Bonnie Wattles of Hilarity for Charity: What Caregivers Are Still Missing

The Hidden Cost of Putting Yourself Last as a Caregiver

As working caregivers, we often focus so much on caring for others that we forget one critical truth: caring for ourselves is not optional. In this episode, we sit down with psychiatrist, coach, and financial wellness advocate Dr. Billina Shaw to explore the often-overlooked physical, emotional, mental, and financial impacts of caregiving. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical wisdom, Dr. Shaw helps us understand why self-care is a necessity—not a luxury. We also dive into the connection between mental health and financial wellness, the challenges caregivers face in the workplace, and how shifting our mindset around money can reduce guilt, shame, and stress. Whether you're currently caring for a loved one or preparing for the possibility in the future, this conversation offers valuable perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead. Episode Highlights [1:40] - Meeting Dr. Billina Shaw and exploring the health impacts of caregiving [2:23] - A personal family story that reveals the physical toll caregiving can take [4:49] - Why self-care is non-negotiable for caregivers [6:25] - Navigating grief, loss, and creating meaningful family rituals [8:20] - Why so many caregivers struggle to ask for help [10:24] - The connection between caregiving, mental health, and workplace performance [13:58] - Understanding the financial impact of caregiving and family caregiving costs [16:30] - How financial wellness and mental wellness influence each other [20:21] - The most important financial question every caregiver should ask [25:15] - Dr. Shaw's powerful advice for caregivers: invest in yourself [27:29] - How to connect with Dr. Shaw and continue the conversation Links & Resources * Dr. Billina Shaw's Website: https://freelyflourishfinancial.com/ [https://freelyflourishfinancial.com/] * Connect with Dr. Billina Shaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-billina/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-billina/] * Text "GROW" to 55444 to subscribe to Dr. Shaw's newsletter and receive financial wellness insights and resources. About Dr. Billina Shaw Dr. Billina Shaw is a Yale-educated, triple board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. She holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles across government, private organizations, and her local church. Dr. Shaw is also the Founder & Coach of Freely Flourish Financial, a financial wellness practice inspired by a powerful realization from her clinical work: money isn't just math—it's a combination of numbers and meaning. Recognizing that practical financial knowledge alone rarely creates lasting change, she developed her proprietary Aligned Health & Wealth™ framework to help individuals strengthen both their mindset and financial strategy. Through this work, she empowers clients to move from feeling anxious and stuck to living with greater purpose, peace, and prosperity. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com [http://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/] for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Breaking the Silence on Caregiver Isolation with Dr. Florence Johnson

Dr. Florence Johnson joins us for a powerful conversation about the hidden realities of caregiving, the emotional toll so many families carry in silence, and why support systems still fail millions of working caregivers. We unpack the surprising findings from her research, including the cultural and gender differences in asking for help, the financial strain caregivers face, and the critical role community support can play in reducing isolation. We also talk about respite care, adult day services, employer flexibility, and why caregiving conversations need to happen openly and often. Florence brings both professional insight and deep personal passion to the discussion, sharing practical advice that caregivers can start using right away while reminding us that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Episode Highlights [1:50] - Florence Johnson joins the conversation and shares the inspiration behind her caregiving research [2:50] - Surprising study findings about men using caregiving support services more often than women [5:30] - Why isolation and lack of social support make caregiving even harder [8:13] - Florence reflects on witnessing caregiving firsthand growing up in her own family [10:58] - Breaking down the role and value of adult day services for caregivers and families [15:37] - The financial realities caregivers face while balancing work, healthcare, and family responsibilities [18:17] - Why caregiver support services remain difficult to access and afford [20:16] - What employers can do to better support working caregivers in the workplace [23:43] - Practical first steps caregivers can take to build a stronger support network [27:55] - Redefining respite care and why caregivers need permission to rest without guilt [31:36] - Florence shares what’s next in her research and advocacy work for caregivers [32:47] - A hopeful conversation about the future of caregiver awareness and collective action Links & Resources * Dr. Florence Johnson LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-johnson-a3197682/] * “Caregiving Without A Net: Poll shows who needs help the most”: https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/caregiving-without-net-poll-shows-who-needs-help-most [https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/caregiving-without-net-poll-shows-who-needs-help-most]   * What Is Adult Day Care?: AARP Resource Guide [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/adult-day-care/] * Jason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving [https://www.caregiving.org/staff/jason-resendez/] * Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging About Dr. Florence Johnson Florence Johnson, Ph.D., MHA, MSN, CDP is an Assistant Professor and health services nurse scientist at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. With more than 30 years of experience in home care, hospice, dementia care, and healthcare quality improvement, her work focuses on improving support systems for family caregivers—especially Black dementia caregivers—through research, education, and community advocacy. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com [http://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/] for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Bonnie Wattles of Hilarity for Charity: What Caregivers Are Still Missing

We sit down with Bonnie Wattles to unpack what it really looks like to support working caregivers—without the fluff and without the one-size-fits-all mindset. From the origin story behind Hilarity for Charity to the growing (and often invisible) population of caregivers in the workforce, we explore why this conversation matters now more than ever. We also dig into the real-life challenges caregivers face daily—balancing work, family, and emotional stress—and the practical tools, community support, and mindset shifts that can make a meaningful difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure where to start, this conversation is packed with insights that will meet you exactly where you are. Episode Highlights [0:58] - We kick things off and introduce Bonnie and her work in the caregiving space [3:27] - The origin story of Hilarity for Charity and its mission [6:16] - Why younger caregivers were historically overlooked—and what’s changing [7:23] - The importance of supporting both caregivers and care recipients [11:10] - Exploring HFC’s tools and how caregivers actually use them in real life [13:16] - Bonnie shares personal advice from her own caregiving journey [14:20] - Deep dive into the Caregiver Road Trip tool and why it resonates [18:15] - Virtual support groups and the power of accessible community [19:23] - What employers are missing when it comes to supporting caregivers [23:12] - The real impact of respite care—and why it matters [25:28] - Rapid-fire insights: myths, realities, and small actions that matter [27:31] - Final advice for overwhelmed caregivers: finding community Links & Resources * Lindsay Jurist-Rosner’s Caregiver Story (Wellthy About Page): https://wellthy.com/about [https://wellthy.com/about] * Episode with Lindsay Jurist-Rosner: https://workingcaregiverspodcast.com/the-future-of-caregiving-at-work-with-wellthys-lindsay-jurist-rosner [https://workingcaregiverspodcast.com/the-future-of-caregiving-at-work-with-wellthys-lindsay-jurist-rosner] * National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org [https://www.caregiving.org/] * Hilarity for Charity (HFC): https://wearehfc.org [https://wearehfc.org/] * HFC Care for Caregivers: https://wearehfc.org/caregivers [https://wearehfc.org/caregivers/?_gl=1*1jt3579*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MTkwNjg0ODA4My4xNzc2OTUzNzUx*_ga_GXBS33V8WZ*czE3NzY5NTM3NTEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzY5NTM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqfPBhBWEiwAZo196mlUzYuO-ynb1ylGbL9YbrjuxaT3ch8jqrE47vsZQE7y_SvhF759ChoCr1oQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAC00mtdgHHZ6gJuRJzT9mOoC-5pVU] * Stories From Real Working Caregivers Series: https://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/stories-from-real-working-caregivers [https://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/stories-from-real-working-caregivers] * HFC Caregiver Road Trip (Free Tool): https://wearehfc.org/caregiver-roadmap [https://wearehfc.org/caregiver-roadmap] * Support HFC / Employer Challenge (“Walk the Talk”): https://wearehfc.org/donate [https://wearehfc.org/donate] * White Owl Tavern (Wharton, NJ): https://www.whiteowltavern.com [https://www.whiteowltavern.com/] * Contact Hilarity for Charity: * info@wearehfc.org * care@wearehfc.org If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com [http://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/] for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Why Caregivers Are Often Overlooked at Work

In this episode, we sit down with Karen Kavanaugh to unpack the real challenges facing working caregivers—and why so many of them still feel invisible. From systemic breakdowns to cultural blind spots, we explore what’s really happening behind the scenes for employees balancing work and caregiving, and why employers can’t afford to ignore it any longer. We also dive into what’s actually working. Karen shares powerful insights from her work with employers across the country, including innovative approaches to supporting caregivers in the workplace. Along the way, we reflect on our own caregiving journeys, what gives us hope, and the critical role community and leadership play in driving meaningful change.  Episode Highlights [1:36] - Welcoming Karen and kicking things off with a lighthearted intro (and Zack’s birthday!) [4:44] - Karen shares her personal caregiving experiences and the impact of employer support [6:58] - How Karen’s career led her into caregiver advocacy and research [11:07] - The role of the Rosalynn Carter Institute and why employer engagement matters [16:39] - Inside the “Innovation Lab” and what employers are learning about caregiving [21:47] - Surprising insights and challenges employers face today [25:05] - Misconceptions on both sides: employers vs. caregivers [28:03] - Practical advice for managers to better support caregiver employees [31:38] - Where Karen finds hope in today’s caregiving landscape [35:37] - Simple, actionable steps employers can take right now [39:04] - What gives us hope as caregivers and advocates Links & Resources Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry Murals https://smarthistory.org/rivera-detroit-industry-murals/ [https://smarthistory.org/rivera-detroit-industry-murals/] Episode 30: The Future of Caregiving at Work with Lindsay Jurist-Rosner (Wellthy) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401927/episodes/18228936] National Alliance for Caregiving https://www.caregiving.org/ [https://www.caregiving.org/] Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/ [https://www.caregiver.org/] Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers https://rosalynncarter.org/ [https://rosalynncarter.org/] REACT Report (AARP) https://caregivers.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AARP-ReAct-MASTER-web.pdf [https://caregivers.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AARP-ReAct-MASTER-web.pdf] Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Me-Navigating-Meaningful-Caregiving/dp/1668005808 [https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Me-Navigating-Meaningful-Caregiving/dp/1668005808] Susie Singer Carter: @susiesingercarter [https://www.instagram.com/susiesingercarter/] Jason Resendez: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonresendez/] Karen Kavanaugh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-kavanaugh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-kavanaugh/] karen.kavanaugh@tuftsmedicine.org [karen.kavanaugh@tuftsmedicine.org] Episode 23: Grief, Caregiving, and the Power of Connection with Leslie Weirich [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401927/episodes/17656188-grief-caregiving-and-the-power-of-connection-with-leslie-weirich] If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com [http://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/] for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Navigating the Legal and Practical Challenges After a Cancer Diagnosis

In this episode, we sit down with Monica Bryant, co-founder of Triage Cancer, to talk about the often-overlooked legal and practical challenges that follow a cancer diagnosis. As caregivers and advocates, we explore how navigating health insurance, workplace rights, and treatment logistics can quickly become overwhelming for families already dealing with the emotional weight of cancer. Monica shares how Triage Cancer empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and reduce stress. We also discuss the role employers and healthcare providers play in supporting working caregivers, how tools like AI may help expand access to information, and why understanding your legal and financial options can make a meaningful difference during the cancer journey.  [00:00] – Why employers want to support caregivers but often don’t know how to start. [01:02] – We welcome Monica Bryant and kick off the conversation with a fun Chicago icebreaker. [02:34] – Monica explains how Triage Cancer was founded and why legal education is critical after a cancer diagnosis. [04:17] – How Triage Cancer helps patients and caregivers navigate legal, financial, and workplace issues. [06:18] – Why caregiving during cancer often becomes urgent and overwhelming for families. [07:32] – The psychosocial impact of caregiving and how access to information can reduce stress and anxiety. [09:09] – The complexities of treatment decisions, insurance coverage, and navigating healthcare systems. [11:20] – How Triage Cancer works with healthcare professionals to better support patients and caregivers. [15:42] – Our discussion about AI in healthcare and where technology can help without replacing human empathy. [19:26] – A powerful real-life story showing how the right legal knowledge helped a father protect his daughter’s cancer treatment. [23:02] – Policy changes and how shifts in healthcare coverage could impact millions of Americans. [25:43] – How listeners can access Triage Cancer’s free educational resources, events, and support tools. [27:59] – Monica’s important reminder: why everyone over 18 should have an estate plan in place. Links & Resources: Triage Cancer website: Home [https://triagecancer.org/] Triage Health website: Home [https://triagehealth.org/] Stacie Vanags' Working Caregiver Story: Stories from Real Working Caregivers [https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories] Charlotte Bayala Cancer Caregiver Podcast: The Cancer Caregiver [https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/] Monica Fawzy Bryant is a cancer rights attorney and the co-founder and Chief Mission Officer for Triage Cancer. Monica has dedicated her career to improving access to and availability of quality information on the practical, insurance, financial, and legal issues surrounding serious medical conditions, like cancer. She has provided more than one thousand educational seminars, written articles and co-authored a book published by the American Bar Association called Cancer Rights Law: An Tool for Effective Navigation, as well as appeared on television and radio discussing healthcare related legal issues. Previously, Monica worked as Legislative Counsel for U.S. Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez and Law Clerk for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com [http://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/] for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.