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The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast offers a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver through storytelling, guest interviews, and information sharing. JJ & Natalie are a dynamic duo of sisters supporting their mom living with Parkinson's and a husband who survived cancer. Along with their guests, they discuss their shared experiences in caregiving. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be caregivers and gain the courage to confidently step out of the shadows to express their own needs. You are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care. So grab your favorite guilty pleasure, and let's get to confessing!
188 Episodes
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"Life is really short and it changes." - Kyle Daquanna JJ and Natalie sit down with Kyle Daquanna, a male caregiver, as he shares his powerful journey of balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities after his father’s stroke. Kyle opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, the impact of family dynamics, and the difficult medical decisions caregivers face. The discussion highlights the importance of advocacy in navigating insurance systems, preparing for f...
"I forgot how to care for myself." - Tara Ross In this powerful episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts Natalie and JJ welcome guest, Tara Ross to dive deep into the raw realities of caregiving—especially within military families. Tara opens up about her journey from falling in love with John, a dedicated Navy submariner, to facing the life-altering challenges of his traumatic brain injury. This emotional conversation unpacks the hidden struggles of caregivers, from burnout and...
"He needed us more than we needed him." - Nick Gaylord This is a powerful one! Hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Nick Gaylord to explore the raw realities of caregiving, grief, and complex family dynamics. Nick opens up about the emotional toll of caring for his father, the struggles of managing a difficult relationship, and the conflicting emotions of loss, relief, and anger after his passing. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on: ✅ The challenges of caregiving for a parent with whom ...
"I was feeling angry, I was feeling resentful." - Kate Washington JJ and Natalie sit down with author Kate Washington to uncover the emotional, financial, and mental health challenges of caregiving. Kate shares her personal journey of caring for both her mother and husband, revealing the unseen struggles caregivers face, from healthcare system hurdles to burnout and grief. Kate and the sisters, JJ and Natalie reflect on their own caregiving experiences, highlighting family dynamics, systemic ...
"Look for the glimmers in caregiving." - Mark Wilson Hosts JJ and Natalie sit down with Mark Wilson, a former corporate executive who left his successful career to become a full-time caregiver after his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 🔹 Mark’s Caregiving Journey – The emotional transition from executive to caregiver 🔹 Building a Support System – How to create a strong caregiving team 🔹 Lessons in Love & Connection – The power of family support and resilience 🔹 Solo Caregiver Advice ...
"Dementia gave us that gift of closeness." - Katrina Prescott In this compelling episode of The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast, hosts JJ and Natalie dive into the world of caregiving with special guest Katrina Prescott, a media producer turned caregiving advocate. 🌟 Katrina opens up about her unexpected journey into caregiving, starting at a young age, and shares invaluable lessons on overcoming the emotional, mental, and systemic challenges caregivers face. From navigating the...
"It's OK not to know everything." - Tracee Loran In this heartfelt episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts JJ, Natalie, and Tracee Loran dive into the unexpected twists and turns of caregiving. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of stepping into the caregiver role for her grandmother after a serious fall, shedding light on: 💡 Family dynamics & cultural expectations 💡 Balancing independence & caregiving responsibilities 💡 The emotional toll & career impact of car...
"I finally found my purpose." - Adrienne Marioles 🎙️ Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver brings you another raw and relatable episode as hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Adrienne Marioles, a millennial caregiver with a story that’s equal parts inspiring and real. Adrienne opens up about her leap from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the emotional rollercoaster of caring for her mom, who’s battling Parkinson’s disease. Expect heartfelt confessions, a few laughs, and some seriously ...
"Let's not sugarcoat it; it's hard." - Dr. Jacob Kendall In this episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, JJ and Natalie chat with Dr. Jacob Kendall, who opens up about his life-changing experience as a caregiver after his father’s health crisis. It’s a conversation filled with heartfelt stories, relatable struggles, and powerful insights into the rollercoaster of caregiving. Jacob shares what it’s really like to juggle the emotional and practical challenges of stepping into a caregiv...
"You can bring back the color and the light." - Kelci Jager Kelci Jagger shares her powerful and emotional story of overcoming tragic loss and grief through the support of her community and finding power in living in the light. Her incredible journey chronicles a series of tragic events including a dangerous accident with her two sons and her husband’s heart-breaking leukemia diagnosis. Losing a loved one can be one of the most painful experiences we go through in life, and it's often hard to...
In this holiday episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we bring humor, honesty, and reflection to our caregiving journey over the last year. Join us as we look back on the highs and lows of caregiving, with no topic off-limits! Natalie discusses the launch of our new Care Forward initiative, which connects individuals in need with local resources, while JJ shares a heartwarming moment baking brownies with our mom—a reminder of both progress and challenges. We also dive into deeper, ...
Christina Key's life brimmed with success and vitality. But fate had different plans in store for her. An unexpected phone call shattered her idyllic existence, thrusting her into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. As her mother's health hung in the balance, Christina's role transformed from a thriving tech professional to a devoted caregiver. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would test her resilience, challenge her spirit, and uncover depths of strength s...
Charisma Sydnor's path crossed with Cole's at a rehab center following his teenage spinal cord injury; their professional rapport blossomed into romance and they wed in 2020. Taking over from his mother, Charisma adapted to the comprehensive caregiver role, focusing on fostering independence for Cole while ensuring their connection thrives beyond her caregiving responsibilities. They openly celebrate their life together on social networks, challenging preconceptions about disability and relat...
This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his family. From navigating cultural differences in caregiving between India and England to balancing his academic and social life, Aditya's experiences offer a rare and valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a young carer. Aditya demonstrates ...
Marty Schreiber has dedicated his life to advocating for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. As the former governor of Wisconsin and author of the acclaimed memoir "My Two Elaine's", Marty draws from his own deeply personal experience as a caregiver for his wife of 61 years, Elaine. For eight years, Marty cared for Elaine in their home as her Alzheimer's progressed, but he now admits he was unprepared for the physical and emotional toll it would take. Marty candidly shares his struggle...
Kendall Cloeter's passion for affordable housing and community revitalization shines through in her work with the Renovation Alliance. As a self-described "social worker by trade," Kendall brings a deep understanding of the challenges low-income homeowners face in the Roanoke Valley and a commitment to making a difference. Under Kendall's leadership, the Renovation Alliance has grown from a small group of 50 volunteers rebuilding just five homes 25 years ago to an organization that now aims t...
Thom Deleuw's story reflects dedication and a father's love. After a 34-year career in law enforcement, Thom found his true purpose when his son, Jack, had a serious motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Thom became Jack's full-time caregiver, viewing it as a "willing obligation" that highlights their strong bond. Thom's journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He prepared for the “new role” by taking online courses and utilizing the VA caregiver supp...
This week’s educational episode showcases the incredible work of Semper Fi and America's Fund, an organization that has been providing vital support to service members, veterans, and their families for over 20 years. At the heart of this organization is Sondria Saylor, the Executive Vice President, whose personal connection to the military community runs deep. Sondria's connection to the military began in 1984 when she became an active-duty spouse. In 2003, she saw the challenges faced by wou...
Crystal Lane's story is one of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to supporting her husband, JP, a retired Army Specialist who lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Despite their challenges, Crystal and JP's journey is a testament to the power of love and determination. At just 22 years old, Crystal met JP at a gym in San Antonio, where he was recovering from his injuries. Drawn to his courage and faith, Crystal quickly realized JP was the one for her, and wit...
Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Rosalynn Carter Institute promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers at every stage of their journey. As Mandy Barr, a caregiver coach and engagement specialist at the Institute, eloquently explained, the organization is dedicated to supporting caregivers from all backgrounds—whether they are military, veteran, or civilian families. One of the standout aspects of the Rosalynn Carter Institute's approach is its focu...
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