The Care Plan

Bevi Kothare has lived the full spectrum of aging care. From gerontologist to memory care leader to running tech companies building software for older adults, she's seen where the system breaks down from every angle. Now, as General Manager at enABLE Care Management and finishing her PhD in Leadership and Gerontology, she's on a mission to fix one of the biggest failures in aging tech: we keep building solutions for older adults without actually including them in the process.Here's the uncomfortable truth Bevi's research exposes: the digital divide isn't just about access to technology, it's about dignity, representation, and who gets a seat at the table when innovation happens. While Silicon Valley races to build the next AI-powered caregiving app, millions of older adults can't navigate basic technology because nobody thought to ask them what they actually need.In this conversation, we dig into why older adults are systematically excluded from technology design, what the digital divide really means (and how we solve it without just throwing iPads at the problem), and the often invisible landscape of support services available to families and caregivers. Bevi breaks down the role of geriatric care management, and shares what she's learned from spending years on both sides of the aging care equation.Whether you're building tech for older adults, caring for aging parents, or wondering why your grandmother still won't use FaceTime, this episode delivers the hard truths about inclusion, innovation, and what it actually takes to serve the aging population with dignity. Spoiler: it starts with listening.

Dr. Peter Abadir isn't your typical geriatrician. As Co-Principal Investigator of the Johns Hopkins Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Aging Research, a $20 million, five-year initiative from the National Institute on Aging that he co-leads, he's literally building the future of aging. From discovering that your blood pressure medication might actually prevent frailty, to developing AI that can detect cognitive decline by analyzing how you walk, he's steering one of the most ambitious aging research programs in the country.But here's what keeps him up at night: AI scammers using deepfake voice cloning to steal from vulnerable older adults. While Dr. Abadir's AITC funds breakthrough projects (eye-tracking tools for dementia detection, smart home sensors that predict falls, AI powered caregiver training apps), the same technology is being weaponized against the people he's trying to protect. Older adults lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, and deepfakes are making it exponentially worse.In this raw, urgent conversation, Dr. Abadir pulls back the curtain on how he's allocating millions in research funding, what's working in aging research (spoiler: group therapy is neuroscience, not just feelings), what's being criminally underfunded (fraud protection tech), and what the sandwich generation (especially men who don't ask for help) needs to understand about caregiving burnout. We explore why social connection might be more powerful than any pill, how AI is both the problem and the solution, and what it actually means to age with dignity in 2025.Whether you're in your 40s watching your parents decline, exhausted from dual caregiving duties, or wondering how to protect your aging loved ones from sophisticated scams, this episode delivers science-backed solutions from someone who controls the purse strings for aging innovation. Dr. Abadir shares practical strategies for "sandwich men" drowning in expectations, reveals which AITC-funded technologies will hit the market soon, and explains why the next frontier of elder care isn't just about living longer but about not getting scammed out of your life savings while you're at it.

Most of us plan our vacations more carefully than we plan our aging. This Wednesday for National Family Caregivers Month, we're sitting down with Sharon Peska and Mary Ann Buckley, two Licensed Social Workers with over 45 years of combined experience working with older adults and families, to talk about why that has to change.Sharon and Mary Ann have worked in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and geriatric care management. They've sat with thousands of families at their absolute breaking points, and they've noticed a pattern: the ones who planned ahead suffered less. A lot less.We're covering the conversations nobody wants to have but everyone needs to: from how to talk to your parent about their needs, to what information needs to be shared before a crisis, to why a Care Manager might be your secret weapon for aging in place. Plus, how to stay connected and engaged when isolation creeps in, and how to choose the right senior community when the time comes. This is the roadmap for families ready to move from denial to action.

What happens when your spouse becomes your patient? Or when your parent suddenly needs you to parent them? This November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we're diving into the invisible emotional architecture of caregiving with Alison Carelli, LCSW-C, a psychotherapist and care manager at Aging Network Services.With 53 million family caregivers in America providing an estimated $600 billion in unpaid care annually, we're facing a crisis hiding in plain sight. Alison pulls back the curtain on supporting a spouse with dementia, helping "resistant" parents accept care, and navigating anticipatory grief. This conversation is for every professional in their 40s juggling career, kids, and aging parents.

"Am I doing this right?" If you're caring for someone with dementia, you've asked yourself this question 1,000 times. This November for National Family Caregivers Month, we're sitting down with Jessica Young, BS, CDP, President and Aging Life Care Manager at Ferretto Young Care Management Consulting, to talk about why that's the wrong question.Jessica has spent two decades in senior care with a laser focus on dementia. She's presented at Johns Hopkins Memory Clinic Annual Conference and developed a CCRC at Home program from scratch. She knows what works, and spoiler alert: perfection isn't on the list.We're diving into why dementia caregiving is a process, how to build a confidence-boosting toolbox of strategies, and why engagement matters at every stage of cognitive impairment - even when it seems like your loved one isn't "there" anymore. This conversation is for every person watching a parent's memory slip, every spouse navigating communication breakdowns, and every caregiver who feels like they're failing because they're exhausted. Jessica's bringing the tools, the permission, and the roadmap you actually need!

Join Nirvana Tari and Dr. Lauren Blake, co-founder of Alstara, for a captivating conversation on how AI is transforming the future of drug discovery for Alzheimer’s and other neurocognitive diseases. As fellow members of the prestigious National Institute on Aging Startup Accelerator, Nirvana and Dr. Blake dive into the science, stories, and startup journey behind Alstara’s groundbreaking work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about biotech innovation, AI in medicine, or the next frontier of Alzheimer’s research.

Join Nirvana Tari and Dr. David Casarett for an inspiring conversation with Gina Upchurch, the small-town pharmacist who made it all the way to Washington as a national voice for patients and seniors. From founding Senior PharmAssist in Durham to serving on MedPAC advising Congress on Medicare, Gina shares how one local pharmacist can drive national change. Hear her take on medication insecurity, why Medicare is “the equal opportunity confuser,” and how pharmacists can help solve America’s drug access crisis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about health equity, elder care, or the future of community pharmacy.

Join Nirvana Tari for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Felicia Norrington, social work director at Georgia State University, as she reflects on twelve years of caregiving for her mother while building her career in higher education. Felicia shares hard-won lessons on burnout, balance, and the power of asking for help, while reframing caregiving as a form of leadership. This episode offers honest guidance and hope for student and young adult caregivers navigating the challenges of care, career, and self-growth.

Join Nirvana Tari and Dr. David Casarett for an eye-opening conversation with Joanna Duran and Monica Bryant, sister lawyers and co-founders of Triage Cancer, as they uncover the hidden legal realities of navigating cancer care. Learn how understanding just a few key health insurance and employment laws can save patients thousands and protect their rights during treatment. This episode is a must-listen for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who want to be truly empowered in the healthcare system.

Dr. Dani Cabral, neurologist and founder of BrainLove, shares how connection, purpose, and innovation are transforming Alzheimer’s care. Hosted by Nirvana Tari of CareYaya, this inspiring episode explores new hope for patients, caregivers, and families.

In this special in-person episode of The Care Plan, hosts Nirvana and Neal talk with Dr. Arif Kamal, an oncologist, palliative care physician, and the first-ever Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society, about transforming cancer care to meet patients and caregivers where they are.You’ll learn:- What really drives health system change- The launch of ACS Cares: the first patient-facing ACS app- How to make cancer care delivery meet people where they are- The shift in cancer from an episodic to a chronic condition- The role of empathy, presence, and relational trust in building patient-clinician relationships- Practical communication tools to open closed-off conversations- How clinicians can protect their longevity in the field- Factors that address the half of cancers with modifiable risk factorsWhether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, student, or policy leader, this conversation blends practical tools, systemic insights, and heartfelt stories about what it truly means to care.Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/#americancancersociety #caregivers #caregiving #caregivingadvocacy #cancer #oncology #palliativecare #healthcareinnovation #patientcenteredcare #ai #eldercare #seniorcare

In this episode of The Care Plan, host Nirvana speaks with Natalie Leary LCSW, Director of the Duke Dementia Family Support Program, about the realities of living with and caring for someone with memory loss. Natalie shares candid, practical, and compassionate advice for every stage from early warning signs to innovative ways to preserve independence.You’ll learn:- The first conversation to have with your parents this month about their future wishes- Affordable (and even free) dementia planning resources- The most overrated caregiving advice - What really happens in the first 48 hours after a dementia diagnosis- 3 things to investigate right away if you notice early signs of memory change- Tech tools that actually help dementia families- Hope on the horizon from new early-stage Alzheimer’s drugs- Creative, personalized caregiving solutions that give loved ones purpose and dignityWhether you’re a caregiver, future social worker, healthcare professional, or part of the sandwich generation, this conversation blends practical tips, emotional support, and forward-looking hope for the future of dementia care.Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/#dementia #dementiacare #alzheimers #caregiving #caregiversupport #caregiverburnout #advancecareplanning #ai #eldercare #seniorcare #socialwork

On this episode of The Care Plan, hosts Nirvana and Dr. David Casarett turn the tables on the legendary GeriPal Podcast hosts, Dr. Alex Smith and Dr. Eric Widera. Known for interviewing hundreds of experts in geriatrics and palliative care, Alex and Eric swap roles to answer the big questions themselves about aging, advance care planning, moral injury from insurance denials, and how AI could change the way we communicate in healthcare.You’ll hear:- Surprising truths about their “day jobs” beyond podcasting- The biggest myths patients believe about aging- Optimism and caution about AI in medicine- Why advance care planning and surrogate decision-making matter now- Fun rapid-fire takes on VR dementia therapy, AI medication management, intergenerational housing, and Medicare for AllWith humor, candor, and deep expertise, the GeriPal hosts show why geriatrics and palliative care are not only essential, but also joyful, human, and sometimes fun!Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/#healthyaging #geriatrics #palliativecare #seniorcare #AI #aiinhealthcare #advancecareplanning #aging #intergenerational #eldercare

In this powerful episode, Dr. Nisha Chellam, a Board-Certified Internist and functional medicine pioneer, opens up about the health crisis that forced her to rethink everything she learned in traditional medicine. At the age of 42, despite “normal” labs, she felt like she was falling apart. Migraines, fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings plagued her daily life until she discovered the transformative principles of root-cause, lifestyle-driven care.Now thriving and helping thousands reclaim their health, Dr. Chellam covers:- Functional vs conventional medicine: what’s the difference?- Sleep, movement, mindset & the 5 pillars of healthy aging- Why most “normal” labs are missing the real picture- Blood tests that actually matter in your 40s+- The dangers of overprescription and system-driven care- What your doctor isn’t telling you and why- The truth about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic- And more!Whether you're a high-performing professional starting to feel worn down, or someone caring for a loved one lost in the system, this conversation is a must-listen.Dr. Chellam is a leading voice in the movement to reclaim health from a broken system. She serves as a clinical leader at Parsley Health and brings decades of frontline experience both inside and outside traditional medicine.Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Dr. Corita Grudzen, head of Supportive and Acute Care Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and one of America’s leading physician-innovators, is rewriting the rules of how we care for seriously ill patients.From transforming the ER into a place of compassion, not chaos, to pioneering in-home emergency care and bridging palliative care with real-time clinical decision-making, Dr. Grudzen is reshaping how we live, not just how we die. We are also joined by guest co-host Dr. David Casarett, Chief of Palliative Care at Duke University.In this episode, learn- Why palliative care is really about living not dying- The untold moral distress of ER docs and how to fix it- Radical new ideas for delivering hospital-level care at home- Why emergency care is actually a communication specialty- And more!Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/

In this powerful, thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Daniel Thomas, one of the youngest and most forward-thinking geriatricians in the U.S., shares the real secrets to aging well. Trained at Johns Hopkins and now practicing at Penn State Health, Dr. Thomas blends cutting-edge science with deep human insight gained from years of listening to his senior patients.In this episode, learn- The 3 habits every adult should start TODAY for healthy aging- Why functional, age-friendly healthcare is essential and still rare- How wearable tech + AI can help detect decline before it happens- Mental health tools for caregivers in the sandwich generation- A bold policy idea that could fix elder care in AmericaDr. Thomas also dives into what most healthcare systems are missing about elder care and how we can rebuild aging care for the 21st century, including innovations in AI, caregiver support, and tech that empowers (not replaces) human connection.Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, tech founder, or simply planning your own aging journey, this conversation will change how you think about getting older.Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya connects families to intelligent, compassionate caregivers who are pre-health students trained in both empathy and evidence-based care. As a social-impact startup, CareYaya is revolutionizing senior care and improving quality of life for aging adults, all while nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Learn more about CareYaya at - www.careyaya.org- www.linkedin.com/company/careyaya/- www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/

Join us as we dive into the world of AI with Rick Robinson, VP of Innovation at the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP!AARP is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan U.S. organization dedicated to empowering people aged 50+ through advocacy, services, research, and benefits. The AgeTech Collaborative from AARP is an ecosystem launched by AARP that brings together startups, investors, enterprises, testbeds, and service providers to accelerate technology innovations aimed at making aging easier and improving quality of life. Since its launch in 2016, it has invested roughly $6 million across over 80 AgeTech startups, helping them advance from pilot to market-ready solutions. Its mission is to discover innovators, accelerate technology deployment, and foster collaboration to drive meaningful impact in the growing $45 trillion longevity economy.Brought to you by CareYaya, the #1-rated solution for in-home senior care across America, providing industry-leading quality care at the most affordable rates. It is known especially for delivering the most reliable and affordable overnight senior care and 24-7 care in many major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. CareYaya is a celebrated and proud member of the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP.

Join us as we sit down with the amazing Nicole Jorwic, Chief of Advocacy and Campaigns at Caring Across Generations, special education attorney, and family caregiver.We discuss:00:00 Intergenerational Relationships and Caregiving01:59 Inadequate Support Infrastructure for Caregivers03:59 Innovations and Caregiving Models06:12 Federal and State Level Changes for Caregivers07:31 Reshaping Attitudes and Support for Caregiving Responsibility10:19 Federal and State Level Changes for Caregivers14:36 Advice for Family Caregivers19:02 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers22:14 Strengthening Intergenerational Relationships in Caregiving

We sat down with the amazing Debbie Weiss, caregiver since she was 17 and author of the book "On Second Thought... Maybe I Can!" Join us as we discuss Debbie's caregiving experience, managing caregiver burnout, overcoming limiting beliefs, and more!

Today, we are honored to meet with Senator Gale Adcock, a North Carolina Senator and family nurse practitioner for 37 years. Join us as we discuss:- Family caregiving in the workplace- Importance of intergenerational connections- Strategies and policies addressing caregiver shortages- Fostering future healthcare professionalsAnd more!

Today, we are speaking with the incredibly interesting Dr. Alexis Drutchas! Dr. Drutchas is a Palliative Care Physician at Mass General Hospital, and she was recently promoted to Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School! Join us as she takes us on a fascinating journey through her eventful life thus far! Listen as she discusses the importance of palliative care, caregiving, and storytelling!

Today, we are joined by Dr. Mitch Clionsky! Mitch is a Board Certified Neuropsychologist who, with his wife, has a combined 70 years of experience! Listen as he discusses the role of caregivers in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Also, hear him share his personal experience with dementia and offer advice on grieving and embracing change!

Want to get inspired? You’re in the right place! On today’s episode, we are joined by the amazing Fitz Koehler! Fitz is a fitness innovator, race announcer, author, speaker, and more! She is a breast cancer crusher who uses her positive energy to encourage others to live happier and healthier lives. Also, hear her thoughts on how to balance fitness and caregiving! Listen now to hear her inspirational words!

On today’s episode, we are joined by Joyce Massey-Smith. Joyce is the Director for the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services. She has been a champion of the aging policy field for a long time! Listen as she explains why she finds her work so important in the world we live in today, as well as resources that could benefit you!

Today, we are joined by Dr. Carolyn Clevenger. Dr. Clevenger is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner who leads the Integrated Memory Care Clinic. Listen as Carol describes this one of a kind clinic model and how it is making revolutionary changes for people living with Dementia and their care partners!

On today’s episode, we are joined by Joe Hallisy. Joe is the Associate Director of Creative Services at Michigan Medicine where he and his team are dedicated to sharing patient stories, informational health content, and more! Listen as he shares some of these stories and other personal anecdotes that inspire his work!

Join us on today’s episode where we will be speaking with Dr. Reg Williams. Dr. Reg has an extensive clinical research and educational career where his primary area of expertise is depression and stress. Listen as he shares his experiences of the military, college life, and career journey!

On today’s episode, we are speaking with Jessica Guthrie. Jessica is the full time caregiver of her mother, Constance Guthrie, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Jessica created When Career and Caregiving Collide to share her experiences of starting a career and simultaneously being a caregiver. Join us today as she speaks on these experiences first hand, as well as share her personal encounters with medical professionals as she navigates the healthcare space.

Today, we are joined by Dr. Stephen Strobbe. Dr. Strobbe is a professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and the U of M Medical School Department of Psychiatry. Listen as he shares details of his remarkable career as well as his interesting and effective strategies he uses in the classroom. Also, tune in for the heartwarming story of how he received the Golden Apple Teaching Award!

On today’s episode, we are speaking with Carol Kim. Carol is the founder of Shasta Advisory and has a public affairs career that has spanned across many sectors. Join us as she takes us along her personal and professional career journey and shares the inspirations behind her incredible work.

Do you want to learn about just how powerful music can be? Then join us on today’s podcast where we will be speaking with Rachael Lawrence-Lupton. Rachael is a music therapist who assists people with a diverse range of mental, physical, and cognitive abilities. Listen as she shares her intimate and remarkable stories about how her music has made an impact on people’s lives.

Today, we are speaking with Andrea Osborne whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 64. Andrea is a blog writer who shares her experiences with caring for her mother. Join us as she personally takes us into her life and describes how she was able to stay connected with her mother during hard times.

On today’s episode, we are speaking with Dr. Macie Smith. Dr. Smith is a Licensed Gerontology Social Worker, Author, Professor, and more. One of her career goals lies in the importance of advocating and educating caregivers. Join us as she speaks on her experiences and her motivations for her amazing work.

Dr. Bruce Chamberlain is a Hospice and Palliative Care Physician. In this episode, he shares his passion and stories from his work and also addresses common misconceptions about what Palliative Care has to offer. 

Are you interested in learning about the experience of medical school from a current student? Then join us on today’s podcast where we are speaking with Bryce Piro. Bryce is a third year medical student and the founder of CoffeeDocs. Listen as Bryce details his personal account of medical school thus far and how he utilizes his social media platform to create fun content about his experiences.

Join us as we speak with Josh Crisp, the CEO of Solinity, which is a progressive senior living operator that works to bring generations together. Josh is also on the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities in Tennessee’s Department of Health. Listen as he details the importance of caring for the aging population and the opportunities you can get involved in!

Today, we are speaking with Dr. Jonisha Brown, a family medicine doctor residing in Charlotte, NC. Join us as she discusses her amazing career accomplishments and what it took to get her there, as well as her personal interests in addressing diversity and inclusion in medicine.

In this episode, we are speaking with social media influencer, Hadley Vlahos. Hadley is a hospice registered nurse, mom, and wife who rose to fame on social media after sharing her personal stories in the field. Listen as she details how her platform has helped her educate, inspire, and influence millions of people. Also, be sure to check out her book, The In-Between, which comes out today!

Are you interested in receiving top tier advice for applying to medical school? Then join us on today’s podcast where we speak with Dr. Jim and Michelle Jones. Michelle is a family physician practicing in Pender County, North Carolina. Jim is the founding chairman of the department of Family Medicine at ECU and also served on the admissions committee. Both are devoted to bringing quality care to rural areas of NC. Listen as we discuss their journey to discovering their passion for family medicine as well as hear their opinion on what makes someone a good candidate for medical school.

Join us as we speak with Dr. Alisha Benner, a Palliative Medicine Physician at Duke University Health System about her experiences in her career as well as raising a child with Autism."There's a saying among families like ours with with children with significant special needs or medical needs that that we can't ever die because who's going to advocate and protect our children over their lifetimes? These struggles are endless and lifelong. And that's really where we really need assistance from the media and the government to really address this population. The media in particular love to focus on the high functioning autistic adults who are college graduates or business owners but really fails to focus on those in real danger."

Join us as we speak with Dr. Elise Eifert, an expert in gerontology, who answers our questions regarding this widely misunderstood field. Hear her speak about the differences between gerontology and geriatrics, her path that led her to this field, her current research interests, and much more!"The biggest thing for me that I've learned about aging is that we underestimate older adults all the time. My idea of what it means to be 70, 80, 90, even 100 has continually and repetitively just been shattered through the people I've met over the years TV, movies, social media, the news, whatever is out there that has shaped mine and your perception of getting older is just wrong."

"What advice would you have to a family member out there who is trying to support a loved one in their recovery process?""Listen. Listen. Well, I think that's the most important thing. Listen. With the intent to understand, because obviously, if you're caretaking or about to cross that threshold into that into that world, you have to you have to listen to what the problems are that your loved ones are experiencing. And then like like my mom said, just continue to research."Listen to Matt Case, videographer and author of "Give Me Strength" along with his mother, discuss the importance of exercise for seniors.

As we age, our priorities and needs change. Safety becomes a top concern, but so does happiness and fulfillment. In this episode, we talk with geriatric social worker, Bryan Godfrey, about the challenges of balancing safety and happiness for seniors.

Officer Nealy Ambron shares her experiences balancing a 19-year long career in the US Army with being the mother to 4 children, one of whom has a serious disability. Through her own lived experiences, Officer Ambron has observed flaws in the nation's system of caregiving, that often leaves vulnerable people uncared for. On today's podcast, she shares about her family, and what lies ahead for her.

Listen as we converse with Dr. Ben Thompson, a Triple Board-Certified Physician in Family Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Addiction Medicine. In this episode, we will talk about palliative care, personal experiences, and advice for students aspiring to pursue medicine. 

Join us as we interview Mary-Ann Baldwin, the Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mayor Baldwin discusses her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother with dementia and touches on the innovative solutions that are developing within the care industry to better meet the needs of respite and relief for family caregivers.

In this episode, we will be speaking with Dr. Jenisha Henneghan, the Assistant Director Area Agency on Aging at Triangle J Council of Governments. Jenisha is a leader in the world of aging, care and advocacy. Join us as we discuss the public health concerns surrounding caregiving and the actions we must take to ensure affordable and accessible care. 

Welcome to this episode of our podcast where we will be speaking with Lindsay McGraw, a full-time physical therapist, and full-time caregiver. Lindsay not only manages her professional responsibilities but also juggles caring for her children and aging mother-in-law at home.Join us as Lindsay candidly shares her experiences of what it's like to be a caregiver in a sandwich generation, the challenges she faces, and the strategies she employs to manage her responsibilities. If you are a caregiver in a similar situation or interested in learning more about the challenges of being in the sandwich generation, this episode is a must-listen. So tune in to hear Lindsay's inspiring story and learn from her valuable insights on how to manage the responsibilities surrounding caregiving.

We are excited to introduce our first guest, Jennifer Murray. Jennifer is a trailblazer in the world of human resources. After decades of experience, leading teams for high technology innovators like Cisco Systems, Jennifer is now serving as the president of Onboard Solutions. Here, she uses her expertise to support organizational growth by elevating and accelerating the employee onboarding experience. Listen to this episode as we discuss the importance of caregiving benefits in the workplace. 

What if loneliness isn't an individual problem but a design flaw in how we've built society? Frances Wu traded her law degree for a therapy couch, and now she's on a mission to create something radical: spaces where seniors can just... be. Not isolated in age-segregated communities, but thriving in vibrant third places: the cafes, parks, and gathering spots where real community happens. In this conversation, we'll explore why group therapy works when pills don't, what other countries get right about aging that we're missing, and how the holidays are actually the perfect time to have those difficult conversations your family's been avoiding. If you've ever wondered why supporting a caregiver matters more than you think, or why your grandmother needs more than just a senior center, this episode will change how you see aging in America. What if loneliness isn't an individual problem but a design flaw in how we've built society? Frances Wu traded her law degree for a therapy couch, and now she's on a mission to create something radical: spaces where seniors can just... be. Not isolated in age-segregated communities, but thriving in vibrant third places: the cafes, parks, and gathering spots where real community happens. In this conversation, we'll explore why group therapy works when pills don't, what other countries get right about aging that we're missing, and how the holidays are actually the perfect time to have those difficult conversations your family's been avoiding. If you've ever wondered why supporting a caregiver matters more than you think, or why your grandmother needs more than just a senior center, this episode will change how you see aging in America.