In this inspiring episode, Laura sits down with Marisa Payne, certified brain and cognitive health coach and dementia care consultant, to dive into the powerful Dementia Connection Model. Together, they explore how sensory-based strategies, cognitive behavioral theory, and structured daily engagement can transform life for both caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

Whether you're a family caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to better understand dementia care, this episode is filled with practical tools and hope for deeper connection and better quality of life.

👤 Meet Marisa Payne:

Marisa Payne is a credentialed brain and cognitive health coach, Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer, and dementia care consultant. With over a decade of experience — and a lifetime of personal connection to elder care — she’s passionate about empowering caregivers with evidence-based, compassionate tools that prioritize both caregiver well-being and dignity for those living with dementia.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- Marissa’s journey growing up alongside elders and how it shaped her passion for dementia care

- What the Dementia Connection Model is and how it works

- How cognitive behavioral theory can be applied in dementia caregiving

- The power of sensory-based engagement (sound, scent, touch) to create connection and calm

- Practical examples from the “Perfect Day” framework caregivers can use daily

- Why preserving the dignity, autonomy, and emotional safety of people with dementia matters

- How caregivers can feel less isolated and more empowered

- How evidence-based training supports both family caregivers and professionals

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and meeting Marisa Payne

02:00 – Marisa’s story: Growing up in a home with elders

07:00 – The link between childhood experiences and dementia care passion

10:00 – Introduction to the Dementia Connection Model

14:30 – How cognitive behavioral theory applies to dementia

19:00 – The role of sensory engagement (music, scent, touch)

25:00 – Examples of building a “Perfect Day” for someone with dementia

30:30 – How this model works in home care vs. facility care

35:00 – How caregivers can lower their own stress with structure

39:00 – Breaking the myth: People living with dementia can still learn

43:30 – How evidence-based tools build real hope for caregivers

50:00 – Resources for getting trained or learning more

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Caregivers can lower stress and improve quality of life using sensory-based routines

- Even with dementia, individuals can still learn — just differently

- Evidence-based tools like the Dementia Connection Model offer hope, not just help

- Small daily changes (like music and scent) can create powerful emotional shifts

- Supporting caregivers' well-being is essential to better dementia care

📚 Resources Mentioned:

The Dementia Connection Institute – Explore training options and resources

The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Jennifer Stelter

In Pursuit of Wellness – Marissa Payne’s consulting and support services

🤝 Connect with Marisa Payne:

Website: InPursuitofWellness.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it. You’re not alone. 💛

In this heart-opening conversation, Laura speaks with Marty Schreiber, former Governor of Wisconsin and author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver. Marty shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his beloved wife Elaine through Alzheimer's, and how it reshaped his understanding of love, loss, and connection.

With humility, humor, and profound insight, Marty offers encouragement and practical wisdom for family caregivers navigating the emotional complexities of dementia care. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in profound loss, deep moments of love and meaning are possible.

👤 Meet Marty Schreiber:

Marty Schreiber served as Governor of Wisconsin and spent over 18 years as a public servant before facing his most challenging role yet: caregiver for his wife Elaine, who lived with Alzheimer's disease. Through his experience, Marty became a fierce advocate for caregivers, sharing his hard-won lessons to help others survive—and even find hope—through the caregiving journey. His book, My Two Elaines, has become a beacon of support for countless families around the world.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Marty's personal caregiving journey with his wife Elaine
• Why caregiving requires letting go—and embracing who your loved one is now
• The emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of self-care
• How unacknowledged grief impacts caregivers
• Living in the present moment with your loved one
• Therapeutic fibbing: preserving dignity and connection
• Why caregivers must ask for help (and why it’s an act of courage)
• Finding meaning, hope, and love even through loss

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Marty Schreiber

02:20 – How Marty's caregiving journey began

06:45 – Learning to "let go" and love Elaine as she is now

11:30 – Emotional challenges: grief, guilt, and frustration

18:10 – The power of living in the present moment

23:50 – Therapeutic fibbing: creating moments of peace

30:15 – Marty's reflections on self-care and asking for help

37:40 – Support groups, community, and connection

43:00 – How caregiving changes our understanding of love

48:50 – Final thoughts: What Marty wishes every caregiver knew

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving requires profound emotional shifts—and immense courage.
• Living in the present allows deeper connection, even when memory fades.
• Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential for both caregiver and loved one.
• Therapeutic fibbing can preserve dignity and create calm.
• Asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.
• Even amid great loss, moments of love, joy, and meaning can still bloom.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• My Two Elaines by Marty Schreiber

🤝 Connect with Marty Schreiber:

Website: mytwoelaines.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube:...

In this deeply meaningful episode, Laura sits down with Dr. Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics, to explore how caregiving reshapes our identity, relationships, and personal growth. Drawing from his experience as a family caregiver, home care business owner, and scholar of caregiving, Dr. Blight shares transformative insights on why reflection—not just action—is vital for caregivers.

Together, they discuss how caregiving calls us to step off the “hamster wheel” of survival mode, face uncomfortable truths, and ultimately find deep meaning in the caregiving journey.

👤 Meet Dr. Aaron Blight:

Dr. Aaron Blight is the founder of Caregiving Kinetics, an international speaker, consultant, and author specializing in caregiving, aging, and healthcare workforce development. A former policy leader at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Aaron’s personal caregiving experience profoundly shaped his career. His award-winning book, "When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative," provides caregivers with practical strategies and reflective tools for navigating the complex emotional terrain of caregiving.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Aaron’s personal story of unexpected family caregiving
• How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and emotions
• The importance of reflection—not just action—for caregivers
• Highlights from Aaron’s book When Caregiving Calls
• Why traditional healthcare often overlooks caregiver needs
• Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift framework
• How support groups and community reduce caregiver isolation
• Using reflection questions to unlock deeper healing and meaning
• Why connection and storytelling matter in the caregiving journey

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Dr. Aaron Blight

01:50 – How unexpected family caregiving changed Aaron’s life

06:00 – Launching a home care company after caregiving experience

09:30 – Why reflection is vital for caregivers' growth

13:45 – Exploring When Caregiving Calls and its 18 key chapters

18:40 – The role of caregiver identity theory in understanding struggles

23:20 – How reflective journaling can transform caregiving

30:00 – Stories from caregivers who found healing through reflection

36:15 – Caregiver isolation, grief, and the need for connection

40:50 – Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift model

48:10 – How community support can extend beyond caregiving seasons

52:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Aaron’s work

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving fundamentally changes who we are—but that change can lead to growth.
• Reflection and intentional self-inquiry are powerful tools for caregivers.
• A growth mindset helps caregivers adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive.
• Building or finding community can ease isolation and emotional burden.
• Caregiving deserves acknowledgment, support, and compassionate resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative
• Caregiving Kinetics Free Resources & Models

🤝 Connect with Dr. Aaron Blight:

Website: caregivingkinetics.com

Subscribe to his newsletter: Caregiving Kinetics Blog

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram:

In this enlightening episode, Laura speaks with Neal Shah, America’s Chief Elder Officer and co-founder of CareYaya, about how technology is transforming the future of elder care. From AI-powered caregiver tools to brain-computer interfaces, Neal shares how innovation—and his own caregiving story—sparked a movement to make high-quality care more accessible, affordable, and human-centered.

Whether you’re looking for relief, curious about what’s next in caregiving, or just need a little hope, this episode delivers.

👤 Meet Neal Shah:

Neal Shah is the co-founder of CareYaya, a platform that connects college students pursuing healthcare careers with families who need in-home caregiving support. Inspired by his own experience caring for loved ones, Neal is on a mission to build a future where compassionate care and smart technology come together to serve older adults—and ease the burden on families.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Neal’s personal caregiving journey and how it inspired CareYaya
• Why caregiving is long overdue for tech innovation
• How college students are creating a new model of affordable care
• The role of AI and voice tools in supporting caregiver training
• Exciting projects: brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, and more
• How tech can reduce guilt and burnout for family caregivers
• Why human connection still matters—even in a high-tech future

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Neal Shah

01:00 – From finance to family caregiving: Neal’s personal story

03:45 – The emotional and logistical toll of caregiving

06:00 – The innovation gap in elder care

09:20 – What CareYaya is and how it works

12:30 – How the tech platform improves caregiver access and quality

16:15 – College students as a compassionate workforce

20:45 – Building a scalable, sustainable care model

24:00 – The role of AI in caregiver support and training

29:15 – What the future of caregiving looks like with AI and neurotech

35:30 – New frontiers: brain-computer interfaces, VR, and more

42:00 – Closing thoughts on hope, innovation, and dignity in care

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Innovation is essential for sustainable caregiving
• College students offer untapped potential as compassionate caregivers
• AI and VR can enhance care without replacing human connection
• New tools can ease the emotional weight and guilt caregivers often carry
• The future of caregiving can be brighter—and more personal—than ever before

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• CareYaya.org – Learn more about CareYaya’s mission, platform, and innovations
• Stay tuned for new tools like AI-powered voice companions and neuro-assistive caregiving tech

🤝 Connect with Neal Shah:

Website: CareYaya.org

LinkedIn: Neal Shah

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube:

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura sits down with licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore the emotional toll of “challenging behaviors” in dementia care. This episode centers the caregiver—what you experience, what you need, and how to protect your own well-being while supporting a loved one.

👤 Meet Laurie Thompson:

Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselor, dementia connection specialist, and certified sexual and intimacy wellness practitioner. With over a decade of experience working with families, care staff, and individuals in memory care, Laurie takes a holistic, individualized approach to helping both care receivers and caregivers navigate dementia-related challenges.

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:55 – Meet Laurie Thompson & her background
• 06:20 – What are “challenging behaviors”?
• 11:10 – All behavior is communication
• 15:30 – Low, medium & high-risk behavior examples
• 24:40 – The emotional impact on caregivers
• 30:15 – Recognizing burnout
• 36:30 – Real-world self-care strategies
• 44:00 – When caregiving becomes unsafe
• 50:50 – Reframing guilt and walking away
• 55:00 – Final encouragement for caregivers

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Understanding “challenging behaviors”
• Why behavior = communication
• Risk levels of behaviors (low, medium, high)
• How stress impacts your ability to respond
• Caregiver burnout warning signs
• What to do when caregiving becomes unsafe
• Tiny & medium-sized self-care ideas
• Why caregivers must be supported

💡 Key Takeaways:

• All behavior is communication—get curious, not reactive.
• Caregivers often experience burnout before they recognize it.
• Self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential to keep the whole system going.
• Small shifts like journaling or breathwork can have a big impact.
• Your energy affects the entire caregiving dynamic.
• It’s okay to call for help. Safety matters—for everyone.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Dementia Connection Specialist Certification
• ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
• Caregiver safety planning
• Habit stacking, grounding techniques

🤝 Connect with Laurie Thompson:

Contact the Life on Repeat Podcast team for more info.

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

YouTube: Coming Soon!

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone.

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura sits down with Martha Ranon, Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC), to talk about the power of turning personal caregiving experience into community advocacy. Together, they explore how caregivers can access meaningful support, educational resources, and the validation they need to continue showing up with compassion and resilience.

👤 Meet Martha Ranon:

Martha Ranon is the Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center in San Diego, CA. Her personal journey as a family caregiver led her to a professional path supporting others in similar roles. Martha is a passionate advocate for caregivers, offering support through education, community programs, and public awareness. She helps families navigate the often complex and emotional world of caregiving, particularly for those caring for someone with dementia or cognitive impairments.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Martha’s transition from family caregiver to professional advocate
• The mission of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center
• Support groups and education as tools for caregiver resilience
• Why caregiving should never be done in isolation
• The emotional, physical, and mental toll of long-term caregiving
• Building a bridge between caregivers and accessible resources
• Simple steps toward caregiver self-care

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction to Martha Ranon and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center 02:45 – Martha’s personal caregiving story: Caring for her great aunt

06:10 – How her caregiving experience led to her professional role

08:30 – The mission and work of Southern Caregiver Resource Center

11:40 – Challenges caregivers face and the importance of support groups

15:20 – The emotional impact of caregiving and how Martha supports families

18:10 – Educational programs and how they empower caregivers

21:30 – Common caregiver struggles and how community helps

26:00 – Martha’s advice for overwhelmed caregivers

30:15 – What self-care really looks like for caregivers

33:00 – Why accessible resources make all the difference

36:20 – Final reflections and how to connect with SCRC

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiver support is essential—not optional
• Community resources can transform the caregiving experience
• Educational programs empower caregivers to advocate for themselves
• There is no “one right way” to care for someone—personalized support matters
• Even small moments of self-care make a big difference
• You don’t have to do this alone

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Southern Caregiver Resource Center – https://www.caregivercenter.org
• Support groups, educational programs, and local caregiving services

🤝 Connect with Martha Ranon:

• Visit https://www.caregivercenter.org to learn more about Martha’s work and the services available through SCRC.

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

YouTube:

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura is joined by clinical psychologist and dementia care innovator Dr. Jennifer Stelter to explore the Dementia Connection Model—a powerful, research-backed approach to dementia care that centers on non-pharmacological interventions like sensory stimulation, behavioral therapy, and prescriptive engagement.

Whether you’re a family caregiver or a professional, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and an entirely new lens on what’s possible in dementia support.

👤 Meet Dr. Jennifer Stelter:

Dr. Jennifer Stelter is a clinical psychologist and co-owner of the Dementia Connection Institute. She developed the Dementia Connection Model, which helps caregivers connect with those living with dementia by focusing on developmental needs instead of chronological age. Her work is rooted in neuroscience, sensory-based interventions, and behavior change—and she is the author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer's Disease.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• What is the Dementia Connection Model?
• How sensory stimulation impacts mood and behavior
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted for dementia care
• Diet, routine, and environmental design in caregiving
• Creativity as a tool for engagement and connection
• Results from implementing the model in real-world settings
• Why prescriptive engagement changes outcomes for caregivers and care receivers

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:23 – Dr. Stelter’s journey into dementia care

04:19 – Introduction to the Dementia Connection Model

04:43 – The foundational pillars of the model

09:15 – The power of sensory stimulation in dementia care

12:41 – Cognitive behavioral theory in action

16:34 – How to implement the model in daily caregiving

21:15 – Visual contrast and food presentation

21:34 – Mediterranean diet benefits for dementia patients

22:18 – Results from a 3-month implementation study

23:07 – Financial and emotional benefits of the model

25:08 – Sharing the model through her book

26:53 – The role of creativity in dementia care

29:59 – What is prescriptive engagement?

36:46 – The future of dementia care + next steps for the institute

39:18 – Final thoughts and encouragement

39:42 – Closing remarks & how to connect with Dr. Stelter

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Non-pharmacological interventions can dramatically improve quality of life
• Sensory stimulation can calm the nervous system and support connection
• Matching care to developmental age opens new pathways for communication
• Creative, consistent engagement can reduce caregiver stress and burnout
• Caregiving is most effective when it’s proactive, personalized, and heart-centered

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• The Dementia Connection Institute
• The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Jennifer Stelter

🤝 Connect with Dr. Jennifer Stelter:

Visit dementiaconnectioninstitute.org for tools, training, and to learn more about the Dementia Connection Model.

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram:...

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura welcomes Kimberly Best, a professional family mediator and former trauma nurse, to talk about one of the most stressful parts of caregiving: family conflict. Together, they explore practical ways to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and compassion.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in a family disagreement or just want to avoid future tension, this episode is packed with tools to help you maintain your cool and preserve peace.

👤 Meet Kimberly Best:

Kimberly Best is a trained family mediator and owner of Best Conflict Solutions. She specializes in conflict resolution within families, elder care, healthcare teams, and small organizations. Drawing from her experience as a trauma and ICU nurse, Kimberly brings both compassion and structure to emotionally complex situations. She is also the author of How to Live Forever: A Guide to Writing the Final Chapter of Your Life Story and is passionate about guiding people through meaningful, values-based conversations.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• What causes family conflict during caregiving
• Tips to de-escalate and stay calm in tense moments
• How to approach emotionally charged conversations
• The role of mediation in dementia and elder care
• Understanding grief, guilt, and family dynamics
• Why boundaries are an act of care—for everyone involved

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction and meeting Kimberly Best

01:38 – From ICU nurse to family mediator

04:44 – Common causes of conflict in caregiving

07:32 – The emotional landscape behind family disagreements

10:15 – Tips for staying grounded during family tension

14:08 – The difference between reacting and responding

16:42 – What transformative mediation really means

20:11 – How to begin difficult conversations with family

24:30 – Why “being right” can get in the way of resolution

28:19 – The role of grief and unspoken pain in conflict

31:47 – Setting boundaries and protecting your peace

35:04 – How to know when mediation might help

38:40 – Final encouragement and how to connect with Kimberly

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Family conflict is common in caregiving—but it’s not inevitable
• You can learn to respond instead of react, even in high-stress moments
• Mediation creates space for healing, not just problem-solving
• Clear communication starts with emotional awareness
• Peace doesn’t mean avoiding conflict—it means navigating it with intention

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Best Conflict Solutions – Kimberly’s website
• Book: How to Live Forever: A Guide to Writing the Final Chapter of Your Life Story by Kimberly Best

🤝 Connect with Kimberly Best:

Website: bestconflictsolutions.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlybestmediator

Instagram: @kimberly_a_best

Facebook: Best Conflict Solutions

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website:...