Inspired Caring

Michele Magner

If you are helping out an aging family member, this is the place for you! Here, you will find inspiration, tools and resources that are needed to be prepared to take care of your loved one AND yourself along this caregiving journey. Michele Magner is a family caregiver, Gerontologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Professor and has worked in the Senior Living Industry. She knows that everything we do today, impacts our own aging outcomes so she created the Inspired Caring Family Support & Education Program. Today is the day to be inspired! www.michelemagner.com michele@michelemagner.com

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    209. Gray Divorce; My Life Rewritten with Author Anne Smith

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner interviews Anne Smith, author of 'Gray Divorce, My Life Rewritten.' They discuss the phenomenon of grey divorce, the societal changes affecting women's choices in midlife, and the importance of self-discovery and empowerment. Anne shares her personal journey through divorce, therapy, and finding love again, emphasizing that women deserve happiness and fulfillment at any age. The discussion highlights the significance of recognizing one's own needs and desires, overcoming fears, and embracing change as a path to a more joyful life. Takeaways Grey divorce is a growing phenomenon affecting many couples over 50. Women today have more options and autonomy than previous generations. Many individuals feel stuck in unhappy relationships but fear making changes. Therapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. Recognizing the signs of a failing marriage is crucial for personal growth. It's important to prioritize one's own happiness and needs. Ageism affects women's perceptions of their worth and opportunities. Facing fears about financial stability is common during life transitions. Finding love again is possible and can be fulfilling at any age. Rediscovering joy and purpose is essential for a meaningful life. Sound Bites "You need to lose your shadow." "It's okay for us to want more." "You have beautiful things to give." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grey Divorce and Its Significance 03:50 Understanding Grey Divorce: Statistics and Trends 07:09 Personal Reflections: The Impact of Upbringing on Relationships 10:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Therapy 13:02 Recognizing the Fault Lines in Marriage 15:44 The Aha Moment: Realizing the Need for Change 18:55 Empowerment and the Importance of Self-Value 21:48 Navigating Ageism and Embracing Change 25:10 Facing Fears: Financial and Emotional Concerns 27:46 Finding Love Again: A New Relationship 31:01 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Growth 33:51 The Gift of Aging: Rediscovering Joy and Purpose 37:00 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Moving Forward 51:34 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Keywords Grey Divorce, self-discovery, empowerment, relationships, therapy, ageism, personal growth, women's issues, divorce, happiness Connect with Anne Smith  Buy the book: Gray Divorce; My Life Rewritten Ragini Michaels ProgramsBook Recommendation: Tara Westover, EducatedInspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    52 min
  2. 30 JAN

    208. The Dining Revolution in Senior Care with Aaron Fish

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner speaks with Aaron Fish, Founder and CEO of Trestle Hospitality, about the evolution of dining experiences in senior living. They discuss Aaron's journey into the industry, the importance of quality and consistency in food service, and the changing expectations of residents, particularly as the baby boomer generation ages. The conversation also touches on the unique dining needs of individuals with dementia and the significance of creating meaningful dining experiences. Aaron emphasizes the need for operators to balance cost and quality while adapting to the evolving palates of residents. The discussion concludes with insights on caregiving and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Takeaways Food is a crucial aspect of senior living hospitality. Aaron's journey into senior living was unplanned but rewarding. The dining experience in senior living has evolved significantly. Operators must adapt to the changing expectations of residents. Quality and consistency in food service are essential. There is a need for diverse dining options in senior living communities. Perceptions of food quality in assisted living are changing. Communication with residents about food preferences is vital. Taste preferences can evolve, especially in older adults. Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being. Sound Bites "Taste buds evolve over time." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Senior Living Hospitality 03:58 Aaron's Journey into Senior Living 06:19 The Shift in Dining Expectations 10:53 Quality vs. Institutional Dining 13:43 Changing Perceptions of Food in Senior Living 20:28 Communicating with Residents about Food 23:17 Dining with Dementia: Understanding Individual Needs 31:02 Creating a Structured Dining Experience 38:00 Dining with Dementia Workshop Overview 44:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregivers 46:33 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Dining with Dementia Workshops Use Code: INSPIRED Tips from Trestle Podcast Trestle Hospitality Concepts Website   Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    47 min
  3. 23 JAN

    207. Rewriting & Releasing Regrets with LeeAnn Marie Webster

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner and LeeAnn Marie Webster explore the complex nature of regret, discussing its definitions, emotional impacts, and how it can serve as a tool for personal growth. They delve into the cultural influences on regret, particularly for women, and how societal expectations shape our feelings about life choices. The discussion also covers practical strategies for releasing regret and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and empowerment in moving forward. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they encourage listeners to embrace their regrets as part of their journey and to take control of their lives. Keywords regret, emotional health, personal growth, caregiving, cultural influences, life choices, empowerment, self-reflection, women, mental health Takeaways Regret can be a heavy burden, but it can also be a tool for growth. Understanding the root of regret can help in moving forward. Cultural influences shape how we perceive and deal with regret. Women often carry societal pressures that affect their choices and regrets. Guilt and regret are closely intertwined emotions. It's important to prioritize self-care to avoid regret in caregiving roles. Regret can illuminate areas of our lives that need attention or change. Many regrets stem from actions not taken rather than actions taken. Empowerment comes from recognizing and owning your choices. You have the power to change your path and create a fulfilling life. Sound bites "Regret is a flashlight, not a stop sign." "You are not alone in your regrets." "You have the power to change your path." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Regret 02:23 Defining Regret and Its Impact 05:42 The Emotional Weight of Regret 11:24 Cultural Influences on Regret 17:26 Guilt vs. Regret in Caregiving 23:33 Making Intentional Choices to Avoid Regret 31:02 Healing Through Acknowledgment of Regret 33:52 Tools for Releasing Regret 39:05 Introduction to Leanne's Upcoming Workshop 39:29 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Connect with LeeAnn Marie Webster No Regrets; No Limits Weekend That's Regrettable Book Regret Rewrite Formula Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    40 min
  4. 16 JAN

    206. Helping Children Understand Dementia with Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's

    Summary In this episode of Inspired Caring, host Michele Magner engages in a heartfelt conversation with guests Brenda Freed and Alder Allensworth, both experts in music therapy and dementia care. The discussion centers around the challenges faced by families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, particularly how to communicate the complexities of the illness to children. Alder shares her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on families. The trio emphasizes the importance of creating resources that help children understand dementia, fostering empathy and compassion in the younger generation. They introduce their innovative program, 'Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's,' which includes educational videos, a picture book, and song designed to make the topic accessible and relatable for children. Keywords Alzheimer's, dementia, caregiving, music therapy, children education, empathy, family support, Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's, caregiver resources, sandwich generation Takeaways "I found myself as a sandwich generation caregiver." "We wanted to change that scenario." "Children can learn so you can teach and educate the child." "It's important to be honest with it and it's out there as part of the family." "These are universal skills that every family can benefit from." Sound bites "I found myself as a sandwich generation caregiver." "We wanted to meet people where they're at." "The child can learn so you can teach and educate the child." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dementia and Caregiving 03:53 Personal Experiences with Alzheimer's 06:45 Creating Educational Resources for Children 10:09 The Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Program 13:00 Understanding Alzheimer's Through Videos 15:55 Incorporating Children in Caregiving 18:48 The Importance of Communication and Honesty 22:07 Social Implications of Educating Children 25:06 The Unique Picture Book and Its Benefits 28:01 Life Skills and Compassion Through Caregiving 30:56 Final Thoughts for Caregivers 47:01 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Disease Picture book Song on YouTube Email: Mackenziemeetsalzheimers@gmail.com @Mackenziemeetsalzehimers on FB, Instagram, YouTube,LinkedIn Alder Playlist: The Beatles, Motown, Abba Brenda: Ellis, Jamie Harris, Michael O’Connor, Mary Gauche Dying and Death singer songwriters: Tommy Byrd (Byrd and Street), FrankGilligan Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    47 min
  5. 2 JAN

    205. Empowering Women Through Financial Education: Dream Money with Megan Hale

    Summary In this enlightening conversation, Michele Magner speaks with Megan Hale about the unique relationship women have with money and the importance of financial education. They explore Megan's journey in creating Dream Money, a platform designed to empower women to build healthy relationships with their finances. The discussion covers various themes, including the significance of understanding personal finance, the concept of minimum viable revenue, the necessity of support and delegation, and the duality of wealth and generosity. Megan emphasizes the importance of both financial skills and mindset shifts in achieving financial confidence and success. If you have a business, this episode is for you. If you do NOT have a business, this episode is for you too! Keywords money, women, financial education, Dream Money, money mindset, financial skills, entrepreneurship, support, wealth, personal finance Takeaways Women have unique relationships with money that can be complicated. Understanding personal finance is crucial for empowerment. The concept of minimum viable revenue helps in financial planning. Support and delegation are essential for managing multiple roles. Mindset shifts are necessary to overcome financial anxiety. Financial skills are as important as money mindset. Reading and education can transform financial understanding. Building intimacy with money can change one's relationship with it. Wealth can coexist with a desire to help others. Balancing masculine and feminine energies can enhance financial success. Sound bites "Women have unique relationships with money." "The and is the bridge to expand." "Don't do money alone; seek mentorship." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Women's Unique Relationship with Money 05:05 Megan's Journey to Financial Empowerment 11:10 Navigating Financial Anxiety in Today's Economy 16:47 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 23:04 Resources for Financial Growth and Mindset 25:16 Mindset and Financial Leadership 26:10 Building Intimacy with Money 30:20 Reframing Debt and Financial Relationships 32:09 The Duality of Wealth and Service 34:30 Navigating Capitalism and Feminine Energy 40:35 Empowering Women Through Financial Education 42:52 Introducing Dream Money Program 47:38 The Importance of Mentorship in Financial Growth 49:27 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Connect with Megan Hale: Dream Money Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Resources Megan Shared: Sacred Success by Barbara Stanny Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Money, A Love Story by Kate Northrup Wild & Holy Radio Podcast Playlists: Lo-fi beats & Taylor Swift Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: WebsiteE-mailInstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeCustom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    50 min
  6. 26/12/2025

    204. Caregiving Resilience, Hope, & Empowerment with Debbie Weiss

    Summary In this conversation, Debbie Weiss shares her profound journey as a caregiver, starting from her teenage years when she took on the responsibility of caring for her father after his stroke. She discusses the emotional challenges and the evolution of her caregiving roles, including caring for her son with autism and her husband with terminal cancer. Throughout the conversation, Debbie emphasizes the importance of hope, self-discovery, and empowerment in the face of adversity. She also highlights her journey of writing books as a therapeutic outlet and her aspirations to inspire others through her experiences. Takeaways Debbie became her father's full-time caregiver at a young age. Navigating healthcare systems can be overwhelming for young caregivers. Caregiving can lead to a shift in family dynamics and relationships. The emotional toll of caregiving can lead to feelings of grief and loss. Finding hope amidst struggles is crucial for caregivers. Self-discovery often comes from challenging experiences. Shifting from a victim mentality to empowerment is transformative. Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet for caregivers. Creating a positive mindset is essential for personal growth. Debbie aims to inspire others through her journey and future projects. Sound bites "I lost my father. He wasn't the same person." "I had to take away the victim mentality." "I discovered I love creating." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:58 The Caregiving Journey Begins 03:47 Navigating Different Caregiving Scenarios 06:46 The Impact of Caregiving on Relationships 10:10 Finding Hope Amidst Challenges 12:54 Personal Growth Through Caregiving 15:46 Transforming Victimhood into Empowerment 24:02 Rediscovering Identity at 50 27:26 Shifting from Victim Mentality to Empowerment 28:46 Tackling Weight and Self-Worth 33:51 Mindset Changes and Long-Term Success 36:31 The Journey to Writing a Book 42:08 Finding Purpose Through Writing 47:47 Embracing Creativity and Future Aspirations 51:55 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Keywords caregiving, personal growth, resilience, mental health, hope, self-discovery, empowerment, writing, inspiration, support Connect with Debbie:  ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ The Sprinkle Effect Book  The Sprinkle Effect Workbook The Sprinkle Effect Card Deck On Second Thought Maybe I can - Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: Website: www.InspiredCaring.comE-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    52 min
  7. 19/12/2025

    203. Hospital Discharge Process - Behind The Scenes with Steph Madej

    Summary: In this episode, Michele Magner discusses the complexities of the hospital discharge process with Nurse, Steph Madej. They explore the process of who is involved, what constitutes a safe discharge plan, the role of insurance and Medicare, the importance of family involvement, and the challenges of navigating referrals and resources. They also introduce EverBlessed Nursing and Transport, a service aimed at providing personalized care and support for elderly patients post-discharge. Takeaways Families often struggle with understanding the discharge process. A safe discharge plan includes various factors like medication management and home support. The hospital discharge team consists of doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists. Medicare requires specific criteria for coverage of rehabilitation services. Referrals for rehab are sent out based on patient readiness and insurance approval. Family involvement is crucial in assessing the patient's needs and safety. Difficult conversations about care options are often necessary with families. Post-discharge resources are essential to prevent readmission to the hospital. Frequent hospital visits indicate a need for additional support and resources. EverBlessed Nursing and Transport aims to fill gaps in care for elderly patients. Sound Bites "It's important to have a solid plan." "We can't force people to do anything." "We want the best for each person." Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Hospital Discharge Process 07:02 Navigating Medicare and Rehab Options 12:58 Referral Processes and Challenges 19:36 Tough Conversations with Families 26:03 The Role of Family in Care Decisions 32:58 Introducing EverBlessed Nursing and Transport 44:00 Final Thoughts for Families 45:50 Connecting with Steph Madej 46:33 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Keywords hospital discharge, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, family support, nursing, rehabilitation, patient care, social work, healthcare resources Connect with Steph: Facebook E-mail: everblessednandt@gmail.com Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: Website: www.InspiredCaring.comE-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    47 min
  8. 22/11/2025

    202. Straight Talk on Top 4 TOUGH Topics with Kelley Brady

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner interviews Kelley Brady, a seasoned geriatric nurse, who shares her extensive experience in senior care and the evolution of dementia care practices. They discuss the 4 key 'speeches' she would frequently share with family members, tough conversations, but critical in senior care: 1)the nuances of DNR versus full code decisions 2)the concept of memory care as a form of freedom 3)you don't accidentally stumble into Hospice care 4)the 21-day habit formation for residents in memory care and the importance of managing family expectations during transitions. Kelley's insights provide valuable guidance for caregivers navigating the complexities of geriatric care. Takeaways Dementia care practices have evolved significantly over the years. Understanding the difference between DNR and full code is crucial for families. Memory care can provide a sense of freedom for residents. Safety is the primary concern when considering assisted living. It takes 21 days for new habits to form, even for those with dementia. Family visits should be managed to reduce anxiety for residents. Outings should be familiar and enjoyable for residents with dementia. Informed choices in hospice care can greatly impact quality of life. Open communication with healthcare providers is essential for effective care. Keywords geriatric nursing, dementia care, mental health, DNR, memory care, assisted living, hospice care, family caregiving, end-of-life conversations, healthcare choices Sound bites "Memory care spells freedom." "We're talking about today." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Geriatric Nursing Journey 06:06 Evolution of Dementia Care Practices 12:18 Understanding DNR vs Full Code 17:23 The Freedom of Memory Care 22:54 Signs for Assisted Living Consideration 26:39 The 21-Day Habit Formation 33:15 Engaging Families in Care 35:06 The Power of Engagement in Care 41:16 Navigating Social Interactions and Comfort Zones 43:28 Empowering Families Through Education 50:33 Understanding Hospice Care and Its Importance 54:45 Quality of Life vs. Quantity of Life 59:42 Exploring Death Cafes and Palliative Care Options 01:07:56 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Resources Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care David Kessler, Remember With More Love Than Pain Lionetti Law The Gentle Art of Swedish Art of Death Cleaning on Peacock Death Cafes Death Doula Natalie Bolen (or on Instagram) Death Doula Jenni Herchenbach, Flourish Collaborative Before the Casket, Amy Hensley Playlist: Tyler Childs Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: Website: www.InspiredCaring.comE-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion. *Disclaimer - always work with healthcare providers and licensed professionals who know the situation on any decisions being made for what is appropriate for you and your loved one.

    1h 8m

About

If you are helping out an aging family member, this is the place for you! Here, you will find inspiration, tools and resources that are needed to be prepared to take care of your loved one AND yourself along this caregiving journey. Michele Magner is a family caregiver, Gerontologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Professor and has worked in the Senior Living Industry. She knows that everything we do today, impacts our own aging outcomes so she created the Inspired Caring Family Support & Education Program. Today is the day to be inspired! www.michelemagner.com michele@michelemagner.com