A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

The One Tool Every Family Caregiver Should Try: Personalized Music with Dan Cohen

Can music reconnect someone with memories that seem lost? In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dan Cohen, founder of the Music & Memory movement, about how personalized music can reduce anxiety, spark meaningful memories, ease caregiving challenges, and bring moments of joy to people living with dementia. Discover simple, practical ways to use music as a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and hope—for both caregivers and their loved ones.

When Is It Time to Stop Driving? Walking Through One of Caregiving’s Hardest Decisions with Judy M. Romano

When is it time to stop driving? For many older adults, driving symbolizes independence and freedom. For caregivers, concerns about driving safety can bring uncertainty, worry, and difficult conversations. In this episode, occupational therapist and driver evaluation specialist Judy Romano shares practical guidance for recognizing warning signs, approaching conversations with compassion, and helping loved ones maintain dignity and quality of life while prioritizing safety. A thoughtful and encouraging resource for anyone caring for aging parents or supporting a loved one through changing abilities.

Autism, Family Support & Sustainable Care with Teresa Lyons

Autism caregiving can place deep emotional and practical demands on families. In this gentle conversation, Teresa Lyons, PhD and Isabel Melgarejo explore family dynamics, caregiver burnout, multigenerational support, and the importance of sharing care with steadiness and compassion.

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.