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Videos

Jan. 21, 2024

Don't Ignore the Signs - When to Seek Help for a Loved One's Health

#Caregivers- what’s your best piece of advice for noticing the “signs”? Watch and stream “Boosting Joy: A Conversation with Eunice Sykes” on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify! Link in bio. #ParentingUpPodcast #CaregivingJourney #Inspiration #NewEpisode #caregiving #podcast #endalz

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Jan. 19, 2024

Don't Touch Nothing

I should’ve know my momma was going to get the Alzheimer’s….she forgot what she told me all the time 😂 Who else had the same problem with a parent 👆🏽 #comedy #comedian #jokes #atlcomedian #outsidebeenopen #outsidebeenopencomedytour #femalecomedian #endalz #caregiver #caregiverstrong

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Jan. 18, 2024

Delta Sigma Theta Founder Day

Zetty is an ADP & a DP of Gamma Iota. I am a DP of Alpha Chapter. Excellence ERY Day🔺 OUTSIDE BEEN OPEN BABY… what ‘chu mean you cannot get ‘er dun. We BREED Extraordinary Deltas. #deltasigmatheta #foundersday #outsidebeenopen #divine9 #hbcu #hamptonuniversity #howarduniversity #communityservice #endalz

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Jan. 14, 2024

Boosting Joy: A Conversation with Eunice Sykes

When love is rekindled and a family is beautifully blended, the heart sings a tune of joy – until a shadow, quiet and unassuming, threatens to mute the melody. That's where our guest's story begins, with a love so bright against the creeping dusk of Alzheimer's. Our guest, Eunice Sykes,…

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Jan. 4, 2024

Outside Been Open Tour Testimonials

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the first leg of the Outside Been Open Comedy Tour! I am currently gearing up for the second half of the tour! What cities should I come to? Comment below ⬇️

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Jan. 3, 2024

Hosting The 2023 Purple Affair

Thank you @jamesdixonfoundation for trusting me to Emcee/Perform at this years Purple Affair! I had a ball! We’re going to kick ALZ’s butt one laugh at a time!

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Jan. 2, 2024

2023 Caregiving Community Forum

Thank you AARP, ALZ Association, ALZ GA for allowing me to moderate and perform at the 2023 Caregiving Community Forum! I had a great time! I opened for @iamreginabelle so I might ack funny 2mrw. 😂 #comedian #comic #alzheimersawareness #endalz

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Dec. 24, 2023

Did My Mama Play Me?!

Every caregiver has their Everest, and for me, it was trying to create that perfect TV moment with my mom, Zetty. As she battles advanced Alzheimer's, I balance the unpredictable world of caregiving with my role as a comedian and podcaster. This episode is a raw and humorous recount of…

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Dec. 10, 2023

Finding A Greater Purpose: A Conversation with Andrew

Ever been blindsided by life's cruel surprises? Andrew sure has. A brain aneurysm hit him out of nowhere--at the airport! This episode takes you on a journey as we learn about Andrew's fight for survival, and his journey to redefine himself in the face of adversity. From a successful teacher…

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Nov. 26, 2023

Becoming a Love Language Linguist as a Caregiver: A Conversation with Paul

Ever thought how our backgrounds and experiences shape the way we give and receive love? What if we could turn learning the language of love into a fun and interactive game? Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with our guest, Paul, about the ground-breaking concept of the…

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Nov. 12, 2023

A Little More Time Together - A Conversation with Donna Olivia

Have you ever wondered how artistry intertwines with caregiving? Today, we're chatting with Donna Olivia, a knowledgeable author, retired teacher, and caregiver who's been looking after her mother for 7 years. Brimming with Donna's deep-seated passion for authentic care, this episode uncovers her transformative journey, the lessons she's learned, and…

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Oct. 25, 2023

The Universe Has the Best Clickbait

On this episode, J speaks with co-host of the Remember Me Podcast and resilient figure in the caregiving world--Maria Kent Beers. Her journey began with a mother diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS, leading her to discover a strength she never knew she possessed. Navigating medical systems is…

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Oct. 23, 2023

The Universe Has the Best Clickbait - Episode #77 With Maria Kent Beers

On this episode, J speaks with co-host of the Remember Me Podcast and resilient figure in the caregiving world--Maria Kent Beers. Her journey began with a mother diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS, leading her to discover a strength she never knew she possessed. Navigating medical systems is…

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Oct. 9, 2023

J Smiles on CBS: How comedy helps caregivers cope

@parentingup J Smiles tells Sawyer Buccy of Atlanta News First her secret sauce of using to humor help family caregivers cope. J opens up about how comedy saved her soul after double family tragedy.

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Oct. 9, 2023

Why is Zetty on the Floor?! | Parenting UP! S4 E1

Often times caregiving comes with surprises. In this episode of the Parenting Up podcast, J talks about when she was having a productive wave, planning her Comedy tour, creating with her staff and boom —she is notified that Zetty - who is supposed to be in bed- is on flat…

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Dec. 7, 2021

ZETTY Faints - is it a stroke?

J Smiles is shocked out of her sleep by a professional caregiver because Zetty is non-responsive. It looked like a stoke but it wasn’t… what is happening?!?!

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Dec. 1, 2021

S2, Ep17 Podcast Soundbite

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March 15, 2021

Ep 5: Parenting Up! Vodcast - Getting caregiver lessons & managing community unrest

J Smiles recounts the first professional caregiver who showed her to ropes of avoiding burnout, redirecting, and more. Plus, a discussion on how to handle the major societal upheaval while keeping your caregiver cool. THIS IS A REPLAY. ___________________________________________________________________________ Parenting Up! is a podcast and a vodcast about comedian J…

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March 15, 2021

Ep 4: Parenting Up! Vodcast: Basic Q&A for ALZ newbies

J answers questions and gives advice on ALZ. THIS IS A REPLAY. ___________________________________________________________________________ Parenting Up! is a podcast and a vodcast about comedian J Smiles caregiving adventures. You can hear the podcast on all audio platforms and interact with the vodcast on Getvokl.com. **Links to podcast and GetVokl on Parenting…

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March 15, 2021

Ep 3: Parenting Up! Vodcast - J Smiles touches on ALZ rumors and misunderstandings

J encourages Alzheimer’s awareness, donations, dispels rumors and more. THIS IS A REPLAY. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parenting Up! is a podcast and a vodcast about comedian J Smiles caregiving adventures. You can hear the podcast on all audio platforms and interact with the vodcast on Getvokl.com. **Links to podcast and GetVokl on…

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March 1, 2021

Parenting UP! Zetty & Gladys Knight Duet: ALZ musical moment

Zetty & Gladys Knight duet... well kinda. 9 years into ALZ, her favorite songs still evoke emotion. This song was released after Zetty’s divorce and clearly became a source of strength as she found new love with my daddy, Jock Smith. . _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parenting Up! is a podcast and a…

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Feb. 19, 2021

CareCON 2021 & HFC w/ Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen announce CareCON 2021, a virtual conference for Alzheimer's family caregivers. Parenting UP’s J Smiles’ is a panelist with moderator Sean Hayes at this groundbreaking event.

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Feb. 18, 2021

Alzheimer's Assoc 2020 Honor (Who I am, Why I care, Who I fight for) - The Birth of Parenting UP

Activism has a caregiver is on display. Social media fundraising with "live-a-thons", a podcast launch, custom tumblers and more shared as examples of fighting Alzheimer's and supporting caregivers. J Smiles tells why her passion runs so deeply during this thank you video to the Alzheimer's Association. NOTE: GetVokl broadcast is…

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Feb. 17, 2021

Ep2, Parenting Up! Vodcast:"Becoming a Caregiver w/o Warning" -- Interactive ALZ Conversation

J Smiles describes how abruptly she became a full-time caregiver. After living an extremely independent global life, her father died of a massive heart attack and within 90 days her mom was thrust into early onset Alzheimer's disease. Literally, J blinked and her "healthy" forensic accountant CPA mother was incapable…

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