The Sandwich Generation Pod

• Episode 10: SEASON 1 FINALE! Celebrating the Time We Have! With Stephanie March

  Does it feel like time is fragile with your loved one? We do too. The truth is, none of us know how much or little time we have left with one another. For our Season 1 finale, we don’t just go deep, we go to THERAPY with our friend, Stephanie March. (We highly encourage you to take a read through her popular substack, Pickle.) Stephanie shares her story - and her personal journey - of saying goodbye to her mother Brigitte, who we all called Oma, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months to live. This is not an episode of fear or despair, but rather of light, love, the little things - and being brave enough to truly celebrate the time we have! We also touch on leading our children through the loss of a loved one and why we are all a part of ‘The long goodbye’. Grab your Kleenex and come laugh and cry with us through this episode! It’s a journey you won’t forget!Takeaways:Whether we are caregiving for aging parents or facing a terminal illness, how can we celebrate the time we have?It’s the small things in life that matter the most in the end.How can we practice staying present and having connection through aging or a terminal diagnosis?Death merch is a very cool thing. Death nesting is also a very real part of the process. Are we all in ‘The Long Goodbye?’Legacy is about carrying forward the stories and values of those we love.How do we raise our kids to learn about death and loss when we’re sandwiched?Continuing the celebration at a memorial - in a fun way.Links + Resources:Subscribe to Pickle by Stephanie March on Substack. Chapters00:00 Season Finale Intro02:40 The Story of Brigitte von Haken and her final gift08:19 Facing Terminal Illness with Grace13:35 Death Merch15:50 Carrying out your loved one's wishes - even when they're not your own16:21 Navigating Death and DNR Conversations18:38 Honoring a Mother's Legacy23:01 Celebrating the time we have - What matters most?31:45 Guiding our children through aging and death when we're in The Sandwich Generation42:42 The long goodbye to the final goodbye 57:25 Let the Celebration continue - Planning the Memorial in a *cool* way01:03:20 The After-Party Crash of Death Burnout for Caregivers01:06:13 Change + Living Life to the fullest - because we are ALL in The Long Goodbye01:09:50 The Gift of Being Yourself01:10:23 Rapid Fire Questions with Stephanie March01:13:05 Cheers to Season 1 and Oma: Simplex Munditiis! 01:13:46 Reflections on the Journey and Future Aspirations01:14:58 Outro

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• Epiosde 9: Holiday Survival Guide: A Very Tricky Christmas!

  We can all relate to the chaos of the holiday season and when you’re in The Sandwich Generation, things can feel…extra tricky. You’re packing up the strollers, the walkers and packing diaper bags for both the young and old - ah! Yes! The Holidays! In this episode, hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank talk about the hilarious predicaments of the holiday logistics when you’re caregiving, along with generational and religious differences, sentimental holiday traditions and even a visit from Santa! You heard right - Santa. We will also leave you with some tips and tricks that we can all use as we approach this holiday season! Yes - it’s an episode for us all! TakeawaysThings feel mighty tricky during the holidays when you’re Sandwiched!There are a lot of logistics, diaper bags, walkers and snacks packed for everyone. Emotions run high during holiday gatherings.The torch has been passed - and now it is our time to carry on or start new traditions.Consider hosting your holiday early - when the kids and grandparents' energy levels are the best - or before the sugar crash. Outsource that shit! The meal, the shopping, whatever you need to do!Happy Holidays - I’m setting boundaries this year! All that matters is our time together. What would you add to our holiday survival guide?Chapters00:00 The Holiday Chaos when you're in The Sandwich Generation04:22 Robyn's Real Life Hallmark Story of Chrismukkah08:18 Nostalgia and the Holidays - How did our parents do it all?10:51 Eliesa's Christmas Tradition: Being Santa and the Elf11:35 The Santa Legacy16:47 Passing the Torch: When a new generation leads the Holiday20:54 HO HO HO! A visit from SANTA!25:37 Incorporating Parents in Holiday Celebrations26:24 The Sandwich Generation Holiday Survival Tips! 35:09 Segment: To Laugh or Cry37:34 Continued: The Sandwich Generation Holiday Survival Tips! 

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• Episode 8.5: How do I NOT age like my parents? With Rachel Daugherty of Booty and Brains.Co

  For caregivers who have watched a loved one decline from the terrible diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Cancer; the question is often asked, “Will this happen to me? Is there anything I can do to prevent this?” If you are in The Sandwich Generation, you also know that finding time for self care is hard (See Episode 4: Self Care is a SCAM!). Suddenly we see ourselves shifting - we are setting our vanity aside and health and wellness have become about preserving our bodies and MINDS for aging - and living in the now! In this episode we welcome Rachel Daugherty of BootyandBrains.co who has built something truly remarkable and made the internet buzz about - gasp - brain health! She’s a sandwiched parent who has ushered her own mother through a fraught battle with Alzheimer's - and built us all a resource on both educating and empowering our bodies and minds! Rachel is inspiring hundreds of thousands of people and we are lucky to have her with us today! Links and Resources:@bootyandbrains.co - Follow Rachel, her knowledge and hilarity here on her instagram account!BootyandBrains.co - Sign up for Rachel’s class. A clear guided path to reducing your risk of Alzheimer's by building sustainable daily habits. Momentous - A Rachel-endorsed brand for Creatine and Fish Oil supplements. (Code B&B for 20% off)Only 3% of Alzheimer's cases are based exclusively on genetics. See the study here.Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care Article - Read all about it here.Research and Progress from The Alzheimer’s Association TakeawaysIt's not just about working out for vanity’s sake anymore; it's about holistic, long term health.Caregiving changes our perspective on our own health.Alzheimer's prevention is largely about lifestyle choices.Just because Alzheimer’s affected your loved one, doesn’t automatically mean it will happen to you.We can make small changes - in our diet and movement - that make a big impact on our health overall and play a part in Alzheimer’s prevention. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rachel Daugherty of BootyandBrains.co02:03 Rachel's Personal Journey with Caregiving and Alzheimer's 08:14 Building a Business out of grief - and one that impacts everyone14:34 Our brains, our bodies and the science behind Alzheimer's prevention29:04 The boring basics of self care that make a BIG difference31:35 There is hope in Alzheimer's prevention34:26 How being a caregiver gives you perspective on your own health39:39 Giving your body 'equipment' for aging42:05 "My health is bigger than me" - Talking to your kids about brain health and o

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• Episode 8: I think my parent has Alzheimer’s, NOW what?! With Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly of the Alzheimer's Association

  Almost everyone knows someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease. For many of us in The Sandwich Generation, this diagnosis was also the moment we became caregivers for our loved ones. But it’s all so confusing - is it Alzheimer’s? Is it Dementia? How do I bring up this conversation with my parents? Am I genetically dispositioned to get this too? WTF! In this episode, co-hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank have an incredibly candid and informative conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly, Senior Director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Edgerly shares her personal story of walking alongside her mother with Lewy Body Dementia, along with answering all our questions - and giving HOPE to the future of Alzheimer’s. This episode is for us all - what we can do for Alzheimer's prevention, knowledge about the latest groundbreaking treatments and most importantly - how we, as caregivers, can bring humanity and Person Centered Care to our loved ones! TakeawaysThe difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial for treatment.What to do when you notice cognitive changes in your parent.Explaining the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s. Lifestyle changes can significantly impact brain health and reduce risk.Genetic factors play a role in Alzheimer's risk, but lifestyle can mitigate this.Hormonal changes in women may increase Alzheimer's risk and with caregiving, it’s a double whammy. Support resources are available for caregivers and those diagnosed at ALZ.org. Links and Resources:Alzheimer’s Association WebsiteThe 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s WorksheetMy ALZ Journey - a new app brought to you by the Alzheimer's Association that puts all of their resources in one easy place for people who are first diagnosed The Empowered Caregiver - Support Groups, Local Chapters and Online Community for caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 24/7 Helpline - Yes, this helpline is still a thing AND a useful tool when you need help directly in the moment! A professional staff can guide you through all of your questions, day or night! Trial Match - Are you interested in being a part of a clinical research study? See if you qualify and what studies are happening now!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly25:03 The Comfort of Nostalgia: Peanut M&Ms and Family Bonds27:27 Preserving Dignity30:36 Early, Middle and Late Stages of Alzheimer's35:12 The Importance of Early Diagnosis38:59 Emerging Treatments and Blood Tests for Alzheimer's45:54 Understanding Amyloid and Neurofibrillary Tangles53:47 Hormonal Health and Alzheimer's01:00:52 Resources for Alzheimer's Caregivers01:04:02 Real Talk

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• Episode 7: Saying goodbye to the childhood home - also my parents have WAY too much STUFF! With Alli Rubin, Professional Moving Manager

  Downsizing and moving your aging parents is one of the hardest tasks of all time. Or maybe your loved one has already passed and you are tasked with selling a home and going through a lifetime of belongings. It’s. Brutal. Seriously, it’s the definition of overwhelm. Where do you begin? In this episode, we welcome guest Alli Rubin who is a professional moving manager and a true ‘easy button’ when it comes to tackling this enormous task. Alli shares actionable tips on how to approach going through all of the stuff along with a thoughtful conversation about how our objects do hold meaning and the way we can honor the past while finding closure and moving on. It’s a good one, welcome to The Sandwich Generation Pod!TakeawaysThe difference between a Hoarder and a Saver - we all think our parents are hoarders, but are they really?It’s a gift to move your parents while they are still alive - start the conversations and process early!Our objects, our things and our stuff hold meaning. They tell stories. Let's honor that while also downsizing and guest Alli Rubin provides actionable tips to dealing with all of the ‘stuff’. How to make the new place feel like home.How to keep objects for future generations and remember our loved ones.The difference between hiring a professional mover vs junk removal - and the realistic costs. How our objects can live on and give meaning to others!Working with Siblings and creating boundaries and deadlines around the moving process!Links and ResourcesGet in touch with Alli Rubin: [email protected]**The Following resources are based in Minnesota**Estate Sales MinnesotaPRISM MPLS - Donate to the Shop for Change Thrift Shop and Marketplace Food Shelf.SAVERS - Declutter Responsibly.STEP - Accepts donations for food and clothing.Bridging - Accepts Furniture, housewares, linens, small appliances, electronics, mirrors, artwork and pictures. JFCS Hag Sameach Program -  provides personalized holiday gifts, ritual items, and household necessities to families and individuals who are in need.Astound Video - Converting VHS, Photographs, CD's, and Video Tape transfers to digital format. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:12 Meet Alli Rubin04:39 When is the right time to call a mover?14:19 Hoarder vs Saver19:06 Helping families downsize30:52 Our objects hold meaning34:42 The energy our objects hold and passing that along38:30 The difference between hiring a mover and junk removal43:15 Estate Sales and Resellers46:45 Setting Boundaries and Timelines51:55 Start the moving conversation early, make the calls and plan56:12 Outro56:53 Real Talk

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