The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Cathy VandenHeuvel
  • 4.8 (38)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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The Caregiver Cup Podcast is your space to pause, reflect, and refill. Each season dives into themes that matter most to caregivers—like self-care, boundaries, emotions, and rediscovery—so you can show up as your best self. Join a supportive community that believes when your cup is full, you can care with more strength, joy, and compassion.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Support System Blueprint: Building Your Caregiver Team

    Send Cathy a text:) Caregiving is not meant to be a solo mission. In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re talking about something many caregivers struggle with — building a support system. Whether you’re caring for a spouse, parent, or loved one, the pressure to “do it all” can feel overwhelming. But strength isn’t handling everything alone. Strength is building a team. In Season 2, Episode 8 — The Support System Blueprint, we explore: ✔️ Why caregivers struggle to ask for help  ✔️ How to identify the gaps in your current support  ✔️ The difference between emotional, practical, and professional support  ✔️ How to create “micro-teams” instead of looking for one superhero  ✔️ Delegation and outsourcing ideas that protect your energy  ✔️ Why automating and simplifying your life counts as support  ✔️ How asking for help protects your rhythm, boundaries, and emotional space Cathy shares her personal story of preparing for Denis’ stem cell transplant — building both a “home blueprint” and a “Milwaukee blueprint” — and how allowing others to step in made the journey steadier, not weaker. You’ll walk away with reflection questions and one small action step to begin building your own caregiver support system — even if asking feels uncomfortable. Because you were never meant to carry caregiving alone. 🎧 If this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who may need encouragement today. Support the show

    53 min

  2. FEB 17

    Where Is Your Energy Leaking? A Gentle Reset for Caregivers

    Send Cathy a text:) We’re about two-thirds of the way through Season 2, and before we move forward, I felt a pull to slow down. No new framework.  No new acronym.  No fresh hack to master. Just you and me. Because underneath rhythm, boundaries, resets, time management, and emotional protection… there’s one core truth: You can’t pour from a cup that’s quietly leaking. In this bonus episode, we gently explore what an “energy leak” really is — and why so many caregivers feel exhausted even when they haven’t “done that much.” Energy leaks aren’t always dramatic. They often look like: The conversation you replay in your head The guilt you carry for resting The constant explaining and justifying Doom scrolling that leaves you heavier The tension in your shoulders The “what if” thoughts at 2amNot all exhaustion is physical.  Some of it is emotional leakage. In this episode, I guide you through reflective journaling prompts (that you can write, walk with, or simply sit with) to help you notice where your energy may be quietly draining. ✍️ The 4 Journaling Prompts: Where do I feel most drained right now? Is it a person, a responsibility, a pattern, or my own thoughts?What do I keep saying yes to that leaves me resentful? (Resentment is often a boundary leak.)What input could I reduce? News, social media, constant researching, self-criticism?When do I feel most steady or peaceful? The opposite of the leak often shows us the solution.I also share powerful messages from caregivers in this community — because when one caregiver speaks up, it helps another feel less alone. We talk about:  Why awareness is the first step How small adjustments can close big leaks Why you don’t need to “fix the whole pipe” — just tighten one place And how protecting your energy is sacred workIf you’ve been wondering why you feel so tired…  This episode is your gentle reset. Because awareness is not weakness.  It’s wisdom.  And you are wiser than you think. 💛 Support the show

    23 min

  3. FEB 10

    Protecting Your Mental & Emotional Space as a Caregiver

    Send Cathy a text:) Caregiving isn’t just physical work — it’s emotional and mental work, too. We plan for appointments, treatments, schedules, and tasks…  but most caregivers never create a plan for their mental and emotional health. In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re talking about how to protect your mental and emotional space — so you can show up more fully, without feeling drained, resentful, or overwhelmed. We explore: what mental and emotional space really ishow draining people and constant advocacy can quietly exhaust youwhy comparison is one of the biggest (and sneakiest) energy drainshow to protect your emotional bandwidth without guiltsimple, practical tools to create space that feels calm, personal, and even sacredThis episode isn’t about shutting people out or caring less.  It’s about caring sustainably — and remembering that you matter, too. Because finding peace doesn’t come from big changes.  It comes from small steps, reflection, and choosing to protect what keeps you grounded. And when you protect your inner space, everything you give comes from a healthier place. Support the show

    49 min

  4. FEB 3

    Why Traditional Time Management Fails Caregivers And What Works Instead

    Send Cathy a text:) Traditional time management advice wasn’t created with caregivers in mind. When your days are shaped by appointments, emotional labor, interruptions, and the unexpected, trying to follow rigid schedules or productivity systems can feel frustrating — and even guilt-inducing. In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re talking honestly about why traditional time management fails caregivers — and what actually works instead. This isn’t about doing more or squeezing productivity out of every minute.  It’s about making your day feel lighter, more supportive, and more sustainable. You’ll learn three simple, caregiver-friendly approaches: Energy Mapping — how to work with your energy instead of the clockMust-Do vs. Can-Wait — a compassionate way to reduce overwhelm and guiltThe Power of 10-Minute Windows — how small, intentional moments can move your day forwardWe’ll also talk about caregiver fatigue, brain fog, and why time management can feel hard — and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing. This episode is for caregivers who want more ease, more clarity, and a way to manage their days that honors their reality. Because time management is a skill — not a personality trait.  And your time doesn’t have to be perfect to be purposeful. Support the show

    42 min

  5. JAN 27

    Choose One Small Reset And Change Your Day

    Send Cathy a text:) Caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially when the days are full and your energy feels stretched thin. In this short bonus episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, I’m inviting you to do something simple — choose one small reset and change your day. This episode isn’t about fixing caregiving or creating a perfect routine.  It’s about finding your way through the hard moments with intention, compassion, and care for yourself. You’ll hear a personal story about realizing the old way wasn’t sustainable, why one small step can create space and clarity, and how simple reset rituals can calm your nervous system, restore energy, and help you return stronger. I’ll also share a few easy reset options — breath, body, and space — so you can choose what feels right in the moment. Because making every day count doesn’t mean doing more.  It means caring for yourself, even in small ways. Support the show

    27 min

  6. JAN 20

    The Power of Boundaries Without Guilt: How Caregivers Protect Their Energy

    Send Cathy a text:) In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re talking about one of the hardest — and most important — skills every caregiver needs: setting boundaries without guilt. If you’ve ever felt selfish for needing rest…  If you’ve said yes when you meant no…  If you’ve carried resentment because everyone else’s needs came before your own…  this conversation is for you. We explore what healthy boundaries really are (and what they are not), why caregivers struggle so deeply with guilt, and how boundaries actually protect both you and the people you love. Drawing on insights from Terri Cole’s “Boundary Boss” and real-life caregiving stories, you’ll learn why boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges and paths that make caregiving sustainable. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: What healthy boundaries look like in everyday caregivingWhy guilt shows up when you start saying no — and what it really meansThe emotional and physical cost of having no boundariesSimple scripts and tools for setting boundaries with family, friends, and loved onesHow to handle pushback, emotional reactions, and the fear of disappointing othersYou’ll also get reflection questions, one small action step, and encouragement to begin practicing gentle boundaries that protect your energy, health, and heart. Because caring for others starts with caring for yourself — and boundaries are how you make that possible. 💛 Support the show

    43 min

  7. JAN 13

    Creating a Rhythm That Works for You: The ANCHOR Method for Caregivers

    Send Cathy a text:) In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the season by building something every caregiver needs but rarely talks about: a rhythm that actually supports you. Caregiving is unpredictable — your days can shift in an instant. But having a gentle rhythm can give you grounding, stability, and pockets of peace in the middle of the chaos. A rhythm won’t make caregiving perfect… but it will make caregiving easier. Inside this episode, I walk you through my simple, flexible ANCHOR Method for creating a rhythm that fits your real life: A — Ask about your energy Start with your natural flow, not your to-do list. N — Name your non-negotiables Identify what must happen each day so you can build around it. C — Choose your anchor habits Small grounding rituals — morning, midday, evening — that steady you. H — Hold it loosely Your rhythm should support flexibility, not perfection. O — Organize it visually Make your rhythm easy to remember with simple visual cues. R — Review & reset weekly Your rhythm evolves as your caregiving evolves. You’ll also hear a personal story of how rhythm helped me survive one of my hardest caregiving seasons — and how tiny habits became my lifeline. Whether you’re craving more ease in your mornings, more calm in your evenings, or just a little breathing room in your day… this episode will help you start creating a rhythm that works for you, not against you. 🌼 Plus: Reflection prompts + one simple action step to help you start your ANCHOR Rhythm today. Support the show

    31 min

  8. JAN 6

    Welcome to Season 2: It’s Time to Do Caregiving Your Way

    Send Cathy a text:) Welcome to Season 2 of The Caregiver Cup Podcast — a brand-new year and a brand-new chapter where we finally do caregiving your way. Last season, you explored what’s in your cup—your identity, your needs, your well-being, and how caregiving has shaped you. Now it’s time to take everything you’ve uncovered… and turn it into a rhythm, a flow, and a caregiving life that actually supports you. This season is your permission slip to create routines and boundaries that honor your energy, protect your mental and emotional space, and make room for joy—even in the hard moments. Inside this special trailer, you’ll get a heartfelt sneak peek at what’s coming, including: ✨ How to build a caregiving rhythm that feels grounding, not overwhelming  ✨ Ways to set healthy boundaries without guilt or second-guessing  ✨ Practical, realistic time management tips you can actually use  ✨ Tools to protect your emotional bandwidth and stay centered  ✨ Why reclaiming joy matters—and how to weave it into everyday moments If you’ve been craving more flow, more clarity, and even a few minutes of peace in your day… you’re in the right place. So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and settle in. Season 2 officially begins January 13, and together we’re creating a caregiving life that reflects your needs, your strength, and your way. Let’s build your rhythm.  Let’s find your flow.  Let’s protect your time, energy, and joy—starting now. 💛✨ Support the show

    5 min
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4.8
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

The Caregiver Cup Podcast is your space to pause, reflect, and refill. Each season dives into themes that matter most to caregivers—like self-care, boundaries, emotions, and rediscovery—so you can show up as your best self. Join a supportive community that believes when your cup is full, you can care with more strength, joy, and compassion.

Information

  • Creator
    Cathy VandenHeuvel
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    289
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Caregiver Cup Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Caregiver Cup Podcast

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