The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

Candace Dellacona welcomes Vanessa Grigoriadis, acclaimed investigative journalist, co-founder of Campside Media, and host of the new podcast So Your Parents Are Old, to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide.

Vanessa shares her personal journey into caregiving after her father’s cancer diagnosis and caring for an aging parent, sparking a candid conversation about what it really means to be in the sandwich generation. From difficult financial and long-term care conversations to navigating memory loss, this episode pulls back the curtain on the emotional and logistical realities families face every day.

Raw, honest, and deeply relatable, this conversation highlights why proactive planning, community support, and open dialogue matter—and how podcasting has become a powerful tool for bringing these often-quiet conversations into the open.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:20 Vanessa's Background and Upbringing
04:34 Career Highlights and Personal Life
07:33 The Turning Point: Parents' Health Decline
09:15 Navigating Financial and Caregiving Challenges
16:28 Creating a Supportive Community
22:26 The Importance of Addressing Elder Care
31:05 Conclusion and Podcast Information

To subscribe to Vanessa’s podcast, So Your Parents Are Old, visit https://join.campsidemedia.com/podcast

Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-grigoriadis-b44257207/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dean Blandino, Fox Sports NFL and College Football Rules Analyst and former VP of NFL Officiating. Dean shares his journey from playing sports in New York to becoming an influential figure in sports officiating, offering insights into career pivots and balancing professional obligations with personal life. The discussion delves into his family dynamics, the challenges of being part of the 'sandwich generation,' and the importance of communication and planning in caregiving. Dean also highlights his approach to self-care and maintaining a positive outlook amidst the stresses of work and family responsibilities.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 01:48 Dean Blandino's Background and Career Journey
 04:32 Challenges and Pivots in Dean's Career
 10:56 Family Dynamics and the Sandwich Generation
 20:25 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care
 25:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dan Krutoy, a tech industry expert who shares advice for seniors who are often targeted by scammers using social engineering tactics, as well as tips for parents on securing their children's devices. Their conversation dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity for families, the importance of awareness, training, and multifactor authentication to protect against cyber threats. Dan also shares the steps to take if a cybersecurity breach occurs. This insightful episode highlights the balance between technological convenience and the necessity of protective measures.

00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide
00:59 Meet Dan Krutoy: Cybersecurity Expert
02:10 Understanding Cyber Threats in the Modern World
05:08 Protecting Seniors from Cyber Scams
08:35 Social Media Safety Tips
17:17 Cybersecurity for Children and Teens
23:00 What to Do If You've Been Hacked
25:20 Final Thoughts and Future Concerns

To learn more about Pro4ia, visit their website at https://pro4ia.com/

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkrutoy/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Genice Lee from Harvest Estate and Appraisals. They discuss the importance of legacy, the role of passion assets in preserving family history, and how Genice’s personal experiences have shaped her professional journey. Genice shares valuable insights on appraising sentimental items, the significance of documentation and inventories, and the overlooked value of family paperwork. They also delve into the unique challenges faced by African American families in preserving their cultural artifacts. Tune in to learn practical tips for estate planning and the importance of storytelling in family legacies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 Genice Lee's Background and Expertise
01:55 The Importance of Legacy and Stories
02:58 Genice's Personal Journey into Appraising
05:43 Challenges in Estate Management
09:47 Sentimental vs. Monetary Value
17:05 Preserving African American Artifacts
29:30 The Role of Technology in Legacy Preservation
31:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

To learn more about Harvest Estate & Appraisal Services, visit their website at https://www.harvestestateandappraisals.com/

To learn more about Genice Lee, visit her profile on the International Society of Appraisers website at https://www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser/profile/12796/genice-r-lee

Follow Genice on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genice-lee-asa-isa-am-a6b22929/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvest4you_/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona celebrates National Adoption Month by welcoming intellectual property attorney Michele Katz to discuss her journey with adoption and the creation of the Plus One Adoption Foundation. Michele shares her personal experiences, the challenges of adopting both infants and older children, and how her foundation aims to provide reliable resources and support to families looking to adopt. The discussion highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of adoption, the support and resources provided by the foundation to adoptive families, and the importance of changing the narrative around adoption. Michele also touches on key aspects like credible resources, post-placement support, and building a community for adoptive families. As an extra, Michele talks about her private wine label, Wine for Good®, which supports the foundation. Tune in to learn more about transforming adoption experiences and supporting adoptive families.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:37 Michele's Adoption Journey Begins
04:17 Adopting an Older Child
08:17 Founding Plus One Adoption Foundation
12:51 Navigating the Adoption Process
19:12 Post-Placement Support and Resources
25:35 Community and Final Thoughts

To learn more about Plus One Adoption Foundation, visit their website at https://plusoneadoption.org/

Follow Plus One Adoption Foundation on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plus-one-adoption-foundation-inc/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plusoneadoption

Email Plus One Adoption Foundation: [email protected]

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jason Brown, a legacy strategist and entrepreneur. Jason shares his compelling life story from being a young entrepreneur in California to dealing with the tragic loss of his wife. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and having essential conversations about legacy and end-of-life planning. Jason introduces his innovative 'Legacy Card Deck,' designed to facilitate meaningful discussions on topics such as medical decisions, financial planning, love, and personal legacy. Jason's profound personal experiences and insights make this episode a valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenges of the sandwich generation while searching for the tools and insights needed to prepare for the future and create a lasting impact.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Jason Brown's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey
04:41 Meeting His Wife and Starting a Family
07:24 A Life-Changing Diagnosis
18:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose
23:05 Creating the Legacy Card Deck
34:20 Advice on Medical Power of Attorney
41:24 Expanding the Legacy Conversation
46:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To learn more about The Legacy Card Deck, visit https://thelegacycarddeck.com/

Subscribe to the When What If Happens podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@whenwhatifhappens

Follow Jason and The Legacy Card Deck on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasondowntownbrown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacycarddeck/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Albert Eshoo and Joyce Barocas, owners of Right at Home Home Care in New York City. They discuss their paths into the home care industry and delve into the new Medicare GUIDE Program, designed to assist families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The discussion covers the limitations of traditional Medicare coverage, the importance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and the significant benefits of the GUIDE program, including free access to care navigators and respite care. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive insights on how to effectively utilize home care services and the GUIDE program to maintain their loved ones' independence and improve the quality of life for caregivers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:29 Getting into Home Care: Personal Stories
03:22 Understanding the Home Care Crisis
04:44 Medicare and Home Care: The Basics
08:22 Introducing the GUIDE Program
12:46 Steps to Access the GUIDE Program
15:24 Comprehensive Services of the GUIDE Program
22:06 Training and Safety in Home Care
27:41 When to Call a Professional
36:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

To learn more about Right at Home, visit their website at https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan

For RightConversation resources, visit https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan/resources/guides/right-conversations

Follow Right at Home on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RightatHomeCare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RightAtHomeLowerManhattan

Twitter: https://x.com/rightathomeNY

Connect with Albert and Joyce on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberteshoo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycebarocas/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Rachel Welch, a women’s pre and postnatal fitness pioneer and founder of Revolution Motherhood, and her new program created to help pre-, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Rachel discusses the crucial role self-care plays in women's health, the motivation behind creating Revolution Motherhood, and the importance of valuing and understanding women's bodies through different life stages. She also offers advice on finding trusted healthcare providers and cutting through the noise of abundant but inconsistent health information, particularly in the menopause space. The conversation underscores the necessity of community and support for women, especially those in the sandwich generation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:11 Rachel's Journey and Revolution Motherhood
06:18 The Importance of Self-Care
14:09 Navigating the Healthcare System
25:21 Building a Supportive Community
36:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To learn more about Revolution Motherhood, visit their website at https://www.revolutionmotherhood.com/

Connect with Revolution Motherhood on social media:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolution-motherhood/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolutionmotherhood/#

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionMotherhood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revolutionmotherhood

In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes  Ben Kruger, a thought leader in modern healthcare. Ben shares his journey from a career in Hollywood to co-founding Sollis Health, a company providing concierge urgent and emergent care, and his latest venture, Appian, which aims to holistically support aging adults and their families.

Ben discusses the inspiration behind his ventures, the complexities of the US healthcare system, and the importance of proactive planning in aging well. The conversation emphasizes the significance of early engagement, active listening, and creating a supportive infrastructure for aging loved ones, touching on the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the sandwich generation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Ben Kruger's Journey from Hollywood to Healthcare
10:46 The Birth of Sollis Health
17:17 The Concept and Growth of Concierge Care
20:48 Introducing Appian
25:23 The Importance of Planning for Aging
30:28 Engaging in Conversations About Aging
44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Ben on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kruger-35a745b/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jack Wang, a wealth advisor at Innovative Advisory Group and host of 'The Smart College Buyer' podcast. They discuss Jack's journey from commercial banking to wealth advising with a focus on college financial aid planning. Jack provides in-depth strategies on how families can maximize financial aid, the importance of early planning, and the nuances of different aid sources. They also explore the role of grandparents and other family members in contributing to college costs, and the implications of different types of contributions. Jack offers practical advice for parents to ensure they are financially prepared for their child's college education without compromising their own financial stability. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips for securing financial aid and making informed decisions about paying for college.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Jack Wang's Background and Career Journey
02:00 Transition to College Financial Aid Planning
05:18 Early College Financial Planning
13:55 Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships
28:39 Navigating Student Loans and Family Finances
33:30 Grandparents' Role in College Funding
39:47 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

To subscribe to the Smart College Buyer, visit https://smartcollegebuyer.podbean.com/

Follow Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/