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Your cup isn’t empty—it’s just leaking. 💛

In this short 5-minute pep talk, Cathy shares a personal story about her famous pink Yeti cup (yes, the one that keeps disappearing and always finds its way back!) and how it became the perfect reminder for caregivers: sometimes, our energy doesn’t run out—it simply leaks away.

Tune in for a quick burst of encouragement to help you spot where your energy might be slipping and take one small step this week to refill your cup. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to. ☕️

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Are you tired of hearing “just take care of yourself” and wondering what that even means as a caregiver? In this episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re busting the myth that self-care is all about bubble baths and spa days—and redefining what it really looks like for you.

After eight years of caregiving, I’ve learned the hard way that one-size-fits-all self-care doesn’t work. Real caregiver self-care is practical, personal, and purposeful—and it changes with each season of your journey. I’ll share my own stories of what didn’t work (like manicures that left me still exhausted) and what actually helped me refill my cup (like journaling at Kathy’s House or a slow walk after a long hospital day).

You’ll walk away with a simple framework—the 3 Ps of a Full Cup—to help you create a self-care plan that feels doable, sustainable, and right for you.

💛 Because when you take the time to refill your cup, you show up stronger—for yourself, your loved one, and everyone around you.

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Have you ever felt your energy, patience, and compassion draining away while caring for a loved one? When was the last time you stopped to check what’s left in your own cup?

Welcome to Season 1 of The Caregiver Cup Podcast. This season is all about you—your self-discovery, the many roles you juggle, and your personal health as a caregiver. The statistics are sobering: nearly 41% of caregivers report low overall well-being, and only 23% say their mental health is good. Behind those numbers are real people—like you and me—trying to care for others while holding onto ourselves.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my own story of walking through my husband’s bone marrow transplant and what it taught me about my “cup.” After 57 days away from home navigating hospital stays and medical crises, my cup was bone dry. Rebuilding wasn’t instant—it felt like climbing a steep hill when I had no energy left. But it reminded me of something powerful: when we learn to pause and honestly check our cup, we give ourselves the chance to rebound, recharge, and find joy again.

This isn’t about perfect caregiving. It’s about finding your rhythm and your way of refilling, protecting, and strengthening your caregiver cup. Join me every Tuesday through December for Season 1 as we walk this journey together—because when you show up as your best self, you become a stronger caregiver, a better advocate, and a healthier you.

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Ready for a fresh start? After more than 260 episodes and navigating through some deeply personal caregiving seasons, I've taken a much-needed pause to reimagine what this podcast can be for you. Now I'm back with renewed energy and a powerful focus: your wellbeing as a caregiver.

Season One, "What's in Your Cup," is entirely about you—your health, identity, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Because here's the truth that often gets overlooked: caregiving is not just about what you give; it's about how you refill, protect, and care for your own cup. As Emma Hemming Willis wisely notes in her book "The Unexpected Journey, "Caregiving asks everything of us, yet somehow we must find ways to keep something for ourselves."   When nearly 60% of caregivers report their health worsening due to caregiving responsibilities, this conversation isn't just important—it's essential.

Every Tuesday from October 7th through December 8th, 2025, you'll receive six core episodes filled with real talk, self-discovery tools, and practical strategies, plus bonus content including mini pep talks and journaling prompts between episodes. We'll kick off with "Refilled and Reimagined: What's in Your Cup Today," setting the foundation for your journey back to yourself. Whether you're new here or have been listening since day one, this season is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what makes you whole. Because when you show up as your best self, you become a stronger caregiver, advocate, and healthier human being. Mark your calendar, grab your favorite drink, and let's rediscover what belongs in your cup—together.

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Cathy shares a personal update about her absence from the podcast as she takes time to heal and find stillness after eight years of non-stop caregiving, including Denis's recent stem cell transplant recovery. She explains her decision to pause – not quit – the podcast to reconnect with her body, rediscover joy, and learn what it means to simply be rather than constantly do.

• Operating at high speed for almost eight years through caregiving, loss, podcasting, and creating
• Realized she had forgotten what stillness felt like and couldn't sit still or pause
• Gave herself permission in mid-June to just be – no schedule, pressure, or podcast deadlines
• Currently in a healing season trying to figure out what joy and energy feel like in her body again
• Denis is okay, Cathy is okay, and she will return when the time is right
• Misses the podcast community and interactions with listeners
• Encouragement for others who may be in seasons of stillness, burnout, or discovery

Thank you for being in this with me. You are part of what makes this community feel like home, so take care, take good care of yourself, and I'll talk to you real soon.

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Stepping into a hospital house is entering a world most caregivers never know exists until they're suddenly immersed in it. After 45+ days living at Kathy's House while my husband undergoes stem cell transplant treatment, I've discovered the raw, complex reality of caregiving away from home—and the unexpected community that forms in these spaces of collective vulnerability.

Between the shared kitchens where caregivers exchange whispered stories over coffee, the laundry rooms where tears and laughter flow equally, and the quiet corners where we all seek momentary solitude, these medical housing communities become more than just places to sleep near the hospital. They become lifelines of support when everything familiar has been stripped away.

The daily rhythm at Kathy's House constantly shifts between early morning hospital visits, meal preparation in communal spaces, finding moments for essential self-care, and navigating the practical logistics of living in an unfamiliar city. From discovering the safest grocery stores to handling car maintenance between appointments, caregiving doesn't pause for real-world responsibilities. Through it all, fellow caregivers become unexpected sources of strength—offering to wash your dishes when you're exhausted or simply sharing knowing glances across the dining room during community meals.

What I've learned most profoundly is how caregiving transforms across different settings. Hospital caregiving focuses on advocacy and emotional support, while hospital house caregiving blends direct care with creating normalcy in an abnormal situation. The weight of homesickness—missing my garden, my pets, my own bed—is balanced by the deep connections formed with others walking similar paths. Through bringing small comforts from home, establishing new routines, and embracing micro-connections with fellow caregivers, I've discovered you can create a sense of belonging even in the midst of medical uncertainty.

If you've experienced hospital house living or extended caregiving away from home, I'd love to hear your story. What small comforts did you bring to create a sense of home? How did you maintain your own well-being while supporting someone else's healing? Send me a text—because sharing these hidden caregiving journeys reminds us all that even in our most isolating moments, we're never truly alone.

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Have you ever found yourself in the chaos of caregiving thinking, "I can't do this anymore"? That feeling of wanting to give up is universal among caregivers, especially during prolonged challenges and setbacks.

When I hit emotional walls during  Denis' stem cell transplant journey, I discovered a powerful truth: our feelings, while real, aren't always factual. We might feel like everything is falling apart, but distinguishing between emotional reactions and objective reality can be our anchor in stormy times. I've developed a simple practice called "the what, the why, and the check-in" to navigate overwhelming moments. First, I acknowledge what I'm feeling without judgment. Then I examine the facts of the situation, separating what I know for certain from what my fears are projecting. Finally, I identify one small action I can take today to move forward - whether that's talking to a doctor, taking a reflective walk, or practicing gratitude.

Think of yourself as either a sailor holding onto your compass during a storm or a farmer tending your field regardless of weather conditions. Your caregiving journey requires attention and care every day, not because it's easy but because it matters. Your "storm plan" might look different from your regular routine, but maintaining some structure helps you stay grounded when everything feels chaotic. Ask yourself: Where have your feelings been steering you lately? When have you felt tempted to abandon your plan? What does holding onto your focus during difficult times look like for you? 

You're stronger than you feel in your hardest moments. You don't need to feel strong to be strong - you just need to keep going one step, one breath, one moment at a time. Bookmark this episode for those days when giving up seems like the only option. Remember, we're not alone in this journey. Together, we can show up as our best selves, even through the storms.

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Fear, worry, and uncertainty often feel like unwelcome yet permanent companions on the caregiving journey. After receiving a heartfelt message from a listener worried about her husband's upcoming bone marrow transplant, I knew this topic needed addressing – not just for her, but for all of us navigating these turbulent emotional waters.

These powerful emotions aren't signs of weakness or failure. They're natural human responses that actually demonstrate how deeply you care for your loved one. The fear of medical unknowns, the worry about what recovery might look like, and the overwhelming sense that no one truly understands what you're going through – these universal caregiver experiences deserve acknowledgment and compassionate attention.

Drawing from my own experiences with my husband Denis's ongoing stem cell transplant journey, I share how quickly the mind can spiral from a minor medical hiccup to worst-case scenarios. This mental pattern isn't unusual; it's your brain's misguided attempt to protect you. The key isn't eliminating these emotions (impossible!) but learning to work with them through practical techniques like mindfulness exercises, creating small pockets of routine, focusing on what you can control, journaling to externalize racing thoughts, and practicing radical self-compassion.

Perhaps most critically, no caregiver should shoulder this emotional burden alone. Whether it's family members taking shifts with your loved one, friends handling practical matters at home, or connecting with fellow caregivers who truly understand your experience, building your support network isn't optional – it's essential. I've learned to be specific about what support looks like for me: not problem-solving but simply listening and asking thoughtful questions.

Remember this: you're making a profound difference every single day, even when you don't feel particularly strong or capable. Your presence matters immensely to your loved one. Take each day one step at a time, fill your own cup when possible, and know that your fear doesn't diminish your strength – it simply reveals the depth of your love.

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Ever reached that breaking point where your body simply won't let you power through anymore? That's exactly where I found myself this week as my husband Dennis faced serious complications following his stem cell transplant for cancer.

This raw mini-episode takes you through the emotional rollercoaster we experienced—from the joyful bell-ringing ceremony marking Dennis's hospital discharge to the crushing setbacks that followed just hours later. You'll hear about the gut-wrenching moment when I had to choose between being at my granddaughter's graduation and staying with my struggling spouse, and the Sunday when everything came crashing down around me. I share openly about hitting my lowest point as a caregiver, when terrifying thoughts spiraled and I felt completely paralyzed by fear and exhaustion.

The journey through caregiving rarely follows a straight line, and sometimes hope appears just when you need it most. I reveal the turning point that helped me finally exhale, and why my body's stress response is still on high alert days later. For anyone juggling medications, appointments, and the emotional weight of caring for a loved one through serious illness, this episode offers validation and a powerful reminder: your nervous system needs rest too. 

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to not be okay? To step off the hamster wheel, even for five minutes? Remember, filling your cup isn't selfish—it's essential. Join our community of caregivers who understand that we're all in this together, one breath, one step, one mindful moment at a time. Subscribe now and know you're never alone on this journey.

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What happens when your support just isn't helping? When encouragement falls flat? When your loved one withdraws completely? These are the unspoken challenges of caregiving that leave us feeling helpless and questioning our effectiveness.

Drawing from my current experience supporting my husband through his transplant journey, I share the raw reality of watching him struggle with severe physical pain and emotional withdrawal. Despite my best efforts to lift his spirits, there were moments when nothing seemed to help. But through this experience, I discovered something profound about emotional caregiving that's rarely discussed.

Sometimes, the most powerful support isn't about motivating or finding silver linings – it's about presence. Your loved one may be carrying physical pain, grief for their former capabilities, fear, and overwhelming uncertainty. In these moments, they don't need cheerleading; they need someone willing to sit beside them in that darkness without trying to fix it. Your quiet presence says, "I see you, and you're not alone," which can be more meaningful than any pep talk.

For caregivers accustomed to problem-solving, this shift from performance-based to presence-based support can be challenging. We often measure our effectiveness by visible results – a smile, gratitude, improvement. When those indicators are absent, we conclude we're failing. But here's the truth: You are not failing. You're facing a hard reality and still showing up.

Equally important is setting boundaries without guilt. I've learned to establish a rhythm that honors both my husband's needs and my own wellbeing – being present during key medical interactions while also taking necessary breaks to recharge. These boundaries aren't selfish; they're essential for maintaining emotional capacity to provide quality support for the long haul.

What emotional boundary could you establish this week to protect your energy? Whether it's a daily break, asking for help, or simply saying "not right now," honor that boundary as a gift to yourself and your loved one. Remember: Rest is not quitting. Boundaries aren't walls that shut people out; they're bridges that help sustain the care we offer.

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