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Episodes

Feb. 24, 2025

Comedy Cares: Improv's Role in Caregiving

Audio family! We shot this episode on location at Dad's Garage, but we made sure to include our listeners to get insight on what we learned. This episode explores the transformative power of improvisational comedy in dementia...

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Feb. 10, 2025

SUCCESSFUL CAREGIVING WITHOUT SELF-SACRIFICE

We had a great time connecting with Author Karen Weaver, author of Reaching Up For Comfort. She has been a caregiver for her late husband, late mom, and late father, though she has also volunteered with her church, neighbors,...

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Jan. 27, 2025

CREATING, CAPTURING AND KEEPING MEMORIES WITH ALZHEIMER'S

Join us as we speak with Omar Alvarez about volunteering with elders, his grandfather, Puerto Rican culture and how each of these played a part in helping him to develop KINNECT - a family legacy app that helps preserve famil...

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Jan. 13, 2025

Sisterhood Meets Social Media: Deltas Search for Zetty

In honor of Delta Sigma Theta's Founder’s Day, look back with us on the care of Zetty’s phenomenal line sisters from Hampton University! See how they all rallied to find out what happened to their ‘Kitty Boo’ and to make sure...

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Dec. 23, 2024

Parenting Up! Best of 2024

Parenting Up! family, thank you for an amazing year! We hit some major milestones, surpassing 100 episodes and 100 subscribers on YouTube, plus some incredible episodes with memorable guests and we could not have done it with...

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Dec. 9, 2024

Festive Frenzy! Holidays with Zetty

We know that you may think Zetty was from the south and surely was known for some famous recipes we grew up enjoying - but that's not exactly what I remember about my mom during the holidays. Zetty may not have been baking ho...

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Nov. 25, 2024

Sending Love & Spreading Smiles: Showing Caregivers You Care

Discover how love, laughter, and resilience can transform the caregiving experience in our latest episode, where we celebrate a remarkable milestone for our Parenting Up! community—being named one of the top three podcasts of...

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Nov. 11, 2024

Some of Ya'll Suck at Supporting Caregivers

Happy National Family Caregivers Month! That's right - in today's episode, we celebrate family caregivers and give tips on better supporting us! Whether it's helping out with everyday tasks, or reading articles that you think...

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Oct. 29, 2024

Ballots & Beliefs: Ballots & Beliefs: Zetty’s Passion for Voting

In this episode, J Smiles talks about Zetty's life before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Zetty, or better known to her friends as 'T.Y.' was passionate about voting and instilled in J a great sense of responsibility for ...

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Oct. 17, 2024

Comedians Care: Rodney Perry - Caregiving Full Circle; Giving and Rec…

Join us as we chat with the multi-talented Rodney Perry, who combines the art of comedy with the heartfelt caregiving journey. Rodney opens up about his personal comedy experiences and providing care for his family, from foll...

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Sept. 25, 2024

The Comedians Care Series: Multigenerational Caregiving with Kelly Ke…

In this episode, we sit down with fan-favorite, comedian Kelly Kellz . Known for her side-splitting stand-up and hilarious videos online, Kelly isn't just funny—she’s real. Kelly opens up about her life beyond the laughs, sha...

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Sept. 9, 2024

The Comedians Care Series: Cocoa Brown on Coast-to-Coast Caregiving

Welcome to our new series - Comedians Care! First up we have multi-talented comedienne Cocoa Brown! Ever wondered how humor can become a lifeline when facing life's toughest challenges? Cocoa Brown shares her personal journey...

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Aug. 19, 2024

The Science of Caregiving: A Conversation with Dr. Tina

Join us as we speak with the incomparable Dr. Tina, a member of the sandwich generation. In this episode, we dive into the science and emotional toll of caregiving, highlighting the struggles and the small victories that make...

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Aug. 5, 2024

A Day In the Live with J Smiles

Can you imagine juggling a caregiving routine for a parent with Alzheimer's while preparing for a last-minute TV comedy appearance? That's the reality I faced as I navigated a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and heartfelt momen...

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July 22, 2024

When Caregiver Roles Detour Your Career Goals

What if you suddenly found yourself in a role you never imagined, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's? Join me as I share my unexpected journey from an accomplished career in engineering, law, and activism to becoming a f...

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July 8, 2024

Reducing Family Conflict: Platform for Splitting Caregiving Expenses

Have you ever felt the frustration of juggling caregiving with everyday life hassles? Well, you're not alone. Today, we hear the life-changing story of family caregiver, Sherri Atwood, who turned daily annoyances into an inno...

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June 24, 2024

You Can Prevent Dementia? A Conversation with Dr. Mitch

Ever wondered how a professional caregiver navigates all of the emotional and psychological strains while maintaining a balance? Join me as I connect with Dr. Mitch, an esteemed neuropsychologist and fellow caregiver. In this...

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June 10, 2024

Comedy & Caregiving Concierge: A Conversation with Jennifer Cain-Bir…

What does it take to transform the caregiving landscape on a global scale? Join us as we uncover the journey of Jennifer Cain-Berkmose, a trailblazing caregiver who has dedicated several years to revolutionizing care for the ...

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May 27, 2024

When Cancer Looks Like Dementia: A Spouse‘s Caregiver Journey

When laughter and wisdom intertwine, you find solace on the unpredictable path of caregiving. Join me as I sit down with Jim Cooper, the ex-DJ who spun his caregiving tales into a guidebook full of practical advice. From the ...

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May 13, 2024

Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

Parenting Up! Was birthed out of compassion and a strong urging within. In this episode, I'm diving deep into what happened before my dad passed, and my mom was never the same. Balancing caring for my mom with Alzheimer's wh...

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April 28, 2024

Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

When I began the caretaking journey for my mom, I was not prepared for the twists and turns ahead. Now, with caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson by our side, we unravel the complexities and joys of caring for those we love. Pa...

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April 14, 2024

Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

As our guest Jennie Lee navigated the complex and emotional path of caring for her mother through her battle with brain cancer, she discovered that the ancient wisdom of yoga therapy held a beacon of light amidst the chaos. T...

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March 24, 2024

The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

Navigating the range of emotions and decisions that come with caregiving, I found myself sharing the profound responsibility of caring for my mother as her memories began to fade into the shadows of dementia. Timothy Poore's ...

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March 10, 2024

A Simple Solution For Stress: A Conversation with Christian Yordanov

Stress is daunting, lurking in the shadows of our daily lives, from the innocent years on the playground to the relentless pressures of adulthood. Our latest conversation unpacks this challenge, laying out an arsenal of strat...

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