Sometimes, the toughest challenges reveal the best in us. Terry Tucker’s story is a masterclass in resilience and compassion. From balancing an NCAA basketball career to caregiving for loved ones in their final days, and now navigating his 13-year battle with cancer, Terry shows us how to find meaning in the messiest parts of life. He turns pain into purpose through his work with Motivational Check, helping others realize their potential to lead extraordinary lives. His message? Lean into adversity—it’s not the end of your story but the beginning of something deeper.

About Our Guest:

Terry Tucker is a speaker, author, and international podcast guest on the topics of motivation, mindset, and self-development.

Among his diverse professional roles, Terry has been a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, a SWAT Hostage Negotiator, and for the past twelve years, a cancer warrior.

He is the author of Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life and a co-author of Perspectives On Cancer: Stories Of Healing, Hope, & Resilience.

Motivational Check Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tucker-9b5605179/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationalcheck

X (Twitter): https://mobile.twitter.com/terrytucker2012

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableexcellenceauthor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2CUA6R1zP2ZcjzhzGKWkQ

Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life - Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLGVTVS

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

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When it comes to resolutions, I’m all about keeping it real and keeping it doable. Forget those vague promises that fizzle out by mid-January—what works is setting goals that truly resonate with you and are backed by a solid plan. I’m challenging myself to adopt what I call "sharegiving," where every day I find a way to lighten someone else’s load with an intentional act of kindness. Whether it’s holding the door for someone or stepping up to help a caregiver in need, small acts add up. Let’s flip the script on resolutions this year and focus on making every goal personal, actionable, and tied to the kind of person we really want to be.

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When life throws unexpected challenges, like caregiving for a loved one with dementia, it teaches us the power of letting go and finding resilience in acceptance. Dr. Jill Rosenthal shares her incredible journey of turning heartbreak into strength, showing that thriving isn’t about changing circumstances but about shifting our mindset. She reminds us to release the guilt, adapt with love, and choose the battles that truly matter. From managing expectations to embracing the unpredictable, the key lies in surrendering control and focusing on what we can influence. Every challenge holds a lesson, and with the right mindset, even the toughest moments can lead to growth and connection.

Listener Free Gift: Link: drjillgift.com/caregiving

About Our Guest:

Jill Rosenthal is an award-winning Harvard & Stanford educated physician and best-selling author who retired after a 35+ year career and became certified as a mindset coach. Her extensive experience and training, coupled with her own transformation from a stressed, overworked, unhealthy physician, wife, and mother into a healthy, thriving coach make her uniquely equipped to help others release unconscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that hold them back, so they can create their dream life.

Website: https://www.drjillrosenthal.com/

Email: jill@drjillrosenthal.com

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Feeling drained by caregiving or just life’s relentless demands? Let me tell you, the secret to thriving starts with giving yourself permission to recharge. Vivianne Winters Israel—an experienced nurse, cancer survivor, and lifelong caregiver—knows this firsthand. With over 47 years in critical and emergency care, plus her personal experiences of caregiving for family members, she shares how embracing self-care tools transformed her ability to handle life’s toughest challenges, from caregiving stress to battling metastatic cancer. Vivianne unpacks simple, powerful practices—some as quick as two minutes—that help you break free from burnout and reclaim your energy and joy. Her message is clear: when you care for yourself first, you amplify your ability to support those you love. Don't wait—start filling your own cup today!

Listener Free Gift: Empowered Self-Care Resources https://vivwi.me/selfcare1

• A list of Vivianne’s favorite powerful self-care tools she’s learned of over the decades and use. You're bound to resonate with at least one. Access to Tool #2 is free and only takes 90 seconds, once learned. #1 is even faster, taking only 5-20 seconds, once learned (no affiliate links).

About Our Guest:

Vivianne Winters Israel is a motivational speaker and author of the upcoming Adventure Annie, series of children’s books full of adventure and mystery (ages 9-12). Registered Nurse; studied cellular biology and physiologic psychology at California State University, Northridge; Mom and serialpreneur; published author, first book Tender Moments: Diary of a First-time Mother received Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, for non-fiction literature; co-author of Amazon Bestseller in three categories Life by Design: How to Create, Leverage, Legacy and Lifestyle; acknowledgements from The American Biographical Institute—Who’s Who of American Women, 2,000 Notable American Women, Woman of the Year (1990), and Golden Lifetime Achievement Award; Member: Independent Book Publishers Association; Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Her upcoming stories are crafted to help children work through the increased social and emotional challenges surrounding the pandemic, by experiencing real-life issues from the safety of engaging fictional adventures. Each with a free Teacher/Parent Resource Guide.

Links:

• Website https://viviannewintersisrael.com/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/An.Authors.Journey.into.Childrens.Fiction.FORUM
• Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/VivianneWI_Childrens_Author/
• TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@authors_journey?_t=8n7RBiUIdh8&_r=1
• Clapper https://www.clapperapp.com/Viv_Speaker_Author

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose

Sometimes life feels like balancing a fragile house of cards—caregiving challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. My guest Denise Brown, an inspiring author and caregiving expert, brings hope, offering strategies to lighten the load and manage the stress, loneliness, and emotional toll of caregiving. With Denise’s wisdom, we chat about the importance of embracing community, setting boundaries, and finding moments of relief and joy amidst the chaos. Her books, including The Caregiving Years series, remind us that even in the toughest caregiving stages, we can craft plans that turn dread into action and heartache into healing. Denise inspires us to face each day with resilience and a reminder that no caregiver is truly alone.

About Our Guest:

Denise supports individuals managing difficult life experiences with coaching, planning and training. Through her work, Denise helps clients find hope, possibilities and a path forward.

Denise began helping individuals who care for a family member in 1990 and launched a business to help them in 1995. She created one of the first online caregiving communities in 1996 which she managed until its sale in 2020.

Denise now develops and delivers training programs for the workplace and for individuals who want to coach family caregivers. More than 400 individuals from eight different countries have enrolled in her training programs.

Denise is the author of several books that provide insights, comfort and hope to those who care, including the five-book series called Take Comfort; The Caregiving Years, Your Guide to Navigating the Six Caregiving Stages; and After Caregiving Ends, A Guide to Beginning Again.

Links:

• Denise’s Books: http://bit.ly/caringbooks
• Caregiving Reflections, a weekly newsletter: https://denisebrown.substack.com/archive
• Caring Our Way: https://join.caringourway.com/
• The Caregiving Years Training Academy: https://www.careyearsacademy.com
• The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/these-self-care-strategies-can-help-caregivers-cope-with-burnout-11640782803?st=37dob9tjnjt4tke&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

You deserve to feel whole while taking care of others. Picture a pie with four slices: financial, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. You need to keep each slice balanced and replenished because caregiving can take a toll on every piece. Financially, set realistic goals and create a budget to avoid future stress. Emotionally, give yourself space to process your feelings—ignoring them only floods your mind later. Mentally, stay creative and organized, even when drained, and physically, don't skip the exercise and habits that keep your energy steady. And here’s the secret ingredient: stories. Share them, hear them, and connect. Together, we can refill each other’s plates and savor the balance of a fulfilling life.

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Imagine stepping into a caregiving role with the same clarity and grace you'd bring to your most cherished relationships. Mike Spillman, an international motivational speaker, shares that family caregiving—especially around the holidays—often feels overwhelming, with emotions running high and patience running thin. But Mike believes it doesn’t have to drain you. With his "DIRRT method," which is applicable to any relationship, you can transform the experience for yourself and the loved one you’re caring for. It starts with a clear decision on what you want to accomplish, then identify the roadblocks in your way. Remove those obstacles, and replace them with support that moves you forward. Transformation isn’t instant, but as Mike explains, you’ll feel it as you learn to care with love and self-respect, creating a lasting positive impact for you and those you hold dear. Mike’s mission is to save 100 marriages before the end of 2025. It’s easy to see how caregiving and rational problem-solving make a good pair.

About Our Guest:

Mike Spillman has been involved in the Personal Development arena for 40+ years helping others grasp the significance of a POSITIVE mindset in all areas of life.

He is an International Speaker and podcaster having published over 1,100 podcasts as well as blog articles. He has developed a 5-Step program called "The D.I.R.R.T. Method" that can lead others to success in ANY area of their life upon implementation.

Mike's personal goal is this: "To bring HAPPINESS, STABILITY and PURPOSE into the lives of others."

Contact Mike Spillman at: mike@FutureYouUniversity.com

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Sometimes life calls you to a purpose you can’t ignore, and for our guest, that purpose means changing lives in Jamaica. Angel, runs an educational institute in the rural belt of Hanover, where they don’t just teach; they rebuild. Kids walk through the doors carrying heavy burdens—abuse, poverty, hopelessness—but they’ve created a safe space where they find emotional support, education, and meals. It’s more than academics; it’s showing them they’re worthy of a future. Seeing their students rise—whether they join the police, nursing, or even university—reminds her why she stays, even when the work is hard. Caregivers come in all forms, including teachers who give more than lessons—they give hope, love, and a second chance at life.

About Our Guest:

Angela Haye hails from Jamaica. She migrated to the United States when she was a young girl where she finished her secondary education. She holds an Associate Degree in Business/Hotel Management from Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Maryland USA; a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management and a Master’s Degree in International Marketing and Management from the University of Maryland University College USA. In 2002 she returned to Jamaica where she founded the Hanover Educational Institute in addition to the rotary Club of Green Island, Sunrise, Jamaica, and she sits on several school boards. An eclectic thinker, whose hobbies include dancing, networking, and reading and spending quality time with friends and family, including two beautiful sons, Robert and Brandon. Angela Haye hosts “Let’s Talk” on Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=let%27s%20talk%20with%20angela%20r.%20haye

About Me:

I have cared for many family members across the life span, experiencing the joys and challenges of child-rearing, the poignance of caring for parents, friends, and elder partners. I realized that I could not handle the stress of family caregiving 24/7/365. It was time for a new approach to caring. My health and happiness were slipping away. This is how Think to Thrive for Caregivers evolved. Let your mind meet your heart so you don’t lose track of your life.

Connect with Me:

https://www.deborahgreenhut.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgreenhut01/

Find my books here

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.