A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

Sometimes caregiving is not only about caring for someone else—it is about learning how to care for the way you speak to yourself.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Isabel welcomes Joseph Brooks, motivational speaker, caregiver, and resilience leader, for a conversation about grief, difficult decisions, perfectionism, and the daily practice of self-belief.

After growing up in a violent neighborhood, losing both parents at a young age, caring for his wife through years of severe illness, and eventually facing the heartbreaking decision to remove life support, Joseph brings a perspective rooted in lived experience, faith, service, and grace.

Together, Isabel and Joseph explore:

• how to make emotionally loaded decisions
• why caregivers must release the need to be perfect
• the healing power of serving from presence instead of pressure
• how to challenge negative self-talk
• rebuilding confidence after loss
• taking life one day at a time
• creating a daily practice of truth, grace, and resilience

This conversation offers gentle encouragement for any caregiver carrying guilt, fear, grief, or the weight of impossible choices.

A reminder for your heart:

You do not need to be perfect. You only need to keep showing up with grace.

What if care could also look like fresh air, nature, and the gentle rhythm of a horse?

In this heartfelt episode, Isabel speaks with Dr. Beth Fields about Riding in the Moment, an adaptive horseback riding program created for adults living with dementia.

Together, they explore how horses, movement, and community can support joy, connection, balance, long-term memory, and moments of relief for caregivers as well.

This is a hopeful conversation about the many ways care can remain meaningful, human, and deeply connected to what brings us alive.

How does caregiving change who we become?

In this deeply moving conversation, Isabel speaks with author Suzy McNamara about caring for her husband through early-onset Alzheimer’s, the grief of watching someone change, and the importance of finding joy in the present moment.

This episode explores identity shifts, caregiver isolation, allowing others to help, and learning to honor yourself through the caregiving journey.

A gentle, honest conversation for anyone navigating long-term care, grief, or the emotional weight of loving someone through illness.

AI is becoming part of everyday life, and for caregivers, that can bring both curiosity and quiet uncertainty.

In this conversation, Isabel Melgarejo and Dr. Jeremy Holloway explore what it means to use AI in a way that feels supportive—without losing the human presence that caregiving requires.

Together, they reflect on the balance between receiving help and staying grounded…. between using tools and holding on to your own judgment, intuition, and care.

This is not about getting it right.

It is about finding a way to let AI sit beside you—without letting it take your place.

As you listen, you may begin to notice where AI could gently support you… and where your presence, your voice, and your understanding remain essential.

There is no pressure here to use everything.

Only an invitation to stay connected to what matters most.

Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood — and that fear can keep families from exploring helpful options.

In this episode of A Time to Care, Isabel talks with Kristy Osborne, a mortgage and reverse mortgage specialist, about what these loans really are, who they’re for, and how they can support caregivers and retirees.

They discuss common myths, planning strategies, and real stories of people using home equity to create more peace of mind in retirement.

This is an educational conversation to help you make informed, confident choices.

To contact Kristy: kristyosborn.com

Caregivers are always giving — but who takes care of them?

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel sits down with Amy Temperley, founder of Aging is Cool, to talk about movement, rest, purpose, and finding joy even in the hardest caregiving seasons.

They explore:

✨ Why small movement matters more than big workouts

✨ How rest is not laziness — it’s survival

✨ Ways caregivers can protect their energy

✨ How to find meaning during grief and burnout

✨ Simple daily practices that support emotional health

If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or feeling invisible in your caregiving role — this conversation is for you.

You don’t have to do this alone.

What if success didn’t have to cost your peace?

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel sits down with wellness coach Jessica Rich to talk about something many caregivers silently struggle with: burnout, pressure, and the belief that we must always carry everyone else first.

Jessica shares her journey from senior corporate leadership to redefining success on her own terms — walking away from burnout, setting boundaries, and creating a life rooted in harmony instead of hustle.

Together, we explore:

• Why high-achieving women burn out
•  How to set boundaries without guilt (even with family)
•  What “capacity” really means
•  The power of rest and disconnection
• How travel and new experiences support emotional healing
•  Why caregivers deserve support too

If you’re tired of being the strong one all the time, this conversation will feel like permission to breathe.

You don’t have to carry everything alone.

To contact Jessica:

Coaching Website:

www.jessicarichcoaching.com

Travel Website:

icmtravelexperiences.com

Instagram:

@coachjessicarich

In this heartfelt episode, Isabel sits down with Maureen Jirikowic, founder of Miracles of Beauty, to explore what it really means to rediscover yourself after caregiving, grief, and major life transitions. Drawing from her journey as a caregiver to her late husband, Maureen shares how style, self-care, and small daily choices can become powerful tools for healing, confidence, and renewal. This conversation is an invitation for caregivers and women in transition to reconnect with who they are — gently, intentionally, and with compassion.

In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with Medicare expert Kandice Hall to unpack one of the most confusing topics caregivers and families face: Medicare.

Kandice shares her personal journey into healthcare education and explains why Medicare is not “free,” how costly penalties can happen without proper guidance, and why timing matters when enrolling. Together, they clarify common misconceptions, upcoming changes, and the importance of having a trusted agent who educates rather than sells.

This conversation is a compassionate, practical guide for caregivers, families, and anyone approaching Medicare—reminding us that you don’t have to navigate this complex system alone.

In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with caregiver advocate and author Paul Wynn about the emotional and practical realities of caring for multiple loved ones while raising a family. Paul shares his personal story of supporting both his mother and uncle through Alzheimer’s, the challenges of being a working caregiver in the sandwich generation, and the essential role of connection, support networks, and flexible workplaces. Together, they explore how caregivers can bring families together, use small moments for self-care, and find community—even when they feel alone.