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Caregiving doesn’t just change your life, it changes your relationship too. In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re talking about the reality of navigating caregiving with a spouse. Because even if you have a partner, you can still feel completely alone in what you’re carrying. Research shows that nearly 80% of caregivers experience strain in their relationship, but this is one of the least talked about parts of caregiving. We’re diving into: Why caregiving puts pressure on marriages and relationships What it feels like when your spouse doesn’t fully understand The emotional toll of feeling unsupported while caregiving What real support actually looks like from a partner Practical ways to communicate your needs and stay connected If you’ve ever thought, “Why don’t they just get it?”—this episode is for you. You’re not too much for needing support. And you’re not alone in this. Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
What if the first sign of dementia wasn’t memory loss, but a sudden fall that changed everything? In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, I sit down with Wendy, co-host of This Is Your Brain on Mom, to talk about her family’s real-life experience navigating the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. We dive into the subtle signs that are often missed, how quickly cognitive decline can surface, and the emotional impact of stepping into a caregiving role for your parent. Wendy shares what it’s like to care for her mom alongside her siblings, the challenges of balancing family, work, and caregiving, and how storytelling has become a powerful way to honor her mom’s life and legacy. If you’re a caregiver, supporting a loved one with dementia, or trying to understand the early signs of Alzheimer’s, this episode offers honest insight, emotional support, and a reminder that you’re not alone. 🎧 Topics include: Early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s Sibling caregiving dynamics Navigating a sudden diagnosis Emotional realities of caregiving Honoring your loved one’s story through storytelling Connect with our guest https://yourbrainonmom.com/ Connect with The Care Collective Follow the podcast for more conversations about caregiving, resilience, and navigating the realities of supporting aging loved ones. https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast
What happens when caregiving doesn’t ease in, but hits all at once? In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we talk about the emotional reality of sudden caregiving, when a fall, diagnosis, or crisis instantly changes your life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, or unsure how to process everything happening around you, this episode will help you feel seen and supported. You’ll learn why sudden caregiving can feel so disorienting, how unprocessed stress shows up in your body, and simple, practical ways to start coping, even when you don’t have time to slow down. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one with dementia, illness, or injury, this episode offers real-life insight, emotional validation, and actionable steps to help you navigate the transition. 🎧 In this episode: What to do when caregiving starts suddenly Signs you’re in survival mode (and how to get out of it) Understanding anticipatory grief and emotional overwhelm Simple ways to process stress in small, manageable moments How to support yourself while supporting someone else If you’re a caregiver feeling like everything changed overnight… this episode is for you. Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with therapist and coach Lissy McConnell to unpack the realities of sandwich generation caregiving, supporting aging parents while raising children, managing careers, and trying not to lose yourself in the process. They dive into caregiver burnout, decision fatigue, and why everything can feel urgent when you’re living in constant stress. You’ll hear honest conversations about sibling conflict, resentment, and how family dynamics from years ago often resurface during caregiving. Lissy shares practical ways to communicate better, delegate responsibilities, and navigate difficult conversations with family members at different stages of acceptance. This episode also explores the emotional side of caregiving—guilt, identity loss, and the pressure to “do it all.” You’ll learn how to reframe guilt, accept help without shame, and find small ways to care for yourself even when time feels impossible. If you’re a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or stretched too thin, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone and give you tangible tools to navigate it all with more clarity and compassion. Connect with our guest: If you'd like to connect with Lissy, find more information at her website here: www.sandwichsupportco.com/ Access her free guide here: Sandwich Support Co Guides Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
Caregiving doesn’t just impact your relationship with the person you’re caring for, it can deeply affect your relationships with your siblings, too. In this episode, we unpack the emotional and psychological realities of sibling dynamics in caregiving, including unequal responsibility, resentment, communication breakdowns, and the resurfacing of old family roles. Backed by research and real-life experiences, we explore why caregiving often falls on one person, how sibling expectations are shaped, and why tension can build even in close families. You’ll also walk away with practical strategies to navigate difficult conversations, set healthy boundaries, divide responsibilities more clearly, and protect your peace. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure how to approach your siblings, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone in the process. Connect with The Care Collective Follow the podcast for more conversations about caregiving, resilience, and navigating the realities of supporting aging loved ones. https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one is a seismic shift. It’s not just the news itself that is shocking; it’s the whirlwind of life-altering changes and emotional hurdles that follow. When the person you care for becomes difficult, resistant, or even unrecognizable, how do you keep from losing yourself? How do you maintain emotional control while remaining present for someone who may no longer understand your efforts? In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Dr. Sheri Yarbrough—a former organizational consultant who transitioned into the role of full-time caregiver for her mother. Sherri shares her journey of moving from frustration to radical responsibility, offering a masterclass in navigating the most challenging circumstances with grace and intentionality. In this episode, we discuss: The Healing Power of Forgiveness: Learning to release the weight of the past so you can face an uncertain future with a lighter heart. Radical Acceptance: How to stop fighting the reality of the diagnosis and start making the best of the hand you’ve been dealt. The Empathy Bridge: Practical ways to step into your loved one’s shoes and communicate in a way they can actually process. Reclaiming Your Value: Remembering that your identity is not swallowed by your role—the work you are doing is essential, difficult, and extraordinary. This episode is perfect for: Frustrated Caregivers struggling to build or maintain a connection with a difficult patient. Balance Seekers looking for ways to integrate their personal identity with their caregiving duties. Mental Health Advocates searching for actionable strategies to prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Families seeking a community of support and practical guidance. Connect with our guest: Website: www.praxisforcare.com Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering… “Who am I outside of caregiving?”—this episode is for you. Caregiving doesn’t just change your daily routine, it can slowly start to take over your identity. Over time, many caregivers begin to feel disconnected from themselves, their interests, and the life they once had. In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re talking about the emotional reality of losing yourself in caregiving, and why it’s more common than you think. We’ll break down: Why caregivers often experience identity loss and emotional burnout The concept of “role engulfment” and how it impacts your sense of self The internal conflict of loving someone deeply… while still feeling overwhelmed And real, tangible ways to reconnect with yourself—without guilt If you’re feeling lost, exhausted, or like you don’t recognize yourself anymore, you’re not alone—and you’re not too far gone. This episode will help you feel seen, understood, and supported as you navigate your caregiving journey.
How would you feel if your world shifted into caregiving at just 16 years old? For most teenagers, the focus is on school and friends; for Tessa Lanham, it was caring for her brother during his battle with cancer. Multigenerational caregiving is a heavy mantle to carry, but with years of labor comes a lifetime of invaluable wisdom. From navigating high-stakes stress to honoring the dignity of those you care for while protecting your own mental health, Tessa’s journey offers a roadmap for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Tessa Lanham—a life coach, mother, and lifelong caregiver. After caring for her brother, Tessa raised her own family and is now transitioning into the role of caregiver for her parents. She joins us to share how she transitioned from surviving the role to leading within it. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Agency: Taking radical responsibility for the actions and emotions within your control. Leading vs. Managing: How to lead your loved ones with empathy while respecting the freedoms and autonomy they still crave. The Architecture of Boundaries: Identifying where your limits lie and how to communicate them clearly without guilt. Finding Your Outlet: The vital importance of rediscovering what you love to maintain your own identity. This episode is perfect for: "Thrust-In" Caregivers who have recently stepped into a caregiving role unexpectedly. Family Caregivers navigating complex dynamics or challenging conditions with relatives. Mental Health Seekers looking for actionable advice on avoiding burnout. The "Sandwich Generation" trying to balance raising children while caring for aging parents. Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
Have you ever been told, “you chose this” as a caregiver… even when it never felt like a real choice? In this episode of The Care Collective, we’re talking about the emotional weight caregivers carry when others don’t understand their reality. From caregiver guilt and burnout to family dynamics and feeling unseen, this conversation validates the truth so many caregivers live every day, that stepping into this role often comes from love, responsibility, and necessity, not choice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated when people tell you to “just step back,” this episode will remind you that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. Topics covered: caregiving stress, caregiver burnout, caregiver guilt, family dynamics in caregiving, emotional support for caregivers, and feeling unseen as a caregiver. Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
As a caregiver, when was the last time you had a truly decent meal? Between doctor’s appointments, work, family, and the daily demands of caregiving, finding the time (and energy) to eat well can feel like an impossible task. The truth is, caregiving takes a massive physical and mental toll. When you skip meals or survive on snacks, your brain loses the energy required to make the critical executive decisions needed to care for yourself and your loved ones. Neglecting your nutrition isn't just a personal sacrifice, it can actively hinder your ability to provide care. So, how do we find the balance? In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton sits down with Alex Fleet, a nutritionist and nutritional therapist. Together, they dive into realistic strategies for eating better on a hectic schedule and how to implement small, attainable changes that actually stick. In this episode, we discuss: The Caregiver Mindset: Shifting how you view your body and your health. The "Treat Yourself" Balance: Learning when and how to indulge without guilt. Micro-Goals: Starting your health journey with small, achievable wins. Resource Mapping: Where to find food and nutritional support when you’re overwhelmed. This episode is perfect for: High-Priority Caregivers managing patients with intensive needs. The Overwhelmed Parent struggling to find a moment of peace. Anyone looking to break the cycle of poor eating habits. Mental Health Advocates looking for the link between food and positive mindset. Resources: Reach out to Alex Fleet at fleetnutrition@gmail.com for more personalized advice. Looking for a therapist or nutritionist? This might be a good place to start: https://myrestoredpurpose.com/ Find your local foodbanks or other programs here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank Listen to The Care Collective Podcast Follow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast About The Care Collective Podcast The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.