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. When Life Changes Overnight - Helping Caregivers with unexpected changes

    6d ago

    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

    14 min
  2. Hope is Still Coming|Resurrection Still Comes

    Apr 3

    Hope is Still Coming|Resurrection Still Comes

    Easter reminds us of a powerful truth: The story is not over. In this final episode of the series, Carole shares encouragement for weary hearts, caregivers, and anyone walking through a difficult season. Even when life feels uncertain, God is still bringing life, hope, and restoration. In this episode: What Easter means for everyday lifeHow God works in silent seasonsUnderstanding “Saturday” faithWhat resurrection looks like in real lifeFinding hope when things feel finishedScripture: Psalm 34:18 Key Takeaway: Resurrection still comes...God is not finished with your story. 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

    9 min
  3. Hope is Still Coming|Hope that Arrives Differently

    Mar 27

    Hope is Still Coming|Hope that Arrives Differently

    Palm Sunday reminds us that God’s plans don’t always unfold the way we expect. In this episode, Carole explores what it means to experience hope that arrives differently—and how to trust God when life doesn’t match our expectations. If you’ve ever felt disappointed, confused, or unsure about how God is working, this episode offers a gentle reminder that His plans are still good. In this episode: Why our expectations can shape our faithWhat Palm Sunday teaches us about God’s planHow to process disappointment with GodTrusting the bigger story God is writingFinding hope even when life looks differentScripture: Luke 19:38 Key Takeaway: God’s plans may look different—but they are always leading toward redemption. 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

    8 min
  4. Hope is Still Coming|Trusting God in the In Between

    Mar 20

    Hope is Still Coming|Trusting God in the In Between

    Waiting seasons can feel long, quiet, and uncertain. In this episode, we explore what it means to trust God in the in-between—those moments when prayers feel unanswered and nothing seems to be changing. Carole shares encouragement for caregivers and anyone navigating a season of waiting, reminding us that God is still working even when we cannot see it. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why waiting seasons feel so difficultThe truth about “nothing is happening”How God works beneath the surfaceWhat faith looks like without visible resultsHow to find hope before the outcome arrivesScripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 Key Takeaway: God is working in the waiting—even when you cannot see it. 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

    7 min
  5. Hope is Still Coming|Letting Go of What Was

    Mar 13

    Hope is Still Coming|Letting Go of What Was

    In this episode of Hope Is Still Coming, we step into one of the most tender parts of the journey—letting go of what was. Caregiving and difficult seasons often bring unexpected change, and with that change comes a quiet kind of grief. Not always visible. Not always spoken. But deeply felt. In this episode, Carole gently walks you through: How to recognize hidden grief in caregivingWhy letting go is so difficultWhat Scripture teaches us about seasons of changeHow to surrender what you cannot carry anymoreFinding peace in the middle of emotional transitionIf you’ve been holding onto a version of life that no longer exists, this episode will help you release it with grace and trust God with what comes next. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 Key Takeaway: Letting go is not the end of your story—it’s where healing begins. 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

    10 min
  6. Hope Is Still Coming|Walking Toward Easter When the Road Feels Long

    Mar 7

    Hope Is Still Coming|Walking Toward Easter When the Road Feels Long

    Summary: A comforting and reflective episode for caretakers during Lent, focusing on weariness, God's strength, and slow spiritual growth. Carole Leathem offers encouragement to embrace weariness as part of faith and invites listeners to walk slowly towards hope. Takeaways: God gives strength to the weary, not the strong.Weariness is a part of faith, not a sign of weakness.Waiting on the Lord renews strength and deepens trust.Small acts of obedience can be meaningful during exhaustion.Surrender can be a form of strength, not weakness.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection 00:49 The Call to Slow Down in Lent 01:47 Scripture Reflection: Isaiah 40:28-31 02:37 Naming Our Weariness in Caregiving 03:48 God's Compassion for the Exhausted 05:07 The Power of Waiting on the Lord 06:13 Changing the Question: How Does God Meet Us? 07:18 Closing Prayer and Encouragement 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

    7 min

  7. Feb 27

    Still Recovering | Healing Without Rushing for Caregivers

    Summary: Carole Leathem shares her personal journey of healing and recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience, self-compassion, and honoring the healing process. She discusses how caretakers often push themselves too hard and the need to accept that recovery is non-linear and requires gentle, intentional care. Takeaways: Healing is not a straight line; it requires patience and acceptance. Rest and honoring your pain are essential parts of recovery. Lowering expectations can reduce frustration and promote healing. Healing is a spiritual process, not just physical or mental. It's okay to not be 'okay' and to take time to heal. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Healing 06:38 Embracing the Process of Recovery 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

    9 min

  8. Feb 20

    Boundaries for Caregivers | When Your Body Says Stop

    Summary: In this episode, Carole Leathem shares a personal story about injury and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. She emphasizes that boundaries are acts of protection, not punishment, and discusses practical ways to listen to our bodies and honor our limits. Chapters: 00:00 Unexpected Interruption: A Caregiver's Journey 02:42 Understanding Boundaries: The Caregiver's Dilemma 05:04 Gentle Practices for Self-Care 07:20 The Importance of Listening to Your Body 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

    10 min
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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
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carole Leathem
  • Show Website
    The Caretaker's Journey

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