

- 17
- Episodes
- 2
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Don't Be a Miserable Cow
Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.
- Publisher
- Lisa Marshall
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 8 Mar 2026
- Latest episode
- 7 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.

7 Oct 2026
The Grief No One Sees, and the Joy That Remains: Alzheimer’s caregiving | Tonya Maurer
What happens when your mom no longer knows who you are, but you’re still the one showing up, loving her, caring for her, and finding reasons to laugh together? In this deeply honest conversation, Tonya Maurer shares what it really looks like to care for her mom, Ginny, through Alzheimer’s, from the exhaustion, guilt, difficult decisions and grief to the funny, beautiful, completely unexpected moments of joy that still remain. We talk about the terrifying night Ginny wandered, the difficult transition to memory care, a recent hospitalization and bringing her home again, and Tonya’s decision to welcome the support of hospice. We also talk about something caregivers don’t hear enough: acceptance. What happens when we stop asking, “Why is this happening to us?” and stop fighting a reality we cannot change? Can accepting what is actually create more peace, and allow us to be more present for the person who is still here? Tonya shares the moments Alzheimer’s has not taken: gardening, laughter, games, a pool-noodle sword fight, a puzzle completed entirely Ginny’s own way, and those moments when being her daughter and caregiver feels like a gift. We also discuss: • The grief of losing pieces of someone who is still here • What caregiving really asks of a family • Knowing when care needs to change • What hospice support can actually look like • Radical acceptance and finding peace • What friends can do to truly support a caregiver • Why “Let me know if you need anything” often isn’t enough • Finding community and asking for help • How grief and joy can exist at exactly the same time If you are caring for someone you love, or know someone who is, this conversation is for you. You are allowed to acknowledge how hard this is and still notice what is beautiful. Subscribe for more honest conversations about choice, gratitude, boundaries, caregiving, resilience, brain health and finding joy, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. 🧡 Don’t Be a Miserable Cow Choose peace. Choose joy. And don’t be a miserable cow. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear that a diagnosis is not the whole story. #Alzheimer #caregiving #radicalacceptance #grief #hospice #joy #noregrets #dontbeamiserablecow

23 Sept 2026
The Bionic Ballerina: Scoliosis, Spinal Fusion & Refusing to Be Limited
Meredith Montana was diagnosed with severe scoliosis as a child, spent years trying to avoid major surgery, and ultimately underwent a 15-level spinal fusion with 24 screws and two rods. And then she kept dancing.Known as The Bionic Ballerina, Meredith went on to become a professional dancer and model, perform with Cher, walk New York Fashion Week, and build a career many once feared her spine would make impossible. In this episode of Don’t Be a Miserable Cow, Meredith and I talk about what scoliosis actually is, growing up in a brace, being told her body might limit her future, the decision to undergo spinal fusion, the reality of recovery, and what it took to trust her body again. We also talk about why she created The Bionic Project and BioniCon, communities designed to give adults living with scoliosis and spinal fusion the connection, education, and support she wished she had growing up. This conversation is about so much more than scoliosis.It’s about identity, body image, acceptance, resilience, community and refusing to let a diagnosis decide what’s possible. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear that a diagnosis is not the whole story. thebionicproject.com @bionic_ballerina @the_bionicproject ———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

9 Sept 2026
Alzheimer's Has Changed: Research, Treatment & Hope
For years, Alzheimer's has felt overwhelming, frightening, and hopeless for so many families. But the landscape is changing—and faster than many people realize. In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Cusato, Senior Director of Field Marketing and Communications for the Northeast Territory of the Alzheimer's Association and a New England Research Champion, to talk about what's happening in Alzheimer's research, treatment, and care.We discuss: • The Alzheimer's Association's resources and 24/7 Helpline • The Top 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's • When to talk to your doctor • Current treatment options and who may benefit • Why some families choose not to pursue treatment • The most promising areas of Alzheimer's research • Why experts are finally feeling hopeful about the future If Alzheimer's has touched your family—or if you're concerned about brain health—this conversation offers practical information, perspective, and something we haven't had enough of for a long time: hope.If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear that a diagnosis is not the whole story. ———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

26 Aug 2026
Do It Scared: Closing the Gap Between Intention and Action
Have you ever wanted to try something, speak up, take a risk, or chase a dream... but fear got in the way? In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie O'Brien, former roller derby athlete, hockey player, an artist, teacher, and someone who knows what it feels like to be terrified and do it anyway. Natalie shares her journey from being painfully shy as a child to intentionally stepping outside her comfort zone as an adult. We talk about the gap between intention and action, why waiting for confidence rarely works, and what actually happens once you take that first brave step. Along the way, we explore roller derby, ice hockey, parenting, and the quiet ways courage can ripple through a family. If you've been waiting to feel ready before trying something new, this conversation might be the nudge you need. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear that a diagnosis is not the whole story.- ---- Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this. http://joywithlisa.com https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

5 Aug 2026
Facing the Future with Alzheimer’s | Sean Terwilliger, Part 2
What happens when a test result makes the future of Alzheimer’s feel suddenly more real?In Part 2 of my conversation with Sean Terwilliger, Sean reveals the surprising results of a blood test—and what those results may mean for his treatment and his future.He speaks candidly about what frightens him most, how his wife Wendy is coping with the devastating impact of the disease, and the heartbreak of knowing she will miss parts of him before he is physically gone.Sean also shares why maintaining control matters so deeply to him—including his desire to have a say in the timing and circumstances at the end of his life.This is an honest and deeply personal conversation about fear, love, dignity, autonomy, and facing an uncertain future without looking away.If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear this side of living with Alzheimer’s disease.------Sean's Book: http://alzfiredup.com/The ALZBlog: www.alzblog.net / alzblog@outlook.comALZ Fired Up! www.alzfiredup.com / alzfiredup@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.terwilliger/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/terwilligersean/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seanterwilliger.bsky.socialYoutube: www.youtube.com/@AlzFiredUp———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

22 Jul 2026
Choosing Purpose After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
What does it mean to live with Alzheimer’s while still being fully yourself?In this episode, I sit down with Sean Terwilliger, who was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s and has chosen to meet this diagnosis with honesty, humor, advocacy, and purpose.We talk about the first signs, the long road to diagnosis, broken systems, fear, treatment, family, writing, and what it means to hold onto your identity when life changes in ways you never expected.Sean also shares how writing, advocacy, and the love of his family — especially his wife Wendy and son Jonas — have helped him keep moving forward.This is a conversation about Alzheimer’s, but even more than that, it’s about love, identity, courage, and the power of staying fully present in your own life.------Sean's Book: http://alzfiredup.com/The ALZBlog: www.alzblog.net / alzblog@outlook.comALZ Fired Up! www.alzfiredup.com / alzfiredup@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.terwilliger/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/terwilligersean/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seanterwilliger.bsky.social———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

8 Jul 2026
Bullying, Exclusion, and the Shame Kids Carry
In this episode, we’re talking about bullying, exclusion, and the quiet shame so many kids carry when they feel left out, misunderstood, or made to believe something is wrong with them.My guest, Abby Rancourt, recently earned her master’s degree in social work after a lifetime of experiences that shaped her compassion and purpose. Growing up with ADHD, Abby often felt misunderstood, excluded, and unsupported by both classmates and adults. Now, she wants to help kids who are carrying the pain, confusion, and emotions that come with bullying.We talk about what bullying feels like from the inside, why kids often stay silent, what children need from safe adults, and how healing can help us stop shrinking from old wounds.This conversation is for kids who feel alone, parents who want to listen better, teachers who want to do better, and adults who may still be carrying shame that was never theirs to carry. Because no one should have to shrink because of someone else’s cruelty.———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

24 Jun 2026
Dr. Amanda Cooper on Why Communication Matters in Dementia Care
Dr. Amanda Cooper on Why Communication Matters in Dementia Care YouTube Description: In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Amanda Cooper, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UConn, to talk about the powerful role communication plays in the dementia journey. This conversation also covers why correcting or testing memory can create more stress, how caregivers can gently join their loved one’s reality instead, the importance of nonverbal communication, and how relational reserves can help families stay grounded through difficult seasons.This is a thoughtful, practical, and encouraging conversation for anyone caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.https://www.instagram.com/uconncommunication/———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

3 Jun 2026
Become who you say you want to be
What does it really take to change your life? In this episode, I sit down with fitness coach and nutrition strategist Stacie Amanna to talk about the choices, habits, and mindset shifts that helped her transform not only her body, but the way she saw herself. We discuss the gap between intention and action, the role of nutrition and self-care, the power of having the right coach, and the mental battles that come with pursuing a goal that feels bigger than you. And after months of preparation, sacrifice, and pushing through self-doubt, Stacie stepped onto a bodybuilding stage for the very first time. Her story is a powerful reminder that lasting change doesn't happen overnight. It happens one choice at a time. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And share it with someone who needs to hear that a diagnosis is not the whole story. https://www.instagram.com/staciemariewellness ---- Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this. http://joywithlisa.com https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

20 May 2026
The Power of Stepping Into Their Reality
What happens when we stop fighting the reality of Alzheimer’s and begin joining our loved one’s world instead?In this episode, we explore how one simple shift in perspective can reduce stress, deepen connection, and completely reshape the way we move through caregiving, grief, and uncertainty.Author and End of Life Doula John Scully shares how regular visits with his mother in memory care unexpectedly changed the direction of his life. What began as stress and sadness slowly became presence, purpose, and a deeper understanding of human connection.We talk about communication beyond words, the emotional weight of caregiving, what an end of life doula actually does, and how openness during difficult seasons can lead us somewhere we never expected.This conversation is gentle, grounding, and full of hope for anyone navigating Alzheimer’s, caregiving, loss, or simply the uncertainty of being human.Get John's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0aF1s4td———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

6 May 2026
A Dog Named Emily Captured 5 Million Hearts
A simple thrift store photo discovery turned into something that touched more than 5 million people.But the part that stays with you most is what happened after strangers opened their hearts to Emily’s story.In this episode, we talk about Emily, the golden retriever at the center of it all, the photos that stirred so much emotion, and the unexpected way people came together because one person chose to pause and care.What unfolded next is a beautiful reminder that love lingers, memories matter, and even the smallest moments can bring out something extraordinary in people.———Lindsay is a wedding photographer, boy mom of 2, a dog mom to one, and a wife to her husband Mike. She lives in the Hudson Valley, where she enjoys hitting up local thrift stores almost daily. She loves to listen to people and can often end up hearing someone’s entire life story during casual conversation. She still thinks about the time she won an award for “best Kermit the Frog” impression in elementary school and tries to tap into that confidence to this day, because she believes that trying new (sometimes scary) things is the best way to grow. She loves seeing the best of humanity in every day moments and tries to help people in whatever way she can. https://www.instagram.com/lindsaylazarephoto/https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsaylazarephoto———Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

23 Apr 2026
Grief, Identity, and Finding Your Way Forward
What happens when the life you thought you were living… suddenly changes?In this episode, we’re talking about grief, healing, and what it really means to rebuild a life after losing the person you thought you would grow old with.Today’s guest, Christy Kovel, was widowed at 46 after a 20-year marriage. In this honest and deeply human conversation, she shares what it was like to navigate the early fog of grief, learn to live alone, and begin redefining who she was without the role that had shaped so much of her life.We talk about the parts of grief people don’t always see… the loneliness, the identity shift, and the quiet work of moving forward. We also talk about something many people struggle with but don’t say out loud… the guilt that can come when joy starts to return.This is a conversation about loss, but it’s also about resilience, community, and the courage it takes to build a life again… even when it looks nothing like the one you planned.If you or someone you love is navigating grief, this episode will meet you with honesty, compassion, and hope.------Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.com (http://joywithlisa.com)https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets (https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets)https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/)

8 Apr 2026
The Real Reward Wasn't the Finish Line
In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Rancourt for a conversation about persistence, self-talk, and what it really looks like to stay committed to something meaningful over time.Julie shares her journey of running all 169 towns in Connecticut, and how what started as a goal turned into something much deeper. Along the way, she found unexpected joy, built lifelong friendships, and developed the kind of mindset that helps you keep going—even when motivation fades.We talk about the power of community, the role of inner dialogue, and how shared struggle can create connection in the most beautiful ways.Julie is one of those people who truly loves others—you feel it immediately. She has the kind of warmth that makes people feel seen, and a curiosity that reminds us everyone has a story worth hearing.If you’ve ever been in the middle of something that felt long, hard, or uncertain… this conversation will remind you why staying in it matters.------Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this.http://joywithlisa.comhttps://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regretshttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/

25 Mar 2026
Sarah made a decision the night her step-dad, Peter died that changed her life and mine.
Lisa Marshall sits down with her daughter Sarah Brehant for a deeply personal conversation about presence, intuition, and the quiet power of showing up. Together, they remember Peter—husband, stepdad, gentleman—and how Alzheimer's slowly changed him while never dimming the love between them. What unfolds is a tender story about a single decision on a December night that transformed a moment of loss into one of grace, connection, and shared peace. ------ Sarah Brehant is a luxury wedding designer who brings creativity, care, and intention to everything she does. She's also Lisa's daughter and someone who showed up in one of life's most meaningful moments with the kind of quiet courage that speaks louder than words. https://sarahbrehantevents.com/ (https://sarahbrehantevents.com/) https://www.instagram.com/sarahbrehantevents (https://www.instagram.com/sarahbrehantevents) https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahbrehantevents (https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahbrehantevents) ------ Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this. http://joywithlisa.com (http://joywithlisa.com) https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets (https://www.instagram.com/find_joy_no_regrets) https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ha53wjaKc/) http://ohhelloalz.com (http://ohhelloalz.com) https://www.instagram.com/ohhelloalzheimers/ (https://www.instagram.com/ohhelloalzheimers/) https://www.facebook.com/OhHelloAlzheimers (https://www.facebook.com/OhHelloAlzheimers)

11 Mar 2026
My friend called me out for being a bad friend
What makes a friendship last? In this episode, Lisa Marshall and her longtime friend Vicki Langone have an honest conversation about boundaries, accountability, mutual effort, and the hard lessons that can actually strengthen a relationship. It’s a warm, real discussion about showing up on purpose and building friendships that can grow through change. ------ Vicki Langone has spent much of her life in work centered on care and healing, from massage therapy and cosmetology to co-running a chiropractic wellness clinic with her husband for 20 years. She’s thoughtful, grounded, and deeply values honest communication, healthy boundaries, and meaningful connection. ------ Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again. http://joywithlisa.com

11 Mar 2026
The way you talk to yourself is changing your life
Lisa Marshall talks with boudoir and wedding photographer Jules Ehlert about body acceptance, confidence, and the power of kinder self-talk. They dive into how boudoir photography can help women reconnect with their beauty, sensuality, and self-worth—without waiting to “fix” anything first. It’s an uplifting conversation about self-love, grace, and learning to see yourself with compassion. ------ My guest, Jules Ehlert is a boudoir and wedding photographer who helps women see themselves with more confidence, compassion, and joy. Through her work behind the camera, she creates empowering experiences that encourage self-acceptance, celebrate beauty at every stage, and remind women of their worth exactly as they are. @officiallythatjules (https://www.instagram.com/officiallythatjules/) ------ Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again. http://joywithlisa.com (http://joywithlisa.com)

8 Mar 2026
Introducing the Don't Be a Miserable Cow Podcast!
Don't Be a Miserable Cow shares practical tools and deeply personal insights that empower people to take control and improve their lives with intentionality and presence. Lisa and her guests explore captivating topics like gratitude, boundaries, self-care, relationships, persistence, and finding joy in everyday life, all through the power of choice, by choosing peace and joy again and again.http://joywithlisa.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjVtOG5kYU1taFhhZFJsenpNR0Fhdnloa0Vhd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZFhtN0JNM2pid0ZCUkdzRzRMa3laM1cwbmM0amlhX1E1ck1QSENFelVDTENqeUNpUG5kUlBqNFhRb0tkV0FjbURyYUFFMlpEdFBHVDI4ZHd1TDBWR3pNMWdLOFRpSnNEb0Q3STQzYnFwS0h5N2tNbw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fjoywithlisa.com%2F&v=fH65hwMWw58)
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