“Caregiving never ends. No, it never stops.” - Natalie and JJ

Caregiving is a journey—full of love, lessons, and let’s be honest, a few laughs along the way. In this candid conversation, we dive into the realities of caregiving: navigating skilled nursing facilities, managing emotional and financial stress, and finding strength in community. We’re also sharing what’s in store for 2025 and beyond. Too good to miss!

💡 This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that support, humor, and honest conversations make all the difference.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving is tough—but also deeply rewarding.
• Teamwork and community support are everything.
• Humor helps lighten the load.
• Advocacy matters—so do financial tools like qualified income trusts.
• Self-care isn’t optional.
• Your story matters—let’s share it.

THANK YOU to Sponsor: CareScout

#Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #AgingParents #SkilledNursing #ElderCare #FamilyCaregivers #HealthcareAdvocacy #SelfCare #QualifiedIncomeTrust #HumorHeals

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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“I was in therapy, that was a lifeline.” - Allyson Schrier

This is a powerful one! Natalie and JJ sit down with Allyson Schrier as she opens up about her deeply personal and emotional journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Allison candidly shares the early signs of FTD, the heartbreaking misdiagnosis, and the uphill battle of navigating a complex healthcare system. From the shifting family dynamics to the emotional weight of caregiving, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to care for a loved one with dementia.

🌼 Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing early behavioral changes in FTD
• Coping with misdiagnosis and delayed answers
• The emotional toll and resilience required of caregivers
• The importance of self-care and community support
• How Zinnia TV is transforming dementia care through thoughtful, therapeutic content
  
  

About Allyson:

Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. Allyson became a dementia educator teaching both family and professional caregivers about best practices around supporting people with dementia. Following that, Allyson helped launch, then managed an education program at the University of Washington to equip primary and allied healthcare providers to better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving.

Social Media:

Instagram: Al.lyson80

Instagram: zinnia_tv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avschrier/

Website: www.zinniatv.com

Allison’s story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for professionals, family members and friends alike

💡 Hit subscribe to hear more raw, real stories from the caregiving frontlines.

#CaregiverSupport #FrontotemporalDementia #FTD #DementiaAwareness #ConfessionsOfACaregiver #ZinniaTV #CaregivingJourney #PodcastForCaregivers

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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“Never say never in your journey.” - Eleni Paris

Natalie and JJ sit down with Eleni Paris, a licensed therapist and devoted mom, as she shares her deeply personal journey raising her daughter Sophia, who has cognitive and speech impairments.

Eleni opens up about navigating cultural expectations, emotional burnout, and the realities of parenting a child with developmental delays—all while juggling her professional identity. From the search for a diagnosis to managing anxiety in public spaces, she speaks candidly about grief, joy, faith, and the power of vulnerability.

If you're a caregiver, a parent of a child with special needs, or simply looking for real talk about love, resilience, and finding purpose through challenges—this one’s for you.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The emotional highs and lows of caregiving
• Cultural impacts on care in the Greek-American community
• Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival
• Faith, family, and building a support system
• Coping with the evolving needs of a child with disabilities

Eleni Paris is a licensed marriage and family therapist, proud Greek-American, and devoted mother of two daughters—one of whom is cognitively disabled and speech impaired. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Eleni holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Tech. She grew up surrounded by a vibrant “Big Fat Greek” family culture while also enjoying the rhythms of a classic American upbringing—a blend she considers a true blessing.

With over 27 years of marriage and a lifetime of caregiving experience, Eleni brings deep empathy and lived wisdom to her therapy practice. Her personal journey, particularly in raising a daughter with complex and undiagnosed needs, has shaped her approach to supporting families, couples, and fellow caregivers. Today, Eleni runs a thriving online practice, where she combines clinical expertise with heartfelt understanding to help others navigate life’s most personal challenges.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eleniparislmftllc

Website: www.eleniparislmft.com

💬 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a little hope today.

#CaregiverSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #CulturalCaregiving #ConfessionsPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingWithPurpose #EleniParis

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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"He chose to keep living." - Amy Shaw

When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you find the strength to carry on? JJ and Nat sit down with Amy Shaw to share her deeply moving story raising a large family, including children with special needs, and navigating the heartbreaking journey of her husband Brian’s terminal illness.

From the first signs of illness to the devastating diagnosis of brain cancer, Amy opens up about the raw emotions, challenges, and unwavering love that defined their final moments together. She reveals the lessons learned through caregiving, the impact on family life, and the importance of legacy, hope, and resilience.

🔹 Highlights from our Confession:
💡 The first signs of illness & the shocking brain cancer diagnosis
❤️ Navigating the emotional highs and lows of caregiving
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The impact of caregiving on family dynamics & relationships
📖 Why Amy decided to share her story in a book
🌿 The importance of faith, resilience & cherishing every moment

About Amy Shaw:

Amy Shaw didn’t expect to become an end of life concierge. But after years of living abroad, having 10 children (4 biological and 6 adopted), Amy and her husband got the news. He had a terminal illness. Rather than bemoan a diagnosis, Amy and Brian chose to celebrate his life. This is what inspired her Walk the Red program which equips the diagnosed and their caregivers with a powerful protocol to help them end well. Amy says, “we’re all on the red carpet. We all get to decide how we live and how we die.” In addition to being a John Maxwell certified speaker, Amy is a modern impressionist artist who often combines her artistic abilities with her keynotes and workshops.

Social Media:

• Website: walkthered.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-shaw-295270347/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supportforchristianspousesandcaregivers
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyshawart/

🌟 If you're a caregiver, a loved one, or someone seeking inspiration through adversity, this episode is a must-watch.

Kindly like, subscribe, and share to support more real, unfiltered conversations on the caregiving journey.

#Caregiving #EndOfLife #FamilyResilience #ConfessionsOfACaregiver

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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"You have to be ready to roll with it." - Alfredo Botello

Stepping into the role of caregiver isn’t always a choice, it’s a journey filled with love, loss, and unexpected lessons. J.J. and Natalie welcome novelist and screenwriter, Alfredo Botello to open up about caring for his mother after his stepfather’s passing and navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and assisted living.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✅ The emotional toll of caregiving & shifting family dynamics
✅ Misconceptions about caregiving & lessons learned along the way
✅ The power of empathy, connection & vulnerability
✅ Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary
✅ Finding joy in shared moments, even in difficult times

Alfredo Botello is a novelist and screenwriter who has worked on projects ranging from the indie Sundance Global Short La Revolucion De Iguodala to the studio tent pole Fast and Furious 9. His debut novel, 180 Days, has garnered multiple literary awards. His second novel, Spin Cycle: Notes From A Reluctant Caregiver, was published by Koehler Books on 1.14.25. He is a Fulbright Fellow in architecture and a Nicholl Fellow in screenwriting. In addition to screenplays and the novels, he contributed a chapter to the Amazon bestseller Wellness Through Words, and has written for The San Francisco Examiner Magazine, Metropolis, Diablo, Surface, The Utne Reader, Style, The East Bay Express, and The Monthly. Botello co-owns a cocktail bar in downtown Oakland, Little Bird Bar, and at home dotes on his two Corgis, George and Dotty.

Social Media:

Website: alfredobotello.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alfredo_botello_author/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551868357118

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-botello-aa16aaa0/

X: https://x.com/alfredobotello

💡 Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, this honest conversation offers insights, support & encouragement for the journey.

🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications for more real caregiving stories!
💬 Join the Conversation – Share your experiences in the comments.

#Caregiving #Alzheimers #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiving #SelfCare #ElderCare #Compassion

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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"I wanted to make the most of it." - Dona Kim Murphey

Caregiving is never just about one person, it’s about family, culture, and community. Natalie and J.J. sit down with Dr. Dona Kim Murphey, neurologist and caregiver, to explore the deeply personal and often unspoken challenges of caregiving.

From cultural expectations to the emotional and relational toll caregiving takes, this conversation dives into what it truly means to care for a loved one—especially from a distance. Dr. Murphey shares her journey shaped by her family’s experiences with illness, offering practical strategies for caregivers, the power of micro moments of self-care, and the evolving role of technology in making caregiving more manageable.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✅ The impact of cultural expectations on caregiving roles
✅ How technology is changing the way we care for loved ones
✅ The emotional toll of caregiving & ways to protect your well-being
✅ Micro moments of self-care that make a big difference
✅ Why community support is essential for every caregiver

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prognosus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prognosus

Facebook: Facebook.com/prognosus

Instagram: Instagram.com/weareprognosus

Website: PrognosUs.com

💡 Whether you're a caregiver or supporting one, this conversation is for you.

🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications for more real conversations on caregiving!
💬 Join the Conversation – Share your thoughts in the comments.

#Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiving #Neurology #ElderCare #CulturalExpectations #SelfCare

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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"I suffered from caregiver fatigue." - Maureen Elias

Maureen shares her journey from a structured military career to the unpredictable world of caregiving. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the impact of military life on family dynamics, and the importance of advocacy and community support. Through personal stories of resilience, she highlights the need for understanding, resources, and the power of acceptance in the face of adversity.

Maureen Elias, a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, transitioned from military service to a life dedicated to advocacy and caregiving. After a medical separation in 2006, she spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom while her husband, a 21-year Army veteran, served overseas.

Raising three children on the autism spectrum, Maureen pursued a master’s in mental health counseling, leading to roles in top veteran service organizations, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also teaches storytelling to veterans and has recently embraced off-roading as a newfound passion.

Social Media

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/maureenelias

Twitter: @maureenelias2

Instagram: @maureenelias2

Highlights:

🔹 Parenting & Autism – Insights into raising children on the autism spectrum and the triumphs along the way.
🔹 Military Life & Family Dynamics – How structured service life shaped her approach to caregiving.
🔹 Challenges & Resilience – Overcoming obstacles with strength, understanding, and support.
🔹 The Power of Community – Why caregivers need advocacy, resources, and a strong support system.
🔹 Acceptance & Education – How awareness and compassion transform lives.

💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on caregiving, resilience, and making a difference!

This heartfelt conversation is a must-watch for caregivers, military families, and anyone passionate about autism awareness.

#AutismAwareness #Caregiving #MilitaryFamilies #Parenting #Advocacy

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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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 future caregiving needs, and finding community support. Whether you're a caregiver or supporting a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of the caregiving experience.

Kyle is a 3rd generation Floridian who lives in Sarasota Florida. He's a passionate single father of 2 boys, Adam and Kai who are 9 and 7 and he's an active Dad! Kyle coaches football, baseball and loves to take the boys camping, fishing and anything else outside! Kyle is a family man and was the 1st in his family to ever go to college. He works at Empathy where he serves as the Director of Employer Solutions. Kyle is active in his church and serves with the kids and "Next generation" - something he's very passionate about.

🔥 In This Powerful Episode, You’ll Discover:
✅ A Male Caregiver’s Perspective – Kyle shares his unique experiences stepping into the caregiver role.
✅ Emotional & Logistical Challenges – The reality of balancing work, family, and caregiving.
✅ Advocating for Loved Ones – Tips on navigating medical decisions and insurance roadblocks.
✅ Lessons in Resilience – How caregiving fosters personal growth and strengthens family bonds.
✅ Building a Support Network – Why community and preparation are crucial for caregivers.

Social Media:

Website: hicleo.com

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-daquanna/

💡 Why Watch? If you’re navigating caregiving or supporting a loved one, this episode offers real-life insights, hard-earned wisdom, and practical strategies to help you on your journey.

#CaregivingJourney #StrokeRecovery #CaregiverSupport #MaleCaregiver #AdvocacyMatters #NavigatingHealthcare #FamilyCaregiving

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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