Whole Caregiver

Grief, Meaning Making, and the Power of Community: Video 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/
@treestarhypnosis

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/
@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/
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

Caregiving is Everyone's Work: Video 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/
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
 

Doing Hard Things: Hannah Setzer on Disability, Joy, and Community

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/
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
Hannah Setzer’s Instagram — for ongoing advocacy and updates
@hannahvsetzer
Hannah's Farm
https://handcraftedbyhannah.com/
One of Hannah's Books:
https://tantor.com/author/hannah-setzer.html
 
 

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/orwzGNPR Feature - https://shorturl.at/kAFRSTv Writing Articles - https://shorturl.at/jpuJMhttps://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!

2026: The Year Caregivers Take Action

In this conversation, Erna and Megan discuss the challenges faced by caregivers in 2026, emphasizing the need for community support, the importance of respite, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. They explore the necessity of self-care for caregivers and the importance of taking action to support one another. The discussion highlights the need for collective values in caregiving and the importance of finding common ground across political divides. The conversation concludes with a call to action for caregivers to take care of themselves and each other as they navigate the complexities of caregiving.

"Soaring Together": More with Jillian Arnold

In this episode of the Whole Caregiver podcast, hosts Erna and Megan engage in a heartfelt conversation with Jillian Arnold, author of 'Soaring Together.' They explore Jillian's journey as a caregiver, the emotional complexities of caring for children with disabilities, and the importance of inclusion and understanding differences. The discussion delves into the balance between caregiving and personal identity, the toll of caregiving on mental health, and the profound impact of loss. Jillian shares her insights on finding beauty in non-traditional lives and the lessons learned from her children, emphasizing that life can be beautiful even when it doesn't fit the typical mold. Jillian also shares how her creative projects—podcast, merch, and a book—help sustain purpose and connection.
If we want to learn more about Jillian's book and where to find it, check out her website:
https://www.confessionsofararediseasemama.com/donate
 
 
 

Gratitude & Holiday Wishes

In this heartfelt holiday message, Megan and Erna express their gratitude to their listeners and reflect on the themes of love, service, and community. They share personal insights about the importance of connection during the holiday season, especially for those who may be grieving. The conversation emphasizes the value of friendship and support, and they look forward to engaging with their audience in the new year.