In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, author of The Millennial Caregiver, to explore the complex intersection of caregiving, career, and life as a member of the millennial generation. Rachael shares her deeply personal journey of becoming a caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s while she was simultaneously raising a newborn and advancing her academic career. It’s a raw, real, and deeply insightful conversation that so many millennial caregivers will relate to—whether you're in the thick of it or just starting out.

Together, we unpack the emotional toll, unexpected challenges, and urgent need for better workplace support for caregivers—especially those balancing careers and caregiving in silence. Rachael doesn’t just share her story—she provides actionable advice for starting hard conversations, navigating the healthcare system, and preparing for the unexpected. If you're a working caregiver, or support someone who is, this is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Rachael introduces the unique challenges of millennial caregiving
[1:16] - Zack and Selma welcome listeners and reflect on recent caregiving experiences
[2:19] - Introduction to Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb and her book The Millennial Caregiver
[4:14] - Rachael shares her caregiving journey: balancing motherhood, academia, and her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis
[9:06] - The emotional complexity of caregiving and parenting simultaneously
[12:07] - How to talk to young children about illness and memory loss in loved ones
[14:08] - Rachael opens up about disclosing caregiving at work and navigating workplace flexibility
[16:41] - How her background in public health helped her navigate a broken healthcare system
[21:18] - Advice for employers: building a culture of support for working caregivers
[24:33] - Unique challenges millennial caregivers face—expectations, technology gaps, and life-stage disruption
[27:47] - Two powerful takeaways: managing expectations and starting early
[31:20] - Advice Rachael would give her younger self about preparing for caregiving
[33:37] - How to start difficult conversations with healthy loved ones
[36:30] - Where to find The Millennial Caregiver and connect with Rachael

Links & Resources:

Rachael's website: https://www.rpiltchloeb.com/

The Millennial Caregiver: Caring For Loved Ones In the Busiest Part Of Your Life by Rachael Piltch-Loeb https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Caregiver-Caring-Loved-Busiest-ebook/dp/B0DXPKXFNZ

What's Going On With Papa Bear? https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Going-Papa-Jessie-Piltch-Loeb/dp/1662943873

Susie Singer Carter Podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r84q-ixWt0A&feature=youtu.be

Business Insider article: https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-caregiver-baby-father-alzheimers-sandwich-generation-2025-4

The Millennial Caregiver: How to Juggle Aging Parents, Kids, Work, and Your Sanity with Dr. Rachel Piltch-Loeb. Everyone is talking money podcast episode: https://podcast

Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-piltch-loeb-050a8213/