In this episode, Meg sits down with Molly Schmidt, CEO of the Pacific Islands Region for the American Red Cross, to discuss the recent Kona Low storms that caused widespread flooding across Hawaii. Molly shares how the Red Cross responds in times of crisis—from opening 18 shelters serving 660 people and 3200 meals across Hawaii to offering financial assistance and supporting long-term recovery.

Molly also teaches us how community members can get involved as volunteers, what disaster preparedness really looks like (especially for kūpuna), and why having a plan in place can make all the difference when emergencies strike.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How the Red Cross responds immediately after a disaster
• What happens inside emergency shelters (and what's provided)
• How the Red Cross transitions from emergency response to recovery
• How the Red Cross assesses damage and requests for financial assistance
• How to prepare yourself and your loved ones before disaster strikes
• What to include in your emergency "go bag"

How to Get Involved:

• Volunteer or donate: redcross.org/hawaii
• If you need assistance: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS

Follow and Review:

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Managing care for an aging loved one from thousands of miles away is one of the hardest things a family can face — and it's exactly what today's guest, Petra Weggel, lived through firsthand. Petra joins Meg to share how she coordinated care for both of her parents in Germany while living on Maui, navigating a 12-hour time difference, language barriers, and a health care system very different from our own. Her experience inspired her to write The Elder Care Playbook: How to Organize Care for Your Aging Loved One.

Petra walks through the practical systems she built — digitizing records, securing power of attorney, arranging in-home nursing, adult daycare, and trusted local volunteers — all from across the world.

Her biggest takeaway? The best time to prepare is before you need to.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How do you manage elder care from over 7,000 miles away?
• What systems and tools help you stay organized when caring for aging parents remotely?
• Why is securing a power of attorney one of the most critical steps in elder care planning?
• What roles can volunteers and local community organizations play in supporting your loved one?
• How can adult daycare benefit both the aging parent and the caregiver at home?
• What does the process of researching and waitlisting for nursing facilities actually look like?
• Why is preparing early the single most important thing families can do?

Resources from this Episode

Guest's Website - https://theeldercareplaybook.com/

Guest's Book Title: The Elder Care Playbook

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Meg welcomes Corey Dobashi, a Medicare broker and retirement specialist with Milestone Wealth Management based on Kauai, to break down everything you need to know before your 65th birthday. Corey walks through the three main Medicare options — original Medicare, supplemental plans, and Medicare Advantage — and explains how to choose the right coverage based on your health history, medications, and budget.

Corey brings over a decade of experience helping kupuna across Hawaii and the mainland navigate their retirement healthcare decisions. He also touches on the gaps Medicare doesn't cover, including long-term care, and why working with a broker early can prevent costly, permanent penalties.

The bottom line? Love your broker — and start the conversation before you need to.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B — and why does it matter?
• The three Medicare plan options and how to choose the right one for your needs
• Why Medicare Advantage plans are growing in popularity in Hawaii
• How your current medications should influence your Medicare plan selection
• What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part B or a drug plan on time
• Why long-term care isn't covered by Medicare — and what to do about it
• The value of building a strong relationship with your Medicare broker before you need one

Resources from this Episode

Corey's Website - https://www.milestonewealthhi.com/

Corey's Contact Number - 808-778-0377

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

This week is the continuation of our two-part series with Pam Teal of Fidelity National Title and Escrow. Last week Pam taught us how to protect ourselves from deed fraud. In Part Two, Pam explains how real estate investors who are selling a property and buying another property can use a 1031 exchange to minimize their income tax liability. Pam and Meg also cover reverse 1031 exchanges: what they are, why they're more complex, and when they might make sense.

For property owners, investors, and families helping Tutu or their aging relatives manage real estate, this episode offers clarity, caution, and practical guidance about protecting one of your most valuable assets.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is a 1031 exchange, and how does it defer capital gains taxes?
• What is a reverse 1031 exchange, and when might it be useful?

Resources from this Episode

Guest's Website - https://www.fidelityhawaii.com

Guest's Contact Number - 808-446-8622

Guest's Email address - [email protected]

For Property Recording notification:

• Property Watch Registration (BOC Link)
• Property Watch - BOC Post

Or search GOOGLE ALERTS: https://www.google.com>alerts

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this two-part episode of Taking Care of Tutu, we sit down with Pam Teal of Fidelity National Title and Escrow. Pam explains that escrow offices serve as a neutral third party in real estate transactions. She's here on the podcast to tell us how buyers and sellers can protect themselves from fraudulent transactions.

Pam and Meg dive into the growing problem of deed fraud. They discuss how individuals with criminal minds forge deeds, target vacant lands and mortgage-free properties, and try to exploit Tutu's vulnerability.

For anyone who has ever bought or sold property, or is hoping to do so, this episode offers a clear and practical look at what happens behind the scenes during these transactions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What does an escrow company actually do?
• How does deed fraud happen, and who is most at risk?
• How can title and escrow companies catch fraudulent transfers?
• What can homeowners do to monitor their property for suspicious activity?

Resources from this Episode

Guest's Website - https://www.fidelityhawaii.com

Guest's Contact Number - 808-446-8622

Guest's Email address - [email protected]

For Property Recording notification:

• Property Watch Registration (BOC Link)
• Property Watch - BOC Post

Or search GOOGLE ALERTS: https://www.google.com>alerts

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Taking Care of Tutu, we meet Rev. Mayanna Anderson of Doorway Into Light, Maui's nonprofit, green-certified funeral home, to explore the end-of-life options many families don't realize they have. Rev. Mayanna tells us about green burials, full-body ocean burials, and how creating a safe space to talk about death can ease fear and confusion.

Reverend Mayanna gets very real with us and tells us how Doorway Into Light supports families through everything from anointing and dressing their loved one to coordinating burials at sea. Our conversation also covers common questions about hospice, burial on private land, body donation, and the importance of clearly communicating your wishes in advance.

For anyone wondering what to do when someone dies, this episode offers clarity, compassion, practical guidance, and some really lovely stories.;tna

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is a green funeral home and why is this one special?
• How does a full-body ocean burial work?
• What should families do immediately when a loved one dies?
• Can you bury someone on your own land in Hawaii?
• What are the environmental and cost differences between green burial and cremation

Resources from this Episode

https://www.doorwayintolight.org/

Contact Number - 808-575-7870

375 W Kuiaha Road #5, Haiku, HI 96708

Open House - Saturdays | 11am to 3pm

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Cancer screenings save lives, but too many people delay or avoid them altogether, especially in Hawaii!. In this episode, Meg sits down with Angel Nelson, Tumor Registry Supervisor at Maui Memorial Medical Center, to talk about why early detection matters, what happens behind the scenes with cancer data, and what she's seeing firsthand in our Maui community.

Angel explains how tumor registry data supports cancer research nationwide, identifies environmental and geographic trends, and helps shape future treatments. Drawing on her background in oncology and patient care, she also shares which screenings are most often declined, common early warning signs families may overlook, and how caregivers can encourage loved ones to get checked.

The takeaway is simple and powerful: screenings aren't scary, early detection works, and taking action now can change everything.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What does a tumor registry actually do, and why does that data matter for cancer research?
• How are cancer cases on Maui tracked and shared nationally?
• Why do so many seniors delay or refuse routine cancer screenings? How does that compare with the mainland?
• What early warning signs of cancer are often mistaken for normal aging?
• How can caregivers encourage reluctant loved ones to get screened?
• Which cancers are most common in Hawaii and why does early detection matter?

Resources from this Episode

https://www.mauihealth.org/

Contact Number - 808-244-9056

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

We didn't! We were so interested to speak with Jessica Acop, Program Director for Wound Care at Maui Memorial Medical Center, about our very own wound care specialty clinic right here on Maui. Jessica talks about the prevalence of diabetes in Hawaii and the hidden danger of chronic wounds. She describes a patient with a 30-year-old wound that her clinic treated!

Jessica breaks down how advanced wound care works, including weekly appointments, specialized treatments, and Maui's first hyperbaric oxygen chamber. She explains the warning signs people should never ignore and practical steps patients can take to protect their health before complications spiral out of control. Jessica speaks at length about how diet, specifically control of blood sugar, is critical for prevention and healing.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why is diabetes a major cause of chronic wounds and amputations
• What makes some wounds fail to heal even after months or years
• When should a wound be evaluated by a specialist
• How does advanced wound care accelerate healing
• What role does hyperbaric oxygen therapy play in limb salvage
• How do diet and blood sugar control impact wound recovery
• What daily habits can help prevent diabetic foot complications

Resources from this Episode

Guest's Website - https://www.mauihealth.org/woundcare

Guest's Contact Number - 808-986-4500, option 1

Guest's Office Location - 95 Maui Lani Parkway, Wailuku, Hawaii

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Welcome to Season Two of the Taking Care of Tutu Podcast! We're happy to welcome Casi Saranillio, a registered nurse and Stroke Program Manager at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Stroke is one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies, yet many people still don't recognize the warning signs soon enough! In this episode, Casi explains to us what a stroke is, how to spot it quickly, and why every minute matters! Do not let tutu talk you out of taking her to the ER because she just wants to lie down for a minute!

Casi introduces the BE FAST warning signs and explains how calling 911 immediately can make a huge difference. She also shares practical prevention strategies, from managing blood pressure to simple lifestyle changes that reduce risk.

This conversation offers clear, lifesaving guidance for caregivers, loved ones, and anyone who wants to protect their brain health.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Who is most at risk for stroke and why high blood pressure is the leading factor
• What are the two main types of stroke, and how do they differ
• What does BE FAST mean, and which sudden symptoms should trigger an immediate 911 call
• What lifestyle changes actually lower stroke risk including diet exercise and medication adherence
• How neuroplasticity affects recovery and why early treatment improves long-term outcomes

Resources from this Episode

https://www.stroke.org/en/

Stroke Family Warmline - 1-888-4-STROKE or 1-888-478-7653

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Mahalo for joining us for the Season 1 Finale of Taking Care of Tutu! This finale episode is a look back at the conversations that mattered most, from sharing legal insights and Medicaid guidance to caregiving support and tales of community heroes. We recount the Top Episodes of Season 1, revisiting the moments that resonated most deeply.

As we wrap up this year, our Team remains committed to our mission: Season 2 of Taking Care of Tutu will build on the foundation we created by growing our legal and caregiving knowledge, along with our community partnerships that inform, empower, and uplift.

Resources from this Episode

https://obenauflawgroup.com/

Phone: 808 244 3905

Email: [email protected]

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ObenaufLawGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obenauflawgroup/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ObenaufLawGroup/?reload=9

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.