The Sandwich Generation Podcast

Lisa Treadwell and Sara McCord

Welcome to "The Sandwich Generation," a podcast dedicated to empowering seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources for dignified aging. Co-hosted by Sara McCord, a Dementia Friend, and Lisa Treadwell, a certified downsizing coach, we bring over 20 years of experience serving seniors. As Indiana real estate brokers specializing in senior transitions, we explore vital topics like aging in place, downsizing, care options, real estate, memory care, caregiver support, estate law, and more. Join us for expert insights and practical advice to navigate aging with dignity.

  1. 15 Oct

    Alzheimer’s at 47: “Don’t Let My Diagnosis Be Your Diagnosis” | Jeremy Scott

    Jeremy Scott is 47, lives in Orlando, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a month before this recording. He spent 25 years in the car business and then moved into mortgages. Early in the episode he describes the signs he noticed: freezing at the start of the day, difficulty with complex tasks, and trouble recalling words he knew. Jeremy walks through how the diagnosis came together, from a memory test and brain scans to a p-tau217 blood test and an APOE genetic result. He explains why he chose to share it publicly, and what he tells people who write to him with similar symptoms. Hosts Lisa Treadwell and Sara McCord also ask about stress, driving and independence, faith, family, and the plans Jeremy and his wife are making now. In this episode: How a routine ADHD medication visit led to a memory test and a diagnosisWhat a p-tau217 blood test measures, and what an elevated result looks likeWhy Jeremy tells people to write down what they’re experiencing and bring it to their providerHow he used ChatGPT to find a memory-care specialistWhy “you don’t look like you have Alzheimer’s” misses how the disease worksHow he is planning ahead with his family Chapters (timestamps match the 57:37 edit): 00:00 Welcome 03:50 How the diagnosis came about 12:13 The p-tau217 blood test 14:07 The result 16:08 The genetic marker and the diagnosis 25:21 “Alzheimer’s doesn’t have me” 36:39 Advocating for yourself with your doctor 38:07 Using ChatGPT to find a specialist 40:47 “You don’t look like you have Alzheimer’s” 47:28 Planning ahead 55:50 Jeremy’s final message This episode is for education and personal stories. It is not medical advice. If you’re noticing changes in memory or thinking, talk with your health provider. The Sandwich Generation is a podcast for adults raising children and caring for aging parents. It is produced by Rooted Seniors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and hosted by the team at Seniors Real Estate Experts.

  2. 15 Sept

    Caring for a Parent with Dementia: A Sandwich Generation Story

    Sara invites her friend and fellow baseball mom, Amy Pigman, to join Sara and Lisa for an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it’s really like to be part of The Sandwich Generation. Amy shares her family’s journey after her father was diagnosed with dementia—from watching her mom take on the role of primary caregiver and quickly become overwhelmed, to Amy and her sister stepping in to help. She opens up about the difficult decisions they faced, including moving her father into a senior living community during COVID, realizing it wasn’t the right fit, and making the difficult decision to move him again. Amy also talks about the challenges of finding the right medications, navigating the ups and downs of dementia care, and ultimately bringing in Hospice as her father’s journey came to an end. This is a conversation filled with honesty, emotion, difficult decisions, and the realities so many families face when caring for an aging parent. Most importantly, we hope Amy’s story reminds others walking this path that you are not alone. If you’re caring for a parent, supporting a spouse, helping a sibling, or simply trying to figure out what comes next, Amy’s story offers encouragement, understanding, and a reminder that sometimes there is no perfect answer—only the best decision you can make with the information you have at the time. Join us for this very personal conversation about dementia, caregiving, family, senior living, and what it truly means to be part of The Sandwich Generation.

  3. 15 Aug

    What Families Need to Know About Long-Term Care & Assisted Living

    When the time comes to consider long-term care or assisted living for an aging parent or loved one, the process can feel overwhelming. How do you know which senior living community is right? What should families look for? And what is it really like to work inside a long-term care or assisted living community? In this episode of The Sandwich Generation, Sara and Lisa sit down with their very own Shannon Harris, who brings years of experience working in long-term care as a facility administrator and executive director. Together, they talk about the realities of working in long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes, and senior living communities — including the stress and challenges employees face and, more importantly, the passionate people who dedicate their careers to caring for older adults. Whether you're just beginning to explore senior living options for an aging parent, actively touring assisted living communities, or suddenly finding yourself navigating a long-term care decision, this conversation offers practical information and perspective to help you feel more prepared. We discuss what families should look for when choosing a senior living community, questions to ask during a tour, what to consider when moving a loved one into assisted living or long-term care, and important things families should keep in mind throughout the process. If you're part of the Sandwich Generation and trying to balance caring for an aging parent while managing your own family, career, and responsibilities, this episode is for you. Because choosing long-term care isn't just about finding a place for your loved one — it's about finding the right fit, building trust, and knowing they're cared for by people who truly care. Be sure to subscribe, like, comment, and share The Sandwich Generation podcast, and if something in this episode resonates with you, go back and watch our other episodes for more helpful conversations about navigating aging and caregiving.

  4. 15 Jul

    Are You Part of the Sandwich Generation? | National Sandwich Generation Month Special (2026 Highlights)

    July is National Sandwich Generation Month, making it the perfect time to ask: Are you part of the Sandwich Generation? If you're balancing the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while also raising children, supporting adult kids, or managing the demands of everyday life, you're not alone. In this special episode, we're looking back at some of the most impactful conversations from The Sandwich Generation Podcast in 2026. We've compiled highlights from this year's episodes to revisit valuable advice, practical resources, and encouraging conversations designed to help you navigate caregiving with confidence. If a particular topic speaks to you, be sure to go back and watch or listen to the full episode for even more insight. Thank you for being part of our community! Your support helps us reach more families who are navigating the caregiving journey. Don't forget to:• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.• Like this episode.• Leave us a comment and let us know which topic resonated with you most.• Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement or support. Together, we're empowering caregivers—one conversation at a time.

  5. 15 May

    Protecting Our Aging Loved Ones: Understanding the LAVA Project

    In this episode of The Sandwich Generation, Sara McCord and Lisa Treadwell sit down with Nadine McSpadden from Indiana Legal Services, Inc. to discuss the important work being done through the LAVA Project. Together, they explore how the program helps protect vulnerable older adults from exploitation, scams, and abuse, while also providing support and legal resources for families navigating difficult situations. Sara, Lisa, and Nadine dive into why adult children should stay informed about the growing issue of elder exploitation, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways families can help safeguard their aging loved ones. This is an eye-opening and educational conversation every member of the sandwich generation should hear.

  6. 15 Apr

    Taking Meals Off Your Plate with Chef Matthew Mejia

    This month on The Sandwich Generation, Lisa and Sara sit down with Chef Matthew Mejia from Chefs For Seniors to tackle one of the most overlooked — yet essential — aspects of aging well: proper nutrition. As adult children juggle careers, kids, and caregiving, meal planning and preparation for aging parents can quickly become overwhelming. Chef Matthew shares why nutrition plays such a critical role in maintaining strength, independence, and overall health for seniors — and how his personalized approach makes it simple, safe, and even enjoyable. From accommodating dietary needs to creating meals seniors actually look forward to, he explains how families can take this responsibility off their already full plates. If you’re feeling stretched thin and worried about whether your loved ones are eating well, this episode offers practical solutions, peace of mind, and a fresh perspective on how support can look different — and better — than you might expect. Chefsforseniors.com

  7. 16 Mar

    The PACE Plan: Preparing for What’s Next with Marilyn Olson

    Sara and Lisa sit down with aging advocate and speaker Marilyn Olson, former Executive Director of Villages OKC and the Oklahoma Governor’s representative to the State Council on Aging. Marilyn shares practical wisdom for adult children navigating life with aging parents and introduces the simple but powerful PACE Plan—Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency. This thoughtful framework helps families think ahead, communicate clearly, and prepare for the unexpected when it comes to caregiving and decision-making. Marilyn also offers perspective on how we can all approach aging with intention, positivity, and preparedness. Plus, she shares a few of her favorite documentaries that spark important conversations about aging, caregiving, and the brain: My Love Affair with the Brain, Being Mortal, and Age of Champions. Whether you’re already supporting aging parents or just beginning to think about what the future might hold, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement for the journey.

  8. 15 Feb

    Brain Health, Real Life: Science-Backed Habits That Actually Stick with Dr. Michelle Braun

    Lisa and Sara sit down with neuropsychologist and author Dr. Michelle Braun to explore practical ways to strengthen and energize your brain for everyday life. As former classmates from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Lisa and Michelle reconnect to share both personal stories and professional insights while unpacking the five steps from Michelle’s book, The High Octane Brain. Together, they discuss how small, intentional changes can improve focus, resilience, memory, and overall mental performance—especially for busy adults balancing work, family, and caregiving. This conversation blends science with real-life application, leaving listeners with simple, actionable strategies to support brain health and show up more fully in every season of life. Find more at drmichellebraun.com

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About

Welcome to "The Sandwich Generation," a podcast dedicated to empowering seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources for dignified aging. Co-hosted by Sara McCord, a Dementia Friend, and Lisa Treadwell, a certified downsizing coach, we bring over 20 years of experience serving seniors. As Indiana real estate brokers specializing in senior transitions, we explore vital topics like aging in place, downsizing, care options, real estate, memory care, caregiver support, estate law, and more. Join us for expert insights and practical advice to navigate aging with dignity.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Treadwell and Sara McCord
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Treadwell and Sara McCord
  • Show Website
    The Sandwich Generation Podcast

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