of care they receive and your own well-being as a caregiver. Drawing inspiration from Barbara Corcoran’s heartfelt experience in episode 233, where she emphasi...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover the heartfelt journey of caregiving through the eyes of Dr. Kathryn Betts Adams, affectionately known as Katy, a distinguished gerontological social worker and author of "The Pianist's Only Daughter." As the only daughter in a family of artistic and academic brilliance, Katy shares her deeply personal experiences of supporting aging parents, intertwining...

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode, I dive deep into essential mindset strategies tailored specifically for caregivers, drawing from recent insights gained in a transformative mindset training. I explore two powerful techniques— DSD (Do Something Different) and CCC (Catch, Cancel, Correct) —that can help caregivers navigate the emotional and mental challenges of their demanding roles. Whether you...

Send Cathy a text:) What happens when one of the sharpest minds in business takes on the deeply personal role of a caregiver? Barbara Corcoran, the iconic entrepreneur from Shark Tank, joins us to share her heartfelt journey of caring for her mother, Florence, who battled Alzheimer's Agitation disease. With her characteristic humor and unflinching honesty, Barbara brings a unique perspective...

Send Cathy a text:) We’re going to get real—deep into the truth of caregiving. Depending on where you're in your caregiving journey, you may not want to hear this, or this may be exactly what you need. This is real talk, & before we start, I want to say: I get you, I love you, & I wish someone had this hard conversation with me earlier. Caregiving isn’t a solo mission . If you think y...

Send Cathy a text:) In honor of World Gratitude Day, we’re diving into a topic that has the power to transform your caregiving journey—gratitude. When you’re deep in the trenches of caregiving, it’s easy to let the hard moments take over. But what if you could shift your focus to the small wins and positive moments? In this episode, I share how gratitude became my lifeline during some of the tough...

Send Cathy a text:) Caregiving is a demanding journey, and it often feels like there’s never enough time for yourself—especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. But what if I told you that establishing a simple nighttime routine could transform how you show up, not just for your loved one, but for yourself? In this episode, I’m sharing why sleep is the ultimate self-care practice fo...

Send Cathy a text:) Can solitude be the key to transforming your caregiving experience? In this heartfelt episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, we explore the profound impact of intentional alone time on preventing burnout and enhancing your caregiving abilities. Hear Cathie's inspiring story of how regular three-day breaks have rejuvenated her spirit, and gain insights from luminaries like O...

Send Cathy a text:) Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of caregiver overwhelm? In this episode, we explore practical strategies to break free from stress and reclaim your well-being. We’ll dive into mindfulness practices, setting realistic goals, and making small but impactful changes in your daily routine. Ready to take control? Start by understanding the 3 Stages of Caregiver Stress and take the...

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast , we're diving deep into the power of starting your day with an intentional morning routine. As caregivers, we often wake up to a day full of responsibilities and challenges, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed before the day even begins. But what if you could transform your mornings—and your entire day—by incorporating a few...