The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

When was the last time you were called selfish, or worried you might be, just for putting yourself on your own list? For those of us in the middle, putting our needs last can feel like the only way to keep everything running, and the guilt of choosing ourselves can be heavy.In this episode, Candace is joined by Kerry Docherty, co-founder of beloved sustainable lifestyle brand Faherty, poet, social activist, children's book author, and author of the memoir Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming, and Telling the Truth.Kerry explains why she chose a title that's so activating for women, and describes the moment in therapy when a simple question showed her she wasn't the victim: she had agency. She talks about finding her voice through a writing collective and about telling the truth in print about her marriage, her family business, and herself, including the fallout with loved ones and her husband Alex's response in the final chapter. She also shares the small daily choices that help her reclaim herself, the guilt of leaving home to write, and the honest conversations she and Alex have with their kids.As Kerry puts it, being "selfish" can be "the biggest act of service that we can give other people."Learn more about Kerry Dockerty at https://kerrydocherty.co/Follow Kerry on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kerrydocherty/Subscribe to Kerry’s poetry Substack at https://substack.com/@kerrydocherty1Purchase Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming, and Telling the Truth at https://bookshop.org/p/books/selfish-unlearning-reclaiming-and-telling-the-truth-kerry-docherty/355b282d003ee8e0 Purchase Somewhere, Right Now at https://fahertybrand.com/products/somewhere-right-now-book-somewhere-right-now Shop Faherty at https://fahertybrand.com/ (00:00) - Welcome Survivors (00:39) - Meet Kerry Doherty (02:29) - Why Selfish Matters (05:38) - Therapy Wake Up Call (07:53) - Reclaiming Through Writing (09:08) - Building Faherty Costs (11:59) - Truth Telling Fallout (14:36) - Marriage Healing Lessons (17:55) - Mindfulness Micro Choices (22:40) - Daily Practice And Inner Critic (25:34) - Creative Work Seen And Unseen (28:14) - Rooting For Authenticity (30:10) - Wrap Up And Subscribe Follow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

When the "Cornell 7" case made national headlines this fall, many parents found themselves asking a question they never expected to face: what actually happens when something goes wrong on campus? We spend so much time preparing our kids to get into college and succeed once they get there, but how often do we prepare them for what happens next if a report is made, by them or about them?In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by her colleague Kimberly Lau, who represents both complainants and respondents in Title IX matters such as the case capturing the latest headlines. Together, they break down what Title IX is, who it protects, what happens when a college receives a report, and what students and parents should know before their child ever needs it.Kimberly explains why Title IX reaches far beyond athletics, what it generally means when a student is contacted by the campus Title IX office, and what a family should do first, whether their child is reporting something that happened to them, is the subject of a complaint, or simply got caught up in a situation they never expected. She also walks through how privacy rules affect what a school can share with parents, who can sit in on meetings, how investigations, hearings, and decisions typically unfold, and why preserving evidence and knowing your school's policies early can make all the difference.Whatever the outcome of the case making headlines, it has put a spotlight on how campus processes work, and on how much families often don't know until they're in the middle of one. If you are sending a freshman off to campus, welcoming a student home for the holidays, or simply want to be the kind of parent your child feels safe calling when things go wrong, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance you can use now. As Candace puts it, calling home right away is not a sign that your child has failed at being an adult. It is knowing where to turn.This episode is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every situation is different, so please consult an attorney about your specific circumstances. Learn more about Kimberly Lau and her practice at Offit Kurman: https://www.offitkurman.com/kimberly-lauConnect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylauesq/ (00:00) - Title IX For Parents (00:26) - Meet The Expert (01:52) - What Title IX Covers (03:52) - Email From Title IX (06:41) - First Steps If Accused (07:40) - If Your Child Reports (09:39) - Police And Campus Safety (11:55) - When To Hire Counsel (13:07) - FERPA And Parent Access (15:23) - Investigation Timeline (18:18) - Hearings And Decisions (20:59) - Know Your School Policy (23:38) - Evidence And Alcohol Risks (26:23) - Wrap Up And Subscribe Follow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you, leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

What does it really take to raise two professional athletes while still showing up for your community? In this special episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with retired NBA player CJ Watson and his mother, Cathy Watson, for the show’s first-ever conversation with both a parent and their adult child.CJ played for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic, and is the founder of the Quiet Storm Foundation. Cathy has spent more than 30 years in youth development in Las Vegas and now serves as the foundation’s executive director. Together, they open up about the sacrifices behind CJ’s success, keeping character and education front and center through an athletic career, leading by example instead of by words, and how their relationship has evolved now that CJ is an adult, a father, and a business partner in the family’s foundation.Whether you are raising children with big dreams, redefining your role as your kids become adults, or thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind, this conversation offers a rare, honest look at what family, faith, and sacrifice look like from both sides.(00:00) - Special Mother Son Episode (00:31) - Meet CJ And Cathy (03:00) - Parent Sacrifice And Balance (05:14) - Lessons Kids Remember (06:31) - Community Leadership At Home (09:44) - Making It To The NBA (11:19) - Parents Show Up In Greece (12:52) - Quiet Storm Family Mission (14:35) - Working Together In Service (17:17) - Vision For The Foundation (19:28) - Parenting When Kids Grow Up (23:19) - Staying Connected And Grounded (27:21) - Legacy Beyond Basketball (30:20) - Resilience And Final Reflections (33:27) - Closing Thanks And Subscribe Learn more about the Quiet Storm Foundation at https://quietstormfoundation.org/Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/qs_foundation and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QuietStormFoundation/Follow CJ Watson on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/quietstorm_32/Follow Cathy Watson on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cathy.watson.146/Follow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

What happens when healthcare inequity, caregiver burden, and a nationwide shortage of long-term care beds collide? For many families in the sandwich generation, the result is a caregiving crisis that feels impossible to navigate.In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona sits down with Henry Mason Jr., founder and CEO of Precious Hospice, educator, healthcare advocate, and the voice behind "Healthcare Henry." Together, they explore the growing shortage of long-term care beds, the realities of Medicaid and Medicare, healthcare disparities in minority and rural communities, and the financial pressures facing family caregivers across America.Henry shares powerful insights from the front lines of hospice care, explains why healthcare access remains unequal for many families, and offers practical guidance for becoming a stronger advocate for aging loved ones. Whether you're caring for parents, raising children, navigating hospice decisions, or planning for the future, this conversation will help you better understand the challenges ahead and the resources available to support your family.Follow Henry on social media:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-mason-jr-a2b97b69/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthcarehenry/?hl=enFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/henry.mason.5623YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@HealthcareHenryFor more information on Precious Hospice, visit https://precioushospice.com/(00:00) - Caregiving Crisis Overview (01:18) - Meet Healthcare Henry (02:55) - Henry’s Origin Story (04:51) - Starting a Hospice (07:12) - Long Term Care Beds Explained (09:36) - Why Beds Disappeared (11:37) - Medicaid Medicare Basics (12:33) - Certificate of Need Barrier (14:48) - Defining Healthcare Equity (18:18) - Rural Care Shortages (20:56) - Cost of Living Meets Care (23:45) - How Allies Can Help (27:00) - Minority Caregiver Burdens (32:37) - Programs That Pay Caregivers (37:58) - Advocating at Discharge (41:14) - Wrap Up and Subscribe Follow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

What happens when the role that defined you suddenly changes? NFL Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and Southern University head football coach Marshall Faulk joins Candace Dellacona to discuss resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after a major life transition.Marshall shares candid lessons from life after the NFL, caring for his mother, raising children, mentoring young athletes, and learning to stay present through change. He also explains why adversity builds strength, discipline matters more than comfort, and giving children better opportunities does not mean removing every obstacle.Whether you are caring for aging parents, raising children, changing careers, mentoring the next generation, or redefining your own identity, this conversation offers a practical and inspiring playbook for moving forward with purpose.(00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro (01:45) - What Sandwich Generation Means (04:04) - Caring for Mom and Kids (06:14) - Life After the NFL (09:51) - Therapy and Staying Busy (12:50) - Be Present to Move Forward (15:06) - Redefining Success and People (21:17) - Coaching at Southern University (28:38) - Discipline Builds Winners (30:23) - Discipline Over Comfort (32:06) - Wrap Up and Subscribe Follow Marshall Faulk on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/marshallfaulkFollow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

What happens when a caregiver brings their personal experience to the halls of Congress?In this powerful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona sits down with United States Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey for an honest conversation about caregiving, family responsibility, Alzheimer's disease, and healthcare reform.As a father of two young children and the son of a father living with Alzheimer's, Senator Kim understands firsthand the challenges facing the sandwich generation. He shares the emotional story of his father's diagnosis, the unexpected realities of becoming a caregiver, and why those experiences inspired his work in Washington.Senator Kim also discusses two major legislative initiatives aimed at supporting families:The Multigenerational Caregiving Data Act, which seeks to better identify and quantify caregivers across the United States.The newly introduced MediKids Act, history making legislation designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for every child at birth through age 26, eliminating the gap affecting millions of uninsured and underinsured children.During their conversation, Senator Kim explains why caregivers often feel invisible, how caregiving transcends political divisions, and why he believes supporting families should be a national priority.Whether you're caring for aging parents, raising children, navigating Alzheimer's disease, or simply interested in the future of healthcare and caregiver support, this episode offers both practical insight and hope.To learn more about MediKids, visit https://www.kim.senate.gov/medikids/To learn more about Senator Andy Kim, visit https://www.kim.senate.gov/about/(00:00) - Meet Senator Andy Kim (01:42) - Service and Family Roots (02:57) - Alzheimers Diagnosis Moment (04:20) - Thrown Into Caregiving (07:35) - Caregivers Need Visibility (08:56) - Maiden Speech Breakthrough (13:04) - Why Caregiving Data Matters (18:05) - MediKids Explained (21:01) - How MediKids Would Work (24:51) - Why He Wrote MediKids (28:28) - Bipartisan Path Forward (30:54) - Vision for Research and Care (33:14) - Final Thanks and Call to Action (34:57) - Subscribe and Resources

What if one of the most valuable resources for family caregivers was already covered by Medicare? Before you assume you can't afford a care manager, listen to this episode. In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with Connor Sweeney, founder of Baba, a groundbreaking care advocacy platform that's helping family caregivers navigate one of the most overwhelming parts of caregiving—and for many Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, the service is available at little to no cost. Inspired by his own family's experience after his grandmother suffered a stroke, Connor created Baba to give caregivers something they rarely have: a knowledgeable guide in their corner. Imagine having an expert who can:Coordinate medical careHelp appeal insurance denialsConnect you with specialists and community resourcesArrange transportationNavigate Medicare and Medicaid benefitsReduce the endless administrative burden that leaves so many caregivers exhaustedIf you've ever thought, "I wish I could afford a geriatric care manager," this episode may completely change what's possible. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or another loved one, you'll discover that help may be far more accessible than you realized—and that asking for support before a crisis can make all the difference. This conversation is filled with practical advice, hope, and one resource every caregiver should know about.(00:00) - Caregiving Needs Support (00:30) - Meet Connor and Baba (02:15) - Why Baba Was Built (03:46) - Covered by Insurance (06:01) - What Advocates Handle (08:48) - Care Navigation Problems (11:17) - How Onboarding Works (14:28) - Coverage and Eligibility (15:20) - Denials and Big Savings (17:34) - Respite and Benefits Help (24:49) - Family Conflict and Neutrality (26:47) - Hidden VA Aid Benefit (27:54) - Caregiving Culture Shift (29:01) - Wrap Up and Subscribe To learn more about Baba, visit https://www.callbaba.com/ Follow Baba on social media:Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/company/callbaba/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/baba.helpsFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179311253

Finding the right senior living community can feel overwhelming, especially for families already balancing caregiving, careers, and children. In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with LizPearce of U.S. News & World Report to discuss how families can make more informed decisions about senior care.Liz explains the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, and shares how the trusted U.S. News & World Report ratings use government data and resident and family feedback to help families evaluate quality, safety, and overall resident experience. Together, they explore the growing challenges facing caregivers and offer practical guidance for navigating senior care with greater confidence.(00:00) - Podcast Intro (00:19) - Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:23) - Ratings Origins and Trends (03:11) - Why Lived Experience Matters (07:34) - Feels Like Home Factors (09:14) - Loneliness Versus Independence (13:33) - Avoiding Common Mistakes (16:40) - Solo Agers Planning Ahead (21:46) - Home Care Versus Community (26:58) - Cost Value and Transparency (29:17) - Future of Senior Living (31:12) - Wrap Up and Resources (32:16) - Subscribe and Follow To learn more about U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Senior Living Ratings, visit https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living.

Host Candace Dellacona welcomes author and philanthropist Marnie Schneider, Philadelphia Eagles royalty and creator of the Football Freddie children's book series, for a conversation about grief, resilience, caregiving, and legacy. Marnie reflects on growing up with the Philadelphia Eagles, then owned by her grandfather, Leonard Tose, whose community-minded leadership helped launch the first Ronald McDonald House Charities. She also shares the remarkable story of her mother, Susan Tose Spencer, the first woman in NFL history to serve as a vice president, legal counsel, and general manager. Marnie opens up about caring for her mother through nearly a decade of frontotemporal dementia while raising three children as a single parent, discussing the realities of guilt, financial and emotional strain, perspective, and self-care. She also reveals how her family's stories inspired her beloved Football Freddie and Baseball Billie books.(00:00) - Podcast Intro (00:10) - Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:46) - Growing Up Eagles (03:23) - Grandpa Glam vs Mom Normal (06:28) - Giving Back Legacy (10:04) - Trailblazing NFL Mom (14:14) - Dementia Role Reversal (16:59) - Caregiving Survival Tips (21:43) - Kids Lessons and Tradeoffs (24:04) - Football Freddy Origin (27:48) - Self Care and Identity (30:16) - Final Advice and Wrap (33:08) - Subscribe and Resources To learn more about Marnie Schneider and purchase her books, visit https://www.marnieschneider.com/.  Follow Marnie on social media:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-schneider-8246a22a/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marnieschneider1/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marnie.schneider.98YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@marnieschneider/videos

You asked. We answered.Gray Monster’s Kim Elliott takes over The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide to bring real, unfiltered answers to your most pressing questions. She puts host Candace Dellacona in the hot seat, where Candace draws on her experience in elder law to tackle hundreds of reader-submitted topics—nothing off limits.From estate planning and elder law basics to caring for aging parents, family conflict, and how to have difficult conversations, this episode delivers practical guidance for adult children navigating the realities of caregiving.No legal jargon. No sugarcoating. Just clear, actionable advice for the sandwich generation—those balancing their own lives while caring for older loved ones.If you're searching for help with:Aging parent care planningEstate planning tipsFamily caregiving challengesManaging stress as a caregiverNavigating difficult family dynamicsThis episode is built for you. Listen now to get the insight and real-world strategies for surviving—and thriving—in the sandwich generation! (00:00) - Episode Intro (01:09) - What Is Gray Monster (02:52) - Updating Wills After Loss (05:43) - Probate Basics And Trusts (09:31) - Starting The Hard Talks (11:51) - Sibling Conflict And Will Access (15:18) - Dementia And Signing Documents (16:41) - POA And Healthcare Directives (18:20) - Medicaid Planning And Resources (21:45) - Elder Law Vs Estate Planning (23:07) - Protecting Parents From Scams (26:43) - POA Versus Joint Accounts (27:38) - Estate And Inheritance Tax Basics (29:57) - Estate Income Returns (30:06) - Executor Misconduct Accounting (32:36) - Bonds and Court Remedies (33:29) - Will Contest Deadlines (34:36) - Caregivers and Fiduciaries (36:33) - Second Marriage Inheritance (40:33) - Prenups and Health Proxies (42:51) - Minimal Plans Advance Directives (43:43) - Nursing Home Bills Liability (45:06) - Estate Debts and Creditor Order (46:43) - Medicaid Clawbacks to Children (47:54) - AI and Online Legal Forms (51:54) - Out of State Executors (53:02) - Death Certificates and Digitizing (55:41) - Trust Funding Basics (56:58) - When Parents Need More Care (58:26) - Wrap Up and Subscribe  To subscribe to Gray Monster, the FREE weekly e-newsletter, visit https://www.graymonster.co/.  Follow Gray Monster on social media:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gray-monster/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heygraymonster Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for general understanding and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice, nor should it be construed as legal advice. The information provided is based on general legal principles and may not reflect the current state of the law or specific details of your case. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and legal outcomes can be highly dependent on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Listening to or using this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between the hosts, guests, or participants and any listener. It is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice for your specific situation from a licensed professional attorney in your state.