The Sandwich Generation Pod

Sibling dynamics can be tricky - no matter how loving or estranged you are. Then add in kids, aging parents, living across the country and having to make some big, real-time, decisions together as you begin caregiving for your loved ones. Holy shit - it’s a lot. 

In this episode, we welcome Lisa Frank, Robyn’s sister to the show. The Frank sisters talk candidly about the complexities in navigating care for their aging parents, while managing their own families and being sisters. From living states apart, to dividing and conquering and overcoming our own bullshit to focus on their parent’s wellbeing - we talk about it all. Eliesa also chimes in with some perspective on being an only child and we share some insights on how to support one another - and our parents - while being siblings in The Sandwich Generation. In this episode we let the emotions flow, because this is real life!

Takeaways

How to show up for your siblings while caregiving:

• Build your “Cabinet”, either with your siblings or with trusted family and friends who you can get advice from in making all of the decisions. 
• Also, build a “Cabinet” of your parent’s friends who can continue to reach out and support them. 
• Divide and Conquer with your siblings - and recognize what each other’s strengths are.
• Talk about your boundaries and triggers with your siblings.
• Check in with your siblings - how are they doing in their lives? How is their mental health?
• Above all, put your own bullshit aside and focus on the wellbeing of the loved one you are caregiving for. 

How to show up for your peers who are in The Sandwich Generation:

• Send a text checking in
• Delivering some groceries for their parents 
• Having a visit with their loved one
• House cleaning - for your friends, for their parents or loved one. 
• Offer to help with simple house projects for their parents or loved one. 

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Caregiving with Siblings

01:11 Introducing the Frank Sisters

03:04 Build your Cabinet of People to Help

06:11 Taking Care of your Parents while living in different States

09:52 Feeling Guilt

11:02 Being on the same page with your sibling

16:27 Setting an example for your children

19:04 Stepping up for your sibling when they need it most

21:52 Setting boundaries and noticing triggers

27:08 Showing up for our friends who are Sandwiched

28:20 Our parents need their friends too

31:50 Checking In with your Sibling

35:16 What are you most proud of each other for?

41:30 Being an "only" child and raising "only" children

47:39 Real Talk Segment

“Are you the Power of Attorney?” When shit goes down and a health crisis happens with our aging parents, this is one of the first questions we are asked. But what the hell is a power of attorney and why do we need it?

In this episode, Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank are joined by (the fantastic) Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law, LLC and we discuss it all. Rachel’s approach to guiding her clients through Estate Planning and Elder Law is truly remarkable and we are so grateful for her advice and real-life-tips that you can put into action to help you today!

Side note: We learned Power of Attorney isn’t just for aging parents, it’s important for ALL of us. Listen in to learn more! 

Takeaways

• Why Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives are important for ALL of us, NOW! Including your freshly turned 18 year old.  
• What’s valuable about hiring an attorney to help with Estate Planning and Elder Law. 
• How to interview attorneys to find the right personality and fit for your family. 
• When to strategically schedule legal meetings + important appointments to allow everyone to retain the information best. 
• How siblings should play to each other’s strengths to divide and conquer responsibilities.
• What’s the difference between Power of Attorney and co-signer on your parent’s bank accounts, and which one is better.

Links and Resources:

**The following links are resources based in the state of Minnesota.**

Schromen Law, LLC - Learn more about Rachel’s practice and approach to Estate Planning and Elder Law. We know we’ll be making an appointment!

10 Questions to ask your Estate Planning Attorney - A very cool document provided by Schromen Law, LLC that walks you through questions to ask while calling around for Estate Planning and Elder Law. 

State of Minnesota Power of Attorney Forms - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you. 

State of Minnesota Health Care Directive Form - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you. 

Low Income Resources:

Mid Minnesota Legal Aid

LawHelpMN.Org

Do you have a hot tip for legal advice to share? Good resources beyond our state of Minnesota? Maybe you have a hilarious Laugh or Cry moment you want to contribute to our show. We want to hear from you ✨

Find us on Instagram @ thesandwichgenerationpod

Join our community on Substack

Email us: [email protected]

Visit our Website: thesandwichgenerationpod.com 

Chapters

00:00 Meet Rachel Schromen: The Expert in Elder Law

01:55 Rachel's Personal Journey with Grief and Law

06:48 What the HELL is Power of Attorney?

19:10 Segment: To Laugh or Cry

20:36 Should I DIY the paperwork or hire a pro?

28:22 Mental Capacity for the l

Are you taking care of your young kids and aging parents? Are you feeling like you’re in the messy middle and you don’t know where to go? We felt the same way so we started this podcast ♡

In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, who are simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. Our conversation introduces us, your charming co-hosts, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson, as we share our personal experiences with being sandwiched. We also explore the emotional and financial burdens of caregiving, the importance of community support, and our hopes and dreams for The Sandwich Generation Pod and how we want YOU to be a part of it all! ✨

Takeaways:

Why is caregiving so emotionally and physically taxing?

Community support is crucial!

How isolation plays into the struggles

Navigating the complex process of Assisted Living

Humor as a coping mechanism is real

Build that community for much-needed support!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Sandwich Generation Pod

05:20 What IS Sandwich Generation?

10:41 Our Hopes and Dreams for this Podcast

14:19 Engagement and Community Building

Links and Resources:

We want to hear from you and invite you to be a part of the community we are building! Do you want to share your story of being in The Sandwich Generation? Do you have a question or topic you’d love us to talk about? Maybe you have a very funny or terribly sad To Laugh or Cry Moment? We’d love to hear from you however you want to show up and you can find us in these spaces:

Find us on Instagram @ thesandwichgenerationpod

Join our community on Substack

Email us: [email protected]

Visit our Website: thesandwichgenerationpod.com

A quick glimpse of what is to come - Season 1 of The Sandwich Generation Pod will be launching in Mid July 2025. This will be a humorous podcast about caregiving for the young, old, and all of the chaos in between. Hosted by Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank ✨

Follow us @thesandwichgenerationpod