Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles

J Smiles
  • 5.0 (45)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

  1. Jul 27

    Did My Dad Visit Me at the NBA Finals? | A Special Edition Caregiving Story

    A single ticket can feel like a confession when you’re a caregiver. I’m  telling one of the most vulnerable stories I’ve shared yet: how I tried to take care of myself while parenting up and carrying the heavy reality of dementia caregiving after my father died. The only reason I’m responsible for my mama the way I am comes back to that loss, and the grief still shows up in unexpected places. When the New York Knicks finally made the NBA Finals and the schedule landed Game 4 on my dad’s birthday, I couldn’t shake the pull. I wrestle with the price, the practicality, and the voice saying I should stay home and do the “reasonable” thing. But I’ve been practicing surrender and listening for intuition. That decision takes me all the way to Madison Square Garden alone, surrounded by die-hard fans, and straight into a moment I still can’t explain. Here’s the part that changed me: in a sold-out arena, the seat right next to mine stayed empty for the entire game. Add a wild comeback, a loud New York soundtrack, a wave of raw emotion, and suddenly this isn’t only a basketball story, it’s a caregiver burnout story, an Alzheimer’s awareness story, and a grief story about honoring a parent and letting yourself receive comfort. If you’ve ever wondered what real self-care looks like when you’re holding everything together, this one is for you. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, share this with a caregiver in your life, and leave a review if it hits home. What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found healing? Exec. Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy Producer: Mia Hall  Editor: Annelise Udoye  Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  2. Jul 14

    The Art of Redirecting: A Caregiver’s Superpower

    Alzheimer’s can make yesterday disappear, but it can also make love get very specific, very fast. I’m talking with Dan Phillips from the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and his story hits on every level: a grandmother diagnosed, a career pivot into advocacy, and then the brutal reality that multiple people he loves are living with the disease. We keep it real about what families actually face, including denial, confusion, and those moments when you realize you’re hearing heartbreaking news for the “first time” over and over again. We break down what “redirecting” really means in dementia caregiving and why picking your battles isn’t giving up, it’s protecting someone’s nervous system. Dan shares how humor can be a lifeline, from a perfectly timed joke to what we call the “lie of love,” the kind, creative story that calms fear when the truth would only reopen the wound. We also talk caregiver stress, why caregivers can go down first, and why getting help doesn’t mean you love your person any less. Sometimes it’s the only way to get back to mother-daughter time instead of patient-caregiver time. Then we zoom out to hope and action: early warning signs people miss, why early diagnosis matters more than ever, and how Alzheimer’s research is changing fast, including biomarker blood tests and treatments that can slow progression for some. Dan also explains the Alzheimer’s Association’s Do What You Love program, where dinner parties, pickleball, golf, church cookouts, and community events turn into funding for research, care, and support. If this conversation makes you feel seen, share it with someone who’s carrying this quietly. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what part of caregiving you want to hear about next. Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  3. Jun 30

    Promoting Dementia Screening While Dispelling Dementia Myths

    If the words “dementia test” make you picture needles, scary machines, and a verdict you cannot take back, we get it. That fear keeps a lot of families stuck in delay, denial, and quiet panic. From Detroit’s Rosa Parks Geriatric Center at Wayne State University, we sit down with practitioners to make dementia screening feel simple, practical, and worth doing sooner than later.  We walk through what a real memory screening looks like, including the Mini-Cog: three words, a clock drawing, and a quick check that can become a baseline for your brain health. We also untangle screening versus testing, what happens if the screen shows concern, and why a full evaluation may include paper-and-pencil cognitive tests, depression screening, lab work for reversible causes like thyroid or B12 issues, and brain imaging such as MRI. Dr. Deol also explains newer Alzheimer’s blood tests that look at biomarkers like tau, plus the crucial nuance: a positive marker without symptoms is not the same as a dementia diagnosis.  From missed bills and medication slip-ups to personality changes, cooking hazards, and driving confusion, we share the real-world signs families notice and why “it’s just aging” can be a costly myth. We also name the biggest barriers, including stigma and limited access, and point you toward support like the Alzheimer’s Association and your local Area Agency on Aging. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with someone you love, and leave a review so more families find it when they need it most. This is episode 3 of a 3-part series. Many thanks to the Rosa Parks Clinic, Wayne State University and everyone involved in this series.  For more information about the A.G.R.E.E.D/GWEP grant, visit: https://agreed.wayne.edu/community-impact Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy Producer: Mia Hall  Director of Photography/Editor: Annelise Udoye  Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  4. Jun 26

    Living With Dementia: Real Stories, Early Signs, and Getting the Right Diagnosis

    Dementia doesn’t show up with a warning label, and it definitely doesn’t erase the person sitting right in front of you. We’re back in Detroit to hear directly from people living with dementia and the care partners walking beside them and the honesty is refreshing, specific, and sometimes even funny in the middle of the hard stuff. First, we talk with Dick and John (with Gerry bringing the real talk as a spouse and support system) about what made them finally say, “Something isn’t quite right.” They describe early signs like repeating themselves, word-finding issues, speech clarity problems, and the tension those changes can create at home. Then we dig into what happened after diagnosis: the relief of naming the problem, the power of telling family instead of keeping secrets, and how early testing can open doors to planning and medical options. We also get into Alzheimer’s treatment realities, including infusion therapy and what it feels like to pursue treatment with a trusted care team. Just as important, we unpack why some people with dementia symptoms won’t qualify for Alzheimer’s infusions if the biomarkers aren’t there, and what it’s like to keep searching for answers. Then members of the National Council of Dementia Minds join virtually to share a wider view: executive function decline at work, REM sleep behavior disorder, getting lost close to home, misdiagnoses, and the exhausting maze of specialists and tests. You’ll leave with practical strategies that actually help: whiteboards, calendars, lists, timers, note-taking, safety planning around driving, and staying social so life stays bigger than the diagnosis. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with someone who’s worried about cognitive changes, and leave a review so more families can find it. Many thanks to Council of Dementia Minds and Wayne State University. For more information, visit: https://agreed.wayne.edu/community-impact Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy Producer: Mia Hall Videographer/Editor: Annelise Udoye Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  5. Jun 23

    Safe Spaces for People Living With Dementia

    If leaving the house feels like rolling the dice when dementia is in the picture, you are not alone and you are not overreacting. We record from Detroit during Brain Health Awareness Month with one big question on the table: where can people living with dementia go in public and truly be safe, welcomed, and understood? Not just at home, not just with a neighbor, but in everyday life like coffee shops, church, and movie theaters.  We sit down with local leaders connected to the Alzheimer’s Association of Metro Detroit and a dementia outreach ministry at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church to get specific about what help exists and how to access it. We talk the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association hotline, support groups that work for both caregivers and early-stage individuals, and why faith-based communities can be a trusted bridge, especially when stigma and denial slow down early detection. We also share a smart, practical tip we love: telling the ushers so support is already in place before something unexpected happens.  Then we zoom out to what “dementia-friendly” can look like at a city level, with real examples like dementia-friendly movie experiences, museum tours, and symphony performances that welcome movement, talking, and questions. We do not skip the hard stuff either: public misunderstandings, mood swings, paranoia, and the fear of embarrassment that keeps families stuck at home. You will leave with simple scripts and mindset shifts that make outings safer and lighter.  If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a caregiver friend, and leave a review so more families can find these dementia resources and feel brave enough to step back outside. Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Producer: Mia Hall  Editor: Annelise Udoye  Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  6. Jun 10

    Forget Dementia Day Care! A Visit to Via Cognitive Center

    Forget everything you think you know about “dementia daycare.” I went to Via Cognitive Health in Augusta, Georgia, and what I saw felt less like a holding space and more like a dignity-first cognitive health campus built for real life with dementia. Here, people aren’t called patients. They’re members. And that one word signals the bigger point: they belong, they’re respected, and the day is designed around what they can do right now, not what they’ve lost. We walk through programming that actually fits mild to moderate dementia, including engaging classes, creative studios with adaptive tools, music woven into the environment, and hands-on projects that spark identity and confidence. There’s even “school” style learning through community partnerships, plus electives like gardening that offer both sensory joy and meaningful conversation. The building design itself tells you the truth: thoughtful layout, home-like details, safety without looking clinical, and practical choices that reduce confusion and boost comfort. Then we step into something you rarely hear about: a dementia-only gym. Members get assessed so activities stay safe, but the energy is real, from strength work to bikes to boxing for balance and stability. We also talk caregiver support, including how lifestyle changes like the MIND diet collide with the realities of home care, stress, and constant decision-making. If you’ve been searching for better dementia care, adult day programs, Alzheimer’s support, or caregiver resources, this visit offers a clear model of what “do better” can look like. Subscribe, share this with a caregiver who needs hope, and leave a review so more families can find it. EP/Host: J Smiles Producer/DP: Mia Hall  Editor: Annelise Udoye Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  7. May 26

    Faith To Action For Dementia Caregivers - Dr. Fayron Epps New Book and More

    Caregiving can feel like you’re carrying a whole life on your back, then smiling through it so nobody worries. Today's episode highlights behind the scenes moments at our 2nd day at the 2026 Alter Dementia Summit--fast, powerful conversations that tell the truth about dementia caregiving and Alzheimer’s awareness, especially the parts families don’t always say out loud. We spoke down with Dr. Fayron Epps to talk about her book, From Faith To Action, and what it really takes to move from belief to daily practice when you’re supporting someone with dementia. She shares how writing became therapy, why her community’s response surprised her, and how honest storytelling can permit other caregivers to finally speak up. Then we get practical with a simple “brain health recipe” you can start right away: monitoring your health, cognitive exercise, physical exercise, and eating right.  We also dig into youth caregivers, because too many young people are quietly doing caregiver work with zero training and zero emotional support. We talk about how dementia behaviors can affect a child, why adults must explain what’s happening, and how faith communities can be part of real dementia education. Finally, we tackle clinical trials and medical mistrust in the Black community, plus where to look for studies, and we close with a crucial brain health pillar that gets neglected: sleep, and why 7 to 9 hours is not laziness, it’s prevention.  If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a caregiver you love, and leave a review so more families can find these tools and feel less alone. EP/Host: J Smiles Comedy Producer: Mia Hall  Videographer/Editor: Annelise Udoye Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

  8. May 11

    Comedy, Community and Caregiving: Alter Dementia Summit Recap

    Dementia doesn’t wait for the “right time,” and neither can we. I’m coming to you from Alter 2026, where Dr. Fayron Epps and her team turn a dementia summit into a real community experience: caregiving conversations, research access, faith-led support, and yes, enough joy to keep us standing when the topic gets heavy. We get into what makes Alter different, starting with the big idea of training the faith community to understand dementia and Alzheimer’s so they can take accurate information back to their churches. We also talk about the complicated truth behind clinical research and why so many of us hesitate, with history like Tuskegee and Henrietta Lacks still sitting in the room. Then we flip the question: if we’re not represented in the studies, how can anyone build the right precursors, parameters, and treatments for our bodies? You’ll also hear why the Youth Summit matters for ages 12 to 24, because too many young people are quietly caregiving without the words, science, or support to make sense of what they’re living through. We push brain health as both prevention and power, from sleep and daily habits to food choices that stack the odds in your favor, plus a taste of my hosting set and on-the-ground interviews with partners like Pastor Janet and Herb Caldwell of the Mama Joe Project, streaming on PBS. If this helped you feel less alone or more ready to act, subscribe, share it with your village, and leave a review so more caregivers can find us. What’s one brain health habit you’re starting this week? Exec. Producer/Host: J Smiles Producer: Mia Hall Editor/Videographer: Annelise Udoye  Support the show "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!

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About

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

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