Shows
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Podcast: Change is A-Coming!Island Treasures Podcast is taking a short break from publishing new episodes to reflect and seek future direction!Over the past six seasons, we've explored the many facets of caregiving, sharing insightful conversations and meaningful stories. While our existing content will remain available for you to revisit anytime, we feel it may be time to venture into new territory.We look back over the life of the podcast thus far as its focus has been on caregiving, with exceptional guests - many caregivers themselves - sharing their caregiving stories, wisdom and experiences as they help...2025-06-0605 min
Caring ConversationsSeason 1 ReflectionsSarah Trott joins Brenda for the final episode of the season to help reflect on the lessons our incredible guests have shared with us. Brenda takes us on one final journey of what infancy to adulthood is like for those caring for children with disabilities and complex needs. Caregiving for children can be some of the lengthiest caregiving journeys out there and these caregivers protect, advocate, teach, embrace and celebrate like no other! Heartfelt thanks go out to all of our guests for being so open and sharing their stories with us this season. A special thank you to...2022-03-2549 min
Caring ConversationsA Place of Her OwnIn the previous Caring Conversations episode, guest Mike George talked about what happens when it's not an option for an adult child with complex medical needs to move out of the home. On this episode, Brenda is joined by Anita Scott whose adult daughter with very complex needs is now living in her own home with full support. Find out how this arrangement has worked for Anita and her daughter, Madison. Anita also shares the shocking details of how Madison developed her disability. Listen and be inspired by how Anita finds room for gratitude in her life. She also of...2022-03-0453 min
Caring ConversationsSoaring FamiliesChildren grow up to eventually become independent, move out and lead their own lives. What happens when your adult child doesn't have the ability to do those things? How do their parents navigate their care for the rest of their lives? What happens if they are still caring for their adult child into their 50s and 60s, or even their 70s and 80s? What happens if one, or worse, both of the parents become ill and require care themselves? The options are limited. Some have no choice but to move their children to assisted living, if they can last...2022-02-181h 03
Caring ConversationsTransitioning to the Adult WorldHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be a 'bug on a wall' during a conversation between two caregivers who have adult children with medical complexities? Join Brenda and Donna Thomson as they share stories and discuss the world of caring for adult children transitioning out of the pediatric world. We also discuss how often caregivers' fears and worries can be misunderstood or misinterpreted by health professionals and one thing that they can do to help us during traumatic experiences. The insights that both Donna and Brenda share about caring for and advocating for their adult...2022-02-041h 01
Caring ConversationsAutism, Perseverance, and Self-CareNicole and Stasia join me to discuss caring for children with rare diseases and autism. We also go into details of how we define success with our children and just how much perseverance it takes for children, and their parents alike, to help them to reach their own potential and thrive. Nicole and Stasia also share with us the importance of self care amidst it all, how reaching out is so important and how that can be a form of self-care in and of itself.2022-01-2157 min
Happy Healthy CaregiverCaring for a Family Member with Complex Disabilities with Brenda Blais Nesbitt - Caregiver SpotlightIn today’s show, I am shining the caregiver spotlight on Brenda Blais Nesbitt. Brenda is a master in advocating and navigating the confusing world of disability. Her personal experience has enhanced her ability to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and excel in the challenging journey of caring for and loving those with complex needs. In today’s episode we discuss how Brenda embraced outside help, why Brenda doesn’t want to be pitied, and how to get comfortable having a one-sided conversation with a loved one.
Show notes with produc...2022-01-1258 min
Caring ConversationsCaring for the CaregiverKate Houck is the Executive Director of David's Refuge, a central New York state based organization that provides respite resources and support to families of children with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses. Kate is passionate about caring for the caregivers and shares with us just how David's Refuge came to be, how they support parents through respite services, events, virtual support, and networking opportunities. She emphasizes the need for respite and how it has such a profound impact and positive ripple effect on the caregivers who receive it by giving them the feeling of empowerment and allowing them to...2022-01-0738 min
Caring ConversationsLittle Angel with Tiffany YuTiffany Yu is passionate about supporting parents of tube-fed children, and she does so by providing awareness of adaptive equipment and accessories along with helpful tips and tricks — all borne out of the love for her child, Magnus. Magnus was small but his legacy is mighty; he built an empire of his own in the short time he was alive. Sadly, and unexpectedly, Magnus passed away only 17 days after our interview. We discuss Tiffany's passion project of Tubie2Go, normalizing tube feeding, among many other aspects of caring for children with complex needs, especially with respect to those who ar...2021-12-171h 00
Caring ConversationsInspiring Hope with Colleen BreenYou do not have to be caring for a child with disabilities or complex needs — or be a caregiver for that matter — to learn something from this episode that you can apply to your own life. Pediatric critical care nurse Colleen Breen is one of those people who approaches everything in her life, including the very ill children she’s cared for over the past 41 years, with openness, curiosity, creativity, and hope. She is eager to learn something from every person she meets: no matter how big or how small; whether beginning life or transitioning from it; from the sick a...2021-12-0354 min
Caring Conversations9-1-1 Emergency with Liz LaHayeThis week Brenda is joined by Liz LaHaye of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Liz went into early labour while she was home alone with her two young children. Her husband was a six hour drive away and she had no choice but to leave her kids at home and be taken by ambulance to the hospital. Her son, Francis, was born shortly thereafter, a “micro-premie”. At one pound, 15 ounces, he was so small that she dressed him in doll clothes! They spent the first 96 days of his life in the NICU. Listen in and learn what life was like for Liz...2021-11-1954 min
Caring ConversationsMaking "Milliestones" with Nikki GeibFor Brenda's debut as Caring Conversations podcast host, she is joined by Nikki Geib. Nikki is the mom to two beautiful daughters, Georgi and Millie. Millie was born with a heart defect and Down syndrome. In this episode, Nikki reflects on how her fear of a diagnosis turned into instant love and acceptance the moment Millie was born. She shares how important it is to have community and appreciate every day that is given to us and expresses her joy in helping others who are in similar circumstances. Nikki inspires others by sharing her Down syndrome story, what she's...2021-11-0946 min
How We Got HereBrenda Blais NesbittBrenda Blais Nesbitt is a warrior mom from her daughter, Nikki, for whom she has cared for over 28 years. She is also the founder and president of Coaching for Caregivers Canada. Brenda has been both a patient and a caregiver and joins How We Got Here to reflect on the joys and challenges of caring for a medically-complex child through adulthood all while navigating a chronic condition of her own. Brenda shares some the people and moments that contributed to her defeat—and those that made her stronger by empowering her to speak up. She also talks about what se...2021-10-271h 01
Caring ConversationsMeet your host, Brenda Blais Nesbitt!Caring Conversations is back! In this episode, the CEO of Caregiving.com, Mike Eidsaune, speaks with Caring Conversations season one host, Brenda Blais Nesbitt.
Brenda and Mike discuss dusting off Caring Conversations from its previous format and creating it into information-packed and focused seasons. This season is the season of caring for children with life-altering disabilities and complex needs. They talk about unknowns, support systems, advocacy, the blessings caregiving can bring into our lives, and what this season has in store for its listeners.2021-10-2225 min
Caring ConversationsWe're Back!Caring Conversations returns! Our mission remains the same: to feature the voices of those who care. Join your season 1 host, Brenda Blais Nesbitt, as she follows the journeys of parents like her who have navigated the caregiving world for their children with disabilities and complex needs from childhood straight through to adulthood. Their stories will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired to embrace your own caregiving journey. Please consider subscribing to Caring Conversation to get notified when our first episode drops on October 21st!2021-10-0805 min
Straight Talk No Sugar Added PodcastEp 81 - Advocate Effectively with Brenda BlaisIn this episode, Neena is joined by Brenda Blais Nesbitt as she shares her journey as a life coach, patient advocate, entrepreneur, and caregiver to her daughter Nikki. She also shares how something that was said helped her discover her purpose in life, which is to advocate for her daughter and many others in need. Brenda Blais Nesbitt has been the caregiver and the voice of her daughter, Nikki, for over 28 years. Nikki is severely disabled and medically fragile and has been since her traumatic birth. Through Brenda's caregiving journey, she has learned to advocate e...2021-09-0435 min
Straight Talk No Sugar Added PodcastEp 81 - Advocate Effectively with Brenda BlaisIn this episode, Neena is joined by Brenda Blais Nesbitt as she shares her journey as a life coach, patient advocate, entrepreneur, and caregiver to her daughter Nikki. She also shares how something that was said helped her discover her purpose in life, which is to advocate for her daughter and many others in need. Brenda Blais Nesbitt has been the caregiver and the voice of her daughter, Nikki, for over 28 years. Nikki is severely disabled and medically fragile and has been since her traumatic birth. Through Brenda's caregiving journey, she has learned to advocate e...2021-09-0435 minIsland TreasuresEmpowered By PositivityMeet Brenda Blais Nesbitt. She has been the caregiver of her daughter, Nikki, for over 27 years. Nikki is medically fragile with her severe disability, and Brenda is her voice and loving caregiver. Through her caregiving journey, Brenda has learned how to advocate effectively when the odds sometimes are stacked against them. She understands the stresses involved in navigating the healthcare system for a child with severe disability and offers information on how to prepare for the child transitioning to the adult world of healthcare.Brenda recognizes how important it is to look after yourself and to set...2020-12-2247 min
Caring ConversationsMeet a Family Caregiver of the Year: Brenda Blais NesbittBrenda, one of our Certified Caregiving Consultants™, is also now a Certified Caregiving Educator™ and Certified Caregiving Facilitator™. Brenda is also one of our 2019 Family Caregiver of the Year Award winners.
Brenda is the proud and passionate caregiver of her 25-year-old daughter, Nikki, who has significant physically and developmental disabilities that make her medically fragile and dependent on technology for survival. Brenda was part of the first Family Faculty at her regional children’s hospital, teaching healthcare providers and students about the needs of children with health challenges and their families. She participated in the inaugural healthcare and caregiver collaboration aimed at e...2019-06-0530 min