Season 2 - New episodes every 2nd Tuesday of the month!

Episodes

Dec. 12, 2024

Navigating Love and Loss: A Caregiver's Tale of Resilience with Andrew Bloomenthal

In this poignant episode, I sit down with Andrew Bloomenthal, a writer and caregiver, to delve into his heartfelt story about navigating his father’s journey with Parkinson’s-related dementia. Andrew’s article in Boston Maga…
Nov. 19, 2024

Until There’s a Cure, There’s Community: Wine, Women, and Dementia

In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions , I’m joined by the incredible Kitty Norton, a former assistant editor turned caregiver, blogger, and filmmaker. Kitty shares her inspiring journey from her mother’s dementia…
Sept. 10, 2024

Navigating Changes with Lewy Body Dementia

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri, a devoted caregiver whose husband Ray has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Sherri shares her journey, from noticing the first subtle changes in Ray's behavi…
Aug. 13, 2024

Rebuilding Relationships Through Dementia

In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share his inspiring story about caring for his mother, who lives with dementia. Robin opens up about his jour…
July 9, 2024

Love and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia

In this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her journey as the sole caregiver for her husband, Monty, who's facing …
June 11, 2024

A Daughter's Journey Through Dementia Caregiving

In today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Kim's story is not just movin…
May 14, 2024

Supporting a Parent with Dementia in Your Twenties

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Skylar, a young caregiver who has been navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Two years ago, Skylar stepped into the role of primary caregiver, a jo…
April 9, 2024

Cannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry Yafai

Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues l…
March 12, 2024

Bringing Dental Care Home with Gabrielle Mahler, DDS

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of dementia. Dr. Gabby explains how she can perform cleanings, fill…
Feb. 13, 2024

A Comprehensive Look at Dementia with Kevin Jameson, Founder of The Dementia Society of America

Joining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who was diagnosed with dementia, which led him to start this organizat…
Jan. 9, 2024

Believing in Yourself as a Caregiver with Tami Anastasia

In this episode, we invite back special guest, Tami Anastasia. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia c…
Dec. 12, 2023

Creating a Meaningful Holiday Season with Tami Anastasia

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to reduce caregiver stress, honor feelings of grief, and create new me…
Nov. 14, 2023

Placing My Wife With Alzheimer's in Memory Care with Jay Swerdlow

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Jay Swerdlow, a longtime support group member. Jay shares the difficult journey of placing his wife Andy, who has Alzheimer's disease, into memory care. He discusses the challenges o…
Oct. 10, 2023

Supporting Your Loved One Through the Journey of Lewy Body Dementia

Today I welcome Debbie, a dedicated wife caring for her husband who is living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Debbie shares the daily ups and downs of managing her husband's diagnosis, coping strategies that help her stay res…
Sept. 12, 2023

Navigating Caregiver Stress and Guilt with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith

I had the pleasure of sitting down with clinical psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith to discuss the immense stress and guilt that comes with being a caregiver. Our collaboration in co-facilitating a caregiver support group at…
Aug. 8, 2023

Finding Balance: Self-Care and Compassion in Dementia Caregiving with Beth Lanie

In today’s episode, I speak with another member of my support group, Beth Lanie, a devoted caregiver to her husband Howard, who has been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies. Beth shares her heartfelt experience, providi…
July 11, 2023

Finding Joy in the Present: Embracing Dementia's Silver Lining with Valerie Rennert

My special guest this week is Valerie Rennert, who opens up about her father's journey with dementia. She shares how their family first became aware of his condition and the ways they tried to support him. Despite the challe…
June 13, 2023

Bringing Care Home: The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Caregiver for Your Loved One with Dementia

Today I'm joined by Noma Kaz, a seasoned caregiving professional specializing in dementia care. Throughout our conversation, Noma shares her extensive knowledge and experience in the field, helping us explore the intricate d…
May 9, 2023

The Power of Music, Yoga, and Seizing the Day in Caregiving

Franne Golde opens up about her journey with her husband, Paul, who was diagnosed with a disease they knew very little about. Our conversation covers the challenges of finding care for Paul, the timing and benefits of hospic…
April 11, 2023

Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care: Tips and Tricks for Caregivers

Finding strength in a community of other caregivers, in this powerful episode, I’ll speak to Amy Kent, a member of my support group who is caring for both of her parents with dementia. Amy shares her personal story of the da…
March 14, 2023

I Need You To Know That I’m There with James Savage

It’s amazing how much music comes up in these conversations where we delve into the experiences of those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode, James Savage shares his personal journey caring for his wife as h…
June 21, 2022

It’s a Family Affair: How the dynamics of aging impact the entire family

Today Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Bunni Dybnis. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Bunni worked as an Aging Life Care Manager for years and is now a mediator, helping families of the aging and termin…
June 14, 2022

Caregiving by default and why it's so easy to lose yourself

Today Barbara’s guest is Sandra Hunnicutt. Sandra shares her story of taking care of her husband, Don, a brilliant UCLA professor who was a “man on fire” until 2018, when he began to show signs of memory impairment and was d…
June 7, 2022

Lessons in Caregiving Education

Today Barbara is pleased to welcome David Hart, a professor and clinical psychologist who specializes in dementia and caregiving. David is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at California State University, Full…