Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles

J Smiles
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Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles Podcast

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    The Comedians Care Series: Cocoa Brown on Coast-to-Coast Caregiving

    Welcome to our new series - Comedians Care! First up we have multi-talented comedienne Cocoa Brown! Ever wondered how humor can become a lifeline when facing life's toughest challenges? Cocoa Brown shares her personal journey of balancing comedy and caregiving. Cocoa's parents unfortunately faced devastating health issues, including early onset dementia, diabetes, and cancer, nonetheless, she was able to find ways to take care of them through their last days.This episode delves into the compl...

    53 min

  2. AUG 19

    The Science of Caregiving: A Conversation with Dr. Tina

    Join us as we speak with the incomparable Dr. Tina, a member of the sandwich generation. In this episode, we dive into the science and emotional toll of caregiving, highlighting the struggles and the small victories that make it all worthwhile.From managing medications and doctor appointments to maintaining our mental health, the responsibilities of caregiving are immense. Dr. Tina offers invaluable insights into the need for systemic change and community support, shedding light on the often-...

    50 min

  3. AUG 6

    A Day In the Live with J Smiles

    Can you imagine juggling a caregiving routine for a parent with Alzheimer's while preparing for a last-minute TV comedy appearance? That's the reality I faced as I navigated a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and heartfelt moments. With help from my incredible teams, I managed to balance podcast production and the meticulous caregiving of my mom. Through all the craziness, I learned the vital importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in the most challenging situations.From the ch...

    40 min

  4. JUL 22

    When Caregiver Roles Detour Your Career Goals

    What if you suddenly found yourself in a role you never imagined, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's? Join me as I share my unexpected journey from an accomplished career in engineering, law, and activism to becoming a full-time caregiver for my mother, Zetty. Despite my professional background, caregiving was never part of my life plan. Through humor and raw honesty, I share the emotional and physical weight of this unplanned responsibility, debunking the myth that caregiving is a natur...

    40 min

  5. JUL 8

    Reducing Family Conflict: Platform for Splitting Caregiving Expenses

    Have you ever felt the frustration of juggling caregiving with everyday life hassles? Well, you're not alone. Today, we hear the life-changing story of family caregiver, Sheri Atwood, who turned daily annoyances into an innovative creation. I share my deeply personal experience of caring for my mother with Alzheimer's, shedding light on the urgency of early detection and the complex world of family dynamics. Sheri joins us to offer her heartfelt story about managing caregiving, indifferent si...

    41 min

  6. JUN 24

    You Can Prevent Dementia? A Conversation with Dr. Mitch

    Ever wondered how a professional caregiver navigates all of the emotional and psychological strains while maintaining a balance? Join me as I connect with Dr. Mitch, an esteemed neuropsychologist and fellow caregiver. In this episode, we shed light on the critical role of neuropsychologists in diagnosing and treating brain disorders. We also delve into the emotional roller-coaster of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, and how humor and community support can become lifelines.Dr. Mitch op...

    1h 7m

  7. JUN 10

    Comedy & Caregiving Concierge: A Conversation with Jennifer Cain-Birkmose

    What does it take to transform the caregiving landscape on a global scale? Join us as we uncover the journey of Jennifer Cain-Berkmose, a trailblazing caregiver who has dedicated several years to revolutionizing care for the elderly. Jennifer's story of passion and resilience aligns with my experiences as a comedian and caregiver, from her roots in the United States to her impactful career making a global impact. Together, we discuss the personal and professional growth that emerges from thes...

    1h 2m

  8. MAY 27

    When Cancer Looks Like Dementia: A Spouse‘s Caregiver Journey

    When laughter and wisdom intertwine, you find solace on the unpredictable path of caregiving. Join me as I sit down with Jim Cooper, the ex-DJ who spun his caregiving tales into a guidebook full of practical advice. From the early tremors of illness that shook his wife to the enormity of his new role, Jim's path from music to manuscript is as inspiring as it is instructive, offering a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the caregiving seas.Caregiving is no solo journey, and this episode is a...

    1h 3m
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4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey.  Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom.  J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH.  Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!

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