Sandwich Years - Squeezed and Blessed

Sandwich Years

The Sandwich Years Podcast is for those balancing care for aging parents, supporting dependents, careers, and their own well-being — all at once. Through real stories, expert conversations, and practical insights, we explore caregiving, grief, self-care, finances, health, and family dynamics. Honest, compassionate, and relatable, this podcast reminds you that even when life feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Because in the Sandwich Years, we are truly Squeezed & Blessed. Follow, listen, and connect at sandwichyears.com, @sandwichyears

  1. PSW’s, Technology, Information Supporting Care at Home

    6D AGO

    PSW’s, Technology, Information Supporting Care at Home

    Are you navigating care for a loved one and wondering what support options are available? In this episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Dane from Stay Home Forever Podcast to explore the evolving world of home care in Ontario — from technology and personal support workers to government services and private care options.If you’re caring for aging parents while managing your own life, this conversation will help you feel more informed, supported, and empowered. In this episode, we cover:How technology in home care is transforming support (virtual visits, monitoring tools, safety devices)The difference between government-funded care (Ontario Health at Home) and private servicesWhat Personal Support Workers (PSWs) can actually help with day-to-dayThe importance of culturally aligned care and personalized supportKey financial considerations, tax benefits, and what to know about PHIPAHow to build a care plan that works for your familyWhether you're just starting your caregiving journey or looking for better solutions, this episode is packed with practical insights.You don’t have to do this alone.Thank you DaneSubscribe for more real conversations, resources, and support for those living in the Sandwich Years🎧 Listen now.🌐 Learn more and find resources: www.sandwichyears.comFollow us on your social of choice: @sandwichyearsStudio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions

    31 min
  2. Growing Up with Domestic Violence & Sandwich Years

    MAR 26

    Growing Up with Domestic Violence & Sandwich Years

    ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence and trauma.In this emotional episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Councillor Nancy, a wife, mother, and community leader who shares her deeply personal story of navigating the past while caring for family in the present.Nancy reflects on growing up around domestic violence and the emotional scars that can follow into adulthood. She speaks openly about the journey of unpacking difficult childhood experiences, learning to heal, and finding strength while balancing caregiving responsibilities at a young age — including caring for her grandmother and later facing the reality of saying goodbye to parents.This conversation touches on:• Growing up with trauma and finding a path to healing• The emotional weight of caregiving during the Sandwich Years• Navigating difficult family memories while building a healthier future• Why some people may need extra support when processing the past• Finding resilience and strength through community and conversationNancy’s story is a reminder that healing is not always easy — and sometimes the bravest step is simply asking for help.If you are navigating caregiving, family history, or emotional healing, this episode may resonate with you.If you need support please see this https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/Housing-Shelters-and-Homelessness/CommunityResources_WomenExperiencingViolenceorAbuse.pdf💛 You are not alone.Learn more about Sandwich Years and find supportive resources:🌐 www.sandwichyears.comFollow the conversation:📱 @sandwichyearsStudio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions#SandwichYears #CaregivingJourney #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingJourney #SqueezedAndBlessed

    33 min
  3. RESPs to RIFFs: Mastering Your Family’s Wealth Journey in the Sandwich Years

    MAR 19

    RESPs to RIFFs: Mastering Your Family’s Wealth Journey in the Sandwich Years

    Financial planning in the Sandwich Years doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Ellen from RBC Wealth Management to talk about how to better manage your finances while balancing caregiving, dependents, and your own future.If you’re supporting aging loved ones, planning for your children, and trying to stay on track financially — this conversation is for you.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why having a financial plan reduces stress during caregiving✔️ How RESPs work and how to maximize education savings✔️ What to know about TFSAs and avoiding contribution mistakes✔️ Supporting aging loved ones with finances and why Power of Attorney (POA) matters✔️ What happens when RRSPs convert to RRIFs at age 71✔️ The importance of family conversations around money, accounts, and wishesWhy this mattersDuring the Sandwich Years, financial clarity brings peace of mind — not just for you, but for the people who depend on you.Thank you Ellen🎧 Watch or listen now.🌐 Learn more and find resources: www.sandwichyears.com📱 Follow us: @sandwichyearsStudio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions

    29 min
  4. Resilience and Entrepreneurship in Sandwich Years

    MAR 11

    Resilience and Entrepreneurship in Sandwich Years

    In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we sit down with Susie, a psychologist, author, magazine publisher, and single mother navigating the complex reality of caring for both generations at once.Susie shares her story of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship after experiencing abuse and recognizing how difficult it can be for women to find support within traditional systems. Seeking financial independence and flexibility, she built her own path while raising two sons and supporting her mother.In this conversation we discuss:• Balancing business, parenting, and caregiving• Building a strong support system as a single parent• Letting go of perfectionism and learning to delegate• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries• Meditation, gratitude, breathwork, and daily wellness practices• Teaching children and teams to grow through mistakesSusie’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, faith, and adaptability can help us navigate even the most demanding seasons of life.If you’re living the Sandwich Years, this conversation offers practical insight and encouragement.🎧 Watch or listen now.🌐 Learn more and find resources: www.sandwichyears.com📱 Follow us: @sandwichyearsStudio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions#SandwichYears #CaregiverLife #EntrepreneurLife #SingleMomJourney #SqueezedAndBlessed

    31 min
  5. Heartbreak to Healing - Navigating Death, Divorce & Finding Love Within

    FEB 26

    Heartbreak to Healing - Navigating Death, Divorce & Finding Love Within

    In this episode of Sandwich Years – Squeezed and Blessed, we meet Roxanne — navigating profound change: the loss of a child, the death of a father, separation and divorce, co-parenting, while move across provinces — as well as caring for others in her professional life.Roxanne shares openly about grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to rebuild self love. We talk about: Coping with layered grief Parenting through separation Starting over in a new province The emotional weight of caregiving Learning to be in the moment and re-parent yourself Her story is honest, raw, and hopeful — a reminder that self-love isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. If you’re navigating loss, transition, or rebuilding relationships in the Sandwich Years, this conversation is for you. Thank You Rox's 🌐 Learn more or find support: www.sandwichyears.com💛 Follow on social @sandwichyears Studio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions #SandwichYears #GriefJourney #DivorceRecovery #SelfLove #CaregiverLife #SqueezedAndBlessed

    32 min
  6. Finding Kindness & Joy After Loss

    FEB 6

    Finding Kindness & Joy After Loss

    In this heartfelt episode of the Sandwich Years Podcast, we sit down with Marcia — a mom, wife, Grammy, and daughter — to talk about kindness love, loss, and finding joy after grief.After losing her father, one of the kindest people in her life, Marcia shares how she learned to navigate grief, support others through loss, and practice kindness toward herself. She opens up about creating a special program in her dad’s memory, focused on being kind to yourself, others, and spreading kindness.We also explore:- How to cope with the loss of a loved one- How to support friends who are grieving- Finding joy and kindness after loss- Balancing caregiving, family, and self-care- Embracing life as a “panini-pressed” member of the Sandwich years - The healing power of grandchildren and meaningful connectionThis episode is a reminder that even in difficult seasons, joy, love, and purpose can grow.Thank you Marcia🎧 Watch, listen, and connect with more stories at:https://sandwichyears.comStudio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions#SandwichYears #GriefSupport #FindingJoy #CaregiverLife #SqueezedAndBlessed #HealingJourney

    32 min
  7. La Vita è Bella ... Life is Beautiful

    JAN 29

    La Vita è Bella ... Life is Beautiful

    In this heartfelt episode of Sandwich Years, we sit down with Rosanna — a mom, grandmother of five, wife, sister, daughter, and end-of-life doula — to share a deeply personal story of love, loss, and learning.Rosanna reflects on caring for her father until his passing, and how that experience shaped the way she now supports her mother, who moved in with her family. Through balancing caregiving, family life, and her own health, Rosanna discovered the importance of building a strong support system — made up of family, friends, and community — during the Sandwich Years.Her journey led her to become a end-of-life doula, helping seniors and families navigate death, grief, and life transitions with compassion and dignity. She also shares a powerful moment of realization: when illness forced her to cancel Christmas, she learned that caring for herself is essential to caring for others.Throughout this conversation, Rosanna reminds us to pause, lean on support, and find beauty even in life’s most challenging moments — La Vita è Bella.If you’re caring for aging loved ones while supporting your family, this episode will resonate deeply.Thank you RosannaWatch now and subscribe for more Sandwich Years stories, support, and real conversations. Visit www.sandwichyears.com for support and more information.Studio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions

    34 min
  8. Downsizing, Letting Go & Leaning In: Life Between Generations

    JAN 19

    Downsizing, Letting Go & Leaning In: Life Between Generations

    In this Sandwich Years episode, Divia shares her journey of navigating life between generations — downsizing with parents, supporting young adults leaving home, and redefining family traditions. We explore the emotions of purging a family home, reconnecting with a partner with kids off to school, making space for self-care, and managing grief while supporting an aging loved one. A warm, honest conversation about adapting, honoring change, and finding meaning in every chapter of caregiving and family life. Thanks Divya for sharing your journey of learning, adapting, reconnecting, and self care. Studio Credit: Perspective Studio Productions Subscribe for more real stories and conversations. Watchthe video version or explore support at ⁠www.sandwichyears.com⁠ — because you don’t have to do this alone. Connect with us on your social platform of choice @sandwichyears.

    32 min
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About

The Sandwich Years Podcast is for those balancing care for aging parents, supporting dependents, careers, and their own well-being — all at once. Through real stories, expert conversations, and practical insights, we explore caregiving, grief, self-care, finances, health, and family dynamics. Honest, compassionate, and relatable, this podcast reminds you that even when life feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Because in the Sandwich Years, we are truly Squeezed & Blessed. Follow, listen, and connect at sandwichyears.com, @sandwichyears

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