Focused Healthy Family Podcast

Gina and Donald Grothoff

Gina Grothoff: Occupational Therapist, Family Coach, writer and mom of three Donald Grothoff: Family Coach, Mindset Coach, Speaker, EFT Tapping Practitioner and dad to those same three. This dynamic duo are out each week with a new podcast. Using their 24 years of parenting, life experiences and their challenges with two kids with special needs to give tips to parents everywhere. Gina and Don find themselves in the Sandwich Generation, raising kids and caring for elderly parents, which they do talks, workshops and work with parents. Focused Healthy Family podcast is a light-hearted approach at serious issues and questions parents have today on parenting, forming stronger relationships with their kids, and helping their children grow-all in under 30 minutes. #parenttalk #parenting #parentcommunication #focusedhealthyfamily #co-parenting #singleparents #parents #sandwichgeneration #sandwichgenerationsupport #seniorcaregiversupport #seniorcare #agingparentssupport

  1. 4d ago

    #245 Conscious Connection: The Healing Power of Being Present

    What happens when we stop simply going through life and start paying attention to the connections around us? In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Don and Gina explore the power of conscious connection—with friends, family, ourselves, and even the unexpected people and experiences that cross our paths. From a solo beach trip that led to reconnecting with old friends, to a sunrise walk with a longtime friend during a difficult family situation, Don and Gina share personal stories about how reaching out can create meaningful connections when we need them most. They also talk about why asking for help can be so difficult—and how refusing to ask may actually take away someone else's opportunity to help. The conversation moves into the importance of setting aside what other people think, recognizing our own needs, and giving ourselves permission to take time for ourselves. They also explore how difficult experiences, from family challenges to major life events, can sometimes give us a new perspective on what really matters. And then there are the unexpected connections: a bird on the beach, a song that brings back a loved one, or a simple face-to-face conversation that feels different from a text or phone call. Whether you're a caregiver, dealing with family challenges, feeling disconnected, or simply looking for a little more meaning in everyday life, this episode offers a reminder: Sometimes connection begins with simply paying attention—and being willing to reach out. What connection have you been missing? And who might be waiting for you to reach out?

  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing The Optimism We All Need Right Now with Simon Sinek from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Start with Why by Simon Sinek  https://amzn.to/4xQ0ETD Simon Sinek’s landmark New York Times bestseller Start with Why transformed how leaders, entrepreneurs and employees think - inspiring them to shift their focus from what they do to why they do it. Simon brought this revolutionary concept to life with his Ted Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" which instantly went viral - and now ranks as the fourth most-watched Ted talk of all time with more than 90 million views.  In this conversation, Oprah and Simon talk about how to feel more energized, optimistic and engaged in your work and life - especially at times of high anxiety and uncertainty. Simon answers questions from several viewers including a woman who is considering leaving her 9-5 job to become an entrepreneur, one who is still looking for her dream job at age 49 and another who is terrified about losing her identity as she faces retirement. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who may be feeling a little lost and looking for clarity, direction and optimism.  00:00:00 - Welcome Simon Sinek, author of “Start with Why”  00:05:15 - The golden circle  00:09:15 - Asking for help 00:10:30 - Why vs. intention  00:13:30 - The thread of your life  00:17:40 - The age of the Influencer  00:20:10 - Optimism meaning 00:27:10 - Introverts and extroverts 00:28:40 - Blocking out doubt when chasing your why 00:32:30 - Jobs are not safe 00:34:50 - Find your guiding question 00:41:40 - Is a "dream job" a goal? 00:48:39 - The friend test  00:54:00 - The importance of relationships  00:55:20 - The key to finding your why 00:57:00 - A well-lived life Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast
  3. Sep 24

    Chemo After 70: What Would You Do? #244

    What would you do if you were diagnosed with cancer later in life? In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Don takes a closer look at a question that sparked a surprising amount of conversation: Would you choose chemotherapy at age 70, 80, or beyond? After a previous podcast raised the question, listeners responded with very different experiences. Some said chemotherapy gave them more years of life and they would make the same decision again. Others chose not to pursue treatment, while some found themselves questioning the impact treatment had on their quality of life. Don shares these perspectives and explores the bigger questions behind the decision: Is age really the most important factor? How does overall health affect the decision? What does quality of life mean to you? And how much should the individual's wishes matter when family members want them to keep fighting? The conversation also turns toward something Don knows well—managing stress and emotional overwhelm during difficult health situations. He discusses breathing, EFT tapping, time in nature, hobbies, and finding ways to calm the mind and body, whether someone is undergoing treatment or dealing with another major health challenge. This isn't an episode about telling you what decision to make. It's about opening the conversation and recognizing that every person, every diagnosis, and every situation is different. Don would especially like to hear from people who have experienced chemotherapy—both those who chose it and those who chose not to—and how that experience affected not only their bodies, but also their mindset, emotions, and view of life. #234 Medicine, Mindset & Meaning https://youtu.be/298s3AoNq_A Bonus: Interview with Stuart Madow https://studio.youtube.com/video/KVDTmnkQF6I/edit

  4. Sep 17

    #243 When the Mission Ends: The Challenge of Veteran Transition

    In this Reboot episode # 194 of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don sit down with Paul Bill, Community Engagement Manager with Veterans Bridge Home, to talk about what happens when veterans transition from military life back into civilian life. Paul shares his own experiences as a retired 30-year Navy Surface Warfare Officer and explains how Veterans Bridge Home helps veterans find employment, housing, healthcare, mental health support, VA benefits, education, and—perhaps most importantly—connection. The conversation explores why transition can be difficult, why veterans may be reluctant to ask for help, and the importance of having other veterans and community members who understand what they are going through. They also discuss older veterans, caregivers, VA benefits, disability claims, community outreach, and the concept of moral injury. One of the biggest messages from Paul is simple: ask for help, stay connected, and look out for one another. Sometimes helping someone doesn't require a complicated solution—it may simply mean opening the door. And, of course, no conversation with Paul would be complete without the story of making 16 trays of lasagna for 180 sailors—and insisting on the right cheese! This is an important conversation not only for veterans, but for their families, caregivers, employers, and anyone who wants to better understand how we can support those who have served.

  5. Aug 27

    #240 Arthritis: It's Not Just Another Joint

    Arthritis is more than just sore or stiff joints—and it can affect how we move, work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don take a closer look at arthritis, including the different types, what can contribute to joint problems, and how arthritis can affect people as they age. Gina shares her experience as an Occupational Therapist, offering practical ideas for protecting your joints, conserving energy, improving posture and ergonomics, strengthening the body, and making everyday activities easier. They also talk about simple exercises, water exercise, hand and tendon-gliding exercises, adaptive equipment, proper footwear, fall prevention, relaxation and breathing techniques, and ways to modify your home environment. Don also brings EFT Tapping into the conversation and discusses how working with the emotional side of pain may be another tool people can explore. And, of course, there are a few laughs along the way—including why 10W-40 is definitely NOT recommended for your joints! Whether you live with arthritis, care for someone who does, or simply want to protect your joints as you get older, this episode offers practical ideas and encouragement to help you find new ways to keep doing the things you love. Listen in, learn something new, and remember: sometimes managing arthritis isn't about giving up—it's about finding a different way to do what matters to you. https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/Henri_Matisse/?utm_source=chat https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/understanding-arthritis

  6. Aug 20

    #239 Puzzles: More Than Just Putting the Pieces Together

    Puzzles may seem like a simple way to pass the time, but they can offer so much more. In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don explore the many ways puzzles can bring fun, learning, connection, and mental stimulation to people of all ages. From the jigsaw puzzles their family has enjoyed over the years to crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word games, mystery puzzles, digital games, and even puzzles designed specifically for children and seniors, they talk about the incredible variety of ways we can challenge our minds. Gina shares her perspective as an occupational therapist on how puzzles can incorporate cognitive skills, problem-solving, visual skills, and fine-motor abilities. They also discuss how important it is to choose puzzles that match someone's abilities and frustration tolerance—especially when working with older adults. But perhaps one of the biggest benefits of puzzles is connection. Puzzles can bring children, parents, grandparents, and friends together around the same activity. They can create opportunities for conversation, cooperation, learning, and memories. Whether you're looking for something to do with an aging loved one, a child, your family, or simply want to keep your own mind active, this episode may have you looking at puzzles a little differently. Sometimes it's not about finishing the puzzle. It's about enjoying the process—and the people you're sharing it with. https://themindcompany.com/apps/elevate https://playscrabble.com/ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/toy-reviews/g70301519/best-kids-board-games/?utm_campaign=mgu_bg_ghk_md_dsa_comm_org_us_19782303261&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&msclkid=19ceebb39089164ab2818137ae0f9b7d

About

Gina Grothoff: Occupational Therapist, Family Coach, writer and mom of three Donald Grothoff: Family Coach, Mindset Coach, Speaker, EFT Tapping Practitioner and dad to those same three. This dynamic duo are out each week with a new podcast. Using their 24 years of parenting, life experiences and their challenges with two kids with special needs to give tips to parents everywhere. Gina and Don find themselves in the Sandwich Generation, raising kids and caring for elderly parents, which they do talks, workshops and work with parents. Focused Healthy Family podcast is a light-hearted approach at serious issues and questions parents have today on parenting, forming stronger relationships with their kids, and helping their children grow-all in under 30 minutes. #parenttalk #parenting #parentcommunication #focusedhealthyfamily #co-parenting #singleparents #parents #sandwichgeneration #sandwichgenerationsupport #seniorcaregiversupport #seniorcare #agingparentssupport