Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
J Smiles
Get engulfed in the intense journey of a caregiver who happens to be a comedian. J Smiles use of levity reveals the stress and rewards of caregiving interwoven with her own personal journey. Over 10 years ago, she was catapulted into caregiving overnight when the shock of her dad's death pushed her mom into Alzheimer's in the blink of an eye. A natural storyteller, her vivid descriptions and impressive recall will place you squarely in each moment of truth, at each fork in the road. She was a single, childless mechanical engineering, product designing, lawyer living a meticulously crafted international existence until she wasn't. The lifestyle shift was immediate. Starting from scratch, she painstakingly carved out useful knowledge and created a beneficial care plan for her mom. J Smiles will fly solo and have expert guests. You will get tips, tricks, trends and TRUTH. Alzheimer's is heavy, we don’t have to be. All caregivers are welcome to snuggle up, Parent Up!
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Top 10 Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
"New" mama would embarrass "old" mama!
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
03/01/21 • 25 min
Caregiving is so nuanced. We can identify the major things swiftly -- medicine and food must be consumed; bills paid and so on.
What happens when non-harmful modifications appear? Those creature comforts - habits - preferences that you are accustomed to your LO choosing like clockwork. Perhaps it is always drinking coffee in the morning or wearing pajama pants instead of a nightgown... a favorite watch or red lipstick.
These subtleties can sting us more than we realize. J Smiles recounts supporting a caregiver newbie through the process of recognizing "NEW" mom can prefer things "OLD" mom would have found despicable.
J shares comparable experiences with Zetty and offers resources for the listener too.
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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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The Universe Has The Best Clickbait
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
10/23/23 • 75 min
On this episode, J speaks with co-host of the Remember Me Podcast and resilient figure in the caregiving world Maria Kent Beers. Her journey began with a mother diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS, leading her to discover a strength she never knew she possessed. Navigating medical systems is a daunting task, but Maria's story is one of determination and advocacy, reminding us all of the importance of speaking up for our loved ones.
Imagine connecting with someone despite never meeting them in person. That's exactly what happened between Maria and Rachel, another caregiver who also had a parent with FTD. Their shared experience served as the foundation for their podcast, "Remember Me". They delve into the raw realities of grief and loss but also emphasize the importance of accepting the good, even in times of struggle. Their stories underscore the transformative power of grief, invoking a sense of resilience and grace that is often required in caregiving.
But this journey isn't just about caregiving. It's about discovering therapy through creativity, music, and faith. Maria shares how her mother's art impacted others, and how music became a therapeutic tool during their trips to the doctor's office or a local Starbucks. The strength of her mother's faith also painted a picture of hope amidst the chaos. J and Maria wrap up the episode by diving into the lessons learned from the challenging journey of caregiving, shining a spotlight on the mental health aspect that often gets overshadowed.
Join J and Maria as they explore the world of caregiving, embrace the good in difficult times, and learn how to parent themselves when their parents can no longer provide the support they need. This is an episode that goes beyond caregiving, touching upon personal growth, resilience, and the power of acceptance.
Subscribe to our YouTube page, share with a caregiver who needs a hug, and review on Apple Podcasts to keep walking this caregiving path with me.
Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laughter.
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Stress Relief for Caregivers Through Yoga Therapy
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
04/14/24 • 41 min
As our guest Jennie Lee navigated the complex and emotional path of caring for her mother through her battle with brain cancer, she discovered that the ancient wisdom of yoga therapy held a beacon of light amidst the chaos. This episode features Jennie Lee, a seasoned yoga therapist, who brings her expertise and heartwarming personal narrative to our discussion. Together, we explore the ways yoga therapy intertwines with traditional therapy to serve as a powerful tool for stress relief, especially for those in the trenches of caregiving.
You'll want to keep tissues at hand as we share intimate moments of love, laughter, and the raw reality of tending to a loved one's final days.
For anyone seeking sanctuary in the storm of emotional caregiving or looking for ways to manage stress and maintain brain health, this conversation is not to be missed. We highlight practical tips for integrating yoga and meditation into daily routines, making self-care an accessible and vital part of life. Jennie Lee's thought-provoking books, "True Yoga," "Breathing Love," and "Spark Change," are woven into our dialogue, offering invaluable resources for those on the healing journey of yoga therapy. Join us for an episode that not only educates but also provides a heartfelt reminder of the importance of self-care for caregivers everywhere.
#caregiverjourney
#yogatherapy
#hawaii
#hospicecare
#cancertreatment
#stressrelief
#yoga
#alzheimersawareness
#podcastjourney
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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I'm on the edge of quitting caregiving!
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
08/15/22 • 33 min
J is flying solo in this rare glimpse of her questioning if she can continue caregiving. WOW!
She is stunned by the source of her "quitting" stress. Listen to hear what put her on the edge and how she digested fact vs fiction.
The fan fave SNUGGLE UP at the end gives PARENTING UP nuggets.
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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Rolling with Resistance - caregiver Omar Hamilton
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
11/27/20 • 83 min
Omar Hamilton joins J Smiles on a deep dive into the life of a child flying blindly into the foggy cognitive abyss of a parent. Omar's dad was living independently and quite self sufficient. Or so everyone thought.
Omar, a classic New Yorker, moved swiftly as soon as his father's decline was obvious. But Omar was perplexed. He saw his dad often. They dined weekly, spoke daily --- how did things unravel so much, so quickly?
J gets Omar to reveal the hassle of relocation, real estate, the worry of 3am calls from the police, selecting doctors, hiring caregivers, the mounting economics of private pay, balancing his career and more.
J Smiles and Omar met decades ago at Howard University. The comfort and warmth of their foundation makes the conversation flow smoothly recounting sensitive caregiving moments. Omar has not shared his story publicly until The Parenting Up Family, he trusts that this is a safe space.
Resistance seems to meet him at every turn --- from every person. Listen to how he rolls with it, propelled by love.
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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Pivoting on Pins and Needles - the life of caregiver Erika Watson
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
11/09/20 • 75 min
J Smiles and Erika have been thick as theives for over 20 yrs. Howard University and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority cemented their relationship. But as only kids who love to travel, who appreciate fine dining, who have never missed a proper brunch and who seamlessly merge Rosé with a Rick Ross beat... they take the listener on Erika's abrupt realization of her mom's cognitive decline as if recounting one of their jaunts in Washington, D.C.
Erika's dry wit mixes very well with J's storytelling. Even though Erika is typically private, J Smiles, eases her into revealing one detail, one day at a times. Eventually we learn of Ms. Watson's membership in the sandwich generation. Often exhausted, confused and forced to execute under duress, Erika pivots with passion because her mom needs her. Several stories leave J gasping for air - grateful for levity.
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Tune-in every Monday for Parenting UP! "LIVE video Caregiving Conversation"on Getvokl, @ 9p EST USA:
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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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First time broke me, but now...
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
10/07/20 • 22 min
Alzheimer's disease is very mysterious. Caregivers are often guessing what their LO's (loved ones) are feeling, experiencing, etc. CG's live a life of magical charades.
The first time ALZ shows up in an ordinary daily event can turn a caregiver's heart on tilt. J Smiles takes time to share a handful of specific examples of just that. She was not prepared for the initial instance when Zetty did not recognize herself in a photograph.
There are many things that science can track but this is an area where a heart must rely on other humans. Shock and awe create pain and frustration for J Smiles with each first event. She never sees it coming. J hopes her stories can help others navigate the first time, unknowns.
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Tune-in every Monday for Parenting UP! "LIVE video Caregiving Conversation" on Getvokl, @ 9p EST USA:
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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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PART 1: A conversation with Dr. Sandy: The Neurosurgeon & Caregiver
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
07/02/20 • 25 min
J Smiles begins the two part conversation with Dr. Sandea "Dr. Sandy" Greene-Harris. Dr. Sandy was introduced to you in Ep 1 and now you get to hear why this neurosurgeon was uniquely situated to become president of Zetty's board of brain health. The episode centers on Dr. Sandy's positions as mother, wife, daughter, caregiver and surgeon. J Smiles asks poignant questions on balancing life as a sandwich generation ambassador. Dr. Sandy uses a soft-science approach and plain language to identify advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Each woman talks about locating emotional equilibrium as the primary caregiver for her mom.
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Caregiver, Caree, Badazz: Jen Hardy
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
07/10/23 • 71 min
J Smiles is joined by Jen Hardy, an experienced caregiver, and Alzheimer's awareness advocate, who shares the triumphs and struggles of her unique caregiving experiences. Who knew that saying "no" could be such a powerful tool in creating a better future for those in need? From her aunt and grandma battling cancer, her father's depression and renal failure, to her husband's illness, Jen's resilience and commitment are truly inspiring.
What if you were told you wouldn't live past a year? How would you respond? For Jen, it was a call to action. She channeled her purpose and determination to beat the odds and inspire those around her -- podcasts and books. Her books, The Sick Moms Guide to Having Fun Again and her five-year journal, are tools that can help navigate tough times and emphasize the importance of finding joy in challenging circumstances.
Jen also shares how she navigated her way through various medical challenges and how she managed to take control of her life by changing her mindset. We discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and share some practical tips and advice for those on a similar journey. In the world of caregiving, simple gestures can have a profound impact, and Jen's wisdom on how to keep our promises to our loved ones and rely on our support networks when needed, is invaluable. Get ready to be enlightened and empowered with this in-depth conversation.
Jen Hardy's Website:
https://jenhardy.net
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!
Caring for Parents Who Didn't Care
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles
02/25/24 • 28 min
When the walls we build for sanctuary crumble, where does the family stand? Our latest episode courageously exposes the underbelly of a home in turmoil, exploring the raw and often concealed struggles that families endure. J's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences with us sheds light on the complexities and painful realities of harsh familial ties. From hard words to the brink of collapse, this conversation is a journey through the battlefield of a home divided.
This is no ordinary discussion; it’s a confrontation with the shadows that lurk in the corners of what we call home. We navigate through themes of betrayal, the trials of motherhood, and the desperate search for identity and recognition within the tangled web of family relations. Our guest's vivid recounting offers an unflinching look at the emotional scars left behind and the courage it takes to face them. It's a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the power of speaking one's truth. Join us for an episode that is sure to resonate deeply, challenging your perceptions of family and home.
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles have?
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles currently has 103 episodes available.
What topics does Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles cover?
The podcast is about Dementia, Health & Fitness, Self Care, Alternative Health, Alzheimer'S, Mental Health, How To, Podcasts, Education and Caregiving.
What is the most popular episode on Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles?
The episode title 'A conversation with Star Bradbury: Helping Your Parent (Zetty) Age Successfully' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles?
The average episode length on Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles released?
Episodes of Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles are typically released every 13 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles?
The first episode of Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles was released on May 21, 2020.
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