Gina and Don are doing something a little different in this episode — they pull back the curtain and share a conversation from another podcast where Don becomes the guest.

Inside this episode, they introduce and react to Don's appearance on the Network Build Grow podcast with Melissa Taylor, founder of the Network Build Grow networking organization. Together they explore how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT tapping) unexpectedly connects to business growth, relationships, confidence, and communication.

You'll hear the full conversation embedded in the show — including how Don stumbled into EFT, why a "strange tapping thing" actually works, and how emotional regulation directly affects networking success, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

This episode blends personal story, business insight, and practical mindset tools — showing that business problems are often emotional problems wearing professional clothes.

Whether you run a company, attend networking groups, or just feel nervous introducing yourself in a room full of strangers… this conversation might explain why.

Because sometimes the best business strategy… is calming your nervous system first.

https://www.networkbuildgrow.com

#FocusedHealthyFamily #NetworkBuildGrow #EmotionalFreedomTechniques #EFTTapping #BusinessMindset #NetworkingSkills #EntrepreneurLife #CommunicationSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #StressRelief #ProfessionalGrowth #SmallBusinessOwners #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalFitness #WeirdButItWorks

In this deeply meaningful episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don sit down with their mentor, Jan Luther of JanLuther.com, to explore a truth many families never hear out loud:

What we often label as overwhelm, burnout, or lack of support when caring for a loved one with dementia is, at its core, grief.

As an aging loved one slowly declines due to dementia, families begin grieving long before death occurs—grieving the loss of personality, connection, shared memories, and future dreams. This episode unpacks anticipatory grief, why it's so often misunderstood, and how failing to name it can leave caregivers feeling isolated, exhausted, and emotionally stuck.

Jan, a trusted guide in grief and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), helps reframe the caregiving experience with compassion and clarity. Together, the three discuss how acknowledging grief—rather than just "managing stress"—can be a turning point in healing.

You'll also be guided through a gentle EFT tapping segment, offering listeners a practical way to release emotional weight, calm the nervous system, and feel supported in the midst of loss.

This conversation is for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia, navigating end-of-life changes, or wondering why "more support" doesn't seem to touch the deeper pain. If you've ever felt overwhelmed and unseen, this episode may help you finally name what your heart already knows.

Jan Luther, The EGO Tamer®

Emotional Freedom & Mindset Mastery Coach

Jan Luther is a Master Coach, author, and speaker recognized as a leading authority on emotional freedom and subconscious reprogramming. Known as "The EGO Tamer®" and the "Chiropractor for Your Soul," Jan specializes in helping high-performers, leaders, and individuals dismantle the mental and spiritual blockages—collectively known as the "EGO"—that prevent them from living their Divine Purpose.

www.janluther.com

https://www.facebook.com/JanLutherTheEGOTamer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janluther/

https://www.instagram.com/thejanluther/

#FocusedHealthyFamily #GriefNotJustBurnout #DementiaCaregiving #AnticipatoryGrief #CaregiverSupport #EFTTapping #EmotionalHealing #EndOfLifeCare #DementiaJourney #CaregiverGrief #MentalHealthForCaregivers

In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don explore the powerful role hobbies play in healthy aging—especially for seniors who have retired and suddenly find themselves with extra time and fewer daily responsibilities. Retirement can be a joyful transition, but it can also bring boredom, loneliness, and a loss of purpose.

Drawing from insights shared by caregivers and older adults, Gina and Don discuss simple, practical ways seniors can develop hobbies at home to relax, stay engaged, and find fulfillment. From reading, puzzles, gardening, and crafts to listening to music, journaling, baking, light exercise, and even learning something new, hobbies can bring structure, joy, and mental stimulation into daily life.

They also highlight how hobbies can reduce stress, boost mood, and support cognitive and emotional health—offering seniors a sense of accomplishment and connection during retirement. Research shows that engaging in enjoyable activities can improve mental well-being, enhance cognitive function, and increase overall life satisfaction for older adults.

Whether you are a caregiver, adult child, or senior yourself, this episode offers encouragement and ideas to help turn retirement into a season of discovery, creativity, and meaningful living.

Article on Hobbies and Aging

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/what-activities-as-a-caregiver-do-at-home-to-relax-191743.htm

For 50 tips for new hobbies

https://www.familyhoodcentral.com/50-essential-tips-for-learning-a-new-hobby/

#FocusedHealthyFamily #SeniorHobbies #HealthyAging #RetirementLife #CaregiverSupport #AgingWell #SeniorWellness #LifelongLearning #ActiveAging #SeniorActivities #MentalWellness #PurposeInRetirement #CaregiverTips #FamilyCaregiving

Facing Feelings - Part 3: In this heartfelt episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don Grothoff open an honest conversation about the emotional challenges faced by personal caregivers. Drawing from their experiences as mindset coaches and family advocates, they explore the complex feelings that often accompany caregiving—chronic stress, guilt, anticipatory grief, anger, resentment, loneliness, and the painful loss of self that can lead to burnout and exhaustion.

Referencing insights from the Cleveland Clinic's article on caregiver burnout and The New York Times piece on anticipatory grief, Gina and Don unpack how these emotions manifest and why they're so common among those caring for loved ones. They discuss the importance of recognizing these feelings early, setting healthy boundaries, and finding ways to care for oneself while caring for others.

Listeners will gain practical tools for emotional regulation, including mindfulness, EFT tapping, and mindset shifts that help caregivers move from survival mode to a place of balance and compassion. This episode serves as a reminder that caregivers deserve support, rest, and healing just as much as those they care for.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #AnticipatoryGrief #MindsetMatters #EFTTapping #SelfCareForCaregivers #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyCaregivers #EmotionalWellness

Facing Feelings - Part 2: In this heartfelt episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don Grothoff open an honest conversation about the emotional challenges faced by personal caregivers. Drawing from their experiences as mindset coaches and family advocates, they explore the complex feelings that often accompany caregiving—chronic stress, guilt, anticipatory grief, anger, resentment, loneliness, and the painful loss of self that can lead to burnout and exhaustion.

Referencing insights from the Cleveland Clinic's article on caregiver burnout and The New York Times piece on anticipatory grief, Gina and Don unpack how these emotions manifest and why they're so common among those caring for loved ones. They discuss the importance of recognizing these feelings early, setting healthy boundaries, and finding ways to care for oneself while caring for others.

Listeners will gain practical tools for emotional regulation, including mindfulness, EFT tapping, and mindset shifts that help caregivers move from survival mode to a place of balance and compassion. This episode serves as a reminder that caregivers deserve support, rest, and healing just as much as those they care for.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Grief+is+Mourning+Sickness&crid=3C3IXN6UMHNLR&sprefix=grief+is+mourning+sickness%2Caps%2C136&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

#FocusedHealthyFamily #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #AnticipatoryGrief #MindsetMatters #EFTTapping #SelfCareForCaregivers #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyCaregivers #EmotionalWellness

When a family is caring for an aging loved one, everyone is affected—but often the emotions of the aging person themselves are the least talked about.

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don begin a new series exploring the emotional experiences of every member of the family during the aging journey. Today's focus is on the aging loved one: their fears, frustrations, grief, loss of independence, and the unspoken emotions that often come out through behavior rather than words.

The conversation is deeply personal as Gina shares the story behind "The Hostage," a song written for her dad that reflects how he felt during the final month of his life—trapped by a body that no longer did what his mind wanted it to do. The song offers a powerful window into the inner world of someone nearing the end of life and helps families better understand what their loved one may be experiencing emotionally.

This episode opens the door to compassion, understanding, and better communication within families navigating aging, illness, and end-of-life transitions. As this series continues, Gina and Don will explore the emotional impact on caregivers, spouses, adult children, and even grandchildren—because a focused, healthy family begins with understanding every voice in the room.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #AgingLovedOnes #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiving #AgingWithDignity #EndOfLifeCare #CaregivingJourney #AlzheimerAwareness #ParkinsonsCare #SeniorCare#FamilyHealth #EmotionalHealth #TheHostageSong

As a new year begins, many families feel the pressure to "set goals" and hope this year will be different. But should we really be focusing on goals at all?

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don take a thoughtful look at the New Year mindset and ask an important question: Are goals setting us up for success—or disappointment? Referencing research shared by Psychology Today, they discuss why nearly 92% of goals are never achieved, and what actually gets in the way for most people.

The conversation explores the differences between goals, intentions, and decisions, and why the language we use matters—especially for caregivers, families, and anyone already carrying a full emotional load. Gina and Don break down how intentions can create flexibility, how decisions can create clarity, and how shifting your approach can lead to more peace and follow-through throughout the year.

Whether you're caring for aging loved ones, managing family responsibilities, or simply wanting a healthier mindset moving into the new year, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a more compassionate way to move forward—without the guilt of "failed" resolutions.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/optimizing-success/202412/92-percent-of-people-never-achieve-their-goals

#FocusedHealthyFamily #NewYearMindset #IntentionalLiving #GoalsVsIntentions #HealthyFamilies #CaregiverSupport #FamilyWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #NewYearReflection #LifeTransitions #PsychologyToday #StressLessLiveMore

Gina and Don replay #186 Dementia. In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don sit down with Jennifer Douds from AnswersforAging.com to dive into the world of Care Management. We explore what Care Managers do, how they guide families through complex senior care decisions, and why their role is such a valuable support system for caregivers. Jennifer also shares insights about the Second Wind Dreams Virtual Dementia Tour, a powerful program that helps people step into the shoes of someone living with dementia—offering a deeper understanding and empathy for both families and caregivers. Whether you're currently caring for an aging loved one or preparing for the future, this conversation provides clarity, resources, and inspiration for navigating the journey.

Jennifer Douds Jennifer has over 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, specializing in helping older adults maintain their independence, reducing anxiety around aging, and providing support to help them continue living in the places they love. She understands the challenges families face when they can't always be there for every appointment or medication reminder, or what services are available and where to find them.

She helped both of her husband's parents and is now helping her parents with these same concerns. Jennifer's company, Answers For Aging, takes on the heavy lifting involved with caring for older adults, ensuring that your loved one's care is handled with the utmost care and attention.

https://www.answerforaging.com

#FocusedHealthyFamily #CareManagement #CareManagers #AgingParents #ElderCare #SeniorCare #DementiaAwareness #VirtualDementiaTour #SecondWindDreams #CaregivingSupport #FamilyCaregivers #AnswersForAging