Shows
Working Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesCaring Out Loud: Rosanne Corcoran on Dementia, Daughterhood & Making Caregivers VisibleHey folks, Selma and Zack here! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Rosanne Corcoran—a powerhouse advocate, seasoned dementia caregiver, and host of the Daughterhood the Podcast. Rosanne opens up about her 12-year journey caring for her mom through vascular dementia and how it shaped not only her life but her mission to build a community of support for caregivers everywhere. We dive deep into the challenges working caregivers face and how employers and policymakers can—and should—step up to support them. Rosanne also gives us a peek behind the curtain of Daughterhood, the warm, empowe...2025-07-1534 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesSelf-Preservation and the Power of the Small Moment with Charlotte BayalaThis week, we sit down with the incredible Charlotte Bayala, host of the Cancer Caregivers Podcast and a nominee for the International Women's Podcast Awards. Charlotte brings raw honesty, heartfelt wisdom, and a refreshing sense of humor to a conversation every caregiver needs to hear. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or just in need of a reset, Charlotte offers a powerful reframing of what it really means to take care of yourself—and why she prefers the term "self-preservation" over "self-care."From the invisible weight of caregiving to finding joy in unexpected moments, Charlotte shares her...2025-06-1728 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesThe Caregiver Identity Crisis: Why Naming It Matters with Dr. Barry J. JacobsIn this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, clinical psychologist, author, and former journalist, to explore the essential but often overlooked world of working caregivers. From his early experience caring for a parent to supporting his own mother and stepfather through dementia, Barry brings both deep personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation. Together, we discuss what it means to be a caregiver, the emotional and logistical challenges involved, and how workplaces can better support their caregiving employees.We also dive into Barry’s newest resource, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, co-a...2025-06-0336 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesThe Beautiful Side of Caregiving: Living with Meaning as a Working CaregiverIn this episode, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring Ebony Travis Tichenor, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and someone who truly lives her life out loud. Ebony shares her deeply personal and powerful 17-year caregiving journey for her mother, all while balancing a full-time career and a full heart. We dive into what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes — the highs, the heartaches, and the healing — and how vulnerability has become one of her biggest strengths.We talk about the unspoken emotional toll that working caregivers face and how important it is to find your...2025-05-2023 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesHow Harry & David Champions Their Working CaregiversIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Rhonda Klug from Harry & David to talk about the often invisible and deeply personal journey of working caregivers. From supporting her parents through dialysis and COPD to leading real cultural change within her organization, Rhonda shares her firsthand experience that sparked a company-wide movement of support and empathy. She takes us behind the scenes of how Harry & David and the broader 1-800-Flowers family are creating a more compassionate workplace for employees who are balancing caregiving responsibilities with their careers.We explore how Rhonda transformed her lived experience into...2025-05-0630 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesElder Law, Medicaid Planning & Caregiver Chaos – with Eric Goldberg & Clelia PergolaIf you're a working caregiver—or if you support them—you need to hear this one. In this episode, we sit down with elder law experts (and longtime friends of the show) Eric Goldberg and Clelia Pergola from the NJ Elder Law Center. Together, they drop some serious knowledge on navigating Medicaid, protecting assets, and creating real systems of support for families in crisis.This conversation gets personal, gets practical, and—most importantly—gets to the heart of what caregivers are up against. We dive into everything from care coordination and legal documentation to family dynamics, generational friction...2025-04-2243 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesBeing a Caregiver Spouse: The Power of Community with the Well Spouse Association and Bob MastrogiovanniIn this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Bob Mastrogiovanni, a devoted husband, retired IRS professional, and co-president of the Well Spouse Association. Bob opens up about his powerful caregiving journey for his late wife Kathleen, who battled multiple sclerosis for decades. From the moment of diagnosis just two years into their marriage, Bob shares how their love, resilience, and adaptability helped them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of being a caregiving couple.Together, we unpack the unique experiences of caregiver spouses—those caring for their life partners—and explore how this journey diff...2025-04-0829 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesGlobal Caregiver Advocates Bonus Series: Spotlight On Canadian Caregiver AdvocatesWe’re kicking off our Global Caregiver Advocate Series by heading north to spotlight the amazing work being done in Canada. We sat down with three incredible advocates—Christa Haanstra, Sharon Anderson, and Amy Coupal—who are making waves across the country when it comes to caregiver policy, support, and visibility. Join us as we explore how Canada is leading efforts to recognize caregiving as both a personal journey and a workforce strength. Episode Highlights:[2:54] Meet Christa, Sharon & Amy—leaders with personal stories & national impact[6:46] How National Caregiver Day creates space for awareness...2025-03-2554 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesBalancing Work and Caregiving: A Conversation with Dr. Donna BentonCaregiving doesn’t just happen at home—it happens at work, too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the University of Southern California, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by working caregivers. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Benton shares invaluable insights on how workplaces can better support employees who are juggling their careers and caregiving responsibilities.Episode Highlights:[1:23] – Welcome to the show! Meet Selma, Zack, and our guest, Dr. Donna Benton.[2:30] – Dr. Benton shares about he...2025-03-1132 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesNavigating Caregiving, Work, and Mental Health—Expert Insights with Dr. Madhavi VemireddyIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and the Chief Executive Officer at Cleo. Dr. Vemireddy shares her personal caregiving journey—from navigating her son’s congenital heart disease and autism diagnosis to supporting aging parents—all while balancing a demanding career. We dive into the hidden struggles of working caregivers, the critical gaps in employer support, and how technology is stepping in to bridge the divide.Are you a working caregiver feeling overwhelmed? Do you lead a team and want to create a more caregiver-friendly workplace? Tune in to...2025-02-2539 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesFrom Caregiver to Advocate: Dahlia Sizer’s Workplace SolutionsIn this episode, we sit down with Dahlia Sizer, an HR leader and passionate advocate for caregivers, to unpack how companies can create a more supportive and flexible work environment for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities.Dahlia shares her personal caregiving journey, the impact it had on her career, and the lessons she’s carried into her HR leadership role. We talk about flexible work policies, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and how leadership can step up to better support caregivers. Plus, Dahlia offers practical advice for both employees and managers on navigating workplace benefits, advocating for change, and en...2025-02-1128 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesHow Compassionate Policies Transform Workplaces and Lives with Dr. Gina AndersonIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gina Anderson, a learning scientist and advocate for working caregivers. Join us as we explore her personal caregiving journey, her groundbreaking compassionate care policy, and the profound ripple effects such policies can have on workplaces and beyond. Dr. Anderson shares her experience of caregiving for her mother while balancing the demands of running a business, offering practical advice and inspiration for employers and caregivers alike. We also dive into how businesses can create a culture of support and trust, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and Dr. Anderson’s wo...2025-01-2835 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesJason Resendez on Caregiver Advocacy and Workplace CultureIn this episode we welcome Jason Resendez, a leading advocate in the caregiving and Alzheimer's space, to the podcast. Together, we discuss the critical challenges facing working caregivers and how systemic changes can create supportive environments both in the workplace and in society. Jason shares his personal caregiving journey, the groundbreaking advocacy work of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and practical tips for employees and employers navigating caregiving responsibilities. From public policy changes to personal empowerment, this conversation sheds light on the invisible struggles and triumphs of working caregivers. Plus, Jason provides a sneak peek into the 2025 "Caregiving in...2025-01-0739 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesHow to Create a Caregiver-Friendly Workplace with Amy GoyerIn this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change. Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!Episode Highlights[3:05] - Fun Fact Sp...2024-12-1744 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesEmpathy at Work: Supporting Caregivers and Building Trust in the Workplace with Lee HafnerIn this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more...2024-12-0337 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesThe Silent Struggles of Working Caregivers: Insights and Solutions with Julian HayesIn this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses. Episode Highlights:[0:00] - Opening thoughts and an introduction to Julian Hayes and his Forbes a...2024-11-2628 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesWhy Every Workplace Should Host a Senior Shower for Caregivers with Jenn ChanIn this episode, we welcome Jenn Chan, an inspiring caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Jenn shares her personal journey of becoming a family caregiver for her grandmother at a young age, discussing the struggles and rewards of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. We dive into the importance of recognizing caregivers in the workplace, the significance of having supportive employers, and Jenn’s exciting new project: the Senior Shower Project, which celebrates caregivers through special events akin to baby showers. Tune in to discover how employers can create a culture that supports working caregivers and why normalizing caregiving conversations is so cr...2024-11-0530 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesBreaking the Caregiver Stigma with Aisha AdkinsIn this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Aisha Adkins, a powerhouse advocate for caregivers. Aisha shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, discussing how she found her way into advocacy and the importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace. We dive into the stigma surrounding caregiving, the challenges of balancing caregiving and work, and why it's essential to normalize caregiving experiences on resumes.Throughout our conversation, Aisha offers practical advice for both caregivers and employers on how to navigate caregiving with compassion and flexibility. We also touch on the importance of re...2024-10-2224 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesCaregiver Burnout: Lessons and Insights from Kate WashingtonIn this episode, the brilliant author Kate Washington, who takes us through her incredible journey of caregiving and the profound insights she gained from it, joins us. Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Already Toast, a raw and honest account of her experience as a caregiver for her husband during his battle with cancer. We highlight the challenges caregivers face, how caregiving is often undervalued in society, and how her writing serves as a voice for caregivers everywhere.Selma, Zack, and Kate discuss the emotional toll caregiving takes, why setting boundaries is essential, and how caregivers...2024-10-0829 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesSupporting Working Caregivers: Insights from CareSprint’s Sarah JohalIn this episode we welcome special guest Sarah Johal, the founder of CareSprint, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming workforce systems to better support working caregivers. Sarah shares how her organization is helping employers create a more inclusive, supportive environment for caregivers. From her personal caregiving journey to the intersection of data and workplace policies, this conversation offers powerful insights into the critical changes needed to uplift the invisible workforce—working caregivers.As Sarah discusses the work CareSprint is doing, she emphasizes the need for better data, collaboration, and action from employers and business leaders. We get in...2024-09-2421 min
Working Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesBuilding Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces with Donna ThomsonIn this inaugural episode of Working Caregivers, The Invisible Employees, we are thrilled to welcome an incredible guest, Donna Thomson. Donna is a caregiver, educator, advocate, and co-author of The Unexpected Journey of Caring. She shares her personal caregiving journey and the powerful transformation that occurs when you become a caregiver. We dive deep into the challenges of caregiving, the impact on the workforce, and the need for employers to create caregiver-friendly workplaces.Donna discusses the importance of flexibility and compassion in the workplace, offering practical insights on how leaders can support their employees who are also...2024-09-1231 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesWelcome to Working Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesDid you know that in 2020 there were 53 million caregivers in the United States? By 2025, this number is expected to significantly expand to 62.5 million. 73% of these individuals have to juggle the responsibilities of working a job while being a caregiver. They are called “working caregivers” and are often referred to as “invisible” because they typically remain silent about their caregiving challenges. Nor do they seek help from their colleagues at work or their managers, choosing to face alone the negative financial, physical, mental and emotional impacts that being a working caregiver often presents. Employers, you have a tremendous opportuni...2024-09-0500 min
The Kindness Factor PodcastEpisode 16 - Zack Demopoulos - The Generational Impact of KindnessSend us a textJoin Us for an Inspiring and Unforgettable EpisodeListen to the incredible story of a father’s example of deep kindness and how his son paid it forward in the same way years later. Learn about the powerful role of looking for the best in people, especially in challenging circumstances, and how it can dramatically change people’s life trajectory. Tune in June 26, 2024 at 10 AM CST as Co-Hosts Dr. Elia Gourgouris Ph.D. - The Happiness Doctor, and Randall McNeely - The Kindness Giver, dive into Zack Demopoulos’s kindne...2024-06-2631 min
Power & ImpactThe Working Caregiver: Helping Employees Find Balance and SupportIn recognition of the millions of family caregivers in the American workforce, I sat down with Rhonda Klug, our Head of Community Relations at Harry & David, and caregiving advocates Zack Demopoulos and Selma Archer, who co-authored "The Working Caregiver: The Invisible Employee." All of us have had personal experience juggling our careers with active caregiving duties. To all the working caregivers, remember that you are not alone. You deserve recognition and support as you perform one of life's most significant roles. Tune in to better understand the challenges that working caregivers fac...2023-12-2048 min
Celebrate Your StoryThe Working Caregiver: Helping Employees Find Balance and SupportWorking caregivers, adults who balance a career while caring for an ailing friend or family member, often struggle with a lack of support and understanding from their employers and society at large. To discuss this growing issue, Jim is joined by Rhonda Klug, Head of Community Relations at Harry & David, along with Selma Archer and Zack Demopoulos, co-authors of 'The Working Caregiver: The Invisible Employee.' Tune in to gain a better understanding of the challenges that working caregivers face and how companies like 1-800-Flowers.com are striving to create a flexible work environment that supports caregivers. 2023-11-0850 min