Advertise on podcast: In Sickness

Caregiving can be complicated at any time of life, but in this episode Allison and Jenna talk about the challenges specifically related to having this role while being middle-aged. From sandwich caregiving and job stresses to finances and aging bodies, it can feel like the responsibilities are stacking up and there is no end in sight. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, October 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Rodolfo Nieto and Aaron Shipp were both spousal caregivers whose roles ended in different ways over the last two years. In this episode, we talk with them about the aftereffects of caregiving on their physical health, emotional wellbeing, nervous system, and sense of identity. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Tuesday, October 6, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Being in public spaces, with inquisitive young children, or even out and about in our neighborhood with our loved one can cause us to see them through different eyes. In this episode, Jenna and Allison talk about times this has happened in their caregiving lives and the good and the hard that has come from it. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, September 21, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

The decision of how much to share about a loved one's illness publicly or even with family is a personal one that can have both positive and negative outcomes. The situation can be even more complex when the caregiver and the person being cared for have differing opinions on the matter. In this episode, Allison and Jenna dig into these nuances and share how they have handled this in their own caregiving lives. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Caregiving tasks, while important, can begin to feel repetitive and mundane, making each day feel like the one before. In this episode, Jenna and Allison discuss the hamster wheel of caregiving, how it can lead to feelings of frustration or numbness, and how to find moments of joy amidst the routine. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, August 17, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this episode, the hosts discuss the formal and informal ways respite care can look for caregivers, the challenges caregivers may face in accessing those services, and the impact on caregiver health and wellbeing if they don't take breaks. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, August 2, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this episode, Justin and Allison speak with remote caregivers Natasha Ray-Heideker and Klaus Unger, who share their individual stories of providing care for family members living across the ocean. Natasha lives in Germany while caregiving for her father in Colorado and Klaus lives in Minnesota and cares for his mother who lives in Germany. They describe what this version of caregiving looks and feels like and the benefits and challenges of caregiving in this way. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, May 11, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

Research shows that there is a direct correlation between caregiver distress, depression, and physical strain and patient rates of hospitalization and even mortality. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk about the vicious cycle of the caregiving role causing these symptoms but then how the symptoms themselves can make caregiving more challenging. They also dig into what, if anything, can be done to prevent caregiver burnout. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, April 19, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this beautiful conversation with Jill Thompson of Inheritance of Hope, Justin and Allison learn about what it means to build and leave behind a legacy. Jill shares both the concept and power behind legacy and concrete strategies for how to leave things for our loved ones once we're gone, such as legacy videos or songs. This meaningful discussion is one for all of us to take in and consider, regardless of our stage in life. --- Inheritance of Hope  National Legacy Month --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, April 6, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this episode, Allison and Justin share ways that they have used humor as a tool for themselves and with their loved ones during hard times. They also share stories and ideas that were submitted by listeners. --- Family Feud - "Turkey" --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, March 23 , from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

When we're caring for someone, our moods and feelings can become intertwined. In this episode Justin and Allison discuss what it's like when witnessing the suffering of their partners impacts their mood, when their own moods rub off on their loved ones, and how emotions can feel contagious. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, March 8, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

When the person you're caring for has a rare disease, there can be extra layers of hardship and complexity starting with the challenge of finding a diagnosis. In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what it has been like to care for her husband whose disease is rare and the two discuss what this type of caregiving can look like. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, February 15, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what life is currently like in her community with the presence of 2000+ ICE agents, how this intersects with her reality as a caregiver, and how it feels to live in this moment while also preparing for Sean's upcoming surgery. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 25, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

At the start of a new year, it's common for people to reflect on the highlights of the last twelve months and to set goals for the year ahead. For caregivers, moments like these can be a stark reminder that their lives are very different from those of their peers. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about what it's like to see their friends' highlight reels and how it feels to move into another year of caregiving. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!

On January 1, 2026, Minnesota will become the thirteenth state to offer Paid Family Leave. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk with Cathy McLeer from AARP about how this new law benefits caregivers, how we can support other states in adopting this law, and other ways AARP supports caregivers of all ages. --- PFML for caregivers in Minnesota PFML for employers in Minnesota MN Caregiver Resource Guide Minnesota Paid Leave Toni's Story: Why Paid Leave Matters What States offer Paid Leave for Caregiving? --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, January 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!