Bonnie Wattles of Hilarity for Charity: What Caregivers Are Still Missing

We sit down with Bonnie Wattles to unpack what it really looks like to support working caregivers—without the fluff and without the one-size-fits-all mindset. From the origin story behind Hilarity for Charity to the growing (and often invisible) population of caregivers in the workforce, we explore why this conversation matters now more than ever.We also dig into the real-life challenges caregivers face daily—balancing work, family, and emotional stress—and the practical tools, community support, and mindset shifts that can make a meaningful difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure where to start, this conversation is packed with insights that will meet you exactly where you are.Episode Highlights[0:58] - We kick things off and introduce Bonnie and her work in the caregiving space[3:27] - The origin story of Hilarity for Charity and its mission[6:16] - Why younger caregivers were historically overlooked—and what’s changing[7:23] - The importance of supporting both caregivers and care recipients[11:10] - Exploring HFC’s tools and how caregivers actually use them in real life[13:16] - Bonnie shares personal advice from her own caregiving journey[14:20] - Deep dive into the Caregiver Road Trip tool and why it resonates[18:15] - Virtual support groups and the power of accessible community[19:23] - What employers are missing when it comes to supporting caregivers[23:12] - The real impact of respite care—and why it matters[25:28] - Rapid-fire insights: myths, realities, and small actions that matter[27:31] - Final advice for overwhelmed caregivers: finding communityLinks & ResourcesLindsay Jurist-Rosner’s Caregiver Story (Wellthy About Page): https://wellthy.com/aboutEpisode with Lindsay Jurist-Rosner: https://workingcaregiverspodcast.com/the-future-of-caregiving-at-work-with-wellthys-lindsay-jurist-rosnerNational Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.orgHilarity for Charity (HFC): https://wearehfc.orgHFC Care for Caregivers: https://wearehfc.org/caregiversStories From Real Working Caregivers Series: https://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/stories-from-real-working-caregiversHFC Caregiver Road Trip (Free Tool): https://wearehfc.org/caregiver-roadmapSupport HFC / Employer Challenge (“Walk the Talk”): https://wearehfc.org/donateWhite Owl Tavern (Wharton, NJ): https://www.whiteowltavern.comContact Hilarity for Charity:[email protected]@wearehfc.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.