On January 1, 2026, Minnesota will become the thirteenth state to offer Paid Family Leave. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk with Cathy McLeer from AARP about how this new law benefits caregivers, how we can support other states in adopting this law, and other ways AARP supports caregivers of all ages.

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PFML for caregivers in Minnesota

PFML for employers in Minnesota

MN Caregiver Resource Guide

Minnesota Paid Leave

Toni's Story: Why Paid Leave Matters

What States offer Paid Leave for Caregiving?

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, January 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Caregivers frequently find themselves needing to make split second decisions that are, in some cases, matters of life and death. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about decisions they have had to make, the role their personality types play in those moments, and how supporters can help.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, December 14, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Allison's mom, Barbara, plays an active role in supporting Allison's entire family, from joining them at the ER to helping with household tasks to providing emotional support. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk with her about what this looks like on a daily basis, how it feels to witness her daughter go through hard things, and how this third ring role is often unseen.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, November 30, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Justin and Allison came together on stage at CaregiverCON in Minneapolis on November 1, 2025 for a live recording of this episode. They discussed how they met and the impact of finding friendships and support within the caregiving community.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

There are moments in caregiving - an appointment, scan or biopsy results, an accident, etc. - that send our lives down a new path. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about crossroads moments they've experienced, what it can feel like when you know those moments are looming, and how supporters can help.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Wednesday, November 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Allison and Justin have a frank conversation about what it feels like now that their caregiving lives are at such different stages: with Allison enduring ongoing crises and Justin no longer considering himself an active caregiver. They also discuss what they have heard from caregivers whose loved one has passed away about the grief they have experienced at no longer feeling at home with their caregiver friends.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, October 12, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Justin and Allison have each been caregiving for more than a decade. In this episode, they talk about how things have changed for them as they've gotten older, learned things about themselves and the health care system, and had countless experiences, both positive and negative.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Wednesday, October 1, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

After a summer full of surgeries and hospitalizations for her husband, Allison reflects on what it felt like in the days and weeks after those crises as she recovered from all they went through. She and Justin share what those moments can feel like, what they have found to be helpful, and how supporters can help.

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, September 15, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this episode, Allison and Justin speak with Alec Wendelboe, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the MN Brain Injury Alliance and MN Stroke Association about how people living with chronic conditions and those who are caregiving have a higher likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation. They discuss why this is, what that may look and feel like, and where to get support.

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MN Brain Injury Alliance

MN Stroke Association

Resource Facilitation Program

Mental Health First Aid

988 Lifeline

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Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Thursday, September 4, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Justin and Allison both care not only for their spouses, but also pets in their homes. In this episode, they talk about the process of deciding to add pets to their families and the ups and downs they've experienced since, specifically related to their caregiving role.