Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
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!
- Update frequency
- every 14 days
- Average duration
- 41 minutes
- Episodes
- 123
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Did he say Zetty doesn't have ALZ?!?
J was traveling, meeting new friends. While describing what she does back home, Zetty came up. Feeling connected and free, J showed videos of Zetty to this intimate group of newcomers to her life.
A …
Caregivers, let MORE go!
J planned for a nothing Dec 25th. Surely she could at least have a quiet day with Zetty during such a festive time of year. Shortly after breakfast all-hell broke loose. Zilch plan be damned. Z's inc…
The Black Hole: Depth Perception
When Zetty's trainer and hired caregivers tell J Smiles of her reluctance to step up or onto things, J is perplexed. Why? Zetty has the physical strength, she is in good spirits -- are the caretakers…
THOR is 10x more likely to get ALZ!
When Superhero, SUPA-hunk Chris Hemsworth finds out each parent gave him the rare gift of APOE4, J Smiles is blown away. How can THOR, a god of longevity, be 10x more likely to get Alzheimer's?
YES -…
Floating in The Deep End a Conversation with Patti Davis
Patti Davis, US President Ronald Reagan's daughter, joins J for an in-depth conversation about her new book, Floating in the Deep End: How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer's.
Patti shares personal…
Surprise a Caregiver, Shock yourself!
A quick text turns into a caregiver support session. J thinks she is surprising a "brother-cousin" caregiver yet she is the one left shook. Ever the optimist, Smiles decides to embrace the visit even…
Zetty is a Nap Nazi!
J Smiles is a self-proclaimed master napper. This super skill has saved her countless times throughout life. J expects to utilize it frequently during caregiving duty. Until...
Exhausted from a live c…
I'm a snitch!
J Smiles, hired to perform an entire 60 minute comedy set on caregiving content feels slimy when the audience demands juicer jokes. Does telling the dirty truth about Zetty's dark ALZ moments on sta…
So stressed, vacation didn't work!
J Smiles cannot believe that her tried and true girlfriend get-a-way failed to rejuvenate her. She planned, packed and even peeled off a few pounds for that new swimsuit. The weather - perfect. Crew …
I'm on the edge of quitting caregiving!
J is flying solo in this rare glimpse of her questioning if she can continue caregiving. WOW!
She is stunned by the source of her "quitting" stress. Listen to hear what put her on the edge and how sh…
Zetty's coworker thought she was dead!
J Smiles is floored by an anonymous email inquiring if she is Yvette's daughter. Yvette, Zetty's legal name, is her mom but who is this phantom typer and why are they looking for J? Unable to ask Zet…
Why am I still sleepy after a good night's sleep?
Sleep is bitting your favorite caregiver's butt again. This time, J Smiles is getting ample rest but not reaping the rewards. Unprepared for these moments of exhaustion, listen as J details mishaps w…
Zetty keeps using the "N" word!
Zetty, the co-star of the podcast, attempts to lead several groundbreaking conversations but the "N" word continues to arise leaving J Smiles stymied.
Snuggle Up to hear another saga of ALZ's favorit…
Did Zetty just FLIRT with that man?
J Smiles is caught off guard when Zetty initiates a conversation with an unknown, handsome man. Is it flirting? Sounds like it. But how does Zetty remember such social etiquette when she cannot recal…
Can't Even Choose to Die with Dignity
"Dying with Dignity" laws allow what is commonly called assisted suicide. ALZ and dementia do not qualify. J Smiles is not happy about this but as usual she finds away to add sparkle to a sour situa…
Double Duty: Caregiving & Working at the exact same moment!
What happens when you are doing your REAL income-earning, bills-paying job and unexpectedly you MUST give eyeball care to your LO?
This unnerving experience is shared by J Smiles. She secured "help" …
Taking Zetty on a Date: The Motown Concert
Experts say that Alzheimer's does not erode music memories. Filled with excitement, J Smiles and Zetty prepare for a night out on the town for a concert. Not just any concert, two of Zetty's favorite…
Protection or Paranoia: Sharing Your LO's ALZ Diagnosis
Many caregivers coverup or hide their LO's ALZ. J hopes to eradicate the necessity to do that by starting this conversation and continuing to shed light on the facts of ALZ.
J Smiles admits it was ha…
The Hydration Handbook
J Smiles is back! Winter hibernation made discussing hydration more necessary than ever.
Hydration is important for seniors to avoid health complications. J shares the struggle of getting Zetty to co…
Caregivers, Celebrate Your Wins!
Do you own being a Caregiver Out LOUD? J Smiles pull apart why many caregivers do not include their CG title in the list of "What I do" in conversations, on social media or resumés. Perplexed, she re…