The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a distinguished Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and commander, NATO mission leader, instructor at the National Test Pilot School, and author of 'Final Approach, a Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones.'

Jonathan shares his impressive background, from leading high-stakes military missions to training elite military pilots, through his journey as a caregiver for his parents and the heartfelt motivation behind writing his book. He discusses the skills he learned as a decorated military pilot and commander in the RCAF, how he used those skills when dealing with the complexities of caregiving, and the emotional and practical challenges of advocating for loved ones with dementia. Jonathan provides valuable advice on how to maintain the dignity of your aging loved ones and how to manage caregiver burnout. Jonathan and Candace also discuss the importance of community and self-care all while navigating this demanding role.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Jonathan Knaul's Background and Career
02:21 Writing the Book: A Love Letter to Parents
04:18 Stories of Jonathan's Parents
07:28 Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving
13:45 Decision Making and Family Dynamics
26:38 Caregiver Burnout and Final Thoughts
28:30 Conclusion and Community Resources

To purchase Jonathan’s book and subscribe to his newsletter, visit https://finalapproachbook.com/.

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona speaks with Nicole àBeckett and Dr. Shruti Roy, co-founders of the innovative technology platform Hero Generation. Nicole and Shruti share their personal caregiving experiences that inspired them to create Hero Generation, a comprehensive web-based tool designed to support family caregivers. This first of its kind technology provides Sandwich Generation members medical and legal resources, tools to organize and manage caregiving responsibilities, and a community to help caregivers manage the emotional and logistical challenges they face. The discussion highlights the important role that technology can play in caregiving and how technology can support, organize, and manage these responsibilities. Candace commends the founders for their mission-driven approach and the value Hero Generation brings to caregivers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 00:51 Nicole's Caregiving Journey
 04:15 Shruti's Caregiving Experience
 06:46 The Hero Generation Platform
 07:40 Platform Features and Benefits
 11:23 Community and Support for Caregivers
 25:32 Accessing Hero Generation
 28:19 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

For more information about Hero Generation, visit https://www.herogen.co/

Follow Hero Generation on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/herogeneration/

https://www.instagram.com/hero__generation/

https://www.facebook.com/weareHeroGeneration

Join host Candace Dellacona in this insightful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, featuring Dr. Gerda Maissel, founder of My MD Advisor. Candace and Dr. Maissel discuss “solo agers” and the unique challenges they face. Learn about critical strategies for single people as they age, including building community, ensuring proper medical care, and legal planning to navigate aging independently or with limited family support. This episode provides valuable insights for both solo agers and their loved ones!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Dr. Gerda Maissel's Background and My MD Advisor
01:07 Personal Story: The Catalyst for My MD Advisor
02:29 Challenges in the Healthcare System
05:30 The Concept of Solo Aging
09:14 Fears and Realities of Solo Agers
22:56 Building Community and Support Networks
25:52 Legal and Medical Preparations for Solo Agers
29:38 When to Seek Professional Help
31:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

For more information about My MD Advisor, visit: 

https://www.mymdadvisor.com/

Follow My MD Advisor on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-md-advisor/

https://www.facebook.com/MyMDAdvisor/

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Neal Shah and Sydney Rosbury from CareYaya, an innovative platform transforming the elder care industry.

Neal shares his journey from Wall Street to full-time caregiver to founder of CareYaya. The CareYaya on-line platform connects university students with seniors in need of companion-level care, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional home care. Sydney, a pre-med senior at the University of Michigan, discusses the intergenerational experiences and the invaluable skills she gained as a caregiver with CareYaya. Additionally, Neal introduces Counterforce Health, a new project utilizing AI to assist families in appealing denied health insurance claims, aiming to alleviate caregiver stress. The episode highlights the importance of personalized, affordable care and the growing need for innovative solutions in the aging population.

00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide
 01:19 Meet Neal Shah: From Finance to Caregiving
 03:58 The Birth of CareYaya
 05:24 Sydney Rosbury's Journey with CareYaya
 07:10 What is CareYaya?
 08:39 Innovations and Impact of CareYaya
 12:49 Challenges in the Care Industry
 19:30 CareYaya's Expansion and Future Plans
 29:19 Exciting New Projects: Counterforce Health
 32:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Beth Weeks, a registered nurse and co-founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York.

Beth discusses the complexities of senior housing, including options such as aging in place, independent living, and assisted living facilities. She shares her personal journey that led her to specialize in senior care, as well as the mission of her consultancy to bring clarity, transparency, and advocacy to families navigating these decisions. The conversation covers the importance of safety, financial planning, and the evolving landscape of senior housing that is becoming more inclusive of diverse communities and specialized needs.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 01:02 The Growing Senior Population
 01:43 Beth's Background and Motivation
 03:21 Challenges in Senior Housing
 05:10 Different Senior Housing Options
 05:55 Safety Concerns for Aging in Place
 08:36 Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
 14:30 When to Consider Skilled Nursing
 18:03 Cost Considerations and Financial Planning
 27:00 The Future of Senior Living Communities
 29:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information on Senior Living Consultants of New York, visit: 

• https://www.slcofny.com/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by financial planner and author Sherry Finkel Murphy. They discuss the unique challenges of the 'Triple Decker Sandwich Generation,' a term coined to describe the multitasking demands of caring for aging parents, children, and grandchildren simultaneously. Sherry shares her experiences and strategies for managing these responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of stopping self-reproach, advocating for oneself and planning wisely.

Highlights include the significance of 'radical flexibility,' the concept of a 'Forget You Fund' for financial independence, and ways to find joy and self-care amidst multigenerational obligations. Sherry also delves into the historical context of increasing life expectancy and its impact on family dynamics, offering practical advice for living a fulfilling life even when caught between generations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Sherry's Background and Skillset
01:17 The Concept of Madrina Molly™
02:37 Challenges of the ‘Triple Decker Sandwich Generation’
04:22 Financial Planning for Women
09:29 Housing and Flexibility
16:23 Living in the Now and Financial Tips
24:25 The ‘Forget You Fund’ and Career Pivots
31:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit:

• https://www.madrinamolly.com/

Follow Madrina Molly on social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/MadrinaMolly
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/madrina-molly/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmG0qLrw9eZZoEKYD2WyQA

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes entrepreneurial power couple Kass and Mike Lazerow. They discuss their book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, which details how to successfully build your business, and shares the harsh realities and joys of entrepreneurship.

During the episode, Kass and Mike delve into their origin story, the importance of picking the right partner in business as in life, and how they support the entrepreneurial community through investments and mentorship. They reveal their four-part approach—vision, communication, mindset, and workload—and the creation of their Go-Gauge™ to help evaluate business ideas. Kass and Mike also discuss work-life balance, offering personal anecdotes about juggling family life with running a business, the significance of modeling good behavior for their children, and the importance of consistency in both personal and professional spheres. The episode wraps up with a note on their continued commitment to giving back through initiatives like Cycle for Survival.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Kass and Mike's Origin Story
02:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Book Inspiration
04:16 Writing the Book Together
06:22 The Importance of Picking the Right Partner
15:22 The Go-Gauge™ and Evaluating Business Ideas
22:22 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
29:28 Modeling Success for Kids and Founders
34:38 Conclusion and Book Pre-order Information

To preorder Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, visit:

• shovelingshit.com

For more information on Kass and Mike, visit:

• kassandmike.com
• cycleforsurvival.org

Follow Kass and Mike on social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/kassandmike
• https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/kassandmike/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@kassandmike
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgLzz0yep6lUaE5i62zMXTw 

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Katie Schumacher, founder of Don't Press Send, to discuss the challenges and responsibilities faced by the sandwich generation when managing children's internet usage, the emotional disconnect fostered by screens, and the importance of teaching empathy.

Katie shares her journey of creating Don't Press Send, offers tips for parents and teachers on promoting digital wellness, and underscores the crucial role of mindful social media usage. She also dives into practical strategies for dealing with cyberbullying and the negative impact of social media on children's mental health. The episode concludes with actionable advice on how to create a supportive environment for kids navigating the digital landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 The Birth of Don't Press Send
01:44 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Children
03:25 Teaching Empathy and Emotional Connection
06:30 Practical Tips for Parents and Children
08:33 Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Civics
11:21 The Pressure of Social Media and Parental Responsibility
15:39 Supporting Children Through Online Mistakes
18:59 The Impact of Parental Involvement
19:20 Challenges Faced by Today's Children
19:56 Parental Intervention Strategies
22:46 School's Role in Addressing Online Issues
25:15 The Ripple Effect of Tragedies
26:37 Guiding Children in the Digital Age
32:05 The Importance of Attention and Presence
33:49 Resources and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit:

• https://dontpresssend.com/
• Don't Press Send TEDx Talk

To purchase Katie’s books, visit:

• https://dontpresssendbook.com/
• https://byebyewifibook.com/

Follow Don’t Press Send on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• X
• Medium

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Karen Covy, a distinguished divorce coach and attorney dedicated to helping her clients navigate the divorce process.

Karen shares her journey from a traditional matrimonial lawyer to a divorce coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's options when preparing for divorce. She discusses the role of a divorce coach, the stages of divorce decision-making, and the cost-effectiveness of hiring a coach.

The conversation covers the collaborative approach involving lawyers and coaches, mediation versus litigation, and the preparation required for an amicable divorce. Karen highlights how a divorce coach can make the divorce process less painful and more efficient, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Announcement

Follow Karen on social media:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by award-winning author Phil Callaway. Phil shares his inspiring journey into surviving the Sandwich Generation by finding the humor and discovering the vital role that laughter plays in navigating life's family challenges as a caregiver.

Phil discusses his acclaimed book, “Family Squeeze,” detailing his experiences as a caregiver for his aging parents while also raising his own children, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by the sandwich generation. He provides insights on family dynamics and the importance of professional care, while offering encouragement for caregivers and emphasizing the necessity of self-care practices like laughter and finding confidants to share their experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Phil underscores the profound impact of how maintaining humor during tough times can have on a positive effect on the whole family.

• Welcome (00:07)
• Guest background (01:26)
• Finding the humor (03:46)
• “Family Squeeze” and the sandwich generation (08:24)
• Caregiving challenges and family dynamics (17:45)
• Self-care for the sandwich generation (23:26)
• Final thoughts (25:34)

Learn more about Phil Callaway, and purchase your copy of “Family Squeeze”:

• Phil's Website

Follow Phil on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube