Happy Healthy Caregiver

Sandwich generation caregiving, burnout, and family coordination—Glenn Shimkus is living it all while caring for five parents, supporting adult children, and running a mission-driven business. In this episode, Glenn shares practical insights on dividing caregiving responsibilities into “swim lanes,” recognizing his early signs of burnout, and preparing families before a crisis through his company, Prisidio. He also opens up about the routines that keep him grounded, the joy of becoming a first-time grandparent, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone—even if that means swimming with whales in open water! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod230 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

Dan Contreras is a U.S. Army veteran, proud husband, and devoted caregiver to his wife, Teresa. After years of service and leadership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans)—including his role as National Commander—Dan has become a strong advocate for both caregivers and care receivers. Like many military spouses and family members, Dan didn’t initially see himself as a “caregiver.” That changed when, as a DAV leader, he sought to better understand the DAV’s Caregiver Support Program by completing the onboarding process. Now, he’s on a mission to raise awareness and provide resources for the 70% of veterans who are caring for loved ones. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Dan shares: The resources DAV offers to support veterans who are also caregiversHow his perspective on self-care has shifted as Teresa’s cancer journey has progressedThe creative outlets he and Teresa enjoy together, including Legos, crafts, and hobbies that bring them joyHow something as simple as a karaoke app helps him relieve stress and recharge Show notes with product and resource links: http://bit.ly/HHCPOD216 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

Even though P.K. Beville is considered an expert in psychology and gerontology, she still felt lost and overwhelmed as a dementia caregiver for her dad. P.K. is the founder of Second Wind Dreams, a pioneering nonprofit that fulfills dreams for older adults and champions dignity, hope, and joy in aging. She is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Virtual Dementia Tour®, a training tool that has helped millions better understand and care for those living with dementia. In 2023, she launched Empathic Transitions to support families during end-stage dementia and is currently certifying the first Dementia Doulas. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we talk about why caring for a loved one in any setting is still tricky, how the phrase ‘I wish’ sparked an uplifting non-profit in the older adult space, where we can find sources for humor and joy, and why the end-of-life experience for those living with dementia is different. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod214 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

Meet Lisa Musselman, a 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, military caregiver, and passionate advocate for equitable care for veterans and their families. Lisa talks about her caregiving journey supporting her husband Andy, a pre-9/11 Air Force veteran living with ALS, while raising a family and trying to stay afloat herself. Lisa shares the emotional and physical toll of those early years—missing milestones with her children, struggling to find respite, and putting her own health last. On the brink of burnout, everything changed when skilled nursing entered the home. This support allowed her to rebuild strength through physical therapy, prioritize mental wellness with therapy, and make space for joy through family vacations and visits with friends. What makes Lisa’s story especially powerful is how she turned adversity into a platform for advocacy. Motivated by a friend’s early encouragement that she would “become a voice” for others impacted by ALS, Lisa now champions policy and support changes for military caregivers across the country. She firmly believes that veteran care should not be determined by zip code—and she’s fighting to make that a reality. In this inspiring episode, we cover: The real cost of caregiving on health, time, and familyLisa’s self-care strategies for physical and mental recoveryWhy caregiving support can be life-changing—not just for the veteran, but for the whole familyHow Lisa stepped into her role as a caregiver advocateThe urgent need for fair, accessible veteran care across the U.S. Lisa’s story will resonate with anyone who has felt isolated or overwhelmed in their caregiving role—and it’s a powerful example of how self-care and advocacy can go hand in hand.

J Smiles has been a caregiver to her mom living with Alzheimer’s and NPH for over 13 years—an unexpected journey that began after her father’s sudden passing. Once a globe-trotting consultant who could barely keep a plant alive, J found herself overwhelmed and facing serious health issues just 18 months into caregiving. A wake-up call from her doctor led her to explore self-care through stand-up comedy. In this episode, J shares how comedy became her lifeline, helping her cope, advocate for caregivers, and bring joy to others walking a similar path. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod210 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

Meet Scott Lien, a working family caregiver and member of the sandwich generation, who navigated the loss of four parents and in-laws over twelve years. His caregiving journey, combined with his extensive tech background, inspired him to co-found GrandPad, a user-friendly platform designed to keep seniors connected and engaged. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Scott and I dive into practical ways families and society can combat senior isolation and loneliness. We also explore the unexpected benefits—such as reducing elder fraud and financial scams—and how fostering meaningful connections can help us all live without regrets. Plus, Scott shares wisdom from the “super seniors” he works with and reveals his secrets to ensuring joy in every day. And…stay tuned for how you can take advantage of an exclusive GrandPad offer for the HHC Community!

Art Bowker cares for his mother who is living with Alzheimer’s while juggling multiple careers, including one as a cybercrime expert. Art has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections and co-authored a book to help us protect vulnerable adults from cybercrimes and provides guidance on surviving a cyberattack. In this episode we chat about cybercrime (like pig butchering), what we can do to help prevent a financial catastrophe, hoarding, legal guardianship, and Art’s passion for cigars and bourbon. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod206 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