Who Gets the China?

What to do with those trophies in your mom's closet?   In this personal essay episode of Who Gets the China?, Kirsten wrestles with a dusty box of old trophies and ribbons—items that feel too meaningful to toss yet too awkward to keep—while sharing memories of childhood summers sailing Blue Jay boats on Long Island Sound with friends, where participation mattered far more than winning.   She refle...

Here’s something I should probably disclose upfront: Colleen Attoma-Mathews is one of my dearest friends. She is also a therapist.  So what happened when I sat her down in front of a microphone to talk about navigating hard conversations with aging parents? She gave me therapy. On tape. For all to hear and learn from.  And honestly? I needed every minute of it. Grab a coffee or your dog leash and...

Overwhelmed by bins, books and boxes of photos? Maybe your mom has piles of negatives from the 50's and 60's? Maybe you have bins of doubles from the 80's and 90's?  There are solutions!   In this fun AND useful episode, Kirsten is joined by photo organization expert Miss Freddy, who has helped thousands of families preserve their memories. We cover: Tackling your physical archive - create 3 piles...

When is it time to call in reinforcements? This week Kirsten sits down with Julie Butscher, LCSW who specializes in senior mental health to talk about one of the most underused tools in the family caregiver’s toolkit: therapy for older adults.  From recognizing the signs that a parent is struggling, to navigating the “bootstrap generation’s” resistance to help, to understanding how telehealth has...

Kirsten sits down with caregiver, entrepreneur, and writer, Adrian Chung, to explore the various cultural differences in caring for aging parents, Adrian’s experience of caregiving and organizing from across an ocean, the importance of community, and Adrian’s new organizational tool inspired by his caregiving journey.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Adrian’s Substack “Caregiving, Practicall...

Musician, performer and expert in how music benefits those living with dementia, Anthony Cirillo joins us for a conversation about the cognitive benefits of music. You'll learn how music lights up different parts of the brain, triggers memory and connection and even relives caregivers stress. Anthony fell into a mission for bringing music to seniors when he started performing in senior communities...

Kay Adams, LCSW is a speaker, coach, educator, and author. In addition, Kay is a Certified Dementia Consultant and Trainer, and the founder of Compassion Works, LLC which provides individualized dementia coaching, workshops, and educational offerings to families, professional care partners and organizations on a variety of topics related to dementia. Resources mentioned in this episode: Kay M Adam...

Our guest this week has, by blood and by marriage, contributed to the end-of-life care for seven aging adults. Today, she joins Kirsten to delve into the lessons, dynamics, and hard facts of the aging process, the meaning of the term “caretaker”, and how to use your unique set of skills to support your aging parents, your family, and yourself. Follow Who Gets the China? on https://www.whogetsthech...

Jamie Sarche, director of funeral planning at Feldman Mortuary, is no stranger to boldly addressing complex topics. In her TEDx talk, she encourages us all to face death with a strong sense of reality. “Talk to your family about why you want to be in the world with them and what it’s going to feel like when you’re not in the world with them.” This week, Jamie joins Kirsten to delve into the taboo...

Finance for women often looks different than it does for men. Women often live longer and yet often earn less over their lifetimes. Knowing what’s under the “financial hood” helps you feel confident that you (or your mom) will have security as long as you live. Kirsten sits down with Cheri Turner, certified financial planner professional and financial advisor, to discuss the ins, outs, and easily...

How often do you visit your local public library? The answer is, probably not often enough! Kirsten is joined this week by two representatives from her local public library: Adult Services and Lifelong Learning Manager, Amy DelPo, and Branch Supervisor, Robin Filipczak. Together, the group taps into the free resources available to the elderly members of our communities and their caretakers and the...

Happy New Year from Who Gets the China! We're kicking off the year with an in depth discussion with founder and head coach of Living Goldenwell, Kathleen Korpela. Kirsten and Kathleen explore Kathleen's caretaker community and jump into Kathleen's advice on establishing boundaries with yourself and being a prepared, educated voice in your parent's care. To learn more about Kathleen and Living Gold...

Happy Holidays from Who Gets the China! On this special bonus episode, Kirsten reflects on the importance of holiday traditions and how to maintain traditions with flexibility.   Who Gets the China will be back in the new year!   Follow Who Gets the China? on https://www.whogetsthechina.substack.com     If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation...

To close out our season, we're revisiting one of our favorite essays of the year. Kirsten walks us through the value of snail mail and what a collection of greeting cards can grow to mean to you and your family. Follow Who Gets the China? on https://www.whogetsthechina.substack.com      If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forge...

Kirsten reflects on the first year of Who Gets the China and what a curious nature evokes in day to day life. How do we stay curious as we care for our aging parents? How do we stay curious as we age ourselves? Perhaps, we should do our best to engage with the business of life. Follow Who Gets the China? on https://www.whogetsthechina.substack.com     If you enjoyed this episode, please share it w...

Could you imagine quitting your job, selling your house, and moving your family into your childhood home to care for your aging parents? Hear how one caregiver has spent the last eleven years prioritizing her parents care. Kirsten checks in with her old friend, Kathy Merzena, about her caregiving experience. They discuss what it's like to care for two wheel chair bound parents, making the decision...

This week, Kirsten reflects on another of her family heirlooms: her mother's mink coat. Once a status symbol of a bygone culture, now an item fraught with emotional complexity, the mink finds its way back into Kirsten's heart as exactly what it was meant to be: a coat! Follow Who Gets the China? on https://www.whogetsthechina.substack.com   If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone...

When you’re estranged or out of contact with an aging parent, caregiving and grief take on a very different shape. Kirsten hosts a candid conversation with Jacqueline Hargest to share her experience with estrangement from her parents. Jacqueline openly shares how she’s navigated loss, self-compassion, and the unique challenges that come with distance—both emotional and physical. They explore topic...

In this archival essay, Kirsten reflects on another set of mementos from childhood–her collection of glass animals. Once a precious collection shared with her mother, now another collection in storage. What’s the best course of action for an old trend, significantly reduced in monetary value, but not in personal value? To read the original essay, check out the substack post: https://open.substack....

Kirsten sits down with occupational therapist and driving rehabilitation specialist, Denise Kaplan, for an insightful conversation about driving as we age—when to start talking about giving up the keys, how to assess driving abilities, and ways to safely extend time on the road. Together, they explore the emotional and practical sides of this major life transition, offering guidance for families n...

This week, Kirsten takes a look back at our favorite moments and pieces of advice from our expert interviews. Don't forget to check out the full versions of each interview wherever you get your podcasts for more insights and expert advice on navigating life with aging parents. Follow Who Gets the China? on www.whogetsthechina.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone w...

Do you provide care for aging parents? Then you may have felt what I felt after a recent visit to help them out. I'm calling this phenomenon the "Caregiving Vortex." Maybe you have also felt a little crazy for feeling burnt out, tired and overwhelmed after a phase of caregiving for your aging parents.  Listen this week as I share and explore my experience emerging from what I think of as the "Care...

This week, Kirsten talks with physical therapist Kristin Zeid about how physical therapy supports older adults in staying mobile, recovering from injuries, and aging well. They explore the physical and social benefits of therapy, how families can stay attentive to their parents’ health, and the importance of working with providers who truly understand the needs of older adults. Follow Who Gets the...

Leaving this world—and the belongings we accumulate—is inevitable, and those we love are left to navigate the memories, the closets, and the goodbyes. In this heartfelt episode, Jennifer David and Kirsten share both tears and laughter as we reflect on a loved one’s passing and the small steps that can make the process a little easier. They explore the practical and sentimental challenges of lettin...

This week, we are joined by Danielle Schulz, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility at the Denver Art Museum, to explore how art can make the aging process a more enjoyable experience. Danielle and Kirsten discuss the benefits of creative aging--a fun way to create new neural pathways, promote healthy aging, and combat social isolation. Get useful and specific tips on how you an...