Meet sandwich generation caregiver Brendan Kelso, who shares his journey caring for his mom with Alzheimer’s while also supporting his son with ASD. Brendan discusses embracing vulnerability and how therapeutic writing—even just 15 minutes a day—helps him process the messy parts of life and the mental traffic that shows up at night when sleep feels impossible.

You’ll learn how creativity weaves through Brendan’s caregiving life—from thrifting books with his son to run an eBay bookstore, to adapting extended plays into child-friendly experiences, to writing a debut mystery-thriller inspired by his mother’s Alzheimer’s journey, and even transforming her former tiny home into a brick-and-mortar bookstore. We also dive into the importance of saying no, accessing California caregiver support, and finding meaningful ways to adapt when life doesn’t go as planned.

Show notes with product and resource links:

https://bit.ly/HHCPod223

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Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal:

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The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast:

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Kathy Stein spent decades as the legal guardian and devoted advocate for her younger autistic brother, Ed. After Ed’s passing in 2024, Kathy and her siblings chose to donate his brain to scientific research—a powerful act of love that supports future breakthroughs in autism and neurodegenerative disorder understanding and leaves a powerful legacy in Ed’s memory.

In this episode, Kathy shares what lifelong advocacy really looks like, how compartmentalizing your day can protect your energy, and why navigating state-by-state care systems can be so challenging for families. She also walks us through the brain donation process, her idea for a “compassion pill,” and the creative way she stays active through her beloved “big box walking” routine.

Show notes with product and resource links:

https://bit.ly/HHCPod222

Receive the podcast in your email here:

http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv

Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal:

http://bit.ly/HHCjournal

For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth:

https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/

The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast:

https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

As the navigator for her daughter’s rare disease and a Yale-trained physician, Dr. Maggie Kang, uses her personal and professional training to guide other parents through the healthcare system, helping them turn health challenges into leadership. She is a passionate advocate, TEDx speaker, and contributor to HuffPost and Psychology Today.

In this episode, we explore how caregivers can reclaim agency for themselves and their loved ones, move beyond cycles of suffering or self-comfort, and take meaningful action—especially within the rare disease community. We also discuss the grief that accompanies losing our pre-caregiving life and how to intentionally create a vibrant, empowered “new normal.” And, you’ll learn why fresh parsley is one of Maggie’s go-to self-care strategies.

Show notes with product and resource links:

https://bit.ly/HHCPod221

Receive the podcast in your email here:

http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv

Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal:

http://bit.ly/HHCjournal

For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth:

https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/

The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast:

https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW