CarePOD

Dr. Kiplee Bell

Welcome to the CarePOD! A place for meaningful exchange to dialogue amongst personal and professional caregivers and those that advocate for them! This is a solutions-based platform to discuss the many aspects of Caregiving and how best to position ourselves for successful aging. From Self-Care to Caregiver Strategy, we speak candidly about the proactive approach to handling the day-to-day challenges in this important chapter of our lives! Join our Conversation!

  1. When the Church Becomes the Care Team: Dr. Fayron Epps on Dementia, Black Families, and the Future of Caregiving Research

    2d ago

    When the Church Becomes the Care Team: Dr. Fayron Epps on Dementia, Black Families, and the Future of Caregiving Research

    In this episode of CAREPOD, Kiplee Bell, MD, MS, PA-C sits down with Dr. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN — Professor and inaugural Karen and Ronald Hermann Distinguished Chair in Caregiver Research at UT Health San Antonio — for a rigorous, necessary conversation about who is actually holding dementia care together in America. Dr. Epps has spent two decades building evidence-based programs at the intersection of faith, race, and caregiving. She is the founder of the Alter Program, the only nurse-led dementia-friendly initiative designed specifically for African American congregations, and a leading voice on why family caregivers must be treated as clinical subjects in their own right. Together, Dr. Bell and Dr. Epps examine the structural gaps in dementia care for Black families, the burden carried silently inside faith communities, what the science actually says about spiritual engagement and quality of life, and why an endowed chair in caregiver research — not just dementia research — is one of the most important academic appointments in nursing today. This is not a wellness conversation. This is a care leadership conversation. Topics covered in this episode include dementia caregiving for Black families, African American Alzheimer's caregiver support, faith-based dementia care programs, caregiver research in nursing, the GUIDE Model for dementia care navigation, caregiver burnout among healthcare professionals, health disparities in dementia care, nurse-led dementia programs, the family caregiver as patient, spiritual care and dementia quality of life, the Alter Program for African American congregations, and caregiver research at UT Health San Antonio. Episode themes: dementia care navigation | caregiving equity | faith community health | Black eldercare | caregiver wellbeing | nursing research | GUIDE Model | care leadership | The Double Shift™

    33 min
  2. Stewardship Over Status: Leadership, Dementia, and the Courage to Let Go

    Apr 3

    Stewardship Over Status: Leadership, Dementia, and the Courage to Let Go

    In this powerful episode of CarePod, Dr. Kiplee Bell sits down with Maiko Todoroki, CEO of Poppins Corporation, for a deeply human conversation at the intersection of leadership, caregiving, and legacy. Recorded live during a restorative leadership retreat in Hawaiʻi, this episode explores what happens when high-level leadership collides with deeply personal responsibility. Maiko shares her experience as a daughter caring for a mother living with dementia, and the quiet courage it took to ask her mother to step away from the company she founded—an act rooted not in loss, but in stewardship, dignity, and long-term vision. Maiko leads Poppins Corp, a publicly traded Japanese company recognized for its innovative approach to childcare, family support services, and workforce solutions for working parents. Her leadership journey offers a global perspective on caregiving as a strategic, ethical, and deeply human leadership responsibility. Together, Dr. Bell and Maiko reflect on: What it means to lead when personal and professional identities collide Dementia, caregiving, and the unseen emotional labor of daughters in leadership Why restorative spaces for leaders are no longer optional in an aging world How legacy is preserved not through control, but through care This conversation also looks ahead—to global gatherings designed for leaders who are navigating caregiving, aging, and responsibility across cultures. Join Us: Global Leadership Retreat – Philippines If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to continue the conversation in person. Dr. Bell will be hosting the next global leadership retreat in the Philippines, bringing together clinicians, executives, caregivers, and thought leaders for intentional rest, reflection, and leadership renewal in an aging world. 👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.impactfulcaregiving.com/unplug-unwind-unwrap-philippines-2026 Featured Guest Maiko Todoroki CEO, Poppins Corporation (Japan) Leader, daughter, and global voice on caregiving, legacy, and humane leadership Hashtags (Kajabi + Cross-Platform) #CarePodPodcast #MaikoTodoroki #PoppinsCorp #LeadershipAndLegacy #CareLeadership #LeadingWhileCaregiving #DementiaCare #WomenWhoLead #GlobalLeadership #UnplugUnwindUnwrap #RestOnPurpose #CaregiverLeadership

    20 min
  3. MIND OVER MEALS: RECLAIMING YOUR PLATE

    05/09/2025

    MIND OVER MEALS: RECLAIMING YOUR PLATE

    Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and author of the award-winning, Amazon best-selling memoir, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict. For years, Michelle was a top performer for the most influential brands in media, including Radio One and Disney/ABC. Finally, the stressful and competitive media advertising space took a toll on her mental and physical health. After gaining and losing over 700 pounds, she finally discovered the “secret” to quieting the battle between her mind, body, and hunger – her “story.” Michelle’s memoir, a category winner in The 2022 Memoir Prize for Books, explores the deep emotional and psychological connections to food and how these "food stories" shape our eating behaviors and weight management struggles. Michelle developed a Prescriptive Writing Process to make peace with her mind, body, and food. Her approach emphasizes that the battle with weight isn't just about food but about the stories and emotions behind why we eat. By understanding and rewriting these narratives, individuals can achieve lasting transformation. She conducts healing- through-reading-writing-and-storytelling workshops where she teaches others how to find their food and personal truths. She offers various services, including workshops, retreats, and speaking engagements to show others how to uncover their food stories and transform how they manage their relationship with themselves, gain mastery over food, and uplevel performance. She speaks to organizations, large and small, sharing her insights and stories of hope, healing, triumph, and transformation. Her latest ebook, Mind Over Meals: 7 Secrets to Rewire Your Brain for Healthy Eating and High Performance, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off for good.

    40 min
  4. The Power of the Pivot

    04/21/2025

    The Power of the Pivot

    Meet Felicia Shanken Hello, my name is Felicia Shanken CEO/Founder of the Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection, LLC and PWNC Foundation Inc 501(c)(3) We are not just a business; we are a community. Felicia Shanken is a highly accomplished Women’s Strategist and Success Builder who has made significant contributions to the world of business. Her impressive track record speaks for itself. Felicia has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations for her outstanding work. For instance, “Fun Times Magazine” featured her in its March/April 2020 edition as part of the “2020 Philadelphia Who’s Who Black Women of Influence.” Moreover, “International Brainz Magazine” recognized her as an influential leader and business owner for small businesses in December 2020. In May 2021, she was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business” by “VIP Global Magazine.” “USA Today Black History Month Special Edition Magazine” acknowledged her for being a black-owned business in February 2022. Additionally, in the same month, “Alignable” named her the Local Business Person of the Year for Lower North Philadelphia. She is also a Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Graduated Alumni, May 2023. Lastly, her work was recognized in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s April 2023 write-up on Women-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia, and The Global Institute for Human Excellence June 2023, Write up “The Women Success Builder.” A recipient of the Premier Dream Chasers Award presented by Acereel Studio, LLC, January 2024. Named again by “Alignable” in March 2024 for Local Business Person of the Year for Gilbertsville. Featured in “Top 100 Magazine for Innovators and Entrepreneurs” , March 2025 and recently recipient of the, “Trailblazer Award”, presented by the National Association of Women Business Owner (NAWBO) March 2025 . Medical Professional, before becoming a solo entrepreneur full-time 7 1/2 years ago. Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy University. Worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia for 9 1/2 years before deciding to pursue Entrepreneurship full-time. Raised in Queens, New York, moved to Philadelphia over 30 years ago where I met my husband, Paul a native Philadelphian. Recently moved to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. We are avid travelers and love being at the beach. We are also parents to a 14-year-old rescued pit-bull mix named Maximus. ​

    22 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the CarePOD! A place for meaningful exchange to dialogue amongst personal and professional caregivers and those that advocate for them! This is a solutions-based platform to discuss the many aspects of Caregiving and how best to position ourselves for successful aging. From Self-Care to Caregiver Strategy, we speak candidly about the proactive approach to handling the day-to-day challenges in this important chapter of our lives! Join our Conversation!