Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey. Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom. J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH. Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!
Every so often, we stumble upon a story that not only challenges our perception of the world but also offers a profound lesson in resilience. Michaell's journey is one such tale. Struggling with dysg…
When love is rekindled and a family is beautifully blended, the heart sings a tune of joy – until a shadow, quiet and unassuming, threatens to mute the melody. That's where our guest's story begins, …
Every caregiver has their Everest, and for me, it was trying to create that perfect TV moment with my mom, Zetty. As she battles advanced Alzheimer's, I balance the unpredictable world of caregiving …
Ever been blindsided by life's cruel surprises? Andrew sure has. A brain aneurysm hit him out of nowhere--at the airport! This episode takes you on a journey as we learn about Andrew's fight for surv…
Ever thought how our backgrounds and experiences shape the way we give and receive love? What if we could turn learning the language of love into a fun and interactive game? Join us as we engage in a…
Have you ever wondered how artistry intertwines with caregiving? Today, we're chatting with Donna Olivia, a knowledgeable author, retired teacher, and caregiver who's been looking after her mother fo…
On this episode, J speaks with co-host of the Remember Me Podcast and resilient figure in the caregiving world Maria Kent Beers. Her journey began with a mother diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Demen…
Often times caregiving comes with surprises. In this episode of the Parenting Up podcast, J talks about when she was having a productive wave, planning her Comedy tour, creating with her staff, and b…
Ever found yourself caught in the unexpected whirlwind of caregiving on what you thought was a typical day? Discover how I navigated through night-before-appointment anxiety and carried the weight of…
Amrit's personal journey from being a weed-head to discovering yoga and meditation offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery and the transformative power of coaching. Imagine waking up just …
Has the thought of becoming an unexpected caregiver for a LOVED ONE ever crossed your mind? Imagine the journey of a man thrown into this role, tasked with caring for his charismatic and beloved fath…
J Smiles is joined by Jen Hardy, an experienced caregiver, and Alzheimer's awareness advocate, who shares the triumphs and struggles of her unique caregiving experiences. Who knew that saying "no" c…
Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the incredible Janice Goldmintz, a "super caregiver" who has navigated the unknowns of caregiving for both her parents and her child. Listen in as Janice tells …
Did you know that your nose-picking habit might be putting you at risk for dementia? Join J for a fascinating study conducted by Australian scientists, which discovered that excessive nose picking ca…
Have you ever had neck pain, stomach aches, migraines, TMJ, trouble sleeping -- on top of being a family caregiver? Yeah, haven't we all. What if you heard about a non-Rx, self-sufficient, convenient…
How many times have you wondered what to do next when your mom or dad is aging? How many headaches have you had trying to decide if their decline is normal or a problem? Of course, you make the docto…
J Smiles and Zetty, Thelma and Louise or Cleo and Frankie, it is hard to separate classic chicks being chased by cops.
What happens when your mom directs you to "have fun" with the horsepower in a 5s…
J Smiles runs into an old friend of Zetty. The problem is this "close" old bestie wants J to promise to tell Zetty a ton of specific memories from sixty years ago (silently - lady my mama doesn't kno…
Mad that caregivers are not getting enough love from the self-help industry, J Smiles sets her sights on acknowledging and creating dynamic groups similar to Myers Briggs, Love Languages and Ancestry…
J learns the hard way about shadowing in the world of dementia when Zetty approaches her from the rear and they both end up on the floor. Tuck your earbuds close for a rollercoaster of laughs and hea…