In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, clinical psychologist, author, and former journalist, to explore the essential but often overlooked world of working caregivers. From his early experience caring for a parent to supporting his own mother and stepfather through dementia, Barry brings both deep personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation. Together, we discuss what it means to be a caregiver, the emotional and logistical challenges involved, and how workplaces can better support their caregiving employees.

We also dive into Barry’s newest resource, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, co-authored with his wife Dr. Julia Mayer. With over 150 questions answered in a straightforward, digestible format, this book is a game changer for anyone navigating the caregiving journey. Whether you're an employer looking to build a more supportive culture or a caregiver searching for guidance, this episode is packed with empathy, wisdom, and practical advice.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Barry on why self-identification as a caregiver matters.
[2:24] - His surprising early career at Rolling Stone magazine.
[3:34] - Barry’s personal caregiving journey and its impact.
[6:24] - Balancing work and caregiving with employer support.
[8:23] - How family experiences shaped his career path.
[10:14] - The #1 question caregivers ask: how do I get help from siblings?
[12:23] - Insights from caregiving cultures in Japan and Singapore.
[14:46] - What inspired The AARP Caregiver Answer Book.
[17:00] - Favorite chapters: sibling dynamics and self-care.
[22:18] - Why spousal caregiving is uniquely challenging.
[24:34] - Barry’s consulting work with Centene and Health Management Associates.
[28:21] - Actionable ways employers can support caregivers.
[31:34] - Advice on setting boundaries at work as a caregiver.
[33:21] - Book launch info and where to connect with Barry online.

Links & Resources:

• The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (Preorder, Guilford Press): Buy Here
• Barry’s Website: www.caregiveranswerbook.com
• Barry’s AARP Self-Help Column: Read Here
• “My Care Recipient’s Doctors Don’t Respect My Boundaries”: Read Article
• The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Amazon
• AARP Meditations for Caregivers: Amazon
• AARP Love and Meaning After 50: Amazon
• The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll: ThriftBooks
• Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care: Amazon
• Health Management Associates: Visit Site
• Centene Corporation: Visit Site
• Episode 15 – Being a Caregiver Spouse: Listen Here
• Well Spouse Association:

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring Ebony Travis Tichenor, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and someone who truly lives her life out loud. Ebony shares her deeply personal and powerful 17-year caregiving journey for her mother, all while balancing a full-time career and a full heart. We dive into what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes — the highs, the heartaches, and the healing — and how vulnerability has become one of her biggest strengths.

We talk about the unspoken emotional toll that working caregivers face and how important it is to find your voice, ask for help, and protect your joy. Ebony opens up about everything from the stigma around caregiving in the workplace to the little rituals of self-care that keep her grounded.

In corporate for almost 28 years this October, Ebony’s journey is grounded in resilience, identity, and heart. Born in Joliet, Illinois and raised in small-town South Texas, she proudly embraces her Black and Mexican heritage. Beyond the day-to-day, she loves caring for her mother as a devoted caregiver, being a loving spouse, fur baby momma, and a loyal friend to many. Ebony believes in real connection, purpose, and the power of showing up as your authentic self.

Episode Highlights:

[1:39] - Zack and Selma introduce Ebony and set the stage for an energetic and heartfelt conversation.
[2:56] - Ebony shares where she’s from and opens up with humor about Dallas and the Cowboys.
[3:48] - Her 17-year journey as a caregiver begins, sparked by a turning point in her youth.
[5:30] - Navigating the healthcare system and how identity impacted her early caregiver advocacy.
[6:53] - What inspired Ebony’s vulnerable National Caregiver Day post and her decision to speak up.
[8:16] - One of Ebony’s most emotionally difficult moments as a caregiver and how she overcame it.
[10:35] - How self-care fuels her caregiving and the special joy she finds in daily moments with her mom.
[13:35] - Advice she’d give to her younger self at the beginning of this journey — and to other caregivers.
[15:57] - The importance of being honest with employers about caregiving responsibilities
[17:49] - How Ebony overcame the stigma of caregiving through community and shared stories.
[19:29] - Zack and Ebony discuss shifting cultural perceptions of caregiving in the workplace.
[20:09] - Tips for employers to create a culture where caregivers feel safe speaking up.
[21:07] - Where to follow Ebony and continue learning from her empowering story.

Links & Resources:

• Follow Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonytravis01/
• Connect with Ebony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonytravis/
• Ebony's LinkedIn Post on National Caregiver Day with her mom highlighted in our newsletter: https://zacks-newsletter-4a359b.beehiiv.com/p/what-is-in-your-2025-people-strategy-1d936a23d5dcad82

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rhonda Klug from Harry & David to talk about the often invisible and deeply personal journey of working caregivers. From supporting her parents through dialysis and COPD to leading real cultural change within her organization, Rhonda shares her firsthand experience that sparked a company-wide movement of support and empathy. She takes us behind the scenes of how Harry & David and the broader 1-800-Flowers family are creating a more compassionate workplace for employees who are balancing caregiving responsibilities with their careers.

We explore how Rhonda transformed her lived experience into a catalyst for creating CARE (Caregivers and Allies Responding with Empathy), an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that is reshaping how caregiving is understood and supported in the workplace. If you're an employer wondering how to retain and uplift your caregiving employees—or you're a caregiver looking for inspiration on how to advocate for yourself—this is the episode for you.

Episode Highlights:

[2:12] – Meet Rhonda Klug of Harry & David: Her background and caregiving connection.
[3:23] – Rhonda shares her emotional journey as a caregiver for both her parents.
[7:12] – How personal caregiving shaped her awareness of employee needs.
[9:24] – The pivotal moment at the Care Colloquium that sparked a corporate movement.
[12:50] – Why storytelling from leadership is essential in changing culture.
[15:48] – Turning insight into action: Creating a caregiver-focused ERG.
[18:50] – Innovative benefits like Talkspace and Torchlight to support employees.
[20:23] – Practical tips for managers and employees to foster communication.
[24:29] – Encouraging employees to self-identify and seek support.
[26:30] – Real-life impact: Preventing turnover and boosting retention through flexibility.
[28:50] – The ripple effect: How leadership empathy transforms company culture.

Links & Resources:

• Talkspace – Mental health support platform used by Harry & David employees
• Torchlight – Caregiving resource platform Rhonda mentions
• Celebrations Chatter Podcast by Jim McCann and interview with us
• Celebrations Pulse Newsletter by Jim McCann
• Care Colloquium – The conference that sparked Rhonda’s caregiving leadership journey and Facebook Group
• Debbie Howard – Aging Matters International – Caregiving strategy consultant
• Harry & David: https://www.harryanddavid.com/
• Crater Lake: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
• Benefits Alliance Connect Conference 2024: https://benefitsalliance.ca/event/connect-conference-2024

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.