Emotional & Mental Health Episodes

Meet Mr. Whiskey! Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, facing a myriad of challenges and emotions? Do you find yourself seeking guidance and strength amidst the daily trials, longing to connect with others who understand your journey? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' and today you are in for an inspirational treat. Join us in this special episode, "Meet Mr. Whiskey—U.S. Navy Veteran, Author, Podcaster, Preac...

Unlocking the power of forgiveness. Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate path of raising your grandchildren and seeking a beacon of understanding and support? Do you battle the emotional turmoil of past grievances while striving to provide a nurturing environment for the younger generation in your care? Amid the overwhelming responsibility and grief, the quest for healing and peace can feel like an elusive dream. I’m Laura Brazan. In 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when my two...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, navigating caregiver burnout recovery? Do you feel as if your identity has vanished in the shuffle of medical appointments and emotional strain? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to recover from burnout without demanding endless hours you don’t have? The pressures of caregiving can overwhelm even the strongest among us, turning daily life into an uphill battle. I’m Laura Brazan, and alongside my guest, Carrie Severson, we de...

How can you help your grandchildren with Healing Your Inner Eater? Do you struggle with understanding how to manage dietary needs while promoting a healthy relationship with food in your household? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the desire to model positive eating behaviors without falling into the trap of food restriction? I’m Laura Brazan, your host for 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Like many of you, I've faced the unique challenges and joys of ra...

Are you a woman in midlife? In a world where midlife often brings unexpected twists and turns, are you finding yourself grappling with the realities of aging, embodying new family responsibilities, and adjusting your visions of happiness? Do you wonder how to navigate these transitions while retaining your sense of self and well-being? The journey of a grandparent raising grandchildren is filled with emotional and physical challenges that demand a compassionate, wise approach. I’m Laura Braza...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, seeking guidance through the maze of emotional and practical challenges? Do you find yourself wrestling with the past and longing to create a nurturing environment amidst the chaos? Are you dedicated to breaking down emotional walls while fostering healthier relationships within your family? I'm Laura Brazan, and in 2022, I found myself raising my grandchildren, an unexpected turn in life that has transformed my view of family and resilience. Ha...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with grief expert Victoria Volk, a compassionate guide for those navigating the complex landscape of exploring grief. With her unique background and extensive experience, Victoria sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren while grappling with the profound grief of losing a child. Join us as we unpack the universal experience of grief, exploring its impact on family dynamics and re...

In this insightful episode, we delve into the often overlooked complexities of youth sports parenting with Michael Huber. Many of us can relate to the pressures of being a young athlete—either feeling the weight of expectations from parents to excel in every game or facing the sting of being sidelined and overlooked. Michael shares his mission to equip young athletes and their families with essential tools to navigate today’s increasingly challenging and often toxic sports environment. We explo...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your teenage grandchildren, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery? Do you worry about how to effectively guide them through their struggles, ensuring they develop the life skills needed to thrive? Are you seeking expert advice and real-life stories to better support your family during these trying times? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' a dedicated podcast to support grandparents li...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly faced with raising your grandchildren while dealing with the heartbreaking loss of your own child? Do you find yourself yearning for understanding and navigating through a maze of emotions, responsibilities, and societal expectations? Are you struggling to balance mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual growth while carrying the weight of grief? I’m Laura Brazan, and a decade after losing my son, I've become an advocate for grandparents like you, raisin...

Are you raising your grandchildren while navigating the complex terrain of trauma, healing, and resilience? Do you find yourself struggling to find a community that truly understands the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this unexpected journey? Are you yearning for insights on turning pain into power and building a life filled with purpose and hope? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, my world shifted dramatically when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. Despite decades of mot...

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren and concerned about their health and diet? Struggling to navigate the complex relationship between food, emotional stress, and obesity in children? Do you wish you had a resource to guide you through fostering healthy eating habits amidst a turbulent past? I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we delve deep into the crucial topic, "What Everyone Ought to Know About Obesity." Join me ...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, wrestling with the complexities of upheaval and uncertainty? Do you find it challenging to embrace joy amidst the tumultuous rollercoaster of responsibility, stress, and emotional wounds? Are you searching for that elusive balance between duty and personal happiness, often feeling lost in the daily grind? I’m Laura Brazan, your host at 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Like many of you, in 2022, my l...

For grandparents that adopt Are you navigating the highs and lows of unexpectedly raising your foster grandchild, feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the foster care system and mental health challenges? Do you struggle with the painful memories of past traumas and disruptions, unsure if your household can find balance again? Are you looking for guidance, understanding, and a supportive community to share your journey in kinship care? I’m Laura Brazan, and today we dive into an emotional,...

Storytelling for Trauma Feeling the weight of raising your grandchildren and navigating the complexities of unprocessed trauma? Do you struggle with a whirlwind of emotions, searching for resilience amidst adversity? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Healing Power of Storytelling and Overcoming Trauma.' I'm Laura Brazan, your host. In 2022, my journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself raising my grandchildren overnight. Through heartache and hope, I've discovered the...

Support Groups for Grandparents with Nicholeen Peck Are you a grandparent unexpectedly stepping into the role of full-time parent for your grandchildren? Navigating school runs, tantrums, and isolation in an upturned social life? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, searching for a community that understands your unique challenges? You're not alone in this journey of kinship care and the complexities it brings. I’m Laura Brazan, and like you, I found myself in the profound role of raising ...

Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Are you a grandparent unexpectedly thrust into the role of raising your grandchildren, grappling with complex emotions and new responsibilities? Do you find yourself balancing the nuances of childrearing with the legal, financial, and emotional challenges unique to this journey? Are you seeking insights on mindfulness, self-care, and holistic approaches to well-being? I’m Laura Brazan, and in Episode 25 of 'Grandpa...

4 skills that correct behaviors. Are you a grandparent unexpectedly thrust into the role of primary caregiver for your grandchildren? Do you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting again while navigating the complexities of legal, financial, and emotional support? In the "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" podcast, renowned parenting expert Nicholeen Peck shares powerful strategies to simplify your parenting experience and bring harmony to your household. Discover how the innovative "T...

3 great self-care tips for caregivers! Welcome back to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." In today's episode, we're diving into "3 Fun Self-Care Tips for Caregivers." I'm your host, Laura Brazan, and joining me is self-care coach extraordinaire, Jeanette Yates. Jeanette Yates is a lifelong caregiver, Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, Modern Mindfulness/Meditation teacher, and holds a Reiki Level 1 certification. As a founder of The Self-Caregiver, she has dedicated her life to helping c...

This episode is about a survivor of childhood abuse. Are you navigating the complexities of raising your grandchildren, burdened by their past traumas and your own emotional trials? Do you yearn for guidance and connection, understanding that the responsibility you've taken on is both an unexpected blessing and a significant challenge? Whether you're dealing with past abuse, seeking strategies for support, or simply needing a community, the journey of raising grandchildren can feel isolating and...

grandparents raising grandchildren mental health As you work hard to care for your grandchildren, how are you also prioritizing caring for yourself? It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of meeting their needs, but neglecting your own self-care can leave you depleted and unable to be the extraordinary caregiver your grandkids need right now. In this episode, we'll explore the many roles you’re navigating and why prioritizing your health, peace, and support system is crucial to not just s...

grandparents raising grandchildren mental health Are you struggling with using traditional discipline methods that always seem to escalate issues with your grandchildren rather than resolve them? As grandparents raising grandchildren who have experienced trauma, the parenting approaches that worked with your own children may no longer be effective. In this episode, we'll explore why connecting with empathy and understanding before attempting to correct behavior is crucial when parenting childr...

Send us a Text Message. When was the last time you were confused by your grandchild's reaction to a seemingly minor situation? When children have experienced trauma, their brains and behaviors are impacted in profound ways, and they often react with tantrums or hyperactivity that can leave you feeling confused and frustrated. In this episode, we'll provide a compassionate, step-by-step guide for working with your traumatized grandkid. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to und...

A,grandmothers story raising grandchildren. How is your transition to the role of raising your grandchildren going? You may feel overwhelmed by all the new challenges you’re facing or frustrated that this season of life looks different than you had planned for, but what if this difficult transition could also open doors? In this inspiring episode, I am interviewed by transition coaches John and Sylvie Weaver as they share their expertise on confronting major life shifts with resilience and hop...