Five years later, the room is louder, the laughs are bigger, and the village is real. We took our microphones into a buzzing anniversary reception at Buckhead Art & Company and let our community speak: caregivers who’ve lost, caregivers who are still in the thick of it, friends who learned how to show up, and pros who stepped in with services, strength, and heart. It wasn’t staged—it was hugs, dance breaks, and testimonies that prove love can outlast timelines and community can carry weight you shouldn’t have to hold alone.

We reflect on how my caregiving story became a global network for Alzheimer’s and dementia support, how humor makes space for hard truths, and how simple acts—an Uber gift card, a lunch invite, a text—can keep burnout at bay. You’ll hear why Zetty's 77th matters to a neurologist’s old clock, how we turned pandemic isolation skills into everyday resilience, and why asking your neighbor, your dentist, or your church for help is not weakness but strategy. From NPR spotlights to cross‑country listeners, this milestone is a reminder that caregivers deserve visibility, fair wages for professional helpers, flexible work, and real community care.

If you’re a caregiver, you’ll find hope and practical ideas. If you love a caregiver, you’ll leave with a playbook for showing up. Stick around for heartfelt supporter messages, gratitude for our behind‑the‑scenes team, and an open invite to join us on Patreon for closer connection and behind‑the‑scenes moments. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a lift today, and leave a review telling us one small act that made your week lighter. Your story helps another caregiver breathe.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Hey Parenting Up Family! Today's episode is an audio version of a look behind the scenes of our first tour in Detroit! We had an amazing time with Dr. McNeil and the team at the AGREED Grant! You may have listened to the series, but now, we get to give you the story behind this amazing project and how it all came together. 

You will hear clips from our episodes, an interview with Dr. McNeil, and part of our pre-5 year 'podversary' celebration at EVRY Media Studios. 

Thank you for rocking with us for these past 5 years. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and check out the visuals on our YouTube channel @parentingup. 

Exec. Producer: J Smiles

Producer: Mia Hall 

DP / Editor: Annelise Udoye

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

What if you could communicate telepathically with someone living with advanced Alzheimer's? Dan Goerke discovered this extraordinary connection with his wife Denise after conventional conversation became impossible. In this episode, Dan reveals how their mental bond transformed his caregiving approach and ultimately led him to become a powerful advocate for Alzheimer's research.

Perhaps most touching is Dan's compassionate philosophy: "Let her do it." When Denise would wander the neighborhood with scissors, pruning neighbors' flowers without permission, Dan instructed caregivers not to stop her. Rather than imposing restrictions, he recognized these creative moments brought her rare joy in a disease that progressively steals happiness. This perspective offers a powerful lesson for all caregivers—sometimes the greatest compassion lies in allowing freedom rather than control.

From following behind his wife's car to detect unsafe driving patterns to navigating bathroom challenges with humor and patience, Dan's honest account of caregiving's frustrations and unexpected gifts resonates deeply. His journey from anger to advocacy demonstrates how channeling emotion into action can create meaningful change not just for one family, but for millions affected by Alzheimer's.

Ready to transform your own caregiving approach or join the fight against Alzheimer's? Visit alz.org to discover advocacy opportunities, find Dan's book "Unforgettable, Unbelievable" on Amazon, or connect through his Soul to Soul Communication website for telepathic services that might help you bridge the gap with your loved one.

Executive Producer / Host: J Smiles

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Ever wondered how far you'd go to care for someone you love? How much dignity you'd sacrifice? I found my answer on the side of I-20 during Atlanta rush hour.

When my mother started talking to people who weren't there, walking into walls, and fidgeting constantly, I suspected a UTI—those sneaky infections that can make dementia symptoms appear dramatically worse. After three grueling weeks of attempting to collect a urine sample from my incontinent mother, we finally succeeded. With my precious cargo secured, I had exactly one hour to reach a lab 45 minutes away.

What followed was nothing short of a caregiver's nightmare. Halfway to the lab, my body betrayed me, forcing an emergency roadside stop that left me sweating, shaking, and utterly humiliated—but still clutching that precious urine sample. You’ll have to listen to the episode for all that went down - listener discretion advised!

This raw, unfiltered story illustrates the invisible battles caregivers fight daily. We sacrifice comfort, dignity, and sometimes even our own health in service of those who depend on us. But in those moments of chaos and desperation, we discover reservoirs of strength we never knew existed.

If you're caring for someone with dementia, remember this: UTIs are the worst. They can cause dramatic behavioral changes that mimic worsening dementia. Before assuming your loved one's condition is deteriorating, check for infection. And never, ever stop advocating—even when it means pulling over on a busy highway or challenging medical professionals who stand in your way.

Subscribe to Parenting Up for more unvarnished truths about the caregiving journey. Because sometimes the messiest stories offer the most valuable lessons.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Have you ever witnessed someone persevere to no end to maintain a connection with someone they cared about? That's exactly what happened when my mother's DC circle refused to let her disappear after my dad's death.

When Betty began bombarding my mother's phone, email, and even her old-school answering machine with messages, I initially dismissed it as an unwelcome intrusion. We were deep in grief, struggling with the aftermath of my dad's passing, and I had no energy for reconnecting with old friends. Little did I know this persistent woman would create one of the most healing moments in our early dementia journey.

Betty and two other powerful Black female professionals had worked with my mother for decades, forming bonds I hadn't fully understood. "If you don't have nobody in your life willing to go that hard in the paint and keep worrying the sh*t out of people they think can get to you," I now realize, "then you need to check your crew." Their insistence on seeing my mother face-to-face led to a remarkable reunion at a DC hotel that changed everything.

When these women demanded time alone with my mother, I reluctantly stepped away, worried about leaving her without my supervision. When I came back, I heard something that stopped me in my tracks – my mother's genuine, unrestrained laughter echoing down the hallway. 

This experience fundamentally changed my approach to caregiving. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step aside and allow longstanding connections to work their magic. 

What connections have you been maintaining or perhaps neglecting in your caregiving journey? Who might be trying to reach you or your loved one that deserves a chance to connect? Your village might be larger and more determined than you realize.

Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

In today's episode, we had the great opportunity to speak with an amazing author who is changing the outlook on aging! Dr. Corinne Auman, a care management expert and author of "Keenagers: Telling a New Story About Aging," joins us to challenge the overwhelming negativity surrounding the aging process.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience caring for family members with dementia and Parkinson's, Dr. Corinne reveals a profound truth: how we think about aging largely determines how our aging journey unfolds. Those with positive attitudes toward their later years tend to prepare comprehensively, not just financially but emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Meanwhile, those dreading age-related decline often avoid planning altogether, inadvertently creating the very crises they fear.

The language we use matters deeply. When searching for words to describe aging positively while writing her book, Dr. Corinne discovered our vocabulary is dominated by negative terms. This linguistic limitation reflects and reinforces our cultural attitudes. "Keenagers"—older adults who are highly developed and maintain strong interests—offers a fresh alternative that celebrates continued engagement rather than withdrawal.

For caregivers, especially, this perspective shift is transformative. Whether you're currently caregiving or simply wanting to approach your future with greater intention, Dr. Corinne's insights will inspire you to write a new story about aging—one filled with purpose, possibility, and continued growth.

Have you started planning for your aging journey? 

To learn more about Dr. Auman, visit corinneauman.com. 

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

#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz #keenagers #aging 

#olderadults 

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Parenting Up family - today's episode is a special one! 

The worlds of sports memorabilia and caregiving collide in this deeply personal glimpse into my journey to honor my father's extraordinary legacy while navigating the daily challenges of caring for my mother with Alzheimer's.

My father, Jock Michael Smith, accomplished something unprecedented - creating the largest sports memorabilia collection in modern history. Not as a full-time collector or dealer, but as a successful attorney who pursued this passion nights and weekends throughout his career. While the world recognizes many brilliant lawyers, only one person created a collection of this magnitude and significance - a Black man from Queens whose passion preserved pivotal moments in sports and cultural history.

When MeTV's reality show about collectors reached out to me, I was finally ready to speak about my father and the collection I inherited. I showcased eight iconic pieces from my father's collection of thousands. From Muhammad Ali's sweat-stained robe to Michael Jordan's double-signed jersey to Curt Flood's game-changing uniform, each item tells a story beyond sports, documenting moments when individuals challenged societal norms and made history.

This journey reminds us that dreams don't expire - they manifest on their own timeline. After 13 years since my father's passing, his collection is finally gaining the recognition it deserves. Whatever your passion, stay true to it. Build your team, follow your heart, and know that your moment will come, even if it takes longer than expected.

Executive Producer: J Smiles 

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye

BTS Videographer: Isaiah  

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Welcome to the last episode of our 3 part 'Detroit Cares About Caregivers' Series! 

What resources actually exist for caregivers, and how do you access them when you need support? This question haunts many people thrust into caregiving roles, often leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In this episode, we bring together powerhouse resources ready to lighten your load—without emptying your wallet.

The biggest revelation? Many people providing significant care don't identify as caregivers at all. "If you're providing services for a loved one, a neighbor, anyone that depends on you for assistance, advice, or expertise—you are a caregiver," explains Dr. McNeill, DNP, Project Director of Wayne State University's A.G.R.E.E.D-GWEP program. This critical identity shift opens the door to a wealth of support many never knew existed.

We dive deep with experts from three major organizations: Wayne State University's Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (a $5 million initiative), the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter, and the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. Each shares concrete resources they offer completely free—from respite care options and support groups to innovative apps that help navigate the healthcare system and ensure accountability from providers.

Whether you're new to caregiving or have been shouldering responsibilities for years, this episode connects you with organizations that have already done the hard work of figuring out what caregivers need. As we wrap up our Detroit tour, we leave listeners with practical entry points to engage with these resources—websites, phone numbers, upcoming events, and most importantly, the encouragement to reach out.

Remember: Alzheimer's is heavy, but we don't have to be. Follow us for more conversations that bring light to the caregiving journey and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode that might just change your caregiving experience.

For more information about the AGREED program, please visit http://agreed.wayne.edu. 

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Do you ever feel dismissed or intimidated when advocating for your loved one in medical settings? That ends today.

In Episode 2 of our 'Detroit Cares About Caregivers' series, medical providers share the importance of caregivers in the healthcare process. 

"I may know textbook, but you know your loved one," explains Dr. McNeill, Principal Investigator of the AGREED GWEP Program and the one who invited our team to create this insightful series!

Dr. McNeill and her colleagues shared game-changing insights in this powerful exploration of the caregiver-provider relationship. From Detroit's innovative Rosa Parks Geriatric Center, medical professionals reveal what they wish every family caregiver understood about being true healthcare partners.

The candid conversations unpack why the caregivers' perspective is invaluable in medical settings - not just welcomed, but essential. Dr. McNeill boldly repositions caregivers as "leaders of the healthcare team," pushing back against outdated hierarchies that diminish caregiver input. Meanwhile, geriatric specialists showcase thoughtful facility designs demonstrating how environments can better serve elderly patients and their caregivers.

Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or new to supporting an aging loved one, these conversations offer a roadmap for confidently navigating medical partnerships. Stop feeling like an outsider in your loved one's care and start embracing your rightful position as an essential healthcare ally with the expert guidance in this episode.

What conversation will you initiate with your loved one's healthcare provider after hearing these insights? Your voice matters more than you know.

For more information about the AGREED grant and resources for caregivers in Detroit, visit agreed.wayne.edu. 

Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall 

Editor: Annelise Udoye

This episode was filmed at Evry Media Studios in Detroit.  

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!

Parenting Up family, we are excited to bring you a new 3-part series in partnership with Wayne State University's AGReed grant! 

In this episode, Detroit caregivers speak with J Smiles about their experiences as caregivers for their loved ones with dementia. They discuss the physical demands, logistics, and emotional stress while also offering self-care strategies to prevent burnout.

As always, caregivers also spoke about funny moments with their loved ones that provide levity during the tough times of dealing with this horrible disease. 

To learn more about Wayne State's AGReed Grant - visit agreed.wayne.edu! 

Host: J Smiles

Producer: Mia Hall 

editor: Annelise Udoye

Video and Studio: Evry Media Detroit

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!