About Caregiver's Lounge: Laughter, Love and Lessons
Caregiver's Lounge: Laughter, Love, and Lessons is your go-to podcast for navigating caregiving with heart and humor—especially when it comes to aging parents. Hosted by Shaunté Says, a dedicated caregiver and storyteller, this series explores the highs, lows, and everyday moments that shape the journey. Whether you need practical tips, personal stories, or a place to feel understood, you’ll find honesty, warmth, and resilience here. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and settle in—because caregiving isn’t just a role; it’s a story worth sharing.
Description:
If you’ve ever screamed into a pillow after calling the VA, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Host Shaunté Newby, caregiver advocate and daughter of a veteran, breaks down the lesser-known VA benefits that can make a real difference for caregivers and their loved ones.
From hidden programs like Veteran Directed Care and HISA grants to eligibility quirks and advocacy tips, this episode helps you navigate the VA system with more clarity and less stress. Whether you’re caring for a veteran full-time or just starting the benefits process, you’ll walk away with practical insights, emotional validation, and a few laughs along the way.
What you’ll learn:
What Aid & Attendance, CHAMPVA, and the VA Caregiver Stipend actually cover
How to access underused benefits like respite care and travel reimbursement
Why “primary caregiver” status matters—and how to claim it
How to speak VA language and advocate effectively
Where to find support (yes, there’s a hotline!)
Keywords: VA caregiver benefits, veteran support, Aid and Attendance, CHAMPVA, VA stipend, Veteran Directed Care, HISA grant, VA advocacy, caregiving podcast, navigating VA system, caregiver resources, veteran family support
Call to Action:
Know someone struggling with VA paperwork or feeling lost in the system? Share this episode. Got a VA win or horror story? Send it in—we’re building a community that gets it.
17 Sept 2025
Floating Conversations: Care, Connection, and the Kindness of Strangers
In this heartfelt episode of "The Caregiver's Lounge," Shaunté shares her reflections from a recent cruise, where caregiving moments appeared in unexpected places. From conversations with fellow travelers to personal observations, she explores the universal threads of love, responsibility, and the quiet strength it takes to care for others. Through her reflections, she emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and the shared experiences that connect them, even in unexpected places.
Tune in to hear stories of connection and resilience, and be reminded that even on vacation, caregiving never truly takes a break.
Caregiving
Cruise reflections
Personal stories
Caregiver support
Travel experiences
Resilience in caregiving
Connection and responsibility
Chapters
00:00 Reflections from the Sea: A Caregiver's Perspective
12:39 The Unseen Stories of Caregiving
13:05 Connecting Through Shared Experiences
10 Sept 2025
Miles Between Us: Caregiving Across the Distance
What does it mean to care for someone you love when you’re not physically there? In this heartfelt episode, host Shaunté Newby shares her personal journey of caregiving from afar—driving between Northern Virginia and Hampton to support her father while juggling work, life, and emotional exhaustion.
Through honest storytelling and practical insight, Shaunté explores the guilt, grace, and grit it takes to show up for your loved one across the miles. Whether you're navigating long-distance caregiving yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, strategies, and a reminder that love travels—even when you can't always be there.
Takeaways:
Emotional truths of long-distance caregiving
Tips for staying connected and organized from afar
How to build support systems when you’re not local
Why presence isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spirit
3 Sept 2025
Bills, Pills, and Calendar Fills: The Caregiver’s Guide to Chaos
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, host Shaunté discusses the complexities of caregiving, emphasizing the need for organization, self-care, and setting boundaries. She shares practical tools for managing a loved one's affairs, including calendars, financial management strategies, and the importance of establishing personal boundaries to prevent burnout. The episode encourages caregivers to take actionable steps towards creating systems that support both their loved ones and themselves.
Chapters
00:00 The Reality of Caregiving
02:01 Tools for Managing Caregiving
04:41 Financial Management in Caregiving
07:17 Establishing Boundaries and Preventing Burnout
09:36 Action Steps and Support Systems
27 Aug 2025
Fur Therapy: The Caregiver’s Quiet Companion
Pets aren’t just cute—they’re emotional lifelines for caregivers. In this episode, Shaunté Newby shares how her dog helped her navigate caregiving burnout, stress, and isolation. From unexpected comic relief to quiet companionship, discover how animals offer emotional support, self-care rituals, and healing for caregivers.
Chapters
00:00 The Emotional Support of Pets
04:10 Pets as Caregivers
08:12 Finding Solace in Pet Care
10:32 Unconditional Love from Pets
20 Aug 2025
Carve Out Time for You: Self-Care Rituals for Busy Caregivers
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, host Shaunte Newby emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers, who often prioritize others over themselves. She discusses the concept of micro rituals—small, manageable acts of self-care that can fit into busy schedules. Shaunte also highlights the significance of connection and community among caregivers, encouraging listeners to share their own self-care practices. The episode concludes with a reminder that caregivers deserve to take time for themselves and that even brief moments of care can have a profound impact on their well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Caregivers Lounge
01:23 Redefining Self-Care
02:40 Micro Rituals for Busy Lives
07:00 The Importance of Connection
08:35 Building a Library of Self-Care
13 Aug 2025
Quality Time vs. Caregiver Time: Finding Connection in the Chaos
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, host Shaunté explores the critical distinction between caregiving time and quality time. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with loved ones beyond the tasks of caregiving, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips for fostering emotional intimacy. The conversation highlights the need for intentional moments of connection, humor, and the significance of being present in relationships. Shaunté invites listeners to prioritize quality time with their loved ones, reminding them that caregiving is not just about tasks but about nurturing relationships.
Takeaways
Caregiving time is task-oriented and emotionally draining.
Quality time is about intentional presence and connection.
Scheduling non-care time can help reclaim quality moments.
Creating rituals can enhance the quality of time spent together.
Letting go of perfection allows for more genuine interactions.
Asking open-ended questions fosters deeper conversations.
Humor can be a powerful tool for connection in caregiving.
Quality time can be short but must be intentional.
Caregiving is an act of love that needs space to breathe.
Listeners are encouraged to share their quality time moments.
00:00The Caregiver's Dilemma
01:58Understanding Caregiving Time vs Quality Time
06:11Reclaiming Quality Time
10:04The Power of Humor in Caregiving
13:11An Invitation to Connect
6 Aug 2025
Yep, I'm Mad...And I Still Love You
In this episode, Shaunté discusses the often unspoken frustrations caregivers face while caring for their loved ones. She shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mixed emotions, such as love and frustration. The conversation explores practical tools and strategies for caregivers to manage their feelings, set boundaries, and practice self-care, including humor, micro meditations, and journaling. Shaunté encourages caregivers to embrace their emotions and recognize that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times.
TAKEAWAYS
Caregiving can be both beautiful and draining.
It's normal to feel frustrated with those we care for.
Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.
Humor can be a useful tool in caregiving.
Micro meditations can help regain composure.
Creating code words can facilitate communication.
Journaling can help process emotions.
It's okay to express irritation while still loving someone.
Caregivers need to honor their limits.
Self-compassion is crucial in caregiving.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Caregiver Frustration
07:26 Embracing the Complexity of Caregiving
12:57 Tools for Caregiver Resilience
30 Jul 2025
You Got an Idea - Now What?
Summary
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, host Shaunte Newby discusses the journey of discovering and pursuing one's passion and purpose. She emphasizes the importance of not brushing off ideas that inspire you, conducting research, and talking about your aspirations with trusted individuals. Shaunte encourages listeners to take small steps towards their goals and to trust their instincts throughout the process. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice for navigating the often overwhelming journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Personal Struggles
03:21Transforming Ideas into Action
06:04Research and Exploration
08:57Taking Small Steps and Seeking Guidance
10:47Trusting Your Instincts and Conclusion
23 Jul 2025
Ep 7: Venting with Love and Perspective
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, Shaunté discusses the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of venting frustrations while also finding gratitude in the experience. She shares personal anecdotes about her caregiving journey, highlighting the balance between expressing frustration and appreciating the moments with loved ones. The conversation also touches on the need for support, strategies for coping, and the perspective shift that comes with losing a loved one. Shaunte encourages caregivers to connect with others in similar situations and to seek professional help when needed, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their journey.
Takeaways
Caregiving is unpredictable and can be overwhelming.
Venting is a natural response to caregiving stress.
It's important to balance frustration with gratitude.
Losing a loved one can change your perspective on caregiving.
Finding the right audience to vent to is crucial.
Journaling can be a therapeutic outlet for caregivers.
Connecting with others in similar situations provides support.
Therapy is a valuable resource for caregivers.
Appreciating the little moments can enhance the caregiving experience.
Caregiving is a journey filled with highs and lows.
Chapters
00:00 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
07:12 Finding Perspective in Venting
10:22 Strategies for Caregiver Well-being
14:38 Embracing the Journey of Caregiving
16:02 New Chapter
16 Jul 2025
Ep 6: The Quiet Flame — Rediscovering What Lights You Up
In this episode of the Caregivers Lounge, host Shaunte invites listeners to reflect on their passions and purposes beyond caregiving. She emphasizes the importance of self-care as soul care and provides reflective questions to help uncover personal insights. The conversation explores the roles we play in life, what we look forward to, and the things we may have put on hold, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their true selves amidst the demands of caregiving.
Takeaways
Taking time to focus and reflect is essential for caregivers.
Self-care is not just about physical well-being; it's about soul care.
Reflective questions can help uncover passions and purposes.
The answers to our questions often lie within us, waiting to be discovered.
Identifying what we look forward to can reveal our true interests.
Exploring what annoys us can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.
Recognizing the roles we play can help prioritize what matters most.
It's okay to put things on hold; timing is important.
Past experiences can provide clues to our current passions.
Giving ourselves permission to explore is crucial for personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Caregivers Lounge
00:57 The Importance of Reflection
02:56 Exploring Passion and Purpose
05:58 Questions to Discover Your Passion
08:31 Identifying Roles and Priorities
11:12 Putting Ideas on Hold
9 Jul 2025
Ep 5: When You Have to Leave: Caregiving, Guilt & Getting Away
Host Shaunte explores the emotional challenges of leaving a loved one while caregiving, stressing self-care, absence planning, and communication to reassure caregivers they can provide support from afar.
2 Jul 2025
Ep 4: Permission to Care: Doctor Visits & Legal Must-Haves
Host Shaunte discusses legal documentation, healthcare communication, and advocacy, equipping caregivers with practical tips and personal experiences to confidently navigate their challenging roles.
25 Jun 2025
Ep 3: Laughter is the Best Medicine – Hilarious Caregiving & Life Moments
Shaunté shares humorous and heartfelt stories from her caregiving experiences, reflecting on challenges and funny moments during doctor's appointments, highlighting the therapeutic nature of sharing experiences.
18 Jun 2025
Ep 2: There Are Levels to This: Caregiving Unfiltered - Balancing Love, Duty & Life
Host Shaunte Newby examines the evolving four stages of caregiving, from basic assistance to end-of-life support, and stresses self-care and community for caregivers.
11 Jun 2025
Ep 1: Welcome to Caregiver's Lounge: Why I’m Here and Why This Matters
Host Shaunté Newby introduces Caregiver's Lounge, explaining its purpose as a supportive community for caregivers to share experiences and find connection.
4 Jun 2025
Trailer - Welcome to the Caregiver's Lounge
The Caregiver's Lounge trailer introduces the podcast and invites listener feedback on desired topics for future episodes.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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