As the year comes to a close, I want to pause and say thank you. Your support, listens, shares, and heartfelt messages mean everything to me. Together, we’ve created a space that celebrates caregivers, older adults, and those making a difference in aging services.

I’m so excited to share that in the new year, we’ll be welcoming a new sponsor who believes in and supports our mission!

For those that want to join us in sharing this vision of growth and impact—helping to amplify stories, solutions, and hope- join us!

If you know someone who might want to join us on this journey, or if you’re looking for meaningful partnership opportunities, I’d love to hear from you.

Until then, please follow along, subscribe to the podcast, and explore past episodes at willgatherpodcast.com. Your encouragement helps us reach more people who need these conversations.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with connection, purpose, and inspiration. See you in 2025!

With gratitude,

Nicole

What’s stopping me—or someone I love—from building strength, and how might our lives change if we took that first step? Today’s episode is for anyone who wants to better understand the role that strength, movement, and mindset play in the aging process. As we grow older, we naturally lose muscle, and that quiet decline can impact not only our independence but our overall quality of life. The good news? There’s hope. With the right support and approach, it’s never too late to start building strength—and confidence—again.

Our guest today is Eric Levitan, the founder and CEO of Vivo. After over 25 years in corporate America, Eric left a successful career in technology to pursue something deeply personal: helping older adults reclaim their vitality through strength training. Inspired by watching his own parents struggle with the effects of aging, Eric set out to create Vivo—a virtual, personalized fitness program that empowers people to move, strengthen, and thrive. Through live, small-group classes, Vivo offers a supportive environment where older adults can overcome fear, build resilience, and rediscover their potential.

In our conversation, we talk all about what happens to our muscles as we age, the often-overlooked emotional barriers to exercise—like fear, shame, and judgment—and how breaking through those mental blocks can be transformative. Eric shares his insights on fall prevention, self-compassion, how caregivers can support their loved ones without adding pressure, and how families can participate in classes with their loved ones. If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tools, and a refreshing perspective on aging and movement, this is the episode for you.

To learn more visit: https://teamvivo.com/

Take a class with your loved one! It's a great way to connect.

Vivo offers a free, no-obligation trial session to introduce its virtual fitness program designed for older adults.

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

How can hospice care help us navigate life’s hardest goodbyes?

My guest, Helen Bauer, has spent over 15 years as a hospice nurse, working alongside families and patients during life’s most profound transitions. She’s the voice behind The Heart of Hospice podcast, a platform where she breaks down the complexities of hospice care and grief with compassion and clarity. Beyond her podcast, Helen is the owner of Hospice Navigation Services, where she offers guidance to families making difficult end-of-life decisions. Helen also brings a personal perspective as a caregiver for her 91-year-old mother, bringing together her professional expertise and personal experience to help others face end-of-life care.

In today’s episode, Helen shares her caregiving journey, we talk about the misconceptions about hospice, and discuss how to start those hard conversations about end-of-life care. We also discuss finding balance as a caregiver, navigating grief, and the wisdom Helen has gained from walking this path herself.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone looking to understand hospice care, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and deeply connected to the humanity of this work. Thank you, Helen, for your important work!

Follow and connect with Helen HERE: https://www.theheartofhospice.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

What makes a nursing home one of the best? One in five U.S. nursing homes rated as “Best.” The 2025 evaluation features ratings of nearly 15,000 U.S. nursing homes. Behind those rankings that guide countless families in making life-changing decisions, there’s a blend of rigorous analysis, dedication, and a commitment to quality care. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on that process and diving into the story of someone who helps shape these crucial decisions.

My guest is Zach Adams, a Senior Health Data Engineer at U.S. News & World Report. Zach has become a leading force, along with his team, behind the Best Nursing Homes, Best Senior Living ratings and more. His expertise in advanced statistical modeling and data analysis ensures these rankings are more than just numbers—they’re a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of healthcare. Zach’s academic background in public health and epidemiology, along with his passion for improving senior care, makes him the perfect guide through this complicated landscape.

In this episode, we’ll talk about what makes a nursing home great, how the data is captured, the differences between short-term and long-term care, and how families can use these ratings to find the best fit for their loved ones and much more. Zach also sheds light on broader trends, like the critical staffing challenges many communities face and the role of technology in shaping the future of care. Whether you’re seeking answers for today or inspiration for tomorrow, this conversation promises to be as insightful as it is empowering. Thank you so much for your insight, Zach! I'm looking forward to talking about Senior Living next time!

Learn more HERE: https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2024-11-12/u-s-news-world-report-publishes-2025-best-nursing-homes-ratings

U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Nursing Homes ratings

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

“Are we old yet?”  Today’s guest, Garry Cole, invites us to reframe that question—not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to embrace the journey of aging with optimism, curiosity, and humor. Aging is inevitable, but the way we approach it is entirely up to us. What if growing older wasn’t something to dread but a chance to discover, reflect, and prepare for what’s ahead?

Garry is not a scientist or gerontologist. He’s simply a guy walking the same path as the rest of us. In his book Are We Old Yet?, Garry blends scientific insights, personal memories, and a touch of nostalgia to create a conversation we all need to have. From exploring the science of why we age to discovering the secrets of the Blue Zones, Garry tackles aging with warmth and wit. With 35 engaging chapters, he walks us through everything from the search for the "fountain of youth" to the challenge of redefining who we are in retirement. It’s a thoughtful guide to living a happy, healthy, and purposeful life—filled with stories, insights, and just enough humor to make you smile.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about what it means to age well. We’ll explore Garry’s unique perspective on preparing for the future while cherishing the past, all with a focus on finding joy in the moment. Whether you’re feeling the weight of aging or looking for inspiration to live your best life, this episode is for you. Thank you, Garry, for the uplightling conversation!

Learn more HERE: https://www.garrycole.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

Andrea Hughes story is a powerful reminder of how much caregivers give and how little they often keep for themselves. As a caregiver for her mom living with Alzheimer's, she’s made it her mission to shift the narrative—to show that caring for others doesn’t have to come at the expense of our own well-being. Her approach blends personal experiences, sharing vulnerability so others know they are not alone, and her own unique way of redefining self-care. Andrea believes deeply in the power of surrender, letting go of control, and finding peace in the present, lessons she’s lived out in her own journey with her family. Her work inspires caregivers to lean into their emotions, release guilt, and rediscover what it means to be resilient.

In our conversation, Andrea shares her approach to healing, how she navigates the emotional complexities of caregiving, and why she believes community is essential for resilience. Through her work, she encourages caregivers to embrace vulnerability, process their emotions, and redefine what it means to be strong. Andrea believes that caring for others must also include caring for oneself, a lesson she’s learned in the most heartfelt and sometimes heart-wrenching ways. Whether you’re a caregiver or simply seeking inspiration on how to care for your soul, she shares her wisdom, from navigating grief and loss to finding joy and peace even amid the most challenging times.

Thank you my friend for being present with me in this conversation. So much love for you.

Follow and connect with Andrea HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/

Through her daily journal prompts, writing, and insights, she encourages caregivers and older adults to find strength in their vulnerability and make space for healing.

Buy caregiver journal prompts HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/purchase/p/365-journal-prompts-for-dementia-caregivers

Instagram: https://www.andreakrystal.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

For many, a diagnosis can bring loss. What if, instead of focusing on what’s lost, we saw the vibrant creativity and art that continue to flourish, revealing the fullness of life that still lives within? Today, we’re joined by Marilyn Raichle, Author of "Don't Walk Away: A Care Partner's Journey" and Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, whose personal journey with her mother’s dementia offers a remarkable story of discovery, love, and the power of art.

When Marilyn’s mother began to paint after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, what emerged was not only a vibrant collection of artwork but a new lens through which Marilyn saw her mother— a full person expressing joy, wit, and resilience. Through this art, Marilyn connected with her mother on a deeper level and found a way to invite others into that connection. She began sharing these paintings, seeing firsthand how they challenged perceptions of dementia, and brought light to her mother’s life.

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Marilyn’s caregiving journey, the moments of joy and challenge, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She’ll share how her mother’s art became a bridge to understanding, why she chose to stay present and connected, and how we all might reimagine caregiving to see not just what is lost, but the humanity that remains. Thank you, Marilyn, for reminding us that even amidst loss, there is beauty to be found.

Learn more at https://dontwalkaway.net/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

What are the ripple effects of caregiving that touch every corner of our lives, not just for those directly involved but for everyone around them? In today’s episode, we talk about the layers of caregiving’s impact—a journey of empathy, strength, and resilience that changes the caregivers, the cared-for, and everyone who supports them.

Joining us is Todd “TJ” Keitz, the founder of My Care Friends, a platform born from his own caregiving journey that began at age nine and evolved through decades of supporting his loved ones through life-altering health battles. Todd’s story, alongside the experiences of Katie Seymour and her husband (who is also named Todd), and our own Nicole Will and her mother, Jill, sheds light on the nuanced, deeply personal realities of caregiving.

Todd’s vision for My Care Friends was inspired by the profound need for connection and understanding among caregivers, who too often shoulder immense responsibilities alone. The mission is clear: create a supportive, safe community for caregivers and patient advocates to connect, educate, and advocate together. In this conversation, we’ll explore how caregiving, whether for a child, partner, or aging parent, demands physical, emotional, and even financial resilience from multiple contributors. As Todd shares, caregiving is rarely a solo effort; it often requires an entire network of people contributing time, energy, and resources. My Care Friends embodies the strength of community and offers a place for these voices to connect, share, and learn.

Today’s episode unpacks the “ripple effect” of caregiving: from personal identity shifts and relationship dynamics to the impact on work, health, and mental well-being. We’ll discuss why defining “caregiver” is so crucial, and how recognizing this role can bring essential support and validation. You’ll hear the unique perspectives of long-distance and family caregivers, how self-forgiveness and setting boundaries play into the journey, and how we can help change the caregiving narrative for a brighter, more connected future.

Learn more at https://mycarefriends.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

How does empathy and accountability intersect to shape a better future for older adults, families and senior living? Rebecca Adelman, is redefining leadership within healthcare and senior living through her “Work-Life Being” philosophy and focus on “Unique Abilities.” Rebecca’s approach promotes a transformative cultural shift where empathy and empowerment become the cornerstones of care and professional excellence. As an attorney, entrepreneur, and thought leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Rebecca brings her insights and compassion to support families and professionals.

Rebecca’s impact stretches beyond the legal field. Founder of the all-women Adelman Firm and Claims Management, she has not only established a groundbreaking claims management model but has also launched initiatives like the Adelman-Mettle Care Alliance and Guide Path, focusing on culture change and expectations management in senior living. She’s received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders in 2023” by CIO Views and honored with awards such as the Pro Bono Service Award from the Tennessee Supreme Court. A national speaker, Rebecca regularly shares her wisdom on women in business, enterprise risk management, and senior living culture through webinars like The Senior Living Empower Hour and publications.

In our conversation, Rebecca offers guidance on navigating care transitions with empathy and foresight. Whether discussing legal protections for families, addressing the emotional challenges of caregiving, or sharing resources for staying informed, Rebecca’s insights empower us to approach these decisions with clarity and compassion. Thank you, Rebecca for your mentorship and compassion.

Learn more at https://adelmanfirm.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

How do we cherish the present while preparing for the inevitable? How do we navigate a grief that doesn't come with closure? These are some of the tough questions we're talking about today.

Joining us is Dr. Theresa B. Skaar, or as many know her, Dr. T. With her PhD in social psychology, expertise in Mind-Body Medicine, and certification in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Dr. T is deeply committed to helping people, particularly caregivers, find peace and resilience in the most challenging moments of life.

She brings a wealth of experience from her personal caregiving journey, as well as her professional work in workshops, where she blends humor, compassion, and practical tools. Whether you're a caregiver or someone interested in learning how mindfulness and grief intersect, Dr. T's insights will leave you feeling both comforted and empowered.

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore what it means to experience anticipatory and ambiguous grief, why it matters to understand these types of grief, and how mindfulness practices can be a powerful tool in the process.

Learn more at https://ccwithdrt.com/

Resources mentioned:

https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/alua-arthur

https://www.facebook.com/IamDavidKessler

https://refugeingrief.com/books

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!