The Care Collective Podcast

by Mikayla Cluxton

Season 1

Is It Guilt... or Grief? Grieving Someone Who Is Still Alive

Have you ever felt guilty about a relationship that isn't what you hoped it would be? Maybe you keep wondering if you should call. Reach out. Try one more time. Or maybe you're caring for someone whose illness has changed the person they used to be, and you can't shake the feeling that you're grieving, even though they're still here. In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we're exploring a question that changed the way I understood my own emotions: What if it isn't guilt? What if it's grief? We'll talk about the hidden grief of losing someone while they're still alive, why caregivers often experience this long before a loved one dies, and how grief can show up in dementia, chronic illness, addiction, estrangement, and complicated family relationships. Together, we'll explore: Why grief doesn't always begin with death The difference between guilt and grief Grieving the relationship you wish you had Why acceptance doesn't mean approval A simple exercise that helped me process complicated emotions If you've ever found yourself mourning someone who is still here, this episode is a reminder that your grief is real, even if no one else can see it. 🎧 If this episode resonates with you, share it with another caregiver or someone navigating a complicated relationship. Sometimes the hardest grief is the one no one realizes you're carrying. 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.

S1 · E39

Jun 24, 2026

18:08

How Do You Care for Someone With Completely Different Beliefs Than You?

In this solo episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton opens up about one of the most emotionally complicated realities of caregiving: how do you continue caring for someone when their beliefs, words, or worldview deeply conflict with your own? Drawing from her personal experiences working in elder care, Mikayla shares the emotional tension many caregivers quietly carry: navigating racist, sexist, homophobic, judgmental, or hurtful comments while still trying to provide compassionate, dignified care. She explores the emotional complexity of generational differences, the impact of dementia and cognitive decline on personality and behavior, and the hidden grief that can come with watching someone change over time. This episode dives into the realities younger caregivers often face when caring for older generations raised in entirely different cultural and social environments. Mikayla also discusses caregiver burnout, emotional boundaries, compassion fatigue, identity struggles, and why caregivers deserve spaces where they can process difficult emotions honestly without shame or guilt. Whether you are a family caregiver, CNA, nurse, healthcare worker, or someone supporting an aging loved one, this episode offers validation, nuance, and a reminder that compassion and discomfort can exist at the same time. If you’ve ever felt emotionally conflicted, hurt, exhausted, or isolated in your caregiving journey, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. 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

S1 · E38

May 20, 2026

16:08

When Caregiving Makes You Sick: The Hidden Physical Toll of Chronic Stress on Caregivers

Why does caregiving leave so many people physically exhausted, anxious, sick, and burned out? In this solo episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla dives into the hidden physical toll caregiving stress takes on the body: from chronic exhaustion and brain fog to sleep deprivation, hypervigilance, immune issues, and long-term health risks. She explores research from the CDC, AARP, and the National Cancer Institute while offering compassionate, practical ways caregivers can begin supporting their own nervous systems and health again. If you’ve been surviving in crisis mode and wondering why your body feels like it’s falling apart, this episode is for you. 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

S1 · E37

May 9, 2026

18:04

What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone Grieving: Expert Advice from a Grief Educator

Grief is something we will all experience, but most people don’t know what to say or how to show up when someone is hurting. In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, I’m joined by grief educator and registered nurse Jane Dye to talk about what grief really looks like, and how to support someone through it without causing more harm. We dive into the difference between grief and mourning, why grief isn’t linear, and how anticipatory grief shows up for caregivers before a loss even happens. Jane shares powerful insights from both her professional experience and personal loss, helping you better understand what grieving people actually need. We also talk about the most common things people say that can unintentionally hurt, and what to say instead if you truly want to support someone through loss. Whether you’re navigating grief yourself or trying to support someone you love, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, more prepared, and less alone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What grief actually is (and why it’s more than just loss) The difference between grief and mourning What not to say to someone who is grieving What grieving people truly need instead How to support someone without trying to “fix” their pain What anticipatory grief looks like for caregivers Why grief isn’t linear—and never follows a timeline How to communicate your needs when you’re the one grieving Resources & Links: Connect with Jane Dye: Website: jankdye.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.

S1 · E36

May 5, 2026

52:36

How Caregiving Affects Your Marriage (80% of Caregivers Report Relationship Strain)

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.

S1 · E35

May 2, 2026

16:58

When Dementia Changes Everything Overnight: A Sibling Caregiver Story with Wendy from This Is Your Brain on Mom

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

S1 · E34

Apr 28, 2026

55:01

When Caregiving Changes Overnight: How to Cope with Sudden Diagnosis, Stress & Emotional Overwhelm

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.

S1 · E33

Apr 23, 2026

11:21

Sandwich Generation Caregiving: Stress, Sibling Conflict, Guilt, and How to Ask for Help

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.

S1 · E32

Apr 21, 2026

49:17

Caregiving & Sibling Conflict: Why Family Dynamics Get Complicated

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

S1 · E31

Apr 16, 2026

19:04

Navigating the Fog: Alzheimer’s, Acceptance, and the Power of Forgiveness with Sheri Yarbrough

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.

S1 · E30

Apr 14, 2026

45:28

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