The Care Collective Podcast

Have you ever been told, “you chose this” as a caregiver… even when it never felt like a real choice?In this episode of The Care Collective, we’re talking about the emotional weight caregivers carry when others don’t understand their reality. From caregiver guilt and burnout to family dynamics and feeling unseen, this conversation validates the truth so many caregivers live every day, that stepping into this role often comes from love, responsibility, and necessity, not choice.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated when people tell you to “just step back,” this episode will remind you that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.Topics covered: caregiving stress, caregiver burnout, caregiver guilt, family dynamics in caregiving, emotional support for caregivers, and feeling unseen as a caregiver.Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

As a caregiver, when was the last time you had a truly decent meal? Between doctor’s appointments, work, family, and the daily demands of caregiving, finding the time (and energy) to eat well can feel like an impossible task.The truth is, caregiving takes a massive physical and mental toll. When you skip meals or survive on snacks, your brain loses the energy required to make the critical executive decisions needed to care for yourself and your loved ones. Neglecting your nutrition isn't just a personal sacrifice, it can actively hinder your ability to provide care.So, how do we find the balance?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton sits down with Alex Fleet, a nutritionist and nutritional therapist. Together, they dive into realistic strategies for eating better on a hectic schedule and how to implement small, attainable changes that actually stick.In this episode, we discuss:The Caregiver Mindset: Shifting how you view your body and your health.The "Treat Yourself" Balance: Learning when and how to indulge without guilt.Micro-Goals: Starting your health journey with small, achievable wins.Resource Mapping: Where to find food and nutritional support when you’re overwhelmed.This episode is perfect for:High-Priority Caregivers managing patients with intensive needs.The Overwhelmed Parent struggling to find a moment of peace.Anyone looking to break the cycle of poor eating habits.Mental Health Advocates looking for the link between food and positive mindset.Resources:Reach out to Alex Fleet at [email protected] for more personalized advice.Looking for a therapist or nutritionist? This might be a good place to start: https://myrestoredpurpose.com/Find your local foodbanks or other programs here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbankListen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

After 25 episodes of The Care Collective, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned from talking to real caregivers.In this episode, we dive into the emotional realities of caregiving, including burnout, guilt, grief, identity loss, family dynamics, and the loneliness so many caregivers quietly carry.These are real insights from caregivers who have lived this experience every day.If you’re a caregiver, or you love someone who is, this episode will help you feel seen, and better understand what caregiving really feels like.💛 Topics covered:Caregiver burnout and emotional overwhelmGrief in caregiving (even before loss)Feeling unseen or unsupportedFamily dynamics and resentmentRedefining self-care as a caregiverThe importance of community and supportListen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caregiving in a digital world often feels like it should be easier, yet staying connected has never felt more complicated, especially when a loved one is living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive challenges.Whether it’s a grandparent who isn't "tech-savvy" or a parent living across the country, maintaining a meaningful bond can feel out of reach when traditional tools just don’t work for them. We want to stay connected, but we struggle to find a way that fits their reality.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Tyler Zannini, the creator of Memory Board. Tyler developed an innovative electronic message board designed specifically to bridge the gap between families and their loved ones, no matter the distance.Together, they discuss how simple technology can restore a sense of presence, reduce isolation, and provide practical support for daily life.In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ The Story Behind Memory Board: Why Tyler created a tool specifically for those with cognitive barriers✔️ The Power of Presence: How consistent, simple messages can reduce anxiety and "sundowning"✔️ Beyond Memories: Using digital boards for daily reminders, medication prompts, and scheduling✔️ Simplifying Tech: How to introduce new tools to seniors or those with executive functioning challenges without causing overwhelm✔️ Long-Distance Caregiving: Practical ways to feel "there" when you’re miles awayThis episode is a must-listen for caregivers supporting someone with:Dementia or Alzheimer’sADHD or executive functioning challengesLong-distance caregiving needsIf you’ve ever felt the ache of wanting to reach out but didn't know how to make it "click" for your loved one, this conversation will give you a simple, beautiful way to bring your family closer together.Connect with Our Guests​​https://memoryboard.com/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

If you’ve ever said “let me know how I can help” to a caregiver… this episode is for you.Caregiving is more than just physical support, it’s emotional, mental, and often invisible. And while most people mean well, many don’t realize that asking a caregiver what they need can actually add more pressure during an already overwhelming time.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re breaking down:What caregiving really feels like behind the scenesWhy “let me know how I can help” doesn’t always workWhat caregivers actually need from friends, family, and partnersSimple, practical ways to support a caregiver without adding to their mental loadThis is an episode caregivers can send to the people in their lives to help them better understand how to show up.If you love a caregiver, or you are one, this conversation will help you feel more connected, supported, and seen.🎧 Share this episode with someone who’s been trying to support you.Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caring for a loved one is more than just a responsibility, it often feels like a full-time commitment that demands every ounce of your physical, mental, and emotional energy.From the constant worry about a loved one falling to the struggle of staying connected across long distances, the weight of caregiving can easily lead to burnout. It leaves many caregivers asking: How do I take care of myself without losing sight of the person I love?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Sara Shum, a physical therapist, to discuss the intersection of professional care and personal well-being. Sara shares how caregivers can protect their own health while continuing to love, honor, and remember the stories of those they care for.Together, they dive into practical strategies to help you stay grounded, connected, and physically supported through the most stressful seasons of caregiving.In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ The Power of Connection: Why socialization is a vital health tool for both the caregiver and the patient✔️ The "Self-Care 5": Simple, actionable tricks to prevent burnout even on your busiest days ✔️ Legacy & Honor: Meaningful ways to remember and celebrate a loved one’s story while navigating their care✔️ Safety & Support: How to manage the physical fears of caregiving, like fall prevention and mobility support✔️ The Emotional Shift: Moving from "surviving" the day to finding moments of connection and joyThis episode is especially helpful for:Caregivers supporting someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’sThose navigating Hospice or terminal careAnyone feeling the heavy weight of caregiver burnoutIf you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty while trying to give your all to someone else, this conversation will give you the permission, and the tools, to care for yourself too.Resources MentionedConnect with Sara Here:https://www.instagram.com/dr.sara.shum/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caregiving doesn’t just affect your schedule and emotions; it affects your brain.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Dr. Christine Powell, an education therapist and executive functioning coach, to explore the brain science behind caregiving stress.Many caregivers experience mental exhaustion, forgetfulness, decision fatigue, and emotional overwhelm. But according to brain science, these experiences aren’t personal failures, they’re often the result of prolonged stress impacting the brain’s executive functioning systems.Dr. Powell shares both professional insight and personal experience as her family supports her nearly 90-year-old father. Together, we discuss practical tools caregivers can use to reduce cognitive overload, support aging loved ones, and care for their own mental wellbeing.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What executive functioning is and why it matters for caregivers • How chronic stress impacts memory, focus, and decision making • Why caregivers often experience “brain overload” • Simple systems that can reduce mental strain (checklists, calendars, visual tools) • How to support autonomy in aging parents and loved ones • Strategies to prevent caregiver burnout • Why self-compassion is essential for caregiver wellbeingDr. Powell also shares helpful tools for supporting both caregivers and aging loved ones, including visual timers, structured routines, and ways to stimulate the brain through connection, memory, and meaningful engagement.If you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one and often feel mentally overwhelmed, this conversation will help you better understand what’s happening in your brain, and give you practical ways to lighten the load.Resources MentionedExecutive Function Assessment (Free) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrrS2eef1-rbGMvgguXUzHryXvSmRaBojfg_4mx5yo1gzRFg/viewformYou can connect with Dr. Christine Powell through the ADHD Success Lab on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.https://learningbyconnecting.com/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Morning routines can become surprisingly difficult for people experiencing memory loss, dementia, or executive functioning challenges.Tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or preparing for an appointment may seem simple, but they actually require multiple brain functions working together. When those functions change, everyday routines can become confusing and overwhelming.In this solo episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla explains why daily routines often break down for people with cognitive changes and shares a simple tool that can help: visual routines.Visual routines use pictures and clear step-by-step prompts to help someone move through daily tasks with more independence and less frustration.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why executive functioning challenges make simple routines difficult • Why repeating instructions often doesn’t work • How visual cues and environment prompts can help • How to create a simple morning checklist for a loved one with memory challenges • Practical caregiver strategies to make mornings smootherMikayla also shares a free Visual Morning Routine Guide that caregivers can customize using their own photos to support loved ones with memory loss or cognitive changes.This episode is especially helpful for caregivers supporting someone with:dementia or Alzheimer’straumatic brain injurystroke recoveryParkinson’s diseaseADHD or executive functioning challenges🎧 Download the free Visual Morning Routine Guide Here

What happens when you start noticing small changes in a parent, missed appointments, unpaid bills, or confusion over everyday tasks, and suddenly realize the caregiving journey has begun?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Ellen Frazier to talk about stepping into the role of caregiver for her mother while navigating the uncertainty of an ongoing dementia diagnosis.Ellen shares how her journey began when she started noticing changes in her mom’s memory and daily routines. What started as frequent visits to help with small things, like finding the remote or adjusting the thermostat, eventually led to a major life decision: renovating her home so her mom could move in and live with her family.This conversation explores the emotional, logistical, and relational realities of caregiving, from advocating within the healthcare system to managing caregiver burnout and finding moments of connection along the way.If you are caring for an aging parent, supporting someone with dementia symptoms, or preparing for a future caregiving role, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional encouragement.In this episode, we discuss:The early signs that a parent may need caregiving supportHow Ellen navigated the long and often frustrating process of seeking a dementia diagnosisWhat it looks like to advocate for a loved one within the healthcare systemThe emotional shift from occasional help to full-time caregivingCreating a living situation that supports both independence and safetyThe importance of caregiver mental health and avoiding compassion fatigueBuilding a support system and learning to accept helpSelf-care practices that help caregivers avoid burnoutWhy compassion and patience are essential when caring for someone experiencing memory changesEllen also shares how her background as a recovery coach and her own sobriety journey have shaped how she approaches caregiving with empathy, patience, and intentional self-care.At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that caregiving is not just about tasks — it's about relationships, dignity, and meeting people where they are.As Mikayla says throughout the podcast:The Care Collective is here from the first emergency… all the way through the identity crisis of figuring out who you are after caregiving.If you’re navigating this journey right now, you are not alone.Resources MentionedFamily Caregiver Support Resources https://www.caregiver.orgYou can learn more about Ellen and her work here: https://ellenfrazier.comConnect with The Care CollectiveFollow the podcast for more conversations about caregiving, resilience, and navigating the realities of supporting aging loved ones.https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast