Birthdays

Birthdays

Birthday anniversaries can feel like a celebration and a bruise at the same time. In this episode, Julie shares the story of planning a memory-rich meal for her mom’s birthday—meatballs and all—and how her dad’s unexpected reaction reshaped the night. With insights aligned to Johns Hopkins’ note on “anniversary spinning” and VA guidance for difficult dates, she offers simple practices for holding rituals lightly, caring for your nervous system, and letting grief be honest—not tidy.

Kickoff

Season 3 of Wiched Generation kicks off with a reality check — and a reset. Julie reflects on how caregiving, parenting, and personal reinvention collide, and why time has become the most valuable thing we own. She shares new data, personal lessons, and a roadmap for what’s ahead this season — from AI’s role in the caregiving workforce to redefining self-care when everything feels out of control. This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and rebuild — because caregiving doesn’t end when the crisis passes; it just evolves.

When the shit hits the fan... and it turns out ok.

In the season finale of Wiched Generation, Julie reflects on what happens when caregiving collides with every other part of life—divorce, parenting, family conflict, work, and grief. Drawing on her own recent experiences, she shares the tools that have helped her manage chaos: resiliency training, gratitude practices, exercise, therapy, and the small joys that remind us we’re still living. This episode closes out Season 2 with honesty, hope, and practical reminders that even when the shit hits the fan—you’re going to be okay.

Summer

Summer isn’t always carefree when you’re in the thick of caregiving. In this episode, Julie explores what the season looks like for those juggling kids, aging parents, and careers — all while navigating the heat, disrupted routines, and the emotional toll it can take. From the story of one summer she had to take time off to manage her mother’s dehydration to the staggering stat that over 62% of caregivers take time off work not for rest, but to care for older family members, this episode dives into the truth behind the so-called “break” of summer. Tune in for practical insights, real stories, and a reminder that even when summer feels heavy, you're not alone.

Siblings, Part 2: Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry doesn’t always end in childhood—and when aging parents need care, old roles, resentments, and family politics come roaring back. In this episode, Julie explores how perceptions of favoritism, unspoken expectations, and long-simmering sibling dynamics can complicate caregiving. Backed by research and lived experience, this is a candid look at why one sibling often ends up doing the heavy lifting, why fairness rarely feels equal, and how to navigate caregiving when family fractures make it even harder. ...I call shotgun! Let's dive in... beat you there!