The Whole Care Network

David Bredbenner, author of "Going Home: A Journey with Dementia," shares his profound experience caring for his mother through her journey with dementia. Before dementia, Betty Jane was a dynamo - a retired nurse turned successful artist who ran marathons well into her late 70s. The decline began subtly after a fall, but it was the passing of David's sister Terry that marked the stark transition...

When Caregiving Finds You: Navigating Alzheimer’s & Family Care Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver 00:00 | 58:15 More Info Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver When Caregiving Finds You: Navigating Alzheimer’s & Family Care Apr 01, 2025 Episode 124 Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill "You have to be ready to roll with it." - Alfredo Botello Stepping into the role of caregiver isn’t...

In this podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Amy Bridger from Farmstead, an organization dedicated to honoring those who have passed away in a truly unique and heartfelt way. Farmstead offers a special service that allows families to commemorate their loved ones in a serene and picturesque setting—a beautiful farm where ashes can be laid to rest in a manner that truly reflects the essence...

Is Parkinson’s Disease Linked to Gut Health? In this episode of CareLab, Dr. Lawrence Schiller dives into the fascinating connection between gut health and Parkinson’s disease. Key takeaways from this episode: ✅ How the gut microbiome may play a role in Parkinson’s ✅ Common digestive issues faced by Parkinson’s patients ✅ The importance of diet and swallowing mindfulness ✅ The need for strong...

To Screen or Not To Screen" delves into the complex and deeply personal dilemma of early Alzheimer's disease screening. Imagine a test that could reveal your brain's future, decades before symptoms appear. Would you take it? This episode confronts the anxieties and potential benefits of such knowledge, particularly for those with a family history of dementia. Doctors Andy Lazarus and Alan Rot join...

In this episode, we interview Alex Hall, a healthcare professional who shares valuable insights on the challenges women face during perimenopause—a transitional phase in life that often coincides with the responsibility of caring for aging parents. Alex highlights the importance of self-care, not just as a way to manage stress but as a powerful tool for self-discovery and renewed confidence. He of...

Dr. Jocelyn Jiao and Social Worker Mike Polisso of the Stanford Healthcare Palliative Team know the value of getting to know patients and families from the start of the care relationship. As part of an interdisciplinary team providing neuropalliative care for people and families living with serious neurological illnesses, they’re supporting patients and caregivers and training other healthcare wor...

In this milestone 200th episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, I’m thrilled to share something extra special with you—I’m introducing two amazing people who mean the world to me: my sisters! You may already be familiar with my older sister, Susie Morrell, who was our mom’s primary caregiver for many years and has been featured on two previous episodes. However, this is the first time you’...

With courage and vulnerability, Sheralin Samuels shares her experience as a caregiver for her mom, and their journey through Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few highlights from this episode, created in partnership with Stanford Health Care: Sheralin’s mom Carlys began showing symptoms in 2012, and a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t found until about 10 years later. Ca...

Defining a foundational thought: awareness. Hey, Try This! is an emotional and mental wellness podcast published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These 2 -5 minute offerings are brought by kindred spirits, folks just like the rest of us who want peace, hope, and rest through self improvement and personal growth. Familiar Wilsons Media produces content to bring people together. We are curious,...

My guest today is Dr Mary Frances O’Connor, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, Director of Clinical Training and a grief researcher. Dr O’Connor shared such great insights the first time she was on the podcast, I’m so glad she’s back to discuss her new book The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing. Today we discuss the p...

Do you want to experience the healing power of family relationships and find hope and peace amidst the challenges of caregiving? In this episode we discuss a solution. Our special guest is Susan Landeis, author of "In Search of Rainbows: A Daughter’s Story of Loss, Hope and Redemption." Susan is an inspiring voice in the Alzheimer's and dementia caregiving community. Her memoir delves into her jou...

Hey, Try This! is an emotional and mental wellness podcast published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These 2 -5 minute offerings are brought by kindred spirits, folks just like the rest of us who want peace, hope, and rest through self improvement and personal growth. Familiar Wilsons Media produces content to bring people together. We are curious, hopeful, and try not to take ourselves too s...

In this episode of Love Conquers Alz, Don and I sit down with Kristina Hayes, the inspiring founder of Waltz Through Life. Kristina shares her journey of using dance, movement, and creativity to support individuals and families navigating the challenges of aging, dementia, and caregiving. Through her unique approach, she brings joy, connection, and healing to those who need it most. We explore the...

Is Parkinson’s Disease Linked to Gut Health? In this episode of CareLab, Dr. Lawrence Schiller dives into the fascinating connection between gut health and Parkinson’s disease. Key takeaways from this episode: ✅ How the gut microbiome may play a role in Parkinson’s ✅ Common digestive issues faced by Parkinson’s patients ✅ The importance of diet and swallowing mindfulness ✅ The need for strong...

"I suffered from caregiver fatigue." - Maureen Elias Maureen shares her journey from a structured military career to the unpredictable world of caregiving. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the impact of military life on family dynamics, and the importance of advocacy and community support. Through personal stories of resil...

What is the relation between self awareness and being aware of others? Hey, Try This! is an emotional and mental wellness podcast published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These 2 -5 minute offerings are brought by kindred spirits, folks just like the rest of us who want peace, hope, and rest through self improvement and personal growth. Familiar Wilsons Media produces content to bring people...

When you’re grieving, the last thing you need to be doing is planning a service. Pre-planning allows you to make only two decisions when death occurs: what day and what time the service will be held. Everything else can be arranged in advance, giving you the space to honor your loved one while processing your grief. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and we recently spoke with Greg Cannon, who ha...

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the beauty and symbolism of the arrival of spring. As the season changes, we witness the rebirth of flowers, the lush green transformation of fields, and the return of migratory birds that had flown south during the winter months. Winter often keeps people indoors, not only physically but also emotionally, as the cold and shorter days encourage a perio...

Grief can leave you feeling lost and broken, wondering if you'll ever feel whole again. The journey to healing after loss can feel overwhelming, but finding peace is possible. This episode explores practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the complex emotions of grief, rediscover hope, and ultimately find peace. We discuss the importance of self-care, the power of remembrance, and ho...

A reflection on how to free ourselves from a chaotic mind. Hey, Try This! is an emotional and mental wellness podcast published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These 2 -5 minute offerings are brought by kindred spirits, folks just like the rest of us who want peace, hope, and rest through self improvement and personal growth. Familiar Wilsons Media produces content to bring people together. W...

Did you know that untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, social isolation, and even impact your overall well-being? In this episode of CareLab, Dr. Hope Lanter, audiologist and founder of Dr. Hope for Hearing, dives into the critical importance of early intervention, hearing protection, and the power of hearing aids in improving quality of life.

In this episode, we explore how we tend to write everything down—our to-do lists, things we've learned, important points, and even our thoughts. But one thing we often overlook is keeping track of what happens in the lives of others. Being a caregiver can be a lonely journey, and having a list of what others are going through can serve as a powerful tool. It allows us to ask thoughtful questions,...

This episode is the first in a 4-part special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, sponsorsored by Kensington Senior Living. Grant Smith, M.D. and Emily Linderman, BCC from the Palliative Care team at Stanford Health Care are sharing all the basics of palliative care - when to start it, who can benefit from it, and what a PC team does for patients and caregivers.   Here are a few highli...

Susan Bottega is a nurse by practice who became a caregiver when her husband was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia) over 12 years ago. Since then, Susan has adjusted her life to caring for Bob, researching CLL and treatment options, and helping other CLL family caregivers through her virtual support group. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Susan and I talk abou...