In Sickness

Bob Coughlin & Paul Kidwell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving is a monthly podcast that will focus mostly on stories of male caregivers who have supported individuals with various diseases and medical conditions across all therapeutic areas including select cancers, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and numerous rare diseases. The podcast will highlight the growing population of male caregivers who are caring for their spouse, life partners, children family members, and friends, and joining the ranks of the throngs of women caregivers who have historically been central to this effort. The podcast is co-hosted and produced by Bob Coughlin and Paul Kidwell, with technical supervision provided by Dan Thibeault of Fast Twitch Media. For more information, please contact Paul Kidwell at paulkidwellbos@gmail.com.

  1. 3D AGO

    When Work and Caregiving Collide - How Companies Can Support Caregiver Employees

    In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, we explore one of the most urgent and overlooked challenges in today’s workforce: how employers can better support employees who are also caregivers. With more than half of U.S. caregivers balancing their responsibilities while working full time, companies are facing a cultural and structural reckoning. What does real support look like? What’s missing? And how can leaders build workplaces where caregivers don’t have to choose between their job and the people they love? To unpack these questions, we’re joined by three leaders who bring deep experience from business, policy, and lived caregiving: Jim Weiss (Founder & Chairman, Real Chemistry) Jim shares how caregiving shaped his leadership philosophy and why companies must normalize conversations about care. He discusses the cultural barriers that keep employees silent and the role executives play in modeling vulnerability and flexibility. Cindy Diogo-Kociuba (Founder, Consoul) Cindy brings a policy and HR lens, highlighting the gaps that still leave caregivers unsupported - from inconsistent leave policies to the lack of manager training. She offers practical steps organizations can take to build more equitable, caregiver inclusive workplaces. Paurvi Bhatt (Founder & CEO, ThirdEyeFocus) Paurvi reframes caregiving as a leadership competency and a strategic business issue. She explains why companies that invest in caregiver support see stronger retention, better performance, and more resilient cultures. Key Themes & Takeaways • Caregiving is a workforce reality, not a personal side issue Millions of employees are quietly juggling care responsibilities - and most feel they can’t talk about it at work. • Culture matters as much as policy Even generous benefits fall flat if employees fear stigma or career penalties. • Leaders set the tone When executives acknowledge caregiving in their own lives, it gives employees permission to do the same. • Flexibility is the new currency Caregivers need autonomy, not just time off - and companies that embrace flexibility gain loyalty and talent. • Supporting caregivers is good business Retention, productivity, and employee well being all improve when organizations take caregiving seriously. Why This Episode Matters Caregiving is reshaping the modern workforce. As the population ages and more employees take on care roles, companies must evolve - not just with policies, but with empathy, understanding, and leadership. This episode offers a roadmap for organizations ready to meet that moment.

    56 min

  2. 11/17/2025

    Title: The Elevator Ride: Talking About Prostate Cancer, Care, and Courage

    Guests:  • Dr. Benjamin Lowentritt – Medical Director, Prostate Cancer Program at Chesapeake Urology, Vice President, Physician Services for United Urology Group. • Bob Lane – Prostate cancer survivor and advocate (“Elevator Bob”) Show Notes:  This episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving explores prostate cancer from two sides — the clinical expertise of Dr. Benjamin Lowentritt and the lived experience of survivor Bob Lane. Together, they discuss early signs, diagnosis, treatment options, stigma, and the importance of support — including how one man’s “elevator story” became a symbol of connection for others facing the same journey. Key Topics: - Early detection and screening - Navigating diagnosis and treatment - Emotional toll and caregiving challenges - Male stigma and health conversations - Advocacy and community support

    42 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    Sharing the Journey of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Together

    In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiviong, we dive deep into the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges faced by caregivers supporting loved ones with early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). With more adults under 50 being diagnosed with this disease, caregivers are often caught off guard — juggling careers, families, and a sudden, life-altering diagnosis. Joining the conversation are an oncologist who is recognized as the foremost authority on this condition, a husband who cared for his wife, and two patients. A woman who was diagnosed in her early 40’s and a much younger woman who received the diagnosis at 24. This group offers their unique experiences as well as compassionate guidance, community, and insight. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • The unique challenges of caregiving for EOCRC patients • How early-onset symptoms differ and often lead to delayed diagnosis • Strategies for managing emotional burnout and caregiver fatigue • Navigating medical appointments, treatment plans, and advocating for your loved one • Balancing caregiving with work, parenting, and self-care • Building a support network  Featured Guests: • Dr. Kimmie Ng, Associate Chief, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Josh Trow, EOCRC Caregiver • Monica Dean, EOCRC Patient • Meagan Meadow, EOCRC Patient To learn more, go to insickness.org

    44 min

  4. 09/02/2025

    The Sandwiched Caregiver. In Between Love and Care.

    If you're raising children while caring for aging parents at the same time, you're not alone. In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, co-hosts Bob Coughlin and Paul Kidwell explore the challenges of being a sandwich caregiver. The three podcast guests share their personal experiences as they explore the emotional, financial, and physical toll of being part of the "Sandwich Generation."

    50 min

  5. 07/16/2025

    Caregiving Writ Large

    The PBS “Caregiving” documentary has sparked a national conversation that will hopefully lead to change in the many issues facing caregivers. The film features intimate stories from a diverse group of caregivers that highlight the emotional, financial, and logistical tightrope that all of us caregivers walk each day. “Caregiving” shines a light on this essential yet mostly invisible work force and humanizes it by amplifying their emotional narratives and calling attention to burnout, isolation, and gaps in resources and recognition. If you are a caregiver, you will be heartened to know how this film stands on the precipice of action and change. Join the In Sickness team as we speak with Executive Producer, Tom Chiodo, Director, Christopher Durrance, and caregiver, Matt Cauli as they share stories that will help lift caregiving from a private burden to a public cause. To learn more, go to insickness.org.

    39 min

  6. 06/30/2025

    Rosalynn Carter and the National Caregiving Conversation

    Rosalynn Carter redefined the role of caregivers in American life, spotlighting their burdens and needs long before they became a national conversation. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute in 1987 which continues today as a guiding light for professional and family caregivers. This episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving explores her deeply personal legacy and how that translated into a lifelong and very public commitment to caregivers and families through her work with The Carter Center and beyond. That work continues with an equally committed group of individuals who are ushering this legacy boldly into the future. Two of whom are featured on this podcast. To learn more, go to insickness.org.

    48 min

  7. 06/16/2025

    Henri Termeer, The Ultimate Caregiver

    The latest episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving honors Henri Termeer’s legacy as the ultimate patient advocate and caregiver. What better way to offer this tribute than with a group of people who knew him best and considered him a friend and mentor. Deborah Dunsire, John Crowley, David Meeker, John Maraganore, Bob Coughlin and Tamar Thompson reflected on Henri’s legacy and his personal influence on each and our industry. The conversation was rich, lively and filled with anecdotes, lessons learned and how Henri’s legacy continues to define the life science industry. To learn more go to insickness.org.

    51 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    Fighting the Disease and Social Stigma of Male Breast Cancer.

    Living with male breast cancer presents unique physical, emotional, and social challenges, many of which stem from the rarity of the condition and the societal stigma surrounding it. There are many misconceptions about this rare form of cancer, but in this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, our two cancer patients – Arvind Natarajan and Steve Del Gardo - share their graphic stories and dispel much of the erroneous information about this condition. One patient even served double duty as his caregiver as well. We also were fortunate to have a clinician and male breast cancer specialist, Dr. Jose Pablo Leone, from Dana Farber Cancer Institute join the discussion and relate that although it might be rare, this disease is not uncommon.  This episode also represents a departure from our norm as we invited fellow podcaster and cancer caregiver, Charlotte Bayala, to join us. She was wonderful and after you listen to her on our podcast you can check her out on, The Cancer Caregiver.

    50 min
See All (23)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving is a monthly podcast that will focus mostly on stories of male caregivers who have supported individuals with various diseases and medical conditions across all therapeutic areas including select cancers, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and numerous rare diseases. The podcast will highlight the growing population of male caregivers who are caring for their spouse, life partners, children family members, and friends, and joining the ranks of the throngs of women caregivers who have historically been central to this effort. The podcast is co-hosted and produced by Bob Coughlin and Paul Kidwell, with technical supervision provided by Dan Thibeault of Fast Twitch Media. For more information, please contact Paul Kidwell at paulkidwellbos@gmail.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Bob Coughlin & Paul Kidwell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©openly tall productions 2024
  • Show Website
    In Sickness