Episodes
Friday Jan 10, 2020
A fabulous show with the Count of Mighty Disco - My Sidekick, John Butler!
Friday Jan 10, 2020
Friday Jan 10, 2020
For nearly seven years, John has joined me as delightful addition to the show. We had an exceptionally good time on today's show. In addition, there's a hilarious story of all I received when I tried to commit myself. (Yes ...it's true!).
We through in a special song from Gracie ...and a bunch of other thoughts to help you start your caregiving year!
Presented by:
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
Medicare for All Y'all?!
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
A lot of candidates running for President advocate "Medicare for All" as part of their platform. While Medicare itself is a decent program, I spend a little time discussing the realities of dealing with Medicare ...from a customer service standpoint.
Gracie and I both had to call Medicare for a significant issue. Getting bounced around from department to department, we logged over four hours on the phone one day, and another 90 minutes the next.
It's still not resolved as of this posting (with another 4 hours logged).
Imagine your best day at the DMV. That's what happens when government is the only game in town. You simply have no competition ...no incentive...to provide better service.
At some point in the customer service path, someone has to say, "We can build a better mousetrap!"
When listening to the candidates speaking, it sounds like overhearing a meeting in the teacher's lounge, "Here's what I think we ought to do ..."
It would be helpful for these candidates to share their own personal (and credible) experience in dealing with the healthcare system. Experience is always better than opinion.
Also on this episode, we played a new song from Gracie's upcoming CD titled Resilient. I also shared a few "Gracie-isms" and how Gracie nearly broke Amazon's Alexa ...at the source!!
In addition we shared our "Caregiver Tip of the Day," and of course, we also had my sidekick, The Count of Mighty Disco - John Butler!!!
A jammed pack show, demonstrating why Hope for the Caregiver is the #1 broadcast show for family caregivers!
Monday Nov 04, 2019
"Don't Pass the Snowplow!"
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Yes ...I know it feels like the snowplow driver is listening to Lawrence Welk while we listen to Led Zepplin, but in winter weather, the safest place is often the place where you feel it's going maddeningly slow.
That also applies to our journey as caregivers.
We find that we must move at a pace we can't control...and, just like trying to pass a snowplow, we run the risk of getting hurt if we try to circumvent.
A friend once told me, "Families move at the speed of their slowest members." When serving as a caregiver the "pace car" dictates how fast we're going to go. We're going to get there ...when we get there. Beating on our steering wheel, swearing, and/or spazzing out isn't going to make it better or faster, but it will cause unnecessary tension ...that robs us of living a calmer, healthier, and even safer life.
- Sometimes, the snowplow is a chronic illness that progresses.
- Sometimes, it's a special needs child that moves at his/her pace.
- Sometimes it's someone with a addiction that struggles in their recovery program.
- Sometimes it's grief that takes whatever time it needs to process it out.
In my 30+ years, I've discovered the pace set for me is simply living in the moment ...one day at a time.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
Listen to the callers share their stories, as well. Also, of course, joining the show is himself ...my sidekick, John Butler (The Count of Mighty Disco)
"Don't pass the snowplow is our "Caregiver Tip of the Day" for this show. Hope for the Caregiver is LIVE on Sirius XM's Family Talk Channel (131) at 6PM Eastern.
Brought to you by:
Saturday Oct 12, 2019
"Writer's Write" - lessons from an award-winning Father of son with Down Syndrome.
Saturday Oct 12, 2019
Saturday Oct 12, 2019
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and my long time friends Greg and Aaron Tornquist called the show on Sirius XM Family Talk 131 to discuss their journey. Aaron (41) has down syndrome, is a serious bowler, works, and is an Elvis Tribute Artist.
His father, Greg, has a lengthy music/performance history and his new project, Mississippi The Musical. (it just won "Best of the Fest" in the New York Musical Festival.
https://www.mississippithemusical.com/
Greg beautifully models a creative life as a caregiver and shares about his journey as a single dad with Aaron.
Also in the show, another Nashville writer , Lisa Dale Daniels, calls in to share her journey in caring for her famous songwriter mother ...and learning to carve out her own identity as a writer.
Writers Write ...Even While Caregiving. Especially while caregiving.
The show is the family caregiver outreach of Standing With Hope.
Monday Sep 30, 2019
Sept 29 2019 Show
Monday Sep 30, 2019
Monday Sep 30, 2019
Broadcasting on Sirius XM's Family Talk Channel, this is HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER with Peter Rosenberger.
This episode drills down on the need of caregivers to seek medical attention for themselves. 72% of family caregivers fail to see their own doctors. How is THAT helpful?
Caregivers not seeking medical attention for themselves is one of the 7 Caregiver Landmines from my book.
In addition, we had John Butler, "The Count of Mighty Disco" and also went to the phones to take calls.
Join us LIVE each Sunday evening at 6 PM Eastern for this live show.
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Monday Jul 08, 2019
The Delta Doctrine
Monday Jul 08, 2019
Monday Jul 08, 2019
One day, while flying to Atlanta on Delta Airlines, (Duh,Everything Leaves Through Atlanta), I discovered that flight attendants state the best advice for caregivers—all day long:
“In the unlikely event of the loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. Securely place your mask on first, before helping anyone next to you who may need assistance.”
That small directive, which I call the “Delta Doctrine,” contains applicable wisdom for so many circumstances— but probably none as poignant as for those of us serving as a caregiver for a chronically ill or disabled loved one.
Have you noticed that they don’t tell you how to open the peanuts or pretzels—which are surprisingly difficult? Nor do they explain how to use the atomic suction device known as a lavatory. I suppose they think we will just figure those things out on our own! But every flight attendant, pilot, and every government and civilian entity associated with flying will remind us to put our masks on first.
Why?
Because they know it’s counter-intuitive to human beings. When a loved one is in peril, we simply throw caution to the wind and race in to help.
Listen to the podcast from HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER the radio show.
Wednesday May 08, 2019
THE Radio Show for Family Caregivers 5/5/19
Wednesday May 08, 2019
Wednesday May 08, 2019
“How can you laugh through what you all live through!?”
Peter Rosenberger often hears that question when people learn of his 33 year journey as a caregiver for his wife, Gracie, who lives with severe disabilities. (80+ operations including the amputation of both legs).
Yet, both Peter and Gracie draw hope from their deep faith which strengthens their hearts and their sense of humor.
Peter’s weekly radio show, Hope for the Caregiver, is heard on more than 185 stations. Through his show, along with his books and speaking events, Peter address the challenges of life, business, and relationships with candor, compassion, and comedy.
Drawing upon his martial arts studies (Peter has a 2nd degree black-belt in Hapkido), Peter equips audiences to practice self-defense of the heart.
This episode is from May 5 2019. Opening with show producer, John Butler (AKA the Count of Mighty Disco) Peter takes listeners on journey through humor, compassion, and hope ...and points fellow caregivers to a place of safety.