Who is caring for the caregiver? In this raw, heart filled, and often funny episode, Amy and Kristen sit down with end of life doula and Rings of Care founder Niki Staab to explore what real support looks like when someone you love is sick or nearing the end of life. Nikki shares how her grandmother’s final days sparked her calling, how Ring Theory shaped her nonprofit, and why caregivers are often the ones suffering in silence.

Together, they dive into the exhaustion, guilt, and emotional load that caregivers shoulder, plus the practical and deeply human tools that can lighten the weight. From organizing support rings before crisis hits to building a volunteer calendar to matching caregivers with community health workers, Niki shows how community care restores dignity and keeps burnout at bay.

You will laugh, cry a little, and rethink how you show up for the people holding everything together. If you have ever been the glue in your family or watched someone you love carry too much alone, this conversation will feel like a warm exhale.

What You’ll Learn:

1. How to build a support ring before a crisis hits
2. Practical tools caregivers can use to stay healthy and grounded
3. Why accepting help strengthens everyone involved

Timestamp Guide:

00:00 – The power (and pain) of showing up for loved ones

01:41 – Niki’s story and how she became a death doula

09:02 – Supporting loved ones through their final days

12:07 - The ring theory and building your village

20:21 -The power of proactive support

23:18 - Caregivers and the hidden second patient

26:21 – Support continues long after the crisis

30:41 - What’s next for Rings of Care

36:40 – Niki’s self-care rituals and emotional boundaries

41:41 - Finding balance and staying sane

49:00 – The mentor who shaped Nikki’s philosophy

52:31 – Niki’s comfort food

Tools / Frameworks Mentioned:

1. Rings of Care support model
2. Ring Theory for caregiving circles
3. Support task calendar at RingsOfCare.org
4. Vigil planning
5. Boundaries and burnout tools
6. Community health worker model

Closing Insight: 

“When we care for the caregiver, everyone’s life gets better.”

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