Podcast
Living in the Sandwich Zone
Hosted by Karen Osborne · EN
Are you living a Sandwich Generation life raising kids while caring for aging parents? Have you lost yourself in the process of taking care of everyone else's needs but your own? In this podcast we'll talk about the ups, downs and in-betweens of juggling parenting, elder-care, relationships, work and everything else involved in Living in the Sandwich Zone all while embarking on a quest to reclaim joy!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Pits and Peaks: How Our Downs in Life Can Help Us Get Up
Nov 2000:23:37Tap to summarizeI've been busy navigating the ups and downs of life and working on wrapping up my Master's degree so haven't been very present in this space. But it's the eve of my second law-free year of life so thought I'd commemorate the anniversary of my retirement with a little podcasting. In today's episode I catch you up on what's been going on and finally circle back to talk a little bit about Goat Before You Vote and how that event was born. You'll also hear why Happiness School hasn't...well...been so happy the past few weeks. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →Support Jamaican Relief
Oct 3000:04:32Tap to summarizeAs many of you know, though I was born in the United States, my family is from Jamaica. This week Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Melissa--a Category 5 hurricane and the most severe to ever hit the island. I know in my heart that Jamaica is resilient and will rise from this tragedy, however, they cannot do it alone. Please consider making a financial contribution to the relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa – Jamaica Relief Organizations **UPDATED**We received updated information from my cousin this morning 10/30. He is a former member of Parliament and someone I trust implicitly. His message is as follows:"For persons who have been asking where they can donate, this is an official site accepting donations. Thank you in advance 🙏🏼💪🏼 🇯🇲"Official Jamaican Government Relief Portalhttps://supportjamaica.gov.jmBelow is a list of other relief organizations responding to the humanitarian crisis in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Each description includes a concise overview of the organization and its current role in relief and recovery efforts. This is by no means and exhaustive list but I hope that it will help to facilitate and expedite the donation process. Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/hurricane-melissa/U.S‑based disaster‑relief NGO focused on rapid logistics and supplies. GEM has launched a dedicated 'Hurricane Melissa' mission, staging warehouses and shipments to deliver emergency aid across Jamaica.Project HOPEhttps://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/responses/hurricane-melissa-how-to-help/Global health organization founded in 1958. Its emergency response teams are providing medical and humanitarian support, including hygiene kits, mental‑health first aid, and medical supplies in heavily affected areas.Jamaica Red Crosshttps://www.jamaicaredcross.orgThe national Red Cross society coordinating shelters, distributing hygiene and clean‑water kits, and mobilizing volunteers in partnership with the international Red Cross network.World Food Programme (WFP)https://donate.wfp.org/1244/donation/single?campaign=5376&_ga=2.170418464.144588186.1761800423-169719419.1761800423The United Nations agency providing emergency food relief and logistics coordination. In Jamaica, WFP is airlifting emergency food kits and supporting communities isolated by storm damage.GlobalGiving FoundationGlobalGiving Foundation Hurricane Melissa Relief FundA crowdfunding platform connecting donors to vetted local NGOs. Its 'Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund' channels donations to community‑based groups in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations for food, clean water, and medical support.Direct Reliefhttps://donate.directrelief.org/campaign/support-jamaica/c738973?utm_source=arison&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=carnivalMedical‑aid nonprofit distributing emergency medical supplies and funding (~US$250,000) to support hospitals and clinics impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)https://theafj.app.neoncrm.com/forms/afj-disaster-relief-fundU.S.‑based diaspora organization with deep ties to Jamaica. AFJ is raising funds for disaster response and working with partners like GEM to deliver relief and recovery assistance.Before donating, individuals should conduct their own due diligence. Verify financial transparency, determine what percentage of funds go directly to Jamaican relief efforts, and assess each organization's accountability and impact reports. Each donor should choose the organization that best aligns with their values—whether prioritizing rapid response, health care, local empowerment, or long‑term recovery.
Transcribe →Goating Down Memory Lane: A Replay of My Very First Conversation with Hello Critter's Michelle Tritten
Oct 2300:36:59Tap to summarizeGoat Before You Vote was a smashing success! There's so much to tell but I'm way behind on my Happiness homework (or "homeplay" as we like to call it) so haven' t had the chance to record all the fun tales of our fabulous goat fest. Instead we're "goating" on a trip down memory lane and I'm replaying my very first conversation with Michelle Tritten founder and owner of Hello Critter (my goat yoga kids).To find out more and connect with Hello Critter click here. Follow the cute kids at Hello Critter on Instagram at @hellocrittercare.And you can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_SandwichP.S. And make sure your ballot has been received and counted! You can check the status of your ballot here: Where’s My Ballot
Transcribe →Free Speech & The Power of the Pause
Oct 1600:16:15Tap to summarizeNever before in my lifetime has it felt more important for me to use my Constitutional Right to free speech. It's even more important for me to make sure that when I do exercise my First Amendment right that I do so in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of my nervous system. In today's episode I share with you a very activating encounter I had while in the waiting room of a doctor's office today. For those steering clear of charged topics in the news, this episode might be one you'd prefer to skip. For you local LA listeners, remember this Sunday, October 19th is our Goat Before You Vote fundraiser for the Yes on Proposition 50 campaign. Just click on the links below to learn more:My Instagram PostLearn ALL About the Goat Before You Vote (Goat Yoga Sound Bath)Donate to Goat Before You VoteYou can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →Goat Before You Vote: California's Proposition 50 & Why I Chose to Unpause for this Cause
Oct 900:23:45Tap to summarizeFor a long time now, I've struggled with what to say or not say on this podcast. I've reckoned with a lot of fear and, finally, mustered the courage to speak up and DO something. In this week's episode I share with you how I came to launch the Goat Before You Vote fundraiser and why it's so important to me. Click on the links below to learn more about this event:My Instagram PostLearn ALL About the Goat Before You Vote (Goat Yoga Sound Bath)Donate to Goat Before You VoteYou can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →Everything Has Its Season
Sep 2400:12:36Tap to summarizeGoodbye summer, hello fall! After a full summer of creative pursuits and an extended hiatus from podcasting, I'm back (for a moment) to fill you in on what's been going on and what my podcast plan in for the next little bit. For periodic glimpses into my adventures, you can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne
Transcribe →Adventures in Pottery: Sculpting a New Way of Being
May 29, 202500:12:35Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode I'm sharing some insights I've noticed during my newest creative exploration into the world of ceramics. Trying my hand at pottery has been something I've wanted to do for decades but have only recently decided to give it a whirl. While it has stirred some joy for me, there's been a LOT of frustration and failure as well. I'll be pressing pause on the podcast for the summer and will be off immersing myself in some other artistic endeavors but will be back in a bit with more tales to tell of my ventures into more right brain adventures. In the meantime, you can keep up with me by following me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne
Transcribe →Finland...Finally!
May 22, 202500:22:48Tap to summarizeWell...better late than never, right? Six weeks after my return, I'm finally getting around to sharing highlights from the Finland portion of my recent travels. This trip ticked many more items off my dream list including witnessing a specular display of the aurora borealis. In addition to giving me a grand viewing the Northern Lights, it also gave me many opportunities for reflection--shedding light on some of my old ways of being and shining light on exciting things ahead.You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →Leaving and Living: Reflecting on Retiring
May 14, 202500:18:04Tap to summarizeIt's been a busy few weeks for me. Since my last episode, I finally had the knee surgery I'd been waiting for since last fall. Thankfully, all went well and I'm back to hitting to 10,000 steps again most days.Today, I'm circling back to the topic of retirement--or my lane change in life as I like to call it. Retirement is supposed to be the well-earned reward you get after a lifetime of hard work. Sadly, some people don’t live long enough to enjoy the life they spent decades working toward. I am grateful that is not my story--though it easily could've been.For me, due to a tsunami of simultaneous stressors, the "Golden Years" came a lot earlier than expected when all the pots on my "stove of life" bubbled over at the same time! One thing I absolutely know for sure is that If I hadn't left work when I did...I probably wouldn't be here right now. In this episode I reflect on the end of my career, what led me to finally decide on to walk away from work and how leaving has impacted my health. You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →Unpacking Finland: More "Coincidences" in The Netherlands
Apr 30, 202500:34:09Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode I continue to talk about my trip to Amsterdam and the coincidences that occurred while I was there (or as I mentioned last week, what Dr. Wayne Dyer described as things that fit together perfectly—not accidentally).Especially these days, for my own wellbeing, I tend not to delve too much into politics. However, while in The Netherlands, a number of “coincidences” occurred that led me to consider more deeply all that is going on in the U.S. and what I can do to stand up for what’s right. By now you know that I frequently talk about what I’ve been learning in Happiness School. This week is no exception. My Happiness School assignments leading up to my visit to Amsterdam played a prominent role in the revelations I came away with about leadership, psychology and, if we’re not careful, how easy it can be to submit to authority even in the face of what you know to be right. Click the links below, if you’d like to learn more about the two experiments I talk about in this episode:The Stanley Milgram Obedience to Authority Experiment (Yale University)The Zimbardo Prison Experiment (Stanford University)ECONOMIC RESISTANCE: One source for learning about upcoming economic blackout dates is ThePeoplesUnionUsa.com.You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborneClick on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich
Transcribe →