The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Send Cathy a text:) Ever feel like you're juggling multiple roles and struggling to keep up? In this episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing a corporate job, running a business, and caregiving for loved ones. By tracking my week, I discovered the immense demands placed on caregivers—akin to working four full-time jobs. Drawing from my experiences in the...

Send Cathy a text:) How do you maintain your own well-being while caring for others? Join me as we uncover the importance of self-compassion for caregivers, even while I navigate my own journey through the Omicron COVID virus. You'll hear a heartfelt message from a listener grappling with anger and resentment in caregiving, and together, we'll learn how self-compassion can pave the way t...

Send Cathy a text:) What happens when your personal battle with COVID-19 intersects with the demanding role of caregiving? Join me as I share the raw and emotional journey of navigating my husband's recent struggle with the Omicron variant, layered with my own harrowing experience of severe COVID-19 in 2021. From feelings of anger and resentment to moments of guilt and fear, this episode unpa...

Send Cathy a text:) What if you could turn those tough caregiving days around with just a few simple strategies? This episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast promises to equip you with the tools you need to combat lack of motivation and uplift your spirit. I share my own journey and coaching insights, coupled with heartwarming messages from listeners in Massachusetts and Minnesota who reveal their gr...

Send Cathy a text:) Could a change in your self-talk transform your caregiving journey? Today's episode promises to uncover the secrets behind the power of language and its profound impact on caregivers. Join us as we celebrate the incredible connections we've built through the Caregiver Cup podcast, featuring heartfelt listener messages and invaluable resources. Language shapes our real...

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we dive deep into the reasons why caregivers often feel stuck and explore how to break free from the spiral of making excuses, blaming, shaming, and settling. Caregiving is filled with challenges and cultural expectations that can cloud your view, mindset, and overall joy. Join me as I share personal stories and practical strategies...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover the emotional complexities of caregiving with renowned clinical psychologist and emotional intelligence expert, Dr. JJ Kelly, on our latest episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast. Dr. Kelly, who transitioned from traditional psychotherapy to founding Unorthodox Incorporated, shares invaluable insights from her bestselling "Holy Shit" book series. We'll exp...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever wondered how a single quote could change your perspective on life? Discover how the timeless wisdom of Bishop Francis de Sales' words "Bloom where you are planted" could be your guiding light, especially for those navigating the challenges of caregiving. I’ll share personal stories and practical insights on how to cultivate a positive mindset in any situatio...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover how simple, local activities can create joy and lasting memories during the caregiving season, even when grand summer adventures feel out of reach. From intimate picnics and garden strolls to cozy movie nights at home, this episode shares heartfelt personal experiences that prove happiness and connection don't require elaborate plans. You'll also learn about...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever feel like you’re constantly juggling the demands of caregiving without a moment to breathe? In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we dive into the essential topic of "Making Space as a Caregiver." Discover why taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury but a necessity. Through powerful stories like Emma’s journey from exhaustion to renewal and JoAnn’s t...

Send Cathy a text:) Are you feeling overwhelmed and isolated because you think you should handle everything alone. In this episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, we unpack the sneaky nature of caregiver false confidence. I'll share my personal journey through the pitfalls of overestimating my abilities and the cultural pressures that led to my stress and burnout. Together, we’ll explore reflec...

Send Cathy a text:) Join us for an inspiring conversation with Danae Robinett, a seasoned yoga teacher and retreat leader, who generously shares her journey as a caregiver daughter. With 19 years of experience as a yoga teacher and 12 years as a retreat leader, Danae brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to her caregiving role. Danae's caregiving journey began with her mother's battle wi...

Send Cathy a text:) Well, hello my friend and welcome to the Caregiver Cup podcast! In this special episode, I'm taking a break from our usual structured format to have a cozy coffee chat with you. Picture this: it's Monday morning, and I'm still in my leopard print pajamas, sipping on my favorite black coffee. Last week was a rollercoaster of emotions and stress for me, from the re...

Send Cathy a text:) Join me on a personal season of transformation in "From Dread to Determination," where I explore the intricate landscape of caregiving. In this episode, I delve into the raw realities of facing daunting medical appointments, navigating complex emotions, and overcoming ruminating thoughts. I  share my personal experiences and insights as I grapples with the weight of c...

Send Cathy a text:) Feeling the weight of caregiving responsibilities? Struggling to find the motivation to face another challenging day? You're not alone. Join me in this episode as we explore practical strategies to reignite your motivation and reclaim your spark even on the toughest caregiving days. In this episode, we dive deep into the common hurdles caregivers face, from emotional exhau...

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode , we delve into the transformative concept of repotting and its profound relevance to the caregiving journey. Just as plants require repotting to facilitate growth and thrive, caregivers too must adapt, evolve, and create space for positive change.  Join us as we explore five key aspects of repotting, from adapting to changing circumstances to cultivating resili...

Send Cathy a text:) It's time to dive into today's episode, and boy, do we have a juicy topic to explore! Picture this: You, yes YOU, uncovering your very own recipe for caregiver joy and kicking those negative thoughts to the curb. Doesn't that sound like music to your ears? Join us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery, where we'll unravel the secrets to conquering t...

Send Cathy a text:) When Laureen Wysocki stepped into the role of a caregiver for her husband, Kevin, with young-onset dementia, she embarked on a path that would test her strength and resilience. Our heartfelt conversation with this courageous opera singer and dedicated caregiver shines a light on the complexity and beauty of caring for a loved one. Laureen's narrative, intertwined with her...

Send Cathy a text:) As a fellow traveler on the caregiving journey, I know the daily grind can sometimes leave us feeling like mealtime is just another mountain to climb. That's why I'm bringing you tried-and-true meal planning strategies to lift the burden off your shoulders.  We'll tackle everything from the art of crafting a weekly meal plan that syncs with the unpredictable rhyt...

Send Cathy a text:) Years of rushing to catch flights and balancing a career with raising children taught me a crucial lesson: adversity breeds resilience. Today, I'm inviting you on a heartfelt exploration of how a well-stocked caregiver toolkit can turn the daunting into the doable. Reflecting on the anxiety that once gripped me before every work trip, I share the transformative 'three...

Send Cathy a text:) Join us for an insightful discussion on "Dealing with Narcissism: Insights and Coping Strategies for Caregivers." In this episode, we delve into the challenging realm of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its impact on caregivers. Host Cathy bravely shares her personal journey of recognizing and navigating her mother's NPD, shedding light on the complexi...

Send Cathy a text:) Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, worrying about a loved one you care for, instead of sleeping? You're not alone; an overwhelming majority of caregivers experience sleep disturbances, a topic we're addressing head-on in today's heart-to-heart on The Caregiver Cup Podcast. With sleep being as fundamental to health as diet and exercise, w...

Send Cathy a text:) When dental discomfort knocked at my door, it brought with it a landslide of challenges and revelations about the caregiver journey I never expected to face. The ache became a stern teacher, imparting lessons on resilience, self-advocacy, and the art of managing crises with a clear head. Through my own narrative of navigating a toothache, I peel back the layers on what it means...

Send Cathy a text:) When I stumbled upon my late father's journals, a 40-year legacy of his thoughts and experiences, it was like finding a hidden doorway to the past and a spark for my future. His perseverance through the blank pages inspired me, Cathy, to embark on my own journaling journey, which I'm thrilled to share with you. As we explore the emotional rollercoaster of starting and...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover the keys to navigating the complex waters of hospitalization as we sit down with Dr. Monique Nugent, an experienced hospitalist and the author of " Prescription for Admission: A Doctor’s Guide for Navigating the Hospital, Advocating for Yourself, and Having a Better Hospitalization ." Through our enlightening conversation, you'll learn how to be an effec...