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

Support the show

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

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 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

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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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!"
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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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!"
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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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.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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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

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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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!"
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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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!"
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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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!"
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!