In Sickness

When Work and Caregiving Collide - How Companies Can Support Caregiver Employees

In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, we explore one of the most urgent and overlooked challenges in today’s workforce: how employers can better support employees who are also caregivers. With more than half of U.S. caregivers balancing their responsibilities while working full time, companies are facing a cultural and structural reckoning. What does real support look like? What’s missing? And how can leaders build workplaces where caregivers don’t have to choose between their job and the people they love? To unpack these questions, we’re joined by three leaders who bring deep experience from business, policy, and lived caregiving: Jim Weiss (Founder & Chairman, Real Chemistry) Jim shares how caregiving shaped his leadership philosophy and why companies must normalize conversations about care. He discusses the cultural barriers that keep employees silent and the role executives play in modeling vulnerability and flexibility. Cindy Diogo-Kociuba (Founder, Consoul) Cindy brings a policy and HR lens, highlighting the gaps that still leave caregivers unsupported - from inconsistent leave policies to the lack of manager training. She offers practical steps organizations can take to build more equitable, caregiver inclusive workplaces. Paurvi Bhatt (Founder & CEO, ThirdEyeFocus) Paurvi reframes caregiving as a leadership competency and a strategic business issue. She explains why companies that invest in caregiver support see stronger retention, better performance, and more resilient cultures. Key Themes & Takeaways • Caregiving is a workforce reality, not a personal side issue Millions of employees are quietly juggling care responsibilities - and most feel they can’t talk about it at work. • Culture matters as much as policy Even generous benefits fall flat if employees fear stigma or career penalties. • Leaders set the tone When executives acknowledge caregiving in their own lives, it gives employees permission to do the same. • Flexibility is the new currency Caregivers need autonomy, not just time off - and companies that embrace flexibility gain loyalty and talent. • Supporting caregivers is good business Retention, productivity, and employee well being all improve when organizations take caregiving seriously. Why This Episode Matters Caregiving is reshaping the modern workforce. As the population ages and more employees take on care roles, companies must evolve - not just with policies, but with empathy, understanding, and leadership. This episode offers a roadmap for organizations ready to meet that moment.

The Elevator Ride: Talking About Prostate Cancer, Care, and Courage

Guests:  • Dr. Benjamin Lowentritt – Medical Director, Prostate Cancer Program at Chesapeake Urology, Vice President, Physician Services for United Urology Group. • Bob Lane – Prostate cancer survivor and advocate (“Elevator Bob”) Show Notes:  This episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving explores prostate cancer from two sides — the clinical expertise of Dr. Benjamin Lowentritt and the lived experience of survivor Bob Lane. Together, they discuss early signs, diagnosis, treatment options, stigma, and the importance of support — including how one man’s “elevator story” became a symbol of connection for others facing the same journey. Key Topics: - Early detection and screening - Navigating diagnosis and treatment - Emotional toll and caregiving challenges - Male stigma and health conversations - Advocacy and community support

Sharing the Journey of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Together

In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiviong, we dive deep into the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges faced by caregivers supporting loved ones with early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). With more adults under 50 being diagnosed with this disease, caregivers are often caught off guard — juggling careers, families, and a sudden, life-altering diagnosis. Joining the conversation are an oncologist who is recognized as the foremost authority on this condition, a husband who cared for his wife, and two patients. A woman who was diagnosed in her early 40’s and a much younger woman who received the diagnosis at 24. This group offers their unique experiences as well as compassionate guidance, community, and insight. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • The unique challenges of caregiving for EOCRC patients • How early-onset symptoms differ and often lead to delayed diagnosis • Strategies for managing emotional burnout and caregiver fatigue • Navigating medical appointments, treatment plans, and advocating for your loved one • Balancing caregiving with work, parenting, and self-care • Building a support network  Featured Guests: • Dr. Kimmie Ng, Associate Chief, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Josh Trow, EOCRC Caregiver • Monica Dean, EOCRC Patient • Meagan Meadow, EOCRC Patient To learn more, go to insickness.org

The Sandwiched Caregiver. In Between Love and Care.

If you're raising children while caring for aging parents at the same time, you're not alone. In this episode of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, co-hosts Bob Coughlin and Paul Kidwell explore the challenges of being a sandwich caregiver. The three podcast guests share their personal experiences as they explore the emotional, financial, and physical toll of being part of the "Sandwich Generation."

Caregiving Writ Large

The PBS “Caregiving” documentary has sparked a national conversation that will hopefully lead to change in the many issues facing caregivers. The film features intimate stories from a diverse group of caregivers that highlight the emotional, financial, and logistical tightrope that all of us caregivers walk each day. “Caregiving” shines a light on this essential yet mostly invisible work force and humanizes it by amplifying their emotional narratives and calling attention to burnout, isolation, and gaps in resources and recognition. If you are a caregiver, you will be heartened to know how this film stands on the precipice of action and change. Join the In Sickness team as we speak with Executive Producer, Tom Chiodo, Director, Christopher Durrance, and caregiver, Matt Cauli as they share stories that will help lift caregiving from a private burden to a public cause. To learn more, go to insickness.org [https://www.insickness.org].