In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with our friend and grief advocate, Leslie Weirich, whose decades-long journey through caregiving and loss has shaped her mission to bring hope and understanding to others. From caring for aging parents and siblings to navigating unimaginable personal tragedies, Leslie’s story offers both powerful perspective and practical wisdom for anyone touched by grief or the caregiving experience.

We explore the parallels between caregiving and grief, the importance of creating supportive workplaces, and why connection truly is protection. Leslie shares the inspiration behind her book The Gift of Grief, along with candid thoughts on why traditional bereavement policies fall short and how employers can better support their people. Whether you’re a caregiver, an HR leader, or someone walking through loss, this conversation will leave you with hope, tools, and a renewed sense of community.

Leslie Weirich has been speaking on the topic of Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Grief since 2017. She often says, “She didn’t choose this work, but this work chose her.” Through her own experiences, she discovered the transformative power of grief, learning to navigate the complexities of loss and uncovering the resilience that emerges from pain. Her commitment to mental health support is deeply personal, having been greatly affected by the loss of her son. On September 10, 2016, her door bell rang at 2:30 in the morning and changed her life forever. Her 20-year-old son Austin died by suicide while a Junior at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN. She resigned from her full-time job as a recruiter and began speaking throughout the nation and never looked back. She wrote "The Gifts of Grief," in 2024, which details her journey through four decades of personal loss.

Episode Highlights:

[2:55] – Introducing Leslie Weirich and her background in caregiving and advocacy.
[5:00] – Leslie’s early caregiving journey with her parents and brothers.
[8:25] – Turning personal loss into advocacy and public speaking.
[10:41] – Writing The Gift of Grief and the healing process behind it.
[14:25] – Caregivers and the risk of suicidal ideation — why connection matters.
[17:09] – “Connection is protection” and practical systems that lighten the caregiver’s load.
[19:34] – How managers can support employees during and after caregiving.
[22:25] – Rethinking the three-day bereavement policy.
[28:32] – Expected vs. unexpected loss and the unique support each requires.
[32:22] – Grieving with hope and carrying forward the legacy of loved ones.
[33:21] – Where to connect with Leslie online.

Links & Resources:

• Leslie’s website: https://leslieshope.org/
• Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-weirich-a55a73159/
• Book: The Gift of Grief by Leslie Weirich
• Cornerstone of Hope: https://cornerstoneofhope.org/
• Leslie's website: https://leslieshope.org/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-breakthroughs-for-young-adults-families/id1653016005
• Michael George The Pink Book https://www.soaringfamilies.com/PinkBook
• Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/
• Winnebago:

In this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend and caregiving champion, Susie Singer Carter. Susie doesn’t just tell stories—she lives them with heart, humor, and relentless honesty. We talk about the raw truths of caregiving, especially for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and long-term care systems. Susie shares how caring for her mother, Norma, transformed her life and ignited her mission to advocate for others through storytelling.

We also dive into her new docu-series No Country for Old People, a bold exposé on the failures in nursing home care and the urgent need for reform. Susie also discusses the impact of her Oscar-qualified short film My Mom and the Girl and how it’s educating employers and caregivers alike.

Susie is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and Alzheimer’s advocate. Her credits include Bratz: The Movie, Soul Surfer, the acclaimed podcasts Love Conquers Alz and I Love Lucifer, and her upcoming screenplay RUN. Inspired by personal tragedy, No Country for Old People received the 2024 Gold Anthem Award and is sparking a national movement for care reform. Susie is also the proud host of WGAW’s 3rd & Fairfax Podcast.

Episode Highlights:

[4:39] - Susie begins sharing her personal caregiving journey and lessons learned through trial and error while juggling caregiving, parenting, work, and a divorce
[10:37] - How AI and technology can transform the caregiving experience
[12:05] - Behind the making of My Mom and the Girl and why humor matters in the caregiving narrative
[16:08] - Turning the film into an educational tool for caregivers and employers
[18:40] - Unveiling her new documentary No Country for Old People and the systemic issues in long-term care
[26:44] - Why self-advocacy at work matters and how to speak up
[30:26] - Bringing humanity back into caregiving and employer flexibility
[32:17] - Introducing the ROAR movement: Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform
[34:22] - Where to find Susie’s films, join the ROAR movement, and help push change
[35:52] - Zack’s challenge to employers: Watch the docu-series and lead the way in workplace change

Links & Resources:

· Susie’s Podcast “Love Conquers Alz” with Don Priess: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-conquers-alz/id1492023291

· Episode with Breana Patel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breana-patel-can-ai-transform-long-term-care/id1492023291?i=1000711955899

· Watch the trailer for My Mom and the Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlTRldVFw74

· No Country for Old People Docu-Series (available on Amazon August 1): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21954988/

· Dopesick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopesick_(miniseries)

· Challenge: Zack challenges Employers to watch the docuseries and support Suzie Singer Carter and her movement.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Hey folks, Selma and Zack here! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Rosanne Corcoran—a powerhouse advocate, seasoned dementia caregiver, and host of the Daughterhood the Podcast. Rosanne opens up about her 12-year journey caring for her mom through vascular dementia and how it shaped not only her life but her mission to build a community of support for caregivers everywhere. We dive deep into the challenges working caregivers face and how employers and policymakers can—and should—step up to support them. Rosanne also gives us a peek behind the curtain of Daughterhood, the warm, empowering platform she now leads. We talk about the emotional realities of caregiving, the importance of boundaries, and the life-changing resources that are finally becoming available—like Medicare’s GUIDE program.

Rosanne Corcoran is the creator and host of "Daughterhood the Podcast: For Caregivers." In addition to her role as a Daughterhood Circle Leader, she serves as Director of Content guiding the organization’s content strategy and ensuring alignment with its mission. Rosanne has extensive experience in caregiving, having been the primary caregiver for her mother, who had vascular dementia, over the course of twelve years and supporting hundreds of family caregivers while facilitating Daughterhood circles. "Daughterhood the Podcast" consistently ranks among the top 10 caregiver podcasts. Rosanne has been featured in prominent media outlets such as CNN Health, Barron's, Next Avenue, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Recently, she was named one of the 2024 Advocates for Aging by Next Avenue and the American Society on Aging.

Episode Highlights:

[1:05] – Kicking off with a heatwave and beach banter
[2:28] – Meet Rosanne Corcoran and her love for thunderstorms
[3:29] – Rosanne shares her caregiving journey and caring for her mom with dementia
[6:09] – The sandwich generation struggle: caring for kids and an aging parent
[9:34] – Real talk on employers, support, and making invisible caregivers visible
[10:51] – What is Daughterhood and why it was created
[12:59] – What “circles” really mean and why they matter more than traditional support groups
[15:03] – From caregiving to caregiver advocate: how Rosanne found her path
[18:17] – How Rosanne’s podcast aims to reach that overwhelmed caregiver in the corner
[19:05] – Favorite guests and moments that made a lasting impact
[24:26] – What employers need to know—and do—to better support caregiving employees
[28:21] – Why dementia caregiving is emotionally unique and deeply challenging
[30:29] – Game-changing Medicare GUIDE program and why Daughterhood is all in
[33:04] – Where to find Rosanne, the podcast, and all things Daughterhood
[34:26] – Final thanks and shout-outs all around

Links & Resources:

Connect with Rosanne

🔗 Connect with Rosanne Corcoran on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosanne-corcoran

🔗 Connect with Anne Tumlinson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-tumlinson-3601b14

Daughterhood Resources

🌐 Daughterhood Website: daughterhood.org

🎧 Daughterhood Podcast: daughterhood.org/podcast

🫶 Join a Daughterhood Circle: daughterhood.org/circles

📺 Video Q&A on Hospice with Barbara Karnes: Watch on YouTube

🧠 Dementia & The GUIDE Program: daughterhood.org/dementia-and-guide

Follow Daughterhood on Social Media

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/daughterhood

This week, we sit down with the incredible Charlotte Bayala, host of the Cancer Caregivers Podcast and a nominee for the International Women's Podcast Awards. Charlotte brings raw honesty, heartfelt wisdom, and a refreshing sense of humor to a conversation every caregiver needs to hear. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or just in need of a reset, Charlotte offers a powerful reframing of what it really means to take care of yourself—and why she prefers the term "self-preservation" over "self-care."

From the invisible weight of caregiving to finding joy in unexpected moments, Charlotte shares her own journey, practical breathing exercises, and insight into how employers can actually support caregivers (hint: it’s more than just checking a box in November). This is one of those episodes that will make you pause, breathe, and feel deeply seen. Press play and feel a little lighter.

Episode Highlights:

[2:18] - Meet Charlotte Bayala, host of the Cancer Caregivers Podcast, dialing in from Walmart country: Northwest Arkansas.

[3:57] - Celebrating Charlotte's nomination for an international podcast award and what that recognition means to her.

[6:49] - Charlotte’s approach to content creation: from seasonal caregiver needs to blending lived experience with professional wellness training.

[9:09] - The backpack analogy that took our breath away (literally). How Charlotte illustrates the invisible load of caregiving.

[11:09] - Why "self-preservation" matters more than "self-care" and how tiny daily actions make a big difference.

[13:55] - A moment to pause: Charlotte guides us through a brief but impactful breathing exercise.

[16:36] - What drives Charlotte to speak up for caregivers, and why being seen matters.

[18:13] - Charlotte's personal caregiving journey and the revelation that changed everything.

[21:49] - Humor in the hard moments: a hilarious hospital memory that underscores the power of laughter.

[24:45] - Real support for caregivers at work: Charlotte's advice for employers and how she collaborates with organizations.

[27:59] - Where to find Charlotte online and more about the Cancer Caregivers Podcast.

Links & Resources:

• The Cancer Caregiver Podcast: https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/
• International Women's Podcast Awards: https://everybody-media.com/awards/
• 2025 short list for category Award For Changing The World One Moment At A Time: https://ipwa.evessiocloud.com/2025/en/page/shortlist-2025
• The Cancer Caregiver Podcast Episodes Mentioned:
  • You Became a Caregiver But No One Told You https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/S2E47/
  • The Secret Struggles of Working Caregivers https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/S2E34/
  • Why a ‘Caregiver Day’ Doesn’t Fix the Real Problem https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-a-caregiver-day-doesnt-fix-the-real-problem/id1504166813?i=1000697385064
• Charlotte's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottebayala/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, clinical psychologist, author, and former journalist, to explore the essential but often overlooked world of working caregivers. From his early experience caring for a parent to supporting his own mother and stepfather through dementia, Barry brings both deep personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation. Together, we discuss what it means to be a caregiver, the emotional and logistical challenges involved, and how workplaces can better support their caregiving employees.

We also dive into Barry’s newest resource, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, co-authored with his wife Dr. Julia Mayer. With over 150 questions answered in a straightforward, digestible format, this book is a game changer for anyone navigating the caregiving journey. Whether you're an employer looking to build a more supportive culture or a caregiver searching for guidance, this episode is packed with empathy, wisdom, and practical advice.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Barry on why self-identification as a caregiver matters.
[2:24] - His surprising early career at Rolling Stone magazine.
[3:34] - Barry’s personal caregiving journey and its impact.
[6:24] - Balancing work and caregiving with employer support.
[8:23] - How family experiences shaped his career path.
[10:14] - The #1 question caregivers ask: how do I get help from siblings?
[12:23] - Insights from caregiving cultures in Japan and Singapore.
[14:46] - What inspired The AARP Caregiver Answer Book.
[17:00] - Favorite chapters: sibling dynamics and self-care.
[22:18] - Why spousal caregiving is uniquely challenging.
[24:34] - Barry’s consulting work with Centene and Health Management Associates.
[28:21] - Actionable ways employers can support caregivers.
[31:34] - Advice on setting boundaries at work as a caregiver.
[33:21] - Book launch info and where to connect with Barry online.

Links & Resources:

• The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (Preorder, Guilford Press): Buy Here
• Barry’s Website: www.caregiveranswerbook.com
• Barry’s AARP Self-Help Column: Read Here
• “My Care Recipient’s Doctors Don’t Respect My Boundaries”: Read Article
• The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Amazon
• AARP Meditations for Caregivers: Amazon
• AARP Love and Meaning After 50: Amazon
• The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll: ThriftBooks
• Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care: Amazon
• Health Management Associates: Visit Site
• Centene Corporation: Visit Site
• Episode 15 – Being a Caregiver Spouse: Listen Here
• Well Spouse Association:

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring Ebony Travis Tichenor, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and someone who truly lives her life out loud. Ebony shares her deeply personal and powerful 17-year caregiving journey for her mother, all while balancing a full-time career and a full heart. We dive into what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes — the highs, the heartaches, and the healing — and how vulnerability has become one of her biggest strengths.

We talk about the unspoken emotional toll that working caregivers face and how important it is to find your voice, ask for help, and protect your joy. Ebony opens up about everything from the stigma around caregiving in the workplace to the little rituals of self-care that keep her grounded.

In corporate for almost 28 years this October, Ebony’s journey is grounded in resilience, identity, and heart. Born in Joliet, Illinois and raised in small-town South Texas, she proudly embraces her Black and Mexican heritage. Beyond the day-to-day, she loves caring for her mother as a devoted caregiver, being a loving spouse, fur baby momma, and a loyal friend to many. Ebony believes in real connection, purpose, and the power of showing up as your authentic self.

Episode Highlights:

[1:39] - Zack and Selma introduce Ebony and set the stage for an energetic and heartfelt conversation.
[2:56] - Ebony shares where she’s from and opens up with humor about Dallas and the Cowboys.
[3:48] - Her 17-year journey as a caregiver begins, sparked by a turning point in her youth.
[5:30] - Navigating the healthcare system and how identity impacted her early caregiver advocacy.
[6:53] - What inspired Ebony’s vulnerable National Caregiver Day post and her decision to speak up.
[8:16] - One of Ebony’s most emotionally difficult moments as a caregiver and how she overcame it.
[10:35] - How self-care fuels her caregiving and the special joy she finds in daily moments with her mom.
[13:35] - Advice she’d give to her younger self at the beginning of this journey — and to other caregivers.
[15:57] - The importance of being honest with employers about caregiving responsibilities
[17:49] - How Ebony overcame the stigma of caregiving through community and shared stories.
[19:29] - Zack and Ebony discuss shifting cultural perceptions of caregiving in the workplace.
[20:09] - Tips for employers to create a culture where caregivers feel safe speaking up.
[21:07] - Where to follow Ebony and continue learning from her empowering story.

Links & Resources:

• Follow Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonytravis01/
• Connect with Ebony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonytravis/
• Ebony's LinkedIn Post on National Caregiver Day with her mom highlighted in our newsletter: https://zacks-newsletter-4a359b.beehiiv.com/p/what-is-in-your-2025-people-strategy-1d936a23d5dcad82

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rhonda Klug from Harry & David to talk about the often invisible and deeply personal journey of working caregivers. From supporting her parents through dialysis and COPD to leading real cultural change within her organization, Rhonda shares her firsthand experience that sparked a company-wide movement of support and empathy. She takes us behind the scenes of how Harry & David and the broader 1-800-Flowers family are creating a more compassionate workplace for employees who are balancing caregiving responsibilities with their careers.

We explore how Rhonda transformed her lived experience into a catalyst for creating CARE (Caregivers and Allies Responding with Empathy), an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that is reshaping how caregiving is understood and supported in the workplace. If you're an employer wondering how to retain and uplift your caregiving employees—or you're a caregiver looking for inspiration on how to advocate for yourself—this is the episode for you.

Episode Highlights:

[2:12] – Meet Rhonda Klug of Harry & David: Her background and caregiving connection.
[3:23] – Rhonda shares her emotional journey as a caregiver for both her parents.
[7:12] – How personal caregiving shaped her awareness of employee needs.
[9:24] – The pivotal moment at the Care Colloquium that sparked a corporate movement.
[12:50] – Why storytelling from leadership is essential in changing culture.
[15:48] – Turning insight into action: Creating a caregiver-focused ERG.
[18:50] – Innovative benefits like Talkspace and Torchlight to support employees.
[20:23] – Practical tips for managers and employees to foster communication.
[24:29] – Encouraging employees to self-identify and seek support.
[26:30] – Real-life impact: Preventing turnover and boosting retention through flexibility.
[28:50] – The ripple effect: How leadership empathy transforms company culture.

Links & Resources:

• Talkspace – Mental health support platform used by Harry & David employees
• Torchlight – Caregiving resource platform Rhonda mentions
• Celebrations Chatter Podcast by Jim McCann and interview with us
• Celebrations Pulse Newsletter by Jim McCann
• Care Colloquium – The conference that sparked Rhonda’s caregiving leadership journey and Facebook Group
• Debbie Howard – Aging Matters International – Caregiving strategy consultant
• Harry & David: https://www.harryanddavid.com/
• Crater Lake: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
• Benefits Alliance Connect Conference 2024: https://benefitsalliance.ca/event/connect-conference-2024

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you're a working caregiver—or if you support them—you need to hear this one. In this episode, we sit down with elder law experts (and longtime friends of the show) Eric Goldberg and Clelia Pergola from the NJ Elder Law Center. Together, they drop some serious knowledge on navigating Medicaid, protecting assets, and creating real systems of support for families in crisis.

This conversation gets personal, gets practical, and—most importantly—gets to the heart of what caregivers are up against. We dive into everything from care coordination and legal documentation to family dynamics, generational friction, and what employers really should be doing to help. If you’ve ever wondered what makes elder law so crucial—or if you’ve avoided the paperwork altogether—this episode is the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] - Meet Clelia and Eric, and hear how their caregiving and legal paths became one.
[7:27] - How personal chaos led to a systemized, compassionate elder law practice.
[8:32] - Eric explains the types of cases they handle and the three phases of long-term care planning.
[12:06] - The must-have legal documents every family should prepare before a crisis.
[13:36] - What Medicaid actually covers, and why it’s often misunderstood.
[16:24] - The real challenge behind Medicaid applications—and why counties can make or break it.
[20:11] - Clelia’s powerful case for why employers should bring elder care resources to work.
[22:19] - How to have “the talk” with your parents—without a total meltdown.
[26:53] - Why geriatric care managers are secret weapons for families navigating uncertainty.
[32:59] - Debunking the myth that elder law is just for the wealthy.
[36:52] - Toughest questions families ask—and the surprising legal consequences of good intentions.
[38:20] - The sibling divide: managing conflict between hands-on caregivers and money managers.
[41:35] - Final takeaways: plan ahead, talk early, and don’t try to DIY elder care in a crisis.

Links & Resources:

• About Eric: https://njelc.com/our-team/eric-goldberg/
• About Clelia: https://njelc.com/our-team/clelia-pergola/
• Goldberg Law Group: https://njelc.com/
• Aging LIfe Care Association (Geriatric Care Managers): https://www.aginglifecare.org/
• Interview with Geriatric Manager/Aging Life Care Professional Elyse Weber-Sacks: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-7
• Clelia's books: “The Law Firm Revolution” : https://www.amazon.com/Law-Firm-Revolution-Clelia-Pergola/dp/1543911595 and “Life, Lessons, & Legacy“: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Legacy-Grandmother-Changed/dp/1667803662

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.