Motherhood takes many forms, and caregiving might be the most overlooked version. This Mother's Day episode challenges us to reconsider who deserves celebration and recognition.

The numbers tell a striking story: Americans spent $33 billion on Mother's Day last year, showering traditional mothers with gifts and attention. Meanwhile, family caregivers perform somewhat similar work—often with many challenges—yet receive little acknowledgment. As caregivers, we embody the very definition of mothering: "bringing up with care and affection." We provide selfless support and unconditional love and prioritize our loved ones' needs above our own. Sound familiar? That's motherhood in its purest form.

Unlike traditional parents who choose their role and prepare for it, caregivers are typically thrust into responsibility without warning. We didn't plan for our parents to develop Alzheimer's or dementia. We didn't anticipate becoming responsible for another adult's survival. Yet here we stand,  without the recognition. For those in the "sandwich generation" simultaneously raising children while caring for aging parents, the burden is doubly heavy—yet society rarely acknowledges this extraordinary dual mothering role.

This Mother's Day, I'm advocating that caregivers claim their rightful place in the celebration. Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend, the selfless nature of your work deserves recognition. Tell your circle that, as someone performing motherly duties, you're open to receiving the gifts, dinners, and celebrations typically reserved for traditional mothers. And consider how this challenging journey might be transforming you, developing greater patience, compassion, and resilience that benefits not just your loved one, but ripples outward to enhance all your relationships.

Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/JSmilesStudios to connect with fellow caregivers and access behind-the-scenes content. 

Host: J Smiles 

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

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When a loved one develops dementia, our instinct is often to correct their misperceptions and pull them back to our reality. But what if there's a more compassionate, effective approach hiding in an unlikely place – Improv?

In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Candace Kemp and Amanda Lee Williams about their research showing how improv principles can transform Dementia care. At the heart of their approach is the fundamental improv concept of "yes, and" – accepting whatever reality is presented and building upon it rather than contradicting it. When Amanda's father with Parkinson's dementia believed he needed to prepare for a board meeting, instead of correcting him, she asked to hear his speech. The result? Reduced anxiety and a meaningful connection.

What makes this work particularly valuable is the scientific validation behind these techniques. Supported by institutions including the NIH and NIA, the research demonstrates that these improv-based approaches lead to more successful interactions across various care settings. The evidence confirms what many family members discover through trial and error – meeting people where they are produces better outcomes than trying to force them back to our reality.

Have you struggled with connecting with a loved one who has dementia? How might viewing yourself as a "care partner" rather than a "caregiver" change your approach? Join us as we explore this revolutionary intersection of comedy and care that's changing lives.

Visit improvingthroughimprov.com and gerontology.gsu.edu for more information about Dr. Candace and Amanda's work. 

Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall

DP: Annelise Udoye

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When a loved one ages beyond typical medical concerns into what Dr. Warren Wong calls "the decade of frailty," everything changes—including how we should approach their care. In this episode, geriatrician Dr. Wong reveals why elder care requires specialized knowledge that many family doctors don't possess.

Have you ever wondered why traditional medical appointments focus almost exclusively on disease management rather than your aging loved one's changing abilities? Dr. Wong explains how geriatric medicine mirrors pediatric care—but in reverse. While pediatricians track developmental milestones as children gain abilities, geriatricians monitor functional states as elderly individuals gradually lose certain capacities.

The conversation takes a surprising turn when Dr. Wong reveals common caregiving practices that can actually harm elderly skin.

For caregivers feeling overwhelmed, Dr. Wong offers a powerful concept: establishing "a line in the sand" as a necessary boundary for well-being. This acknowledgment that caregivers must recognize their limits—even as those limits may shift over time—provides both permission and wisdom for the caregiving journey. As host Jay Smiles reflects, this conversation reminds us that our efforts aren't in vain—professionals like Dr. Wong see our struggles and are working to improve support systems for caregivers everywhere.

Visit drwarrenwong.com or look for his forthcoming book "The GOLD Book: Getting Older with Love and Dignity" to access more of his practical wisdom for the caregiving journey.

Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

#EndAlz, #dementiacare, #dementia, #alzheimers, #alzheimerscare, #comedy #podcast, #warrenwong, #paceprogram, #eldercare #gerontology #geriatrician 

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Happy Women's History Month! 

On this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Aisha Taylor Issah, who founded TheSistahShop.com, an e-commerce store featuring all Black Women Owned Businesses.  We filmed this episode a couple of weeks before she closed the doors of her brick-and-mortar store in Atlanta, Georgia, and had the chance to learn more about her caregiving journey. Tune in for laughs and real talk about caring for a parent living with Dementia while also balancing entrepreneurship, parenting, and more. 

Notes: 

• Early signs of dementia appeared as repetition, short-term memory loss, and difficulty with everyday tasks
• Family history of Alzheimer's helped with recognizing symptoms and accepting the diagnosis
• Routine plays a crucial role in managing Alzheimer's symptoms and improving quality of life
• Shared caregiving responsibilities between siblings makes the journey more manageable
• Finding the right living arrangement (memory care facility) dramatically improved both caregiver and patient wellbeing
• Establishing boundaries and giving yourself grace are essential for caregiver mental health
• Entrepreneurship can continue alongside caregiving with proper support systems
• Savoring good moments and finding humor helps balance the emotional weight of caregiving

Visit thesistahshop.com to shop Aisha's store today! 

Host:  @jsmilescomedy 

Producer:  @MiaHallTV  

Editor:  @annelisetv2624  

DP: Isaiah Joseph

#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#endalz 
#memorycare 
 

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Audio family! We shot this episode on location at Dad's Garage, but we made sure to include our listeners to get insight on what we learned. This episode explores the transformative power of improvisational comedy in dementia caregiving. We dive into an inspiring gathering connecting science and creativity, highlighting how humor can enhance communication and understanding in caregiving.

In this episode, expect: 

• Overview of the "Improving Care Through Improv" program 
• Insights from experts on the benefits of using improv with dementia patients 
• Personal stories from caregivers on their experiences and learnings 
• Discussion on emotional wellbeing and self-care for caregivers 
• The scientific foundation supporting improv as a therapeutic approach 
• Encouragement to cultivate community support among caregivers

We do suggest that you check out the video on youtube.com/@parentingup

Host: J Smiles

Producer: Mia Hall 

Editor: Annelise Udoye

#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz

#gerontology

#georgiastate

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We had a great time connecting with Author Karen Weaver, author of Reaching Up For Comfort. She has been a caregiver for her late husband, late mom, and late father, though she has also volunteered with her church, neighbors, centers, and more. 

In this episode, Karen shares stories of triumph, overcoming, funny moments and self-care. Her book and website offer reflections and questions that will help caregivers get through the journey of taking care of their loved ones.

Learn more about Karen by visiting her website HERE.

Host: J Smiles

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye

#caregivingtips

#caregivingjourney

#alzheimers

#strokesurvivors

#endalz

#seniorliving

#comedypodcast

#Blackhistorymonth

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Join us as we speak with Omar Alvarez about volunteering with elders, his grandfather, and Puerto Rican culture, and how each of these played a part in helping him develop KINNECT! Kinnect is a family legacy app that helps preserve family stories, making it easy to keep and share memories for generations.

As a family caregiver, grandson, and person who had close friends who unfortunately lost their lives at an early age, Omar wanted to create a way for people to preserve their photos, videos and even audio recordings in a meaningful way. Visit http://Kinnect.club to learn more.

Please watch the video version of this episode in part on youtube.com/@parentingup or in full at http://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios (membership required). 

View more Parenting Up! Podcast Episodes below:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeFcuMludMxOrhp_LblVBcJcjw3_a7WeH&si=oN9FTJ2ik4PRLPBD

Host:  @jsmilescomedy
Producer:  @MiaHallTV
Editor:  @annelisetv2624  

#caregivingjourney 
#dementiaawareness 
#alzheimerscare 
#caregiversupport 
#humorincaregiving 
#endalz 
#kinnectapp
#memories
#alzheimers
#socialmedia

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In honor of Delta Sigma Theta's Founder’s Day, look back with us on the care of Zetty’s phenomenal line sisters from Hampton University! See how they all rallied to find out what happened to their ‘Kitty Boo’ and to make sure they sent her the love and care from their hearts.

If you don't know, both J Smiles and Zetty are proud members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, founded on January 13, 1913!

Remember to subscribe and join our Patreon Community for photos and more updates from J and Zetty! Visit Patreon.com/jsmilesstudios


Host: ​⁠ J Smiles Comedy
Producer: ​⁠ Mia Hall
Editor: ​⁠ Annelise Udoye

#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Parenting Up! family, thank you for another amazing year!

We hit some major milestones, surpassing 100 episodes and 100 subscribers on YouTube, plus had some incredible episodes with memorable guests and we could not have done it without you.

Many thanks to NPR radio for featuring us and Hilarity for Charity for naming us one of the top three podcasts! We appreciate every review, like, comment, and share. Get ready and for a dynamic 2025!   

Join our community on Patreon at patreon.com/jsmilesstudios.

Host: J Smiles
Producer: Mia Hall
Editor: Annelise Udoye

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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We know that you may think Zetty was from the south and surely was known for some famous recipes we grew up enjoying - but that's not exactly what I remember about my mom during the holidays. Zetty may not have been baking holiday treats, but one thing she did make sure to do was go shopping for her loved ones - and take me and my cousins with her. 

Join me as I reminisce on out-of-the-ordinary shopping adventures with my mama and cousins. My mom worked very hard during the year and didn't have much time to shop for birthdays and anniversaries, but during the last six weeks of the year, it was go time!  

Make sure to subscribe and leave a comment and review! 

Join my Patreon community for exclusive content and personal insights beyond the podcast. Get ready for a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and a reminder to nurture the bonds that enrich our lives.

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