92 episodes

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles J Smiles

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

    Comedy & Caregiving Concierge: A Conversation with Jennifer Cain-Birkmose

    Comedy & Caregiving Concierge: A Conversation with Jennifer Cain-Birkmose

    What does it take to transform the caregiving landscape on a global scale? Join us as we uncover the journey of Jennifer Cain-Berkmose, a trailblazing caregiver who has dedicated several years to revolutionizing care for the elderly through her work with NGOs, nonprofits, and governments. Jennifer's story of passion and resilience aligns with my experiences as a comedian and caregiver, from her roots in the United States to her impactful career making a global impact. Together, we discus...

    • 1 hr 2 min
    When Cancer Looks Like Dementia: A Spouse‘s Caregiver Journey

    When Cancer Looks Like Dementia: A Spouse‘s Caregiver Journey

    When laughter and wisdom intertwine, you find solace on the unpredictable path of caregiving. Join me as I sit down with Jim Cooper, the ex-DJ who spun his caregiving tales into a guidebook full of practical advice. From the early tremors of illness that shook his wife to the enormity of his new role, Jim's path from music to manuscript is as inspiring as it is instructive, offering a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the caregiving seas.Caregiving is no solo journey, and this episode is a...

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

    Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

    Parenting Up! was birthed out of compassion and answering the call from a higher source. In this episode, J dives into who she was before Parenting Up! came to be with show producer, Mia Hall. We hear details of her family legacy in Montgomery, Alabama, her mom's business, her dad's dedication to his father who was killed when he was nine, and his exclusive, extensive collection of game-worn sports memorabilia. Finding true fulfillment often means breaking free from the mold society cas...

    • 47 min
    Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

    Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

    When I began the caretaking journey for my mom, I was not prepared for the twists and turns ahead. Now, with caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson by our side, we unravel the complexities and joys of caring for those we love. Pamela's personal and professional experiences, including courtrooms and care facilities, serve as the backdrop for our conversation, bringing to light the skills and resilience it takes to navigate this path.The medical system can be daunting, but together, we dissect the ...

    • 52 min
    Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

    Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

    As our guest Jennie Lee navigated the complex and emotional path of caring for her mother through her battle with brain cancer, she discovered that the ancient wisdom of yoga therapy held a beacon of light amidst the chaos. This episode features Jennie Lee, a seasoned yoga therapist, who brings her expertise and heartwarming personal narrative to our discussion. Together, we explore the ways yoga therapy intertwines with traditional therapy to serve as a powerful tool for stress relief, espec...

    • 41 min
    The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

    The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

    Navigating the range of emotions and decisions that come with caregiving, I found myself sharing the profound responsibility of caring for my mother as her memories began to fade into the shadows of dementia. Timothy Poore's mom also has dementia. It was a journey instigated by the silent toll of type 2 diabetes, a reality many are unaware of until it hits home. This episode is not just a sharing of his stories, but a conversation that brings to light the critical aspects of Alzheimer's aware...

    • 48 min

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