Club Gigi is a vibe, an experience, a memory, a movement and a joy generator.

I sing in my car and sometimes I dance in my car. Don’t judge. I use to make mix tapes when mix tapes were a thing and now, I make playlists. I’ve converted my favorite music that started out on cassette, I converted to CDs and now have digital copies.

And when the mood hits me, which it does all the time I make a new playlist.

In episode 8 let’s explore a few of my playlists and the artists that bring me joy.

Welcome to Club Gigi!

Welcome to episode seven.  

I've been back and forth about what I wanted to talk about this week. Do I stick with my original, planned story or do I pivot and share a topic that is weighing on me right now.

I have to admit, I’ve rearranged my podcast list several times because I want to stay in tune with my spirit and to authentically share stories that allow my words to flow from a place of truth, but most importantly I want the stories I share to inspire and spark reflection.

So, I went back to the episodes I outlined, rearranged them again and in some instances also retitled a few episodes, and I landed on a time that shaped who I am today.

That time when I was a member of the band, the marching band.

Let’s chat about the evolution of a flag girl.

This week enjoy this poem to meditate, reflect and pause...

Do you know what it feels like to be invisible?

Have you carried this experience with you throughout your life.?

In episode 6 I'm sharing two stories about being invisible.

You could call it the tale of two maids.

Both of these instances happened when I was a teenager, and I was basically invisible.

Take a listen and take what you need from this message.

Welcome to episode 5.

I’m going to pivot this week and chat about a few placesI’ve lived.

I captured these thoughts a few months ago and after relistening to the recording I wanted to share it just the way I initially recorded it.

It authentically captures how I was feeling in that moment.

So sit back and enjoy a story about the places I’ve lived.

Follow me on Instagram @gigiworks

Welcome to episode 4

What happens when you break up with a friend?

Is it dramatic – blocking the person on your phone andsocial apps, tearing up cards and throwing away gifts?

Or is it the ultimate exercise in ghosting – you just stop talking one day, no reach outs, no future contact?

But what happens when you just let it slip away?

Not from malice or hurt feelings but because other things required your presence more.

Find out how I reconnected with my best friend --- books.

In episode 3, I want to dig into the why and how I discovered the thing that keeps me fulfilled andreplenished. Let’s say a tale in three parts. Don’t worry it will all come together in the end. Join me on my reconnection journey.

Okay here we go!

Thank you for listening to this episode and please share this link with your friends, rate the podcast, and follow me on Instagram and coming soon we will have the Claiming Space Community on Patreon!

The Claiming Space movement is here to support and provide a safe community wherecaregivers are acknowledged and seen. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Follow me on Instagram @gigiworks

I was going to tell this story in a future episode, but I realized my caregiver journey, this unplanned pivot, is vital in explaining how I arrived here at this moment as an advocate for caregivers.

My daugther's Reye's Syndrome documentary clip.

guess what happened on the way to the museum?

a revelation happened when I stopped denying why art means so much to me.

Welcome to Claiming Space ✧ the podcast, I’m Gail Austin an advocate for caregivers, a dreamer, an iPhone photographer, and a self-confessed museum lover.

Oh, and I’m the mother of two adult children; one who is disabled, and I am her caregiver.

As a caregiver, it took me some time to learn how to carve out space for me and to be okay with claiming my space, but once I did, this simple step allowed me to stay fueled, fulfilled, and replenished.

So why create this podcast?

I want to inspire other caregivers to fill up their cups, to refuel and embrace those things they may have pushed down or forgot about themselves. Those things that make themspecial.

I will share my stories, my journey, mymotivators, and hopefully bring in a few guests.

Join me weekly for stories, connections, andinspiration.

Here we go!