Parenting Up Family! Tune in for a special episode during National Family Caregivers Month! We are usually bi-weekly, but thanks to the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia, we are releasing this bonus episode this month! 

In this episode, Actor Brandon Claybon joins us to unpack the shift that happens when family members forget your name and start losing their memory, with honesty and heart. He speaks with us about how Alzheimer’s touched both sides of his family, what he learned as a ten-year-old watching elders change, and why his purpose goes far beyond the screen. Brandon also talks about carrying light for his community, the accountability that keeps him grounded, and the practical ways a tight-knit family can share care without losing dignity in the process.

We also explore the grief of lost recipes and why recording family culture is important. Brandon shares how he protects his energy with rest and travel, and why intuition can save caregivers time, pain, and frustration.

For teens and young adults stepping in to help, there’s clear guidance here: tune in for more. You may also watch the visual version on Youtube.com/@parentingup.

If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a village today. Your support helps amplify Alzheimer’s awareness, fuel research, and keep these stories—and solutions—within reach.

To join the fight against Alzheimer's, visit alz.org/georgia

Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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What does it look like to choose love—and keep choosing it, day after day? We sit down with JET, a grandson who decided his grandmother with dementia wouldn’t go to a facility. He brought her into his home, rebuilt his life around her needs, and learned how dignity lives in small rituals: clean sheets, a sharp outfit, a slow stroll through every aisle at the market just to smell the spices. It’s funny, tender, and honest about what caretaking really takes.

JET walks us through the first clues that something was off—credit-card charges, memberships, late-night orders—and how financial habits can be early flags in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. You’ll hear how a neighbor, Miss Tommy, became an unsung hero, how overnight shifts kept the lights on, and why community might be the most underrated part of elder care.

We talk about men in caregiving, identity, and what competence really looks like when schedules, bathing, meds, and meals collide. There’s laughter—coriander adventures and “field trips” down grocery aisles—and there’s grief.

If you’re navigating dementia, Alzheimer’s, or family caregiving, you’ll leave with practical ideas: build your support early, accept help without guilt, protect dignity through small routines, and keep joy on the calendar. Most of all, you’ll feel less alone. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who’s carrying the load—what’s one small ritual that kept you going?

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The Promenade at Piedmont Park turned into a surge of color, courage, and hope at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the Alzheimer's Association—and we brought our cameras and team to capture it all. From the first cheers to the last hug, we connected with caregivers, researchers, and supporters who refuse to let this disease define our futures. As a media sponsor, Parenting Up! dug into practical takeaways and lifted the voices that make this movement real.

We spoke with a variety of advocates - caregivers and families honoring parents and partners, and supporters who showed up with empathy even without a personal connection. We spoke with Dr. Levey of Emory’s research team who laid out why deep sleep, daily movement, and social connection can reduce risk, how accurate blood tests are transforming early detection, and why new medications that slow progression mark a true turning point. We also talk candidly about clinical trials—why enrollment lags far behind cancer, what’s at stake for prevention studies, and how a strong trial culture can accelerate breakthroughs for everyone.

Throughout the day, small moments carry big meaning: the flower garden of colors, a little girl holding the white flower that symbolizes the first survivor, and the reminder that empowerment programs help people live well with ability, not just diagnosis. The crowd’s energy makes one thing clear—joy is a strategy, and community is a form of care. If you’re a caregiver, a person living with dementia, or an ally ready to do something that matters, this conversation brings both hope and marching orders.

Walk with us, learn with us, and help move the science forward—subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and consider joining a clinical trial or local chapter event. Your step might be the one that brings the white flower into bloom.

Visit Alz.org for more information and check us out at parentingup.com. 

Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles 

Producer: Mia Hall

Videographer/Editor: Annelise Udoye

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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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.

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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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

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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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 

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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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.

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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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!"
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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 

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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  

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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