Whole Caregiver

In the season finale, hosts Erna and Megan reflect on a year of conversations with caregivers and experts, exploring grief, the power of community, workplace policies, and the many faces of caregiving. They share candid lessons learned, gratitude for their guests, and reminders about asking for and offering support as caregivers continue their journeys.

In the season finale, hosts Erna and Megan reflect on a year of conversations with caregivers and experts, exploring grief, the power of community, workplace policies, and the many faces of caregiving. They share candid lessons learned, gratitude for their guests, and reminders about asking for and offering support as caregivers continue their journeys.

Hosts Erna and Megan interview Hannah Setzer—author, advocate, adaptive fitness coach, and parent—about living authentically with disability, caregiving, and creating community. Hannah shares stories of resilience, parenting children, and how she turned a dream for an inclusive playground into new local initiatives. The episode highlights practical advice on building supportive communities (both o...

Erna and Megan speak with clinical hypnotherapist and end-of-life doula Sarah Rubens about her sudden caregiving journey, the emotional and physical challenges of caring for loved ones, and how community, spirituality, and therapeutic tools like hypnosis supported her healing. They explore grief as embodied energy, practical ways to build support, and guidance for navigating life after caregiving—...

Erna and Megan speak with clinical hypnotherapist and end-of-life doula Sarah Rubens about her sudden caregiving journey, the emotional and physical challenges of caring for loved ones, and how community, spirituality, and therapeutic tools like hypnosis supported her healing. They explore grief as embodied energy, practical ways to build support, and guidance for navigating life after caregiving—...

This episode explores the social and personal dimensions of caregiving, highlighting its undervaluation, gendered expectations, and the need for supportive policies. Hosts Erna and Megan share personal stories, societal observations, and call for greater recognition and support for caregivers across all experiences.  Caregiving Documentary Information: https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/ Megan di...

This episode explores the social and personal dimensions of caregiving, highlighting its undervaluation, gendered expectations, and the need for supportive policies. Hosts Erna and Megan share personal stories, societal observations, and call for greater recognition and support for caregivers across all experiences.  Caregiving Documentary Information: https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/ Megan di...

Hosts Erna and Megan interview Hannah Setzer—author, advocate, adaptive fitness coach, and parent—about living authentically with disability, caregiving, and creating community. Hannah shares stories of resilience, parenting children, and how she turned a dream for an inclusive playground into new local initiatives. The episode highlights practical advice on building supportive communities (both o...

In this episode, hosts Erna and Megan sit down with Jacquelyn Revere to hear her family caregiving story: moving home to care for her mother and grandmother with dementia, the shock of sudden responsibilities, and the emotional complexity of caregiving as a young adult. They discuss sharing her experience publicly, building The Care Den community, the importance of honesty, softness, and mental he...

Alma Valencia shares her 10-year journey caring for her mother with frontotemporal dementia, explaining how caregiving roles evolve from a helper to a full-time protector. She discusses balancing family responsibilities, stepping away from her career, building community through her Instagram accounts, and finding small moments of joy amid challenges. Alma emphasizes the need for understanding and...

In this conversation, Erna and Megan discuss the challenges faced by caregivers in 2026, emphasizing the need for community support, the importance of respite, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. They explore the necessity of self-care for caregivers and the importance of taking action to support one another. The discussion highlights the need for collective values in caregiving and the importance of...

In this episode of the Whole Caregiver podcast, hosts Erna and Megan engage in a heartfelt conversation with Jillian Arnold, author of 'Soaring Together.' They explore Jillian's journey as a caregiver, the emotional complexities of caring for children with disabilities, and the importance of inclusion and understanding differences. The discussion delves into the balance between caregiving and pers...

In this heartfelt holiday message, Megan and Erna express their gratitude to their listeners and reflect on the themes of love, service, and community. They share personal insights about the importance of connection during the holiday season, especially for those who may be grieving. The conversation emphasizes the value of friendship and support, and they look forward to engaging with their audie...

Hosts Erna and Megan welcome Jillian Arnold, who shares her family’s journey after both of her children were diagnosed with ASMD, a rare and progressive genetic condition. Jillian Arnold is the proud mom of two children, Roman and Stella, who both live with ASMD, a rare and terminal genetic condition. She’s the host of Confessions of a Rare Disease Mama, a podcast where she shares honest conversat...

Hosts Erna and Megan interview Tracy Dunbar, founder of HR Redefined, about navigating caregiving in the workplace.   Tracy is a dedicated leader who strongly believes in the power of Human Resources and Talent Management to drive social justice and equity in our workplaces. With a deep commitment to creating fair and inclusive environments, Tracy strives to demonstrate what true equity and inclus...

Erna and Megan talk with Lisa Valentine Clark about caring for her late husband, Dr. Christopher Clark, who was diagnosed with ALS. Lisa emphasizes the need to share experiences and the legacy of love that caregiving can create, even in the face of adversity. The conversation serves as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the connections formed through shared experiences. She offe...

In this episode hosts Erna and Megan reflect on Erna’s origin story as a caregiver, exploring grief, the temptation to idealize loved ones, and the move toward honest remembrance.  They explore the balance between honoring loved ones and acknowledging their complexities. They discuss connecting with other caregivers, building a supportive platform, and advocating for compassion within workplaces....

Hosts Erna and Megan reflect on two years of The Whole Caregiver Podcast, revisiting their origin stories and how caregiving roles have changed over time. They discuss transitions—preparing children for independence, supporting aging parents, and the messy, non‑linear reality of caregiving. The episode highlights learning to accept uncertainty, approach conflict constructively, advocate for loved...

In this episode, Erna and Megan share valuable insights from their caregiving journeys, discussing themes of self-worth, the importance of preparation, and the dynamics of healthy relationships. They emphasize the significance of deep self-care as a holistic approach to living. They discuss mindfulness, the peaks and valleys of caregiving, and the importance of community and mutual support as keys...

Hosts Erna and Meg open season three discussing how caregivers can live with uncertainty: accepting what is out of our control, setting boundaries, and trusting ourselves and others. They share practical strategies—turning off notifications, pacing information, extending grace, and learning from mistakes—to reduce anxiety and stay present. The episode emphasizes community and forgiveness within th...

In this final episode of Season 2, Erna and Megan revisit the podcast's original intent to create a supportive community for family caregivers, while sharing personal highlights, factual information, and lessons learned. The hosts recount favorite episodes, including interviews and discussions addressing the often-overlooked challenges in caregiving, such as financial struggles and medical gasligh...

Join hosts Erna and her guests Rachel and Xue as they explore the application of Mel Robbins' book, 'The Let Them Theory', in the context of caregiving. In this episode, they discuss the constant state of stress caregivers experience and how understanding and managing stress can impact caregiving. The conversation delves into the personal journeys of the hosts, sharing revelations and challenges f...

In this engaging episode, hosts Megan and Erna, along with their guests Xue Peng and Rachel Cohen, delve into the transformative ideas presented in Mel Robbins' book, The Let Them Theory. The discussion explores personal insights, mindset shifts, and the balance between caregiving and self-care, emphasizing the importance of letting go. They navigate the controversy surrounding the book, crediting...

Welcome to this episode of The Whole Caregiver, where hosts Erna and Meg delve into the complex and often challenging world of medical gaslighting. In this candid discussion, Erna shares her personal experiences with medical gaslighting, shedding light on how assumptions and bias can impact patient care. Megan adds her own encounters from the perspective of a family caregiver, offering insights in...

In this fascinating episode, hosts Erna Alfred-Liousas and Megan Thomas Hebdon delve deep into the world of medical gaslighting. They explore its definitions, origins, and the continuum of medical gaslighting, including medical invalidation, and discuss how it manifests in modern healthcare settings. The conversation highlights the challenges both patients and healthcare providers face, emphasizin...