Caregiver Crossing

Caregiving by nature is an incredibly lonely job. Realizing there are other caregivers out there can change everything. Amanda and Emmalee share how Cocktails & Caregivers shows up in real ways, from care packages and travel support to gatherings where no one has to explain what they are carrying. We also touch on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals and how simple questions can open the door to stories caregivers rarely get to tell.

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Rachel Nelson, Executive Director of Home Repairs for Good, joins us to talk about the repairs that can determine whether someone can continue living in the home they love. She explains what her team often discovers during their first visit, from bathrooms without grab bars to steep steps that make it difficult to enter the house. Rachel shares how mobility repairs, home stabilization work, and one on one support help older homeowners stay safe even when money is tight.

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How can talking about death bring more meaning to life? Richard Brendan, a speaker, mentor, and advocate for authentic living, joins Caregiver Crossing to share how open conversations about mortality can shift our perspective, deepen connections, and inspire a more intentional way of living. Richard played a key role in helping Joy’s House host our first Death Café, creating space for Guests and caregivers to reflect on what truly matters

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Dr. Robert Russell, Chief Medical Officer at Majestic Health, joins us to share what led him into geriatric medicine and why he believes caring for older adults is some of the most meaningful work a physician can do. He explains what his role entails, how families can advocate for their loved ones within a medical team, and the top three concerns facing our aging population today. We also talk about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including why cognitive decline should never be dismissed as a normal part of aging.

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Doug joins us to share how chaplain work shows up far beyond hospitals or end of life settings. From workplaces to community spaces, he explains how being present and listening without judgment can change the direction of a hard conversation. We talk about what caregivers often keep to themselves, how to sit with someone who feels overwhelmed, and why simply knowing someone is available can make a difference even if you never reach out.

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It usually starts with a question no one feels ready to ask. If care cannot continue at home, what happens next? Madison Wood-Gonzalez shares what happens next and how Morning Light steps in for people who have nowhere else to go. She explains who qualifies for a hospice home, what daily life looks like inside the house, and how residents are welcomed with dignity.

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Dave Holder has walked alongside countless families facing some of the hardest decisions they'll ever make. In this episode, he shares what it really looks like to find the right care setting, what families need in those first conversations, and how to build trust when emotions are running high. Dave also reflects on his personal experience as a caregiver, why he believes in the power of community, and what made him say yes to joining the Joy’s House board.

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The decision to bring in home care usually grows out of everyday life. Jake Campbell talks about the small changes families notice first, how routines become harder to keep up with, and why caregiving can slowly turn into constant coordination. He shares what often stays familiar once support begins, what starts to ease for caregivers, and how home care can help families regain time and attention for what actually matters at home.

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Shelly and Mark share how Pure Memory Water grew out of their years caring for Shelly’s mom as she lived with Alzheimer’s. They talk about what pushed them to start thinking about brain health earlier, why hydration became their entry point, and how small daily habits can fit into real caregiving life. Somewhere along the way, you may also decide it is time to try the pomegranate flavor.

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Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber shares the personal story behind his book My Two Elaines and the years he spent caring for his wife after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Marty reflects on loving two versions of the same person, the early realities many spouses are unprepared for, and how his understanding of the disease changed as Elaine’s needs evolved. He speaks honestly about guilt, asking for help, and the long stretch of caregiving that reshapes daily life.

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