The Sandwich Generation Pod

Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank
  • 5.0 (17)
  • PARENTING

The Sandwich Generation is a smart, funny, and deeply human podcast about life in the middle—caring for both young children and aging parents. Hosted by two women living it in real-time, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson bring raw honesty, real advice, hopefully some levity to every episode.

  1. Episode 1: SEASON 2 PREMIER - How the Hell Do I Stay Organized? Getting our Sh*t together Sandwich Generation Style!

    MAR 26

    Episode 1: SEASON 2 PREMIER - How the Hell Do I Stay Organized? Getting our Sh*t together Sandwich Generation Style!

    Description: Alright, who else feels overwhelmed by keeping together the paperwork and passwords alone in The Sandwich Generation? Do we go digital with all of this or keep it analog? Yeah, we are asking ourselves the same questions, too! Season 2 of the podcast premiers with this mini-episode where Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson tackle one of our greatest challenges: organization. We discuss a system called ‘The Legacy Binder’ to simplify life admin - the medical, legal, end-of-life-planning, etc. and hopefully this can help us ALL make caregiving a little less stressful and more manageable when all of our shit is in one place. Did we mention how amazing scanner apps are? This episode isn’t deep but it is helpful!  Takeaways: Creating the “Legacy Binder”: Put together both a physical binder and digital folder with all of these important things! You can create this for both your aging parents and your own family.  Digital Folder: Use a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud. Make sure to keep things password protected for safe keeping! Get yourself a Scan App: Scan Ace or Scan is what we use! Folders can include:  Personal InformationFinancial InformationLegal InformationMedical InformationDigital Information + PasswordHome InformationEnd of Life WishesLinks and Resources: Care Out Loud - Use their Conversation Cards,  Caregiving Cheat Sheets + Caregiver Resources - all in one place!  Chapters: 00:00 Document Organization Strategies 01:15 There's so much paperwork: How do we get ourselves organized? 02:47 Analog vs Digital Organization - Or make it a combo! 09:54 Category Tips for Organizing ALL the Info 17:44 Category Tips Continued 22:17 Starting the Conversation with Parents 25:23 Care Out Loud Resource for Caregivers 28:59 Outro

    32 min
  2. Episode 10: SEASON 1 FINALE! Celebrating the Time We Have! With Stephanie March

    11/13/2025

    Episode 10: SEASON 1 FINALE! Celebrating the Time We Have! With Stephanie March

    Does it feel like time is fragile with your loved one? We do too. The truth is, none of us know how much or little time we have left with one another. For our Season 1 finale, we don’t just go deep, we go to THERAPY with our friend, Stephanie March. (We highly encourage you to take a read through her popular substack, Pickle.)  Stephanie shares her story - and her personal journey - of saying goodbye to her mother Brigitte, who we all called Oma, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months to live. This is not an episode of fear or despair, but rather of light, love, the little things - and being brave enough to truly celebrate the time we have! We also touch on leading our children through the loss of a loved one and why we are all a part of ‘The long goodbye’.  Grab your Kleenex and come laugh and cry with us through this episode! It’s a journey you won’t forget! Takeaways: Whether we are caregiving for aging parents or facing a terminal illness, how can we celebrate the time we have? It’s the small things in life that matter the most in the end. How can we practice staying present and having connection through aging or a terminal diagnosis? Death merch is a very cool thing.  Death nesting is also a very real part of the process.  Are we all in ‘The Long Goodbye?’ Legacy is about carrying forward the stories and values of those we love. How do we raise our kids to learn about death and loss when we’re sandwiched? Continuing the celebration at a memorial - in a fun way. Links + Resources: Subscribe to Pickle by Stephanie March on Substack.  Chapters 00:00 Season Finale Intro 02:40 The Story of Brigitte von Haken and her final gift 08:19 Facing Terminal Illness with Grace 13:35 Death Merch 15:50 Carrying out your loved one's wishes - even when they're not your own 16:21 Navigating Death and DNR Conversations 18:38 Honoring a Mother's Legacy 23:01 Celebrating the time we have - What matters most? 31:45 Guiding our children through aging and death when we're in The Sandwich Generation 42:42 The long goodbye to the final goodbye  57:25 Let the Celebration continue - Planning the Memorial in a *cool* way 01:03:20 The After-Party Crash of Death Burnout for Caregivers 01:06:13 Change + Living Life to the fullest - because we are ALL in The Long Goodbye 01:09:50 The Gift of Being Yourself 01:10:23 Rapid Fire Questions with Stephanie March 01:13:05 Cheers to Season 1 and Oma: Simplex Munditiis!  01:13:46 Reflections on the Journey and Future Aspirations 01:14:58 Outro

    1h 16m
  3. Epiosde 9: Holiday Survival Guide: A Very Tricky Christmas!

    10/30/2025

    Epiosde 9: Holiday Survival Guide: A Very Tricky Christmas!

    We can all relate to the chaos of the holiday season and when you’re in The Sandwich Generation, things can feel…extra tricky. You’re packing up the strollers, the walkers and packing diaper bags for both the young and old - ah! Yes! The Holidays! In this episode, hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank talk about the hilarious predicaments of the holiday logistics when you’re caregiving, along with generational and religious differences, sentimental holiday traditions and even a visit from Santa! You heard right - Santa. We will also leave you with some tips and tricks that we can all use as we approach this holiday season! Yes - it’s an episode for us all!  Takeaways Things feel mighty tricky during the holidays when you’re Sandwiched!There are a lot of logistics, diaper bags, walkers and snacks packed for everyone. Emotions run high during holiday gatherings.The torch has been passed - and now it is our time to carry on or start new traditions.Consider hosting your holiday early - when the kids and grandparents' energy levels are the best - or before the sugar crash. Outsource that shit! The meal, the shopping, whatever you need to do!Happy Holidays - I’m setting boundaries this year! All that matters is our time together. What would you add to our holiday survival guide?Chapters 00:00 The Holiday Chaos when you're in The Sandwich Generation 04:22 Robyn's Real Life Hallmark Story of Chrismukkah 08:18 Nostalgia and the Holidays - How did our parents do it all? 10:51 Eliesa's Christmas Tradition: Being Santa and the Elf 11:35 The Santa Legacy 16:47 Passing the Torch: When a new generation leads the Holiday 20:54 HO HO HO! A visit from SANTA! 25:37 Incorporating Parents in Holiday Celebrations 26:24 The Sandwich Generation Holiday Survival Tips!  35:09 Segment: To Laugh or Cry 37:34 Continued: The Sandwich Generation Holiday Survival Tips!

    51 min
  4. Episode 8.5: How do I NOT age like my parents? With Rachel Daugherty of Booty and Brains.Co

    10/16/2025

    Episode 8.5: How do I NOT age like my parents? With Rachel Daugherty of Booty and Brains.Co

    For caregivers who have watched a loved one decline from the terrible diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Cancer; the question is often asked, “Will this happen to me? Is there anything I can do to prevent this?” If you are in The Sandwich Generation, you also know that finding time for self care is hard (See Episode 4: Self Care is a SCAM!). Suddenly we see ourselves shifting - we are setting our vanity aside and health and wellness have become about preserving our bodies and MINDS for aging - and living in the now! In this episode we welcome Rachel Daugherty of BootyandBrains.co who has built something truly remarkable and made the internet buzz about - gasp - brain health! She’s a sandwiched parent who has ushered her own mother through a fraught battle with Alzheimer's - and built us all a resource on both educating and empowering our bodies and minds! Rachel is inspiring hundreds of thousands of people and we are lucky to have her with us today!  Links and Resources: @bootyandbrains.co - Follow Rachel, her knowledge and hilarity here on her instagram account! BootyandBrains.co - Sign up for Rachel’s class. A clear guided path to reducing your risk of Alzheimer's by building sustainable daily habits.  Momentous - A Rachel-endorsed brand for Creatine and Fish Oil supplements. (Code B&B for 20% off) Only 3% of Alzheimer's cases are based exclusively on genetics. See the study here. Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care Article - Read all about it here. Research and Progress from The Alzheimer’s Association  Takeaways It's not just about working out for vanity’s sake anymore; it's about holistic, long term health. Caregiving changes our perspective on our own health. Alzheimer's prevention is largely about lifestyle choices. Just because Alzheimer’s affected your loved one, doesn’t automatically mean it will happen to you. We can make small changes - in our diet and movement - that make a big impact on our health overall and play a part in Alzheimer’s prevention.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Daugherty of BootyandBrains.co 02:03 Rachel's Personal Journey with Caregiving and Alzheimer's  08:14 Building a Business out of grief - and one that impacts everyone 14:34 Our brains, our bodies and the science behind Alzheimer's prevention 29:04 The boring basics of self care that make a BIG difference 31:35 There is hope in Alzheimer's prevention 34:26 How being a caregiver gives you perspective on your own health 39:39 Giving your body 'equipment' for aging 42:05 "My health is bigger than me" - Talking to your kids about brain health and o

    57 min
  5. Episode 8: I think my parent has Alzheimer’s, NOW what?! With Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly of the Alzheimer's Association

    10/02/2025

    Episode 8: I think my parent has Alzheimer’s, NOW what?! With Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly of the Alzheimer's Association

    Almost everyone knows someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease. For many of us in The Sandwich Generation, this diagnosis was also the moment we became caregivers for our loved ones. But it’s all so confusing - is it Alzheimer’s? Is it Dementia? How do I bring up this conversation with my parents? Am I genetically dispositioned to get this too? WTF!  In this episode, co-hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank have an incredibly candid and informative conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly, Senior Director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Edgerly shares her personal story of walking alongside her mother with Lewy Body Dementia, along with answering all our questions - and giving HOPE to the future of Alzheimer’s. This episode is for us all - what we can do for Alzheimer's prevention, knowledge about the latest groundbreaking treatments and most importantly - how we, as caregivers, can bring humanity and Person Centered Care to our loved ones!  Takeaways The difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial for treatment. What to do when you notice cognitive changes in your parent. Explaining the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s.  Lifestyle changes can significantly impact brain health and reduce risk. Genetic factors play a role in Alzheimer's risk, but lifestyle can mitigate this. Hormonal changes in women may increase Alzheimer's risk and with caregiving, it’s a double whammy.  Support resources are available for caregivers and those diagnosed at ALZ.org.  Links and Resources: Alzheimer’s Association Website The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Worksheet My ALZ Journey - a new app brought to you by the Alzheimer's Association that puts all of their resources in one easy place for people who are first diagnosed  The Empowered Caregiver - Support Groups, Local Chapters and Online Community for caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  24/7 Helpline - Yes, this helpline is still a thing AND a useful tool when you need help directly in the moment! A professional staff can guide you through all of your questions, day or night!  Trial Match - Are you interested in being a part of a clinical research study? See if you qualify and what studies are happening now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly 25:03 The Comfort of Nostalgia: Peanut M&Ms and Family Bonds 27:27 Preserving Dignity 30:36 Early, Middle and Late Stages of Alzheimer's 35:12 The Importance of Early Diagnosis 38:59 Emerging Treatments and Blood Tests for Alzheimer's 45:54 Understanding Amyloid and Neurofibrillary Tangles 53:47 Hormonal Health and Alzheimer's 01:00:52 Resources for Alzheimer's Caregivers 01:04:02 Real Talk

    1h 14m
  6. Episode 7: Saying goodbye to the childhood home - also my parents have WAY too much STUFF! With Alli Rubin, Professional Moving Manager

    09/18/2025

    Episode 7: Saying goodbye to the childhood home - also my parents have WAY too much STUFF! With Alli Rubin, Professional Moving Manager

    Downsizing and moving your aging parents is one of the hardest tasks of all time. Or maybe your loved one has already passed and you are tasked with selling a home and going through a lifetime of belongings. It’s. Brutal. Seriously, it’s the definition of overwhelm. Where do you begin? In this episode, we welcome guest Alli Rubin who is a professional moving manager and a true ‘easy button’ when it comes to tackling this enormous task. Alli shares actionable tips on how to approach going through all of the stuff along with a thoughtful conversation about how our objects do hold meaning and the way we can honor the past while finding closure and moving on. It’s a good one, welcome to The Sandwich Generation Pod! Takeaways The difference between a Hoarder and a Saver - we all think our parents are hoarders, but are they really?It’s a gift to move your parents while they are still alive - start the conversations and process early!Our objects, our things and our stuff hold meaning. They tell stories. Let's honor that while also downsizing and guest Alli Rubin provides actionable tips to dealing with all of the ‘stuff’. How to make the new place feel like home.How to keep objects for future generations and remember our loved ones.The difference between hiring a professional mover vs junk removal - and the realistic costs. How our objects can live on and give meaning to others!Working with Siblings and creating boundaries and deadlines around the moving process!Links and Resources Get in touch with Alli Rubin: allirubin@hotmail.com **The Following resources are based in Minnesota** Estate Sales Minnesota PRISM MPLS - Donate to the Shop for Change Thrift Shop and Marketplace Food Shelf. SAVERS - Declutter Responsibly. STEP - Accepts donations for food and clothing. Bridging - Accepts Furniture, housewares, linens, small appliances, electronics, mirrors, artwork and pictures.  JFCS Hag Sameach Program -  provides personalized holiday gifts, ritual items, and household necessities to families and individuals who are in need. Astound Video - Converting VHS, Photographs, CD's, and Video Tape transfers to digital format.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:12 Meet Alli Rubin 04:39 When is the right time to call a mover? 14:19 Hoarder vs Saver 19:06 Helping families downsize 30:52 Our objects hold meaning 34:42 The energy our objects hold and passing that along 38:30 The difference between hiring a mover and junk removal 43:15 Estate Sales and Resellers 46:45 Setting Boundaries and Timelines 51:55 Start the moving conversation early, make the calls and plan 56:12 Outro 56:53 Real Talk

    1h 8m
  7. Episode 6: How to save your friendships when you’re in The Sandwich Generation

    09/04/2025

    Episode 6: How to save your friendships when you’re in The Sandwich Generation

    Have you ever been asked by a friend, “What can I do to help?” and you go blank?! Yeah, us too. Being in The Sandwich Generation is a lot. And it’s oftentimes hard for our friends and ourselves to communicate just how lonely it feels and how much we need our friends. In this episode hosts Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson discuss the challenges of maintaining friendships, having the capacity and some great tips on how we can accept help and love from our friends. Lets learn together on how to call upon our village, so we can feel a little less alone! Takeaways Life can feel heavy and lonely when you’re in the Sandwich Generation and it’s oftentimes hard to share your true feelings with friends. We need our friendships, now more than ever - but how do we ask for help?Friends can show support in simple, meaningful waysFriendship is essential and can be a source of strength during tough times.It's important to include friends in the caregiving journey, even if it's just sharing updates.Friendship is essential and can be a source of strength during tough timesRecognizing the efforts of friends and expressing gratitude strengthens relationships.  Chapters 00:00 Intro to Friendships 01:17 It feels lonely when you're 'Sandwiched' 06:04 The importance of work friendships  09:26 It takes a village 12:59 Things aren't as they used to be - and that's okay! 19:57 What can I do for you? 28:25 To Laugh or Cry Segment 30:15 Examples of how friends have shown up 37:42 Keeping our Parent's friendships alive and well 42:51 A recap and Survival Guide to Friendships in the Sandwich Generation 47:13 Outro

    48 min
  8. Episode 5: F*ck - now I have to manage my parent’s finances too? With Shannon Foreman of Forethought Planning

    08/21/2025

    Episode 5: F*ck - now I have to manage my parent’s finances too? With Shannon Foreman of Forethought Planning

    Raise your hand if you’re a caregiver who has needed to manage your parent’s finances and you think - oh F*ck - this is A LOT more difficult than I expected?!? We think everyone in the room right now feels this way! No matter how full or empty the bank account is, opening the books to your parents finances, managing the cost of care and navigating the emotions of money is a journey that is riddled with feelings. In this episode, we welcome Shannon Foreman, CEO and Founder of Forethought Planning. Shannon is a three-time-sandwiched caregiver herself and has helped countless families walk through the money conversations. We are SO grateful for Shannon’s wisdom in this podcast as we dive into conversations around what legacy really means, long term care insurances, Medicare vs Medicaid and most importantly - how to bring up ‘the money talk’ with your parents, while bringing empathy and humanity to the conversation.  “Money and Health are so important, intertwined and personal. Just like you need a good bedside manner for health, you have to have a good bedside manner for money too.” - Shannon Foreman Links + Resources:  Forethought Planning Podcast: For more deep dives and advice from Shannon Foreman, check out her podcast! Here is a link for Long Term Care Specific Episodes! Cost of Care Quote: Use this site to calculate the cost of care in your area! *Minnesota* Medical Assistance  *Minnesota* Senior Linkage Line Schromen Law, LLC - Legal Professionals who specialize in Medical Assistance Planning Types of Long-Term Care Insurance & Alternatives A. Traditional LTC Insurance Annual premiums, use-it-or-lose-itHealth underwriting requiredOften less flexibleB. Hybrid LTC (Life Insurance + LTC Rider) Permanent life insurance with LTC benefitsIf care is never needed, legacy benefit remainsUsually more expensive upfront, but asset-basedC. Annuities with LTC Benefits Income-producing tool with care coverage if neededCan be repurposed from existing retirement accountsD. Alternatives to Insurance Self-funding (for high-net-worth clients)Medicaid Planning (asset spend-down, trusts)Family caregiving (and its financial/emotional costs) Chapters 00:00 Navigating Finances in Caregiving 06:19 Starting Difficult Conversations 11:52 Understanding Legal Documents 18:23 The Reality of Long-Term Care Insurance 24:25 How has Financial Planning Changed for today's Generation 25:56 Medicare vs. Medicaid Explained 30:53 The Challenges of Medical Assistance 35:52 Leaving a Legacy and what does that mean 39:20 Conversations to plan for a better future for our generation 41:17 Medicaid and Elder Waiver 44:18 Planning for our own futures 47:13 Is it ever too late to hire a professional? 50:00 The first steps in getting your shit together 53:04 Having Empathy and Humanity to the hard conversations 57:25 Real Talk

    1h 7m
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5
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17 Ratings

About

The Sandwich Generation is a smart, funny, and deeply human podcast about life in the middle—caring for both young children and aging parents. Hosted by two women living it in real-time, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson bring raw honesty, real advice, hopefully some levity to every episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sandwich Generation Pod
  • Show Website
    The Sandwich Generation Pod

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