Nick Musson is a transportation specialist with Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

Denise Jess is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Tamara Jackson is a public policy analyst and legislative liaison with the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

Mick Rusch and Philip Gadke, with Madison Metro Transit, and Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights Specialist with the city of Madison, start the show by talking about transportation in Madison. With more and more people continue to move into Madison, that means more and more people are getting on the roads. The three say that the bus system in Madison is important for cutting greenhouse gases, but it's maybe even more important for those people who can't drive due to disability to get where they need to go.

And for those who can't take the bus, Madison also offers paratransit. But while it can be cumbersome to be approved and get a ride, Gadke says that the city is making process more streamlined.

Aryn DeGrave, dietitian at Hy-Vee, joins the show to talk about the importance of eating healthy, and how to eat well on a budget.

First, DeGrave talks about the psychology of why we eat. We know that it's important to eat healthy, so why do we turn to pizza and mac and cheese when we've had a bad day?

Then, it's sugar. We love it, but we know it's bad for us. But how bad is it? As DeGrave says, while we do need a little sugar to give us energy, having excess sugar can lead to big problems down the road. And don't worry, caffeine is on the chopping block too...

So then, what should we be eating to address the needs of caregiving? DeGrave helps us figure out a balanced diet that can be customizable to our own tastes and needs.

First is Gray Gunderson is a sales account executive with Civic Media. Gray shares his story about a family member who struggled with mental illness and drug dependency, and what "good news" actually means.

Then, Tammi Eastling, also a sales account executive with Civic Media, talks about her experience raising a child with autism. She shares what it took to raise a child with autism, and the many different hats a caregiver has to wear every day.

As a caregiver himself, Tim explains why it is important to forgive the people you're caring for when they say or do something hurtful. How do you forgive someone who doesn't feel any regret? How do you forgive someone who is no longer with us? Tim helps us figure out these tough questions.

Noah now operates Inner Wisdom Acupuncture in both Madison and DeForest.

Then, Caden Crute joins the show to talk about living and thriving with disabilities.

Bryn Ceman with Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance joins the show to talk with host Liza Hellenbrand to talk about their organizations and what they can offer people in the caregiving industry.

How does Wisconsin compare on the topic of paid family and medical leave? Poorly, Dawson says, as paid leave is not enshrine in state law.

Then, Liza shifts gears and takes a look at what's happening here in Wisconsin.

Kameron Dawson is a Senior Staff Attorney with A Better Balance. A Better Balance is a national nonprofit advocacy organization that uses the power of the law to advance justice for workers, focusing on paid family leave and women's equality.

Let's talk about sex! Well... at least how you can strengthen your marriage and intimacy while being a family caregiver! Join us as we speak with Monica Lynne Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMHCA from Snoqualmie, WA

Nancy Alar

Liz Alar

Julie Heibel

Neil Miller

Patrick Kuelz

Reid and Leah Kuelz, and Genevieve Poppe -

about the caregivers in their lives, and the tremendous work they do. Thanks for listening to The Empowered Caregiver!

We're taking next week to spend thanksgiving with friends, family and loved ones. We will return on December 1st for another hour of The Empowered Caregiver show.

Congratulations to Karl Pierick, Sharon Katovich, and Fay Losso! They are an inspiration to us all, and they have each won a caregiver gift box from Allison at The Negative Space. You can check out her website here: www.thenegativespace.life

#CaregivingHappens

We speak with Larry Jackson, the founder of the Ben Jackson foundation. Younger enlisted personnel know a thing or two about paying for flights and other travel expenses - and the difficulties they experience. Larry aims to make sure that new military members are able to take a trip home to see family and loved ones - especially after beginning such a long journey.

Adam Weisse talks about Project Home. This program aims to improve the quality and affordability of housing for low-to-moderate income residents in Dane and Green County, WI.

Kristin and Liza also talk with Lani Rethaber about Patriot K9's of Wisconsin - A program aiming to, at no cost to qualified Veterans, educate and train Psychiatric Service Dog Teams who will assist in veterans attaining a fulfilling and meaningful life in the community of their choice. It is their goal to help veterans win the war against suicide, depression and anxiety by empowering them with the use of a service dog,

Kristin and Liza are joined by Linda Fodrini-Johnson - an aging expert, family therapist and author of 'The Empowered Caregiver; Practical Advice and Emotional Support for Adult Children of Aging Parents'. She was president of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (now called Aging Life Care Association). Linda also founded Eldercare Services, a full service care agency in the San Francisco Bay Area that provides care management, home caregiving services, advocacy, counseling, support groups and education.

Formerly the director Dementia Respite Center, Linda pioneered the multi-award willing Early Stage of Dementia Program.

Join us!

Today Kristin and Liza discuss the reality of modern society - that we're living longer, and care giving responsibilities are resting on the shoulders of friends and family members: for all kinds of reasons. From the startling economic consequences of lost wages due to conflicts with work, to lack of understanding between employee and employer - let's talk about it.

Kristin and Liza are joined by Dr. Barry Jacobs – a clinical psychologist, family therapist and author of “The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers—Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent”.

Visit www.loveandmeaning.com for more information, content, and resources from Dr. Barry Jacobs.

Today we’re joined by Susanne White, an Author from The Caregiver Warrior, an organization focused not only on self-care, but empowering caregivers to be Fearless, Courageous, and Passionate about protecting those they care for.