The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Send Cathy a text:) In this episode, I share what to do when it feels like nothing is working in your caregiver life because these times are tough when you are the primary caregiver and feel alone and like you're the only one dealing with hard times.  I share my approach that helps me and my clients navigate the tough times and come out stronger on the other side.   I share my step-by-step pr...

Send Cathy a text:) Celebrate with us as we uncork the bubbly for the 200th episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, a journey that's transformed from the humble beginnings of the Caregiver Wife to a haven for all sorts of caregiving champions. We're tackling the role of 'CEO' of our caregiving situations, armed with strategies for juggling the complexities of care without losing...

Send Cathy a text:) When life handed Tracy Donaldson the unexpected role of a dual caregiver, it carved a path of profound transformation, from corporate VP to the intimate realities of supporting both her mother and spouse through their personal health battles. This episode takes you through her candid journey, sharing the complexities of caregiving intertwined with the process of self-reinventio...

Send Cathy a text:) When my husband Denis faced his stem cell transplant, I found myself in a debilitating zone of fear.   This podcast peels back the curtain on the raw, transformative journey of caregiving, and I open up about the emotional quest from fear to empowerment. If you've ever found yourself floundering in the depths of the fear zone or cautiously stepping into the growth zone, jo...

Send Cathy a text:) As a caregiver, the rain of responsibilities can be relentless, but I've learned that the right umbrella can keep you dry and standing strong. It took me revisiting the trials of managing my mother's care after her lung cancer treatments to truly understand the weight and worth of setting healthy boundaries. This episode is a heart-to-heart on why erecting these prote...

Send Cathy a text:) Six years ago, a moment of utter vulnerability amidst the chaos of caregiving led me to a breakthrough in self-care and managing stress. In this episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, I invite you to journey with me as we explore the power of morning routines, not just as a list of tasks, but as a transformative practice for those of us dedicated to the care of our loved ones. T...

Send Cathy a text:) Facing the silent battle that every caregiver endures, I had to confront the truth about stress and burnout, something my father knew all too well. It's a tale not just of struggle but of transformation, and I'm here to guide you through the turbulent yet hopeful journey of caregiving. My own story of job dissatisfaction and the demanding role of caring for another wi...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover the art of self-care and launch into a transformative New Year with us. As the confetti settles, we bring you a heartfelt conversation on how to make self-care not just a resolution, but a revolution in your daily life. Celebrating the New Year has taken on a new meaning for us; it's quieter, filled with intention, and a testament to our commitment to nurturing bo...

Send Cathy a text:) Discover the resilience that lies within you as we journey together through a reflection practice. Get my free downloadable reflection practice guide , where we'll navigate a personal reflection practice of 2023 that goes beyond mere introspection, empowering you to embrace the gratitude and joy each year brings. Ready to celebrate your wins and set the stage for an even m...

Send Cathy a text:) Imagine, one moment you're navigating the ordinary challenges of life and the next, you're thrust into the role of a caregiver grappling with crisis after crisis. This was my reality when I had to put my personal life on hold to care for a loved one. Join me as I share this intimate journey, shedding light on the immediate stress and challenges caregivers face when a...

Send Cathy a text:) Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the emotional and physical upheaval of midlife, especially while juggling the demands of caregiving? Join us as we navigate this challenging terrain with Karen Viesta, a certified health and lifestyle coach and the inspiring voice behind the Wellegant Woman podcast. Karen brings her own enlightening journey of midlife reinvention to the table,...

Send Cathy a text:) As the paths of our lives intersect with those of our loved ones, we all too often find ourselves in the role of a caregiver. Through my personal experiences with my parents and husband, I witnessed the hidden burdens that come with caregiving - the sacrifices, the people-pleasing, the neglect of personal needs. This emotional rollercoaster of a journey, while filled with hards...

Send Cathy a text:) Navigating the holiday season as a caregiver? Expand your toolkit with our personal stories and practical advice to create new holiday memories and traditions that bring joy and simplicity. As a caregiver myself, I've encountered many of the challenges and emotions that often arise during this time of year. I've learned valuable lessons along the way - from acknowledg...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever feel like you're drowning under the weight of caregiving? We're about to throw you a lifeline. We dedicate this empowering episode to untangling the complex web of caregiving and how to properly assert yourself in this role. We elevate the discussion around setting boundaries and the crucial role of saying “no”, both for your loved one's care and, importantl...

Send Cathy a text:) Imagine waking up each day with a heart filled with gratitude, even amid life's toughest moments. That's the powerful journey I embarked on back in October 2017, and it has not only helped me manage stress but also find joy in the role of caregiving. Throughout this episode, I share the transformative power of gratitude, from being grateful for small blessings to the...

Send Cathy a text:) Did you ever imagine you'd be in this place, as a caregiver? Neither did I. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, let's shine a light on the amazing work of over 50 million family caregivers across the country. Whether you're in the US or anywhere else, you deserve a virtual hug for all the extraordinary care you provide. 🤗 Picture a box arriving at...

Send Cathy a text:) Have you ever felt drained and powerless after a conversation or interaction, wondering if you're being haunted by energy vampires? Or perhaps you've been the culprit of your own energy depletion? Well, you're in for a treat. We're going on a spook-tacular journey through the realm of energy vampires - those ghoulish challenges that suck the life force right...

Send Cathy a text:) Get ready to journey into the haunted realm of fear, as we explore not just Halloween traditions, but also the deeper, more personal fears that can creep up on us, especially as caregivers. Prepare yourselves for a chilling tale from my childhood, where a homemade witch costume won me second place in a costume contest! This Halloween, let's swap ghost stories, share our fe...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever found yourself juggling the chaos of life, work, and caregiving - all while struggling with guilt and stress? This week on Caregiver Cup, we unravel my personal journey during a tumultuous week in 2017, navigating Thanksgiving, work, my husband and father's chemotherapy treatments, and my own birthday. We delve into how accepting the present moment, despite the chaos,...

Send Cathy a text:) What if there was a space where caregivers could come together, share their stories, and gain support? A place where they could learn to replenish their cups after pouring so much into caring for others? Welcome to the third anniversary celebration of the Caregiver Cup podcast! Over these incredible years, we've not just built a podcast, but a community of caregivers who&a...

Send Cathy a text:) Do you feel like worry and anxiety are your constant companions as a caregiver? It's time for a change, and this episode is your golden ticket to making that change happen! As we mark the three-year anniversary of the Caregiver Cup Podcast, we implore you to join us in a candid discussion about worry - the worry habit, the core beliefs and most importantly, how to manage i...

Send Cathy a text:) Ever felt like you're endlessly running on a treadmill, caught in the caregiving cycle that leaves no room for you? I've been there too, juggling the demands of caregiving, feeling physically and emotionally sapped but persisting because...well, who else would? In this heartfelt conversation, we'll navigate the often uncharted territory of self-care for caregiver...

Send Cathy a text:) Are you ready to turn adversity into triumph? My guest today, Debbie Weiss, has done just that. A seasoned life strategist, author, entrepreneur, podcast host, and family caregiver, Debbie has turned her life's challenges into a journey of resilience and hope. Her powerful memoir, "On Second Thought, Maybe I Can...", serves as an inspiration to chase our dreams,...

Send Cathy a text:) I've always believed that caregiving is more than just a responsibility; it's a calling. An event as simple as my niece's bridal shower reminded me how important it is to embrace our authentic selves and find joy in every moment. This episode is all about that - the personal decision of caregiving, and the transition from corporate life to helping caregivers thro...

Send Cathy a text:) Can't believe it's been six years since my caregiving journey began? I'll never forget that life-altering call I received from my parents, disclosing my dad's stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Things became more overwhelming when my spouse too was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. As we journey through this episode, we'll be reminis...