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Podcasts have steadily increased in popularity as portable MP3 players have become more accessible, and even built into the phones that most of us carry around in our pockets. They can be a great resource for learning about a topic, finding some humour in your day, or replicating the serial radio drama of years past.
For those of us with full schedules, or a short attention span, the ability to get other tasks done while listening is a huge draw. Playback controls allow you to listen again to the things you may have missed while distracted, or to pause when your loved one requires complete attention. With all of this to love, podcasts are a great tool for finding new tools for your caregiving arsenal, for hearing the experiences of others and feeling connected, and for adding some entertainment to washing dishes or other necessary tasks. So, we have compiled a few of our staff favourite podcasts with caregivers in mind.
Our second list is a selection of 10 podcasts for commiseration, where you can hear the experiences of other caregivers and share in their joys and struggles. We hope you enjoy listening!
1) Caregiver/Storyteller - Host, Chris Doucette, conducts interviews with caregivers. This podcast covers the joy, the burnout, and everything in-between. The storytelling format provides an easy-to-listen podcast that allows us to hear the reality in a humanized way.
2) Parenting Up! - The host, comedian J Smiles, tells stories of her caregiving experiences with her mother. This hilarious and honest podcast is accessible to caregivers and non-caregivers alike. It is a great way to learn, add humour to the experience, and know that you aren't alone.
3) Caregivers Out Loud - A podcast by Family Caregivers BC. If you're looking for perspectives of other caregivers, a feeling of connection, and reassurance that you are not alone in what you are experiencing this is the podcast for you.
4) Happy Healthy Caregiver - A podcast focused on self-care for the caregiver. It covers both the difficult self-care, like boundary-setting and the relaxing (also sometimes difficult!) self-care like taking time for yourself.
5) People with Parents - Episodes of this podcast are short and sweet, perfect for short tasks or listening together! Each episode features a personal story from the host as she learns how to navigate the role-reversal in becoming a caregiver for one's parents.
6) The Caregiver's Bakery - This podcast covers caregiving in many varieties, including caring for a loved one with dementia. The sharing of stories and experiences provides perspective and commiseration.
7) The Caregivers - Featuring stories from a variety of caregivers, this podcast has an episode for everyone. If you need to hear the humour in podcasting or need someone to share in the pain you'll find something here.
8) Joy in the Midst of it All - A brand-new podcast with a promising first episode, Joy in the Midst of it All provides reflections and experiences from a family caregiver.
9) Who Cares Wins - This UK-based podcast is perfect for anyone who wants to hear the experiences of other carers. The goal of the podcast is to share the stories of other carers to decrease the feeling of loneliness and increase feelings of connection and support.
10) The Forgettable Half Hour - A casual conversation between two carers over a glass of wine or cup of tea. Each episode covers different topics, and stories, or answers questions from listeners.
If you need assistance choosing a listening method that works for you, stop by the library or get in touch for tech help!