Caregiver's Compass

Giving and receiving care with a disability and working to shift societal caregiving assumptions and beliefs in regards to caregiving with a disability, with Elizabeth Mohler (Episode 146)

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Born blind, from a very young age, Elizabeth Mohler experienced the barriers and obstacles one with a disability can face in an ableist society. With ...

Using personal pain, grief and insights from the loss of her mother, and later the loss of her father, as a way to support others in their mourning, grief and pain, with Barri Leiner (Episode 145)

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Facing the loss of her mother in her 20s, Barri Leiner found herself experiencing the sudden shock of grief. Turning her pain and learning into purpos...

An extraordinary multi-generational caregiver for several children, including a son with complex medical needs, who has used her experiences for systemic change, advocacy and education, with Elizabeth Marie Chambers (Episode 144)

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Marie Chambers shares her experiences as a muti-generational caregiver in today’s episode as she highlights caring for a child with comple...

The importance of friendship and community in caregiving and loss (and finding chosen family), with Jacquelyn Shapiro (Episode 143)

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A very common sentiment we hear from caregivers is the loneliness and isolation felt as a result of misunderstandings between other family members or ...

A remarkable journey of care for multiple family members (including her spouse) as a young parent and using her experiences to shape her career and the caregiving landscape as a whole, with Katie Brandt (Episode 142)

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Having just started her career and life as a young mom, Katie Brandt’s entire world changed in an instant when her husband was diagnosed with FTD in...

The episode on working caregivers, with Christa Haanstra (Episode 141)

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have heard about caregiving, we have heard about eldercare, but how often do you hear about working caregivers? This topic is JUST starting to come...

We have the right to our autonomy and right to live at risk- why is it that institutions or agencies are telling us how to engage in activities of daily life? (Episode 140)

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The person you care for has a daily routine or activities in their daily life they hope to continue to uphold, but yet when connected to a new home ca...

Experiencing a Father With Frontotemporal Degeneration as a 7 Year Old Child and Fiercely Advocating for Change and Awareness, with Spencer Cline (Episode 139)

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spencer Cline was only 7 years old when his father was first diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (behavioural variant). From a very young age, ...

The Hidden Truths About Long-Term Care and What it will take to Create a Better Future in the Long-Term Care System with Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos (Episode 138)

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vivian Stamatopoulos - advocate, professor, and long-time researcher in the field of caregiving and long-term care-joins the podcast to uncover the hi...

Caregiving as a teenager for a mother with Parkinson’s disease and informing her career using technology to help others through caregiving experiences, with Carla Velastegui (Episode 137)

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carla Velastegui began caring for her mother with Parkinson’s disease while still in high school, experiencing both the challenges and deep insights...

The Statistics Behind Caregiver Mental Health: You’re Not Alone (Episode 136)

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the numbers behind caregiver mental health, sharing Canadian statistics that reveal just how many caregivers, including ...

Do I need to change my entire routine to feel better as a caregiver? (Episode 135)

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie explores a common question caregivers face: Do I need to change my entire routine to feel better if I am overwhelmed as a c...

What does the research show when it comes to caregiver mental health and is there hope on the horizon, with Dr. Adrianna Shnall (Episode 134)

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Adrianna Shnall, program director at the Baycrest Kochinsky Centre, has been a social worker and clinician in the field of aging and caregiving fo...

What if I promised the person I care for that I would always keep them at home, yet now I need to move them to a facility or other location, with Jeanette Yates (Episode 133)

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us have had the conversation- we vow to keep the person we care for home forever; We will never move them to a facility or otherwise... And th...

What is the purpose of a caregiver processing deep emotions in therapy (isn’t it better to just let these things go as life is already so stressful?) (Episode 132)

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why would you even want to talk about or process the deep emotions? The painful thoughts or feelings that just feel too difficult to think about? In c...

Some of the WILD things people have said to me as a caregiver and following my mom’s passing (Episode 131)

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie shares some of the most memorable (frankly, ridiculous) things people have said to her while she was caring for her mother ...

From not speaking, to forming a close relationship and caregiving for both his parents (for years), with Charles Morris (Episode 130)

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Morris has an incredible story, and we are so thankful he is sharing it on our podcast today. From not speaking to his mother for years, to fo...

The need for a national caregiving strategy in Canada, government-level advocacy and policy change and the hope on the horizon, with James Janeiro (Episode 129)

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canada is in dire need of a national caregiving strategy. And on today’s episode, we welcome James Janeiro, director of policy and government relati...

All about the Association of Frontal Temporal Degeneration (AFTD) including what they do, who they help, and where they hope to go next, with Esther Kane and Debbie Elkins (Episode 128)

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, caregiver @debbieelkins , shares her story caring for her husband Chuck with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), and discusses ho...

Do I even need a power of attorney document and/or advanced directives? (Episode 127)

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is not commonly provided education so do not worry if this is all new or confusing! Most people are confused about powers of attorney, advanced d...

People no longer visit the person I care for (Episode 126)

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is a common scenario- perhaps when there was an initial diagnosis, people showed up and offered support and over time they stopped coming as ofte...

The gaps in dementia and aging care in Canada, a defined dementia pathway and the path forward, with Dr. Saskia Sivananthan (Episode 125)

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever faced navigating the healthcare system through a dementia diagnosis, you know the difficulties that can be faced. A confusing path to...

Strain and conflict we can experience in a romantic relationship while also caregiving for a parent, child, sibling or other family member, with Barry Jacobs and Julie Mayer (Episode 124)

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caring for someone can add complexity and conflict in a romantic relationship. Whether your partner disagrees with your decisions and beliefs regardin...

Talking all about ANGER and resentment in caregiving (Episode 123)

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What leads to anger and resentment in caregiving and is there anything you can do to help prevent or mitigate these very intense, and sometimes overpo...

Guilt for not being able to do ‘it all’ while caring for multiple people and balancing other responsibilities (Episode 122)

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you care for multiple family members or friends? Do you feel like you are not doing all you ultimately ‘should be’ doing given the limitations ...

From caring for her mom with frontotemporal dementia, to creating a film and advocating to normalize the caregiving experience, with Katie Prentiss (Episode 121)

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After being thrust into the world of caregiving and caring for her mom with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Katie Prentiss saw the need to share the ca...

Guilt about moving someone to a facility when you promised them you would always keep them at ‘home’, with Susanne White (Episode 120)

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Stephanie speaks to Susanne White (Caregiver Warrior) about the one thing that brought her tremendous guilt for many years after...

Being questioned about your involvement as a caregiver (Episode 119)

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had your caregiving or involvement as a caregiver questioned? This can STING. You have spent so much time and energy providing care and ...

WE ARE BACK FOR SEASON 5!

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Caregiver’s Compass! We cannot believe we are already on season 5 and we have some incredible guests coming your way. In this episod...

TOP episodes of season 4!

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are back and covering the most listened-to episode of season 4! Here is a recap:5) Episode 105: What exactly is ‘Caregiver Burnout’?4) Episode...

Debunking the common misconceptions behind ‘palliative care’ and advocating for awareness about palliative care and MAID, with Dr. Samantha Winemaker (Episode 117)

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Palliative care: a term we often hear in our communities and in the healthcare system. But do we actually know what the term palliative care means for...

Dementia prevention, women’s brain health and the power to improve your health NOW and for the future, with Lynn Posluns (Episode 116)

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lynn Posluns dedicates her life to women’s brain health, education and research for prevention and improvement that you can make in your life right ...

Caregiving while balancing a career at the same time (Episode 115)

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you caregiving and working at the same time? This very real and very common situation is also very hidden and not talked about enough… But when ...

Let’s talk about the nursing home transition… (Episode 114)

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The nursing home transition can be very very hard, not only for the person who is moving to the residence, but for the caregiver too (in a big way). I...

Who is the CEO behind the Ontario Caregiver Organization and how is the OCO working with caregivers to provide the diverse support they need when they need it? With Amy Coupal (Episode 113)

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are over 4 million caregivers in Ontario, yet the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), a government funded organization aimed to support this w...

Caregiving and navigating the healthcare system with both a neurotypical child and a child with autism and a rare genetic disease AND recognizing the true need for self-care along the way after extreme burnout, with Nicole Dauz (Episode 112)

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Dauz imagined an idyllic future for her family of 4 after giving birth to her baby daughter. She soon realized that her vision of what would be...

Holidays and events are so hard since the loss of/ changes have transpired in my loved one (Episode 111)

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first, second, third…. times we experience a holiday or an event since changes or the loss of someone we love can be so hard. These moments and ...

I really wish I had a sibling to help me in my caregiving (Episode 110)

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As an only child, for many years Stephanie thought that having a sibling by her side would really help in the caregiving process. But after working wi...

Pushing forward, breaking boundaries and achieving an outstanding career in modeling while caring for her mother with early onset FTD, with Nicole Petrie (Episode 109)

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Petrie is not a person who is easily describable with words. Using her passion for FTD advocacy and surpassing numerous obstacles and limits in...

Moving countries and caregiving for her grandmother with cancer and her mom with dementia as an only child, and the lessons learned along the way, with Katrina Prescott (Episode 108)

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Katrina Prescott left her commercial production role in New York City and returned to British Columbia as she was faced with the realities of her...

Becoming more aware of our thoughts as caregivers, with Jessica Smith (Episode 107)

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As people, we have thousands and thousands of thoughts each and every day. But do you truly recognize your thoughts and are you aware of the thoughts ...

Let’s talk about the driver’s license (Episode 106)

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The driver’s license and cognitive or physical impairment. Something that, unless you’ve experienced it, you can never fully understand. The battl...

What exactly is Caregiver Burnout? (Episode 105)

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We hear about this term, caregiver burnout, so often. But what exactly is ‘burnout’ and how do we get there? What can we do to try and prevent or ...

Parenting after the devastating loss of an infant- continuing to care while growing a successful business and determining her own needs in processing substantial grief- with Caitlin Melvin (Episode 104)

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlin Melvin’s life changed forever in 2021 when her 3 week old baby Scottie passed away. Having to continue caring for her young son in the face ...

Finding herself again after substantial loss: continuing on and locating meaning after a long chapter as a care partner to both parents- with Patti LaFleur (Episode 103)

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Patti LaFleur (known as misspatticake on social media) has become a well-known figure in the caregiving space. After leaving her teaching job of many ...

Using music and art as a method of coping and growth while caregiving for her spouse with Lewy body dementia - with Mary Lou Falcone (Episode 102)

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Lou Falcone lived a life of sophistication and excitement as a prominent figure in the classical music space, her husband a well-known artist. Us...

I no longer want to engage in sex or intimacy with my partner who I care for (Episode 101)

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel completely removed, turned off or differently in general about your partner who you care for? Do you notice that you no longer want t...

An informative look at our ‘crumbling’ healthcare system, its shortcomings , achievements and what we need to focus on shifting to benefit the future of our caregivers and those they care for- with André Picard (Episode 100)

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For 43 years André Picard has been at the forefront of health journalism and health reporting for The Globe and Mail. In today’s episode, André ta...

How caregiving for 3 family members concurrently drove her to create innovative tools for other caregivers, with Debbie Compton (Episode 99)

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Debbie Compton and her husband cared for 3 family members at the same time. It was during this balance that she recognized exceptionally innovative wa...

Exploring potentially unknown networks of support and community, mitigating feelings of isolation and loneliness and fostering connection by using the Atlas CareMap- with Rajiv Mehta (Episode 98)

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Rajiv Mehta talks about his non profit organization, Atlas of Caregiving, and his revolutionary mapping tool the Atlas CareMap w...

Examining our expectations of respite care: setting ourselves up for success when it comes to maximizing our respite experiences and outcomes (Episode 97)

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You work so hard to organize and plan respite care so that you can get that long awaited and very needed break, but your expectations and hopes fall s...

Learning from significant burnout- how incorporating care for self (even in the smallest ways) is a necessity when it comes to caregiving and grief, with Nikki Nurse (Episode 96)

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Nurse learned what burnout in caregiving can look like when she broke 2 of her limbs while caring for her mother. It was at that time that she r...

Yes, eating disorders can very much be related to caregiving- with Kyla Fox (Episode 95)

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that eating disorders, at their core, have very little to do with how you look? In this insightful episode, social worker and therapist, ...

Supporting Family Caregivers in Healthcare Through Research, Education and in Practice with Dr. Jasneet Parmar (Episode 94)

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Caregivers are aware there are significant gaps in our healthcare system, yet some of the answers to these gaps are found in supporting and providing ...

‘My parent has poor health habits but refuses any of my support or suggestions for change’ (Episode 93)

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

So you have identified what needs to change when it comes to your parent’s care or habits, or you have recognized the risks in their current lifesty...

How to Care for the Caregiver (Episode 92)

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all know about the caregiver and the intense care they can provide around the clock. But when it comes to caring for the caregiver themselves, what...

Top 5 episodes of season 3! 

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There were so many incredible episodes this season and today Stephanie recaps the most listened to episodes of season 3. This entire season we have a...

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, advocating for change in the caregiving landscape, and balancing life as a mom and caregiver to others, with Liv Mendelsohn (episode 91)

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 4 in Canada are presently caregivers and this number is expected to increase to 1 in 2 in the coming years. Yet our healthcare system is not equi...

Creating change in dementia through Montessori based strategies, with Rev Katie Norris (episode 90)

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, the incredible Rev Katie Norris talks about her experiences caring for her mom with dementia with her son Jeffrey, and how this ...

Navigating sibling relationships while providing 12 years of intensive care to a parent -learning how to process this and make amends with the siblings over time- with Rosanne Corcoran (episode 89)

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Rosanne Corcoran, podcast host, speaker and previous caregiver of her mom with dementia, details her journey in the sandwich caregive...

What does a mom of 3, a business owner and a therapist do for self-care and balance (Stephanie’s ‘self-care’ routine)? (episode 88)

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Although I truly do not think that anything I am doing is ‘more busy’ than the next person (especially if you are a caregiver!), I am sometimes as...

Family and friends who used to show up, stopped coming to visit when my loved one was diagnosed (episode 87)

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This topic hits hard. Being a caregiver can already be so isolating and difficult and as caregivers, we rely on others to come forward, show up, and s...

The shock of becoming a caregiver while already working as a psychologist in the healthcare system and finding true joy in the smallest moments as a caregiver of a daughter with a life limiting illness- with Dr. Naomi Saperia (episode 86)

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Naomi Saperia opens up about her experience caring for her daughter with a life limiting illness from birth to age 5, at a time w...

Getting raw and personal about all forms of parental guilt and how to cope with this very strong and real emotion- with Kelly Polci (episode 85)

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Kelly Polci, registered social worker and psychotherapist, shares her personal experiences with mom guilt parenting her 3 childr...

Our healthcare system is broken: case examples of how our healthcare system fails to support the patient and family caregiver, increasing caregiver stress, anxiety and burnout (episode 84)

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Stephanie explores 3 common cases she has seen as an inpatient social worker in the hospital system and looks at how these scena...

I do not have control, predictability or answers when it comes to my loved one with dementia (episode 83)

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While caring for a loved one with dementia, do you ever feel as though you wish you had more answers for the future? That you wish you knew what to ex...

Gaps in the healthcare system, its impact on caregivers and the road to positive change, with Dr. Nathan Stall (Episode 82)

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Stall talks about ongoing gaps in the healthcare system in terms of caregiver support and caregiver mental health from his...

The many forms of GRIEF in caregiving, with Wendy Williams (Episode 81)

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Wendy Williams joins the podcast once again to talk about how she has experienced grief in caregiving and how grief is so much more t...

I am OVERWHELMED- I provide care to not one, but TWO parents (Episode 80)

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

By now, we are likely familiar with those caring for 1 parent. But what happens when someone is caring for TWO parents? What if one parent has been c...

Strange occurrences that happened to me while my grandmother was passing away…and following her passing- is there more to life than we know? (Episode 79)

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie opens up about some very strange occurrences that happened while she was at her grandmother’s bedside in hospital and fol...

‘I kept my husband’s diagnosis a secret from others for many years’ - personal growth and developing a deep self-awareness while getting through the extremely difficult process of caregiving for a spouse with multiple system atrophy, with Julia Freifeld (

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Julia Freifeld takes us through her journey caring for her husband with multiple system atrophy (MSA )which involved a rapid and diff...

The real barriers in accessing the healthcare system as caregivers and patients, particularly when it comes to disability, language barriers and marginalization- with Courtney Sas (episode 77)

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, social worker, Courtney Sas, discusses her experiences working with patients who have struggled with navigating the healthcare system...

What is life like after caregiving? Exploring the grief and shifts in life after losing a loved one and raising awareness about the dying process itself- with Brian Smith (episode 76)

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

*Disclaimer- this episode discusses the dying process*In this episode, Brian Smith discusses what he wishes he knew to prepare for his wife’s dying ...

I am providing care to a loved one alongside someone that I have a negative relationship with and I am finding this very difficult. Help! (episode 75)

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we are faced with caring for a loved one alongside others who we may not get along with, have a difficult past with, have a complex history ...

I feel so overwhelmed/burnt out caregiving from afar but also GUILTY because I am not physically involved on a daily basis, while so many others are (episode 74)

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had the following thoughts:-How can I feel so overwhelmed right now if I am not physically present in the caregiving process on a daily ...

Working through cultural shifts and adversity, marginalization and extreme life changes while caring for a parent and children, with Roxanne Francis (Episode 73)

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, psychotherapist Roxanne Francis talks about the incredible challenges she has faced and gotten through as a caregiver of her mother a...

The real, raw reality of having a mother with FTD, and the scientific advancements surrounding the diagnosis, with Jacquelyn Shapiro (Episode 72)

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacquelyn Shapiro shares her experiences as a daughter of FTD in a very vulnerable way. She and Stephanie compare their experiences h...

The people who had supported me through my caregiving journey are no longer around me (unspoken caregiving grief) (Episode 71)

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you have a family member who had supported you who is no longer showing up? Did you have a friend around you in this crazy ride who has fallen awa...

Help! I feel invisible as a caregiver in the healthcare system (Episode 70)

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does this sound familiar? You try and you try and you are practically SCREAMING to have your voice heard as the caregiver in the healthcare system. Ye...

On changing her career in dementia care and staying true to herself and her mental health, with Carrie Aalberts (Episode 69)

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Carrie Aalberts discusses how she hit rock bottom emotionally and had to shift her life and her career to honour herself and her overa...

How incorporating mindfulness in her daily life shaped her journey as a caregiver for her mom, with Jessica Smith (Episode 68)

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Jessica shares her incredible journey caring for her mom, Patti. Jessica shares how presence, mindfulness and bringing in joy he...

‘Life Hacks’ (you may not have thought about) to reduce your daily stress as a caregiver (Episode 67)

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie talks about some ‘life hacks’ that you can implement in your daily life as a caregiver. These can help reduce overall s...

WELCOME to Season 3!

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Caregiver’s Compass. We are so excited to be back and this season is sure to be an exceptional one.In this episode, Stephanie talks ...

TOP FIVE episodes of Season 2!

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Stephanie summarizes the top 5 episodes from season two of Caregiver’s Compass. Thank YOU for making season 2 what it was. Such a fa...

Navigating the post-partum period after losing a parent/ parental figure- with postpartum coach Jaquie Dason (Episode 66)

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, postpartum coach, Jaquie Dason, discusses losing her mom to cancer at the age of 18 and raising 2 children while feeling significant ...

Becoming a Memory Coach and Helping Those with Memory Concerns Improve their Memory- with Francine Waskavitz (Episode 65)

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 65, Francine Waskavitz discusses how she, as a memory coach, helps those struggling with their memory and memory loss. She discusses how sh...

Getting Through University and Applying to Graduate School as a Caregiver (Episode 64)

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 64, Adrienne talks about how she got through university and graduate school as a caregiver herself while at her grandparent’s side in the...

How Could Therapy Possibly Help Me As A Caregiver (Episode 63)

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may be thinking to yourself: how could therapy possibly help me as a caregiver? Therapy cannot get rid of the tasks at hand or the responsibilitie...

From speech language pathologist to capturing the dementia caregiver world by storm- with Adria Thompson (Episode 62)

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 62, Stephanie speaks to Adria Thompson who, in 2021, grew her passion for helping dementia caregivers and those with dementia as an SLP wit...

Living a meaningful legacy: sharing positivity and uplifting others after losing a parent with an FTD diagnosis (with Lisa Sonshine) (Episode 61)

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 61, Lisa Sonshine from the Juno Award winning duo Sonshine and Broccoli talks to Stephanie about her father’s FTD diagnosis, decline and ...

I feel extreme guilt about wishing that my situation would just end (Episode 60)

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 60, Stephanie discusses a commonly expressed thought that many of her clients express having: I wish this situation would just end. She exp...

How life has progressed since my mom’s initial diagnosis (memory, functioning and how I have navigated coping after having my own children without her by my side) (Episode 59)

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 59, Stephanie further talks about her journey after her mom’s initial diagnosis of FTD. She touches upon what her life looked like after ...

Managing postpartum mental health while caring for 1+ children and/or another family member- with Kelly Polci (MSW,RSW) (Episode 58)

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to social worker Kelly Polci who has worked with pregnant and postpartum women and families in high-risk obstetrics ...

From inpatient nurse to caregiving consultant- how losing her job and burning out resulted in finding a daily passion for helping others- With Karen Lake (Episode 57)

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to nurse and caregiving consultant, Karen Lake, as she discusses how she went from caring for patients as a nurse in...

‘I don’t feel as though my loved one can be cared for at home anymore’ how to proceed when this real situation presents itself (and raises all the guilt, shame and fear) (an anonymous case scenario) (Episode 56)

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This situation is a very common and real occurrence. One day, you do not feel your loved one can be appropriately cared for in their home anymore. In ...

How I Reacted to my Mom’s FTD Diagnosis and the Corresponding Emotions (Initially and as Time Progressed) (Episode 55)

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 55, Stephanie continues to talk about how her mom’s FTD diagnosis shaped her life and the relationships between herself and others as she...

‘My Life Completely Changed When my Boyfriend was Assaulted and Suddenly Faced a Traumatic Brain Injury’- caregiving after a very sudden and traumatic life shift, with Katherine Smith. (Episode 54)

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Just before her 26th birthday, Katherine’s partner, Ben, was brutally assaulted while on vacation. Ben experienced a severe traumatic brain injury...

The Non-Traditional Caregiver- Providing Emotional Support and Assisting Loved Ones in Who are Physically and Emotionally Isolated (Episode 53)

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, guest Marie (name changed for anonymity) discusses her responsibilities as a caregiver for her parents who are emotionally and physic...

The Importance of Sleep on Mental Health and Maintaining Overall Balance, with Sleep Consultant Andria Gordon (Episode 52)

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Importance of Sleep on Mental Health and Maintaining Overall Balance, with Sleep Consultant Andria Gordon (Episode 52)We have all heard that sleep...

When People Question your Abilities as a Caregiver (Episode 51)

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When People Question your Abilities as a Caregiver (episode 51)You are doing your absolute best as a caregiver and you have poured all of you into wha...