In this episode, hosts Erna and Megan sit down with Jacquelyn Revere to hear her family caregiving story: moving home to care for her mother and grandmother with dementia, the shock of sudden responsibilities, and the emotional complexity of caregiving as a young adult.

They discuss sharing her experience publicly, building The Care Den community, the importance of honesty, softness, and mental health support, and the ongoing need for reliable respite and connection for family caregivers.

To find out more about Jacquelyn:

Instagram: @momofmymom

Alma Valencia shares her 10-year journey caring for her mother with frontotemporal dementia, explaining how caregiving roles evolve from a helper to a full-time protector.

She discusses balancing family responsibilities, stepping away from her career, building community through her Instagram accounts, and finding small moments of joy amid challenges.

Alma emphasizes the need for understanding and collaboration between caregivers and healthcare professionals, advocating for a more inclusive approach to dementia care.

To learn more about Alma and her work, please find her on Instagram at: @mom_has_dementia and @thecaregivercomadre

Many thanks to Alma for sharing her time with us!

In this conversation, Erna and Megan discuss the challenges faced by caregivers in 2026, emphasizing the need for community support, the importance of respite, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. They explore the necessity of self-care for caregivers and the importance of taking action to support one another. The discussion highlights the need for collective values in caregiving and the importance of finding common ground across political divides. The conversation concludes with a call to action for caregivers to take care of themselves and each other as they navigate the complexities of caregiving.

In this episode of the Whole Caregiver podcast, hosts Erna and Megan engage in a heartfelt conversation with Jillian Arnold, author of 'Soaring Together.' They explore Jillian's journey as a caregiver, the emotional complexities of caring for children with disabilities, and the importance of inclusion and understanding differences. The discussion delves into the balance between caregiving and personal identity, the toll of caregiving on mental health, and the profound impact of loss. Jillian shares her insights on finding beauty in non-traditional lives and the lessons learned from her children, emphasizing that life can be beautiful even when it doesn't fit the typical mold. Jillian also shares how her creative projects—podcast, merch, and a book—help sustain purpose and connection.

If we want to learn more about Jillian's book and where to find it, check out her website:

https://www.confessionsofararediseasemama.com/donate

In this heartfelt holiday message, Megan and Erna express their gratitude to their listeners and reflect on the themes of love, service, and community. They share personal insights about the importance of connection during the holiday season, especially for those who may be grieving. The conversation emphasizes the value of friendship and support, and they look forward to engaging with their audience in the new year.

In this episode, Jillian discusses the early diagnosis, building a trusted care team, and navigating treatments while raising awareness through her podcast and children’s book. She also opens up about the everyday realities of caregiving — the importance of advocacy, finding community both online and in person, and carving out small acts of self-care to sustain resilience. Jillian reflects on how her experiences have positioned her as a resource for others facing similar challenges.

If you would like to find out more about Jillian and her work check out her website: https://www.confessionsofararediseasemama.com/

Hosts Erna and Megan interview Tracy Dunbar, founder of HR Redefined, about navigating caregiving in the workplace.

They explore the challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of creating supportive workplace policies, and the role of leadership in fostering a caregiver-friendly environment. Tracy shares her insights on the need for transparent communication, defining caregiving roles, and the balance between organizational needs and employee support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy, structure, and advocacy in improving the workplace for caregivers.

Tracy offers practical steps—flexible work arrangements, parental/paid leave, donated time banks, childcare options, knowledge management, cross-training, and budgeting for coverage—and emphasizes leadership courage and storytelling to normalize caregiving.

The episode gives actionable advice for caregivers to speak up and for employers to build equitable, sustainable systems that support staff while maintaining performance.

Erna and Megan talk with Lisa Valentine Clark about caring for her late husband, Dr. Christopher Clark, who was diagnosed with ALS. Lisa emphasizes the need to share experiences and the legacy of love that caregiving can create, even in the face of adversity. The conversation serves as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the connections formed through shared experiences.

She offers three core takeaways for caregivers: give yourself grace, accept help from your community, and speak openly about caregiving to support others facing similar journeys.

If you want to learn more about Lisa Valentine Clark, you can find her podcast "The Lisa Show" wherever you get your podcasts. 

In this episode hosts Erna and Megan reflect on Erna’s origin story as a caregiver, exploring grief, the temptation to idealize loved ones, and the move toward honest remembrance.  They explore the balance between honoring loved ones and acknowledging their complexities. They discuss connecting with other caregivers, building a supportive platform, and advocating for compassion within workplaces.

Erna shares her journey toward setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and pursuing a more fulfilling, multi‑threaded career. The episode ends with practical encouragement for listeners to care for themselves and others.

Check out Season 1 Episode 4 for Erna's origin story. 

Hosts Erna and Megan reflect on two years of The Whole Caregiver Podcast, revisiting their origin stories and how caregiving roles have changed over time. They discuss transitions—preparing children for independence, supporting aging parents, and the messy, non‑linear reality of caregiving.

The episode highlights learning to accept uncertainty, approach conflict constructively, advocate for loved ones, and embrace growth through caregiving’s ebbs and flows.

See Season 1 Episode 3 for Megan's origin story.