Inspired Caring

Michele Magner

If you are helping out an aging family member, this is the place for you! Here, you will find inspiration, tools and resources that are needed to be prepared to take care of your loved one AND yourself along this caregiving journey. Michele Magner is a family caregiver, Gerontologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Professor and has worked in the Senior Living Industry. She knows that everything we do today, impacts our own aging outcomes so she created the Inspired Caring Family Support & Education Program. Today is the day to be inspired! www.michelemagner.com michele@michelemagner.com

  1. 3D AGO

    211. Long-Term Caregiving: Lessons from Tammy Jensen's 27 Year Journey - Part 2

    Summary Tammy Jensen picks up where she left off from episode 210, sharing her 27 year caregiving journey caring for her daughter and both of her parents. In this episode she shares challenges they've faced, boundaries she is firm on, and the importance of self-care and community support in navigating dementia care. keywords caregiving, dementia, boundaries, self-care, family support, memory care, caregiver tips, dementia care challenges key topics Importance of boundaries and self-care Challenges with memory care and family dynamics sound bites "Don't question the care being provided" "Set boundaries to protect your well-being" "Trust your intuition in caregiving decisions" Chapters 00:00 Finding Balance and Self-Care 02:14 Establishing Boundaries as a Caregiver 08:22 Navigating Family Dynamics and External Opinions 12:06 Finding Support and Coaching in Caregiving 18:36 Quality of Life and Care Decisions 24:53 The Challenges of Family Communication 30:24 Education and Understanding Dementia 34:42 The Importance of Checking In on Caregivers 41:41 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Follow Hannah & Tammy on TikTok ⁠@livelifelikehannah ⁠Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    42 min
  2. 5D AGO

    210. Long-Term Caregiving: Lessons from Tammy Jensen's 27-Year Journey - Part 1

    Summary - Part 1 In this heartfelt conversation, Tammy Jensen shares her long-term caregiving journey of her daughter who is God's pure love & light and 27 years ago was born with 2 rare syndromes. In recent years, Tammy has also cared for both of her parents, who each lived with different types of dementia. She shares personal stories as she describes caring for each of her beloved family members. We discover insights on planning, community support, emotional resilience, and the importance of proactive communication and self-care in caregiving. This conversation was so informative (we talked for 1 1/2 hours!) that it became a 2 part series. Check out Episode 211 for the remainder of this conversation. keywords caregiving, dementia, special needs, long-term care, planning, community support, emotional resilience, caregiving tips key topics Caregiving journey for a child with rare syndromes Long-term care planning and legal preparations Challenges and obstacles faced in caregiving Community support and the importance of social connections Emotional resilience and self-care for caregivers Sound bites "Hindsight's 2020, we did the best we could." "Proactive planning reduces future stress." "Self-care is not selfish, it's necessary." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caregiving Journey 05:22 The Complexity of Caregiving 13:02 Finding Support and Resources 17:16 Future Planning for Special Needs 21:29 The Importance of Transparency 28:02 Navigating Obstacles in Caregiving 38:52 Finding Balance and Self-Care 43:55 Establishing Boundaries as a Caregiver 45:08 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Follow Hannah on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@livelifelikehannah Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    45 min
  3. FEB 6

    209. Gray Divorce; My Life Rewritten with Author Anne Smith

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner interviews Anne Smith, author of 'Gray Divorce, My Life Rewritten.' They discuss the phenomenon of grey divorce, the societal changes affecting women's choices in midlife, and the importance of self-discovery and empowerment. Anne shares her personal journey through divorce, therapy, and finding love again, emphasizing that women deserve happiness and fulfillment at any age. The discussion highlights the significance of recognizing one's own needs and desires, overcoming fears, and embracing change as a path to a more joyful life. Takeaways Grey divorce is a growing phenomenon affecting many couples over 50. Women today have more options and autonomy than previous generations. Many individuals feel stuck in unhappy relationships but fear making changes. Therapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. Recognizing the signs of a failing marriage is crucial for personal growth. It's important to prioritize one's own happiness and needs. Ageism affects women's perceptions of their worth and opportunities. Facing fears about financial stability is common during life transitions. Finding love again is possible and can be fulfilling at any age. Rediscovering joy and purpose is essential for a meaningful life. Sound Bites "You need to lose your shadow." "It's okay for us to want more." "You have beautiful things to give." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grey Divorce and Its Significance 03:50 Understanding Grey Divorce: Statistics and Trends 07:09 Personal Reflections: The Impact of Upbringing on Relationships 10:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Therapy 13:02 Recognizing the Fault Lines in Marriage 15:44 The Aha Moment: Realizing the Need for Change 18:55 Empowerment and the Importance of Self-Value 21:48 Navigating Ageism and Embracing Change 25:10 Facing Fears: Financial and Emotional Concerns 27:46 Finding Love Again: A New Relationship 31:01 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Growth 33:51 The Gift of Aging: Rediscovering Joy and Purpose 37:00 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Moving Forward 51:34 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Keywords Grey Divorce, self-discovery, empowerment, relationships, therapy, ageism, personal growth, women's issues, divorce, happiness Connect with Anne Smith  Buy the book: Gray Divorce; My Life Rewritten Ragini Michaels ProgramsBook Recommendation: Tara Westover, EducatedInspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    52 min
  4. JAN 30

    208. The Dining Revolution in Senior Care with Aaron Fish

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner speaks with Aaron Fish, Founder and CEO of Trestle Hospitality, about the evolution of dining experiences in senior living. They discuss Aaron's journey into the industry, the importance of quality and consistency in food service, and the changing expectations of residents, particularly as the baby boomer generation ages. The conversation also touches on the unique dining needs of individuals with dementia and the significance of creating meaningful dining experiences. Aaron emphasizes the need for operators to balance cost and quality while adapting to the evolving palates of residents. The discussion concludes with insights on caregiving and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Takeaways Food is a crucial aspect of senior living hospitality. Aaron's journey into senior living was unplanned but rewarding. The dining experience in senior living has evolved significantly. Operators must adapt to the changing expectations of residents. Quality and consistency in food service are essential. There is a need for diverse dining options in senior living communities. Perceptions of food quality in assisted living are changing. Communication with residents about food preferences is vital. Taste preferences can evolve, especially in older adults. Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being. Sound Bites "Taste buds evolve over time." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Senior Living Hospitality 03:58 Aaron's Journey into Senior Living 06:19 The Shift in Dining Expectations 10:53 Quality vs. Institutional Dining 13:43 Changing Perceptions of Food in Senior Living 20:28 Communicating with Residents about Food 23:17 Dining with Dementia: Understanding Individual Needs 31:02 Creating a Structured Dining Experience 38:00 Dining with Dementia Workshop Overview 44:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregivers 46:33 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Dining with Dementia Workshops Use Code: INSPIRED Tips from Trestle Podcast Trestle Hospitality Concepts Website   Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    47 min
  5. JAN 23

    207. Rewriting & Releasing Regrets with LeeAnn Marie Webster

    Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner and LeeAnn Marie Webster explore the complex nature of regret, discussing its definitions, emotional impacts, and how it can serve as a tool for personal growth. They delve into the cultural influences on regret, particularly for women, and how societal expectations shape our feelings about life choices. The discussion also covers practical strategies for releasing regret and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and empowerment in moving forward. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they encourage listeners to embrace their regrets as part of their journey and to take control of their lives. Keywords regret, emotional health, personal growth, caregiving, cultural influences, life choices, empowerment, self-reflection, women, mental health Takeaways Regret can be a heavy burden, but it can also be a tool for growth. Understanding the root of regret can help in moving forward. Cultural influences shape how we perceive and deal with regret. Women often carry societal pressures that affect their choices and regrets. Guilt and regret are closely intertwined emotions. It's important to prioritize self-care to avoid regret in caregiving roles. Regret can illuminate areas of our lives that need attention or change. Many regrets stem from actions not taken rather than actions taken. Empowerment comes from recognizing and owning your choices. You have the power to change your path and create a fulfilling life. Sound bites "Regret is a flashlight, not a stop sign." "You are not alone in your regrets." "You have the power to change your path." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Regret 02:23 Defining Regret and Its Impact 05:42 The Emotional Weight of Regret 11:24 Cultural Influences on Regret 17:26 Guilt vs. Regret in Caregiving 23:33 Making Intentional Choices to Avoid Regret 31:02 Healing Through Acknowledgment of Regret 33:52 Tools for Releasing Regret 39:05 Introduction to Leanne's Upcoming Workshop 39:29 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Connect with LeeAnn Marie Webster No Regrets; No Limits Weekend That's Regrettable Book Regret Rewrite Formula Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    40 min
  6. JAN 16

    206. Helping Children Understand Dementia with Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's

    Summary In this episode of Inspired Caring, host Michele Magner engages in a heartfelt conversation with guests Brenda Freed and Alder Allensworth, both experts in music therapy and dementia care. The discussion centers around the challenges faced by families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, particularly how to communicate the complexities of the illness to children. Alder shares her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on families. The trio emphasizes the importance of creating resources that help children understand dementia, fostering empathy and compassion in the younger generation. They introduce their innovative program, 'Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's,' which includes educational videos, a picture book, and song designed to make the topic accessible and relatable for children. Keywords Alzheimer's, dementia, caregiving, music therapy, children education, empathy, family support, Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's, caregiver resources, sandwich generation Takeaways "I found myself as a sandwich generation caregiver." "We wanted to change that scenario." "Children can learn so you can teach and educate the child." "It's important to be honest with it and it's out there as part of the family." "These are universal skills that every family can benefit from." Sound bites "I found myself as a sandwich generation caregiver." "We wanted to meet people where they're at." "The child can learn so you can teach and educate the child." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dementia and Caregiving 03:53 Personal Experiences with Alzheimer's 06:45 Creating Educational Resources for Children 10:09 The Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Program 13:00 Understanding Alzheimer's Through Videos 15:55 Incorporating Children in Caregiving 18:48 The Importance of Communication and Honesty 22:07 Social Implications of Educating Children 25:06 The Unique Picture Book and Its Benefits 28:01 Life Skills and Compassion Through Caregiving 30:56 Final Thoughts for Caregivers 47:01 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Disease Picture book Song on YouTube Email: Mackenziemeetsalzheimers@gmail.com @Mackenziemeetsalzehimers on FB, Instagram, YouTube,LinkedIn Alder Playlist: The Beatles, Motown, Abba Brenda: Ellis, Jamie Harris, Michael O’Connor, Mary Gauche Dying and Death singer songwriters: Tommy Byrd (Byrd and Street), FrankGilligan Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: ⁠Website⁠⁠E-mail⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    47 min
  7. JAN 2

    205. Empowering Women Through Financial Education: Dream Money with Megan Hale

    Summary In this enlightening conversation, Michele Magner speaks with Megan Hale about the unique relationship women have with money and the importance of financial education. They explore Megan's journey in creating Dream Money, a platform designed to empower women to build healthy relationships with their finances. The discussion covers various themes, including the significance of understanding personal finance, the concept of minimum viable revenue, the necessity of support and delegation, and the duality of wealth and generosity. Megan emphasizes the importance of both financial skills and mindset shifts in achieving financial confidence and success. If you have a business, this episode is for you. If you do NOT have a business, this episode is for you too! Keywords money, women, financial education, Dream Money, money mindset, financial skills, entrepreneurship, support, wealth, personal finance Takeaways Women have unique relationships with money that can be complicated. Understanding personal finance is crucial for empowerment. The concept of minimum viable revenue helps in financial planning. Support and delegation are essential for managing multiple roles. Mindset shifts are necessary to overcome financial anxiety. Financial skills are as important as money mindset. Reading and education can transform financial understanding. Building intimacy with money can change one's relationship with it. Wealth can coexist with a desire to help others. Balancing masculine and feminine energies can enhance financial success. Sound bites "Women have unique relationships with money." "The and is the bridge to expand." "Don't do money alone; seek mentorship." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Women's Unique Relationship with Money 05:05 Megan's Journey to Financial Empowerment 11:10 Navigating Financial Anxiety in Today's Economy 16:47 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 23:04 Resources for Financial Growth and Mindset 25:16 Mindset and Financial Leadership 26:10 Building Intimacy with Money 30:20 Reframing Debt and Financial Relationships 32:09 The Duality of Wealth and Service 34:30 Navigating Capitalism and Feminine Energy 40:35 Empowering Women Through Financial Education 42:52 Introducing Dream Money Program 47:38 The Importance of Mentorship in Financial Growth 49:27 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Connect with Megan Hale: Dream Money Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Resources Megan Shared: Sacred Success by Barbara Stanny Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Money, A Love Story by Kate Northrup Wild & Holy Radio Podcast Playlists: Lo-fi beats & Taylor Swift Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: WebsiteE-mailInstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeCustom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    50 min
  8. 12/26/2025

    204. Caregiving Resilience, Hope, & Empowerment with Debbie Weiss

    Summary In this conversation, Debbie Weiss shares her profound journey as a caregiver, starting from her teenage years when she took on the responsibility of caring for her father after his stroke. She discusses the emotional challenges and the evolution of her caregiving roles, including caring for her son with autism and her husband with terminal cancer. Throughout the conversation, Debbie emphasizes the importance of hope, self-discovery, and empowerment in the face of adversity. She also highlights her journey of writing books as a therapeutic outlet and her aspirations to inspire others through her experiences. Takeaways Debbie became her father's full-time caregiver at a young age. Navigating healthcare systems can be overwhelming for young caregivers. Caregiving can lead to a shift in family dynamics and relationships. The emotional toll of caregiving can lead to feelings of grief and loss. Finding hope amidst struggles is crucial for caregivers. Self-discovery often comes from challenging experiences. Shifting from a victim mentality to empowerment is transformative. Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet for caregivers. Creating a positive mindset is essential for personal growth. Debbie aims to inspire others through her journey and future projects. Sound bites "I lost my father. He wasn't the same person." "I had to take away the victim mentality." "I discovered I love creating." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:58 The Caregiving Journey Begins 03:47 Navigating Different Caregiving Scenarios 06:46 The Impact of Caregiving on Relationships 10:10 Finding Hope Amidst Challenges 12:54 Personal Growth Through Caregiving 15:46 Transforming Victimhood into Empowerment 24:02 Rediscovering Identity at 50 27:26 Shifting from Victim Mentality to Empowerment 28:46 Tackling Weight and Self-Worth 33:51 Mindset Changes and Long-Term Success 36:31 The Journey to Writing a Book 42:08 Finding Purpose Through Writing 47:47 Embracing Creativity and Future Aspirations 51:55 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 Keywords caregiving, personal growth, resilience, mental health, hope, self-discovery, empowerment, writing, inspiration, support Connect with Debbie:  ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ The Sprinkle Effect Book  The Sprinkle Effect Workbook The Sprinkle Effect Card Deck On Second Thought Maybe I can - Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with. Connect with Michele Magner: Website: www.InspiredCaring.comE-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.

    52 min

About

If you are helping out an aging family member, this is the place for you! Here, you will find inspiration, tools and resources that are needed to be prepared to take care of your loved one AND yourself along this caregiving journey. Michele Magner is a family caregiver, Gerontologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Professor and has worked in the Senior Living Industry. She knows that everything we do today, impacts our own aging outcomes so she created the Inspired Caring Family Support & Education Program. Today is the day to be inspired! www.michelemagner.com michele@michelemagner.com