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

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"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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Discover how love, laughter, and resilience can transform the caregiving experience in our latest episode, where we celebrate a remarkable milestone for our Parenting Up! community—being named one of the top three podcasts of the year by Hilarity for Charity! This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication of our listeners and caregivers like Shina, who joins us to share her journey.

As we continue celebrating National Caregivers Month, we speak with Shina Hasan, the founder of Send a Prayer Now. Shina shares how she helped her mom with her grandmother after her sudden diagnosis of Dementia. Shina tells us funny stories about things only she could get her grandmother to do, her times with other family members, and how she was inspired to start her business.

As a bonus, Shina is offering 10% off at sendaprayernow.com! Enter code JSMILES10 at Checkout.

Subscribe, leave a comment, and a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps!

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

#Nationalcaregivingmonth
#caregivingjourney 
#sendaprayer
#smallbusiness 
#holidayshopping 
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#humorincaregiving 
#comedypodcasts 
#alzheimerscare 
#EndAlz

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Happy National Family Caregivers Month!
 
That's right - in today's episode, we celebrate family caregivers and give tips on better supporting us! Whether it's helping out with everyday tasks, or reading articles that you think about sending us, before you forward our way - I just wanted to share some tips and tools you can use as the friend of a caregiver, or as a caregiver yourself.

This month, at the least, make sure to tell a caregiver how much you appreciate them. They will thank you!

Host: @jsmilescomedy
Producer: @MiaHallTV
Editor: @annelise9152  

#NationalFamilyCaregivingMonth
#caregivingjourney 
#caregiversupport 
#caregivingtips 
#comedypodcast 
#dating 
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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In this episode, J Smiles talks about Zetty's life before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Zetty, or better known to her friends as 'T.Y.' was passionate about voting and instilled in J a great sense of responsibility for exercising her civil rights and responsibilities.

From being mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King himself, to meeting her future husband while debating about politics, Zetty was all in when it came to making sure that she was fighting for social justice and for what was right. Though appearing demure, Zetty did not take just anything from candidates who wanted her support. Listen to the episode for more and make sure that like Zetty, you vote - your life depends on it!

Host: @jsmilescomedy
Producer: @MiaHallTV
Editor: @annelise9152  

#presidentialelection 
#votingmatters
#civicengagement 
#alzheimerscaregiver 
#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
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Join us as we chat with the multi-talented Rodney Perry, who combines the art of comedy with the heartfelt caregiving journey. Rodney opens up about his personal comedy experiences and providing care for his family, from following in the footsteps of his idol Eddie Murphy to sharing the spotlight with him in "Coming to America 2." Through the lens of humor, we explore the impact caregivers have and uncover how family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system. Perry also talks about his experience as a stroke survivor, and his journey to recovery, thanking those who cared for him along the way.

Tune in for a blend of humor, heart, and inspiration, and discover how the grace and laughter found in caregiving can inspire us all.

For more information on today's guest, visit RodneyPerry.com.

#RodneyPerry 
#ComingToAmerica2
#strokesurvivor
#standupcomedy
#CaregivingJourney
#DementiaAwareness
#AlzheimersCare
#CaregiverSupport
#HumorInCaregiving
#EndAlz

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

This episode was shot at Cr8ive Souls Studios. 

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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In this episode, we sit down with fan-favorite, comedian Kelly Kellz. Known for her side-splitting stand-up and hilarious videos online, Kelly isn't just funny—she’s real. Kelly opens up about her life beyond the laughs, sharing her love for her family, maternal influences, the ups and downs of having the gift of comedy, and how transparency heals.   

J Smiles dives deep with Kelly as she talks about her journey helping her grandmother care for one of her great-grandmothers, both 'spunky' women who lived into their 90s, passing recently. Kelly also shares her raw experiences as a mom, balancing comedy, caregiving, and motherhood. Discover her heartwarming and hilarious stories about both of her great-grandmothers, how she’s earned the title of "#GrandmaWhisperer," and practical tips for anyone navigating the challenges of caregiving.

Tune in for candid conversations, expert caregiver advice, and hilarious anecdotes that only Kelly Kellz and J Smiles can deliver. If you love comedy, caregiving stories, and authentic, no-filter conversations, this episode is for you!

Visit Kellykellz.com for more on today's guest!

#CaregivingJourney
#sandwichgeneration
#FamilyCaregiver
#BlackFamilyStories 
#CaregivingTips
#RealTalk
#UnfilteredConversations  
#PodcastEpisode
#BlackExcellence
#EndAlz

Host: J Smiles
Producer: Mia Hall
Editor: AnneliseTV

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Welcome to our new series - Comedians Care! First up we have multi-talented comedienne Cocoa Brown!

Ever wondered how humor can become a lifeline when facing life's toughest challenges? Cocoa Brown shares her personal journey of balancing comedy and caregiving. Cocoa's parents unfortunately faced devastating health issues, including early onset dementia, diabetes, and cancer, nonetheless, she was able to find ways to take care of them through their last days.

This episode delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional toll of caregiving. Cocoa talks about the heart-wrenching yet beautiful moments spent with her parents, including difficult decisions about their living arrangements and the pressures of managing two households. Through her reflections, Cocoa offers wisdom on maintaining relationships, managing financial stress, and the honor of fulfilling a loved one's final wishes.

Cocoa's journey is not just about caregiving but also about maintaining her flourishing career in comedy. Don't miss this powerful and uplifting conversation with the J Smiles and Cocoa Brown.

Visit https://cocoabrown4life.com/ for updates on Cocoa's happenings. 

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

#ComediansCare

#CocoaBrown

#ComedyAndCaregiving

#CaregivingJourney

#FamilyDynamics

#HumorInHardTimes

#EmotionalWellness

#CaregivingChallenges

#DementiaAwareness

#DiabetesSupport

#ComedyAndHealing

#CaregivingStories

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
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Join us as we speak with the incomparable Dr. Tina, a member of the sandwich generation. In this episode, we dive into the science and emotional toll of caregiving, highlighting the struggles and the small victories that make it all worthwhile.

From managing medications and doctor appointments to maintaining our mental health, the responsibilities of caregiving are immense. Dr. Tina offers invaluable insights into the need for systemic change and community support, shedding light on the often-overlooked heroes of the healthcare system. We also discuss the importance of quality life experiences, advocating for a person-centered approach that prioritizes emotional well-being.

One standout feature of this episode is our deep dive into CareMobi, an innovative app developed by Dr. Tina to streamline caregiving tasks.

Visit https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi for more information and you can follow Enlightened Caregiver on Instagram. 

Host: @Jsmilescomedy
Producer: @miahalltv
Editor: @Annelisetv 

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!
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Can you imagine juggling a caregiving routine for a parent with Alzheimer's while preparing for a last-minute TV comedy appearance? That's the reality I faced as I navigated a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and heartfelt moments. With help from my incredible teams, I managed to balance podcast production and the meticulous caregiving of my mom. Through all the craziness, I learned the vital importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in the most challenging situations.

From the chaotic preparations to the serene moments of connecting with fellow comedians, this time was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. I share the behind-the-scenes antics that went into making the TV show appearance happen—think frantic late-night adjustments and last-minute logistical hurdles. But the real magic happened in the comedy green room, where I reconnected with the amazing Kelly Kellz and the legendary Cocoa Brown. I also met Palmer Williams for the first time.

Lastly, we explore the importance of trust, integrity, and authenticity in building relationships, both online and offline.

Visit fox5atlanta.com/shows/portia for the Season Finale of the Portia Show featuring J Smiles!

Hosted by: J Smiles
Producer: MiaHallTV
Editor: AnneliseTV

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!