Best JJ Elliott Hill Podcasts (2025)

1
Confessions of a Young Widow: Rising Above Grief 57:49

1d ago57:49

57:49

Shannon Traphagen became a caregiver at 43 when her husband Mike was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Their 14-month battle was fraught with heartbreak, including losing an adoption opportunity just before his diagnosis. Despite the challenges, Shannon showed remarkable strength, focusing on Mike's care while managing her own health and emoti…

1
Not What We Signed Up For: Embracing an Unexpected Path 1:01:22

1M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

When Rachel Shapiro’s daughter suffered a severe stroke just before her second birthday, Rachel and her husband were told their child might not survive. Despite the devastating prognosis, they refused to give up, navigating a complex medical journey that transformed their family's life. Their daughter now lives with significant medical needs, requi…

1
Surviving, Thriving, and Loving Again 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Stacy Ryan’s powerful story is a testament to love, resilience, and the human capacity to heal after profound loss. Her journey began with her own cancer diagnosis at 45, which she survived, followed by her husband John’s battle with cancer that ultimately claimed his life in December 2020. Throughout their cancer journey, they demonstrated an extr…

1
Love Creatively: A Caregiver's Colorful Journey 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

This week, Ari Medrano delivers a powerful testament to the depth and complexity of caregiving. As a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at age one, Ari's approach to caregiving is deeply rooted in her family's values of service, love, and compassion. Throughout the episode, she shares multiple experiences of caregiving, including carin…

1
The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide 56:08

2M ago56:08

56:08

Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist, shares her extensive caregiving journey spanning nine years, which involved caring for her father after her mother's unexpected passing and then supporting her husband Barry's mother, Jean, and stepfather, Steve. After her mother died during a heart surgery recovery, Julia and her siblings stepped in to care fo…

1
Forever Caregiver: The Lucas Project & Life Beyond Loss 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

"I became a forever parent caregiver." - Jesse Ronne What happens when caregiving, loss, and love collide? Jess Ronnie, writer, speaker, podcaster, and founder of The Lucas Project, brings her powerful story to the mic, offering a moving look into parenting a child with special needs, enduring grief, and building a future rooted in compassion and a…

1
“And Other Duties Assigned”: When caregiving is unexpectedly added to your Job Description 1:02:34

3M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

"I felt this sense of odd FOMO." - Taylor Fix Meet Taylor Fix, a remarkable caregiver whose journey began in childhood. Growing up in a close-knit family, caregiving was second nature. But it wasn’t until she became a farmhand and full-time caregiver for Bill, an elderly man she bonded deeply with, that Taylor truly stepped into her calling. 💬 Join…

1
Inside the World of Special Needs Caregiving: One Father's Powerful Journey 53:58

3M ago53:58

53:58

"You don't know what you don't know." - Dave Krikac What happens when love meets lifelong responsibility? The realities of caregiving for individuals with special needs, the triumphs, the trials, and the transformative love it takes to show up every day can be daunting.. Meet Dave Krikac, a devoted father raising his daughter with autism, as he sha…

1
Surrendering Control: The Hardest Part of Saying Goodbye 54:13

3M ago54:13

54:13

"I am sunny with a chance of tornadoes." - Yvette LeFlore 🎧 Intuitive energy healer Yvette LaFleur opens up about her deeply personal caregiving journey through love, loss, and healing. As the caregiver for her late husband Walter, who bravely battled stage four lung cancer, Yvette shares profound lessons on self-care, anticipatory grief, surrender…

1
You Can’t Make This Up! Sister Updates 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

“Caregiving never ends. No, it never stops.” - Natalie and JJ Caregiving is a journey—full of love, lessons, and let’s be honest, a few laughs along the way. In this candid conversation, we dive into the realities of caregiving: navigating skilled nursing facilities, managing emotional and financial stress, and finding strength in community. We’re …

1
Caring Through Chaos: A Journey with Frontotemporal Dementia 1:00:03

4M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

“I was in therapy, that was a lifeline.” - Allyson Schrier This is a powerful one! Natalie and JJ sit down with Allyson Schrier as she opens up about her deeply personal and emotional journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Allison candidly shares the early signs of FTD, the heartbreaking misdiagnosis, …

1
Faith, Culture & Raising a Child with Special Needs 55:48

4M ago55:48

55:48

“Never say never in your journey.” - Eleni Paris Natalie and JJ sit down with Eleni Paris, a licensed therapist and devoted mom, as she shares her deeply personal journey raising her daughter Sophia, who has cognitive and speech impairments. Eleni opens up about navigating cultural expectations, emotional burnout, and the realities of parenting a c…

1
Holding On & Letting Go: A Caregiver’s Emotional Journey 1:02:52

4M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

"He chose to keep living." - Amy Shaw When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you find the strength to carry on? JJ and Nat sit down with Amy Shaw to share her deeply moving story raising a large family, including children with special needs, and navigating the heartbreaking journey of her husband Brian’s terminal illness. From the first signs o…

1
When Caregiving Finds You: Navigating Alzheimer’s & Family Care 58:15

4M ago58:15

58:15

"You have to be ready to roll with it." - Alfredo Botello Stepping into the role of caregiver isn’t always a choice, it’s a journey filled with love, loss, and unexpected lessons. J.J. and Natalie welcome novelist and screenwriter, Alfredo Botello to open up about caring for his mother after his stepfather’s passing and navigating the challenges of…

1
The Reality of Caregiving: Culture, Family & Technology 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

"I wanted to make the most of it." - Dona Kim Murphey Caregiving is never just about one person, it’s about family, culture, and community. Natalie and J.J. sit down with Dr. Dona Kim Murphey, neurologist and caregiver, to explore the deeply personal and often unspoken challenges of caregiving. From cultural expectations to the emotional and relati…

1
Military Service to Autism Advocacy: Maureen’s Confession 57:02

5M ago57:02

57:02

"I suffered from caregiver fatigue." - Maureen Elias Maureen shares her journey from a structured military career to the unpredictable world of caregiving. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the impact of military life on family dynamics, and the importance of advocacy and co…

1
The Juggle: Kyle Daquanna’s Journey as a Caregiver, Father, and Advocate 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

"Life is really short and it changes." - Kyle Daquanna JJ and Natalie sit down with Kyle Daquanna, a male caregiver, as he shares his powerful journey of balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities after his father’s stroke. Kyle opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, the impact of family dynamics, and the…

1
Beyond the Uniform: A Military Wife’s Caregiving Journey 1:02:59

5M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

"I forgot how to care for myself." - Tara Ross In this powerful episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts Natalie and JJ welcome guest, Tara Ross to dive deep into the raw realities of caregiving—especially within military families. Tara opens up about her journey from falling in love with John, a dedicated Navy submariner, to facing t…

1
It’s Complicated! Navigating Caregiving and Difficult Family Relationships 59:54

5M ago59:54

59:54

"He needed us more than we needed him." - Nick Gaylord This is a powerful one! Hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Nick Gaylord to explore the raw realities of caregiving, grief, and complex family dynamics. Nick opens up about the emotional toll of caring for his father, the struggles of managing a difficult relationship, and the conflicting emotio…

1
The Hidden Struggles of Caregiving and Dangers of Burnout 56:30

6M ago56:30

56:30

"I was feeling angry, I was feeling resentful." - Kate Washington JJ and Natalie sit down with author Kate Washington to uncover the emotional, financial, and mental health challenges of caregiving. Kate shares her personal journey of caring for both her mother and husband, revealing the unseen struggles caregivers face, from healthcare system hurd…

1
A Career in Human Resources, A Calling in Caregiving 59:38

6M ago59:38

59:38

"Look for the glimmers in caregiving." - Mark Wilson Hosts JJ and Natalie sit down with Mark Wilson, a former corporate executive who left his successful career to become a full-time caregiver after his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 🔹 Mark’s Caregiving Journey – The emotional transition from executive to caregiver 🔹 Building a Support System – Ho…

1
Media Producer Turned Caregiving Advocate 57:02

6M ago57:02

57:02

"Dementia gave us that gift of closeness." - Katrina Prescott In this compelling episode of The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast, hosts JJ and Natalie dive into the world of caregiving with special guest Katrina Prescott, a media producer turned caregiving advocate. 🌟 Katrina opens up about her unexpected journey into caregiving, starti…

1
Cultural Expectations in Caregiving: Family, Sacrifice, and Self-Care 54:25

6M ago54:25

54:25

"It's OK not to know everything." - Tracee Loran In this heartfelt episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts JJ, Natalie, and Tracee Loran dive into the unexpected twists and turns of caregiving. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of stepping into the caregiver role for her grandmother after a serious fall, shedding light on: 💡 Fam…

1
Living a Double Life as a Caregiver 56:14

7M ago56:14

56:14

"I finally found my purpose." - Adrienne Marioles 🎙️ Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver brings you another raw and relatable episode as hosts Natalie and JJ sit down with Adrienne Marioles, a millennial caregiver with a story that’s equal parts inspiring and real. Adrienne opens up about her leap from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the…

1
The Caregiver’s Balancing Act: Family, Life, and Everything In Between 51:22

7M ago51:22

51:22

"Let's not sugarcoat it; it's hard." - Dr. Jacob Kendall In this episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, JJ and Natalie chat with Dr. Jacob Kendall, who opens up about his life-changing experience as a caregiver after his father’s health crisis. It’s a conversation filled with heartfelt stories, relatable struggles, and powerful insights i…

1
Triumph Over Grief Through Community Love 48:26

7M ago48:26

48:26

"You can bring back the color and the light." - Kelci Jager Kelci Jagger shares her powerful and emotional story of overcoming tragic loss and grief through the support of her community and finding power in living in the light. Her incredible journey chronicles a series of tragic events including a dangerous accident with her two sons and her husba…

1
Sister Confessions 2024: Jingle Bells, Leaky Bladders, and Swiss Cake Rolls 1:00:45

7M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In this holiday episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we bring humor, honesty, and reflection to our caregiving journey over the last year. Join us as we look back on the highs and lows of caregiving, with no topic off-limits! Natalie discusses the launch of our new Care Forward initiative, which connects individuals in need with local r…

1
Turning a Mess into a Message with Christina Keys 1:00:24

8M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Christina Key's life brimmed with success and vitality. But fate had different plans in store for her. An unexpected phone call shattered her idyllic existence, thrusting her into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. As her mother's health hung in the balance, Christina's role transformed from a thriving tech professional to a devoted caregiver. L…

1
Unexpected! Finding True Love in Caregiving 52:10

8M ago52:10

52:10

Charisma Sydnor's path crossed with Cole's at a rehab center following his teenage spinal cord injury; their professional rapport blossomed into romance and they wed in 2020. Taking over from his mother, Charisma adapted to the comprehensive caregiver role, focusing on fostering independence for Cole while ensuring their connection thrives beyond h…

1
Caregiving Wisdom Beyond His Years: Lessons from a 16-Year-Old Trailblazer 46:44

8M ago46:44

46:44

This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his family. From navigating cultural differences in caregiving between India and England to balancing his academic and …

1
When "I Do" Means Caring Through Illness: A Story of Devotion 53:20

8M ago53:20

53:20

Marty Schreiber has dedicated his life to advocating for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. As the former governor of Wisconsin and author of the acclaimed memoir "My Two Elaine's", Marty draws from his own deeply personal experience as a caregiver for his wife of 61 years, Elaine. For eight years, Marty cared for Elaine in their home as he…

1
Renovating Lives: How Renovation Alliance is Transforming Lives through Home Renovation 32:00

8M ago32:00

32:00

Kendall Cloeter's passion for affordable housing and community revitalization shines through in her work with the Renovation Alliance. As a self-described "social worker by trade," Kendall brings a deep understanding of the challenges low-income homeowners face in the Roanoke Valley and a commitment to making a difference. Under Kendall's leadershi…

1
Unbreakable Bond: How a Father's Love Transcends Adversity 52:20

8M ago52:20

52:20

Thom Deleuw's story reflects dedication and a father's love. After a 34-year career in law enforcement, Thom found his true purpose when his son, Jack, had a serious motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Thom became Jack's full-time caregiver, viewing it as a "willing obligation" that highlights their strong bond. Thom's …

1
Honoring Heroes: Semper Fi and America's Fund's Lifetime of Support 26:37

9M ago26:37

26:37

This week’s educational episode showcases the incredible work of Semper Fi and America's Fund, an organization that has been providing vital support to service members, veterans, and their families for over 20 years. At the heart of this organization is Sondria Saylor, the Executive Vice President, whose personal connection to the military communit…

1
Caregiving as a Calling: Crystal's Unwavering Commitment to Serving Her Hero 57:44

9M ago57:44

57:44

Crystal Lane's story is one of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to supporting her husband, JP, a retired Army Specialist who lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Despite their challenges, Crystal and JP's journey is a testament to the power of love and determination. At just 22 years old, Crystal met JP at a gym …

1
From Four Kinds to One Community: The Rosalynn Carter Institute's Holistic Approach to Supporting Caregivers 47:28

9M ago47:28

47:28

Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Rosalynn Carter Institute promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers at every stage of their journey. As Mandy Barr, a caregiver coach and engagement specialist at the Institute, eloquently explained, the organization is dedicated to supporting caregivers from all backgr…

1
Overcoming Adversity Together: A Navy Chaplain's Unwavering Support for His Wounded Warrior Wife 59:37

9M ago59:37

59:37

As a senior Navy Chaplain, Bob Evan's calling has always been to serve and care for others, whether it was his troops, fellow service members, or the wounded warriors he encountered. When his fiancée, Gretchen, was severely injured by a mortar round in Afghanistan, Bob's role shifted from chaplain to devoted caregiver. Despite his extensive trainin…

1
Navigating the Challenges: PsychArmor's Comprehensive Training for Caregivers 43:56

9M ago43:56

43:56

This week, our episode highlights the vital work of PsychArmor, an organization dedicated to transforming how society engages with veterans and service members. Led by Dr. Tina Atherall, PsychArmor's mission is to provide education, training, and resources to both the military community and the individuals and organizations that support them. We ta…

1
Lessons in Resilience, Vulnerability, and the Art of Care 55:33

9M ago55:33

55:33

Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is the heart and soul of this week’s Heroes Caring for Heroes episode. As an Army veteran, end-of-life doula, and the founder of In Their Honor, Qwynn has dedicated over two decades to elevating the quality of life for military, veteran, and caregiving communities. Her personal journey, however, took an unexpected turn when h…

1
Unlocking VA Benefits: A Insider's Guide to Caregiver, Family, and Survivor Support 53:18

9M ago53:18

53:18

This week’s special educational episode shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support caregivers, families, and survivors of veterans. In this educational episode, Maureen Elias, a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the VA, provides a comprehensive overview of the …

1
The Millennial Caregiver: Balancing Dreams and Responsibilities 58:19

9M ago58:19

58:19

Angelena Taylor's caregiving journey began quite unexpectedly at the age of 28 when her father, Benjamin, experienced a stroke. This event marked the start of her role as a caregiver, which she took on with dedication and focus. As a daughter and military caregiver, Angelena balanced her responsibilities with her Miss USA World Universal Ambassador…

1
The Caregiver's Toolkit: Tried-and-True Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving 55:36

10M ago55:36

55:36

Lori Rogers shares her powerful journey as the caregiver of her 33-year-old son, Craig, who was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. When Craig was first diagnosed in 1993, Lori and her husband Neil dove headfirst into supporting him, trying various therapies, diets, and interventions to help him. Despite the challenges, they refused to live in …

1
Tatas, Tears, and Triumph: Susie's Candid Tales of Caring for Mom 50:13

10M ago50:13

50:13

Susie Singer Carter shares the story of caring for her mother, Norma, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 16 years before her passing. Susie describes how she was the first to notice the signs of Alzheimer's, even as her family dismissed her concerns. As Susie navigates her mother's declining health, she also faces personal challenges, including goi…

1
Wendy Adams 53:28

10M ago53:28

53:28

Support the show Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn! Tune in on Whole Care NetworkBy Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill

1
Embracing the Mess: Lessons on Caregiving and Self-Care for the Caregiver Warrior 49:21

10M ago49:21

49:21

Susanne White's caregiving journey began unexpectedly when she received a call from her sister about their aging parents. Susanne's mother was in the early stages of dementia, while her father was struggling to care for her. As the eldest sibling living closest, Susanne immediately stepped up to become the primary caregiver for her parents. Over th…

1
Caregiving, Companionship, and the Unbreakable Bond: Bob Kay's Heartwarming Story 52:25

11M ago52:25

52:25

Bob Kay's caregiving journey with his wife Pat was one marked by deep love, resilience, and profound personal growth. After meeting as teenagers and building a life and business together over 45 years of marriage, Bob faced the devastating challenge of caring for Pat as she battled stage 4 breast cancer. Through the ups and downs of Pat's treatment…

1
Caregiving Reinvented: Paul's Innovative Approach to Supporting His Parents 1:00:17

11M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Paul Ptashnick is back with us continuing his story of his caregiving journey. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's shortly after retirement, Paul stepped up to provide support, navigating the complexities of his father's declining health. His story takes an unexpected turn when Paul's mother is also diagnosed with Lewy body Parkinson's, …

1
Finding Harmony: Balancing Professional Care with Personal Caregiving Responsibilities 47:03

11M ago47:03

47:03

In this episode, Christine Soza shares her journey from a young caregiver to a seasoned CNA. Starting with caring for her stroke-afflicted grandfather and a woman with dementia, Christine’s early experiences laid the foundation for her compassionate approach to caregiving. She discusses her roles in nursing homes, oncology, and AIDS care, emphasizi…

1
Shining a Light on Caregiving Youth: Insights from the "Hidden in Plain Sight" Series 23:12

11M ago23:12

23:12

In this wrap-up episode, we discussed the "Caregiving Youth Hidden in Plain Sight" special series, a collaboration between JJ and Natalie and My Care Friends CEO Todd Keitz and Katie Seymour (VP of Programming and Community). We were all amazed at how eye-opening it was to learn about the challenges faced by young people caring for family members w…

1
Strength in Sisterhood: Alia and Nahla's Inspiring Tale of Resilience and Responsibility 49:32

11M ago49:32

49:32

We are honored to hear from two extraordinary young women, Alia and Nahla Ahmed, who have been caring for their mother since the ages of 10 and 8. Their story is one of resilience, responsibility, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Alia (16) and Nahla (14) candidly share how their lives were upended when their mother suffered a debilitating po…

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JJ Elliott Hill Podcasts

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