When Rachel Shapiro’s daughter suffered a severe stroke just before her second birthday, Rachel and her husband were told their child might not survive. Despite the devastating prognosis, they refused to give up, navigating a complex medical journey that transformed their family's life. Their daughter now lives with significant medical needs, requiring a tracheostomy and ventilator support, which initially seemed overwhelming to Rachel. What makes Rachel's story remarkable is her determination t...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 136
Stacy Ryan’s powerful story is a testament to love, resilience, and the human capacity to heal after profound loss. Her journey began with her own cancer diagnosis at 45, which she survived, followed by her husband John’s battle with cancer that ultimately claimed his life in December 2020. Throughout their cancer journey, they demonstrated an extraordinary partnership, supporting each other with deep love and commitment, facing each challenge together with grace and vulnerability. After losing ...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 135
This week, Ari Medrano delivers a powerful testament to the depth and complexity of caregiving. As a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at age one, Ari's approach to caregiving is deeply rooted in her family's values of service, love, and compassion. Throughout the episode, she shares multiple experiences of caregiving, including caring for her cousin with bone cancer, a homeless woman named Teresa, her brother who was a victim of a violent crime, and her mother during critical heal...
Jun 10, 2025•59 min•Ep. 134
Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist, shares her extensive caregiving journey spanning nine years, which involved caring for her father after her mother's unexpected passing and then supporting her husband Barry's mother, Jean, and stepfather, Steve. After her mother died during a heart surgery recovery, Julia and her siblings stepped in to care for their father, with her older brother taking the primary caregiver role while Julia provided weekend relief. Her father passed away about 15 months a...
Jun 03, 2025•56 min•Ep. 133
"I became a forever parent caregiver." - Jesse Ronne What happens when caregiving, loss, and love collide? Jess Ronnie, writer, speaker, podcaster, and founder of The Lucas Project, brings her powerful story to the mic, offering a moving look into parenting a child with special needs, enduring grief, and building a future rooted in compassion and advocacy. Jess opens up about the emotional and physical toll of raising her son Lucas, who has profound special needs, while managing life as a "forev...
May 27, 2025•52 min•Ep. 132
"I felt this sense of odd FOMO." - Taylor Fix Meet Taylor Fix, a remarkable caregiver whose journey began in childhood. Growing up in a close-knit family, caregiving was second nature. But it wasn’t until she became a farmhand and full-time caregiver for Bill, an elderly man she bonded deeply with, that Taylor truly stepped into her calling. 💬 Join us as Taylor opens up about: Becoming a youth caregiver and how it shaped her identity The emotional and mental toll of caregiving Navigating family...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 131
"You don't know what you don't know." - Dave Krikac What happens when love meets lifelong responsibility? The realities of caregiving for individuals with special needs, the triumphs, the trials, and the transformative love it takes to show up every day can be daunting.. Meet Dave Krikac, a devoted father raising his daughter with autism, as he shares the raw and inspiring story of his caregiving journey. 🎙️ Alongside our hosts, Dave explores critical topics that every caregiver should know: Bu...
May 13, 2025•54 min
"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 termi...
May 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 129
“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 h...
Apr 29, 2025•53 min
“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 convers...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 127
“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...
Apr 15, 2025•56 min•Ep. 126
"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 ...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 125
"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 caregivin...
Apr 01, 2025•58 min•Ep. 124
"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 he...
Mar 25, 2025•54 min•Ep. 123
"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...
Mar 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 122
"Life is really short and it changes." - Kyle Daquanna JJ and Natalie sit down with Kyle Daquanna, a male caregiver, as he shares his powerful journey of balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities after his father’s stroke. Kyle opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, the impact of family dynamics, and the difficult medical decisions caregivers face. The discussion highlights the importance of advocacy in navigating insurance systems, preparing for futu...
Mar 11, 2025•56 min
"I forgot how to care for myself." - Tara Ross In this powerful episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver , hosts Natalie and JJ welcome guest, Tara Ross to dive deep into the raw realities of caregiving—especially within military families. Tara opens up about her journey from falling in love with John, a dedicated Navy submariner, to facing the life-altering challenges of his traumatic brain injury. This emotional conversation unpacks the hidden struggles of caregivers, from burnout and e...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 120
"He needed us more than we needed him." - Nick Gaylord This is a powerful one! Hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Nick Gaylord to explore the raw realities of caregiving, grief, and complex family dynamics. Nick opens up about the emotional toll of caring for his father, the struggles of managing a difficult relationship, and the conflicting emotions of loss, relief, and anger after his passing. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on: ✅ The challenges of caregiving for a parent with whom you...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 119
"I was feeling angry, I was feeling resentful." - Kate Washington JJ and Natalie sit down with author Kate Washington to uncover the emotional, financial, and mental health challenges of caregiving. Kate shares her personal journey of caring for both her mother and husband, revealing the unseen struggles caregivers face, from healthcare system hurdles to burnout and grief. Kate and the sisters, JJ and Natalie reflect on their own caregiving experiences, highlighting family dynamics, systemic iss...
Feb 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 118
"Look for the glimmers in caregiving." - Mark Wilson Hosts JJ and Natalie sit down with Mark Wilson, a former corporate executive who left his successful career to become a full-time caregiver after his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 🔹 Mark’s Caregiving Journey – The emotional transition from executive to caregiver 🔹 Building a Support System – How to create a strong caregiving team 🔹 Lessons in Love & Connection – The power of family support and resilience 🔹 Solo Caregiver Advice – Pra...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 117
"Dementia gave us that gift of closeness." - Katrina Prescott In this compelling episode of The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast, hosts JJ and Natalie dive into the world of caregiving with special guest Katrina Prescott, a media producer turned caregiving advocate. 🌟 Katrina opens up about her unexpected journey into caregiving, starting at a young age, and shares invaluable lessons on overcoming the emotional, mental, and systemic challenges caregivers face. From navigating the he...
Feb 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 116
"It's OK not to know everything." - Tracee Loran In this heartfelt episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver , hosts JJ, Natalie, and Tracee Loran dive into the unexpected twists and turns of caregiving. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of stepping into the caregiver role for her grandmother after a serious fall, shedding light on: 💡 Family dynamics & cultural expectations 💡 Balancing independence & caregiving responsibilities 💡 The emotional toll & career impact of ca...
Jan 28, 2025•54 min•Ep. 115
"I finally found my purpose." - Adrienne Marioles 🎙️ Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver brings you another raw and relatable episode as hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Adrienne Marioles, a millennial caregiver with a story that’s equal parts inspiring and real. Adrienne opens up about her leap from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the emotional rollercoaster of caring for her mom, who’s battling Parkinson’s disease. Expect heartfelt confessions, a few laughs, and some seriously ho...
Jan 21, 2025•56 min•Ep. 114
"Let's not sugarcoat it; it's hard." - Dr. Jacob Kendall In this episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver , JJ and Natalie chat with Dr. Jacob Kendall, who opens up about his life-changing experience as a caregiver after his father’s health crisis. It’s a conversation filled with heartfelt stories, relatable struggles, and powerful insights into the rollercoaster of caregiving. Jacob shares what it’s really like to juggle the emotional and practical challenges of stepping into a caregivin...
Jan 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 113
"You can bring back the color and the light." - Kelci Jager Kelci Jagger shares her powerful and emotional story of overcoming tragic loss and grief through the support of her community and finding power in living in the light. Her incredible journey chronicles a series of tragic events including a dangerous accident with her two sons and her husband’s heart-breaking leukemia diagnosis. Losing a loved one can be one of the most painful experiences we go through in life, and it's often hard to im...
Jan 07, 2025•48 min•Ep. 112
In this holiday episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver , we bring humor, honesty, and reflection to our caregiving journey over the last year. Join us as we look back on the highs and lows of caregiving, with no topic off-limits! Natalie discusses the launch of our new Care Forward initiative, which connects individuals in need with local resources, while JJ shares a heartwarming moment baking brownies with our mom—a reminder of both progress and challenges. We also dive into deeper, mo...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 111
Christina Key's life brimmed with success and vitality. But fate had different plans in store for her. An unexpected phone call shattered her idyllic existence, thrusting her into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. As her mother's health hung in the balance, Christina's role transformed from a thriving tech professional to a devoted caregiver. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would test her resilience, challenge her spirit, and uncover depths of strength she ...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 41
Charisma Sydnor's path crossed with Cole's at a rehab center following his teenage spinal cord injury; their professional rapport blossomed into romance and they wed in 2020. Taking over from his mother, Charisma adapted to the comprehensive caregiver role, focusing on fostering independence for Cole while ensuring their connection thrives beyond her caregiving responsibilities. They openly celebrate their life together on social networks, challenging preconceptions about disability and relation...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 65
This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his family. From navigating cultural differences in caregiving between India and England to balancing his academic and social life, Aditya's experiences offer a rare and valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a young carer. Aditya demonstrates a l...
Dec 10, 2024•47 min•Ep. 92
Marty Schreiber has dedicated his life to advocating for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. As the former governor of Wisconsin and author of the acclaimed memoir "My Two Elaine's", Marty draws from his own deeply personal experience as a caregiver for his wife of 61 years, Elaine. For eight years, Marty cared for Elaine in their home as her Alzheimer's progressed, but he now admits he was unprepared for the physical and emotional toll it would take. Marty candidly shares his struggles, ...
Dec 03, 2024•53 min•Ep. 64
