The Caretaker's Journey

Carole Leathem
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast is a faith-based podcast offering Christian caregiver support, biblical encouragement, and practical help for family caregivers. Hosted by Carole Leathem, each episode shares Scripture, prayer, and hope for those caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones with dementia, chronic illness, disability, or mental health challenges. Topics include caregiver burnout, grief, self-care, faith, and purpose. Find encouragement, strength, and reminders that even in your hardest seasons, you're not alone, God is present, and your caregiving journey matters.

  1. 4d ago

    Finding Joy in the Journey - The Unexpected Gift Shop

    Recognizing Gifts You Never Would Have ChosenFinding Joy in the Journey | The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem What if some of life's greatest gifts come wrapped in circumstances we never would have chosen? When you're caring for a loved one, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the daily responsibilities, emotional exhaustion, stress, and unexpected changes that come with being a family caregiver. Whether you're caring for a spouse, aging parent, or family member facing physical or mental health challenges, the caregiving journey can leave you wondering where joy fits into your story. In Episode 5 of our Finding Joy in the Journey series, Carole Leathem explores how we can discover unexpected blessings, spiritual growth, renewed strength, and meaningful moments of joy in the middle of life's most difficult seasons. This isn't about pretending caregiving is easy, ignoring caregiver burnout, or forcing ourselves to be grateful for painful circumstances. It's about recognizing that even when life takes an unexpected turn, God's presence and goodness remain. Through biblical encouragement, practical caregiver support, and honest reflections on faith and caregiving, Carole reminds us that joy and hardship can exist together. In this episode, we'll explore: How to recognize unexpected gifts in difficult seasons. Finding joy while caring for a loved one. The difference between gratitude and pretending everything is okay. Discovering God's presence during caregiver stress and exhaustion. Embracing small moments of hope, peace, and encouragement. If you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply searching for hope as a caregiver, this episode is for you. You may not have chosen this journey, but you can still discover gifts along the way. Join Carole for another encouraging conversation about finding faith, hope, strength, and joy in the everyday realities of caretaking. Visit: www.thecaretakersjourney.com The Caretaker's Journey Podcast — Encouraging, Equipping, and Supporting Caretakers Through Every Season. James 1:17 — Every good and perfect gift comes from above. #TheCaretakersJourney #CaroleLeathem #FindingJoyInTheJourney #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverEncouragement #ChristianCaregivers #CaregiverBurnout #CaregivingJourney #FaithOverFear #FindingJoy #CaregiverSelfCare #FamilyCaregivers #CaregiverHope #FaithAndCaregiving

    Finding Joy in the Journey - The Unexpected Gift Shop

  2. Sep 25

    Finding Joy in the Journey - Right Outside the Window

    Episode 4 — Finding Joy Right Outside the Window Learning to Notice the Ordinary Gifts We Almost Miss What if the joy you're searching for isn't somewhere in the future, but is already right in front of you? As a family caregiver, it can be easy to become so focused on appointments, medications, responsibilities, health concerns and the needs of the person you love that you stop noticing the small, beautiful moments happening around you. In Episode 4 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem shares a simple but powerful invitation for overwhelmed and exhausted caregivers: Look again. Caregiving trains us to notice what needs attention. We notice the next appointment, the prescription that needs refilling, the change in someone's behavior, the phone call that needs to be made and the problem that needs to be solved. But what if we could also train ourselves to notice joy? A beautiful sunrise. A cup of coffee in the quiet. A text from a friend. A favorite song. A moment of laughter. A peaceful view outside the window. Even an alligator named Mariah Carey swimming through the backyard pond. Joy doesn't have to be big to be real. Isaiah 43:19 says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” That question matters: Are we noticing? In this episode, we're talking about becoming “joy detectives”—learning to intentionally look for God's goodness in ordinary moments without pretending that caregiving isn't difficult. You'll discover how to practice gratitude during hard seasons, create small moments of caregiver self-care, slow down enough to notice what's good and begin finding joy without waiting for your circumstances to change. Because finding joy in caregiving doesn't mean ignoring grief, stress, exhaustion or uncertainty. It means refusing to let the hard things become the only things you see. If you're a family caregiver, spousal caregiver, caregiver for an aging parent, or Christian caregiver struggling with stress, burnout or overwhelm, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to wait for life to become easier before you experience something beautiful. Sometimes we need to stop asking: “When will things get better?” And start asking: “Where is God showing me something good today?” 🎧 Episode 4 — Finding Joy Right Outside the Window: Learning to Notice the Ordinary Gifts We Almost Miss Part of the eight-week Finding Joy in the Journey series from The Caretaker's Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem. The Caretaker's Journey offers faith-based caregiver support, Christian encouragement, practical caregiving resources, Scripture and hope for people caring for someone they love. This week's challenge: Become a joy detective. Look for one small thing each day that makes you smile, brings you peace or reminds you that God is near. Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book #CaregiverSupport #ChristianCaregiver #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverEncouragement #FindingJoy #CaregivingJourney #FaithInHardTimes #TheCaretakersJourney

    Finding Joy in the Journey - Right Outside the Window

  3. Sep 18

    Finding Joy in the Journey - When You're Juggling Too Much

    Episode 3 — The Great Caregiver Circus When You’re Juggling Way Too Much Do you ever feel like caregiving has turned your life into a three-ring circus—and somehow you're expected to keep every ball in the air? Doctor's appointments. Medications. Meals. Work. Family. Bills. Phone calls. Insurance. Paperwork. Household responsibilities. Someone else's needs and emotions. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you're supposed to remember to take care of yourself too. In Episode 3 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem talks about the invisible load family caregivers carry and what happens when we begin believing that everything is our responsibility. Caregiver overwhelm and burnout don't always happen because of one big crisis. Sometimes they happen slowly as we keep adding one more responsibility, one more appointment, one more request and one more thing we believe we should be able to handle. But what if you weren't meant to carry all of it? Jesus offers a beautiful invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Notice He doesn't say, “Finish everything first.” He says, Come. In this episode, we'll talk about recognizing the difference between what truly needs your attention and what can wait, releasing unrealistic expectations, asking for help, creating healthy caregiver boundaries and making room for rest and joy—even when caregiving is still demanding. You'll also discover a simple way to look at everything you're juggling: Which balls are glass—and which ones are rubber? Some responsibilities truly cannot be dropped. Others? They'll bounce. And learning the difference may be one of the most freeing things you can do as a caregiver. If you're a family caregiver, spousal caregiver, caregiver for an aging parent, or simply someone who feels exhausted from carrying everyone else's needs, this episode is for you. You don't have to do everything to love someone well. You don't have to hold everything together. And you don't have to wait until your responsibilities disappear to experience joy. Some things genuinely need you. Not everything needs you. 🎧 Episode 3 — The Great Caregiver Circus: When You're Juggling Way Too Much Part of the eight-week Finding Joy in the Journey series from The Caretaker's Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem. The Caretaker's Journey offers faith-based caregiver support, practical caregiving encouragement, Scripture, hope and resources for people caring for someone they love. Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

    Finding Joy in the Journey - When You're Juggling Too Much

  4. Sep 11

    Finding Joy in the Journey - Learning to Recognize the Season You're In

    Episode 2: The Closet Full of Seasons Learning to Recognize the Season You’re Actually In What happens when the life you’re trying to live no longer fits the season you’re actually in? Just like a closet full of clothes from different seasons, we can hold onto old routines, expectations, responsibilities—and even versions of ourselves—that simply don’t fit anymore. For family caregivers, recognizing that life has changed can be especially difficult. In Week 2 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem explores what it means to recognize your current caregiving season, release expectations that no longer fit, and give yourself permission to need something different now. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Caregiving has seasons too. Some require more of your time and energy. Some bring grief and uncertainty. Others bring unexpected freedom, healing, growth and joy. The problem comes when we keep trying to live according to the expectations of an old season. Maybe you’re exhausted because you're trying to maintain the schedule you had before caregiving became more demanding. Maybe your relationships have changed. Maybe you've lost pieces of yourself along the way. Or perhaps you're entering a new season and aren't quite sure who you are without the responsibilities that once filled your days. This conversation is about recognizing where you are now—without guilt—and asking God what He wants to do in this season. We’ll talk about caregiver identity, changing expectations, letting go, caregiver burnout, faith during change, and finding joy in the life you’re living today. Because sometimes the question isn't: “How do I get my old life back?” Maybe the better question is: “God, what are You inviting me into now?” Your season may have changed, but your story isn't over. Different seasons require different things—and that's okay. 🎧 Episode 2 of Finding Joy in the Journey, an eight-week series from The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem. The Caretaker’s Journey provides faith-based caregiver support, Christian encouragement, practical caregiving resources and hope for family caregivers navigating the unexpected seasons of life. This week, ask yourself: What am I holding onto that belonged to another season? Summary: In this episode, Carole explores how recognizing and embracing the current season of life can lead to greater joy and peace. She shares practical tips on releasing what no longer fits and finding joy in the present moment. Takeaways: Joy lives in the present tense, not in the past or future. Identify what no longer fits in your life and release it. Adjust your expectations to match your current season. Comparison can rob joy; focus on your unique season. God is present in every season, offering grace and guidance. Chapters: 00:00 Recognizing the season you're in 02:07 How old routines no longer fit 04:21 The importance of identifying your current season 10:14 Ecclesiastes on seasons of life 16:16 Releasing what no longer fits 22:39 Living joyfully in the present 28:04 A garden visualization for acceptance 32:14 Making room for what fits now 37:13 Carrying joy into your current season Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

    Finding Joy in the Journey - Learning to Recognize the Season You're In

  5. Sep 4

    Finding Joy in the Journey - When Life Recalculates

    When the GPS Recalculates: Finding Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan What do you do when life suddenly takes a detour you never expected? A diagnosis. A health crisis. A change in your caregiving journey. A move. A loss. A delayed dream. Sometimes we make plans for our lives only to hear the figurative GPS say, “Recalculating.” In this first episode of the Finding Joy in the Journey series, Carole Leathem shares what she’s learning about finding joy when life doesn’t go according to plan. Together, we’ll talk about grieving the life you expected, releasing expectations, navigating change as a family caregiver, trusting God when you can’t see what comes next, and discovering that joy doesn’t have to wait until life gets easier. You’ll learn practical ways to identify what truly has to happen and what can be flexible, create breathing room in overwhelming seasons, and begin noticing small pockets of joy right where you are. In this episode:• Finding joy during difficult seasons• Coping with unexpected life changes• Navigating caregiving and a spouse’s health challenges• Grieving the life you thought you would have• Letting go of expectations• Caregiver encouragement and practical support• Trusting God through uncertainty• Christian encouragement for caregivers• Finding joy while life is still hard• Proverbs 16:9 and trusting God with your next step “A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Life's Detours and the Search for Joy 02:17 The Journey Begins: Finding Joy in the Present 05:14 When Life Doesn't Go as Planned 08:11 Biblical Examples of Trusting God's Leading 13:12 Postponing Joy and the Danger of 'When' 15:14 Joy in the Midst of Pain and Hardship 18:09 The Power of Flexibility and Letting Go 21:14 A Visual Journey: The Mountain Road and God's Presence 24:40 Trusting God with the Road Ahead 25:37 Practical Joy Challenge: Spontaneous Acts of Joy 27:55 Closing Prayer and Encouragement to Keep Looking for Joy Your plans may have stalled. Your route may have changed. But that doesn’t mean God has forgotten you. A changed route doesn’t mean a ruined journey. 🎧 This is Week 1 of Finding Joy in the Journey, an eight-week series from The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem. Learn more, find caregiver resources, and explore the Embracing Change workbook at The Caretaker’s Journey. Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ Workbook - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/shop/p/mbracing-change-a-caregivers-workbook Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

    Finding Joy in the Journey - When Life Recalculates

  6. Jun 19

    You're Not the Same Person Anymore: Finding Purpose Through Transformation

    Summary: In this episode, Carole explores the profound process of transformation during seasons of change, grief, and caregiving. She shares biblical insights, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help listeners embrace growth and faith in difficult times. Topics: The difference between change and transformationBiblical perspective on suffering and growthThe role of patience and endurance in spiritual maturityPractical steps to embrace current season and trust GodThe importance of self-reflection and journaling during transitionGrowth often feels invisible but is happening beneath the surfaceGod works through all circumstances for good, even the hard onesTransformation is a gradual process, like roots growing undergroundReframing seasons of hardship as opportunities for spiritual developmentCreating new rhythms and routines that honor the present moment Chapters : 00:00 Embracing Transformation in Seasons of Change 09:22 The Process of Refinement and Growth 11:05 Finding Joy in the Midst of Imperfection Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book Resources: ⁠Where's God? The Grief Journey by Dr. Alan Gates⁠⁠You're Not Too Late by Rebecca George⁠⁠Are You Ready to Find Joy When Life Gets Messy? by Carole⁠⁠⁠Embracing the Change Workbook (Coming Soon)⁠

    You're Not the Same Person Anymore: Finding Purpose Through Transformation

  7. Jun 12

    The In-Between Season - How to Trust God When You Don't Know What's Next

    One of the hardest parts of change isn't what we're facing today...it's releasing what we thought life would be. Whether you're grieving a loss, adjusting to caregiving, facing retirement, or letting go of a dream that didn't happen, God invites us to trust Him with what we're surrendering. In this episode, Carole shares how to release expectations, embrace God's timing, and find peace in the middle of life's disappointments. ✔ Why surrender is essential for healing ✔ How to release unrealistic expectations ✔ Biblical encouragement for seasons of loss ✔ How to move forward without having all the answers Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Letting go, grief recovery, caregiving support, emotional healing, surrender, trusting God, overcoming disappointment, Christian encouragement, faith through change. Summary: In this episode, Carole explores the challenging process of letting go, grief, and trusting God during seasons of change. She shares practical steps, biblical insights, and personal stories to help listeners navigate transition with faith and peace. Takeaways: You are allowed to grieve what was. Naming your loss helps in the healing process. Releasing is an act of trust, not forgetting. God invites us to not live stuck in the past. Practicing small acts of surrender can lead to peace. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Change and Grief 02:56 The Process of Letting Go 06:32 The Power of Surrender 09:07 Resources for the Journey 11:24 Resources for the Journey Resources: You're Not Too Late by Rebecca George - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0830784373 Are You Ready to Find Joy When Life Gets Messy? - https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Find-Your-Messy-Life/dp/B0BRM1V94L Embracing the Change Workbook (Upcoming) - www.thecaretakersjourney.com Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

    The In-Between Season - How to Trust God When You Don't Know What's Next

  8. Jun 5

    When Life Changes Overnight - Helping Caregivers with unexpected changes

    Life changes. Caregiving begins. A diagnosis arrives. A loved one dies. A dream disappears. If you're struggling with unexpected life transitions, grief, caregiving challenges, or emotional overwhelm, you're not alone. In this episode, we'll explore how to let go of the life you expected and trust God with the future you didn't choose. Through biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, you'll discover how God meets us in seasons of loss, disappointment, uncertainty, and change. We'll talk about grieving what was, embracing what is, and taking your first steps toward healing and hope. In this episode you'll learn: • How to process grief during major life transitions• Why letting go is a spiritual act of faith• How God creates new beginnings after loss• Practical ways to move forward when life changes unexpectedly Summary: This episode explores how life-changing events, especially in caretaking, are opportunities for transformation rather than just survival. It emphasizes trusting God's presence in seasons of upheaval, embracing growth, and finding joy amid messiness. Chapters: 00:00 Embracing Uninvited Change 01:51 Grounding in Scripture and God's Presence 04:19 Navigating the Grief of Change 06:38 Finding Stability in Uncertainty 09:04 Understanding the Purpose of Change 11:50 Resources for the Caretaker's Journey Connect with Carole: Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/ To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com Social Media -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book  Resources: Where's God? The Grief Journey by Dr. Alan Gates - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XK7X

    When Life Changes Overnight - Helping Caregivers with unexpected changes
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast is a faith-based podcast offering Christian caregiver support, biblical encouragement, and practical help for family caregivers. Hosted by Carole Leathem, each episode shares Scripture, prayer, and hope for those caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones with dementia, chronic illness, disability, or mental health challenges. Topics include caregiver burnout, grief, self-care, faith, and purpose. Find encouragement, strength, and reminders that even in your hardest seasons, you're not alone, God is present, and your caregiving journey matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Carole Leathem
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carole Leathem
  • Show Website
    The Caretaker's Journey

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