Whole Caregiver

Doing Hard Things: Hannah Setzer on Disability, Joy, and Community (Audio Only)

Hosts Erna and Megan interview Hannah Setzer—author, advocate, adaptive fitness coach, and parent—about living authentically with disability, caregiving, and creating community. Hannah shares stories of resilience, parenting children, and how she turned a dream for an inclusive playground into new local initiatives. The episode highlights practical advice on building supportive communities (both online and in-person), pursuing and achieving goals, and finding joy in everyday life while navigating challenges. To learn about Hannah and her work, check out the following links: Uniquely Abled — organization that supports adaptive sports and fitness https://www.uniquelyabledfitness.org/ [https://www.uniquelyabledfitness.org/] Washington Post — featuring Hannah’s community project https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/setzer-accessible-playground-disabled-foster/2021/06/16/8af7a452-cebb-11eb-a7f1-52b8870bef7c_story.html [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/setzer-accessible-playground-disabled-foster/2021/06/16/8af7a452-cebb-11eb-a7f1-52b8870bef7c_story.html] Hannah Setzer’s Instagram — for ongoing advocacy and updates @hannahvsetzer [https://www.instagram.com/hannahvsetzer/?hl=en] Hannah's Farm https://handcraftedbyhannah.com/ [https://handcraftedbyhannah.com/] One of Hannah's Books: https://tantor.com/author/hannah-setzer.html [https://tantor.com/author/hannah-setzer.html]

Grief, Meaning Making, and the Power of Community: Audio Version

Erna and Megan speak with clinical hypnotherapist and end-of-life doula Sarah Rubens about her sudden caregiving journey, the emotional and physical challenges of caring for loved ones, and how community, spirituality, and therapeutic tools like hypnosis supported her healing. They explore grief as embodied energy, practical ways to build support, and guidance for navigating life after caregiving—emphasizing meaning-making, compassion, and multiple paths to recovery. To learn more about Sarah, you can find her here: https://www.treestarhypnosis.com/ [https://www.treestarhypnosis.com/] @treestarhypnosis

Caregiving Is Everyone's Work: Audio Version

This episode explores the social and personal dimensions of caregiving, highlighting its undervaluation, gendered expectations, and the need for supportive policies. Hosts Erna and Megan share personal stories, societal observations, and call for greater recognition and support for caregivers across all experiences.  Caregiving Documentary Information: https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/ [https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/] Megan discussed full day kindergarten--her state has a policy for optional full day, and here is a report detailing the impacts of full day kindergarten: https://edworkingpapers.com/sites/default/files/ai24-987.pdf [https://edworkingpapers.com/sites/default/files/ai24-987.pdf]

When Care Calls: A Daughter's Journey from NYC to Home

In this episode, hosts Erna and Megan sit down with Jacquelyn Revere to hear her family caregiving story: moving home to care for her mother and grandmother with dementia, the shock of sudden responsibilities, and the emotional complexity of caregiving as a young adult. They discuss sharing her experience publicly, building The Care Den community, the importance of honesty, softness, and mental health support, and the ongoing need for reliable respite and connection for family caregivers. To find out more about Jacquelyn: Instagram: @momofmymom La Times Op-Ed -https://shorturl.at/orwzG [https://shorturl.at/orwzG] NPR Feature - https://shorturl.at/kAFRS [https://shorturl.at/kAFRS] Tv Writing Articles -  https://shorturl.at/jpuJM [https://shorturl.at/jpuJM] https://shorturl.at/gipuz [https://shorturl.at/gipuz]

Caregiver Levels: Alma Valencia's Story

Alma Valencia shares her 10-year journey caring for her mother with frontotemporal dementia, explaining how caregiving roles evolve from a helper to a full-time protector. She discusses balancing family responsibilities, stepping away from her career, building community through her Instagram accounts, and finding small moments of joy amid challenges. Alma emphasizes the need for understanding and collaboration between caregivers and healthcare professionals, advocating for a more inclusive approach to dementia care. To learn more about Alma and her work, please find her on Instagram at: @mom_has_dementia and @thecaregivercomadre Many thanks to Alma for sharing her time with us!