"You have to be ready to roll with it." - Alfredo Botello

Stepping into the role of caregiver isn’t always a choice, it’s a journey filled with love, loss, and unexpected lessons. J.J. and Natalie welcome novelist and screenwriter, Alfredo Botello to open up about caring for his mother after his stepfather’s passing and navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and assisted living.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
 ✅ The emotional toll of caregiving & shifting family dynamics
 ✅ Misconceptions about caregiving & lessons learned along the way
 ✅ The power of empathy, connection & vulnerability
 ✅ Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary
 ✅ Finding joy in shared moments, even in difficult times

Alfredo Botello is a novelist and screenwriter who has worked on projects ranging from the indie Sundance Global Short La Revolucion De Iguodala to the studio tent pole Fast and Furious 9. His debut novel, 180 Days, has garnered multiple literary awards. His second novel, Spin Cycle: Notes From A Reluctant Caregiver, was published by Koehler Books on 1.14.25. He is a Fulbright Fellow in architecture and a Nicholl Fellow in screenwriting. In addition to screenplays and the novels, he contributed a chapter to the Amazon bestseller Wellness Through Words, and has written for The San Francisco Examiner Magazine, Metropolis, Diablo, Surface, The Utne Reader, Style, The East Bay Express, and The Monthly. Botello co-owns a cocktail bar in downtown Oakland, Little Bird Bar, and at home dotes on his two Corgis, George and Dotty.

Social Media:

Website: alfredobotello.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alfredo_botello_author/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551868357118

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-botello-aa16aaa0/

X: https://x.com/alfredobotello

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THANK YOU to SPONSOR: CareScout

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

💡 Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, this honest conversation offers insights, support & encouragement for the journey.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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