Best Rayna Neises Podcasts (2026)

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Encore Episode #1: Stories of Hope with Pat Burkett 31:59

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3h ago31:59

31:59

Send us a text Caregiving doesn’t wait for perfect plans or tidy feelings. Pat invites us into the real work of loving a spouse through frontotemporal dementia—spotting the first behavior changes, pushing for a doctor who actually listens, and choosing calm care over empty checkboxes. Her story isn’t about fixing the unfixable; it’s about dignity, …

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Best of 2025: Stories of Hope with Jackie Freeman 29:28

8d ago29:28

29:28

Send us a text What if the hardest part of caregiving isn’t the tasks, but letting go of control? We sit down with writer and caregiver advocate Jackie Freeman, who walked a rare dual path: caring for her father through Alzheimer’s while supporting her husband through a seven-year battle with glioblastoma. Jackie’s story is equal parts tender and p…

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Encore Episode #3: Stories of Hope with Joy Kats 22:52

15d ago22:52

22:52

Send us a text Enjoy the 3rd most listened to episode of 2025 with Joy Kats: What if the door you begged to open was actually protecting you for the work only you could do? That’s the tension we walk through with author and speaker Joy Kott as she traces the path from a failed kidney match to three sacred months caring for her father in his final s…

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Jesus & Autism: Stories of Hope with Mandy Horne 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

Send us a text Caregiving rarely color‑codes itself on our calendars. One day you’re navigating an adoption that looks nothing like the tidy plans you imagined; the next day, you’re juggling a teen’s complex needs alongside aging parents in the hospital. Mandy Horne, a registered nurse and board‑certified health and wellness nurse coach, joins me t…

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Life Continues; Love Expands; Hope Holds: Stories of Hope with Pat Burkett 30:03

1M ago30:03

30:03

Send us a text A small change in behavior can rewrite a life. When Pat began noticing Don’s unusual decisions, lost words, and shifting patterns, the search for answers led to a Frontotemporal Dementia diagnosis—and a decade-long lesson in love, agency, and faith. We unpack the realities of FTD’s behavioral variant, why it’s often misread in midlif…

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Finding Dignity and Grace in Caregiving Decisions: Stories of Hope with Catherine Fitzhugh 33:23

2M ago33:23

33:23

Send us a text Caregiving rarely unfolds the way we imagine. Catherine joins us to trace a decades-long journey that started in childhood waiting rooms and led to the moment her father was diagnosed with Huntington’s at 80, long after her mother’s dementia and medical challenges had reshaped daily life. What follows is a candid, hope-filled guide t…

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From Closet Floor Prayers to a Waymaker Testimony: Stories of Hope with Shelli Strickland 27:11

3M ago27:11

27:11

Send us a text What happens when the child you love suddenly can’t face the day—and the usual fixes don’t work? We open up about a mother’s unseen caregiving: guiding her son through anxiety and depression after a cross-country move collided with the uncertainty of COVID. The story moves beyond clichés, touching the raw places—shame when friends do…

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ALS, Marriage and a Deeper Faith: Stories of Hope with Cathy Bennett 23:50

3M ago23:50

23:50

Send us a text What if the hardest season of your life became the place where wonder returned, marriage deepened, and purpose took root? That’s the heart of our conversation with caregiver and author Cathy Bennett, who spent nine years walking alongside her husband Michael through ALS—and found a new kind of faith and community in the process. We o…

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Faith Over Guilt: Finding Peace in Your Caregiving Journey 11:35

4M ago11:35

11:35

Send us a text Do you ever feel weighed down by guilt as a caregiver—second-guessing your choices, comparing yourself to others, or wondering if you’ve done enough? In this heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast, Rayna Neises gently reminds us that faith and guilt do not belong together. Guilt shadows many caregivers, whispering that they'…

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Rhythms of Wellness: Stories of Hope with Manjeet Singh 20:50

4M ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text What happens when a healthcare professional becomes the patient, then becomes a family caregiver? Manjeet Singh's remarkable journey offers a powerful perspective on caregiving that few can provide. Manjeet joins us to share his transformative path from being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 20 and losing his colon to becomin…

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From Fixer to Faithful Companion: Stories of Hope with Jackie Freeman 27:57

4M ago27:57

27:57

Send us a text What happens when a self-described "overachiever" and "fixer" faces the uncontrollable challenges of caring for multiple loved ones with serious illnesses? Jackie Freeman's powerful story reveals the beautiful transformation that can occur when we release our grip on control and embrace faithful presence instead. Jackie grew up belie…

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Love's Last Healing Chapters: Stories of Hope with Susie Lewis 26:50

5M ago26:50

26:50

Send us a text What happens when caregiving forces you to confront your most painful memories? For Susie Lewis, caring for her parents became an unexpected journey toward freedom and healing. Susie shares the contrasting experiences of caring for her mother with terminal cancer for 30 days in her mother's home, and later having her father live with…

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Beyond the Caregiver Role: Reclaiming Your Identity and Dreams 14:39

6M ago14:39

14:39

Send us a text "Who am I outside of caregiving?" This question haunts many family caregivers as they navigate the all-consuming journey of caring for a loved one. Drawing from my personal experience of caring for my father with Alzheimer's for 14 years, I unpack the struggle to maintain our sense of self when someone else's needs dominate our days …

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Changing Mindset, Not Circumstances: Stories of Hope with Rick Henkin 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

Send us a text Your loved one's behavior isn't the source of your stress—your reaction to it is." This powerful insight forms the foundation of Rick Henkin's transformative approach to dementia caregiving, which he shares in this deeply moving episode. When Rick's wife Sonia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 65, their world shifted dramatically. Fr…

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Breaking Free and Caring Well: Stories of Hope with Christine Trimpe 19:47

7M ago19:47

19:47

Send us a text What happens when a personal health transformation becomes the unexpected preparation for a life-altering caregiving journey? Christine Trimpe's story powerfully demonstrates how God works ahead of our awareness to equip us for challenges we can't yet imagine. Christine candidly shares the moment that changed everything - standing br…

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Faith and Letting Go the Heart of Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Susan Stern 25:40

7M ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text What happens when caregiving transforms you so completely that it redirects your life's purpose? Susan Stern's remarkable journey takes us through two decades of caring for both parents—first as a long-distance caregiver for her father during his 10-year cancer battle, then as primary caregiver for her mother through a decade of Alzh…

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Grace for the Season: Quieting the Inner Critic and Embracing Growth 12:35

8M ago12:35

12:35

Send us a text Grace transforms the caregiver journey from a pursuit of perfection to a path of authentic love and service. When our inner critic shouts that we've fallen short - that we should be more patient, more organized, more everything - grace gently reminds us we're human, doing sacred work one imperfect day at a time. My own journey began …

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Make a Shift, Faith in Caregiving and Beyond: Stories of Hope with Dr. Melissa Glass 26:40

8M ago26:40

26:40

Send us a text What happens when a medical professional becomes the primary caregiver for their own parent? Dr. Melissa Glass, a doctorate trained registered nurse and John Maxwell certified coach, takes us through her profound journey of caring for her mother during the pandemic's darkest days. The caregiver journey often begins unexpectedly. For …

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Lessons from an Unexpected Season: Stories of Hope with Mary Beth Powers 22:45

9M ago22:45

22:45

Send us a text Mary Beth Powers never expected to become a caregiver during what should have been her freedom-filled empty nester years. Instead, she found herself stretched between caring for her husband with Meniere's disease at home and her mother-in-law who lived 45 minutes away. The physical distance created practical challenges that were ampl…

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When God's Plan Unfolds: Stories of Hope with Joy Kats 20:52

9M ago20:52

20:52

Send us a text What happens when God orchestrates seemingly unrelated events into a beautiful tapestry of purpose? Joy Kotz unexpectedly became her father's primary caregiver, especially given their emotionally distant relationship and his age. Yet in this powerful conversation, she reveals how three months of caregiving during her father's final d…

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Honor, Patience, and Letting Go: Stories of Hope with Ramona Torres 22:03

10M ago22:03

22:03

Send us a text Ramona Torres never expected to become her father's primary caregiver, yet when Angel (known to most as Manuel or Manny) fell and broke his femur bone in Puerto Rico, Ramona's life transformed as she welcomed him into her Pennsylvania home for what would become the final 15 months of his journey. With remarkable candor, Ramona shares…

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How Reflection Transformed My Caregiving Season 16:04

10M ago16:04

16:04

Send us a text Dive into the world of caregiving with our latest episode as we explore the essential practice of reflection. Discover how stepping back and reassessing experiences can radically transform your perspective as a caregiver. In this episode, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights that reveal how reflection can fos…

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From Clueless to Guide Navigating Dementia Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Debbie Compton 25:04

10M ago25:04

25:04

Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Debbie Compton, a veteran caregiver and advocate, as she unpacks the emotional complexities of caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia. Through personal anecdotes and powerful insights, Debbie shares her transformative journey from a successful busin…

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Finding Joy and Wisdom in Caregiving Challenges: Stories of Hope with Sue Ryan 30:01

11M ago30:01

30:01

Send us a text Imagine being on a journey where love, divine guidance, and ice cream are your compass. That's exactly what Sue Ryan experienced throughout her caregiving path. With over 40 years of personal caregiving and a strong background in enterprise software, Sue joins us to share her incredible story. From caring for her grandmother, father,…

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Building Strength and Connection in Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Tracey Glenn 19:05

11M ago19:05

19:05

Send us a text What happens when a mother's love and faith intersect with caregiving challenges? Meet Tracey Glenn, a devoted caregiver and author, who beautifully shares her journey of caring for her daughter Kaylee, who battles the rare DYRK1A syndrome. Tracey opens up about the trials and triumphs of navigating late diagnoses, osteoporosis, and …

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Divine Guidance in Times of Need: Stories of Hope with Carole Leathem 30:14

12M ago30:14

30:14

Send us a text How do you navigate caregiving when your life takes an unexpected turn? Join me, Rayna Neises, as I chat with Carol Leathem, who found herself in this exact situation a decade ago. When her husband, a pastor, faced mental health challenges, Carol stepped into the role of caregiver, redefining her identity and reshaping her life. Our …

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Encore Episode #1: Stories of Hope with Yolanda Lucas 19:19

1y ago19:19

19:19

Send us a textBy Rayna Neises

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Encore Episode #2: Stories of Hope with Steve Powell 24:12

1y ago24:12

24:12

Send us a text When Steve Powell became the default caregiver for his mother, he never imagined his journey would lead to a groundbreaking innovation in elder care. His story, fueled by love and necessity, reveals how personal experience can be a powerful catalyst for change. Discover how Steve's transition from tech entrepreneur to advocate for th…

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Encore Podcast #3: Stories of Hope with Joan Borton 29:18

1y ago29:18

29:18

Send us a text Can you imagine navigating the challenges of caregiving while maintaining a deep and loving relationship? Join us as we sit down with Joan Borton, a remarkable family caregiver, writer, and disability advocate, whose journey with her husband Jerry, who was born with cerebral palsy, is nothing short of inspiring. From their first conn…

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Encore Podcast #4- Stories of Hope with Diana Derringer 37:23

1y ago37:23

37:23

Send us a text Imagine walking alongside someone with the strength to face a brain tumor diagnosis, heart attacks, and stroke-like symptoms. Today, we’re honored to have Diana Derringer join us, sharing her transformative journey as a caregiver, filled with resilience, adaptability, and wisdom. As Diana recounts the complexities of managing memory …

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Family Resilience in the Face of Dementia: Stories of Hope with Sandra Kiser 26:26

1y ago26:26

26:26

Send us a text Our latest episode shares the touching story of Sandra Kaiser, an Alzheimer's advocate and caregiver. Her experiences with family members facing dementia reveal the unexpected blessings and challenges of caregiving. Sandra shares her poignant story of supporting her mother, brother, aunt, and uncles through their struggles, emphasizi…

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Guidance, Growth and Family Bonds: Stories of Hope with Cindy Egger 29:13

1y ago29:13

29:13

Send us a text Cindy Morton-Egger takes us on an emotional journey through her nearly 40-year experience as a caregiver, sharing insights that resonate with anyone who is navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones. Through her stories, Cindy opens up about the trials she faced while caring for her mother, particularly during the turbulent…

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Caring with Strength, Faith and Family: Stories of Hope with Tracee Loran 37:07

1y ago37:07

37:07

Send us a text Discover the heartwarming and challenging journey of Tracee Loran, a New York City-based writer, actress, and producer, who beautifully balances her vibrant city life with the profound responsibility of caring for her 97-year-old grandmother in Mississippi. Tracee's story is rich with insights on the evolving dynamics of caregiving, …

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Finding Hope and Strength in Challenging Times: Stories of Hope with Debra Lee 23:03

1y ago23:03

23:03

Send us a text Imagine taking on the profound responsibility of caregiving in your mid-20s, facing the daunting challenges of supporting loved ones through cancer, Alzheimer's, and mental health struggles. That's exactly what Debra Lee did, and in our latest episode, she shares the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching experiences of her careg…

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Breath, Gratitude, and the Caregiver's Path: Stories of Hope with Lani Almanza 28:29

1+ y ago28:29

28:29

Send us a text What if letting go of expectations could bring you peace and resilience during the most challenging times? Join us as we explore this concept with Lani Almanza, who has navigated an extensive caregiving journey—from caring for her son who passed from a brain tumor to caring for her parents. Lani’s heartfelt story offers invaluable in…

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Finding Balance and Faith Through Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Ruthie Gray 29:41

1+ y ago29:41

29:41

Send us a text What if you were suddenly tasked with balancing the care of your aging parents, your spouse, and your children all at once? Join us as we unravel the compelling story of Ruthie Gray, from hospital visits to homeschooling her daughters, Ruthie’s unwavering faith and resilience transformed her into the primary advocate for her family's…

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Finding Joy and Purpose in Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Mark Applegate 24:37

1+ y ago24:37

24:37

Send us a text In this episode of 'A Season of Caring Podcast,' host Rayna Neises interviews Mark Applegate, a family caregiver with a passion for supporting those affected by dementia. Mark shares his experiences caring for his mother, who battled dementia for 14 years, offering poignant stories and insights into the ups and downs of caregiving. T…

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Caring for Mom and Finding God's GLOW: Stories of Hope with Judy Bone 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

Send us a text What happens when faith, flexibility, and family intertwine in the challenging role of caregiving? Judy Bone, an inspiring author, speaker, and Christian image consultant, joins us to share her powerful journey of moving closer to her 95-year-old mother and mother-in-law to provide the care they needed. Judy recounts her experiences …

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Finding Sacred Moments in Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Robyn Horn 27:24

1+ y ago27:24

27:24

Send us a text Can caregiving transform your spiritual life? This heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast Rayna Nieses introduces Robyn Horn, a devoted caregiver who has walked the path of caring for her grandfather, father, mother, and in-laws. With a strong foundation in geriatric care and deep Christian faith, Robyn opens up about the sa…

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Caring with Connection and Compassion: Stories of Hope with Amanda Bailey 25:14

1+ y ago25:14

25:14

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast, host Rayna Neises is joined by Amanda Bailey, who bravely shares her journey as a secondary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's. This episode delves into the rapid progression of the disease and the challenges Amanda encountered while supporting her father, the primary ca…

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Finding Strength During Crisis: Stories of Hope with Susan Stern 19:05

1+ y ago19:05

19:05

Send us a text What happens when a speech pathologist finds herself in the shoes of a caregiver for her own parents, facing the trials of cancer and Alzheimer's disease? Susan Stern, who transitioned from a career in medical speech pathology to becoming a board-certified life coach, shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through the …

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Crafting Meaningful Moments: Stories of Hope with CherlyAnn Haley 30:29

1+ y ago30:29

30:29

Send us a text Imagine navigating the labyrinth of caregiving while maintaining a heartfelt bond with a loved one who has dementia. That's the journey CherylAnn Haley takes us on in this poignant episode, as she shares her deeply personal experiences caring for her mother, Sandy, who has vascular dementia. From the tough decision to place Sandy in …

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Lessons in Love and Boundaries: Stories of Hope with Marlene Boryszewski 24:59

1+ y ago24:59

24:59

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how caregivers find the strength to support their loved ones through the toughest of times? Join us in this deeply moving episode as we sit down with Marlene Brzezinski, a pastor and family recovery coach, who has navigated the complex journey of caregiving within her own family. Marlene recounts her heartfelt …

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A Faith-centered Perspective of Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Lizette Cloete 28:34

1+ y ago28:34

28:34

Send us a text Join us as Lizette shares her unique journey, blending heartfelt personal stories and professional insights, including a charming anecdote about orchestrating her mother’s mobility during an eye doctor appointment. Lizette Cloete, an experienced occupational therapist who found herself navigating the complexities of caring for both o…

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Finding Laughter and Resilience in Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Leah Stanley 33:08

1+ y ago33:08

33:08

Send us a text When life handed Leah Stanley a caregiving role she never anticipated, it led her down a path filled with challenges, humor, and profound lessons. At twenty-nine, Leah's life took a sharp turn after a phone call pulled back the curtain on her grandparents' struggles with dementia. She bravely stepped into the caregiver role, navigati…

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Finding Joy in Giving Care: Stories of Hope with Dr. Sheri Yarbrough 20:38

1+ y ago20:38

20:38

Send us a text Dr. Sherry Yarbrough's voice joins mine in this episode to share her own poignant shift from daughter to caregiver as we unravel the complicated tapestry of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. Together, we tackle the emotional hurdles of diagnosis and the profound responsibilities that caregivers embrace, balancing self-care with…

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Wyatt's Legacy: Stories of Hope with Laura Atkins 25:09

1+ y ago25:09

25:09

Send us a text When the unimaginable becomes your reality, where do you find the strength to move forward? Laura Atkins opens her heart to us, detailing the profound journey as a mother and caregiver to her son, Wyatt, who bravely faced the trials of Coats-Plus syndrome. Through love-laced stories, Laura describes Wyatt's resilience in dealing with…

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Embracing Change and Choosing Joy: Stories of Hope with Diana Derringer 37:01

1+ y ago37:01

37:01

Send us a text Imagine walking alongside someone with the strength to face a brain tumor diagnosis, heart attacks, and stroke-like symptoms. Today, we're honored to have Diana Derringer join us, sharing her transformative journey as a caregiver, filled with resilience, adaptability, and wisdom. As Diana recounts the complexities of managing memory …

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Uplifting Innovation Brings Empowerment: Stories of Hope with Steve Powell 23:58

2y ago23:58

23:58

Send us a text Steve Powell's story is a beautiful example of how love and necessity can spark innovation. Rayna Neises had the honor of discussing Steve's mission to create a world where the elderly and disabled can rise with dignity. His invention was born from witnessing his own parents' struggles, a challenge he met with a blend of compassion a…

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Faith Required to Embrace Long-Distance Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Liuda 30:25

2y ago30:25

30:25

Send us a text Navigating the complex currents of caregiving from afar, our guest Liuda, a retired pharmacist with a heart as vast as her experience, invites us into her world of love, loss, and devotion. She talks about the emotional challenges of taking care of family members who are far away. Liuda shares personal stories of her father's passing…