• Mark Steven Porro on Resilience, Regret, and the Realities of Caregiving | EP037
    2025/05/21

    Caregiving strips you bare—it tests your patience, your humor, your strength, and your love. That’s what I learned talking with Mark Steven Porro, who cared for his mother during the final stretch of her life and turned it into a powerful, painfully funny, and deeply human memoir. Mark didn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff—he carried her, fed her, changed her, and sometimes got peed on mid-diaper-change. But he also found grace in the chaos, beauty in her smile, and humor in everything from rosary beads repaired with hot glue to a cup of tea made on a commode. His story reminded me that caregiving isn’t just about duty—it’s about connection, transformation, and showing up with love even when your tank feels empty.

    About Our Guest:

    Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), earned an Industrial Design degree from The Ohio State University. After years of agency work, his love of acting led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in dozens of television, film, and stage productions. Mark also spent his twenty-eight years in Tinseltown, entrepreneuring. He started five non-profit companies. But hold the applause, none were intended to be. He now lives in the South of France. But hold your pity. He of sound mind and body chose to suffer in the heart of wine country where the locals insist his French isn’t so bad—at least that’s what he thinks they’re saying.

    Mark is an award-winning designer, writer, director, and now a best-selling, award-winning author. He has written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny debut memoir—chronicles his multitasking adventures of filling his mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, he came pretty damn close.

    Social Media Links:

    • Choose your favorite bookstore to order - https://books2read.com/u/bPN7Pd
    • Our website - https://acupofteaonthecommode.org/
    • Our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/teaonthe
    • Our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@acupofteaonthecommode
    • Our Distributor (Independent Publishers Group) - https://www.ipgbook.com/

    “This author weaves his stories together, employing a wickedly humorous skill not unlike that of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs” — Five-Star Amazon review

    • 2025 Independent Press Award Winner
    • 2025 Feathered Quill Book Awards Finalist
    • 2024 Best Indie Book Award Winner
    • 2024 NYC Big Book Award Winner
    • 2024 Paris Book Festival Winner
    • 2024 Living Now Book Awards Winner
    • 2024 International Book Awards Winner
    • 2024 IndieReader Discovery Award Winner
    • 2024 Book Excellence Award Winner
    • 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner
    • 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
    • 2024 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards Finalist
    • 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist
    • 2024 American BookFest Awards Finalist
    • 2024 Chanticleer International Awards Finalist


    About...

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    50 分
  • From Diagnosis to Determination: Nell & Dr. Maggie Kang Share Their Rare Disease Journey | EP036
    2025/05/14

    No one trains you for the moment your child’s life changes forever—but what you do with that moment can define everything. I spoke with Dr. Maggie Kang and her remarkable daughter Nell, whose rare disease journey sparked a powerful shift from despair to advocacy, healing, and hope. As a caregiver, Maggie learned that taking care of herself made her a stronger support for Nell. Together, they transformed isolation into purpose—Nell through writing, art, and legislative action, and Maggie by embracing coaching and sharing hard-won insights with other parents. Their story is a raw, beautiful reminder that caregiving isn’t about fixing—it’s about showing up, evolving, and growing together, no matter how uncertain the road looks.

    Freebie: https://maggiekangmd.com/caregiver

    About Our Guests:

    Dr. Maggie Kang Certified Life and Healthcare Coach | Rare Disease Advocate | TEDx Speaker Dr. Maggie Kang is a Yale-trained physician and certified life and healthcare coach who empowers parents to transform the journey of their child’s diagnosis into opportunities for growth, resilience, and purpose. After navigating her own daughter’s rare disease, Maggie also uses her expertise to guide parents through the healthcare system, helping them turn health challenges into leadership. A passionate advocate and TEDx speaker with nearly 200,000 views, Maggie has reached national audiences through her inspiring talks. She has spoken at the UCLA Luskin Center and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), and her daughter’s journey has been featured on CBS Evening News. Maggie is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today.

    Social Media Links:

    • Link to TEDx talk: The Truth About Pain and Suffering Will Change Your Life | Maggie Kan…
    • TEDx reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_JYN91dlIM
    • Website: https://maggiekangmd.com/
    • Specific link to my Lobster Mom Collective newsletter: https://maggiekangmd.com/lobstermom
    • FB: https://www.facebook.com/maggiekangmd/
    • LinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/maggiekangmd36
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiekangmd/

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for...

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    34 分
  • Horse Wisdom and Healing: Susan Bloom’s Path to Authentic Success | EP035
    2025/05/07

    Success doesn’t follow a straight path—it flows from self-awareness, surrender, and listening to that inner nudge that won’t be quiet. I sat down with Susan Bloom, a powerhouse coach and former therapist who helps women unlock their deep truth and shift into the life they were born to lead. What makes her approach even more magical? Horses. Susan guides transformational breakthroughs through equine therapy, where the presence of these intuitive animals reflects exactly what we need to see in ourselves. We got into how to stop forcing outcomes, tune into intuition, and trust the timing of change. Her journey from burnout to bold alignment lit a fire in me—and it’ll do the same for anyone feeling stuck or small. Overwhelmed caregivers can benefit from learning to trust themselves—a necessary tool for self care.

    About Our Guest:

    Susan Bloom is a Master Equine Gestaltist and lifelong horsewoman committed to transforming the lives of doctors and caregivers by helping them reconnect—with themselves, their patients, and their communities. Drawing on personal experience and professional training, Susan supports others in reducing stress, enhancing well-being, and fostering better patient outcomes.

    Her journey began in western Kansas, where she grew up as the daughter of the only doctor in a small town. Witnessing the toll caregiving took on her father left a lasting impression, which deepened years later when she became the full-time caregiver for her husband, a farmer diagnosed with multiple life-threatening conditions. Over five years and more than 57,000 miles of travel to leading medical institutions, Susan found strength and clarity through the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method®—a modality she was training in during the most difficult years of her husband’s illness and through her own breast cancer diagnosis.

    Today, Susan is the founder of Connection and Synergy, LLC, where she combines over 50 years of experience with horses, a B.A. in Communications, and intensive Gestalt training to offer equine-assisted workshops and coaching. Her programs focus on leadership, team building, and emotional resilience—creating space for healthcare professionals and caregivers to reconnect, recharge, and thrive.

    Social Media Links:

    • SusanB@ConnectionAndSynergy.com
    • https://connectionandsynergy.com/

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or...

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    29 分
  • Sleeping Pills vs. Real Rest: Dr. Lucinda Sykes Shares the Science | EP034
    2025/04/30

    Let’s be honest—when you’re a caregiver, sleep feels like a luxury you can’t afford. But after my conversation with Dr. Lucinda Sykes, I see how crucial real rest is, not just for our energy, but for our long-term health. Lucinda pulls back the curtain on the myths around sleeping pills and reveals the eye-opening science behind why they may actually harm more than help. She reminds us that good sleep isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. And there are natural, science-backed ways to reclaim it. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, it’s time to hit pause, respect your own rhythm, and protect your brain, your heart, and your future—starting tonight.

    About Our Guest:

    Lucinda Sykes MD is a retired Canadian doctor and a longtime teacher of mindfulness. Beginning in 1997, she directed Meditation for Health clinic in Toronto, teaching medical programs of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction). More than 6000 patients attended the clinic, referred for help with the many medical conditions worsened by stress. Since retiring from medical practice, Lucinda continues to speak publicly about medicine’s over-prescription of sleeping pills. Women 50+ are at special risk.

    Social Media Links:

    • Lucindasykesmd.com
    • Gift link: See below the link to download 'Happy Sleep Secrets’, a 24-page pdf of basic sleep self-care for Women 50+. (Lifestyle tips that make it easier for the body to provide restorative sleep).
    • https://www.happysleepsecrets.com/
    • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyfulafter50/


    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

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    22 分
  • How Francine Juhlin Builds Confident Kids and Empowered Parents Through Story | EP033
    2025/04/23

    You can’t pour from an empty cup—and you definitely can’t raise confident kids if you’re running on fumes. Talking with Francine Juhlin lit me up with the reminder that self-care and storytelling are powerful tools, not just for adults, but for the kids in our lives too. Francine’s journey from military squad leader to children's author and holistic coach proves how empathy, structure, and fun can transform how we support the next generation. She shows us how to turn caregiving chaos into connection by including kids in the process, building self-esteem early, and giving ourselves permission to refill our own cups first.

    About Our Guest:

    Francine Juhlin, also known as Princess Francy, is a transformational leader, author, and speaker with a passion for empowering others. A retired aircraft electrician in the Military, she now focuses on inspiring children and adults alike. Through her book Sparklefeathers and Princess Francy: The Magic Library and interactive programs, she helps kids build confidence and embrace their uniqueness. Francine is dedicated to creating a world where everyone can discover their true potential.

    Social Media Links:

    https://personalchangewarriors.com/ (Make sure to sign up for the newsletter!)

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/francine-juhlin-b9839578/


    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

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    21 分
  • Navigating Divorce and Caregiving at Midlife: Insights from Mardi Winder-Adams | EP032
    2025/04/16

    Sometimes life throws you so many changes at once, you wonder who you are anymore. Talking with Mardi Winder-Adams reminded me just how often caregiving, grief, and major transitions like divorce pile up—and how vital it is to give yourself grace while sorting it all out. Mardi, a divorce coach who’s walked the caregiving road herself, helps people rediscover who they want to be after the roles they thought would define their future shift overnight. Whether you’re navigating Gray Divorce, caregiving exhaustion, or just trying to remember your own name in all the chaos, Mardi shows there is a path forward—and it starts with support and self-discovery.

    About Our Guest:

    Mardi Winder-Adams is the go-to divorce coach for high-achieving individuals. She is dedicated to supporting people in taking control of their separation and divorce to reduce the emotional and financial costs of the process. Mardi offers over 20 years of experience helping women and men navigate the challenges of high-conflict, complex, and high-asset divorces. Mardi is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition and High-Conflict Divorce Coach, and Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas.

    She founded Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and hosts the podcast “The D Shift, Redefining Divorce and Beyond” and Real Divorce Talks. Mardi is also a best-selling author, speaker, and trainer.

    Social Media Links:

    • Website: https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/
    • Podcast: The D Shift: Redefining Divorce and Beyond
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women
    • Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/mardi.winderadams
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM7WXHijvXwsM1XXkc79MlA


    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this...

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    17 分
  • Trust Yourself More: A Wake-Up Call from Dr. Michelle Montero | EP031
    2025/04/09

    You don't have to follow someone else’s definition of success to create a life that lights you up. Sitting down with Dr. Michelle Montero reminded me of the power in honoring your personal values—especially when the world expects you to hustle nonstop. Michelle’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship shows what happens when you stop living in survival mode and start trusting yourself deeply. We talked about mindset shifts, the weight of invisible expectations, and how choosing joy can be one of the most radical things you do. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that looks “right” but doesn’t feel right—this one’s for you.

    About Our Guest:

    Dr. Michelle Montero, a licensed clinical psychologist and sports psychology consultant is dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential.Whether you're an athlete navigating career transitions, a professional striving for resilience, or someone seeking personal transformation, I’m here to guide you.

    Social Media Links:

    • Website: www.alchemyperformanceconsulting.com
    • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michelle-montero-a9027810/

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.


    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    21 分
  • From Lawyer to Laughter: Bonita Joy Yoder’s Journey to Joy | EP030
    2025/04/02

    Joy isn't just a feeling—it’s a choice. Bonita Joy Yoder, a recovering attorney turned ventriloquist and humor expert, shares how laughter, play, and a shift in mindset create powerful healing. Through her puppets and her work in humor therapy, she shows that embracing joy—especially in tough times can be life-changing. Whether it’s using humor to navigate caregiving, shifting from adversarial thinking, or finding light in the darkest moments, Bonita reminds us that laughter releases endorphins, builds resilience, and helps us connect with others. Joy isn’t just a moment; it’s a way of life.

    About Our Guest:

    As a recovering attorney who now speaks, trains and emcees, Bonita Joy is known as "The Humor Strategist." She brings humor to presentations through ventriloquism and puppet friends. Bonita Joy is an author of the forthcoming book "Tickle Their Funny Bone: Use Humor to Polish Your Presentations." Her mission is to share her middle name—Joy—with the world, helping others remember joy in their daily lives, work and relationships.

    For a free Humor Journal go to https://joy.funandfunnier.com

    Contact Bonita Joy at (785) 550-4944.

    Social Media Links:

    • https://joy.funandfunnier.com
    • Website: https://www.bonitajoyyoder.com
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonitajoy/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambonitajoy/
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bonitayoder/
    • Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebonitajoy
    • X: https://twitter.com/iambonitajoy

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonita.yoder.5

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you...

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    18 分