The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

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The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving episodes

  • Carrying the Tiger: Tony Stewart on Living with Cancer, Grief, and Grace

    What happens when a single phone call changes everything? Author Tony Stewart joins The Sharegiving Secret to reflect on caregiving, anticipatory grief, and the unexpected moments of love and clarity that emerge in the face of terminal illness. Drawing from his memoir Carrying the Tiger, Tony shares how writing, community, and radical honesty helped him navigate cancer, loss, and life after caregiving.

    Tony Stewart has made award-winning films for colleges and universities (“A Union of People,” “Skidmore: Concurrence of Ideas”), written software that received rave reviews in The New York Times and the New York Daily News (“Tony Stewart’s Home Office”), designed a grants-management application that was used by three of the five largest charities in the world (“Riverside Grants”), and led the development of an international standard for the messages involved in buying and selling advertisements (“AdsML”) for which he spoke at conferences across Europe and North America. His memoir Carrying the Tiger won two Gold Medals at the 2025 Global Book Awards and is a Publishers Weekly Editor's Pick.

     Tony and his late wife Lynn Kotula, a painter, traveled extensively in India and Southeast Asia, staying in small hotels off the beaten track and eating delicious food with their fingers when cutlery wasn’t available. 

    Inspired by the experience of writing Carrying the Tiger, Tony studied with David Kessler and is now a Certified Grief Educator. 

    Author of Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy while Grieving

    Winner, GOLD MEDAL, Global Book Awards

    “A beautifully devastating memoir” – Publishers Weekly BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

    "A masterclass in facing life's hardest moments with grace." – IndieReader

    Social Media:

    Website: https://tonystewartauthor.com

    Instagram & Substack: Linked via website

    CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org

    Keywords and Hashtags:

    #caregivingpodcast

    #cancercaregiving

    #anticipatorygrief

    #griefandloss

    #caregiverburnout

    #memoircaregiving

    #CarryingtheTiger

    #TonyStewartauthor

    #CaringBridge

    #caregivingsupport

    #lifeaftercaregiving

    #griestorytelling

    #caregivermentalhealth

    #hospiceandgrief

    #caregivercommunity

    41 min
  • Behind the Helmet: Caring for the Families Who Care for NFL Players

    · This is the link to our health checklist which we mentioned several times: https://footballplayershealth.harvard.edu/for-former-players/tackling-personal-health/

    · The NFL LifeLine can be found here: https://www.nfllifeline.org/

    Episode Title: Behind the Helmet: Caring for the Families Who Care for NFL Players

    Podcast: The Sharegiving Secret

    Host: Deborah S. Greenhut, PhD

    Guests:

    • Rachel Grashow, M.S., ScD – Director of Epidemiological Research Initiatives, Football Players Health Study at Harvard University
    • Alicia Whittington, MPH, PhD – Assistant Director of Engagement & Health Equity Research
    • Niki Konstantinides, PhD – FEM-FL Co-lead, Postdoctoral Researcher
    • Paula Atkeson, MPH – Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
    • (Christy Glass, PhD—discussed but not present)

    Social Media Links:

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-football-players-health-study-at-harvard-university

    X - https://x.com/PlayersStudy

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PlayersStudy

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/playersstudy/

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@playersstudy

    Episode Overview

    In this powerful conversation, host Deborah Greenhut sits down with members of the Harvard Football Players Health Study (FPHS) and the FEM-FL project (Family Experiences Managing Football Lives) to explore the untold story of caregiving in professional football families.

    Drawing from cutting-edge epidemiological research, community-based engagement strategies, and the lived experiences of wives and partners of former NFL players, the team reveals what really happens after the game ends—and the stadium lights go dark.

    Together, they unpack the emotional, physical, and relational burden shouldered by sports spouses, offering practical tools, startling findings, and hopeful guidance for caregivers everywhere—whether supporting a former athlete, first responder, military veteran, or loved one navigating complex health needs.

    Key Themes & Insights1. Caregiver Burden Is Predictable—and Preventable
    • Niki explains that caregiver burden is strongly predicted by:
    • Number of relocations
    • Player’s lineman status
    • Fear of CTE
    • Caregiver’s own health
    • Marital satisfaction levels
    • Caregivers reporting satisfaction in their marriage showed dramatically lower burden scores.

    2. Post-Career Transitions Are a Critical Health Window

    Paula emphasizes that families suddenly lose integrated medical support when players retire. Actionable resources—like FPHS checklists—help families build continuity of care.

    3. Head Injury Isn’t the Whole Story

    Rachel highlights that treatable conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity, chronic pain, and hypertension play a huge role in long-term cognitive and cardiovascular outcomes.

    4. Racial Health Disparities Are Real and Persistent

    Alicia shares striking findings: Black former players report worse health outcomes across five health indicators—even after controlling for BMI, career length, and position.

    5. Sports Spouses Hold Both Visibility and Invisibility

    NFL wives and partners are hyper-visible in public narratives—but often invisible in caregiving, mental health, and long-term planning conversations.

    6. The Health Checklist as a Relationship Tool

    Families report using the FPHS checklist not just for medical guidance—but to open deeper conversations about physical and emotional wellbeing.

    7. Early Preparation Matters—Emotionally and Practically

    Deborah and Rachel discuss the importance of planning for caregiving roles, especially as dementia or mobility issues may appear at younger ages in sports families.

    8. Support Networks Reduce Isolation

    Social connections—other sports spouses, extended family, community groups—are essential for emotional resilience and preventing spouse burnout.

    Practical Takeaways for Caregivers
    • Use the FPHS Health Checklist as a starting point with healthcare providers (linked below).
    • Address chronic pain, sleep apnea, and blood pressure early—they are modifiable risks.
    • Build a social support system before crisis hits.
    • Track symptoms, treatments, and health data through relocations.
    • Accept help. Independence doesn’t mean isolation.
    • Prioritize your own health—your wellbeing is a predictor of your partner’s.
    • Strengthen marital communication; it protects emotional load.

    Key Quotes
    • “Marital satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of lower caregiver burden.” — Niki Konstantinides
    • “Former players can improve their futures by addressing modifiable factors today.” — Rachel Grashow
    • “Black former NFL players experience worse health outcomes—even when controlling for everything else.” — Alicia Whittington
    • “Families need support the moment the player leaves the league. That’s when the real work begins.” — Paula Atkeson
    • “Caregiving remains invisible—even in families who are constantly in the spotlight.” — Rachel Grashow

    Resources Mentioned
    • FPHS Health Checklist for Former NFL Players
    • FEM-FL Website
    • Sleep apnea and cardiovascular screening resources
    • Caregiver support networks
    • Mental health and community-based services

    TAGS

    #FootballPlayersHealthStudy

    #FEM-FL

    #Harvardresearch

    #NFLspouses

    #Footballcaregiving

    #Athletecaregiverburden

    #Sportsfamilyhealth

    #Post-careerathletehealth

    #CTEconcerns

    #Sportsbrainhealth

    #NFLhealthdisparities

    #Playertransitions

    #Athletementalhealth

    #Caregivinginsports

    #Healthequityinsports

    59 min
  • When Time and Care Collide: Dementia Care in the Shutdown

    When the government shuts down, caregivers don’t get to.

    In this episode, author and advocate Deborah Greenhut explores how the ongoing federal shutdown affects dementia care — from delayed Medicaid reimbursements to halted Alzheimer’s research. She outlines a “calendar of disruptions” showing what happens in weeks 1–6 of the shutdown, with real stories from caregivers managing telehealth gaps, unpaid aides, and funding freezes.

    Listeners will learn how to prepare, where to find trustworthy updates, and how to protect home-based care from federal uncertainty.

    Because while Washington debates budgets, caregivers keep the world turning — one act of compassion at a time.



    Key Takeaways

    • How shutdown timelines affect dementia services week by week
    • Which programs continue vs. pause (Medicaid, SNAP, telehealth)
    • Real-world caregiver examples and how to adapt
    • Action steps: calendar tracking, backup planning, advocacy
    • Trusted resources for timely updates and assistance



    Resources Mentioned

    1. NAMI Shutdown Resources
    2. National Family Caregiver Support Program (ACL)
    3. HRSA – Maternal & Child Health / Telehealth
    4. Medicare Rights Center
    5. ElderCare Locator
    6. KFF Health News – Project 2025 Overview

    https://substack.com/home/post/p-177525880

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-S.-Greenhut/author/B001KI5BAU?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=985b6dac-012d-4eb4-aabb-e15635ed3d7f



    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Or on YouTube.com.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    .Resource Link: 20 Essential Resources for Caregivers during a Government Shutdown.


    15 min
  • Project 2025 — What It Means for Women’s Health and Caregiving

    In this solo episode, Deborah Greenhut returns to unpack the alarming implications of Project 2025, an ideological proposal that could drastically reshape women’s healthcare and caregiving in America. She explores the plan’s major initiatives—from rebranding HHS as the “Department of Life” to restricting abortion and contraception, undermining Medicaid, and cutting scientific research tied to DEI. Deborah connects these shifts to real-life caregiving struggles and her personal experiences, urging listeners to consider what’s at stake if government ideology overrides medical science and patient autonomy. With thoughtful commentary and emotional clarity, she calls on caregivers, voters, and advocates alike to stay informed, speak out, and safeguard compassion-driven healthcare for future generations.

    Research link to Project 2025 (searchable document): https://static.heritage.org/project2025/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf

    #WomensHealth

    #Caregiving

    #Project2025

    #ReproductiveRights

    #HealthcarePolicy

    #PublicHealth

    #GenderEquality

    #Medicaid #AbortionRights

    #DEI

    #PodcastEpisode

    #DeborahGreenhut

    #TheHoardersWife

    #WomenInMedia

    17 min
  • Breaking Generational Trauma: Emma Lyons on Invisible Wounds, Caregiving, and Self-Care

    SUMMARY:

    Emma Lyons shares how trauma, generational patterns, and family dynamics shape caregiving—and why self-care is vital. Learn why boundaries, healing, and supportive environments matter for caregivers, and how to break the cycle of self-sacrifice.

    BIO:

    Emma Lyons is a trauma-informed healer and founder of The Trauma Matrix, where she helps women break up with the shame voice that’s been sabotaging their success, relationships, and visibility for years. After studying law and international human rights, Emma turned away from a life path that looked good on paper but felt like slow death — and spent the next decade deep in the healing world. Despite all the therapy, yoga, mindset work, and energy practices, she still found herself stuck in loops of self-erasure, burnout, and invisibility… until she uncovered the deeper truth: she’d internalized a narcissistic system of control, and it was running her from the inside out. Today, Emma helps high-functioning, heart-led women dismantle that inner narcissist, the shame voice that humiliates, controls, and impersonates them, so they can reclaim clarity, power, and nervous system freedom.

    Grab Emma’s FREE guide: "5 Signs You Need to Break Up with Your Inner Narcissist" This isn’t another mindset gimick . It’s the root system behind shame spirals, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and chronic self-sabotage. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.  https://tinyurl.com/nottodaynarc


    Emma’s Social Media Links:


    https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-traumamatrix/

    https://www.facebook.com/trauma.matrix

    https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix

    https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix

    https://traumamatrix.substack.com/




    ABOUT ME:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-S.-Greenhut/author/B001KI5BAU?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=985b6dac-012d-4eb4-aabb-e15635ed3d7f


    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.


    Hashtags:

    #TraumaHealing 

    #Caregiving 

    #WomenCaregivers 

    #SelfCare 

    #FamilyHealing 

    #BreakTheLoop 

    #InvisibleAbuse 

    #Boundaries 

    #HealingJourney 

    #GenerationalTrauma 

    #MartyrdomMyth 

    #EmmaLyons 

    #MentalHealthAwareness 

    #CaregiverSupport

    23 min
  • Blending Caregiving & Business: How Systems, Support, and Self-Care Create Success with Mary Gaul

    Episode 47 Mary Gaul

    Show Notes:

    Absolutely! Here’s a longer podcast episode description for your show notes based on the Mary Gaul interview:

    In this heartfelt episode of The Sharegiving Secret, host Deborah Greenhut sits down with Mary Gaul—caregiver, business coach, and entrepreneur—to explore the powerful intersection of caregiving and running a business. Mary shares her personal journey of supporting her mother through dementia as one of eight siblings, balancing the demands of family caregiving with her responsibilities as a solopreneur.

    Mary and Deborah discuss the essential role of systems, checklists, and communication for families who share caregiving duties, and how many of the same skills required in business can help caregivers prevent burnout and create sustainable routines. Mary reveals how she and her siblings divided tasks, tracked details, and found ways to maintain meaningful connections with their mother—even from a distance.

    The conversation moves beyond logistics, delving into the emotional realities of caregiving: the grief that often follows the end of a caregiving journey, the importance of self-care, and the need to celebrate small wins along the way. Mary offers practical advice on managing finances, building supportive teams, and using “space and grace” to navigate the unpredictability of caregiving life.

    Whether you’re a family caregiver, a business owner juggling multiple roles, or anyone seeking inspiration to blend compassion with productivity, you’ll find valuable insights in this episode. Mary’s message is clear: the work of caregiving is sacred, and every small effort counts—even when it’s hard to see in the moment.

    Tune in for actionable tips, honest conversation, and encouragement for your own caregiving journey. To connect with Mary Gaul or access her free resources, visit www.successmagnified.com.

    About Our Guest:

    Mary Gaul is a seasoned business coach, speaker, and host of the LEAP to Success podcast. She helps women solopreneurs grow thriving, values-aligned businesses with clarity, confidence, and joy. As founder of Success Magnified and leader of the LEAP for Ladies Community, Mary delivers practical strategies, loving accountability, and a dash of fun to empower entrepreneurs to grow with purpose.

    Connect with Mary Gaul:

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygaulcoach/

    LInkedIn Success mag page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/success-magnified/

    LinkedIn: Leap for Ladies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leap-for-ladies-community/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marygaul_successmagnified

    Insta Biz: @successmagnified https://www.instagram.com/successmagnified/

    Free Gift:  

    The power of celebration: Your listeners can download a Celebration Checklist here

    Mary's link for a free 30 minute FOCUS session about their business can be found here: https://calendly.com/successmagnified/30minfocus


    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

    #Caregiving                                                                                #CelebratingCaregivers

    #WomenEntrepreneurs                                                    #SystemsForSuccess  

    #Solopreneur                                                                           #GriefAndGrowth

    #FamilyCare

    #CaregiverSupport

    #BusinessCoach

    #ElderCare

    #DementiaCare

    #CaregiverJourney

    #SuccessMagnified

    #SelfCare

    24 min
  • To Life: Wine, Caregiving, and Reinvention with Nick the Wine Guy

    Episode 46 Title: To Life: Wine, Caregiving, and Reinvention with Nick the Wine Guy

    Summary:

    In this heartwarming episode of The Sharegiving Secret, host Deborah Greenhut welcomes Nick Elliott—also known as "Nick the Wine Guy"—for a refreshing departure from the usual caregiving heaviness. Nick shares his remarkable journey from stay-at-home dad to hospitality pro, vineyard worker, and host of his own podcast Pour and Explore. They discuss the unexpected beauty of caregiving, finding balance after burnout, raising a neurodivergent child, and how food, wine, and travel offer windows into human empathy. Whether you're a caregiver in need of a mini-escape or simply love a good story over a glass of wine, this 20-minute “vacation” is for you.

    #caregiving

    #CaregiverLife

    #winelovers

    #parentingjourney

    #neurodiversityaffirming

    #podcastlife

    #foodandwine

    #PourAndExplore

    #WineGuy

    #travelstories

    #caregiversupport

    #adoptionstory

    #empathymatters

    #familybalance

    #selfcareforcaregivers

    #inspiringstories

    #mentalhealthmatters

    #coqauvin

    #sharegivingsecret

    Key Takeaways from Nick the Wine Guy’s Episode

    🍇 Caregiving as a Life Choice--Stay-at-home Dad

    Stay-at-home dad by design: Nick and his wife chose adoption and prioritized having a full-time parent at home. He stepped into the primary caregiving role for their son.

    Joy in caregiving: He emphasizes the joyful and formative aspects of parenting—helping a child blossom rather than controlling their growth.

    Parenting with neurodivergence: Nick’s son has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Nick shares how caregiving strategies shifted with these diagnoses—prioritizing support over strict structure.

    🔄 Reinventing Life After Full-Time Caregiving

    Gradual reintegration into work: Once his son started school, Nick rebuilt his career slowly through part-time jobs, eventually returning to the family winery and branching into hospitality and catering.

    The importance of balance: Nick advocates for personal enjoyment alongside caregiving responsibilities, cautioning against burnout.

    ✈️ The Transformative Power of Travel

    🎙️ The Storytelling Thread--About Nick's podcast, "Pour and Explore"

    🍷 Living Fully

    Bio:

    Nick Elliott, aka “The Wine Guy,” is a certified sommelier, classically trained chef, and wine expert with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, wine education, and sales. His career spans restaurant management, winemaking, event production, and brand development. Nick’s passion for wine is rooted in his belief that wine should be fun, approachable, and educational for everyone.

    Through his company, The Wine Guy, Nick offers personalized wine education, private tastings, and curates unique wine experiences. His expertise spans wines from across the globe, with a special focus on making wine approachable for all levels of enthusiasts.

    As the host of Pour & Explore: A Wine, Food & Travel Podcast, Nick delves into the world of wine, food, and travel, sharing insights into global wine regions, trends, and the cultures behind them. The podcast is a gateway to discovering wines from destinations you might not expect, giving listeners a deeper connection to the world of wine.

    Nick also leads exclusive International Wine Tours, offering wine lovers the chance to explore iconic wine regions worldwide. These tours provide behind-the-scenes access to vineyards, tastings, and local culture, all curated by Nick to offer a truly immersive experience.

    Nick’s goal is to continue exploring the world, discovering new wines, and sharing those experiences with his clients, enriching their wine journeys one glass at a time.

    [email protected]

    www.thewineguy.vin

    Link for Connections to Nick:

    https://link.content360.io/thewineguy

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-S.-Greenhut/author/B001KI5BAU?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=985b6dac-012d-4eb4-aabb-e15635ed3d7f

    Read a recent Substack.com newsletter:

    https://nonnegotiablesforcaregivers.substack.com/p/the-legacy-of-the-lilac-house

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    .




    24 min
  • Beyond the Bedside: Jennifer Takagi on 12-Minute Wins & Re-Imagining Life After Caregiving

    Episode 45 Summary

    In this return visit, coach and energy-healer Jennifer Takagi explores what happens after the marathon of family caregiving is over. Drawing on the heartbreak of losing both parents just 12 days apart  and her gift for lightning-fast medical note-taking that kept doctors honest , Jennifer shares her signature “12-Minute to Success” WIND methodology for rebuilding purpose in bite-sized, achievable sprints . Host Dr. Deborah Greenhut and Jennifer discuss identity loss, grief, and why carving out twelve focused minutes can restart momentum—no matter where you are on the caregiver journey.

    Key Takeaways
    1. The caregiving season ends—plan for the next chapter now. Jennifer reminds listeners that even the most intense care situations are temporary; envisioning post-caregiving life prevents an existential free-fall when duties end .
    2. Why 12 minutes? Borrowing from Jack Canfield’s “5 % more” rule, Jennifer translates 5 % of a four-hour block into twelve minutes—long enough to gain traction, short enough to feel doable .
    3. Rapid note-taking is a super-power. Accurate, spelled-out medical notes defuse sibling conflict and empower families to challenge providers when something “doesn’t sound right” .
    4. Self-care role models matter. Jennifer’s father set the tone by leaving the ICU nightly to eat, pay bills, and sleep—modeling sustainable caregiving boundaries .
    5. Energy work + high-performance habits = Success Mastery. Jennifer’s 1-on-1 program blends clearing emotional blocks with practical habit-building; interested listeners can book a complimentary call at YourSuccessCall.com 

    About Our Guest:

    Jennifer Takagi, a 12-Minute Success Coach, empowers individuals—especially women—to discover their purpose and potential. Believing in the power of self-trust and intuition, she helps clients gain clarity, confidence, and meaningful success. As a keynote speaker, she inspires audiences to lead with their values and inner wisdom. Jennifer’s blend of intuitive guidance and practical strategies encourages growth, alignment with personal values, and impactful, soul-led leadership.

    About Me:

    I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

    Connect with Me:

    https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

    Find my books here

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    .

    24 min
  • Enrollment, End-of-Life Care, and Sacred Listening: A Conversation with Pastor Kristina Jensen

    The Sharegiving Secret, EP 44: Kristina Jenen

    Enrollment, End-of-Life Care, and Sacred Listening: A Conversation with Pastor Kristina Jensen

    Pastor and strategist Kristina Jensen joins Deborah to explore caregiving through the lens of enrollment, sacred presence, and hospice care. A must-listen for anyone navigating family dynamics and end-of-life challenges.

    In this deeply resonant episode of The Sharegiving Secret™, host Deborah Greenhut welcomes Pastor Kristina Jensen—a woman of many callings including Lutheran pastor, hospice chaplain, and enrollment strategist for online coaches.

    Together, they explore:

    ·       The meaning of “enrollment” and how it applies to caregiving and family dynamics

    ·       How caregivers can create emotional safety during tough conversations

    ·       The spiritual and logistical realities of hospice care

    ·       Why many caregivers miss out on life-changing services—and how to ask the right questions

    ·       Sacred ways to reclaim your voice and presence in even the most chaotic caregiving moments

    Kristina’s warm insights and personal stories will uplift, validate, and guide anyone who has ever felt unseen or overwhelmed in their caregiving role.

    Whether you're negotiating with family members or facing the possibility of hospice, this conversation offers emotional clarity and actionable hope.

    Connect with Kristina Jensen

    • Instagram: @kristinaleejensen
    • Church: St. John’s Lutheran, Saxeville, WI
    • (Now streaming services and sermons online)

    Bio: Kristina Jensen is a seasoned sales and enrollment strategist who has generated millions in revenue for coaches and course creators. She helps entrepreneurs build genuine, lasting connections during sales calls, resulting in more closed sales, increased confidence, and deeper trust with clients. With 18 years as an ordained pastor, she blends compassion with practical insight in every strategy.

     

    Hashtags:

    #CaregivingMatters

    #FamilyCaregivers

    #CaregiverSupport

    #TheSharegivingSecret

    #SacredCaregiving

    #EndOfLifeCare

    #HospiceAwareness

    #EmotionalSafety

    #CaregiverWisdom

    #WomenInMinistry

    🕊️ Spiritual & Emotional Themes

    #SacredListening

    #SpiritualCare

    #FaithAndHealing

    #PresenceMatters

    #SeenAndHeard

    #PastoralCare

    #ChaplainVoices

    🧠 Psychological & Communication Skills

    #TraumaInformedCare

    #EnrollmentNotSales

    #HealingConversations

    #FamilyDynamics

    #CaregiverBoundaries

    🧑‍⚕️ End-of-Life & Practical Tips

    #PalliativeCare

    #HospiceSupport

    #AskForHelp

    #MedicareAndCaregiving

    #CaregivingResources

    22 min
  • From Brain Tumor to Brand Strategist: Lori Osborne’s Lessons on Healing and Caregiving

    In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of The Sharegiving Secrets, I welcome web developer and brand strategist Lori Osborne to share her powerful story of starting over—twice. From overcoming a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis to caring for her mother in her final days, Lori’s resilience, honesty, and vulnerability offer hope and practical wisdom to anyone navigating caregiving, grief, or reinvention.

    ·       Listeners will hear:

    ·       How Lori turned adversity into a thriving creative business

    ·       Why caregiving nearly broke her—and what employers and families need to do better

    ·       The brutal toll of unsupported caregiving and how we can shift the conversation toward compassion

    ·       Tips for surviving family conflict and protecting your health as a caregiver

    Lori’s story is a candid reminder that caregiving is not just an act of love—it's a crisis that requires support, boundaries, and systemic change.

    Lori’s bio:

    Lori Osborne is affectionately known as The Authority Amplifier. She’s the founder of BizBolster Web Solutions and the creator of The Authority Blueprint™. With nearly a decade of experience in brand strategy and website design, Lori helps Thought Leaders identify and clarify their brand and translates it into authority-driven websites that attract aligned clients and amplify their impact online.

    When she's not building powerhouse brands, Lori enjoys coastal life near Amelia Island, Florida, alongside her amazing husband and two adorable fur babies.

    Link to Complimentary Brand Audit:

    5 Steps to Evaluate Your Brand & Online Authority:

     https://www.bizbolster.com/vip-visibility-audit

    24 min

About The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

From the publisher's feed

The Sharegiving Secret provides practical advice so that caregivers don’t have to go it