Karen Osborne - Podcast Details

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Living in the Sandwich ZoneWhere In The World Is Karen Osborne?In this week's episode I reveal the final destination of my current globetrotting adventure and share with you how this whirlwind escapade came to be. If you are interested in learning more about my MA in Happiness Studies program you can click here to join me and my Happiness Friends in Happiness School through Centenary University.You can follow me on Instagram at: ⁠⁠⁠@karen.e.osborne⁠⁠⁠Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): ⁠⁠⁠LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2025-04-0210 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneKEG Party 2024: A Conversation with Friends about Race & Much MoreAfter a long stint of solo episodes, I'm breaking things up this week. Today, you finally get to meet my dear friends from college, Emily and Grace. Together we make up the KEG Party! (Karen, Emily & Grace) It's supremely meaningful to me to have friends like Em and Grace with whom I can talk, laugh and confide in. Grace and Emily have been my faithful friends for over 35 years since our days at UCLA and have been my ever-present sounding board over the last 5+, as I've been figuring out what's next for me in life. We talk...2024-03-1354 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneEvolutions in Parenting (Part 2): Taking the Road Less TraveledAs parents we do the best we can. We make decisions in the moment that we hope are right. But sometimes they're not. Last week I shared how I applied some parental pressure to get Linny to go to school after the Labor Day holiday weekend. As it turned out...it was the wrong call because the very next day Linny tested positive for Covid. In this week's episode, Karen's Covid Chronicles continue. I share about how, on the heels of this parenting blunder, the Universe presented me with an opportunity for a decision...2023-09-2016 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneSummer Sabbatical MessageJust a gentle reminder, I'm taking the next 4 weeks off to rest and rejuvenate. I'll be back the with more espisodes beginning Wednesday, August 9th. Till then...take good care and go out and do something that brings you joy! If you miss me while I'm away, follow me on Instagram at: ⁠⁠⁠@karen.e.osborne⁠⁠⁠ to see what I'm up to! Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): ⁠⁠⁠LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-07-1201 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneSandwiched: A Conversation with Laurie JamesSome of the biggest gifts I’ve received from launching Living in the Sandwich Zone are the incredible connections-turned-friendships I’ve made with my podcast guests. My guest today is most certainly one of those gifts! After being introduced to Laurie by one of my college roommates, we connected and, right away, I knew she was a kindred spirit! Laurie James is the mother of 4, an author, a relationship coach and what she calls a “recovering caregiver”. While raising her four daughters, Laurie cared for both her parents until their deaths. In this episode s...2023-07-0555 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneHome Alone: To Do or Not to Do THAT is the QuestionIt's been a while since I've done a solo episode so that's whatcha get this week! I'm coming off an unusual week of solitude. While the other three Osbornes were off galivanting on adventures of their own, I was the only (fur-less) Osborne holding down the fort for nearly a week. In this episode I share what that was like for me and the "aha" I had about how I spend my downtime. Want a sneak peek for next week? Check out my guest ⁠Laurie James⁠ whose new podcast ⁠Confessions of a Freebird⁠ d...2023-06-2817 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneFractured Families: A Conversation about Estrangement with Kreed RevereAlthough not often talked about openly, estrangement is more common than many might think. Fractured family relationships occur quite often. According to a recent national study, 6 percent of adults reported estrangement from their mothers and 26 percent reported estrangement from their fathers. Estrangement carries with it intense feelings, often including feelings of shame, guilt, and grief. The pain and grief of estrangement is something Kreed Revere is all too familiar with. As a young adult, Kreed experienced estrangement when she distanced herself from her parents. Then, later in life, she experienced it again when her two adult daughters s...2023-06-2154 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Goat Yoga Story: A Conversation with Michelle Tritten (Founder of Hello Critter)My foray into the world of goat yoga delighted me so much I was inspired to find out how such a unique wellness practice came into being. So, after reminiscing with my friends who joined me for my goat yoga outing last February, I decided to reach out to Michelle Trittenthe founder of Hello Critter and the host of our fun-filled goat yoga extravaganza to learn more about how she embarked on her entrepreneurial venture with goats. Michelle was the first person to introduce goat yoga to the Los Angeles area. Animals had always been a passion...2023-06-1432 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReflections on Goat YogaFor over a year, the prospect of going to goat yoga has been on my radar. In fact, I shared about my goat yoga dreams in one of my very early episodes after launching this podcast in an episode called, Goat Yoga: The Importance of Scheduling in Joy. (You can listen to that episode here.) After persevering through my initial challenges getting my adventure off the ground, I finally, just a few months ago, was able to make my goat yoga dreams a reality! And as a bonus, I had an opportunity to meet up with some...2023-06-1445 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Healing Power of Horses: A Conversation with Kuniko Vroman about Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Activities (Part 2)In this episode, Part 2 of my conversation with Kuniko Vroman, we talk about how she started Helping Hoof⁠⁠, her non-profit, equine-assisted therapeutic services organization. Then, we talk more about the therapeutic experiences Kuniko facilitated for me as I worked with the horses. If you haven't listened to Part 1 of our conversation you might want to go back and start there. Through working with Kuniko, I was able to overcome a lifelong fear of horses and gain invaluable insights into myself and my default ways I'd been walking in the world that were no longer serving me. To...2023-06-0740 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Healing Power of Horses: A Conversation with Kuniko Vroman about Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Activities (Part 1)In keeping with the theme of mental health awareness this month, this week I'm sharing with you about yet another outside-the-box therapy modality. This one involves horses. I first became curious about equine therapy (aka “horse therapy”) when Linny was in residential mental health treatment. In the programming at “res” (as it’s often called), each week the treatment facility would take participants on a trek out to a place that specialized in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has been shown to help with a myriad of challenges – such as, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, tra...2023-05-311h 10

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLet's Talk Ketamine: A Conversation with Therapist Allie RunkelAs a society, we are facing a growing mental health crisis. Finding the right treatment for mental health conditions can often be challenging—especially for those for whom medication has not been effect and people suffering from complex post-traumatic stress and trauma. For some, traditional therapy and psychotropic medications doesn’t provide relief. Thankfully, other therapeutic options are available. In this episode, I talk with therapist Allie Runkel, LPCC, about ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and its effectiveness in treating mental health conditions. Allie is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a...2023-05-241h 12

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMental Health Awareness: My Candid Update and What I'm Doing to Improve My Mental Health and Well-BeingThe last several weeks have been pretty tough on me. A variety of situations have flared up and they've taken a significant toll on my energy, health and mental well-being. Since it's Mental Health Awareness Month, it seemed timely to dive right in and talk about it all. A couple weeks ago, I shared about the story of the big epiphany I had after an interaction with Linny. I originally recorded about what happened to me at work that day but ultimately decided against it. In this episode I circle back and share about that work situation...2023-05-1732 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReflections on Africa (Part 3): Mental Health, the Motherland, Mothering and MoreIt’s hard to believe that May is upon us and that means it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. In all candor, life has been pretty intense and challenging for me lately. I’ve been navigating some pretty hard stuff. As a result, my well-being and mental health have taken a hit. One of the things that I’ve learned to do when things get rough is to reach out and talk to someone. Sometimes it’s just to vent and valve some pressure and other times it’s a way of shifting my attention to a better feelin...2023-05-101h 09

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Epiphany: How My Child Taught Me an Invaluable Lesson About Self-CareThough I have lots more to share about my African adventure, this week I'm sharing an important lesson I learned from one of my greatest teachers--my youngest child. In this episode, I share about an interaction with Linny that really shined a light on what I have been asking and expecting from my children and led to a big epiphany for me about self-care. You can follow me on Instagram at: ⁠⁠⁠@karen.e.osborne⁠⁠⁠ Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): ⁠⁠⁠LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-05-0315 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneUnpacking a Tough Moment in Africa: More of My Conversation with ACEAt this stage of my life, I am realizing more and more how important it is to have people in my life who are willing not only come along for the fun rides but who also stay close and ride the waves with me when things get stormy. ACE is a shining example of one of those people. Last week, ACE and I reminisced about our adventures in Africa and talked about some of the takeaway moments from our safari. (If you haven't heard the first part of our conversation, ⁠click HERE to listen.⁠) While the m...2023-04-2639 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReflections on Africa: Catching Up with ACEIt's been just over a month since I returned from Africa. My safari experience was so transformative--on so many levels--I just haven't been able to compose a podcast about it. Immediately upon returning home, I landed right back in the thick of life having to juggle lots of tough stuff. But taking some time to travel on my African adventure definitely helped expand my bandwidth to handle it all. In today's episode, I chat with my safari travel partner, ACE. We catch up, reflect on our adventure and start to unpack our takeaways from our safari. 2023-04-1954 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLARK Fest 2023: Creating and Declaring our Intentions for this YearIt's become a tradition that each time we gather Lupe, Ariel, Renae and I do a whole host of mindful-based activities. This year at our retreat we spent a lot of time in nature, did a mindful walk at Whiskey Point and created multiple vision boards depicting the feelings and things we want to create and experience this year. In this episode you get to vicariously accompany us through that process. Listen along as Lupe sets the stage for our mindful walk and then, later after we returned home, leads us through a writing exercise further integrating the intentions...2023-04-1233 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLARK Fest 2023: Finding Forever FriendsHaving people in your life who can show up, be present and stay by your side through good times and bad is an essential part of any Sandwich Zone support system. In the past several years, I’ve been supremely fortunate to find a crew of phenomenal friends. My LARK friends (Lupe, Ariel and Renae) have been with me through some of my darkest days in the past 2 years and have been an invaluable source of support, love, and encouragement. Know that it’s never too late to find your tribe—the people who “get” you, love you and sta...2023-04-1236 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLARK Fest 2023: My Training Wheel Trip for Africa (Part 2: Lupe's Health Scare)In Part 2 of LARK Fest 2023, we get serious. In this part of our conversation, Lupe shares her emotional journey after getting an abnormal mammogram result. She opens up about her search for the right doctor, learning more about her family history and preparing for and going through surgery. Here links for the podcast and book Lupe found helpful: Peter Attia’s podcast on Hormone Replacement Therapy CLICK HERE TO LISTEN https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/avrum-bluming-m-d-and-carol-tavris-ph-d-controversial/id1400828889?i=1000430560132 Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Wom...2023-04-0532 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLARK Fest 2023: My Training Wheel Trip for Africa (Part 1)In the first quarter of 2023, I have traveled a lot! This week you'll hear about my first solo international trip that paved the way for my African adventure. Although this trip was initially born out of my scheme to get my Global Entry card activated in advance of my Africa trip. When I pitched the idea to Renae (LARK #3), who lives on Victoria Island in British Columbia, it quickly blossomed into our second annual LARK retreat! So this week, you get to come along with us on LARK Fest 2023. We have tons of fun and also lots...2023-04-0525 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Christy Byrne Yates: Caregiving Coach, Advocate, Author and ExpertIn this week’s episode I’m sharing my conversation with Christy Byrne Yates: caregiving advocate, coach, author and overall Sandwich Zone expert. Christy’s Sandwich Zone journey taught her a lot! For six years she experienced the sandwich zone squeeze caring for her parents (both of whom had dementia) while also raising her children, nurturing her marriage and working full-time as a school psychologist. Now, Christy shares the knowledge, resources and lessons she gleaned from those experiences as a coach and advocate for others who are navigating the challenges of Living in the Sandwich Zone. In her...2023-03-2248 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Treat for You and a Break for Me: My First Ever Podcast Guest Appearance (on Redesigning Midlife with Lesley McShane)I'm back from Africa and mixing things up! While I take some time to settle back in and let my jet lag dissipate, I'm sharing with you an episode of my first ever podcast interview with my friend Lesley McShane from her podcast Redesigning Midlife. Lesley is yet another extraordinary human that I crossed paths with during my (so frequently mentioned) podcast class. In her podcast, Lesley offers a weekly dose of Monday Motivation to get you moving and making the most out of your midlife experience. Last January, we sat down to talk about sandwich generation l...2023-03-151h 21

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMeet ACE: My Inspiration for AfricaAre you curious to find out who I'm traveling to Africa with? Well, wait no more! In today's episode you get to meet my friend, ACE--the person who inspired me to take the plunge and book my safari. Alicia “ACE” Easter is a yoga and meditation instructor, brand ambassador, and master Reiki practitioner on a mission to empower others by helping them work through emotions physically. It’s a journey that began when she discovered the emotionally healing powers of yoga while grieving the loss of her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer when ACE was 19. I cro...2023-03-0848 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneAfrica: Why Now?If you've been following me on Instagram or listening to here, you know that I am going on safari to Africa. In today's episode I share with you why, for me, this is the exact right time to go to take this trip and what doing so means to me. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-03-0126 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Sheila Tully (Week 2/Part 2)This is Week 2 of my scrumptious conversation with my friend Sheila Tully. Sheila is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, behavior change specialist, coach and overall fantabulous person! If you haven’t listened to the first part of our conversation—definitely go back and check it out. It’s a must listen! You'll hear us catching each other up on what's been going on in our lives, our kids, work and a lot more. This week, in the second part of our conversation, we talk more about how to take the reins on our brains and reframe our thinking and so...2023-02-2236 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Sheila Tully (Week 1/Part 1)NEWSFLASH!!! For the first time ever I’m airing back-to-back weeks with the same guest. My guest for the next two weeks is Sheila Tully. Sheila spent over 25 years in corporate America before venturing into the world of entrepreneurism. After leaving her corporate joy in 2018, she redirected her life toward helping women end unnecessary suffering that arises from our relationship with our bodies and ourselves. Through her work Sheila helps women get out of their own way, untangle issues that have kept them stuck so they can realize their full potential. Sheila is not only an...2023-02-1545 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneTaking a Pause to Tend to My SoulWIth all that's been going on in the world, this week I just couldn't go with the flow and put out the episode I'd intended. Instead, I'm sharing a little bit of what's been going on in my heart. If you'd like to make a contribution to the fund for my friend Kory O'Rourke CLICK TO DONATE HERE. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-02-0812 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone Two Ways: A Personal and Professional Take on Living in the Sandwich Zone by Dr. Susan PollakFirst of all, I want to profoundly apologize to Dr. Pollak for my extreme delay in airing this episode. I recorded this interview almost an entire year ago. I had just launched my podcast and had a ginormous case of imposter syndrome. As a result, I put this interview in the "vault" to save for when I had more experience with podcasting, had built some sort of audience and gained some traction with this whole thing. The next thing I knew an entire year had passed! What I've realized over my first year of podcasting is that t...2023-02-011h 15

Living in the Sandwich ZoneNightmares from Afar: Witnessing My Greatest Fears Through the Eyes of My FriendsMy car is one of the few places I can be completely alone. When I record for the podcast in the car, it generally means I'm processing something heavy--which is the case this week. In this first month of 2023, I have had some high highs and some very low lows. I unpack some of those lows this week from the safety and solitude of my car. Please be mindful of what is best for you and your well-being in this moment. If you're carrying all that you can emotionally hold right now this episode may ju...2023-01-2531 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Startling Start to 2023: How the First Day of the New Year BeganIn this episode I share about Day 1 of 2023 and how my year got off to a rather bumpy start. I recorded this on January 3, 2023, my first day back to work after the New Year's holiday weekend. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-01-1825 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving in the Sandwich Zone: One Year LaterI can hardly believe it's been a year since I launched my first episode of Living in the Sandwich Zone! In today's episode I share my reflections on my podcasting adventure and how it has changed me. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2023-01-1136 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneRewrite Your Story and Create the Life of Your Dreams: Some of My Favorite Gems from Sheri SalataIn this little bonus episode you'll hear some reflections on my conversation with Sheri Salata and I'll share some of the big gems I've gleaned from her that have helped me start rewriting my story. To learn more about Sheri and her offerings, check out her website at sherisalata.com and join her free Facebook group The Sheri Salata Community. Also, be sure to sign up for her FREE Change Your Story, Change Your Life (January 9-13) to light the fire under your dream pot and start stirring big changes for 2023. To order...2023-01-0418 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneRewrite Your Story and Create the Life of Your Dreams: A Conversation with Sheri SalataIn this inaugural 2023 kick-off episode, we're talking about letting go of old stories that keep us stuck and rewriting them to create the life of our dreams. I can think of no other person I'd rather have this conversation with my friend, mentor and former Executive Producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Sheri Salata. During her 20-year career running the Oprah show, Sheri brought us wisdom from the most sought after thought leaders and spiritual teachers. It was the career of a lifetime! Though, in her words, she created her dream career but not her dream life...2023-01-041h 07

Living in the Sandwich ZoneInspired Action: My Driving Force for this Podcast and the New YearSurprise! Didn't expect an episode this week, did ya? Welp, here I am! This week I fill you in on our birthday/Christmas celebrations and my theme for 2023: INSPIRED ACTION. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-12-2819 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Last Minute Holiday RamblingsWith everything going on recently I didn't get around to preparing this week's podcast until (quite literally) the 11th hour. In this spur of the moment episode I let you in on how the holidays are unfolding in the Osborne house and also share some of the more emotional moments for me this past week. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-12-2118 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneSeparation, Special Occasions and Self-CareI recorded this episode while quarantining away from my family during my recent bout with Covid. I had a lot of time to think when I was alone. In particular, I spent a lot of time thinking out what it's like being separated from loved ones especially during special occasions. In this episode I share about the feelings I experienced after dropping Linny off to residential treatment on Matt and my 18th wedding anniversary and I also share some self-care strategies that helped me get through that excruciating time. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen...2022-12-1418 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Second Arrow: Lessons from My 2nd Holiday Dance with COVIDFor the past almost 3 years, one of my greatest fears has been about what would happen to my parents if they got COVID. In our family, we pretty much have every single pre-existing condition risk factor on the health concern checklist. So, I have catastrophized a ton of horrific scenarios in my head over the last few years. But now, I know firsthand and no longer have to speculate...because over the Thanksgiving holiday, me, my brother, my nephew and BOTH my parents were stricken by the wretched COVID bug. For me, it was my second time around!! (Sheesh, I...2022-12-0723 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy 2022 Holiday Game Plan: Dial Down Expectations and Honor My EmotionsThe hustle and bustle of the holidays can be chock full of fun and frolicking for many. For me...not so much. In this episode I share less than enthusiastic feelings about the holidays and all that is coming up for me this year. But, fret not, it's not all doom and gloom. List til the end and you'll also also get a couple tips that have helped lessen my stress and stir the holiday joy pot a bit. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join...2022-11-3017 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMomming, Mindfulness, Mental Health and More: A Conversation with Kory O'RourkeMy friend Kory O'Rourke is an amazing human and an especially bright light in my life. Kory and I crossed paths in the parent support group for the residential mental health program that our children attended. She has been an invaluable source of support and encouragement to me and I am delighted to gift you with her beautiful spirit today! In today's episode you get to be a fly on the wall as we take about pretty much everything--except what we initially set out to talk about! By profession, Kory is an educator. She has been an...2022-11-2353 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMemory Matters: A Conversation with Rena YudkowskyRena Yudkowsky is a professional memory coach, geriatric social worker and the founder of Memory Matters an online resource that empowers mid-lifers (and beyond) to improve their memory and confidence through proven techniques and strategies. Rena teaches online memory improvement courses to mid-lifers and seniors. Over the past twenty years, she has served as the director of an Alzheimer's unit in an assisted living facility in Maryland, the director of development at a senior enrichment program in Israel, trainer for dementia caregivers, facilitator of support groups, and international lecturer on aging topics. Currently, she is...2022-11-1655 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneTurning the Corner on Self-Care in the Wake of Our Latest CrisisAfter a week of emotional ups and downs after my dad's recent hospitalization, I share a little progress report on my self-care efforts. I also let you know how our family meeting went where we discussed what we'll do in future if we're faced with another medical crisis and the decision of whether to call 911. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-11-0925 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneOur Brush with Death this WeekAs a family we were faced this week with making the difficult decision about whether or not to call 911 for my almost 87-year old dad who was experiencing chest pain. My dad has a long history of cardiac issues for which nothing more can be done and has also told us he does not want heroic life-saving steps taken to prolong his life. In this episode I share my thoughts and feelings about going through this emotional decision. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sa...2022-11-0221 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Magic Moment with Cathy Heller and Candace NelsonOk, somebody pinch me!!! In this episode y'all get to hear about how my two-day self-care immersion field trip led to an epic encounter with podcast phenom Cathy Heller (who you've heard me talk about a bazillion times by now) and the Sprinkles Cupcake founder Candace Nelson. IT WAS MAGICAL!!! After a few months of being back at work, I could feel the overwhelm swirling. I recognized the feeling and knew I needed to give myself a little TLC. **Cue the magic!** As it so happened, I got a little wink from the Universe, and saw that...2022-10-2630 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Living and Caregiving: A Conversation with Matt MacLean (Part 2)In Part 2 of our conversation, Matt shares what eventually led to his bipolar diagnosis. He talks about what symptoms he experienced (particularly at work) that ultimately led him to the point of sitting down with a District Attorney and ultimately going to jail. We talk about our society's emphasis on hyper-productivity how that can lead to manic signs indicative of bipolar disorder often going unrecognized. We delve into the difficult emotions of guilt and shame that Matt has faced throughout his journey, how he has dealt with the pain his family has endured resulting from his bipolar behavior and h...2022-10-1949 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Living and Caregiving: A Conversation with Matt MacLean (Part 1)In today’s episode I talk about something I have not shared before in this podcast: bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder (sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder) is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. It’s estimated that over 46 million people in the world have bipolar disorder. My dad is one of them. In this episode, my guest Matt MacLean shares his experiences as someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. We talk about what led up...2022-10-1932 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneAnger: How I'm Learning to Express It and Other Difficult Emotions in a More Healthy WayAnger. It's an emotion I have historically handled in pretty unhealthy ways. In this episode I talk about my relationship with anger and share about the difficulties I face handling anger and other difficult emotions in the context of caregiving. I delve into my process for recognizing when anger brewing in me and also noticing when it's showing up as a protective shield to deflect my attention from having to feel more painful emotions. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Fa...2022-10-1225 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneFriendship, Feelings and other Food for Thought: A Conversation with Rachel BrumbergerMeeting my friend Rachel Brumberger has been one of the standout joys of this podcasting adventure for me. Rachel is a master acupuncturist, herbalist, wellness consultant and overall warm, wise, insightful soul who is super easy to talk to. In this episode Rachel and I talk about everything from childhood experiences & feelings of unworthiness, our deeply ingrained perfectionistic tendencies, the steps we take to manage overwhelm and much, much more. We cover A LOT of good stuff! In our conversation I mention an episode of Living in the Sandwhich Zone in which I captured my e...2022-10-051h 05

Living in the Sandwich ZoneProcrastination, Perfection and ProgressIn this episode I come clean about my habitual procrastination, my efforts to shift out of that rut and as Shola Richards' says, "kick that silly habit". It's not the episode I intended to air but procrastination (and other curve balls of life) derailed me this past week. You can find more of Shola Richard's wisdom on his website: sholarichards.com You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-09-2808 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Antidote to Shame: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Germer (Part 2)After struggling for decades with public speaking anxiety, Dr. Germer found relief from anxiety and shame through the practice of self-compassion-- the warmhearted attitude of mindfulness when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. In this episode (Part 2 of our conversation) he shares about the impact of shame on the body and how the practice of self-compassion is a powerful antidote to shame. Dr. Germer is a clinical psychologist and expert on the topic of dealing with shame. He, along with Dr. Krisin Neff, co-developed Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically-supported, 8-week training program for the general public. He a...2022-09-2134 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Antidote to Shame: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Germer (Part 1)In February of this year, I had the opportunity to interview, Dr. Chris Germer, a clinical psychologist and part-time lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. As luck (or fate) would have it, I had the chance to interview him on the topic of shame…not once but TWICE. As you’ll hear, the first time did not quite go as planned. However, the second time around (which you WILL hear in this episode) we talked about shame, what it is, what it does and what the antidote to it is. Chris’ primary interest is his work related t...2022-09-2128 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Law of Attraction: If the Shoe FitsWhen things get rough to help myself feel better I often take a trip down memory lane to happier times. This week you get to come with me on one of those trips. This episode is one I recorded during My Weekend Away (you can go back to Season One to check out that episode). In it my LARK friends and I talk about the Law of Attraction, pedicures, shoes, motherhood and how the stressors we face in our jobs can impact our children. Renae's Canadian Glossary Term: Billets are families who invite junior players into their ho...2022-09-1423 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneWhat to Do When There's Nothing You Can DoThis has been a particularly challenging and overwhelming few days on both the parenting and eldercare front. Despite all my best efforts there was just nothing I could do to make things better. In this episode I share a self-compassion practice I learned during my leave of absence that I returned to today to try and calm my own distress that resulted from it all. The practice, Self-Compassion with Equanimity, is one taught by Dr. Kristin Neff, an expert on the topic of self-compassion. You can find a guided recording of the practice by Dr. Neff here: ht...2022-09-0709 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Stories We Tell Ourselves: What Else Could It Be?Sometimes (really more often than not) when something happens to me, in my head--right off the bat-- I have an idea of not only what happened but why things unfolded the way they did. In this episode I'll share a helpful tip I learned in therapy that has really helped me to slow down and avoid jumping to conclusions. The late, great Dr. Wayne Dyer often said..."When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." The tip I share this week has really helped me do that! You can follow me...2022-08-3116 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReturning to Work: My Week of Big TransitionsThis last week was huge for me! I not only completed my first full work week in over two years but I also sent my firstborn off to college. In this episode you get a review of all that and more as I navigated some serious traditional milestones in the Sandwich Zone. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-08-2425 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReturning to Work: My First Day Back(and then some)In this episode you'll hear about Day One of returning to work after a two and a half year leave of absence. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-08-2416 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneReturning to Work: Faith Over FearIn this episode I share how I approached going back to work after being on leave for 2 1/2 years. Rewind a year or so, and the prospect of returning to work was so daunting that the mere thought of it stirred panicked thoughts in me. I'd painstakingly taken steps to create a daily routine to in which I was able to take care of myself, my family (kids and parents) that was functioning fairly smoothly. The thought of adding work back into the mix was overwhelming to put it lightly. In this episode I share about the nuts and bolts o...2022-08-1722 min

Living in the Sandwich ZonePreparing to Launch: The One MUST DO Thing I Decided to Do Before Sending My Son To CollegeIn this episode I share about what it's been like getting ready to send my now adult son off to college. Because of all the ups and downs we've gone through as a family navigating mental health issues, it's been extremely important for me to prepare for the "what ifs" that could happen when Zach is away. In this episode I talk about some of the various forms I've collected to have on hand in the event of an unexpected medical or mental health emergency. If your adult child is heading off to college, it's a good id...2022-08-1019 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving In the Sandwich Zone: The Season 1 FinaleWho would have guessed that 6 months ago I would be starting a podcast? In this episode I wrap up Season 1 and look back on how far I've come. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-07-1308 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMidsummer Sandwich Zone ReflectionsIn this episode I reflect on the transitions happening this summer as well as what I'm doing to stir joy this summer. **NOTE: This episode was recorded in the wake of the savage killing of Jayland Walker in Akron, Ohio and prior to the terrifying massacre in Highland Park, Chicago. I have addressed these horrifying events in detail in this episode. My heart breaks for the families whose lives have been torn apart. The relentless violence we are witnessing in this country has got to end. Leadership matters! PLEASE VOTE!!! https://www.pbs.org/video/hiding-plain-sight-youth-mental-illness-101/ ...2022-07-0619 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneCaregiving & Secondary Trauma: A Conversation with Dr. Jim Guy (Part 2)This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jim Guy, President and Co-Founder of the Headington Institute. In this episode Jim shares reflections on his own experience of Living in the Sandwich Zone--parenting both newborns and colleges students and, at the same time, caring for his aging parents, in-laws and former in-laws as well. Jim talks about the importance of finding support and wherever it may come from when you're navigating caregiving. He also shares some wise advice about what to do when your spouse/partner isn't able to support you in the way you need them t...2022-06-2932 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneCaregiving & Secondary Trauma: A Conversation with Dr. Jim GuyCaregiving is hard! Inevitably the pressures of helping to care for a loved one and seeing them suffer can result in additional stress. In this episode we talk about the collateral consequence of caregiving: secondary trauma. Dr. Jim Guy shares tips and techniques on how to build resilience and counteract the effects of secondary trauma. Jim is the President and Co-Founder of the Headington Institute-- a phenomenal non-profit organization dedicated to caring for caregivers worldwide by providing psychological support services and resilience building training for global and domestic humanitarian aid workers, first responders and community aid workers. ...2022-06-2930 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneConversations with Linny--Another Finger Sandwich Edition: Celebrating A Year of No Self-Harm and Reflecting on Residential TreatmentFor anyone struggling with self-harm or watching a loved one struggle with it, it is an excruciating experience. As a parent, witnessing those self-inflicted wounds on my child's body left me distraught and guilt-ridden. I didn't know how to stop it. I felt broken and powerless. A year ago, I couldn't imaging getting to this day. In this episode we are celebrating Linny's one-year anniversary free from self-harm! Linny shares about what went into accomplishing this huge milestone and reflects on the experience of going through residential mental health treatment. We talk about the benefits of...2022-06-2243 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGun Violence: A Mom's Firsthand Experience (Part 3)-- Final Words of WisdomJoelle Danahy has lived through one of the most terrifying tragedies imaginable--a deadly school shooting at her son's high school. In parts 1 and 2 of our conversation Joelle shares her firsthand account of what it was like to survive the horror of the that day in November of 2019. As we wrapped up, our conversation switched gears. Joelle, a mom of 4 adult children (three big "A" adults and one small "a" adult) and recent empty nester, offered me some advice about getting through the process of sending my first child to college. Here are some of the re...2022-06-1507 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGun Violence: A Mom's Firsthand Experience (Part 2)In Part 2 of my conversation with Joelle Danahy we talk about the tragedy of gun violence and her firsthand experience of living through the devastating school shooting at her son's high school in November, 2019. Joelle, shares what it was like that day for her as a parent as well as the unique relationship she had with Nathaniel Berhow (the shooter) and his family. Here are some of the resources Joelle referenced during our conversation: Dr. David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, developmental behavioral pediatrician and Professor at the USC School of Social Work and Pediatrics and Children's H...2022-06-1541 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGun Violence: A Mom's Firsthand Experience (Part 1)Gun violence is a deadly epidemic in the United States. While most of us only witness these horrific events from the safety of our homes through TV or other news accounts, the majority of us have never had to endure anything remotely close to the terror of an active shooter situation--let alone a school shooting at our child's school. In this episode, my friend Joelle Danahy shares her harrowing experience of living through the deadly school shooting at Saugus High School where her youngest son, Edwin, was a student on November 14, 2019. Joelle shares how she an...2022-06-1526 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneHolding SpaceIn this episode I share my thoughts on the concept of "holding space" and how important it is to practice this technique especially in moments when your loved ones are suffering and you aren't able to do anything to fix the situation. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-06-0813 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGraduation Amidst Grief: The Both/And Approach To Honoring Mixed EmotionsIn this episode I share about all the emotions that have been stirring within me as I prepare to see my firstborn graduation from high school in the wake of the unspeakable tragedies our country has seen the past several weeks. I’ve been experiencing a plethora of conflicting emotions: grief, guilt, deep sorrow in the wake of the massacres in Buffalo, Laguna Woods and Uvalde. At the same time, I’ve been preparing for Zach’s high school graduation with pride, happiness and excitement as our family looks forward to celebrating this milestone with him. In this week’s episod...2022-06-0115 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Importance of Energy Conservation: Choosing Not to WorryIn this episode I share about my recent mammogram screening. When the results came back I was left with a choice: Worry or Don't Worry. In this episode you'll hear how the lessons learned from a previous experience helped me make my choice. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-05-1113 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving in the Sandwich Zone: The Big Mac Edition with Zach Osborne (Part 2)In Part 2 of my conversation with my son Zach, he shares about how he managed his stress during high school and while applying to college. Zach also shares his advice for those getting ready to embark on the college application process. One book he found to be particularly impactful is The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers. I read it, too, and highly recommend it! You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (th...2022-05-0415 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving in the Sandwich Zone: The Big Mac Edition with Zach Osborne (Part 1)In this episode you get to meet my son, Zach. We talk about his experiences applying to college, how he decided where he wanted to go and how he managed the stress of it all. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-05-0421 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGearing Up for Letting Go: Thoughts on Sending My Firstborn to CollegeIn this episode, after completing all our the college touring circuit with the May 1st decision deadline right around the corner, I reflect on my thoughts and feelings about sending my son to college. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-04-2715 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Certified Breathwork Guide Ellen Wong (Part 3): Pivoting from Corporate Life & Taking the Leap to Pursue a PassionIn this 3rd (and final segment) of my conversation with Ellen Wong, Ellen shares about how she knew it was time to leave her high-powered corporate career to follow her passion of becoming a certified breathwork guide. In April 2018, Ellen made the leap from her career as an executive creative director in digital marketing to co-create We Are All Daughters., now a Quantum Holistic Healing Space supporting collective healing through education, energetic therapy, plant medicines and ritual tools that reprogram the subconscious and regulate the body so that we can be liberated to live authentically. The Woo Kn...2022-04-2026 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Certified Breathwork Guide Ellen Wong (Part 2): The Healing Power of the BreathIn Part 2 of my conversation with Ellen Wong, she shares with me how she began her breathwork practice, how breathwork works and the healing benefits of embracing a breathwork practice. Ellen (co-creator of We Are All Daughters. and the Woo Knew? Podcast) is a certified breathwork and Quantum Journey guide based in Downtown Los Angeles. In Part 1 of this episode with talk about our reflections growing up watching our mothers care for our grandparents and how that impacted us. In April 2018, Ellen made the leap from her career as an executive creative director in digital...2022-04-2023 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Certified Breathwork Guide Ellen Wong (Part 1): Honoring our Elders and Reflections on Growing Up in the Sandwich ZoneThis is Part 1 of my conversation with Ellen Wong. Ellen (co-creator of We Are All Daughters. and the Woo Knew? Podcast) is a certified breathwork and Quantum Journey guide based in Downtown Los Angeles. In Part 1 of this episode with talk about our reflections growing up watching our mothers care for our grandparents and how that impacted us. In April 2018, Ellen made the leap from her career as an executive creative director in digital marketing to co-create We Are All Daughters., now a Quantum Holistic Healing Space supporting collective healing through education, energetic therapy, plant medicines and...2022-04-2025 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneNavigating Difficult Conversations with Julie Crenshaw (Part 2): Talking about Hospice CareIn Part 2 of Navigating Difficult Conversations, Conversation Coach and Geriatric Physical Therapist Julie Crenshaw and I talk about how to know when it’s time for hospice care--one of the most difficult conversations a caregiver will face. Julie shares her home healthcare experiences and guides us in how to have that conversation with compassion and sensitivity. You can purchase Julie's book, Navigating and Avoiding Awkward Conversations: How to speak to anyone about anything, and find oodles of other fantastic free resources on her website:yourconversationexpert.com You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osbo...2022-04-1339 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneNavigating Difficult Conversations with Julie Crenshaw (Part 1)In this episode we talk about the many difficult conversations we are faced with in the Sandwich Zone. My guest, Julie Crenshaw, is a board certified geriatric physical therapist who works in the field of home health care. In Part 1 of our conversation, she shares about how her experiences working as a bra fitter (yes, you read that right!), a collections agent and a physical therapist working with the elderly population, helped her understand the approach and mindset needed to handle difficult and awkward conversations with compassion and care. You can purchase Julie's book, Navigating and Avoiding Awkward Conversations...2022-04-1319 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneBecoming the Agents of Our Own Care (Part 2): A Conversation with Clinical Accupuncturist Rachel BrumbergerIn Part 2 of my conversation with Rachel, we talk more about taking the reigns on our own health and well-being and the importance of self-care. We also share about things we want for our children, caring for our parents and having difficult conversations about death and mortality. If you'd like to hear more of this conversation, you can find the full recordings of our conversation on Rachel's podcast, UnScRxipted, by clicking on the links below: UnscRxipted with Karen Osborne (Part 1) UnscRxipted with Karen Osborne (Part 2) Follow Rachel on Instagram at: @reallyrachelb 2022-04-0629 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneBecoming the Agents of Our Own Care (Part 1): A Conversation with Clinical Accupuncturist Rachel BrumbergerIn this episode I talk to my new friend and fellow podcast host, Rachel Brumberger. Rachel is a clinical acupuncturist, mom, wife and host of the UnScRxipted podcast. We also discuss how we can (and should) take the lead and become the agents of our own healthcare and self-care. We talk about ditching the "suck it up" mentality when it comes to our care, following our gut and taking agency over our health and well-being. From the moment we connected, Rachel and I just clicked and it felt like we'd known each other for years. Our friendship is evidence...2022-04-0623 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneNavigating the Mental Health System (Part 2): Things I Wish I'd Known About Higher Levels of Mental Health CareIn this episode (Part 2 of Navigating the Mental Health System), I take you through our journey of finding higher levels of mental health care when we realized that we needed more help to keep Linny safe. I share our experiences and walk you through the various levels of higher psychiatric care that we experienced. I've created a free mental health information guide that contains some of the information I wished I'd known at the time we started our journey of navigating through the mental health system. Click here to download it here:https://bit.ly/Mental_Health_Hel...2022-03-3023 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneNavigating the Mental Health System (Part 1): Things I Wish I'd Known When the Sh!t Hit the FanWhen our child became suicidal, I was overwhelmed, afraid and in denial. I had no idea of what to expect. When trying to get help and find support from the mental health system, I faced information overload. In this episode, I share more details about what we went through the day we became aware of how real the risk of suicide was for our daughter. I will also share some information I learned about the mental health system that I wished I'd known when we first started looking for help. I've created a free mental health information...2022-03-3026 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Weekend Away (Bonus): The Spiritual Meaning of a LarkTo fully understand this little extra bonus episode, take a listen to Parts 1 and 2 of My Weekend Away. Then listen to this special supplement to learn about what we discovered about the spiritual meaning of larks! You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-03-2402 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Weekend Away (Part 2): A LARK is BornIn Part 2 of My Weekend Away, you'll hear me and my friends (Lupe, Ariel and Renae) unpack the highlights and meaningful moments of our weekend together. You'll leave with a renewed faith that it's never too late to make new friends (even via Zoom), form meaningful bonds, share deep personal even never-shared-before stories and laugh until you cry! (If you haven't listened to Part 1, you might want to start there first.) You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ...2022-03-2322 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Weekend Away (Part 1): How I Loosened My Grasp on Guilt and Embarked on a Self-Care SabbaticalWanna get away??? In this episode, you get to be a fly on the wall of my first long weekend getaway since 2019. The last trip I took with girlfriends was in November 2019 B.C. (Before Covid). Listen as I share what it took for me to muster up the courage to let go of all my parenting and caregiving responsibilities to take a 4-day trip with 3 friends I met online during the pandemic. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (t...2022-03-2317 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Clinical Psychologist Jennifer Stinson (Part 2): Ways to Support Our Kids In School, at Dinnertime and MoreIn Part 2 of our conversation, Jennifer talks about getting school support for her daughter through a 504 plan. We talk about 504s, IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and other ways she helped her kids survive remote learning during the pandemic. Jennifer also offers me a life hack on how to better handle the hardest question I face everyday...What's for dinner??? Finally, she shares some great tips and tricks that help her family get motivated in the morning and look forward to each day. Jennifer is also the author of two books, Even Fairies Fart https://www.goodreads.com/boo...2022-03-1630 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneA Conversation with Clinical Psychologist Jennifer Stinson (Part 1): Let's Talk TherapyIn this episode I talk with my friend Jennifer Stinson. Jennifer is a wife, mom of 2 teenagers and licensed clinical psychologist. In Part 1 of our conversation, we talk about the shortage of care providers & increased demand on therapists resulting from the stressors of the pandemic and the cumulative overwhelm we've been facing with everything going on in the world. Jennifer is also the author of two books, Even Fairies Fart https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29221556-even-fairies-fart and The Inappropriate Baby Book https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/810416.The_Inappropriate_Baby_Book. You can f...2022-03-1616 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Tom Huang (Part 1)In this episode, I dish with award-winning Indie filmmaker Tom Huang. Tom is a writer, director, producer, filmmaker and actor. He is also a long-time friend. He's a son and father who has been in navigating the Sandwich Zone for many years. In Part 1 of our conversation we talk about the challenges of coordinating home health support for our parents and also how Tom's Sandwich Zone experiences have influenced his films Find Me and Dealing with Dad. You can learn more about Tom on his website: https://www.seetomgo.com Tom's film Find Me is av...2022-03-0930 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Tom Huang (Part 2)In Part 2 of my conversation with Tom we talk about his family's resistance to mental health support for his dad and we touch on the difficult process of finding the right balance of psychotropic medication. He shares about his efforts to find help for his son with medication and in the school system. Ultimately, we talk about the importance of self-care and how the little acts of kindness we give (or get) can have a huge impact. You can learn more about Tom on his website: https://www.seetomgo.com Tom's film Find Me is av...2022-03-0931 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneConversations with Linny: The Finger Sandwich EditionToday's episode is super special. You get to meet my beloved child, Linny. You'll hear firsthand what Linny thought when I announced that I was starting this podcast. We also talk about the importance of openly discussing the topic of mental health and share a little bit more about our relationship, things we've learned and how far we've come on our journey together. Shamless Plug Alert!! Here‘s the link to Linny’s music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Lmgib2K5CzPhbNGvr71QN?si=1qOuGkwNQ1ay7PAM_L0V7A You can follow...2022-03-0212 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGuilt: The Ever-Present Thread In My Parenting TapestryIn this episode, I talk about parental guilt. I share how feelings of guilt and shame have infiltrated my experiences as a parent and how becoming aware of my penchant toward feelings of guilt has provided me with important insights about myself. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-02-2319 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Amy Broneer (Part 1)In this episode, you'll meet my friend Amy Broneer and we'll dish about all sorts of Sandwich Zone subjects. Amy is a wife and mother of three as well the designated adult-child who manages the caregiving needs of her dad. In Part 1 of this interview, you'll hear about the parenting and caregiving challenges she's faced during the pandemic, the difficult relationship she has with her dad and her youngest child's recent diagnosis with a life-threatening illness (on the same day her father called while having a serious medical crisis of his own). Amy also talks about juggling kids, dogs...2022-02-1627 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneThe Sandwich Zone's Dish of the Day with Amy Broneer (Part 2)In Part 2 of this interview, Amy talks more about her caregiving journey, navigating her father's assisted living situation and her relationship with her mom. We also talk about how our respective childhood experiences and traumas have influenced the way we parent and communicate with our children. Finally, we talk about the power of community, seeking joy and prioritizing our own self-care. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-02-1627 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneFinding the Wins in the WoundsIn this episode I look back on the last two years and share my reflections, insights and lessons I've learned since the day we got the call telling us that our daughter was contemplating suicide. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-02-0923 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneGoat Yoga: The Importance of Scheduling In JoyIn this episode I'll share with you my adventure with goat yoga, my habit of deferring joy and the importance of prioritizing joy and scheduling it into your calendar. You'll hear about my upcoming self-care retreat, one of my roommate bonding trips to Napa and more. By the way, if you're ever up in Napa Valley, CA, make sure to stop and visit my friends at Brown Estate Winery and their tasting room, Downtown Brown. https://www.brownestate.com/visit/downtown You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Cl...2022-02-0213 min

Living in the Sandwich ZonePain: The Portal to TransformationIn this episode you get a real and raw look into a challenging moment in my caregiving journey and some insight into the ways I create the space to feel, release and move through the more painful parts of caregiving. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-01-2613 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMoment by Micromoment: Navigating My Unique Journey Through the Sandwich ZoneIn this episode I ponder the "ideal vs. real" versions of my life and discuss how my younger self envisioned "adulting". I also discuss the importance of distilling my days into manageable moments. Finally, I share about how witnessing my daughter's self-harming behavior impacted me, physiological information I learned about cutting and the very important realization I had in talking with my daughter about it. Warning: This episode discusses the topic of cutting and self-harm. I am not an expert on the topic and am only sharing insights from my personal experience. This subject matter in this...2022-01-1920 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving In the Sandwich Zone: The Inaugural EpisodeIn my inaugural podcast episode you'll learn a little bit about me & how and why I decided to launch this podcast. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-01-1211 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneMy Sandwich Zone Story (The Extended Remix Version)In this episode I introduce you to the people in my "Sandwich". You'll learn more about me and the challenges I've been navigating throughout my Sandwich Zone journey. I share about my experiences as a parent caring for a child in crisis, while at the same time, managing multiple parental medical stressors. I also go into more detail about my family, our mental health challenges & my perfectionism as I give you the backstory on how I ended up venturing outside of my comfort zone to dip my toe in the podcasting pool. You can follow me on I...2022-01-1226 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneSurviving vs. ThrivingWhen starting this journey to podcast about my Sandwich Generation parenting and caregiving experiences, I got a little pushback from a dear longtime friend who wondered if my trailer was a bit misleading. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts! You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2022-01-1204 min

Living in the Sandwich ZoneLiving in the Sandwich Zone ~The TrailerNow playing wherever you enjoy listening to your podcasts. You can follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): https://bit.ly/LITSZ_Club_Sandwich 2021-10-1102 min