A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast
I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors. After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them...
Boundaries, Balance & Self-Care for Women Caregivers with Jessica Rich
What if success didn’t have to cost your peace?
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel sits down with wellness coach Jessica Rich to talk about something many caregivers silently struggle with: burnout, pressure, and the belief that we must always carry everyone else first.
Jessica shares her journey from senior corporate leadership to redefining success on her own terms — walking away from burnout, setting boundaries, and creating a life rooted in harmony instead of hustle.
Together, we explore:
Why high-achieving women burn out How t...From Caregiver to Creator: Maureen Jirikowic on Identity, Style, and Healing
In this heartfelt episode, Isabel sits down with Maureen Jirikowic, founder of Miracles of Beauty, to explore what it really means to rediscover yourself after caregiving, grief, and major life transitions. Drawing from her journey as a caregiver to her late husband, Maureen shares how style, self-care, and small daily choices can become powerful tools for healing, confidence, and renewal. This conversation is an invitation for caregivers and women in transition to reconnect with who they are — gently, intentionally, and with compassion.
Medicare Without the Confusion: What Caregivers Need to Know with Kandice Hall
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with Medicare expert Kandice Hall to unpack one of the most confusing topics caregivers and families face: Medicare.
Kandice shares her personal journey into healthcare education and explains why Medicare is not “free,” how costly penalties can happen without proper guidance, and why timing matters when enrolling. Together, they clarify common misconceptions, upcoming changes, and the importance of having a trusted agent who educates rather than sells.
This conversation is a compassionate, practical guide for caregivers, families, and anyone approaching Medi...
Surviving the Sandwich Generation: A Conversation with Caregiver Advocate Paul Wynn
In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with caregiver advocate and author Paul Wynn about the emotional and practical realities of caring for multiple loved ones while raising a family. Paul shares his personal story of supporting both his mother and uncle through Alzheimer’s, the challenges of being a working caregiver in the sandwich generation, and the essential role of connection, support networks, and flexible workplaces. Together, they explore how caregivers can bring families together, use small moments for self-care, and find community—even when they feel alon...
How Design Shapes Our Well-Being — with Janet Elizabeth Roche
“Design isn’t just about beauty — it’s about dignity.”
This week, Janet Elizabeth Roche shares how inclusive and trauma-informed design helps people feel seen, heard, and welcomed.
If you care for someone, or you need a space that supports your own emotional well-being, this episode will inspire you.
If you have questions about any of this, make sure to listen to the episode all the way through.
What inclusive design really meansWhy knowing the population mattersHow architecture can confuse usLight and sound are keyColor isn’t universalSmall changes, big impactAgency healsWhere to start tod...Wills vs. Trusts: What Every Family Should Know with Arma Fitzgerald
Estate planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel sits down with estate planning attorney Arma Fitzgerald to break down wills, trusts, probate, and how planning ahead can bring peace and clarity to families. This gentle, practical conversation will help you understand what steps truly matter — so you can protect your loved ones and yourself.
If you have questions about any of this, make sure to listen to the episode all the way through.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Mark Kashar’s Advice for Families & Caregivers
Welcome to A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast! In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Mark Kashar to talk about the importance of insurance, long-term care planning, and how to protect your loved ones with smart financial decisions. Learn why early planning matters, what insurance companies look for, and how to avoid common — and costly — mistakes caregivers face. Perfect for anyone wanting clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Recognizing Burnout Before It Hits: Advice from Dr. Laura Paredes
In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dr. Laura Paredes, a geriatrician, about one of the biggest challenges caregivers face — burnout. Together, they explore why it happens, how it affects both caregivers and their loved ones, and what can be done to prevent it. Dr. Paredes shares real-life stories from her patients, practical tips for self-care, and the importance of recognizing our own limits.
A heartfelt and eye-opening conversation for anyone who gives care with love but sometimes forgets to care for themselves.
New Horizons: Preparing for What’s Ahead
In this short update, host Isabel Melgarejo shares exciting news with the A Time to Care community! As the podcast celebrates over 100 episodes, Isabel talks about what’s ahead — including new projects, resources, and ways to support caregivers. She also announces a small change: new episodes will now be released every other week to make space for upcoming initiatives designed to help you thrive in your caregiving journey.
✨ Stay connected and don’t miss what’s coming next — subscribe to the newsletter and get your free guide to having difficult conversations by registering in our page.
When Care Meets Innovation: Hailey How’s Journey
In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Hailey How, co-founder of CareCorgi, an AI-driven caregiving platform designed to make family caregiving simpler and more connected. Hailey shares her deeply personal caregiving story that inspired her to create a tool to support the 53 million caregivers across the U.S.
Together, they explore the emotional realities of caregiving—from family communication challenges to the need for personalized care plans that honor culture and family dynamics. Hailey also offers a glimpse into how technology and empathy can wo...
No Country for Old People: The Power of Love, Laughter, and Advocacy in Elder Care with Susie Singer
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo talks with filmmaker, actress, and elder care advocate Susie Singer Carter. What begins as a warm, humorous conversation about Susie’s caregiving journey with her mother evolves into a powerful discussion about ageism, dementia, and the broken long-term care system.
Susie shares how her personal experience inspired her short film My Mom and the Girl and her documentary No Country for Old People, exposing the deep issues in elder care while championing dignity, love, and laughter through th...
The Calm That Comes from Being Ready with Lynn Lambrecht
In this insightful episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, host Isabel Melgarejo welcomes her friend and special guest, Lynn Lambrecht, founder of The Living Planner. Drawing from her experience in aviation emergency response and years of helping families prepare for life’s unexpected moments, Lynn shares why planning ahead is an act of love — not fear. Together, they explore how to make practical, thoughtful choices about important documents, caregiving, and end-of-life wishes, and why honest conversations today can ease tomorrow’s burdens.
The Living Planner Social Media Accounts
Webs...
Protecting Loved Ones Beyond Numbers with Ryan Botzong
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with financial advisor Ryan Botzong to explore the often-overlooked side of financial planning: managing risks, protecting loved ones, and making tough conversations easier. From life insurance and long-term care to aligning your plan with what truly matters, Ryan shares practical advice and personal insights on how to approach these challenging topics with care, clarity, and compassion. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to create a plan that protects both their family and their peace of mind.
Travel as Medicine: Restoring the Caregiver’s Spirit with Dr. Clay Lowder
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel welcomes Dr. Clay Lowder, family physician and founder of the Winners Travel Foundation. Together they explore the realities of caregiver syndrome, the importance of rest, and how travel can renew body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Louder shares his journey from medicine to creating life-changing retreats and free travel opportunities for caregivers, reminding us all that renewal is possible and community makes the journey lighter.
Finding Your Voice in Healthcare with Claudia Cometta
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo welcomes Claudia Cometta, a pharmacist who transformed her own family’s health crisis into a mission of hope and advocacy. Claudia shares how her father’s illness opened her eyes to the struggles patients face and inspired her to guide others with compassion, clarity, and courage. Together, they explore how to reclaim your voice in healthcare, set meaningful goals for well-being, and embrace a new paradigm where patients and families are empowered to shape their own health journey.
Finding Beauty in Life’s Final Chapter with Martha Jo Atkins
Why do we fear death—and how can we see its beauty? In this heartfelt episode, host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with death doula Martha Jo Atkins about end-of-life care, breaking taboos, and finding peace in life’s hardest goodbyes.
What if the secret to abundance is simply choosing joy today?
In this episode, Isabel shares how a simple shift in mindset—choosing love, care, joy, and abundance—can transform everyday life. From self-talk to daily habits, she shows how to replace guilt with gentleness and discover the abundance already around us. A gentle reminder that you deserve more kindness, more joy, and more peace—starting with yourself.
What if the biggest challenge in caregiving isn’t age, but ageism? An Interview to Dr Mara Karpel
In this episode of Time to Care Like Caregivers, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with psychologist, author, and podcast host Dr. Mara Karpel to explore the hidden impact of ageism in healthcare and caregiving. From her personal journey advocating for her mother to her upcoming book on navigating an ageist system, Dr. Karpel shares insights, tools, and hope for caregivers who often feel unheard. A powerful conversation about dignity, advocacy, and finding passion at any age
Hobbies: Your Secret Care Tool
In this episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, Isabel Melgarejo reminds us that life is more than work and responsibilities. She explores the power of hobbies and joyful activities, why we often postpone them, and how even small steps—like researching or trying something new—can bring energy and fulfillment into our daily lives.
Transforming Caregiving into a Season of Growth
In this episode, Isabel invites listeners to pause, reflect, and imagine their future as caregivers—or as care receivers. Drawing from her experience leading her first Planning Lab for Caregivers and Retirees, she shares how planning for care can be just as meaningful and intentional as planning a trip, a new home, or retirement dreams.
Through a guided journaling and reflection exercise, Isabel encourages listeners to:
Explore their expectations and emotions around caregiving.Identify the mix of feelings that come with this life stage—honor, sadness, guilt, joy, or overwhelm.
Recognize which emotions they may...
Looking Ahead: Exciting Upcoming Projects at Tum Coeur
In today’s episode, we take you behind the scenes at Tum Coeur to share an exciting glimpse of what’s coming next. From new podcast series and live workshops to community events and creative collaborations, we’re building meaningful spaces to grow, connect, and care—together.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’ve just joined our community, this is the perfect time to tune in and learn about the vision that inspires everything we do. We talk about our goals for the months ahead, the new resources we’re working on for...
Healing What We Inherit: Understanding Generational Trauma with Eve Buck
In today’s episode, we speak with Eve Buck, an expert in generational trauma—the emotional and psychological wounds that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Eve helps us understand that trauma isn’t always caused by a single event. Sometimes, it’s inherited. We may carry the weight of experiences we didn’t personally live through, but that were passed to us through learned behaviors, emotional responses, and even family silence. These patterns often show up in our lives as chronic stress, anxiety, over-vigilance, or feelings of fear or...
When Life Feels Uncomfortable: Choosing Curiosity and Clarity Over Confusion
In this episode of the podcast, we explore those seasons in life when something just doesn’t feel right—when discomfort lingers, but we’re not quite sure what to do about it. These moments can feel heavy or confusing, especially when we silence the voice of curiosity.
Often, when we stop being curious, we also stop exploring new perspectives. We fall into autopilot, tolerate discomfort, or assume there’s no solution—just "A or B," black or white, this or that. But what if there’s a third way?
We share three key lessons t...
Letting Go: Making Space for What Matters
In today’s episode, we take a thoughtful look at the things we hold on to—especially the clothes and belongings that no longer serve a real purpose in our lives. It’s easy to keep items simply because they once worked for us or because they hold sentimental value. But just because something was useful or meaningful in the past doesn't mean it's still helping us thrive today.
We invite you to consider: Do the objects around you bring joy, comfort, or inspiration? Or are they simply taking up space—physically and emotionally?
Letting go isn’t...
"Understanding Grief: Giving Space to What Was Lost"
In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we welcome grief expert Danielle Southwick for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation on one of the most universal yet often misunderstood experiences: grief.
Danielle reminds us that grief is a normal and natural part of life—it’s not something to hide, fix, or rush through. She expands our understanding of grief by explaining that it doesn’t only come from the death of a loved one. Grief shows up in many forms:
Tangible losses, such as the death of someone close, graduati..."Taking the Fear Out of Finances: A Caregiver’s Guide to Financial Confidence"
In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with financial advisor Joel Arsenault for an eye-opening conversation about personal finance—especially for caregivers and families navigating later stages of life.
Joel encourages us to go deeper into the topic of finances, reminding us that financial planning is not just for experts or investors—it’s for everyone, especially those in caregiving roles. He reflects on how, in the past, financial decisions were often left solely to men, which created an imbalance in knowledge and confidence that still lingers today. Many people—p...
Faith, Healing, and the Sacred Work of Caregiving
In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Amy Chastain, author of How to Find God in the Caregiver’s Journey. Amy opens her heart and shares how her personal relationship with God was both tested and strengthened through her caregiving experience. She candidly describes a time when she felt unworthy and had to return to the foundations of her faith to rebuild from within.
Amy emphasizes the vital importance of community, even when it feels incredibly vulnerable to admit we need help. She reminds us that healing is not a on...
Healing the Body, Shifting the Mind: A Conversation on Recovery, Joy, and Acceptance with Brian Lerch
In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Brian Lerch, a seasoned executive in healthcare who works at a rehabilitation hospital that supports individuals recovering from traumatic events—such as car accidents or major strokes.
Brian shares valuable insights into the journey of rehabilitation, where the goal is not just physical recovery but also emotional and mental transformation. Patients at his facility participate in three hours of therapy a day, focusing on regaining the ability to perform daily tasks. But the journey doesn’t stop there. A crucia...
Peace Within the Storm: Finding Calm as a Caregiver with Rick Henkin
In this deeply moving episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Rick Henkin, who shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Faced with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and a heart heavy with grief, Rick found little external guidance to help him cope. So, he turned inward.
What followed was a profound internal transformation—a path toward peace, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.
Rick opens up about the lessons he’s learned in this intimate caregiving journey. He encourages caregivers not to be too...
Talk Kindly to Yourself: Rewriting Your Inner Dialogue with Traci Poe
In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Traci Poe, a communication expert with a powerful message—not about how we speak to others, but how we speak to ourselves.
Traci explains that one of the most damaging and overlooked forms of communication is our inner dialogue. Far too often, we mistreat ourselves with negative self-talk, using harsh labels or being overly critical. This internal narrative can quietly erode our confidence, especially during challenging life stages like caregiving or retirement.
To help shift this dynamic, Traci offers a sim...
Breaking the Silence: How to Support Older Adults Facing Loneliness with Deborah Armstrong
In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Deborah Armstrong, a specialist in senior isolation and loneliness. Deborah sheds light on a reality many older adults face: feeling disconnected from their families and the world around them. Whether it’s an inability to relate to the fast-paced conversations of their children and grandchildren or the impact of cognitive or mental health issues, isolation often leads to deep sadness or depression.
Deborah also reminds us how the COVID-19 pandemic heightened this problem, as everyone became more familiar with the toll that pro...
Redefining Life After Retirement: A Conversation with Alara Rosenberg
In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Alara Rosenberg, a retirement coach who helps individuals navigate the emotional and practical transition into post-career life. Alara shares that one of the most essential steps in this phase is taking the time to reflect on key questions: Who are you now? What do you want to do? Who do you want to become?
She emphasizes the importance of social connection, encouraging retirees to build meaningful relationships and embrace the freedom to explore new interests. Retirement, she reminds us, is not a...
Empowering Elder Care: Giancarlo Paolillo on Safety, Innovation, and Real-Time Support
In today’s podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Giancarlo Paolillo, whose background in law enforcement has inspired him to develop a cutting-edge mobile application designed to enhance safety and communication in elder care. Drawing from his experience on the police force, Giancarlo recognized the urgent need for real-time information sharing and reliable systems that support both caregivers and families.
His app—available for both Android and iOS—is versatile and scalable, making it ideal for individuals, small businesses, and large organizations alike. The platform allows users to document real-time biometric testing results, track medica...
Money, Mind, and Memory: Proactive Planning with Michael Lewis
In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with financial advisor Michael Lewis, who shares insightful perspectives on the intersection of brain health and financial planning.
Michael points out that certain cognitive decline conditions can begin developing 7 to 10 years before any noticeable symptoms appear. With this in mind, he strongly recommends that just as we schedule annual physical checkups, we should also routinely assess our cognitive function. Proactive brain health screenings can make a significant difference in long-term financial decision-making and personal well-being.
He also emphasizes that periods of high stress are some of...
Unlocking Inner Strength: Mental Wellness for Peak Performance with Aneesh Chaudhry
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Aneesh Chaudhry, who shares powerful insights into the connection between mental health and athletic performance. Through his work, Aneesh discovered that many athletes struggle to reach their full potential not due to physical limitations, but because of psychological barriers that often go unaddressed.
Motivated by this realization, he developed a specialized program designed to support athletes in nurturing strong mental well-being. His approach focuses on helping individuals build emotional resilience, foster inner peace, and maintain a balanced mindset—essential tools not only for sports but for life.
An...
More Than a Move: Navigating Emotional Transitions with Miriam Bahar
Today on the podcast, we are joined by Miriam Bahar, a specialist in movement and transitions, who provides compassionate support to individuals—especially older adults—during the significant life event of relocating to a new home.
Miriam shares how moving is not simply about changing addresses; it is a deeply emotional and meaningful process. For many seniors, parting with personal belongings can be difficult, as these items often hold sentimental value and are linked to cherished memories. She emphasizes the importance of having support during this time—someone who can walk alongside them with empathy and understanding, helpin...
Speaking the Language of Love: Connecting Through Communication with Traci Poe
In this episode of our podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Traci Poe, a communication specialist with a deep understanding of human connection and emotional intelligence. Tracy shares valuable insights on how we can learn from others by observing and even mirroring their ways of expressing love, helping us to better connect with those around us—whether it's our partners, family members, or friends.
One of the key highlights of the episode is Traci’s explanation of the Five Love Languages, a concept developed by Dr. Gary Chapman that has transformed how many people understand and expr...
Embracing Joy and Self-Kindness: A Conversation with Judy Swanson.
In today’s podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Judy Swanson, who shares valuable insights on mental health and well-being. She provides practical tips on how to cultivate small sparks of joy in everyday life and emphasizes the importance of being kinder to yourself.
Judy encourages us to practice gratitude daily, engage in acts of kindness, smile more often, and find joy in the simple beauty of nature. She also explains how the way we phrase our thoughts and words can significantly impact our mood. For example, shifting from saying “I have to” to “I get to...
Finding the Perfect Home: A Conversation with Geriatric Consultant Jodi Benusa
In this episode of our podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Benusa, a dedicated geriatric consultant who helps families find the ideal living arrangement for their aging loved ones. Her work is truly remarkable, as she goes beyond the surface to ensure that every placement is a perfect match.
Jodi follows a unique and thorough approach to finding the right senior living community. She starts by asking the right questions to understand not only the medical and physical needs of the elderly person but also their personality, lifestyle, and personal preferences. She then reaches out...
Celebrating a Milestone: Our 100th Podcast Episode!
Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone—our 100th podcast episode! This journey has been incredible, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our community. Every episode has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect, and we couldn't have done it without you.
No matter where you are, we invite you to celebrate with us! Whether it’s by sharing your favorite episode, reflecting on the insights gained, or simply taking a moment to appreciate this journey, let’s make this a special occasion together.
Thank you for being...
