In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Tara Hamberger, founder and CEO of RootedCare+, about her mission to provide 24/7, text-based support to unpaid family caregivers.

Tara shares the personal caregiving experiences that led her to launch RootedCare+, why she chose SMS over apps, and how Roo, their compassionate AI assistant, delivers emotional support, resource guidance, and even microgrants. She explains the challenges of designing AI for empathy, the importance of accessibility in tech for caregivers, and how RootedCare+’s funding model directly fuels aid for those who need it most.

Topics Explored:

• How personal caregiving challenges shaped the creation of RootedCare+
• Designing emotionally intelligent AI that can respond in real time
• Why SMS can be the most accessible tech for overstretched caregivers
• The role of microgrants in preventing burnout and sustaining care
• Building a social enterprise that reinvests in the community it serves

Links:

• Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraliana/
• Learn more about RootedCare+: https://rootedcare.plus
• Study on poverty impeding cognitive function: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1238041
• Check out the discussion with Juli Rush about grief and the death of the future: https://unfoldingthought.com/21-juli-rush-foresight-grief-and-the-courage-to-let-futures-end/

Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com