Self-Preservation and the Power of the Small Moment with Charlotte Bayala

This week, we sit down with the incredible Charlotte Bayala, host of the Cancer Caregivers Podcast and a nominee for the International Women's Podcast Awards. Charlotte brings raw honesty, heartfelt wisdom, and a refreshing sense of humor to a conversation every caregiver needs to hear. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or just in need of a reset, Charlotte offers a powerful reframing of what it really means to take care of yourself—and why she prefers the term "self-preservation" over "self-care."From the invisible weight of caregiving to finding joy in unexpected moments, Charlotte shares her own journey, practical breathing exercises, and insight into how employers can actually support caregivers (hint: it’s more than just checking a box in November). This is one of those episodes that will make you pause, breathe, and feel deeply seen. Press play and feel a little lighter. Episode Highlights:[2:18] - Meet Charlotte Bayala, host of the Cancer Caregivers Podcast, dialing in from Walmart country: Northwest Arkansas.[3:57] - Celebrating Charlotte's nomination for an international podcast award and what that recognition means to her.[6:49] - Charlotte’s approach to content creation: from seasonal caregiver needs to blending lived experience with professional wellness training.[9:09] - The backpack analogy that took our breath away (literally). How Charlotte illustrates the invisible load of caregiving.[11:09] - Why "self-preservation" matters more than "self-care" and how tiny daily actions make a big difference.[13:55] - A moment to pause: Charlotte guides us through a brief but impactful breathing exercise.[16:36] - What drives Charlotte to speak up for caregivers, and why being seen matters.[18:13] - Charlotte's personal caregiving journey and the revelation that changed everything.[21:49] - Humor in the hard moments: a hilarious hospital memory that underscores the power of laughter.[24:45] - Real support for caregivers at work: Charlotte's advice for employers and how she collaborates with organizations.[27:59] - Where to find Charlotte online and more about the Cancer Caregivers Podcast. Links & Resources:The Cancer Caregiver Podcast:  https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/ International Women's Podcast Awards:  https://everybody-media.com/awards/ 2025 short list for category Award For Changing The World One Moment At A Time:  https://ipwa.evessiocloud.com/2025/en/page/shortlist-2025 The Cancer Caregiver Podcast Episodes Mentioned:You Became a Caregiver But No One Told You  https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/S2E47/ The Secret Struggles of Working Caregivers https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/S2E34/ Why a ‘Caregiver Day’ Doesn’t Fix the Real Problem https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-a-caregiver-day-doesnt-fix-the-real-problem/id1504166813?i=1000697385064 Charlotte's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottebayala/ If 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.