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Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J Smiles

63 Episodes

40 minutes | Jan 30, 2023
Did he say Zetty doesn't have ALZ?!?
J was traveling, meeting new friends. While describing what she does back home, Zetty came up. Feeling connected and free, J showed videos of Zetty to this intimate group of newcomers to her life. A single voice exclaims, "J, your mom does not have ALZ." Startled and intrigued, J leans in and a very uncommon conversation ensues. No ALZ? Listening and learning, teaching and advising J Smiles walks away full.Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality lifted sprinkled love and laugher.Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for offers provocative take aways.The Legacy Museumhttps://museumandmemorial.eji.org/The National Memorial for Peace and Justice (lynching)https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/memorial "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
27 minutes | Dec 29, 2022
Caregivers, let MORE go!
J planned for a nothing Dec 25th. Surely she could at least have a quiet day with Zetty during such a festive time of year. Shortly after breakfast all-hell broke loose. Zilch plan be damned. Z's incontinence had plan of its own.  But it is NOT shower day, dammit!!!Stuck between a rock and a very soft, smelly space, J tries to regroup and salvage her already bleak Christmas hopes. Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality lifted sprinkled love and laugher.As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offers provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
34 minutes | Dec 18, 2022
The Black Hole: Depth Perception
When Zetty's trainer and hired caregivers tell J Smiles of her reluctance to step up or onto things, J is perplexed. Why? Zetty has the physical strength, she is in good spirits -- are the caretakers exaggerating? Is this related to ALZ? Maybe Zetty is taking advantage of them. J is determined to get some answers because remodeling the house feels overwhelming. Expert advice from Home Care Assistance Edmonton and Vision Aware are shared too!As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offers provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
26 minutes | Nov 21, 2022
THOR is 10x more likely to get ALZ!
When Superhero, SUPA-hunk Chris Hemsworth finds out each parent gave him the rare gift of APOE4, J Smiles is blown away. How can THOR, a god of longevity, be 10x more likely to get Alzheimer's? YES - Chris is an actor. THOR is a fictional character. The collision of the two allowed the medical discovery which could save Chris' life.  J taps into National Geographic's Limitless, a docuseries on longevity.  She covers a bit of Dr. Peter Attia approach to extending a person's life with a higher quality.  Hemsworth's outlook is supernatural, calling the info a blessing. Smiles uses quotes, anecdotes dotes and more to pull apart options of wellness and lifestyle.As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offers provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
63 minutes | Nov 12, 2022
Floating in The Deep End a Conversation with Patti Davis
Patti Davis, US President Ronald Reagan's daughter, joins J for an in-depth conversation about her new book, Floating in the Deep End: How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer's. Patti shares personal stories of caring for her dad and becoming a caregiver saved her life. J digs into Patti's experience running a support group for caregivers after her dad's death. The honesty about  issues with family members, struggles with denial and learning to lie are only a few of the topics where these two dive deep. They highlight several of the book's how-to's, best practices and much more in this "how to be" resource rich episode.As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offers provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
37 minutes | Nov 1, 2022
Surprise a Caregiver, Shock yourself!
A quick text turns into a caregiver support session. J thinks she is surprising a "brother-cousin" caregiver yet she is the one left shook. Ever the optimist, Smiles decides to embrace the visit even after a dark start. Join J as she explains all the emotions of visiting a caregiver in the thick of it. As always J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offering provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
37 minutes | Oct 17, 2022
Zetty is a Nap Nazi!
J Smiles is a self-proclaimed master napper. This super skill has saved her countless times throughout life. J expects to utilize it frequently during caregiving duty. Until...Exhausted from a live comedy performance, Smiles attempts to catch a quick nap while on-shift with Zetty.  One problem, Zetty keeps interrupting. Foggy and frustrated, J has to figure out how to manage the moment.Expert Power Nap tips round out the episode before  J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending, offering provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
23 minutes | Oct 1, 2022
I'm a snitch!
J Smiles, hired to perform an entire 60 minute comedy set on caregiving content feels slimy when the audience demands juicer jokes. Does telling the dirty truth about Zetty's dark ALZ  moments on stage make J a snitch? In a flash protecting Z is at odds with performing. The responsibilities of caregiving often interrupt J's schedule but this is the first time her stage-life is at stake.Join our favorite ALZ DUO on another magical ride and lean into J's signature SNUGGLE UP at the end offering provocative take aways.FOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
33 minutes | Aug 30, 2022
So stressed, vacation didn't work!
J Smiles cannot believe that her tried and true girlfriend get-a-way failed to rejuvenate her. She planned, packed and even peeled off a few pounds for that new swimsuit. The weather - perfect. Crew - solid. Sand and sun steady remedies. How in the world did this happen? Caregivers must vacation, yes.  The goal is to be refreshed and relaxed afterwards. Is there a better way, a newer way -- a different manner of  vacay CGs? In her comical narrative, J shares what she believes went wrong and potential solutions she has uncovered since. As always, listen until the end for the trademarked SnuggleUP.Kasana Care (Single & Multi-day retreats in USA & Mexico)https://www.kasanacare.comCaregiving.com List of  Retreats in USAhttps://www.caregiving.com/posts/caregiver-retreats-and-respite-campsList of Wellness Retreats across the worldhttps://retreat.guruCaregiver Wellness Resort, New Mexico USAhttps://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.comStonewall Farm Bed and Breakfast, New Hampshire, USAhttps://www.stonewallfarmbedandbreakfast-countryweddings.com/caregiver-s-respite-retreatFOLLOW US++++++📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
33 minutes | Aug 15, 2022
I'm on the edge of quitting caregiving!
J is flying solo in this rare glimpse of her questioning if she can continue caregiving. WOW! She is stunned by the source of her "quitting" stress. Listen to hear what put her on the edge and how she digested fact vs fiction. The fan fave SNUGGLE UP at the end gives PARENTING UP nuggets.📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
28 minutes | Jul 15, 2022
Zetty's coworker thought she was dead!
J Smiles is floored by an anonymous email inquiring if she is Yvette's daughter. Yvette, Zetty's legal name, is her mom but who is this phantom typer and why are they looking for J? Unable to ask Zetty about the sender, J becomes an internal detective hoping to uncover if this is valid, fraud or a mean catfish prank. Smiles realizes much more is at stake when sender ask if Zetty is dead. Join our favorite ALZ DUO on another magical ride and lean into J's signature SNUGGLE UP at the end offering provocative take aways.📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
34 minutes | Jun 23, 2022
Why am I still sleepy after a good night's sleep?
Sleep is bitting your favorite caregiver's butt again. This time, J Smiles is getting ample rest but not reaping the rewards. Unprepared for these moments of exhaustion, listen as J details mishaps with Zetty, work and random daily activities. Searching for answers uncovers ah-has and oh-nos galore. All genders should Snuggle Up closely!We want to hear your comments  & future topic suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜" (then follow prompts to tell us)+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
33 minutes | Jun 10, 2022
Zetty keeps using the "N" word!
Zetty, the co-star of the podcast, attempts to lead several groundbreaking conversations but the "N" word continues to arise leaving J Smiles stymied. Snuggle Up to hear another saga of ALZ's favorite DUO. We want to hear your comments  & future topic suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜" (then follow prompts to tell us)+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
31 minutes | May 20, 2022
Did Zetty just FLIRT with that man?
J Smiles is caught off guard when Zetty initiates a conversation with an unknown, handsome man. Is it flirting? Sounds like it. But how does Zetty remember such social etiquette when she cannot recall her birthday? J shares what experts say about sex drive & ALZ too. She even scratches the legal land of consent --- when does consent get murky for the spouse or life partner of an ALZ sufferer?There are enough laughs to give you a stress break and a new pick-up line, if nothing else.Snuggle Up to hear another hilarious escapade of ALZ's favorite DUO. For Episode Comments & Future Topic Suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜"+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
32 minutes | May 14, 2022
Can't Even Choose to Die with Dignity
"Dying with Dignity" laws  allow what is commonly called assisted suicide. ALZ and dementia do not qualify. J Smiles is not happy about this but as usual she finds away to add sparkle to a sour situation and slides in a few solutions for our community.Snuggle UP for how J plans to beat the system and why author Amy Bloom impacted this episode. For Episode Comments & Future Topic Suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜"+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
45 minutes | Apr 30, 2022
Double Duty: Caregiving & Working at the exact same moment!
What happens when you are doing your REAL income-earning, bills-paying job and unexpectedly you MUST give eyeball care to your LO? This unnerving experience is shared by J Smiles. She secured "help" for Zetty because J had a "live" performance. In the blink of any eye, Smiles was left without that "coverage" --- can she do her comedy show  and care for her mom, should she even try to do both, will the stress break her? J releases all the juices bits of what she calls "spirit shifting," why it is so hard and more. Snuggle UP ... Leave Episode Comments & Future Topic Suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜"+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
47 minutes | Apr 23, 2022
Taking Zetty on a Date: The Motown Concert
Experts say that Alzheimer's does not erode music memories. Filled with excitement, J Smiles and Zetty prepare for a night out on the town for a concert. Not just any concert, two of Zetty's favorite bands of ALL-TIMES. J gets caught up treating it like a wedding or prom. Fancy appointments, new outfits -- that's when the wheels start to fall off the bus. Snuggle UP to hear how our duo makes do.  For Episode Comments / Future Topic Suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜"+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
38 minutes | Apr 15, 2022
Protection or Paranoia: Sharing Your LO's ALZ Diagnosis
Many caregivers coverup or hide their LO's ALZ. J hopes to eradicate the necessity to do that by starting this conversation and continuing to shed light on the facts of ALZ. J Smiles admits it was hard to "go public" with Zetty's ALZ diagnosis. Some kinda way she makes us laugh again. She digs into why family caregivers may struggle with when to share this sensitive information. Ultimately, J asks CG's are you driven by protection or paranoia?You will get pros and cons with tips and strategies for a variety of options. For Episode Comments / Future Topic Suggestions:TEXT a purple heart   "💜"+1 (404)  737 - 1449📰Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP:http://www.jsmilescomedy.com📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
31 minutes | Apr 1, 2022
The Hydration Handbook
J Smiles is back! Winter hibernation made discussing hydration more necessary than ever. Hydration is important for seniors to avoid health complications. J shares the struggle of getting Zetty to consume water.  The doctor's guidelines seem straight forward but Zetty tricks J more than once along this journey. Their circus is complicated by Zetty's life-long disdain of water. Ultimately, J lands on a few solutions.Listen as J highlights general methods to increase your LO's liquid intake and offers tips from experts.📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwSTUR (water enhancer):https://sturdrinks.com/ "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
40 minutes | Dec 31, 2021
Caregivers, Celebrate Your Wins!
Do you own being a Caregiver Out LOUD? J Smiles pull apart why many caregivers do not include their CG title in the list of "What I do" in conversations, on social media or resumés. Perplexed, she reflected and found pain as a possible source of hesitance. Listen for her take on how to overcome this avoidance.  J gives a handful of easy examples to celebrate your caregiver status. Smiles pushes a theory that Family CGs need to "pop their collar" a bit --- walk tall --- shout it sooner and even acknowledge their CG anniversary.PODCAST SHOW NOTES:Sponsor:CircleOf (Caregiver App)https://www.circleof.com/downloadParentingUp! Weekly LIVE TV/Internet INTERACTIVE Show on GetVokl.com:https://getvokl.com/channel/parenting-up📲Instagram: Parenting UP!https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP!https://www.facebook.com/parentingup🎥 YouTube Channel: Parenting UP!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwTEXT a purple heart "💜" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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