The Caregivers Podcast

Caregivers don’t need more motivation, they need more margin. In this Season 2 premiere, Dr. Mark Ropeleski addresses the "diffusion of energy" that leads to caregiver burnout. If you find yourself saying "yes" to every crisis but "no" to your own well-being, this episode is your permission to simplify. Watch the full video episode: ▶️YouTube: https://youtu.be/lzn6qzCgHag Follow us: ▶️https://link...

In this episode of The Caregivers Podcast, Dr. Mark Ropeleski sits down with John Schmid—a veteran ER nurse, former Canadian Armed Forces nursing officer, and past healthcare COO—to pull back the curtain on the "trauma-exposed" nature of healthcare. John provides an honest look at the moral injury that occurs when clinicians are unable to meet their own standards of care due to systemic constraint...

On this weeks episode, Dr. Mark Ropeleski welcomes Brent, founder of HeldLight, for a raw and unflinching conversation about the realities of long-term caregiving. Brent shares his 20-year journey caring for his wife, Trudy, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at age 34. Watch the full video episode: ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/02Sr7J9VlMg Support HeldLight:  ▶️ Everything HeldLight: h...

In this episode, Dr. Mark Ropeleski sits down with Kelsey Springer, a critical care nurse and Montana State University instructor known nationally as the "No Violence Nurse." Kelsey shares the harrowing story of a brutal ICU assault that left her requiring total jaw reconstruction and how that event transformed her from a caregiver into a patient—and eventually, a fierce advocate. They discuss the...

On this week's episode Dr. Mark welcomes Dr. Laura Katz, a clinical and health psychologist, for a discussion on the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, and the truth behind the diagnosis. Dr. Katz addresses the failure of disjointed healthcare systems to treat the "whole person" and the resulting medical trauma experienced by patients. Watch the full video episode: ▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y...

If you’ve tried self-care, therapy, and time off but still feel hollow inside, the problem might not be burnout—it might be moral injury. In this episode, Dr. Mark Ropeleski distinguishes between the exhaustion of burnout and the deep "soul wound" of moral injury, which occurs when a caregiver’s values are repeatedly violated by a broken system. Join Dr. Mark as he explores why "resilience" isn't...

In this episode, Dr. Mark speaks with the host's of the Shift Happens podcast, Darlene Jackson & Brandi Johnson of the Manitoba Nurses Union. They delve into the challenges faced by new nurses transitioning from education to practice & highlight the support needed for new graduates to thrive in a demanding healthcare environment. Watch the full video episode: ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/7...

In this episode, Dr. Mark & guest Dr. Jennifer Flemming delve into the uncomfortable yet crucial conversations surrounding alcohol-related liver disease and its impact on women and caregivers. Dr. Flemming shares insights on the biological, emotional, and societal factors contributing to this rising crisis, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for those affected. Watch the full video...

On this week's episode, host Dr. Mark Ropeleski & guest Amie Archibald Varley delve into the pressing issue of accountability within the healthcare sector, highlighting the reluctance of leaders to take responsibility for failures and the systemic issues that arise from this lack of accountability. Support our guest: ▶️ Website: www.amievarley.com 📖 Harper Collins: https://www.harpercollins.c...

In this episode, Dr. Mark Ropeleski and Dr. Anthony Sanfilippo discuss the pressing issue of the family doctor crisis in Canada, where millions lack access to primary care. They explore the disconnect between medical education and societal needs, emphasizing the importance of family doctors in providing preventative and chronic care. Support our guest: 📖The Doctors We Need: https://sutherlandhous...

Join Dr. Mark and special guest Jeanette Yates for a powerful, honest look at the caregiver's life. Jeanette shares her deep personal journey, openly discussing the burden of generational trauma and the path through burnout. This is more than a discussion on duties; it's about the emotional toll. Jeanette tackles the crippling effects of perfectionism and guilt, highlighting the urgent need for ro...

In this episode of the Caregivers podcast, host Dr. Mark Ropeleski speaks with Jess Ronne, a dedicated caregiver and advocate for families with children of special needs. Jess shares her personal journey of caregiving for her son Lucas, who has profound disabilities, and the challenges she faced, including the loss of her husband. The conversation delves into the importance of faith, community sup...

In this episode of the Caregivers podcast, Dr. Mark speaks with Dr. Todd Otten about the challenges faced by caregivers in the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of caregiver wellness, the impact of burnout and moral injury, and the need for solidarity among caregivers. Dr. Otten shares his journey in medicine, the creation of the documentary 'Suck It Up Buttercup', and the role of org...

In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Mark explores the hidden cost of caregiving: the unhealed wounds and generational traumas that quietly shape how we give, love, and sacrifice. He reveals how these inherited scripts: “you’re good when you give, selfish when you ask - can hollow us out, leaving us exhausted and disconnected. Through reflection and science-based insight, this episode offers languag...

In this episode, Dr. Mark welcomes Professor Dean Tripp of Queen’s University, a clinical consultant and leading researcher on chronic pain, stress, and resilience. Together, they unpack the concept of catastrophizing —what it is, how it develops, and why it matters for both patients and caregivers. You’ll learn: •              The key differences between acute and chronic pain. •              How...

When caregiving depletes you, what brings you back? In our premiere episode, psychotherapist Bev Blaney (“a caregiver of caregivers”) charts a humane approach to burnout: embed self‑care in the culture , notice early warning signs (disconnection, cognitive fog, a closing heart). We talk moral injury, micro‑traumas, why “workshops” aren’t enough, and how to re-frame “I can’t do this anymore” as the...