The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Unveiling the Hidden Struggles and Strengths of Caregiving

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)As the paths of our lives intersect with those of our loved ones, we all too often find ourselves in the role of a caregiver. Throu...

Navigating the Holiday Season: Tips for Caregivers

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Navigating the holiday season as a caregiver? Expand your toolkit with our personal stories and practical advice to create new holi...

Discovering the Power of 'No' in Caregiving

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Ever feel like you're drowning under the weight of caregiving? We're about to throw you a lifeline. We dedicate this empo...

Harnessing the Transformative Power of Gratitude for Stress Management and Sustainable Happiness

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Imagine waking up each day with a heart filled with gratitude, even amid life's toughest moments. That's the powerful jou...

Empowering Caregivers: Unpacking the 3 Essential Gifts

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Did you ever imagine you'd be in this place, as a caregiver? Neither did I. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, ...

Battling Energy Vampires: Protect Your Vibration and Empower Your Caregiving Journey

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Have you ever felt drained and powerless after a conversation or interaction, wondering if you're being haunted by energy vamp...

Confronting and Overcoming Fears in Caregiving: A Halloween Special

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Get ready to journey into the haunted realm of fear, as we explore not just Halloween traditions, but also the deeper, more persona...

Riding the Waves of Caregiving: Conquering Chaos and Guilt

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Ever found yourself juggling the chaos of life, work, and caregiving - all while struggling with guilt and stress? This week on Car...

Celebrating Three Years of the Caregiver Cup: A Journey of Growth and Community Building

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)What if there was a space where caregivers could come together, share their stories, and gain support? A place where they could lea...

Redirecting Chronic and Obsessive Worry as a Caregiver

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Do you feel like worry and anxiety are your constant companions as a caregiver? It's time for a change, and this episode is yo...

Filling Your Cup: The 15 Minute Self-Care Caregiver Strategy

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Ever felt like you're endlessly running on a treadmill, caught in the caregiving cycle that leaves no room for you? I've ...

Transforming Struggles into Success with Debbie Weiss

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Are you ready to turn adversity into triumph? My guest today, Debbie Weiss, has done just that. A seasoned life strategist, author,...

Thriving in the Diverse Landscape of Caregiving

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I've always believed that caregiving is more than just a responsibility; it's a calling. An event as simple as my niece&a...

Six Years of Resilience: The Growth Journey of Caregiving

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Can't believe it's been six years since my caregiving journey began? I'll never forget that life-altering call I rec...

The Silent Caregiver Battle: My Experience with Chronic Stress

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Imagine a life where chronic stress and burnout constantly chip away at your focus, motivation, and memory. Sounds tough, right? We...

Overcoming Resentment for a Healthier Caregiving Experience

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Are you a caregiver navigating the tricky waters of resentment? It's a common yet complex emotion, characterized by bitterness...

Overcoming Pushbacks, Guilt and Shame In Your Caregiver Transformation

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)When I first began to prioritize my health and set healthy boundaries, my family was less than thrilled. There were pushbacks, guil...

Creating a Fulfilling Caregiving Journey: Be The 15%

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Feeling overwhelmed and stressed as a caregiver? You're not alone. Join me on this emotional roller coaster ride, where I shar...

Unlocking Your Best Caregiver Life through Auditing

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Ever wondered how to transform your caregiving experience into a journey of peace, joy and empowerment? The answer lies in auditing...

The Transition of Caregiving and Your Conflicting Values

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Feeling anger, resentment, torn or unhappy?  Caregiving is a life transition for you and it competes with your values.  This tran...

Retraining the Mind: Overcoming Negativity As A Caregiver

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Do you ever feel like your mind is overflowing with negative thoughts as a caregiver? Well, mine certainly was this past week. I wa...

Triage Your Caregiver Stress: Building Your Toolkit through Emotional Color-Coding

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Ever wondered how your body is signaling stress levels and what the clues might mean? Join me as I take you on a journey of self-di...

The Many Hats of Caregiving: Transitioning From Novice to Mastering Skillsets

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Are you wearing too many hats as a caregiver and unsure how to juggle them all successfully? Let me tell you, it's a common fe...

The Caregiver's Stress Backpack: How to Lighten the Load and Prevent Burnout

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Feeling weighed down by the stress of caregiving? Join me as I share a hilarious family story that teaches valuable lessons about h...

Transforming Your Caregiving Journey: Embracing Gratitude and Wins

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I'm diving into one of the most impactful mindset strategies I've discovered which has led to breakthroughs and transform...

Caring for Aging Parents: Practical Tools and Solutions with Shay Domangue

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Are you juggling the challenges of caring for aging parents? Let us help you navigate this journey with valuable insights from Shay...

Making Caregiving More Manageable And Efficient With Rosa Everson

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Interviewing other caregivers are one of the best parts of being a podcaster.  But this episode is EVEN BETTER.  When you hear ho...

The simple caregiving strategy to overcome your challenges and stress

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Are you drowning in the demands of caregiving? What if there was a way to make your caregiving journey a little bit more manageable...

Stop Believing Everything Your Brain Is Telling You

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It's crazy how your brain is wired and what if feeds on.  Are you allowing your negative thoughts in?  What do you now belie...

Lessons Learned Caring for Mom

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)This was the first Mother's Day without my Mom.   Mother’s Day  was a hard day for me.  Honestly, I felt like I was kicke...

Building Your Caregiving Team: The Benefits and How to Lead

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Who's on your caregiving team?  When caregivers take a step back and look at their team and see the importance of the service...

Breaking The Worry Habit: Understanding and Overcoming Excessive Worry As A Caregiver

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Worry is a normal human emotion and everyone experiences it to some degree. It's a natural response to uncertainty and can be ...

Manifesting The Caregiver Life You Want And Need

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Manifesting is important in caregiving because it is a way to intentionally focus our thoughts and energy on what we want to achiev...

What Is The Best Exercise For You Right Now?

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)As a caregiver, our days can be unending with caregiving tasks, home chores, our job and much more.  Stress and burn out can set i...

How To Deal With Grief When Your Loved One Is Still Here

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In this episode, I’m talking all about those feelings of grief and loss when your loved one is still here.  I’ve experienced t...

Why Friendships Change As A Caregiver

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)She asked me the question that made me perk up in my chair and grateful that someone is finally asking me this question.  It is so...

Feeling Like You're In Autopilot As A Caregiver?

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s episode, I’m talking about those normal caregiving days,  Those days where you feel like you are in autopilot    ...

Waiting Rooms & Long Days

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Why do you feel like a dirty dish rag (or wet noodle) when you are with your loved one sitting all day in the clinic?  It's s...

The Stem Cell Transplant Is Scheduled, Now What?

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)The Stem Cell Transplant Is Scheduled, Now What?  Or better yet, what all needs to be done? Before, Denis and I got home from the...

Preparing For The Stem Cell Transplant

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It's a little over a year since my spouse began his stem cell transplant.   In this episode I reflect on the pre-transplant ...

How Do Your Core Values Affect Your Caregiving?

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Your core values and beliefs are your anchor to self-care.  Your core values are a testament to your true self because they are wh...

Why Is Self-Love So Challenging As A Caregiver?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others.  It's shifting our focus ...

Self-Compassion Buffers Against Caregiver Burnout

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Self-care is personal, it’s your thoughts and feelings (your self-worth), it’s being kind to yourself (your self-compassion), i...

Self-Love Starts With Self-Worth

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)This is part one of the self-care series.   Self-care and Self-love are the most important skills and practices as a caregiver.  ...

Caring For Your Loved One In Hospice With Guest, Helen Bauer

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)If you're caring for a loved one in their end of life and hospice or you're approaching it soon, this episode is going to...

Being An Effective Caregiver While Working And Pursuing Your Passions

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Juggling everything can be hard now that you are a caregiver.  Before caregiving you were working on those personal and profession...

Relationship Changes With Your Loved One As A Caregiver

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)When you become a caregiver you think about the extra responsibilities, being an advocate and your loved one’s care. You don&apos...

Caregiver Mindset Shifts To Get Through Hard Seasons

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s podcast I want to share the importance of walking through each challenge with a grateful mindset, a patient mindset, a...

Make 2023 The Year You Put Yourself First

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It’s the perfect time to stop and do something for yourself.  I want to share a process that I do now each year and I know it’...

What Is The Cost Of Caregiver Burnout?

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:) Today we’re talking about this dreaded caregiver disease:  Burnout.  I know it’s not officially a disease but it is the haz...

The Gifts Of Caregiving

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It’s the week before Christmas and I thought I would do a bit of reflection about this gift giving season.  As a caregiver, this...

Caregiver Anger & Resentment, What Is The Root Cause?

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)A year ago, I was so angry and resentfulI remember it was a struggle.  He was getting chemotherapy and I was wrapping my head arou...

Finding Shifts That Bring You Joy And Fun

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)We as caregiver don’t get that many good days, let alone good weeks.   I want to talk more about this bowling thing I joined. ...

When Life Throws You More Than You Can Handle

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s episode, I’m talking about those unexpected challenges that come up while you are deep into caregiving.  Those ones...

Learning To Celebrate Differently As A Caregiver

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Celebrations look different now as a Caregiver.  Learning and finding new ways to find joy and gratitude takes a bit of time and a...

When Journaling Gratitude Isn't Working

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:) In this challenging time I needed to expand my gratitude practice.  Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for releasing stress and sp...

Gratitude Journaling: The Habit That Reduces Caregiver Stress

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:) Do you want to hear the ONE habit I started one month into my caregiving journey that has made a huge difference in my caregiver ...

Benefits Of Practicing Gratitude As A Caregiver

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)November is National Family Caregiver Month and National Gratitude Month.  National Gratitude Month  encourages us to embrace the...

The Post Caregiver Tasks You Don't Think About

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In this episode, I want to share the caregiver task you don’t think about.   When your loved one passes, you think your journey ...

What Caregiver Season Are You In?

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Being aware of what caregiver season you are in, will help you in many ways.   In this episode we're breaking down each seaso...

Caregiving Gifts From My Mom's End Of Life

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I want to share this episode for anyone who’s loved one is in hospice and/or dealing with their loved one’s end of life.   It ...

Simple and Easy Ways To Meal Prep With Jess Brooks

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today's podcast episode, I interviewed Jess Brooks who is a recipe developer and pro-trained cook and baker.  Jess is on a...

Do You Have A Back Up Plan, My Caregiver Friend?

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It was time for the final consultation for my spouse;s stem cell/ bone marrow transplant.   It was in personin Milwaukee requiring...

Courageous Choices As A Caregiver

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I woke up this morning and felt like I was walking in mud.   Everything  seemed to be little struggles slowing me down.  One of ...

How To Overcome Chronic Caregiver Stress

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s podcast episode, we are tying it together.  Last week’s episode 125 was about understanding chronic caregiver stres...

Understanding Caregiver Chronic Stress

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In this episode, I’m sharing the “whats”, “whys” and “hows” - meaning when you understand chronic stress and are awar...

8 Personal Practices That I Incorporated Into My Caregiver Life

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Do you remember the date?  The date you became a caregiver for your loved one?  It’s not the date you celebrate or the date you...

Your Personal Respite Space As A Caregiver

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)What  about your personal space or maybe I should say, lack of personal space now that  you are a caregiver?  When you become a ...

Practicing Caregiver Self-Love Through Healthy Boundaries

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Loving  yourself is an integral part of establishing healthy boundaries.  Yet for women caregivers, we don’t always listen to o...

Setting Healthy Internal Boundaries Without Caregiver Guilt

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)When you are trying to set healthy boundaries for yourself sometime those feelings and emotions start creeping in.  They can derai...

The Importance of Your Own Health with Lynn MacPherson

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Today, you’re in for a great episode.  I’m taking a break from my solo episode and bringing in a guest today.  It’s so impo...

How To Manage Your Time As A Caregiver

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Have you said:  I have no time.  I can't manage it all.  My to-do list is never ending.  How do I get this all done? In t...

How To Show Up Energized As A Caregiver

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)ok, let's get real this week - how are you currently showing up as a caregiver?  Do you feel energy and joy?  Or do you feel...

Caregiver Burnout: How do you show up and not burn out? Part Two

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)This is Part 2.  Identifying your burnout is key and being aware of your physical and emotional signs (or your lack of thoughts, a...

Caregiver Burnout: How do you show up and not burn out? Part One.

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Burnout is easy to identify if you really reflect on your thoughts, actions, and the words you say to yourself or others. Words yo...

What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today's episode, I'm sharing a story where I overcame my biggest fears and the lessons I learned about mindset.   The...

Don't Just Survive

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I was really debating how to start this podcast this week.  Meaning should I do the cautious and gentle start or should I just com...

Why Are You So Hard On Yourself?

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In this episode, we're talking about something we don’t normally talk about but it is something we think about more often th...

There's Always A Way Or Another Way With Kelly Carthy

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I had the complete pleasure of interviewing Kelly Carthy.   She has over 20 years experience working with influential business lea...

Most Important Step To Creating A Caregiver Life You Feel Good About

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)One of the biggest mistakes caregivers make is they go into caregiving with a big heart and know they need to do what it takes to h...

These 6 Personal Habits Have Allowed Me To Keep My Caregiver Stress Down

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I get a lot of questions from clients and caregivers curious about how I manage my caregiver stress, continue to keep going and fin...

Caregiver Isolation: What are the negative effects and how you overcome it?

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)One of the biggest challenges I hear from other caregivers is they feel isolated and lonely.  You might even say  "I feel li...

Finding Your Caregiver Energy

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s podcast, I talk more about what is caregiver energy, finding your energy, and ways to maintain your energy while you a...

Let Yourself Explore Joy As A Caregiver

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)As caregivers, we make assumptions and let our negative thoughts tell us that we have to be a martyr or stop enjoying life.  We co...

Spring Cleaning Tips For You, The Caregiver

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:) Spring is in the air!  You are starting to see and hear people decluttering, cleaning and rethinking routines.  Have you ever w...

Reduce Caregiver Stress And Anxiety With Meditation

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I so wish I would have done it before.   Thought it was too woo woo and fluff.   Why it’s so important to share this with you. ...

Reasons Why You Decline Your Friend's Invitation

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)One of the biggest regrets,  I see caregivers make is declining time with a friend.  Your friend calls or texts you and wants to ...

Dealing With A Crisis While Caregiving

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)How often have you been in a crisis situation or maybe an emergency situation as a caregiver?  It usually happens unexpectedly and...

Being The Best Caregiver When Away From Home - Speaking With Patty From Kathy's House

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today's episode you'll hear from Patty Metropulos from Kathy’s House. You all have been listening to my journey for ...

My Spouse's Stem Cell Transplant Journey

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I spent the last week processing the past 6 weeks.  It’s funny how you think the time goes so slow but now when you look back, h...

Where Do You Fall In The Caregiver Perfection Trap?

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It's the 100th episode!  How hard is it to be at 100 or be perfect? The 100 Emoji indicates a perfect score of 100 . This sy...

Do You Have That Love Hate Relationship With Caregiving?

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s episode I’m saying it.  That thought that you think and say every so often to yourself.  That thought that you don...

What Your Personality Traits & Behaviors Can Tell You As A Caregiver

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I want to share the  true aha moment that came to me this week.  I've been beating myself up lately.  When I say beating my...

Four Questions To Ask When Your Caregiving Journey is Difficult

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)I want to talk about “new normal”  that we as caregivers move into either suddenly or over time.  This set of words have been...

Why Asking For Help As A Caregiver Is Hard?

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)Today I have an admission…..I feel uncomfortable asking for help.   I usually don’t ask for help because of it.  Yes, it’s ...

Ways To Stay Healthy As A Caregiver

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)As Caregivers, we wear this invisible caregiver badge of honor and are just trying to stay healthy, grateful and positive.   We ar...

Am I In A Funk Or Burnt Out?

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In today’s episode let's unpack being in a funk,  or is it depression, or is the root cause burnout. A slump, rut, funk (o...

Dealing With New Challenges

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)How do you carry on when times are hard or you received more bad news or the challenges are becoming heavier every day and it feels...

Navigating Changes to Your Caregiver Role

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)It’s strange to plan out the next 6 weeks of your life.   It’s figuring out everything.   Denis won’t be able to come home ...

Embrace This Year With A New Perspective

02 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send Cathy a text:)In the last episode, I shared my opinion of a new years resolution.   Although I think setting goals and committing to something i...