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  • Surrendering Control: The Hardest Part of Saying Goodbye
    2025/05/06

    "I am sunny with a chance of tornadoes." - Yvette LeFlore

    🎧 Intuitive energy healer Yvette LaFleur opens up about her deeply personal caregiving journey through love, loss, and healing. As the caregiver for her late husband Walter, who bravely battled stage four lung cancer, Yvette shares profound lessons on self-care, anticipatory grief, surrendering control, and honoring the wishes of a loved one.

    Natalie and JJ explore with Yvette:

    • 💔 The emotional toll of caregiving for someone with a terminal illness
    • 🧘‍♀️ The importance of maintaining identity and practicing self-care
    • 🙏 Letting go of control and accepting help from others
    • 😢 Navigating grief, loss, and life after caregiving
    • ❤️‍🔥 Finding humor, strength, and spiritual growth through adversity


    About Yvette:

    Yvette LeFlore is an Intuitive Energy Healer and Reiki Master Teacher. Before opening her energy healing business, Yvette led a team for a popular direct sales company; she was also a teacher in prisons and drug rehabilitation centers. Over a decade ago, she found the benefit of energy healing for herself and others. When she was dating, she intended that the man she next met would be open to energy and healing work. Enter Walter. The man who not only understood and worked with energy but also supported her in building her business and leaving her 29-year career with the direct sales company. As you will hear, Walter now joins her from the spirit world in her energy healing sessions.

    Social Media:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingwithyvette

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-leflore-9683336/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithyvette

    Website: www.healingwithyvette.com

    Are you a caregiver, or grieving a loss, or seeking emotional and spiritual insight? This heartfelt conversation offers comfort, wisdom, and connection.

    THANK YOU to SPONSOR: CareScout

    ** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

    👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from the front li

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    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    54 分
  • You Can’t Make This Up! Sister Updates
    2025/04/29

    “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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    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    53 分
  • Caring Through Chaos: A Journey with Frontotemporal Dementia
    2025/04/22

    “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


    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    1 時間
  • Faith, Culture & Raising a Child with Special Needs
    2025/04/15

    “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



    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    56 分
  • Holding On & Letting Go: A Caregiver’s Emotional Journey
    2025/04/08

    "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




    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    1 時間 3 分
  • When Caregiving Finds You: Navigating Alzheimer’s & Family Care
    2025/04/01

    "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



    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    58 分
  • The Reality of Caregiving: Culture, Family & Technology
    2025/03/25

    "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





    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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    54 分
  • Military Service to Autism Advocacy: Maureen’s Confession
    2025/03/18

    "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



    Support the show

    Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

    Sisterhood of Care, LLC

    Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

    Like us on Facebook!

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    Follow us on Instagram!

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    57 分