What a Year of Dementia Advocacy Taught Me (with Anoushka Fernandes)

What can one year of dementia conversations teach us about care, stigma, grief, advocacy, and hope?In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa steps out of the interviewer’s chair and becomes the guest. Joined by guest host Anoushka Fernandes, Andrew reflects on how the show began almost by accident, what it has grown into, and what a year of conversations with caregivers, people living with dementia, researchers, advocates, clinicians, authors, and public voices has taught him.Together, Andrew and Anoushka look back on the moments that shaped the show, from the first caregiver support webinar to the powerful stories that changed how Andrew thinks about dementia, personhood, stigma, family, grief, regret, and hope.They also go behind the scenes of The Dementia Collective, including the emotional weight of listening to deeply personal caregiving stories, the work that goes into producing the show, and where Andrew hopes to take it in year two.In this episode:• How The Dementia Collective began by accident• What Andrew has learned from caregivers, experts, and people living with dementia• The stories and guests that stayed with him most• Why dementia stigma remains so harmful• The emotional weight of hearing caregiving stories• What goes into producing the show behind the scenes• Where Andrew hopes to take The Dementia Collective in year two• A special lightning round with Anoushka• Details on the one-year birthday giveawayWhether you have followed from the beginning or this is your first episode, this conversation is a reflection on why these stories matter and why no caregiver, family, or person living with dementia should feel alone.Birthday Giveaway:To celebrate one year of The Dementia Collective, we’re giving away a special prize to one member of our community.To enter:• Subscribe to The Dementia Collective wherever you watch or listen to the show• Like this episode• Comment with the phrase “Remember the Person”• Share one episode, moment, guest, or topic from TDC that stayed with youContest closes July 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST. The winner will be contacted by the official blueBell Village account.Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.ca———Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage———Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.