Best Stephanie Muskat Podcasts (2024)

1
How caregiving for 3 family members concurrently drove her to create innovative tools for other caregivers, with Debbie Compton (Episode 99) 36:04

1h ago36:04

36:04

Debbie Compton and her husband cared for 3 family members at the same time. It was during this balance that she recognized exceptionally innovative ways to navigate presenting difficulties and stressors. She has since adapted these innovations and techniques for other caregivers to help them through their journeys. Debbie is a positive and truly in…

1
Exploring potentially unknown networks of support and community, mitigating feelings of isolation and loneliness and fostering connection by using the Atlas CareMap- with Rajiv Mehta (Episode 98) 40:47

6d ago40:47

40:47

In today’s episode, Rajiv Mehta talks about his non profit organization, Atlas of Caregiving, and his revolutionary mapping tool the Atlas CareMap which has been taught to and used by groups around the world. Rajiv explores how the Atlas CareMap tool can truly impact the lives of caregivers by helping them gain a fuller awareness of their own selve…

1
Examining our expectations of respite care: setting ourselves up for success when it comes to maximizing our respite experiences and outcomes (Episode 97) 8:20

13d ago8:20

8:20

You work so hard to organize and plan respite care so that you can get that long awaited and very needed break, but your expectations and hopes fall short of what you were hoping for, and suddenly you find yourself frustrated, angry and even more depleted. In episode 97 of Caregiver’s Compass, Stephanie talks about expectations and realities of res…

1
Learning from significant burnout- how incorporating care for self (even in the smallest ways) is a necessity when it comes to caregiving and grief, with Nikki Nurse (Episode 96) 43:34

20d ago43:34

43:34

Nikki Nurse learned what burnout in caregiving can look like when she broke 2 of her limbs while caring for her mother. It was at that time that she realized the true importance of incorporating self-care and working to minimize and prevent burnout as an essential part of caregiving. In today’s episode, Nikki shares her story of caregiving and cont…

1
Yes, eating disorders can very much be related to caregiving- with Kyla Fox (Episode 95) 43:49

28d ago43:49

43:49

Did you know that eating disorders, at their core, have very little to do with how you look? In this insightful episode, social worker and therapist, Kyla Fox , identifies what an eating disorder is, how it can present in one’s life and how it can be related to and triggered by caregiving. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disord…

1
Supporting Family Caregivers in Healthcare Through Research, Education and in Practice with Dr. Jasneet Parmar (Episode 94) 40:42

1M ago40:42

40:42

Caregivers are aware there are significant gaps in our healthcare system, yet some of the answers to these gaps are found in supporting and providing education to the healthcare workers on the front lines. It was not until recently that Dr. Jasneet Parmar and her team sought to change the landscape of caregivers in healthcare and began to create an…

1
‘My parent has poor health habits but refuses any of my support or suggestions for change’ (Episode 93) 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

So you have identified what needs to change when it comes to your parent’s care or habits, or you have recognized the risks in their current lifestyle choices and want to ensure they stay safe and healthy. But whenever you approach them to talk about this, they are either entirely resistant, or refuse to talk about this. Or maybe they are open to e…

1
How to Care for the Caregiver (Episode 92) 16:52

2M ago16:52

16:52

We all know about the caregiver and the intense care they can provide around the clock. But when it comes to caring for the caregiver themselves, what might they need? How do we support and care for the caregiver who is doing it all? Should you pull back and leave them alone in all this and give them space to come to you or should you show up at th…

1
Top 5 episodes of season 3! 9:52

6M ago9:52

9:52

There were so many incredible episodes this season and today Stephanie recaps the most listened to episodes of season 3. This entire season we have also highlighted quotes from our guests and these will be available on one beautiful free PDF the week of January 8th! To download all of these that you can print or keep with you, visit our website (ww…

1
The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, advocating for change in the caregiving landscape, and balancing life as a mom and caregiver to others, with Liv Mendelsohn (episode 91) 33:11

6M ago33:11

33:11

1 in 4 in Canada are presently caregivers and this number is expected to increase to 1 in 2 in the coming years. Yet our healthcare system is not equipped to support the family caregiver or the private caregiver in a way that prevents collapse. A national healthcare strategy is needed. Enter the CCCE, spearheaded by director Liv Mendelsohn, this or…

1
Creating change in dementia through Montessori based strategies, with Rev Katie Norris (episode 90) 39:32

6M ago39:32

39:32

In today’s episode, the incredible Rev Katie Norris talks about her experiences caring for her mom with dementia with her son Jeffrey, and how this shaped her passion for entering a career in caregiving support. Katie discusses the very unique Montessori approach to dementia care and her successful membership and coaching program for caregivers. Ab…

1
Navigating sibling relationships while providing 12 years of intensive care to a parent -learning how to process this and make amends with the siblings over time- with Rosanne Corcoran (episode 89) 34:57

6M ago34:57

34:57

In this episode, Rosanne Corcoran, podcast host, speaker and previous caregiver of her mom with dementia, details her journey in the sandwich caregiver role, caring for her mom and children for 12 years. She specifically talks about her siblings who did not actively step forward to care for her mom during a time when she was an intensive and primar…

1
What does a mom of 3, a business owner and a therapist do for self-care and balance (Stephanie’s ‘self-care’ routine)? (episode 88) 12:59

7M ago12:59

12:59

Although I truly do not think that anything I am doing is ‘more busy’ than the next person (especially if you are a caregiver!), I am sometimes asked what my personal care routine is and how I balance and wear so many hats. So here you go for something a little different! And you will see very quickly that I am anything but perfect in this. Enjoy! …

1
Family and friends who used to show up, stopped coming to visit when my loved one was diagnosed (episode 87) 13:44

7M ago13:44

13:44

This topic hits hard. Being a caregiver can already be so isolating and difficult and as caregivers, we rely on others to come forward, show up, and support us when we need it the most. In this episode, Stephanie talks about what we can do when people we have been connected to stop showing up for us and our loved ones and explores possible options …

1
The shock of becoming a caregiver while already working as a psychologist in the healthcare system and finding true joy in the smallest moments as a caregiver of a daughter with a life limiting illness ... 33:38

7M ago33:38

33:38

In this episode, Dr. Naomi Saperia opens up about her experience caring for her daughter with a life limiting illness from birth to age 5, at a time when she was also working as a psychologist in the healthcare system herself. Naomi is vulnerable and personable in this very special episode. About Naomi: Dr. Naomi Gryfe Saperia is a Clinical and Hea…

1
Getting raw and personal about all forms of parental guilt and how to cope with this very strong and real emotion- with Kelly Polci (episode 85) 30:05

7M ago30:05

30:05

In today’s episode, Kelly Polci, registered social worker and psychotherapist, shares her personal experiences with mom guilt parenting her 3 children, balancing a hospital job and a private therapy practice. The different techniques and resources she employs with her clients facing deep parenting and caregiving guilt are also explored. Find Kelly …

1
Our healthcare system is broken: case examples of how our healthcare system fails to support the patient and family caregiver, increasing caregiver stress, anxiety and burnout (episode 84) 23:35

8M ago23:35

23:35

In today’s episode, Stephanie explores 3 common cases she has seen as an inpatient social worker in the hospital system and looks at how these scenarios end up directly impacting the mental health and capacity of family caregivers and those they care for. Suggestions for systems change and advocacy are noted throughout the episode. If you have ever…

1
I do not have control, predictability or answers when it comes to my loved one with dementia (episode 83) 11:13

8M ago11:13

11:13

While caring for a loved one with dementia, do you ever feel as though you wish you had more answers for the future? That you wish you knew what to expect over time? That you had more control over your situation? In this episode, Stephanie talks about common feelings when it comes to dementia caregivers, the difficulty in knowing what the future ma…

1
Gaps in the healthcare system, its impact on caregivers and the road to positive change, with Dr. Nathan Stall (Episode 82) 38:42

8M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Stall talks about ongoing gaps in the healthcare system in terms of caregiver support and caregiver mental health from his perspective as a geriatrician. He talks about generalizations and misconceptions by healthcare team members and recommendations for future change. He also comments on upcoming positive change and how…

1
The many forms of GRIEF in caregiving, with Wendy Williams (Episode 81) 31:00

8M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode, Wendy Williams joins the podcast once again to talk about how she has experienced grief in caregiving and how grief is so much more than the feeling after one’s passing-including grief over expectations of what life could look like without caregiving and grief over the loss of who your loved one once was. About Wendy: Wendy is a wi…

1
I am OVERWHELMED- I provide care to not one, but TWO parents (Episode 80) 18:04

9M ago18:04

18:04

By now, we are likely familiar with those caring for 1 parent. But what happens when someone is caring for TWO parents? What if one parent has been caring for the other and has now declined, with all care now on YOU? This is becoming more and more common in the caregiver landscape given the aging population, the high burden on existing caregivers a…

1
Strange occurrences that happened to me while my grandmother was passing away…and following her passing- is there more to life than we know? (Episode 79) 23:38

9M ago23:38

23:38

In this episode, Stephanie opens up about some very strange occurrences that happened while she was at her grandmother’s bedside in hospital and following her grandmother’s passing. She talks about how these experiences were not explainable to her and took her from not believing in anything beyond life to thinking there may be more to life than we …

1
‘I kept my husband’s diagnosis a secret from others for many years’ - personal growth and developing a deep self-awareness while getting through the extremely difficult process of caregiving for a spouse ... 28:13

9M ago28:13

28:13

In this episode, Julia Freifeld takes us through her journey caring for her husband with multiple system atrophy (MSA )which involved a rapid and difficult decline requiring all of her support and care. Julia talks about what helped her during these years and her memoir, which she wrote after journaling her emotions in secret for many years. She al…

1
The real barriers in accessing the healthcare system as caregivers and patients, particularly when it comes to disability, language barriers and marginalization- with Courtney Sas (episode 77) 50:34

9M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode, social worker, Courtney Sas, discusses her experiences working with patients who have struggled with navigating the healthcare system and navigating supports and resources. She and Stephanie discuss the need for patients and caregivers to often advocate, speak the native language and have awareness of the healthcare system in order…

1
What is life like after caregiving? Exploring the grief and shifts in life after losing a loved one and raising awareness about the dying process itself- with Brian Smith (episode 76) 53:26

9M ago53:26

53:26

*Disclaimer- this episode discusses the dying process* In this episode, Brian Smith discusses what he wishes he knew to prepare for his wife’s dying process and passing and how his life has shifted following her passing and after many years of being her caregiver. About Brian: Brian Smith is a teaching professor at the University of Notre Dame in N…

1
I am providing care to a loved one alongside someone that I have a negative relationship with and I am finding this very difficult. Help! (episode 75) 20:16

10M ago20:16

20:16

Sometimes we are faced with caring for a loved one alongside others who we may not get along with, have a difficult past with, have a complex history with. This may be someone we prefer not to speak to or communicate with and suddenly we are faced with having to provide care with them and speak with/ see them on a regular basis. In this episode, St…

1
I feel so overwhelmed/burnt out caregiving from afar but also GUILTY because I am not physically involved on a daily basis, while so many others are (episode 74) 7:02

10M ago7:02

7:02

Have you ever had the following thoughts: -How can I feel so overwhelmed right now if I am not physically present in the caregiving process on a daily basis? -Is there something wrong with me for feeling all these emotions when I am not always there with my loved one? -My loved one is cared for but I still think about being a caregiver ALL THE TIME…

1
Working through cultural shifts and adversity, marginalization and extreme life changes while caring for a parent and children, with Roxanne Francis (Episode 73) 38:18

10M ago38:18

38:18

In this episode, psychotherapist Roxanne Francis talks about the incredible challenges she has faced and gotten through as a caregiver of her mother and children. She discusses the importance of following your internal compass and trusting your inner voice while facing challenges. About Roxanne Francis: Roxanne is an award-winning Registered Social…

1
The real, raw reality of having a mother with FTD, and the scientific advancements surrounding the diagnosis, with Jacquelyn Shapiro (Episode 72) 52:36

10M ago52:36

52:36

In this episode, Jacquelyn Shapiro shares her experiences as a daughter of FTD in a very vulnerable way. She and Stephanie compare their experiences having mothers with this very difficult diagnosis and the daily rollercoaster it can entail. Jacquelyn also shares her knowledge and details surrounding the genetic components and advancements behind t…

1
The people who had supported me through my caregiving journey are no longer around me (unspoken caregiving grief) (Episode 71) 10:36

11M ago10:36

10:36

Did you have a family member who had supported you who is no longer showing up? Did you have a friend around you in this crazy ride who has fallen away? Has your ‘partner in crime’ in all of this passed away? This is an element of grief in caregiving that no one talks about. And it is SO hard. You attach yourself to others and finally have someone …

1
Help! I feel invisible as a caregiver in the healthcare system (Episode 70) 18:14

11M ago18:14

18:14

Does this sound familiar? You try and you try and you are practically SCREAMING to have your voice heard as the caregiver in the healthcare system. Yet you can never find the right person to speak to, you wait for hours on end to either receive a phone call or meet with a practitioner and are still met with nothing. In this episode, Stephanie share…

1
On changing her career in dementia care and staying true to herself and her mental health, with Carrie Aalberts (Episode 69) 49:59

11M ago49:59

49:59

In this episode Carrie Aalberts discusses how she hit rock bottom emotionally and had to shift her life and her career to honour herself and her overall well-being while still working in a field she is extraordinarily passionate about- dementia care. Carrie touches on how she is incorporating balance and positivity into her life while helping other…

1
How incorporating mindfulness in her daily life shaped her journey as a caregiver for her mom, with Jessica Smith (Episode 68) 38:23

11M ago38:23

38:23

In today’s episode, Jessica shares her incredible journey caring for her mom, Patti. Jessica shares how presence, mindfulness and bringing in joy helps her through the most difficult times in the caregiving process. Jessica talks about impermanence, managing her emotions as a caregiver and finding an incredible partnership in her husband, Ken. She …

1
‘Life Hacks’ (you may not have thought about) to reduce your daily stress as a caregiver (Episode 67) 15:27

12M ago15:27

15:27

In this episode, Stephanie talks about some ‘life hacks’ that you can implement in your daily life as a caregiver. These can help reduce overall stress and improve your mental health and coping to find more balance. This episode corresponds to a post on our blog. Access this post here: https://compassionincaregiving.com/blog/life-hacks-for-making-y…

1
WELCOME to Season 3! 7:22

12M ago7:22

7:22

Welcome back to Caregiver’s Compass. We are so excited to be back and this season is sure to be an exceptional one. In this episode, Stephanie talks about what you can expect in Season 3 (we have some surprises up our sleeves this season) and sets the stage for the incredible content to come. About Caregiver’s Compass: Caregiver's Compass is an upl…

1
TOP FIVE episodes of Season 2! 7:41

1+ y ago7:41

7:41

In this episode Stephanie summarizes the top 5 episodes from season two of Caregiver’s Compass. Thank YOU for making season 2 what it was. Such a fantastic season full of incredible topics and guests. See you for season 3 next year! 1) Episode 48: GUILT in Caregiving- how it arises, how to manage it, and the differences between guilt vs. shame (wit…

1
Navigating the post-partum period after losing a parent/ parental figure- with postpartum coach Jaquie Dason (Episode 66) 37:39

1+ y ago37:39

37:39

In this episode, postpartum coach, Jaquie Dason, discusses losing her mom to cancer at the age of 18 and raising 2 children while feeling significant grief not having her by her side. Jaquie talks about why she created her company which provides postpartum coaching to moms who need that extra support and guidance during the difficult early periods …

1
Becoming a Memory Coach and Helping Those with Memory Concerns Improve their Memory- with Francine Waskavitz (Episode 65) 17:00

1+ y ago17:00

17:00

In episode 65, Francine Waskavitz discusses how she, as a memory coach, helps those struggling with their memory and memory loss. She discusses how she works with clients to optimize memory, including clients with dementia and other neurological concerns. She also talks about dementia prevention and preventing possible memory progression with a dem…

1
Getting Through University and Applying to Graduate School as a Caregiver (Episode 64) 42:51

1+ y ago42:51

42:51

In episode 64, Adrienne talks about how she got through university and graduate school as a caregiver herself while at her grandparent’s side in the hospital. Stephanie additionally touches on her experience caring for her grandmother at her bedside while in graduate school. She additionally discusses how difficult this time can be and how to get t…

1
How Could Therapy Possibly Help Me As A Caregiver (Episode 63) 9:16

1+ y ago9:16

9:16

You may be thinking to yourself: how could therapy possibly help me as a caregiver? Therapy cannot get rid of the tasks at hand or the responsibilities I have or my loved one’s decline- so how could a therapist help me with my overwhelm, stress, sadness and burnout? And in this episode, Stephanie discusses how the deep concerns that caregivers come…

1
From speech language pathologist to capturing the dementia caregiver world by storm- with Adria Thompson (Episode 62) 32:14

1+ y ago32:14

32:14

In episode 62, Stephanie speaks to Adria Thompson who, in 2021, grew her passion for helping dementia caregivers and those with dementia as an SLP with Be Light Care Consulting. She talks about how her career as a speech language pathologist led to her overall vision to provide support to caregivers around the world. About Adria: Adria Thompson is …

1
Living a meaningful legacy: sharing positivity and uplifting others after losing a parent with an FTD diagnosis (with Lisa Sonshine) (Episode 61) 32:05

1+ y ago32:05

32:05

In episode 61, Lisa Sonshine from the Juno Award winning duo Sonshine and Broccoli talks to Stephanie about her father’s FTD diagnosis, decline and passing- a part of her life she has not shared in great detail in the past. She notes how she has taken her grief from this very difficult time and has poured it into her passion for uplifting others th…

1
I feel extreme guilt about wishing that my situation would just end (Episode 60) 10:49

1+ y ago10:49

10:49

In Episode 60, Stephanie discusses a commonly expressed thought that many of her clients express having: I wish this situation would just end. She explores the guilt, shame and embarrassment that can surround this thought and the reasons why a caregiver may have these thoughts. *Please note: If you ever have the intention or thought of harming your…

1
How life has progressed since my mom’s initial diagnosis (memory, functioning and how I have navigated coping after having my own children without her by my side) (Episode 59) 19:18

1+ y ago19:18

19:18

In episode 59, Stephanie further talks about her journey after her mom’s initial diagnosis of FTD. She touches upon what her life looked like after she moved out of her home, caregiving for her grandmother, how she established boundaries when it came to balancing her own life and her mom’s care and how life has been since she had 3 children of her …

1
Managing postpartum mental health while caring for 1+ children and/or another family member- with Kelly Polci (MSW,RSW) (Episode 58) 32:36

1+ y ago32:36

32:36

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to social worker Kelly Polci who has worked with pregnant and postpartum women and families in high-risk obstetrics and the NICU. They look at the systemic definition of postpartum and what supports are currently available in the postpartum period to women in Ontario. They additionally talk about scenarios in which…

1
From inpatient nurse to caregiving consultant- how losing her job and burning out resulted in finding a daily passion for helping others- With Karen Lake (Episode 57) 29:50

1+ y ago29:50

29:50

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to nurse and caregiving consultant, Karen Lake, as she discusses how she went from caring for patients as a nurse in an inpatient hospital setting to providing consultations and assisting caregivers with their overall support systems and system navigation. About Karen Lake: Karen proudly works as a professional Car…

1
‘I don’t feel as though my loved one can be cared for at home anymore’ how to proceed when this real situation presents itself (and raises all the guilt, shame and fear) (an anonymous case scenario) (Episode ... 17:26

1+ y ago17:26

17:26

This situation is a very common and real occurrence. One day, you do not feel your loved one can be appropriately cared for in their home anymore. In this anonymous and real case scenario, Stephanie talks about a situation in which a patient she was working with was believed to no longer be safe in her home. She discusses the deep struggle her fami…

1
How I Reacted to my Mom’s FTD Diagnosis and the Corresponding Emotions (Initially and as Time Progressed) (Episode 55) 14:45

1+ y ago14:45

14:45

In episode 55, Stephanie continues to talk about how her mom’s FTD diagnosis shaped her life and the relationships between herself and others as she touches upon how she initially reacted to the changes in her mom and the emotions that came along with this. Thoughts of grief, overwhelm, isolation, fear and anxiety are mentioned in this very real an…

1
‘My Life Completely Changed When my Boyfriend was Assaulted and Suddenly Faced a Traumatic Brain Injury’- caregiving after a very sudden and traumatic life shift, with Katherine Smith. (Episode 54) 31:55

1+ y ago31:55

31:55

Just before her 26th birthday, Katherine’s partner, Ben, was brutally assaulted while on vacation. Ben experienced a severe traumatic brain injury as a result which he has spent the past 3.5 years recovering from. Katherine put her entire life on hold and suddenly became his full-time caregiver, dedicating her daily life to his care and going on an…

1
The Non-Traditional Caregiver- Providing Emotional Support and Assisting Loved Ones in Who are Physically and Emotionally Isolated (Episode 53) 44:11

2y ago44:11

44:11

In this episode, guest Marie (name changed for anonymity) discusses her responsibilities as a caregiver for her parents who are emotionally and physically isolated. She touches upon how supporting their social needs and trying to protect her high risk parents from illness has impacted her marriage, caring for her two young children and trying to ba…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stephanie Muskat Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide