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Ron Beleno is an active advocate for dementia, caregiving, aging and research communities.  From lived experience, he encourages others to transform the challenging caregiving journey into one of growth and resilience through his innovative approach to narrative reframing and community building. In caring for his father who had Alzheimer's for over ten years, Ron shares practical strategies that changed his perspective and improved quality of life for his entire family.  

Key points discussed:

• Reframing problems as challenges creates a mindset focused on solutions rather than obstacles

• Over 60% of people with dementia will go missing at least once – simple strategies like door chimes and community networks can significantly reduce risks

• Building a support network by sharing your story with local businesses and neighbours creates a safety net for loved ones with dementia

• Men often struggle to identify as caregivers and typically seek help much later than women

• Eliminating words like "good/bad" and "right/wrong" when reflecting on caregiving decisions can significantly reduce caregiver guilt

• The narrative we tell ourselves about our caregiving experience profoundly influences how we navigate challenges

• Approaching caregiving with a "gamer" mindset helps identify creative solutions to complex problems

Ron is an active member, advisor, and mentor to numerous organizations and educational institutions such as AGE-WELL NCE, Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) at Baycrest, City of Toronto's Seniors Strategy, SE Health (formerly known as Saint Elizabeth Health Care) and the Translational Research Program (TRP) at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine.

To learn more, please reach out to Ron.

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Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

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About Our Guest

Laura Bowley is the Director of Communications & Development for To Whom I May Concern®, and a senior facilitator and trainer. Since 2012, Laura has collaborated with Maureen Matthews, blending participatory management, storytelling, and theatre to co-create narratives with individuals diagnosed with dementia. Inspired by her personal connection to the disease through her late mother who had vascular dementia, Laura supports others on similar journeys by engaging directly with those living with dementia.

Episode Key Messages

• Laura developed the "Caring Conversations" toolkit through her personal dementia connection, bridging communication gaps between families and care providers.
  
  
• "Conversation is at the heart of what we do" - TWIMC®'s approach focuses on transformative communication, shifting from talking about dementia as "it" to speaking in first person "I".
  
  
• TWIMC® operates through theatre performances, structured support groups, and enhanced relationships that develop narrative agency.
  
  
• Narrative Agency helps people with dementia reclaim their voice and identity when the disease strips away their stories.
  
  
• People with dementia want normal treatment, requiring patience for slower processing speeds, not simplified content.
  
  
• Sharing personal stories publicly transforms how participants perceive their dementia experience.
  
  
• Small actions like genuine smiles profoundly impact well-being and connection for people living with dementia.

Resources

• Laura's books for people in the later stages of dementia to read alone or with a care partner can be found at https://brightreads.ca/ and are available for sale on Amazon in both print and ebook.
• Narrative Agency & Dementia
• Research on Narrative Approaches in Dementia Care
• Contact Laura at [email protected] 
• More info: towhomimayconcern.org

About Laura's Experience

Laura has authored In My World, led support groups for care partners, guided peer-led support groups for people with dementia, and consulted with organizations like Dementia Alliance International. With a Bachelor of Business Management and as a 2015 Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Laura brings over 30 years of consulting experience in business systems design, project management, communications, and facilitation to her role at To Whom I May Concern®.

Listen now to discover how narrative agency can transform the experience of living with dementia, both for individuals diagnosed and those who care for them.

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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Preserving Family Stories: The Urgent Need for Video Biography

When family voices fade into silence, irreplaceable stories disappear forever. Sean Daigle, founder of Memoria Films, shares why capturing video biographies is critical for family preservation—and why waiting could mean losing these precious memories permanently.

The Hidden Cost of Delayed Action

Sean's personal story illustrates a common regret: losing his grandmother at 16 without recording her memories. "I didn't realize the opportunity I missed until I was in my thirties," he reflects. As families move further away from one another and multi-generational living becomes rare, the natural flow of family storytelling has been disrupted.

Why Video Biography Outperforms Written Records

Video storytelling captures what written accounts cannot: vocal inflections, facial expressions, and emotional depth. "There's something about the voice that's so powerful," Sean explains, "and video is that on steroids." These visual and auditory elements preserve the full essence of family heritage.

The Human Touch in Story Preservation

While AI offers convenience, human connection creates the trust necessary for meaningful memory preservation. The empathetic presence of another person generates safe spaces where important stories emerge, providing therapeutic benefits while safeguarding family history for future generations.

Take Action Before It's Too Late

Whether through professional video biography services or simply recording conversations, the key is to start now. What family stories are you risking forever?

Connect with Sean: Instagram @memoriafilms | memoriafilms.com

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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The oldest Baby Boomers will turn 80 in just four years, yet most aren't preparing for aging. Why do we avoid these crucial conversations?

In this episode, I explore the gap between our aging reality and our readiness, drawing from research showing Baby Boomers' underestimated impact on society and healthcare. We'll discuss how stigma prevents preparation, the cost of not having these conversations, and why person-centred care approaches can help us feel more at ease with aging.

You'll learn:

• Why Baby Boomers aren't preparing for their care needs
• How person-centred conversations can break through aging stigma
• The importance of sharing what matters to you before you need care
• Tools to start meaningful conversations about aging and personhood

Perfect for healthcare providers, families, and anyone wanting to approach aging with intention and dignity.

Resources mentioned:

• Boomers' Readiness For Aging (Ontario Long Term Care Association)
• Person-Centred Care Guideline (Cancer Care Ontario)
• Capturing Essence digital story
• Conversation Q Cards and Personhood Template (Etsy Canada)

What is Person-Centred care and why is it important to understand?  Join me as I break down what this means and why it's so important to have meaningful conversations with the ones we love.

Links and resources mentioned:

• Boomers' Readiness For Aging (Ontario Long Term Care Association) 
• Person-Centred Care Guideline (Cancer Care Ontario)
• See my own digital story called:  Capturing Essence
• Conversation Q Cards on Etsy Canada
• Personhood Template on Etsy Canada

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

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Show Notes

Kristy Wolfe is a digital storytelling facilitator and a Wolfe Pack Warrior. She believes there is beauty in every story and she champions real stories in marketing and communication. Kristy exposes the human side of any organization, with consideration for ethics in storytelling, as well as storyteller wellness every step of the way.

As a Common Language DST Certified Facilitator and Trainer, Kristy helps individuals and social purpose organizations share meaningful stories, turning their unique experiences into compelling narratives that inspire action.

Kristy shares some of her own lived experiences within the context of each workshop she facilitates to validate that authenticity, openness, and vulnerability are essential to creating meaningful digital stories.

Episode Key Messages

• Kristy shares about the podcast she hosts for Common Language DST called, Co-Created, where she takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. 
• How photography and storytelling helped Kristy when her son required them to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Kristy explains how it helps to share her own story so other medical families know that she can relate and understand.  
• The four phases of DST:  finding the story, telling the story, crafting the story and sharing the story.
• The importance of ‘sharing the story’, enhancing storyteller wellbeing and different ways digital stories can be used.
• Kristy’s experience with helping her father-in-law share his life story and legacy of their business in 4-5 minutes.  (the digital story is called “Legacy”)
• Kristy mentions Guided Autobiography and her current interest in the Medical Assistance in Dying Digital Stories
• Discussion on how we share stories through voice, imagery, photography and environment.
• Kristy talks about the Common Language Story Slam and the video done to highlight McCormick Dementia Services, a non-profit organization in London, Ontario that provides compassionate care to the community.   The volunteer storyteller, Beth, will be on a future episode!

Other Links Mentioned

• Hugs n Bugs 
• Kristy's interview with Lisa on Co-Created
• Kristy's discussion with Maureen Leier (discussing Medical Assistance in Dying and other topics

Kristy's website:

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

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Show Notes:

Tim and Tannis Roberts take time to share about the evolution of Echobox Memory Vault, a storytelling, memory-keeping, ad-free technology that can enhance quality of life for individuals by having opportunities to share their stories and capture what matters to them which loved ones and other care partners can then learn from to develop person-centred and relationship-centred approaches.

"Echobox Memory Vault began as a sketch and a set of notes on our kitchen table", Tim and Tannis share on their website.  They live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where they raise two daughters and manage Echobox. Music, travel and food are often priorities in their lives as they always enjoy meeting new people and exploring new places. 

Tim is an artist and musician who enjoys watching his favourite hockey team struggle and Tannis (a book-lover through and through) loves family genealogy and is always hunting down the next mouthwatering recipe to bubble up!  Both feel incredibly fortunate to be running Echobox Memory Vault and greatly appreciate this opportunity to do their part for people everywhere.

Episode Key Messages:

• Learn how Echobox Memory Vault started and about their inspiration, Stan Beaton
• Echobox Memory Vault’s evolution
• What Echobox Memory Vault is and what it does
• How Echobox Memory Vault can be used as a tool and feedback about how it can impact healthcare
• How Echobox Memory Vault can be used as a family to collectively preserve stories, memories and legacies.
• Learn what kinds of information and topics can be found on the Echobox Memory Vault app (i.e., childhood, music and song, movies and TV, food and drink, sports, travel, gardening, hopes and dreams, and more!

Next steps for Tim, Tannis and Echobox Memory Vault:  They are ready to get Echobox Memory Vault out into the world!  If this resource peaks your interest, Tim and Tannis would love to hear from you!   

For more information, reach out to Tim and Tannis Roberts:

Email:  [email protected]

Call:  1.403.992.3246

Website:  echobox.ca

Check out their YouTube channel to learn more about what they're up to

Connect with them on:

Instagram:  @echobox.memory.vault.ltd

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/echobox-memory-vault-455b281b8/

Other Links Mentioned:

Tim and Tannis' inspiration video of Stan Beaton  

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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Dr. Mike Lang is a Digital Storytelling Specialist, Researcher, Film Director/Producer and Social Entrepreneur.  He shares with us what Digital Storytelling is and the impact it has as it relates to making positive change in healthcare policies.  

We also talk about:

• Digital storytelling as a product
• Digital storytelling as a process
• A variety of ways a digital story can be used (for education, advocacy, research and therapeutic intent)
• Making sense of our own stories
• Gaining wisdom through stories
• Dr. Lang's personal mission:  "openly and honestly sharing my story and encouraging others to do the same"
• Alberta Health Services

**Note:  this episode was recorded in the summer of 2022.

Digital stories that Dr. Lang mentioned during this podcast:

• My Duty to My Dad:  Ann’s Story
• Mountains & Valleys - Annette’s Story
• Alberta Health Services - Patient & Family Storytelling

To learn more about Dr. Mike Lang, please visit his website:  https://www.mikelangstories.com/

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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Have you ever thought about how pictures and videos that you already have stored away somewhere could be used to enhance your own health care experience?  

Join me as I share my own shift in caring for someone after seeing a daughter's home video of her Mom years before her diagnosis of dementia.  

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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Join our discussion with Mary Beth Wighton, inspiring international dementia advocate, writer and speaker as we talk about what it's like living with a diagnosis of probable Frontal Temporal Dementia and learn how she captures her essence.  

Our conversation covers:

• what receiving the diagnosis is like and the importance of bedside manner;
• coming to terms with a diagnosis not just for herself but for family; 
• choosing to live with purpose and the role of being an advocate;
• creating culture and policy change through community;
• speaking up for our own needs and being a part of our own health care team;
• the importance of positive energy and connection;
• communicating our wishes with family and your most trusted supports;  
• why words matter (Caregiver vs. Care Partner)

**Note:  This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022.

Links mentioned:

• Mary Beth's book:  Dignity & Dementia:  Carpe Diem:  My journals of living with dementia 
• Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP)
• Canadian Dementia Strategy

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown

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Capturing Essence for Care: Stories to Transform Healthcare

Join Lisa Joworski, Therapeutic Recreation and Life Story Resource specialist, as she explores how sharing our personal narratives can reduce judgments and transform patient-centred care. This podcast bridges the gap between healthcare professionals, care partners, individuals with lived experiences, and storytellers through meaningful conversations about the power of personal stories.

Each episode features discussions with people who have found value through sharing their life stories with healthcare practitioners and others who incorporate personal history techniques into their practice. Drawing from over two decades of experience working with seniors and people living with dementia, Lisa demonstrates how being seen as a whole person—rather than just a patient—dramatically improves care outcomes and quality of life.

Discover diverse storytelling methods through video, writing, music, and other creative forms that help capture what truly matters in our lives. If you believe in the healing power of storytelling and compassionate care, "Capturing Essence for Care" is your community.

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Send Lisa an email: [email protected]

Interested in learning more?

• Check out my Etsy Shop
• Visit my YouTube channel or website

Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown