Stuck in the Middle Podcast

Brian Sacks
Stuck in the Middle Podcast

Welcome to the Stuck in the Middle Podcast, your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of being sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Host Brian Sacks shares personal stories, insights, and practical advice drawn from decades of experience balancing these "middle" responsibilities. Each episode, tune in for inspiring interviews with industry leaders, insiders, and guests who share relatable stories and expert tips. Whether you're feeling the financial, emotional, or physical strain of being stuck in the middle, this podcast offers support, community, and practical solutions to help you thrive.

  1. 10 DÉC.

    Jennifer Ginty: The Moody Monster and the Journey to Emotional Healing

    About Jennifer Ginty: Jennifer Ginty is a single mother, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate living with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder stemming from childhood trauma. She is the founder of My Moody Monster, a therapeutic tool helping children express emotions safely and fostering family communication. Through her podcast, When Not Yet Becomes Right Now, and her YouTube series, Jennifer shares her healing journey and practical coping strategies to inspire and support others. Her work emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and prioritizing emotional well-being. In this episode, Brian and Jennifer Ginty discuss:  The lifelong impacts of unresolved childhood traumaTools and strategies for emotional regulation and healingThe challenges of balancing personal well-being with caregiving responsibilitiesSupport systems and innovative solutions for mental health and emotional struggles  Key Takeaways: Childhood trauma often continues to affect individuals long after they leave the abusive environment, with children frequently facing disbelief and inadequate emotional support, leaving them stuck in a cycle of unresolved pain.Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers effective techniques for managing PTSD and emotional regulation, focusing on skills like mindfulness and "checking the facts" to help individuals process emotions more constructively.Jennifer shared how her creation, the Moody Monster, has become a powerful tool for children and adults to safely express and manage their emotions, particularly benefiting non-verbal children and those with autism.Caregivers must prioritize their own emotional health and self-care to avoid burnout and provide better support to those who depend on them, especially when balancing overwhelming responsibilities and stress.   "When you practice being able to live with your emotions in that moment, you start to develop coping skills that can help you work through that moment." — Jennifer Ginty   Connect with Jennifer Ginty:  Website: https://mymoodymonster.com/ Show: When "Not Yet" Becomes "Right Now": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-not-yet-becomes-right-now/id1767481477 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfPBbjF8fYefOB6I8j007A LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ginty/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymoodymonster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymoodymonster Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    21 min
  2. 26 NOV.

    Lauren Fonvielle: Managing Stress and Pain with Emotional Freedom Techniques

    About Lauren Fonvielle: Lauren Fonvielle is an Integrative Energy Practitioner and Coach specializing in EFT/Tapping to help entrepreneurs reduce anxiety, stress, and limiting beliefs. With a background in business coaching, Lauren now combines energy healing modalities like Reiki, Sound Healing, and Meditation to guide clients through transformative experiences that promote inner peace and personal growth. Drawing from her own journey of healing from chronic pain and anxiety, she helps women, especially entrepreneurs, break free from emotional and physical barriers to achieve balance in both their personal and professional lives. In this episode, Brian and Lauren Fonvielle discuss:  Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for stress and anxiety managementLinking emotional well-being to physical health and pain reliefPractical and accessible ways to incorporate EFT into daily lifeReal-life transformations through EFT practices Key Takeaways: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also called tapping, is a simple yet transformative practice of tapping on acupressure points while acknowledging emotions, shown to lower stress hormones like cortisol by up to 43%.Tapping helps manage chronic conditions like fibromyalgia by addressing the emotional roots of pain and breaking the cycle of fear, anxiety, and physical discomfort that exacerbates symptoms.By integrating EFT into daily routines, whether proactively as part of a wellness practice or reactively during high-stress moments, individuals can experience immediate and cumulative relief.Through tapping, individuals often uncover and process buried emotions tied to past experiences, which not only alleviates physical pain but also resolves emotional barriers, leading to profound personal growth.   "We do things to avoid the feelings, and this is a practice that really helps you acknowledge those feelings so that you can move through them, instead of just stuffing them down and trying to avoid them." — Lauren Fonvielle Connect with Lauren Fonvielle:  Website: https://www.mindshiftwithlauren.com/ Email: lauren@laurenfonvielle.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenfonvielle/ Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    24 min
  3. 12 NOV.

    Jane Dye: Navigating Grief, Health, and Family Demands with Compassion and Self-Love

    About Jane Dye: Jane Dye, RN, CCHC, is a Certified Transformational Health Coach and founder of Precedo Inc., where she combines her extensive background in nursing with holistic wellness coaching. With years of experience in hospital-based roles and as a former director of medical training, Jane shifted her focus to Precedo to help clients achieve greater energy, vitality, and life balance through personalized health strategies. She emphasizes sustainable diet and lifestyle practices, using an embodied coaching style to foster lasting transformations. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Jane is passionate about guiding clients toward vibrant health and overall well-being. In this episode, Brian and Jane Dye discuss:  Managing stress and health in the midst of family and caregiving responsibilitiesThe impact of grief on mental, emotional, and physical well-beingStrategies for cultivating resilience and self-care amid life’s demandsHow to implement practical, incremental health habits for lasting change  Key Takeaways: Conscious breathing exercises, involving slow inhales and exhales, can help manage acute stress by engaging the body’s parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" system, which reduces stress hormones and stabilizes the heart rate.The most effective habit changes often start with small, achievable actions that have the highest potential impact, allowing for meaningful progress without overwhelming demands.Grieving requires patience and compassion, as each person must navigate creating a “new normal” rather than attempting to return to a pre-loss state, with support from friends, family, or professional resources.Building healthful habits, such as staying hydrated and incorporating mindful movement, can offer stability and strength during challenging times, especially when paired with a mindset of adding positive choices rather than focusing solely on restricting negative ones.   "The key to any change is honestly to figure out the smallest possible thing that could have the greatest impact." — Jane Dye   Resources Mentioned:  Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor: https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0735213615 Connect with Jane Dye:  Website: https://janekdye.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-k-dye-rn-cchc-95421631/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janekdyeRN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janekdye_/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janekdye/ Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    34 min
  4. 29 OCT.

    Chris Miles: Breaking Free from Traditional Financial Traps

    About Chris Miles: Chris Miles is the "Cash Flow Expert" and the anti-financial advisor, dedicated to teaching entrepreneurs and high-income employees how to achieve financial prosperity today. After four years as a financial planner, Chris realized traditional investment strategies often fall short, leading him to focus on alternative investments that generate real cash flow. As the founder of Money Ripples, he has helped hundreds of clients discover an average of $34,000 a year by identifying money leaks and implementing innovative investment strategies. With a proven track record and features in major publications like CNN Money and US News, Chris empowers individuals to take control of their finances and create lasting wealth. In this episode, Brian and Chris Miles discuss:  Managing finances while caring for familyBreaking away from traditional financial adviceReal-life financial setbacks and recoveriesNavigating today’s economy and retirement plans  Key Takeaways: Relying solely on 401(k)s, savings, and paying off debt could leave you with insufficient retirement funds, as evidenced by Chris's father's struggles despite following these exact principles.Building passive income through investments such as real estate and hard money lending creates reliable financial freedom, allowing you to retire earlier and withstand market downturns​.Avoid locking money into inaccessible places like mortgages and retirement accounts; keeping your assets liquid ensures you can access funds during emergencies or downturns, like the 2008 crisis​.Instead of focusing on accumulating wealth, track monthly cash flow and aim for continuous income streams that keep generating profits, even during difficult times​.   "If you want your own financial freedom to go up, you need to get your money out of prison." — Chris Miles   Connect with Chris Miles:  Website: https://moneyripples.com/ Show: Money Ripples Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-ripples-podcast/id895555599 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moneyrippleswithchrismiles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles/ Twitter: https://x.com/moneyripples Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneyripples/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moneyripples Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyripples/ Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    23 min
  5. 15 OCT.

    Krista Melanson: How Culinary Adventures Strengthen Relationships

    About Krista Melanson: Krista "The Relationship Chef" Melanson is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and relationship coach who blends her passion for food with helping couples build deeper connections. Inspired by her culinary background and personal experiences, she launched "The Relationship Chef" to guide committed couples in using the love language of food to strengthen their relationships. Krista's unique approach to relationship coaching has helped people rediscover love, support, and passion in their partnerships through shared culinary experiences. In this episode, Brian and Krista Melanson discuss:  Creative ways to nurture relationships amidst daily life pressuresCooking as a tool for building stronger relationshipsMaking time for meaningful connections in busy livesCreativity and spontaneity in fostering emotional intimacy  Key Takeaways: Curated cooking experiences are designed to help couples reconnect by completing shared tasks, learning new culinary skills, and engaging in meaningful conversation, fostering stronger emotional bonds.At-home date nights focused on preparing more complex meals allow couples to spend quality time together in a relaxed environment, free from the distractions of restaurants or outside activities.Each meal plan is tailored to suit individual preferences, allergies, and food sensitivities, while also encouraging couples to step out of their comfort zones and try new foods to expand their palates.Success stories demonstrate that couples, even those who spend a lot of time together, can strengthen their emotional connection and refresh their relationship by engaging in the shared experience of cooking at home.  "A healthy and happy parent in a healthy and happier relationship is a better parent." — Krista Melanson   Connect with Krista Melanson:  Website: https://krista-marie.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-melanson-b5606967/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristadating/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_relationshipchef Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    19 min
  6. 1 OCT.

    Jeaneen Tang: Play Dumb and Sabotage: Encouraging Language Growth in Children and Adults

    About Jeaneen Tang: Jeaneen Tang is a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and adults. A mother of a neurodivergent son, Jeaneen's personal journey has deepened her commitment to improving language development strategies for special needs populations. Her book, Play Dumb & Sabotage, offers practical tools for parents and professionals to enhance communication skills in young children. Jeaneen has shared her expertise globally, inspiring others to rethink early language intervention. In this episode, Brian and Jeaneen Tang discuss:  The role of personal experiences in shaping career paths and passions, particularly in caregiving and speech therapyChallenges and experiences with speech delays in children and adultsImportance of early intervention and speech therapyCoping strategies for dealing with communication issues in both children and elderly family members  Key Takeaways: Personal caregiving experiences, such as managing a child's severe brain injury or helping a sick family member, can deeply influence one's approach to both professional and personal caregiving responsibilities​.Identifying red flags in speech development—such as a child not babbling by one year or not combining words by age two—is critical for parents to seek early intervention, which can significantly reduce the need for long-term therapy​.The "play dumb and sabotage" strategy encourages caregivers to intentionally under-anticipate a child's or adult's needs, thereby fostering opportunities for them to practice communication and engage actively.Speech delays in children don’t always mean long-term special education is necessary, and early intervention, especially between ages zero to three, is vital as federally funded programs can help address delays before they become more serious​. "My book is not just for children with special needs, but it's for every child... If we can get every parent educated... it'll really change the world." — Jeaneen Tang   Connect with Jeaneen Tang:  Website: https://www.playdumbandsabotage.com/ Book: Play Dumb & Sabotage: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Dumb-Sabotage-under-anticipating-opportunities-ebook/dp/B0CW1JPC7P LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaneen-tang-707a6730/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdumbandsabotage Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    20 min
  7. 17 SEPT.

    Connor Tyson: The Emotional and Financial Realities of the Sandwich Generation

    About Connor Tyson: Connor Tyson is a financial wellness coach and founder of Progress Solutions LLC, with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He holds a Series 65, New York Life and Health licenses, and a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. After working in wealth management and advising roles at major institutions like TIAA-CREF and J.P. Morgan, Connor transitioned to financial coaching in 2020, driven by his passion for financial literacy. He focuses on helping individuals eliminate debt, improve financial habits, and achieve long-term financial freedom. In this episode, Brian and Connor Tyson discuss:  Balancing financial responsibilities for both aging parents and childrenThe emotional and psychological burden of family caregivingFinancial planning and the importance of budgetingThe role of habits and behaviors in personal finance Key Takeaways: Caregivers must first assess and stabilize their own financial situation to ensure they are in a position to provide long-term support to both their aging parents and children.Many people, even those with financial education, struggle financially not because they lack knowledge but because they fail to build proactive and intentional habits around their money.Having early, transparent conversations about your parents’ financial assets, their wishes, and long-term care plans can prevent financial strain and emotional stress down the road.The sandwich generation is uniquely burdened with balancing immediate family expenses like childcare and eldercare, while simultaneously planning for their own future needs like retirement and education.  "I don't tell people what to do. I just understand their principles and values, their wishes and what they want, and then I help them understand how to go about that. I guide them to the resources they need to make decisions for themselves." — Connor Tyson Connect with Connor Tyson:  Website: https://progressfc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-tyson-chfc%C2%AE-07391a45/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connorthefinancialcoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorthefinancialcoach/ Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    23 min
  8. 3 SEPT.

    Katherine McCord: The Intersection of Neurodiversity and Family Care

    About Katherine McCord: Katherine McCord is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and the Founding President of Titan Management, where she champions integrity, inclusion, and innovation. She created the first-ever anti-bias Applicant Tracking System, Titan ATS, and founded The Neuroverse, a neurodiversity-focused nonprofit. Katherine is passionate about shaking up HR, fostering workplace inclusion, and advocating for animal rescue and human rights. Her work has earned her speaking engagements at prestigious institutions like AIMS (United Nations) and the London School of Business. In this episode, Brian and Katherine McCord discuss:  Understanding what neurodiversity isThe impact of neurodiversity on daily lifeStrategies for managing family dynamicsThe role of communication in caregiving  Key Takeaways: Neurodiversity includes conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and PTSD, which affect how individuals process information and stimuli, and can come with both disabilities and strengths.Hormonal shifts, like those experienced during menopause, can significantly exacerbate or alter the ways in which individuals manage their neurodiversity.Implementing universal design principles in both homes and workplaces can greatly help accommodate the diverse needs of neurodiverse individuals, thereby reducing the everyday challenges they face and fostering a more inclusive environment.Adapting communication styles to the needs of the individual, such as using clear and specific questions, can lead to better understanding and outcomes in caregiving situations.   "Every human, neurodiverse or not, has different needs and a different way of functioning. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that they have the autonomy to live life in a way that is healthy and natural for them, whether they are a child, your partner, or an elderly parent." — Katherine McCord   Connect with Katherine McCord:  Website: https://www.titanmanagementusa.com/ & https://www.kmccordspeaking.com/ Show: Career Launch Live: https://www.careerlaunch2020.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katthehrtitan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mccord-093bb343/ Host contact information:  Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

    28 min

Notes et avis

À propos

Welcome to the Stuck in the Middle Podcast, your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of being sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Host Brian Sacks shares personal stories, insights, and practical advice drawn from decades of experience balancing these "middle" responsibilities. Each episode, tune in for inspiring interviews with industry leaders, insiders, and guests who share relatable stories and expert tips. Whether you're feeling the financial, emotional, or physical strain of being stuck in the middle, this podcast offers support, community, and practical solutions to help you thrive.

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