Mind What Matters

What do you do when the world feels like it’s burning—literally and figuratively? Nikki DeLoach shares her personal experience living through the devastating wildfires in LA County, from rallying community support for firefighters to helping friends pack up their lives in minutes. She opens up about parenting through crisis, witnessing her son confront fear, and how trauma often mirrors the grief of losing a loved one. Elizabeth Humphreys joins from Tennessee, offering insight as both a fellow caregiver and close friend walking alongside Nikki through this difficult time. Together, they explore what it means to be present in the chaos, why mental health support is essential in the wake of collective trauma, and how community—and honesty—can carry us through. It’s a heartfelt reminder that healing starts with telling the truth about what hurts. To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/donate] head to our website [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/]. Connect with us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/mindwhatmatterspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mindwhatmattersnonprofit] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWZrZj74lo&ab_channel=MindWhatMatters] ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. [https://www.palmtreepodco.com/]

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is an emotional and often isolating journey. In this heartfelt episode Elizabeth Humphreys and Nikki DeLoach get personal about their own caregiving experiences—what they’ve learned, what they wish they’d known sooner, and how they’ve found strength through connection. Nikki opens up about her grandfather’s battle with vascular dementia and the challenges of navigating care in a small town with limited resources. Elizabeth shares her mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s, reflecting on the emotional toll and the isolation she felt as a young caregiver. Together, they discuss the importance of early recognition, therapy, and having a strong support system—because the reality is, one in three people will be affected by Alzheimer’s. They don’t sugarcoat the struggles, but they do offer hope: self-compassion, self-discovery, and the value of presence can help caregivers find moments of grace in the hardest seasons. Whether you’re in the thick of caregiving or preparing for what’s ahead, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone. To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/donate] head to our website [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/]. Connect with us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/mindwhatmatterspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mindwhatmattersnonprofit] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWZrZj74lo&ab_channel=MindWhatMatters] ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. [https://www.palmtreepodco.com/]

What if you could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s by nearly half—just by changing what’s on your plate? In this episode, Elizabeth Humphreys and Nikki DeLoach sit down with Dr. Tom Holland, a physician-scientist at Rush University Medical Center and a board member of Mind What Matters, to discuss the groundbreaking research behind the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). Dr. Holland breaks down findings from the Lancet Commission, which reports that up to 44% of Alzheimer’s and dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle and diet modifications [https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/targeting-14-lifestyle-factors-may-prevent-up-to-45-of-dementia-cases#:~:text=In%20July%202024%2C%20the%20Lancet,(over%2065%20years%20old).]. He explains how small, intentional shifts—like eating more dark leafy greens, berries, and whole foods while limiting red meat and fried foods—can have a profound impact on brain health. He also explores the role of inflammation in cognitive decline, the importance of staying mentally and physically active, and strategies for making brain-healthy choices even in food deserts. With science-backed insights and practical advice, this conversation will inspire you to take charge of your brain health—because prevention starts now. To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/donate] head to our website [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/]. Connect with us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/mindwhatmatterspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mindwhatmattersnonprofit] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWZrZj74lo&ab_channel=MindWhatMatters] ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. [https://www.palmtreepodco.com/]

Death is one of life’s only certainties, yet so many of us avoid talking about it—until we have no choice. In this episode, Elizabeth Humphreys and Nikki DeLoach sit down with Julie McFadden, an ICU and hospice nurse known as @hospicenursejulie, to break down the fears and misconceptions surrounding end-of-life care. With wisdom and compassion, Julie shares insights from her book Nothing to Fear, offering guidance on preparing for end-of-life experiences and navigating the emotional weight of caregiving, especially for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia. Julie discusses why open conversations about death matter, how hospice care provides comfort and dignity, and why making advanced healthcare decisions now can ease the burden on families later. Nikki also opens up about anticipatory grief and the importance of cherishing small moments. This powerful conversation will leave you feeling more prepared, more present, and less afraid. Julie McFadden Website [https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie/]  | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Hospice-nurse-julie/100077937666311] To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/donate] head to our website [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/]. Connect with us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/mindwhatmatterspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mindwhatmattersnonprofit] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWZrZj74lo&ab_channel=MindWhatMatters] ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. [https://www.palmtreepodco.com/]

Barbie Boules is not just another nutritionist on Instagram—she’s a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in women’s metabolic and brain health. In this episode, Barbie joins Elizabeth Humphreys and Nikki DeLoach to share her insights into the powerful connection between the two. She also brings a raw and compassionate perspective from her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s. Barbie emphasizes the importance of quality sleep, balanced nutrition, daily movement, and stress management for healthy aging—especially for women over 40. She talks about how to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s and why seeking help early is crucial. Barbie also challenges harmful diet culture, advocating instead for building muscle and aging gracefully. With her wisdom, compassion, and practical advice, Barbie offers valuable tips for women who want to prioritize their health, mental wellbeing, and longevity. Follow her on Instagram @the_cognition_dietitian [https://www.instagram.com/the_cognition_dietitian/?hl=en]. To learn more about Mind What Matters or to support our mission [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/donate] head to our website [https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/]. Connect with us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/mindwhatmatterspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mindwhatmattersnonprofit] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWZrZj74lo&ab_channel=MindWhatMatters] ----------------- Mind What Matters is produced by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co. [https://www.palmtreepodco.com/]