Happy Healthy Caregiver

J Smiles has been a caregiver to her mom living with Alzheimer’s and NPH for over 13 years—an unexpected journey that began after her father’s sudden passing. Once a globe-trotting consultant who could barely keep a plant alive, J found herself overwhelmed and facing serious health issues just 18 months into caregiving. A wake-up call from her doctor led her to explore self-care through stand-up comedy. In this episode, J shares how comedy became her lifeline, helping her cope, advocate for caregivers, and bring joy to others walking a similar path. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod210 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Patty Webster is no stranger to caregiving—she helped care for her mom at the end of her life and now supports her sister, who’s the primary caregiver for their dad. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Patty shares how her personal experience fuels her passion for The Conversation Project, a movement helping families talk openly about end-of-life wishes. We chat about why these conversations matter, how to start them, and how they can bring families closer. It's real, relatable, and something every caregiver should hear. We also talk about how to not be a ‘swooper’ as a remote support caregiver, why it’s important to infuse fun in caregiving visits, and why grace is essential for all members of the care team. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod209 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Meet Scott Lien, a working family caregiver and member of the sandwich generation, who navigated the loss of four parents and in-laws over twelve years. His caregiving journey, combined with his extensive tech background, inspired him to co-found GrandPad, a user-friendly platform designed to keep seniors connected and engaged. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Scott and I dive into practical ways families and society can combat senior isolation and loneliness. We also explore the unexpected benefits—such as reducing elder fraud and financial scams—and how fostering meaningful connections can help us all live without regrets. Plus, Scott shares wisdom from the “super seniors” he works with and reveals his secrets to ensuring joy in every day. And…stay tuned for how you can take advantage of an exclusive GrandPad offer for the HHC Community!

Imagine stepping into a marriage knowing you're immediately going to become a full-time caregiver. That was Hope Cross's reality when her husband, Steve, was diagnosed with ALS while they were dating. For nine years, she cared for him up until his passing, and it was a journey filled with love, challenges, and deep emotions. Hope has openly shared the raw and unfiltered sides of caregiving, offering a rare glimpse into the realities many face, but sometimes don't discuss. In this episode, Hope shares how she navigated life after loss, rediscovering herself and ultimately launching a therapy practice focusing on family caregiving, trauma, PTSD, grief and anxiety. We also explore the powerful role of art, nature, friendships, writing, and even our own noses in the healing process. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod207 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Art Bowker cares for his mother who is living with Alzheimer’s while juggling multiple careers, including one as a cybercrime expert. Art has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections and co-authored a book to help us protect vulnerable adults from cybercrimes and provides guidance on surviving a cyberattack. In this episode we chat about cybercrime (like pig butchering), what we can do to help prevent a financial catastrophe, hoarding, legal guardianship, and Art’s passion for cigars and bourbon. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod206 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Jess Ronne shares her powerful caregiving journey, from supporting her late husband through brain cancer to raising her son, Lucas, who lives with profound disabilities—alongside seven other children. Jess is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, podcast host, documentary producer, and passionate caregiver advocate. She opens up about the stark contrast in support she received during different caregiving seasons and how anger fueled her resilience as a young widow with four children. Jess also shares the incredible story of how a perfect stranger connected her with her now-husband, Ryan, despite living in different states. Now in another season of major transition, Jess and her family have created a group home where Lucas is thriving. With newfound space in her life, Jess is focused on healing from years of trauma, being present, and intentionally choosing which responsibilities to embrace or surrender. This episode is packed with valuable caregiver resources, inspiration, and hope.  Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod205 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In May we pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. This caregiver spotlight episode echoes all of these sentiments. Meet Paurvi Bhatt, a dedicated family caregiver, care advocate, and second-generation Indian American with deep personal and professional caregiving experience. Raised in a family of caregivers, Paurvi spent nearly 30 years balancing her career as a ‘working daughter’ while managing caregiving responsibilities. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we explore critical gaps in the U.S. care economy, particularly for first- and second-generation immigrants, including challenges with language, care plans, and services. We also discuss the concept of “shadow resumes” and how the skills we develop as family caregivers not only support our loved ones but also enhance our professional lives. Paurvi shares how she built a strong care team as an only adult child, the resources that helped her navigate caregiving, and the impactful work being done by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. Plus, we get a glimpse into what she would do if she had unlimited time for herself! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod204 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Meet Jim Cooper who has been married for 40+ years and cared for his wife who had brain cancer. Jim is a man of many talents and experiences. He has been a radio DJ, real estate broker, IT consultant, author, podcaster, and currently is a voice over professional who narrates audiobooks. In this episode, Jim and I discuss the value of staying connected to friends, family, health professionals, and other caregivers. We talk about his self-care strategies and passions that helped him during his intense caregiving years and now as a human who lives without regret. You’ll also want to stay tuned to learn about the special giveaway Jim is offering to some of our listeners. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod203 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we’re joined by Carrie Severson—caregiver to her husband Gavin and a recognized expert in burnout. Carrie shares how her personal caregiving journey inspired her advocacy work, storytelling, and her podcast, I Saved You. Now, Do the Dishes. We dive into the difference between caregiver burnout and the entrepreneurial burnout Carrie previously experienced and spoke about. She also recounts a shocking experience with a disruptive healthcare professional and how she successfully had them removed from her care team. Plus, Carrie reveals some of her go-to self-care practices, including cold therapy, box breathing, and using music as a powerful healing tool. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod202 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Dr. Tina Sadarangani is a sandwich generation caregiver and a NYU Assistant Professor who is a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. Even though she is a clinician and has a PhD focused on aging, she still finds navigating our healthcare system difficult as the quarterback of the family’s care team. In this episode, we talk about what Dr. Tina would do to improve our healthcare system for family caregivers, her mobile app that helps families better manage a person’s day to day health needs, what grief relief feels like, why boundaries are game changers for her, and how she got lucky in life. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod201 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW