Podcast
In Sickness
Hosted by Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema · EN
Listen in as Allison Breininger and Justin Bajema, millennial caregivers for their chronically ill spouses, speak honestly about what life is like when there are more days spent in sickness than in health.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
131: Remote Caregiving: A Conversation with Natasha Ray-Heideker and Klaus Unger
May 500:58:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Justin and Allison speak with remote caregivers Natasha Ray-Heideker and Klaus Unger, who share their individual stories of providing care for family members living across the ocean. Natasha lives in Germany while caregiving for her father in Colorado and Klaus lives in Minnesota and cares for his mother who lives in Germany. They describe what this version of caregiving looks and feels like and the benefits and challenges of caregiving in this way. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, May 11, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →130: The Relationship Between Caregiver and Patient Well-Being
Apr 1400:50:52Tap to summarizeResearch shows that there is a direct correlation between caregiver distress, depression, and physical strain and patient rates of hospitalization and even mortality. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk about the vicious cycle of the caregiving role causing these symptoms but then how the symptoms themselves can make caregiving more challenging. They also dig into what, if anything, can be done to prevent caregiver burnout. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, April 19, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →129: Building and Leaving a Legacy: A conversation with Jill Thompson of Inheritance of Hope
Mar 3100:49:16Tap to summarizeIn this beautiful conversation with Jill Thompson of Inheritance of Hope, Justin and Allison learn about what it means to build and leave behind a legacy. Jill shares both the concept and power behind legacy and concrete strategies for how to leave things for our loved ones once we're gone, such as legacy videos or songs. This meaningful discussion is one for all of us to take in and consider, regardless of our stage in life. --- Inheritance of Hope National Legacy Month --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, April 6, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →128: Finding Humor While Caregiving
Mar 1700:43:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allison and Justin share ways that they have used humor as a tool for themselves and with their loved ones during hard times. They also share stories and ideas that were submitted by listeners. --- Family Feud - "Turkey" --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, March 23 , from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →127: When Emotions are Contagious
Mar 300:46:39Tap to summarizeWhen we're caring for someone, our moods and feelings can become intertwined. In this episode Justin and Allison discuss what it's like when witnessing the suffering of their partners impacts their mood, when their own moods rub off on their loved ones, and how emotions can feel contagious. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, March 8, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →126: When Your Loved One Has a Rare Disease
Feb 1000:52:06Tap to summarizeWhen the person you're caring for has a rare disease, there can be extra layers of hardship and complexity starting with the challenge of finding a diagnosis. In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what it has been like to care for her husband whose disease is rare and the two discuss what this type of caregiving can look like. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, February 15, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →125: Caring in the Chaos: Caregiving in Uncertain Times - A conversation with Allison about current events in the Twin Cities
Jan 2000:48:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allison shares with Justin what life is currently like in her community with the presence of 2000+ ICE agents, how this intersects with her reality as a caregiver, and how it feels to live in this moment while also preparing for Sean's upcoming surgery. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 25, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →124: The New Year Hits Differently for Caregivers
Jan 1300:48:12Tap to summarizeAt the start of a new year, it's common for people to reflect on the highlights of the last twelve months and to set goals for the year ahead. For caregivers, moments like these can be a stark reminder that their lives are very different from those of their peers. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about what it's like to see their friends' highlight reels and how it feels to move into another year of caregiving. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, January 18, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →123: The Benefits of Paid Family Leave for Caregivers: A Conversation with AARP MN State Director Cathy McLeer
Dec 3000:48:29Tap to summarizeOn January 1, 2026, Minnesota will become the thirteenth state to offer Paid Family Leave. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk with Cathy McLeer from AARP about how this new law benefits caregivers, how we can support other states in adopting this law, and other ways AARP supports caregivers of all ages. --- PFML for caregivers in Minnesota PFML for employers in Minnesota MN Caregiver Resource Guide Minnesota Paid Leave Toni's Story: Why Paid Leave Matters What States offer Paid Leave for Caregiving? --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Monday, January 5, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
Transcribe →122: The Split Second Decisions Made in Caregiving
Dec 900:53:02Tap to summarizeCaregivers frequently find themselves needing to make split second decisions that are, in some cases, matters of life and death. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about decisions they have had to make, the role their personality types play in those moments, and how supporters can help. --- Join us for an online support group related to this episode on Sunday, December 14, from 6:00-7:15pm CT. Register Here!
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