A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

When Caregiving Feels Heavy: Grace, Resilience, and Believing in Yourself | with Joseph Brooks

Sometimes caregiving is not only about caring for someone else—it is about learning how to care for the way you speak to yourself. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Isabel welcomes Joseph Brooks, motivational speaker, caregiver, and resilience leader, for a conversation about grief, difficult decisions, perfectionism, and the daily practice of self-belief. After growing up in a violent neighborhood, losing both parents at a young age, caring for his wife through years of severe illness, and eventually facing the heartbreaking decision to remove life support, Joseph brings a perspective rooted in lived experience, faith, service, and grace. Together, Isabel and Joseph explore: * how to make emotionally loaded decisions * why caregivers must release the need to be perfect * the healing power of serving from presence instead of pressure * how to challenge negative self-talk * rebuilding confidence after loss * taking life one day at a time * creating a daily practice of truth, grace, and resilience This conversation offers gentle encouragement for any caregiver carrying guilt, fear, grief, or the weight of impossible choices. A reminder for your heart: You do not need to be perfect. You only need to keep showing up with grace.

How Horses Bring Joy, Movement, and Connection in Dementia Care | with Dr. Beth Fields

What if care could also look like fresh air, nature, and the gentle rhythm of a horse? In this heartfelt episode, Isabel speaks with Dr. Beth Fields about Riding in the Moment, an adaptive horseback riding program created for adults living with dementia. Together, they explore how horses, movement, and community can support joy, connection, balance, long-term memory, and moments of relief for caregivers as well. This is a hopeful conversation about the many ways care can remain meaningful, human, and deeply connected to what brings us alive.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Caregiving, Identity Loss & Everyday Joy | Suzy McNamara

How does caregiving change who we become? In this deeply moving conversation, Isabel speaks with author Suzy McNamara about caring for her husband through early-onset Alzheimer’s, the grief of watching someone change, and the importance of finding joy in the present moment. This episode explores identity shifts, caregiver isolation, allowing others to help, and learning to honor yourself through the caregiving journey. A gentle, honest conversation for anyone navigating long-term care, grief, or the emotional weight of loving someone through illness.

AI and Caregiving: Staying Human in a Digital World with Dr. Jeremy Holloway

AI is becoming part of everyday life, and for caregivers, that can bring both curiosity and quiet uncertainty. In this conversation, Isabel Melgarejo and Dr. Jeremy Holloway explore what it means to use AI in a way that feels supportive—without losing the human presence that caregiving requires. Together, they reflect on the balance between receiving help and staying grounded…. between using tools and holding on to your own judgment, intuition, and care. This is not about getting it right. It is about finding a way to let AI sit beside you—without letting it take your place. As you listen, you may begin to notice where AI could gently support you… and where your presence, your voice, and your understanding remain essential. There is no pressure here to use everything. Only an invitation to stay connected to what matters most.

Using Home Equity in Retirement with Kristy Osborne

Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood — and that fear can keep families from exploring helpful options. In this episode of A Time to Care, Isabel talks with Kristy Osborne, a mortgage and reverse mortgage specialist, about what these loans really are, who they’re for, and how they can support caregivers and retirees. They discuss common myths, planning strategies, and real stories of people using home equity to create more peace of mind in retirement. This is an educational conversation to help you make informed, confident choices. To contact Kristy: kristyosborn.com [http://kristyosborn.com/]