Season 2, Episode 5 | Featuring Colleen Coyne

Caregiving is hard. Sometimes it feels impossible. But what if we could make it just a little easier?

When Colleen Coyne stepped into caregiving for her father, she experienced firsthand the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that so many family caregivers face. From navigating family responsibilities to advocating for a loved one's needs, her journey revealed just how complicated caregiving can become.

In this episode of Sandwiched, Colleen joins host Paul H. Richardson Jr. to reflect on her caregiving experience, the importance of building a support system, and the small but meaningful ways we can make life better for caregivers and those receiving care.

They also explore the unexpected similarities between caring for an aging parent and becoming a parent yourself, including the uncertainty, exhaustion, and learning that come with both experiences.

In this conversation:

• Caring for a parent and navigating changing family responsibilities
• Understanding what different family members can contribute
• Respecting dignity, boundaries, and personal preferences
• Building a village of caregiving support
• The emotional connections between caregiving and parenthood
• Finding practical tools to make caregiving more manageable
• How small improvements can make a big difference

Colleen reminds us that while we may not be able to eliminate the challenges of caregiving, we can find ways to reduce unnecessary suffering, support one another, and make the experience a little less difficult.

Join the Caregiving Conversation

Have you experienced caregiving firsthand? Your story matters.

Host Paul H. Richardson Jr. is the lead author of The Whole Truth of Caregiving, an upcoming anthology bringing together diverse voices and lived experiences from across the caregiving community.

The book launches in November 2027 in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month.

Learn about becoming a contributing author: https://caregiveranthology.lovable.app

About Sandwiched

Sandwiched explores the real, often unspoken experiences of family caregiving through conversations with people who have lived it.

Hosted by Paul H. Richardson Jr. Powered by Tumbleweed.

Learn more about Tumbleweed: https://tumbleweedplan.com

Subscribe to Sandwiched on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone navigating their own caregiving journey.