In Sickness

Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema
  • 5.0 (37)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Listen in as Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema, millennial caregivers for their chronically ill spouses, speak honestly about what life is like when there are more days spent in sickness than in health.

  1. 2D AGO

    When Your Loved One Has a Rare Disease

    When the person you're caring for has a rare disease, there can be extra layers of hardship and complexity starting with the challenge of finding a diagnosis. In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what it has been like to care for her husband whose disease is rare and the two discuss what this type of caregiving can look like. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, February 15, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    52 min

  2. JAN 20

    Caring in the Chaos: Caregiving in Uncertain Times - A conversation with Allison about current events in the Twin Cities

    In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what life is currently like in her community with the presence of 2000+ ICE agents, how this intersects with her reality as a caregiver, and how it feels to live in this moment while also preparing for Sean's upcoming surgery. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 25, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    49 min

  3. JAN 13

    The New Year Hits Differently for Caregivers

    At the start of a new year, it's common for people to reflect on the highlights of the last twelve months and to set goals for the year ahead. For caregivers, moments like these can be a stark reminder that their lives are very different from those of their peers. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about what it's like to see their friends' highlight reels and how it feels to move into another year of caregiving. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    48 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    123: The Benefits of Paid Family Leave for Caregivers: A Conversation with AARP MN State Director Cathy McLeer

    On January 1, 2026, Minnesota will become the thirteenth state to offer Paid Family Leave. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk with Cathy McLeer from AARP about how this new law benefits caregivers, how we can support other states in adopting this law, and other ways AARP supports caregivers of all ages. --- PFML for caregivers in Minnesota PFML for employers in Minnesota MN Caregiver Resource Guide Minnesota Paid Leave Toni's Story: Why Paid Leave Matters What States offer Paid Leave for Caregiving? --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, January 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    48 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    122: The Split Second Decisions Made in Caregiving

    Caregivers frequently find themselves needing to make split second decisions that are, in some cases, matters of life and death. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about decisions they have had to make, the role their personality types play in those moments, and how supporters can help. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, December 14, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    53 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    The Caregiver's Caregiver: An Interview with Allison's mom, Barbara Resch

    Allison's mom, Barbara, plays an active role in supporting Allison's entire family, from joining them at the ER to helping with household tasks to providing emotional support. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk with her about what this looks like on a daily basis, how it feels to witness her daughter go through hard things, and how this third ring role is often unseen. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, November 30, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    52 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Finding Friendship and Support Within the Caregiving Community

    Justin and Allison came together on stage at CaregiverCON in Minneapolis on November 1, 2025 for a live recording of this episode. They discussed how they met and the impact of finding friendships and support within the caregiving community. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    47 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Crossroads Moments in Caregiving

    There are moments in caregiving - an appointment, scan or biopsy results, an accident, etc. - that send our lives down a new path. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about crossroads moments they've experienced, what it can feel like when you know those moments are looming, and how supporters can help. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Wednesday, November 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

    46 min
See All (125)

5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Listen in as Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema, millennial caregivers for their chronically ill spouses, speak honestly about what life is like when there are more days spent in sickness than in health.

Information

  • Creator
    Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema
  • Show Website
    In Sickness

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