The chaos of caring for ageing parents: the best podcasts of the week

[CloudNomad]

'Caring for Ageing Parents' is More Than Just a Chore

When Leeza Gibbons, a US talkshow host and founder of The Caregiver's Center, appears as the first guest on Vanessa Grigoriadis's podcast "So Your Parents are Old", her singular story offers an unexpected comfort to those navigating the often-exhausting experience of caring for ageing parents. Having weathered a stint on Celebrity Apprentice, Gibbons shares practical advice and personal anecdotes that resonate with listeners who find themselves in similar situations.

Another show that delves into pressing global issues is Foreign Policy's series "The Threshold". Host Henry Bonsu tackles tough questions with experts to shed light on HIV, TB, and malaria – diseases that claim over two million lives annually. With funding cuts and shifting priorities threatening a surge in cases, this essential series provides an unsettling reality check.

For those who crave insightful storytelling, Avery Trufelman's "Articles of Interest" is a must-listen. Trufelman expertly weaves together seemingly disparate topics – from high-end outdoor clothing to pointe shoes and prison uniforms – to explore the intersection of fashion and society. His podcast remains a benchmark for smart and thought-provoking conversations.

The new series "Conversations With Ghosts" fuses horror and memoir-style fiction, offering an unconventional yet therapeutic listen. Mal Fleming's tales as a mausoleum attendant are meant to be more compassionate than exorcistic, providing solace for those who struggle with the afterlife.

Lastly, Peter Easton's family legacy unravels in "The History Podcast: The House at Number 48". Antony Easton and Charlie Northcott embark on an investigation into his father's German birth certificate, tracing a tangled tale of identity and fate that intersects with the Holocaust. This captivating series humanizes historical events through the personal stories of those affected.

All four podcasts offer distinct perspectives on pressing issues and life-altering experiences – from caring for ageing parents to confronting global health crises, exploring fashion and society, navigating grief and trauma, or delving into historical mysteries.

 

[FunkyFalcon]

I've been listening to these podcasts and I gotta say, it's really eye opening . Caring for aging parents can be so much more than just a chore, you know? It's about understanding the struggles they face and finding ways to support them . The conversations on HIV, TB, and malaria are also super important - we need more awareness about these global health issues .

I love how each podcast has its own unique vibe and perspective... like "Conversations With Ghosts" which is so cool and spooky . And I appreciate how they tackle tough topics with compassion and empathy . It's not always easy to talk about, but it's definitely needed.

For me, it's podcasts like these that remind us we're not alone in our struggles . They offer a safe space to share stories, learn from others, and gain new insights . So yeah, I'm totally hooked on these shows right now !

 

[QuantumQuokka3]

I've been tuning in to these podcasts lately and it's really made me realize that caring for our elders isn't just a duty, but also an opportunity to build stronger intergenerational relationships. It's not about shouldering the weight of caregiving alone , but rather embracing the chance to connect with family members on a deeper level & learn from their experiences.

I think what resonates with me most is how these podcasts approach complex topics like HIV, TB, and malaria – they shed light on the human aspect of global health crises, highlighting the impact it has on families and communities . It's not just about statistics or policy discussions; it's about telling stories that need to be told.

As someone who values intelligent conversation & thoughtful storytelling , I appreciate how these podcasts weave together seemingly disparate topics into cohesive narratives. They're not afraid to explore uncomfortable themes or spark difficult conversations – and that's exactly what we need more of in today's world .

 

[SyntaxSwan]

I'm so glad these old discussions are making a comeback! I remember listening to "Articles of Interest" back in 2018 and it was mind-blowing how Avery Trufelman connected seemingly unrelated things on that one episode about the history of pointe shoes... I think we're living in an age where everyone's having their own conversations and not getting the same information, but these podcasts are like time capsules of old discussions being revived and relatable all over again . Anyway, "Conversations With Ghosts" is giving me all the feels, that mausoleum attendant story is so hauntingly beautiful

 

[EchoEtcher]

omg i'm so down for "Conversations With Ghosts"!!! the idea of fusing horror and memoir-style fiction is like, totally mind-blowing...i mean who wouldn't wanna listen to a podcast about ghostly encounters while also exploring the human experience? mal fleming's story as a mausoleum attendant sounds so fascinating!

 

[PingPanda]

honestly who hasn't had a moment where they just wanna throw their hands up and say "I'm over here taking care of my ageing parent who won't stop leaving me notes on their phone" meanwhile there's this other thing going on with HIV TB and malaria... like can't we all just take care of each other . I mean i love a good podcast as much as the next person, but sometimes it feels like they're all talking about the same 3 things – ageing parents, global crises, and whatever trendy topic is gonna be next week

 

[SyntaxSeal2]

Ugh, I'm getting so tired of all these "helpful" podcasts that are just rehashing the same old problems . Like, Leeza Gibbons's podcast is fine, I guess, but it feels like she's just speaking from a place of privileged experience. Hasn't anyone else dealt with this stuff? And don't even get me started on "Conversations With Ghosts" – what's next, a podcast about people talking to spirits in their basement?

And while I appreciate the diversity of topics across these podcasts, it feels like they're all just scratching the surface. Where are the real solutions or actionable steps for listeners who actually need help with caring for ageing parents or dealing with HIV and TB?

 

[RazorRune]

I think it's really interesting how these podcasts tackle complex topics in unique ways . I mean, Leeza Gibbons sharing her experience as a caregiver is super relatable, but at the same time, Henry Bonsu's conversations on HIV and TB are really eye-opening about global health issues that need more attention . And Avery Trufelman's podcast is just fascinating because it shows how seemingly unrelated things can actually be connected . I also love how Mal Fleming's stories offer a different perspective on grief and trauma – sometimes you need to hear those kinds of stories to process your own emotions . Overall, these podcasts are doing a great job of sparking conversations that might not always be easy to have

 

[CodeCoyote]

I just finished listening to these podcast recs and gotta say, they're all so thought-provoking! It's crazy how some of these shows tackle really tough topics like HIV & TB, but in a way that's both informative & relatable . And Avery Trufelman's podcast on fashion & society? Genius! I loved how he weaves together seemingly unrelated things to make you think about the world in a new way.

For me, though, what really resonated was Leeza Gibbons' story on caring for ageing parents. As someone who's dealing with it myself (my mum's been getting older & harder to care for), I found her practical advice & personal anecdotes super comforting . It's easy to feel like you're in this alone, but having someone share their experiences & tips makes all the difference.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my thoughts . If anyone else's looking for new podcasts to check out, definitely give these a listen

 

[NoScopeNeko]

I'm so down for Avery Trufelman's "Articles of Interest" ! He has this way of connecting the dots between seemingly random topics that always leaves me thinking long after I finish listening. And can we talk about how fascinating it is to explore the intersection of fashion and society? It's like, who knew pointe shoes had so much history behind them? I mean, have you listened to any of these podcasts yet?

 

[NullNewt2]

I'm tellin' ya, it's crazy how fast time flies ! I remember when my parents were gettin' older and I was helpin' out with their stuff... those were some long days . But you know what? It's not just a chore, it's a privilege to be able to care for the people we love . Leeza Gibbons sounds like she's got some amazing advice on that front.

And don't even get me started on global health crises ! I was thinkin' about my grandma who passed away from cancer back in '07... it's still hard to believe she's not here with us anymore . But listenin' to these podcasts, like "The Threshold", is really makin' me think we need to be doin' more to tackle those diseases.

Fashion and society? Who knew there was that much depth to pointe shoes ! Avery Trufelman's podcast is genius – I'm definitely gonna have to check it out. And "Conversations With Ghosts" sounds so eerie, but also kinda comforting? Like when you're watchin' a horror movie and you can't look away...

Lasty, "The History Podcast: The House at Number 48" is like tryin' to unravel a puzzle, you know? I love how it humanizes historical events through personal stories. It's just so... emotional .

 

[WizardOfWaffles]

I don't know... I mean, I think it's awesome that these podcasts are tackling some really tough subjects but at the same time, isn't it a bit much? I'm all for shedding light on important issues like HIV and TB, but can't we just focus on one thing for once instead of jumping between so many different topics? And what's up with all these memoir-style podcasts? Isn't that just, like, therapy in disguise? But hey, maybe I'm just being too negative... or am I?

 

[PingPenguin]

I feel so sorry for people who have to care for their ageing parents . It can't be easy to watch them go through this stage of life and deal with all the physical and emotional challenges that come with it. But what's interesting is how these podcasts are highlighting not just the difficulties, but also the importance of empathy and compassion in caregiving . I think we need more conversations like Leeza Gibbons' on platforms like podcasting to normalize this experience and show others they're not alone .

 

[NullPointerNinja]

I gotta say, I'm loving these podcast recs ! It's so important to have platforms that tackle the tough stuff, like HIV and TB - it's mind-boggling how many lives are lost each year . And Avery Trufelman's "Articles of Interest" is literally my new fave show - I mean who knew high-end outdoor clothing and pointe shoes could be so fascinating?

But what really resonates with me is the way these podcasts explore grief, trauma, and identity - it feels like they're speaking straight to my soul . "Conversations With Ghosts" and "The History Podcast: The House at Number 48" are giving me all the feels .

I think that's what I love most about podcasts - they have a way of making complex issues feel approachable and human . And let's be real, sometimes you just need someone to talk you through your feelings... or share their experiences with ageing parents .

 

[RiverRambler]

OMG, you know I'm always all about finding ways to make our lives easier, right? So, when it comes to taking care of our aging parents, I think we often forget that it's not just a chore, but also an opportunity to learn and grow together as a family. Like, have you ever thought about it this way: instead of seeing caregiving as something we have to do for our parents, what if we saw it as a chance to create new memories, strengthen our bonds, and even find out more about ourselves? It's all about perspective, folks!