Shows
Working Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesAging, Workforce & Caregiving with Expert Robert EspinozaIn this episode, we sit down with Robert Espinoza, a national leader in caregiving, equity, and aging, for a powerful conversation that every HR professional, business leader, and working caregiver needs to hear. With personal stories and deep policy insight, Robert walks us through the systemic gaps in the long-term care system, the challenges facing our care workforce, and the real-life impact of underfunding the care economy. His message is clear: caregiving touches all of us, and we have the power to create change right where we are.We also dive into what a thriving, sustainable care...
2025-11-1139 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesWhy Employers are Missing the Caregiving Crisis with Joseph B. FullerIn this episode, we sit down with Joseph B. Fuller—Harvard Business School professor and co-lead of the Managing the Future of Work initiative—to unpack what most employers are still getting wrong about caregiving and the workforce. Joe brings powerful insights, compelling research, and personal stories that shine a light on why caregiving is a business issue, not just a personal one.From costly turnover in your top-performing talent to invisible presenteeism draining productivity, we explore the real impact of ignoring caregiving needs—and the strategic advantage of doing something about it. Whether you're in HR, leader...
2025-10-2847 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesPatient Advocacy Leader, Caregiving Advocate, & Author Paul WynnIn this episode, we sit down with Paul Wynn, an incredible caregiver advocate, author, and storyteller, to unpack the complex reality of being in the sandwich generation—those caught between raising kids and caring for aging parents. Paul brings heartfelt honesty, practical wisdom, and real-life strategies from his own caregiving journey, while also highlighting the importance of workplace support for caregivers.You’ll hear Paul’s deeply personal caregiving story and learn how he juggled family life, full-time work, and caregiving responsibilities. We explore how progressive employers are beginning to respond, the importance of community and peer suppor...
2025-10-1432 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesNavigating Millennial Caregiving with Dr. Rachael Piltch-LoebIn this episode, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, author of The Millennial Caregiver, to explore the complex intersection of caregiving, career, and life as a member of the millennial generation. Rachael shares her deeply personal journey of becoming a caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s while she was simultaneously raising a newborn and advancing her academic career. It’s a raw, real, and deeply insightful conversation that so many millennial caregivers will relate to—whether you're in the thick of it or just starting out.Together, we unpack the em...
2025-09-3037 min
Confessions of a Reluctant CaregiverWhen Life Calls: Zack’s Story of Stepping Up for Family and Changing the Caregiving ConversationZack Demopoulos’s story begins with his upbringing as the proud son of Greek immigrants, whose journey to the United States instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and responsibility. He shares how his family’s experiences shaped his values and work ethic, from working in his father’s restaurant as a teenager to pursuing higher education and a successful corporate career. Zack’s life took a dramatic turn in 2006 when he was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver for his father after a major stroke, all while balancing a demanding job and a young family of his o...
2025-09-301h 03Working Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesCaregiving, WOOP, and the Emotional Load: A Conversation with Dr. Joan MoninIn this episode, we sit down with the amazing Dr. Joan Monin from Yale University to talk about the real, raw, and often overlooked emotional weight of caregiving—especially for those of us juggling careers, kids, and aging parents. Joan not only brings a wealth of research and experience in public health, but also shares her personal journey as a daughter navigating her mom’s dementia diagnosis. This one hits close to home.We unpack the psychological barriers that prevent caregivers from getting the support they need, the tension of being a “pre-caregiver,” and how to manage stress b...
2025-09-1647 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesHow AI Can Revolutionize Caregiving & Empower Families – With Breana PatelIn this episode, we (Selma and Zack) sit down with the brilliant Breana Patel to unpack one of the most pressing challenges facing our society today: the silver tsunami. With a rapidly aging population and a dwindling caregiver workforce, Breana shares how AI-powered solutions can make caregiving not only safer and more effective for patients but also far more manageable for caregivers—especially those of us juggling full-time work and family responsibilities. From her personal caregiving story to the development of a powerful, privacy-first platform built to support long-term care facilities, Breana offers us a hopeful vision for the fu...
2025-08-2830 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesGrief, Caregiving, and the Power of Connection – with Leslie WeirichIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with our friend and grief advocate, Leslie Weirich, whose decades-long journey through caregiving and loss has shaped her mission to bring hope and understanding to others. From caring for aging parents and siblings to navigating unimaginable personal tragedies, Leslie’s story offers both powerful perspective and practical wisdom for anyone touched by grief or the caregiving experience.We explore the parallels between caregiving and grief, the importance of creating supportive workplaces, and why connection truly is protection. Leslie shares the inspiration behind her book The Gift of Grief, along with ca...
2025-08-1235 minWorking Caregivers: The Invisible EmployeesCare with Dignity: Fighting for Change with Filmmaker Susie Singer CarterIn this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend and caregiving champion, Susie Singer Carter. Susie doesn’t just tell stories—she lives them with heart, humor, and relentless honesty. We talk about the raw truths of caregiving, especially for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and long-term care systems. Susie shares how caring for her mother, Norma, transformed her life and ignited her mission to advocate for others through storytelling.We also dive into her new docu-series No Country for Old People, a bold exposé on the failures in nursing home care and the urgent need for ref...
2025-07-2937 minWorking 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 min