90 episodes

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!

Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles J Smiles

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.9 • 37 Ratings

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!

    Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

    Parenting Up!: The Origin Story

    Parenting Up! was birthed out of compassion and answering the call from a higher source. In this episode, J dives into who she was before Parenting Up! came to be with show producer, Mia Hall. We hear details of her family legacy in Montgomery, Alabama, her mom's business, her dad's dedication to his father who was killed when he was nine, and his exclusive, extensive collection of game-worn sports memorabilia. Finding true fulfillment often means breaking free from the mold society cas...

    • 47 min
    Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

    Caregiver Protection: Tips From An Expert

    When I began the caretaking journey for my mom, I was not prepared for the twists and turns ahead. Now, with caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson by our side, we unravel the complexities and joys of caring for those we love. Pamela's personal and professional experiences, including courtrooms and care facilities, serve as the backdrop for our conversation, bringing to light the skills and resilience it takes to navigate this path.The medical system can be daunting, but together, we dissect the ...

    • 52 min
    Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

    Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy

    As our guest Jennie Lee navigated the complex and emotional path of caring for her mother through her battle with brain cancer, she discovered that the ancient wisdom of yoga therapy held a beacon of light amidst the chaos. This episode features Jennie Lee, a seasoned yoga therapist, who brings her expertise and heartwarming personal narrative to our discussion. Together, we explore the ways yoga therapy intertwines with traditional therapy to serve as a powerful tool for stress relief, espec...

    • 41 min
    The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

    The Truth about Diabetes and Dementia

    Navigating the range of emotions and decisions that come with caregiving, I found myself sharing the profound responsibility of caring for my mother as her memories began to fade into the shadows of dementia. Timothy Poore's mom also has dementia. It was a journey instigated by the silent toll of type 2 diabetes, a reality many are unaware of until it hits home. This episode is not just a sharing of his stories, but a conversation that brings to light the critical aspects of Alzheimer's aware...

    • 48 min
    A Simple Solution For Stress: A Conversation with Christian Yordanov

    A Simple Solution For Stress: A Conversation with Christian Yordanov

    Stress is daunting, lurking in the shadows of our daily lives, from the innocent years on the playground to the relentless pressures of adulthood. Our latest conversation unpacks this challenge, laying out an arsenal of strategies to keep it at bay. We zero in on Pregnenolone, a supplement that may well be the best-kept secret for combating stress, as Christian recounts his encounters with this aid during sleep-deprived nights as a new father. The episode promises not just tales of struggle b...

    • 41 min
    Caring For Parents Who Didn't Care

    Caring For Parents Who Didn't Care

    You spoke and we listened. What happens when you are asked to care for a parent who didn't care for you? Our latest episode courageously exposes the underbelly of a home in turmoil, exploring the raw and often concealed struggles that families endure. J's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences with us sheds light on the complexities and painful realities of harsh familial ties. From hard words to the brink of collapse, this episode is a journey through the battlefield of a home divided....

    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
37 Ratings

37 Ratings

Smiles169 ,

A Great Resource for Caregivers!

I must say coming across this podcast has been a true pleasure. I have learned not only about caregiving , but how to deal with personal and family trauma, and how to find the silver lining in what can oftentimes be daunting situations. I highly recommend anyone who wants to learn and laugh to take a listen!

Bionicjam ,

Love this show!

I absolutely love this show. I have been a listener of nearly a year now and the things J shares with us about what she is going through really hit home. It is a wonderful thing that she is sharing with us and helps me keep my sanity.

Choirpunk ,

So validating!

I finally feel like I have a friend who understands what’s going on in my life. I’m only 6 months in with my caregiving. My mom has a brain tumor, so it’s similar to what J is dealing/dealt with. I’m going to ask my support system to also listen. Thank you so much! 💜

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles
Uncared For
Lemonada Media
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier

You Might Also Like

Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
iHeartPodcasts
Reasonably Shady
The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
Small Doses with Amanda Seales
Urban One Podcast Network
Scamanda
Lionsgate Sound
Mayim Bialik's Breakdown
Mayim Bialik
The Read
Loud Speakers Network