Using Humor to Survive Caregiving with J Smiles
Happy Healthy Caregiver
Elizabeth Miller Featured on The Whole Care Network
5.0 • 1.4K Ratings
🗓️ 30 July 2025
⏱️ 58 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
J Smiles has been a caregiver to her mom living with Alzheimer’s and NPH for over 13 years—an unexpected journey that began after her father’s sudden passing. Once a globe-trotting consultant who could barely keep a plant alive, J found herself overwhelmed and facing serious health issues just 18 months into caregiving. A wake-up call from her doctor led her to explore self-care through stand-up comedy.
In this episode, J shares how comedy became her lifeline, helping her cope, advocate for caregivers, and bring joy to others walking a similar path.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is the Whole Care Network. |
| 0:09.8 | Helping you tell your story one podcast at a time. |
| 0:16.2 | Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. |
| 0:22.7 | Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests |
| 0:28.0 | and may not represent the views and opinions of the Whole Care Network. |
| 0:33.1 | Always consult with your physician for any medical advice. |
| 0:36.7 | And always consult with your attorney for any legal advice, and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice. |
| 0:40.4 | And thank you for listening to the Whole Care Network. Comedy saved my, it saved my sensibilities, I guess. |
| 0:59.6 | That's what I would say. |
| 1:00.6 | It saved my sensibilities. |
| 1:02.1 | My mother certainly gave me purpose and reason to wake up every morning, but I was, I was in a rut. |
| 1:09.1 | I was in a rut where I was not, I didn't have light. |
| 1:14.6 | Yeah. Comedy gave me light. Are you caring for others while working and trying to live your |
| 1:21.0 | own life? wondering how to find the time for your own health and happiness. Well, you're in the right |
| 1:25.7 | place. The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, |
| 1:28.3 | which is part of the Whole Care Network, |
| 1:29.9 | is the show where real family caregivers |
| 1:32.1 | share how to be happy and healthy |
| 1:34.1 | while caring for others. |
| 1:35.4 | Hello and welcome. |
| 1:36.5 | I'm your host, Elizabeth Miller. |
| 1:38.3 | I'm a fellow family caregiver, |
... |
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