A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

By Isabel Melgarejo on The Whole Care NetworkSociety & CultureHealth & FitnessPersonal Journals
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A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast episodes

  • How Design Shapes Our Well-Being — with Janet Elizabeth Roche

    “Design isn’t just about beauty — it’s about dignity.”

    This week, Janet Elizabeth Roche shares how inclusive and trauma-informed design helps people feel seen, heard, and welcomed.

    If you care for someone, or you need a space that supports your own emotional well-being, this episode will inspire you.

    If you have questions about any of this, make sure to listen to the episode all the way through.

    • What inclusive design really means
    • Why knowing the population matters
    • How architecture can confuse us
    • Light and sound are key
    • Color isn’t universal
    • Small changes, big impact
    • Agency heals
    • Where to start today
    • Play matters at any age


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     Stay Connected

    • Podcast Website: A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

    • Follow us on Instagram: @tumcoeur

    • Download our Free Guide: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

    • Join the Tumcoeur Community: Support, tools, and a safe space for caregivers


    44 min
  • Wills vs. Trusts: What Every Family Should Know with Arma Fitzgerald

    Estate planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel sits down with estate planning attorney Arma Fitzgerald to break down wills, trusts, probate, and how planning ahead can bring peace and clarity to families. This gentle, practical conversation will help you understand what steps truly matter — so you can protect your loved ones and yourself.


    If you have questions about any of this, make sure to listen to the episode all the way through.


    • The difference between a will and a trust (and which one might fit your situation)

    • Common mistakes families make when planning — and how to avoid them

    • What probate is and why preparation matters

    • How early planning reduces conflict, stress, and confusion

    • Simple steps to get your documents and decisions in order


    ========================================================================


     Stay Connected

    • Podcast Website: A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

    • Follow us on Instagram: @tumcoeur

    • Download our Free Guide: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

    • Join the Tumcoeur Community: Support, tools, and a safe space for caregivers



    38 min
  • Avoid Costly Mistakes: Mark Kashar’s Advice for Families & Caregivers

    Welcome to A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast! In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Mark Kashar to talk about the importance of insurance, long-term care planning, and how to protect your loved ones with smart financial decisions. Learn why early planning matters, what insurance companies look for, and how to avoid common — and costly — mistakes caregivers face. Perfect for anyone wanting clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

    30 min
  • Recognizing Burnout Before It Hits: Advice from Dr. Laura Paredes

    In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dr. Laura Paredes, a geriatrician, about one of the biggest challenges caregivers face — burnout. Together, they explore why it happens, how it affects both caregivers and their loved ones, and what can be done to prevent it. Dr. Paredes shares real-life stories from her patients, practical tips for self-care, and the importance of recognizing our own limits.

    A heartfelt and eye-opening conversation for anyone who gives care with love but sometimes forgets to care for themselves.

    27 min
  • New Horizons: Preparing for What’s Ahead

    In this short update, host Isabel Melgarejo shares exciting news with the A Time to Care community! As the podcast celebrates over 100 episodes, Isabel talks about what’s ahead — including new projects, resources, and ways to support caregivers. She also announces a small change: new episodes will now be released every other week to make space for upcoming initiatives designed to help you thrive in your caregiving journey.

    ✨ Stay connected and don’t miss what’s coming next — subscribe to the newsletter and get your free guide to having difficult conversations by registering in our page.

    4 min
  • When Care Meets Innovation: Hailey How’s Journey

    In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Hailey How, co-founder of CareCorgi, an AI-driven caregiving platform designed to make family caregiving simpler and more connected. Hailey shares her deeply personal caregiving story that inspired her to create a tool to support the 53 million caregivers across the U.S.

    Together, they explore the emotional realities of caregiving—from family communication challenges to the need for personalized care plans that honor culture and family dynamics. Hailey also offers a glimpse into how technology and empathy can work hand in hand to ease the caregiving journey.

    A moving and insightful conversation about innovation, compassion, and the power of understanding what caregivers truly need.



    31 min
  • No Country for Old People: The Power of Love, Laughter, and Advocacy in Elder Care with Susie Singer

    In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo talks with filmmaker, actress, and elder care advocate Susie Singer Carter. What begins as a warm, humorous conversation about Susie’s caregiving journey with her mother evolves into a powerful discussion about ageism, dementia, and the broken long-term care system.

    Susie shares how her personal experience inspired her short film My Mom and the Girl and her documentary No Country for Old People, exposing the deep issues in elder care while championing dignity, love, and laughter through the challenges of caregiving. Together, Isabel and Susie explore how compassion, humor, and advocacy can transform the way we care for our elders — and how communities can come together to create real change.

    40 min
  • The Calm That Comes from Being Ready with Lynn Lambrecht

    In this insightful episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, host Isabel Melgarejo welcomes her friend and special guest, Lynn Lambrecht, founder of The Living Planner. Drawing from her experience in aviation emergency response and years of helping families prepare for life’s unexpected moments, Lynn shares why planning ahead is an act of love — not fear. Together, they explore how to make practical, thoughtful choices about important documents, caregiving, and end-of-life wishes, and why honest conversations today can ease tomorrow’s burdens.


    The Living Planner Social Media Accounts

    Website: https://thelivingplanner.com

    Online Courses:   https://courses.thelivingplanner.com/home

    Twitter/X: @living_planner https://twitter.com/living_planner

    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheLivingPlanner

    LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnlambrecht

    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thelivingplanner/


    40 min
  • Protecting Loved Ones Beyond Numbers with Ryan Botzong

    In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Ryan Botzong to explore the often-overlooked side of financial planning: managing risks, protecting loved ones, and making tough conversations easier. From life insurance and long-term care to aligning your plan with what truly matters, Ryan shares practical advice and personal insights on how to approach these challenging topics with care, clarity, and compassion. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to create a plan that protects both their family and their peace of mind.

    31 min
  • Travel as Medicine: Restoring the Caregiver’s Spirit with Dr. Clay Lowder

    In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel welcomes Dr. Clay Lowder, family physician and founder of the Winners Travel Foundation. Together they explore the realities of caregiver syndrome, the importance of rest, and how travel can renew body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Louder shares his journey from medicine to creating life-changing retreats and free travel opportunities for caregivers, reminding us all that renewal is possible and community makes the journey lighter.

    32 min

About A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

From the publisher's feed

I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors.