Caregiver Burnout Queens

About Caregiver Burnout Queens

Welcome to the best part of caregiving, COMMUNITY! Tami & Karen share their journey knowledge and stories. We share actionable steps for you to become

Publisher

Caregiver Queens

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Nov 2025

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   S2 E25 Trials, Tribulations, and New Beginnings

   In this episode, Karen and Tami, the "Caregiver Burnout Queens," return to share their raw, unfiltered experiences navigating the emotional and physical complexities of caregiving. While they emphasize they are not medical professionals, they offer a supportive space for fellow caregivers to feel seen and heard through their personal "trials and tribulations." Karen’s day began with a mix of health checkups and unexpected community encounters. After fasting for blood work and an ECG—part of a necessary follow-up for a previous fall—she took a walk that served as a microcosm of the caregiver experience. A Bittersweet Reunion: Karen reconnected with a long-lost neighbor, only to learn the woman’s 49-year-old son was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. The conversation highlighted a common caregiver dilemma: the prioritization of illness. The neighbor had been postponing her own necessary surgery to support her son’s treatments, illustrating the self-sacrifice that often leads to burnout. Navigating Triggers: The peace of Karen's walk was briefly shattered by an encounter with her ex-husband. She describes the immediate "energy drain" and the conscious effort required to disengage. By stating her truth and walking away, she practiced intentional boundaries, choosing not to let the interaction consume her space. Tami shared a deeply vulnerable update regarding her physical health and the mental toll of mounting limitations. Following a visit to her osteopath, she received news that she must stop going to the gym to prevent further injury. The Grief of Limitation: Tami described the "shock" and tears that followed this news. For a caregiver, physical activity is often a vital outlet; having it "taken away" felt like a significant personal loss. Pivoting to Yoga: On the recommendation of her therapist, Tami is looking toward yoga as a low-impact alternative. While she struggled with the initial transition—admitting to a "wonky" night of processing the change—she is committed to finding a new rhythm. Small Wins: Despite the "brain fog" and the "decline" she feels, Tami celebrated small victories: 20 minutes of work on their website, completing errands at the post office, and maintaining her daily therapeutic journaling. The episode centers on the difficult transition from "complete silence" to finding one's voice, and the ongoing journey toward a sustainable balance. Pacing vs. Pushing: Both Queens discussed the necessity of learning to pace themselves. Whether it’s setting timers for tasks or being intentional about reading for pleasure, they are moving away from the "go until you fall" mentality. The Power of Release: Karen and Tami emphasized that acknowledging frustration is the first step to releasing it. By addressing these emotions openly, they create "more space for abundance" and healing. Professional Boundaries: In a practical turn, Karen requested Tami send over Power of Attorney (POA) documents, highlighting the administrative realities that caregivers must manage alongside their emotional labor. The "Caregiver Burnout Queens" remind listeners that caregiving is a journey of constant shifts. It requires "unicorn and rainbows" optimism balanced with the gritty reality of medical appointments and personal boundaries. By embracing their frustrations and celebrating 20-minute wins, Karen and Tami continue to model how to "do better and get better" every day.

2. 

   23 Apr 2026

   S2 E24 : Unicorns & Rainbows, Permission (guilt monkey) & Boundaries

   Welcome to the Caregiver Burnout Queens Podcast, where we strip away the clinical talk and get real about the beautiful, messy, and often exhausting world of caregiving. Hosted by Tami and Karen, two friends who have walked the walk and survived the trenches, this is your safe space to exhale, laugh until you cry, and finally kick that "guilt monkey" off your back.In this episode, we are diving deep into a word every caregiver struggles with: Permission. The Guilt Monkey vs. The Permission CardHave you ever felt like you needed a hall pass just to enjoy a cup of coffee or a moment of silence? Karen shares a story about a deck of Pleasure Alchemy she recently picked up. When she pulled the "Permission" card, it sparked a massive realization about the "guilt monkey" that sits on a caregiver’s shoulder, whispering that we shouldn’t be happy if our loved one is suffering. We’re breaking down why we feel the need to ask for permission to live our lives and how to reclaim your right to happiness without the side of guilt. Dance Parties and Cards Karen lets us in on her secret weapon for staying in an elevated state: the "Dance Party for One." Whether it’s a favorite song or a full-on living room rave, music is her tether to positivity. We also share a hilarious look into our caregiver support group, where we started pulling oracle cards. What started as a fun experiment turned into a breakthrough, opening the group up to more laughter, deeper conversations, and a surprisingly productive, uplifting energy. Who knew a deck of cards could do all that? Unicorns & Rainbows versus Horseshoes and Hand Grenades gets Tami honest about her mental shift. She’s choosing to live in the world of Unicorns & Rainbows instead of "horseshoes and hand grenades." We talk about how much better it feels to consciously stay in a positive headspace and why protecting that peace is a full-time job. Doing the Work: Self-Esteem & Anxiety is not all dance parties; we’re doing the internal heavy lifting, too. Tami walks us through a Self-Esteem Worksheet she’s been using to flip the script on negative thoughts. We review the first three sections together, sharing our different perspectives on the questions and giggling over the struggle of actually trying to finish a daily worksheet when life is chaotic. Plus, we share a practical tool for those high-stress moments: the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique. If you’ve ever felt an anxiety attack coming on, this simple method is a lifesaver for pulling yourself back to the present. Caregiving is even harder when you’re dealing with "dangerous personalities" like narcissists. Tami opens up about her lifetime of experience navigating these dynamics with her mother and how Karen’s daily check-ins have helped her find—and keep—strong boundaries. They talk about the power of a "thank you" call and how having a partner in crime can move you from Caregiver Paralysis back into a place of strength. Tune in for the raw truth, the big laughs, and the permission you’ve been waiting for.

3. 

   22 Apr 2026

   S2 E23 : Unicorns & Rainbows, Toxic Optimism

   Welcome to another episode of the Caregiver Burnout Queens podcast! Join your hosts, Tami and Karen, as they strip away the filters and get raw about the bone-deep exhaustion, the "numb fog brain," and the messy, beautiful journey back to wellness. The Shadows of the Journey We don’t sugarcoat it here. Tami opens up about just how dark the caregiver tunnel can get. She shares the reality of hitting rock bottom—those days where she was "looking like death warmed over" in the same pair of sweats, unable to leave the bed, paralyzed by a brain that felt like it was filled with static. Karen reflects on the moments when even the simplest self-care, like brushing your teeth, felt like an insurmountable mountain that just got forgotten.Tami gets honest about the physical toll: a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, a condition often triggered by the exact kind of prolonged stress and trauma caregivers endure. It was a wake-up call that she couldn't ignore anymore. From "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" to "Unicorns and Rainbows" If you know Karen, you know she lives in a world of Unicorns and Rainbows. For a long time, Tami felt more like she was dodging "horseshoes and handgrenades." But in this episode, the ladies discuss how Karen’s relentless optimism eventually became Tami’s lifeline. They explore how shifting your perspective isn’t about ignoring the pain, but about finding the light within it. The Power of the Pivot: Boundaries and Guilt Tami shares a powerful, real-time story about visiting her mother in Long-Term Care. After a productive morning fueled by her wellness patches, Tami arrived to find her mom happy and exercising. But when they returned to the room, the "negative talk" began.For the first time, Tami didn't drown in it. She shares how she stayed true to her boundaries, refusing to take on the guilt or the verbal abuse, even when the "drama of tears" started. Tami is learning to say it out loud: "I am proud of myself." It’s a bittersweet victory, but a vital one for her health. As her daughter told her: “The greatest gift you can give me is your health.” Tools for the Fog: Journaling and Modalities How do you organize a life that feels like it’s spinning out of control? The 5-Topic Journal: Tami explains her multi-subject system for tracking doctor requests, ultrasounds, and blood work. The Calendar Journal: Karen discusses the beauty of a detailed calendar—stickers, color-coded tabs, and all. Alternative Modalities: Tami (who is allergic to most medications) and Karen discuss the different therapies and patches they use to manage their physical and emotional wellbeing. Healing Through Connection From Karen’s stories about the healing power of gardening and community interaction to the "therapeutic" process of recording this very podcast, the Queens emphasize one thing: You cannot do this alone. We are not doctors—we are just two women sharing the "crazy painful journey" that we’ve managed to transform into a wellness journey. We are finally craving structure, celebrating the "baby steps," and learning that it is okay to put ourselves first. Tune in for the giggles, the tears, and the reminder that you deserve to find your own Unicorns and Rainbows.

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