Caregiver Dave Podcast

Before It’s Too Late: What We’re Still Missing About Youth Suicide - Sally Raymond

Sally Raymond is a veteran Marriage & Family Therapist whose personal tragedy transformed her life’s mission. Just as she was earning her license in 1991, her beloved son Jon died by suicide—a devastating loss that propelled her into a relentless search for answers she had missed. With time, training, and determination, Sally uncovered the painful truths behind her son’s hidden struggles.

Her bestselling book, The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive, offers hard-won insights and hope to parents, caregivers, and professionals. With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon and powerful reviews, it has become a lifeline for many. Today, Sally continues her advocacy, uncovering what society overlooks—and sharing simple, vital tools to help prevent the silent suffering that drives too many young people to despair. Her mission: to help others see what matters before it’s too late.

Why Won’t Mom Let Me Help Her? Barry Jacobs & Julia Mayer

What do you do when the person you’re trying to help pushes you away? Many caregivers face the heartbreak of watching a loved one struggle while refusing assistance. In this episode, psychologists and caregiving experts Barry J. Jacobs and Julia L. Mayer unpack the emotional dynamics of resistance, the hidden meanings behind “no,” and how caregivers can remain compassionate without burning out.

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🧠 Guest Bios:

Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and Principal at Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm. A former journalist, Barry has authored several books including The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers and coauthored multiple titles with AARP, such as Meditations for Caregivers, Love and Meaning After 50, and the AARP Caregiver Answer Book (2025). Since 2013, he has also penned a caregiver self-help column for AARP.org. He maintains a psychotherapy practice in Media, Pennsylvania, supporting those with chronic illness and their caregivers. He also serves as an honorary board member of the Well Spouse Association.

Julia L. Mayer, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Media, Pennsylvania, with over 30 years of experience helping women in caregiving roles, difficult relationships, and trauma recovery. She is the author of the novel A Fleeting State of Mind and coauthor of several AARP books on caregiving and relationships. A former board president of PSCP—The Psychology Network, she also cohosts the long-running podcast Shrinks on Third, which explores the intersection of psychology and social justice.

Gayla Bentley has seen more bodies than Hugh Hefner. Perfect doesn’t exist—style does

Gayla Bentley is a global style expert whose superpower is helping people see themselves beautifully. She’s styled clients on four continents—including European royalty and a U.S. First Lady—and has probably seen more naked bodies than Hugh Hefner. Her signature insight? No body is perfect, but everyone can have style.

A fierce advocate for fashion that fits real life, Gayla is on a mission to shift the narrative: Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you create.

Her memoir, Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style, tells the story of her transformation from chubby to chic, her globetrotting adventures, and her empowering, practical wisdom for cultivating personal style. Gayla cut her teeth as Director of the Saks Fifth Avenue Club, led Paris shopping tours for VIP clients, and built her own design brand, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group.

She’s a Shark Tank season one winner and was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners. Fashion’s Stepsister is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book on Amazon, Nook, and Kobo.

The Importance of Social Engagement and Systems of Support in Healthy Aging. Dr Marc Sapir

How can we stay active and engaged as we grow older? Join us as we explore the vital role of social connection and community systems in living well—at any age. Marc Sapir served as Medical Director of the Center for Elders’ Independence, a pioneering PACE program for disabled elders, throughout the 1990s. A retired primary care and public health physician, he’s also a grandfather, great-grandfather, social activist, and writer. His upcoming book—a collection of stories from his years serving frail elders in team-based, community-rooted care—will be released May 13. Now an old man himself, he speaks with the lived wisdom of someone who depends on Social Security and Medicare.

Life is So Much to "Drool" About – Overcoming Challenges -- Barbara Stone

Barb Stone earned her MBA from Syracuse University and spent 25 years as a senior leader in manufacturing. While she achieved corporate success, she yearned for deeper fulfillment, which led her to study resiliency and positive psychology. Today, Barb is a certified leadership development coach (CPCC, PCC, ORSCC), empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful change. Passionate about community, she is also active in non-profit work supporting local missions. Barb lives in upstate New York, where she devotes her free time to her beloved Great Danes and other big-hearted animals.

 

Empowered by Understanding, Voices of Connection with Dr. Dianne Olvera

Dr. Dianne Olvera—author of The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower—brings over 40 years of experience as a university professor, researcher, diplomat, and educational therapist. Through inspiring stories and practical insight, she reveals how embracing individual differences can transform relationships, build confidence, and leave a lasting, positive impact in every interaction.

Practical Advice on Avoiding Caregiver Burnout, Steve Melman

STEVE MELMAN received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. He has had a successful private practice for over 25 years, assisting clients with a variety of issues: depression and bipolar, substance abuse, couples and their struggles, including parenting and helping children and adolescents. In addition, he has experience and expertise in conducting presentations, Critical Incidence Stress Debriefings, and management consultations.

Caregivers give their all to others… but often forget themselves. Gerard Wouters

Gerard Wouters is a Taoist therapist from Holland, the author of seven books, and a familiar face from interviews on Dutch national television. With over 28 years of experience, he has taught 693 professionals—including caregivers, doctors, psychologists, nurses, physical and manual therapists, and coaches—how to make life simple, happy, and successful the Taoist way.

Gerard’s mission is to help people heal from mental and emotional struggles through the power of storytelling. In his transformative 2-day workshops, he guides participants to reconnect with their true nature and find peace, clarity, and joy. His book, Make Life Simple, Happy and Successful the Taoist Way, captures the essence of his teachings and continues to inspire readers around the world.

All About “Tools:” Doing the Right Thing, Just Because: Larry Weingarten

Larry Weingarten
Author of The Philosopher’s Wrench (2023), Larry Weingarten is a seasoned contractor with over 50 years of hands-on experience. But his work with tools goes far beyond the technical—Larry has spent a lifetime learning how to fix both mechanical problems and human ones. Whether he's helping people, caring for animals, or honoring the land that raised him, Larry brings a deep respect and quiet wisdom to everything he does.
Tune in as we explore what “tools” really mean—beyond wrenches and hammers—and why doing the right thing, just because, still matters.

Is your 'healthy' diet secretly triggering your IBS? Dr Mohammed Farivar

Join us as we sit down with a distinguished gastroenterologist—board-certified with over 50 years of experience, FACP, FACG, and Lecturer on Medicine at Harvard Medical School—to unravel the myths and truths about Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Discover whether your favorite health foods might be the hidden culprits behind your digestive discomfort. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your understanding of IBS and its dietary triggers