Advertise on podcast: Manchester Living Podcast

Navigating the changing needs of aging parents is at the heart of this thoughtful episode featuring Sandi Levy, Director of Nursing for Manchester Care Homes and Cambridge Caregivers, and Paige Petro, nurse and certified care manager. Together, they share practical guidance for recognizing when additional support may be needed and approaching difficult care decisions with patience, compassion, and respect. Through real-world examples and professional experience, they discuss the importance of planning ahead, using thoughtful language, preserving dignity, and understanding when it may be time to consider in-home care, assisted living, or other forms of support. They also explore caregiver burnout, the value of social connection, and why families should focus on quality time rather than simply managing day-to-day care.

In this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy takes a closer look at the world of diagnostic imaging and how tools like CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds can help physicians detect health issues earlier and make more informed decisions. Brian is joined by Dr. Raymon Aggarwal, founder of North Texas Preferred Health Partners, and Dr. Praveen Ranganath, a diagnostic radiologist with Preferred Health Imaging, for a practical conversation about what patients should know before, during, and after an imaging appointment. They break down the differences between common imaging technologies, what patients can expect during a scan, how advances in equipment are making the experience faster and more comfortable, and why choosing the right imaging center can make a difference in both cost and quality of care. The conversation also explores the growing role of preventive imaging, the balance between early detection and false positives, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to change the way radiologists interpret images. The doctors also share real-world examples of patients whose serious health conditions were discovered before symptoms became obvious, underscoring how important the right imaging study at the right time can be. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming scan, caring for an aging loved one, or simply want to better understand how diagnostic imaging fits into modern medicine, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at what is happening beneath the surface.

Caregiver burnout often goes unnoticed until it deeply impacts both the caregiver and those they support. In this episode, host Brian Levy is joined by Dr. Tonya Cunningham, a grief counselor and speaker, and Christina Solis, a caregiver manager, to explore the emotional, mental, and physical toll caregiver fatigue takes and offer practical strategies for prevention and support. Their insights shed light on how caregivers become the “unseen patients” and the vital importance of self-care and community acknowledgment.

Meeting aging loved ones where they are is at the heart of this insightful episode featuring Sandi Levy, Director of Nursing for Cambridge Caregivers and Manchester Care Homes, and Lisa Kramer Morgan, Community Liaison at Cambridge Caregivers.  Together, they share practical strategies for communicating with and caring for older adults experiencing cognitive or physical decline. Through real-world examples and professional expertise, they discuss the importance of adapting our approach, showing patience and compassion, and embracing an individual's current reality rather than focusing on who they used to be.  This conversation offers valuable guidance for families, caregivers, and professionals seeking to build stronger connections and provide more meaningful support throughout the aging journey.

Care starts with yes—and yes starts with connection. But what does meaningful connection really look like, especially when caring for someone experiencing brain change?  In this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, Brian Levy sits down with Sarah Hyde-Williams and Tammy Hooker to explore relationship-based care, the power of seeking permission, and how to truly meet individuals where they are—physically, cognitively, and emotionally.

Death doulas provide compassionate, nonmedical support to individuals and families navigating the end of life, filling gaps left by traditional hospice care. In this episode, nurse and death doula Jo Alch shares her journey from hospice nursing to becoming an advocate for patients and families, explaining how death doulas offer guidance, emotional support, and presence to create a more intentional and dignified dying experience.

Tonia Tomlin and Holly Clapp join host Brian Levy to shed light on the complexities of hoarding disorder, a serious mental health issue often misunderstood by the public. Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, they explore the emotional challenges, the long journey toward recovery, and the critical role of empathy and therapy in supporting affected individuals and their families. http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

What if you could choose the time, place, and company for your final moments—ensuring a peaceful, dignified death on your own terms? Dr. Robert L. Fine, Director, Office of Clinical Ethics and Palliative Care, Baylor Scott & White Health, unpacks the complex realities of medical aid in dying (MAID), hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life decision-making. Dr. Fine sheds light on how individuals can navigate end-of-life decisions with dignity, legal clarity, and compassion while addressing common misconceptions and ethical challenges surrounding MAID. Join Dr. Fine and host Brian Levy as they explore a topic that hits close to home for so many, including a few personal examples from Dr. Fine's illustrious career.

Josh Hickman, author of Forgetting, shares the raw and heartfelt journey of caring for a difficult parent with dementia in this deeply personal episode of The Manchester Living Podcast. Host Brian Levy and Josh explore the complexities of caregiving when the loved one’s personality challenges intersect with cognitive decline. From the early signs of cognitive decline to the isolation of being a caregiver to managing guilt and resentment of your loved ones, Josh dives deep into his experiences and the lessons he learned.

In this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy is joined by senior care experts Godwin Dixon (co-founder of Teresa’s House, an assisted living and memory care community) and Melissa Orth (President & CEO of Legacy Senior Communities) to explore the full spectrum of elder living options. They break down key terms and choices — from independent living and assisted living to memory care, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and more. Our guests share expertise and real stories to help families and caregivers navigate these complex decisions. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, this discussion offers clear, practical insights. http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

Therapy dogs can spark joy and connection where words sometimes can’t. In this episode, Brian Levy speaks with Jennifer Hudson, PhD and Cathy Zelzer about their experiences bringing dogs into elder care settings. Discover how these visits help lower anxiety, encourage social interaction, and bring meaningful moments to seniors and their families. http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

World-renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow returns to The Manchester Living Podcast with fresh insights into dementia care. In this episode, she offers practical advice for families and caregivers navigating the challenges of cognitive change.  Drawing from more than four decades of experience, Teepa shares her expertise and her signature positive approach to care — emphasizing effective strategies, compassionate communication, and the importance of person-centered support.

In this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy talks with Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center and widely known as the “Father of Aerobics.” Now in his 90s, Dr. Cooper shares his eight healthy steps for living longer, the importance of preventive medicine, myths about aging, and personal stories from decades of research and patient care.

What do you do when your aging parent becomes difficult, controlling, or emotionally draining? On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy sits down with Dr. Paul Chafetz and life coach Alison Goldberg to explore why this happens—and what adult children can do to cope. From long-term personality challenges to dementia-related changes, they offer practical ways to manage the relationship without burning out. http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

Brian Levy welcomes Susanna Barton—author, gerontology grad student, and creator of “Grand Plans”—to discuss why it’s time to get real about aging. They explore caregiving, legal documents, financial planning, and how to approach tough conversations with aging parents. Susanna shares personal stories, practical advice, and the importance of preparing for the second half of life. http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com