In this engaging episode, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates are joined by fiction writer and caregiver,Alfredo Botello, and AlzAuthors’ acquisitions editor Ruth Stevens.

Dive into a heartfelt and surprisingly humorous conversation as Alfredo discusses his novel, Spin Cycle, which explores the journey of a son caring for his mother with dementia. Alfredo, who transitioned from architect to screenwriter to novelist, and also runs a California dive bar, shares the inspiration behind his original story and opens up about balancing humor and heartbreak on the Alzheimer’s caregiving path.

Key Highlights:

• Alfredo’s novel takes a rare spin, centering on a “pop-up school” for caregivers—the support group you wish you’d had—where ten diverse participants deal with overwhelming responsibilities, guilt, humor, and hope.
• Alfredo talks openly about his personal dementia journey, caregiving for his mother, facing challenging emotions, and the importance of self-forgiveness and embracing compassion, even in tough moments.
• From absentee siblings to laugh-or-cry moments, hear how Alfredo’s characters mirror real life and help break the silence around caregiving.
• Discover how fiction can be as supportive and insightful as caregiver guides, helping readers feel less alone and more validated in their struggles.
• Learn about upcoming AlzAuthors initiatives, including book giveaways and a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s and dementia film festival—unique ways to connect and educate through storytelling.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply want to better understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, this episode offers vital insights, practical encouragement, and genuine laughter. Alfredo’s honest storytelling and the hosts’ empathetic questions highlight the challenges and unexpected gifts found on the dementia journey.

Find Out More:

• Get Spin Cycle by Alfredo Botello
• Explore his other works at https://alfredobotello.com/
• Join the AlzAuthors community and check out giveaways, event sign-ups, and caregiving resources at https://alzauthors.com/
• Read Alfredo’s exclusive essay for AlzAuthors https://alzauthors.com/blog

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About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

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