How do you hold onto hope when there seems to be none? James Leo Ryan shares his journey as a caregiver after his husband, actor Rodney To, suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that nearly took his life. Nearly three years later, Rodney is defying the odds with his signature sass intact. This episode explores the power of caregiving advocacy, learning to show up for people in crisis, the strength hidden within all of us, and why "be your own quiet miracle" became James's guiding philosophy through the darkest and most beautiful moments of their lives.

In this episode they explore: 

• What it truly means to have hope against all odds
• The gut-wrenching decision: funeral clothes vs. tracheostomy against medical advice
• What caregivers actually need (hint: it's not "let me know if you need anything")
• Why advocacy is not complaining – and how to set boundaries with medical professionals
• How to truly show up for someone in crisis 

You can follow Rodney’s journey (now at home!) with James on his instagram. 

Watch the hilarious Rodney To as the vet in Foster’s short film 5 Stages of Grief.

If you would like to contribute to Rodney’s recovery at home, you can donate to their GoFundMe here. 

If this episode spoke to you, you will love How to Be a Rebel with Dr. Reid Wilson where we explore standing up against systems. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

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Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram and TikTok. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Receive his newsletter Insights That Matter
• Get guided meditation from Cesar on his website 
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley

Special Guest: James Leo Ryan

This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates

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