Between Now And Next Podcast

Not every caregiving story starts from a place of closeness. For many of us, caregiving happens within relationships that are already carrying the weight of unresolved history, emotional distance, or a family dynamic that was complicated long before anyone needed care.In this episode, we're talking about what it actually looks like to navigate caregiving inside those relationships. That means the relationship with the person you're caring for, sibling dynamics that are absent, unequal, or in conflict, and the broader family and community web that pulls on you, whether it's helping or not.This is also a personal one. I'm sharing part of my own story, what it meant to step into caregiving largely alone, within a family with its own particular shape, and what I felt when I realized that was just the reality I was working within.You don't have to have a perfect relationship to be a good caregiver. This episode is for everyone who has ever shown up for someone while also wishing things were different.

You've started the conversation. Now what? What should you actually ask?In this episode, I share my experience learning my parents' wishes by listening and watching, and the cost of not having things documented legally. I walk through 6 essential categories of questions that can help you prepare and reduce future stress. You'll learn what questions to ask in each category, why each one matters, and how to take it one conversation at a time.

In this episode, I share my experience trying to have these (health, aging, end of life) conversations with my parents: what made them hard, the cost of not having legal documentation, and how to approach them imperfectly.Key Takeaway: Pick one conversation prompt this week and try it to open the door with your loved one or even friend (if you want to try it on someone else, non-family first). This episode is for anyone hesitant to start or who tried, and it didn't go as well as you'd have hoped. 

You know what to expect when searching for resources (from Episode 16). Now, how do you actually find them?In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step guide: search strategies that work, 12 key resource types to look for, bonus methods (Facebook groups, YouTube, nonprofits), and how to evaluate whether a resource is a good fit.You'll also learn: How to search • What to look for on websites and reviews • What questions to ask when you call • How to visit facilities in person • Practical next steps once you find options.Key Takeaway: Pick 2-3 resource types this week and search for them in your area. Start building your own local resource list.This episode gives you the tools to find help one step at a time.

Finding caregiving resources sounds straightforward, but it's actually one of the most frustrating parts of caregiving.In this episode, I share how I first learned about resources (through hospital social workers during discharge), the challenges I faced, and what I wish someone had told me upfront.The 6 challenges I faced: Not understanding each resource individually Getting situational resources, not holistic guidance Assuming the provided resources are "the best." Not knowing how to evaluate or chooseThe gap between qualified and compassionate careThe emotional toll of seeking outside help.You'll learn: What to expect when searching for resources: Why "being provided resources" doesn't mean you're setHow to prepare emotionally and practically Why you need to do your own due diligenceKey Takeaway: Before you start searching, clarify what you actually need. Use the vocabulary from Episode 14 when talking to professionals.This episode isn't meant to scare you; it's intended to equip you.

How do you know when your loved one needs help?It's rarely one dramatic moment. More often, it's a series of small changes you notice over time—a hesitation where there used to be confidence, a struggle with something that used to be easy, a shift in who they are.In this episode, I share my experience recognizing when my parents needed help across different seasons of caregiving. From my dad's stroke when I was young to the slower decline that came with aging, I walk through what it looked like to notice need—and how to tell the difference between normal aging and signs that warrant attention.What You'll Learn:Why there's rarely just one moment when you realize someone needs helpHow to recognize changes against their baseline (not a generic standard)The three types of help to watch for: medical, daily living, and safety supportSigns to look for: physical changes, cognitive shifts, daily living struggles, safety concerns, and emotional withdrawalWhat to do when you notice something (document, talk to their doctor, start conversations, research options)Why recognizing need isn't failure—it's love

Caregiving feels isolating for many reasons - but one of the most overlooked is this: not having the language to find help. When you don't know what to search for, what to ask for, or how to describe what you need, support feels out of reach even when it exists.In this episode, I share how becoming a caregiver without the right vocabulary cost me time, clarity, and peace - and how learning the terminology of caregiving changed everything. We talk about why systems assume you already know the words, how that silence impacts caregivers emotionally, and how naming what you're experiencing can open doors to real help.If you've ever thought, "I don't even know what to ask for," this episode is for you.

Many caregivers quietly face how overwhelming and disorienting a new year can feel when life’s demands continue without pause.While the world is celebrating “fresh starts,” planning goals, and posting vision boards, caregivers are often carrying the same responsibilities, the same unpredictability, and the same emotional load into January. For many years, that was my reality too.This conversation is about entering a new year with honesty rather than pressure, clarity rather than perfectionism, and self-compassion rather than guilt. It’s about acknowledging that your beginning can be small, slow, or quiet and still be a beginning.I share what those years looked like for me, how I learned to adapt when the rest of the world felt out of reach, and why clarity, kindness, and agility became the anchors I returned to again and again.✨ Key Takeaways:* How “new year, new me” messages can be tough for caregivers.* How to be honest about what’s realistic right now.* Grace is survival, not just kindness.* Agility is key when life is unpredictable.* Set supportive, not pressured, goals.* Reflect on what to carry into 2026 and what to let go of.💡 This episode is for you if …* You’re entering the new year exhausted, stretched thin, or unsure where to begin.* You feel out of sync with the “new year energy” around you.* Traditional planning, resolutions, or goal-setting feel unrealistic or overwhelming.* You’re learning how to balance surviving today with hoping for tomorrow.* You want a way forward that honors your truth, not the world’s timeline.💬 Let’s Stay ConnectedIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with a caregiver who may be entering the new year feeling burdened. Your recommendation can provide them with validation, support, and a gentler perspective as they begin anew.I invite you to connect: What is one truth, ritual, or mindset you intend to bring into 2026? Share your thoughts with me; I’d love to hear about and support your journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

When caregiving ends, life becomes quiet in ways you can’t prepare for.The calls stop. The appointments end. The rhythm you’ve lived by for years disappears.In this episode, I talk about what that silence felt like for me, the relief, the grief, and the long road toward rediscovering who I am outside of caregiving.I share the lessons that came after the crisis: how to rebuild routines that center you, how to let rest feel safe again, and how to practice grace when life asks you to start over.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why the “after” of caregiving can be both peaceful and disorienting* What it means to redefine your identity beyond the caregiving role* How to rebuild a life that centers rest, grace, and self-care* The power of honoring your loved one through how you choose to live* What “grace after caregiving” really looks like in daily life💡 This episode is for you if:* You’ve recently ended your caregiving chapter and feel unsure what’s next* You’re learning to live again after loss or transition* You’re struggling to rest without guilt or to reclaim joy* You want to honor your loved one while also choosing yourself💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who’s navigating their own “after.”Question: What does grace after caregiving mean to you right now, and what would it look like to give yourself some today? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

No one talks about the middle of caregiving, the long, steady stretch between crisis and closure.When the emergencies have slowed, but the end isn’t near either.When every day looks the same, and the quiet feels heavy.When you start to wonder if you’re doing enough, even though you’re doing everything.In this episode, I share what that middle season looked like for me when life stopped moving in milestones and started to feel like maintenance. I talk about how sameness can become disorienting, how hope can fade quietly, and how endurance slowly teaches you strength, compassion, and patience with yourself.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why the “quiet middle” of caregiving matters more than we realize* How to find meaning and rhythm in repetitive days* The difference between growth and grace* Small rituals that can help you stay grounded* How stillness strengthens you for what’s next💡 This episode is for you if:* You feel stuck in a long season of caregiving without a clear end in sight* You’re maintaining more than you’re moving forward* You’re craving meaning in the middle, not just survival* You want permission to rest without guilt💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who might be in their own “quiet middle.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode, I open up about the messy overlap of work and caregiving, studying in hospital cafeterias, taking doctors’ calls between meetings, and trying to perform “fine” while privately falling apart. I share what I wish I’d known earlier: how to identify the support you actually need, how to start the conversation at work, and why accepting help is not a credibility risk, it’s sustainability.Whether you’ve answered emails from a waiting room or tried to balance handoffs while your world was in crisis, this one’s for you.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why caregiving stays invisible at work and how to name it without oversharing* A simple way to define what support you actually need (capacity, hours, flexibility)* How to ask clearly (framing the ask around sustainability, not sympathy)* What real support can look like: policy and people (check-ins, coverage, compassion)* A reframe: accepting help doesn’t shrink your capability, it multiplies your capacity💡 This episode is for you if:* Have you ever taken a doctor’s call between meetings* You feel torn between ambition and obligation* You want language to ask for flexibility without guilt* You’re learning to lead with both strategy and compassion💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If this resonates, share it with another caregiver who’s balancing both worlds.Question: What’s one small change at work that would make your week more sustainable? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode, we’re discussing the hidden structure behind caregiving, not the medical charts or paperwork, but the systems, rhythms, and habits that keep you steady when life feels unpredictable.Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been doing it for years, this conversation is about how to develop your practice of care, the mix of organization, mindset, and repetition that helps you show up day after day.I share how I went from feeling scattered and reactive to building simple systems that created space for calm and clarity. You’ll hear about the early chaos, the small shifts that changed everything, and how creating a care binder became one of the most grounding tools in my caregiving years.✨ Key Takeaways:* What a practice of care really means and how it evolves over time* How small systems create breathing room in the middle of chaos* Practical ways to begin building your own structure, even if it’s just a notebook or phone note* Why preparedness isn’t about perfection, it’s about peace of mind* The role a care binder can play in helping you hold what you’ve learned💡 This episode is for you if …* You’re tired of keeping every detail in your head and need a place to start* You want caregiving to feel more intentional and less overwhelming* You’re craving structure but don’t know where to begin* You’re learning how to balance control with compassion💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with another caregiver who might need this reminder that they’re not alone.What’s one part of your caregiving routine that could use a little structure or support? I’d love to hear what you’re building into your own practice of care. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode, we’ll discuss one of caregiving's most complex and freeing parts: asking for help.Whether you’re a solo caregiver, part of a family trying to coordinate responsibilities, or somewhere in between, this episode explores how to build the support system you need (and deserve).I share how I learned to move from doing it all myself to inviting others in, even when it felt uncomfortable. We’ll talk about the emotional side of delegation, how to communicate your needs clearly, and why no caregiver should carry this alone.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why asking for help can be so tricky, and how to start* The difference between needing support and having it* What a healthy, sustainable care team looks like* How to delegate and set boundaries without guilt* Where to find community if you don’t have support yet💡 This episode is for you if…* You’re trying to manage caregiving mostly on your own* You struggle with guilt or control when others step in* You want to build a stronger, more sustainable support circle🧭 Caregiver Resources MentionedIf you’re looking to start building your own circle of support, here are a few trusted communities and organizations that can help you begin:* Family Caregiver Support Network Facebook Group* Daughterhood: The Podcast & Community for Caregivers* Alzheimer’s Association* Diabetes Association* Council on Aging* AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Facebook Group* Family Caregiver Support Group Facebook Group* Caregiver Corner Facebook GroupEach offers a slightly different education, peer connection, encouragement, or resource, but they remind you that you’re not alone in this work.💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If this episode encourages you to take even one small step toward asking for help, share it with someone who might need to hear the same reminder.What’s one area of your caregiving life where you could use more support right now?Comment below your story; it might help someone else feel seen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode, we’re removing the curtain on what caregiving looks like, the real, unfiltered version that most people don’t discuss.Whether you’ve just stepped into caregiving or been doing it for a while, this one’s for you.I share stories from my earliest caregiving days when my routines changed completely, sleep disappeared, and I learned what it meant to carry the invisible weight of care.If you’ve ever wondered why caregiving feels like a full-time job that no one trained you for, this episode will help you feel seen, grounded, and less alone.✨ Key Takeaways:* What the day-to-day reality of caregiving actually looks like* How my routines, relationships, and sense of self changed* The invisible mental load every caregiver carries* How I learned to define “success” in caregiving* Small wins and rhythms that helped me find steadiness again💡 This episode is for you if…* You’re stepping into caregiving and want to know what to expect* You feel stretched thin and unseen in your daily routine* You’re trying to balance care for others with care for yourself💬 Let’s Stay Connected:If today’s episode resonates with you, share it with another caregiver who might need this reminder that they’re not alone.What’s one part of your daily routine that’s changed since caregiving began? Hit reply or comment below. I’d love to hear your story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to realize you’re a caregiver. In fact, many people are caregivers long before they ever use the word.This episode is all about recognition. We’re exploring how caregiving often starts quietly in small moments of support, advocacy, and showing up for someone else’s well-being. Have you ever wondered, “Does this count?” or “Is this caregiving?” This episode is for you.I’ll share stories from my journey, especially the moments before, when I didn’t yet call myself a caregiver but was living the role all the same. We’ll also bust myths, walk through different types of caregiving, and help you name this part of your story.✨ Key Takeaways:* Signs you may already be a caregiver (even if you don’t call yourself one)* The early, invisible ways caregiving begins* Common misconceptions that delay recognition* Why naming your caregiving role matters* Awareness is the first step toward preparation and support💡 This episode is for you if…* You support a loved one but don’t consider yourself a “caregiver”* Have you ever wondered if what you’re doing counts* You’re anticipating future caregiving responsibilities and want to prepare* You want to understand better the emotional and identity shifts that happen when caregiving begins💬 Let’s Stay Connected:I’d love to hear your story, whether you’ve been in this role for years or are starting to identify with it. Leave a comment, message me, or share this episode with someone who might need to hear that their care counts, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode we’re talking about one of the most essential and overlooked parts of caregiving: starting the conversation early. Whether your parents or loved ones are still independent or you’re already in the thick of caregiving, this episode is for you.I share what I wish I’d known, questions to help you begin the conversation, and why planning ahead can reduce stress, build trust, and protect everyone’s peace of mind.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why early caregiving conversations matter* Common reasons we avoid these talks and how to overcome them* What I’d do differently if I could go back* Questions to guide meaningful, practical discussions* How to approach emotional fears and resistance with empathy💡 This episode is for you if…* Your parents or loved ones are still independent, but aging* You’ve stepped into caregiving without a clear roadmap* You want to plan ahead, but aren’t sure how to begin💬 Let’s Stay Connected:Have you had “the talk” yet? If this episode sparks something for you, let me know. If you haven’t had the conversation yet, pick one question from today and gently begin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode, we're exploring what it means to go beyond the 9-to-5 and how to recognize when it might be time for a career transition. Whether you're craving growth, seeking more meaning, navigating burnout, or simply rethinking what success means, this conversation is for you.We'll explore the signs that it's time for a shift, the wide range of options beyond traditional employment, and how to make your move with intention. I'll share personal reflections from my career pivots, what worked (and what didn't), and steps to take if you're ready for something new.✨ Key Takeaways:* Signs you may be ready to leave your 9-to-5* Why redefining work doesn't always mean quitting cold turkey* What a portfolio career is—and how it can expand your impact* First steps to take before making a leap* Encouragement and reflection for navigating your "what's next"💡 This episode is for you if…* You feel stuck, burned out, or uninspired at work* You're exploring career pivots, consulting, or entrepreneurship* You want your career to align with your values and strengths💬 Let's Stay Connected:Have you recently shifted out of the 9-to-5? Or are you considering it? I'd love to hear your story. Please send me a message or comment on this post. And if you know someone in a season of "what's next," share this with them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

Welcome to the first official episode of The Prepared Caregiver, a dedicated segment of Between Now and Next. In this episode, we’re laying the foundation by exploring what it truly means to be a caregiver because it’s often misunderstood and deeply personal.Whether you’ve found yourself unexpectedly in a caregiving role or preparing for one in the future, today’s conversation highlights the different types of caregiving, how roles evolve over time, and the emotional weight of showing up for someone you love. I also share my own caregiving journey, including early experiences that began in childhood, and the lessons I’ve learned the hard way, like why self-care isn’t selfish and why legal preparation can’t wait.✨ Key Takeaways:* The many forms caregiving can take, from short-term to long-distance to full-time* How caregiving evolves with time, diagnoses, and life transitions* Personal reflections on caregiving as a child, teen, and adult* Misconceptions caregivers often face and the truths I’ve uncovered* What I wish I knew earlier (and what I want you to know now)💡 This episode is for you if…* You’re a caregiver, whether full-time, part-time, or supporting from a distance* You’re preparing for a caregiving role and want to be proactive* Have you ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or invisible in your caregiving journey💬 Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode resonates, comment or share your caregiving experience—I’d love to hear your story. You’re not alone. This space is for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

In this episode of Between Now and Next, I’m sharing the full story of how I landed where I am today, because it was not a straight line. From childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to falling into marketing, consulting, and eventually project management, my path has been shaped by caregiving, burnout, and a deep desire for meaningful work.You’ll hear how tracking my parents’ medical records as a teen unknowingly developed my strengths in organization, communication, and strategic thinking. How freelancing opened the door to entrepreneurship. How burnout nudged me toward a new field. And how I found clarity by trusting my skills even when I didn’t have the whole plan figured out.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why I left the medical field behind and how caregiving still shaped my future* How freelancing and imposter syndrome shaped my early career* The pivot from marketing into consulting, then project management* How burnout became a turning point* Encouragement for anyone navigating a career change💡 This episode is for you if…* You’re unsure how your past experiences connect to your next step* You’re navigating burnout or feeling stuck in your current role* You want to hear a real, honest story about changing careers without a “perfect plan”💬 Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave a comment with your own career story. I’d love to know what’s one lesson you’ve learned from an unexpected career detour? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

Welcome to an intro episode of Between Now and Next. In this first full episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the story behind the show. I’ll share what led me to start this podcast, why this space matters, and how I hope it supports you, especially if you’re navigating caregiving, career change, or a season of “what’s next?”Reflecting on the past six years, I discuss the recurring themes in my life: resilience, organization, strategic thinking, and how I realized my experience as a caregiver profoundly shaped them. I’ll walk you through how I saw my personal story and professional strengths as more connected than I ever realized and why that clarity made me pause, reset, and build something more intentional.✨ Key Takeaways:* Why I created Between Now and Next* How caregiving shaped my skills, values, and direction* The importance of stillness in gaining clarity* What you can expect from this podcast moving forward* A gentle reminder that your story, your skills, and your seasons are connected💡 This episode is for you if…* You’re feeling called to create something new from your lived experience* You’re navigating transition and seeking meaning in the “middle”* You want a podcast that honors complexity, clarity, and growth💬 Let’s Stay Connected: If something in today’s episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone you care about. I’m so glad you’re here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com

Hi,I'm proud (and a little nervous!) to introduce Between Now and Next — a podcast for those balancing caregiving, career shifts, and personal reinvention.This show is for those navigating the messy, meaningful middle between what was and what's next. Whether you're managing responsibilities, rethinking your career, or simply trying to find your footing during a season of change, you deserve a space that honors your complexity, not just your progress.Each episode offers real stories, thoughtful conversations, and expert insights to help you take your next best step, with clarity, grace, and intention.I created this space from experience. For over 15 years, I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents, all while going to school, building my career, and navigating life pivots of my own. Along the way, I picked up a few nicknames: "Pivot Patty" and "The Strategic Planner." If there's one thing I've learned, it's embracing change with grit and heart.If anyone knows how layered life can be, it's me — and I want you to feel less alone as you navigate yours.That's what this space is about: thriving in transition — not just by focusing on what's next, but by learning how to move through now with purpose and care.🗓️ New episodes will be released 2 to 3 times monthly as I get my footing on Substack. I hope you'll subscribe, share, and walk with me through these conversations.Thanks for listening,Tessa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betweennowandnext.substack.com