The Sandwich Generation is a smart, funny, and deeply human podcast about life in the middle—caring for both young children and aging parents. Hosted by two women living it in real-time, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson bring raw honesty, real advice, hopefully some levity to every episode.
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Episode 1: SEASON 2 PREMIER - How the Hell Do I Stay Organized? Getting our Sh*t together Sandwich Generation Style!
Season 2 · Episode 1
Thursday, March 26, 2026 • Duration 31:34
Description: Alright, who else feels overwhelmed by keeping together the paperwork and passwords alone in The Sandwich Generation? Do we go digital with all of this or keep it analog? Yeah, we are asking ourselves the same questions, too! Season 2 of the podcast premiers with this mini-episode where Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson tackle one of our greatest challenges: organization. We discuss a system called ‘The Legacy Binder’ to simplify life admin - the medical, legal, end-of-life-planning, etc. and hopefully this can help us ALL make caregiving a little less stressful and more manageable when all of our shit is in one place. Did we mention how amazing scanner apps are? This episode isn’t deep but it is helpful!
Takeaways:
Creating the “Legacy Binder”: Put together both a physical binder and digital folder with all of these important things! You can create this for both your aging parents and your own family.
Digital Folder: Use a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud. Make sure to keep things password protected for safe keeping!
Get yourself a Scan App: Scan Ace or Scan is what we use!
01:15 There's so much paperwork: How do we get ourselves organized?
02:47 Analog vs Digital Organization - Or make it a combo!
09:54 Category Tips for Organizing ALL the Info
17:44 Category Tips Continued
22:17 Starting the Conversation with Parents
25:23 Care Out Loud Resource for Caregivers
28:59 Outro
Episode 10: SEASON 1 FINALE! Celebrating the Time We Have! With Stephanie March
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Duration 01:15:39
Does it feel like time is fragile with your loved one? We do too. The truth is, none of us know how much or little time we have left with one another. For our Season 1 finale, we don’t just go deep, we go to THERAPY with our friend, Stephanie March. (We highly encourage you to take a read through her popular substack, Pickle.)
Stephanie shares her story - and her personal journey - of saying goodbye to her mother Brigitte, who we all called Oma, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months to live. This is not an episode of fear or despair, but rather of light, love, the little things - and being brave enough to truly celebrate the time we have! We also touch on leading our children through the loss of a loved one and why we are all a part of ‘The long goodbye’.
Grab your Kleenex and come laugh and cry with us through this episode! It’s a journey you won’t forget!
Takeaways:
Whether we are caregiving for aging parents or facing a terminal illness, how can we celebrate the time we have?
It’s the small things in life that matter the most in the end.
How can we practice staying present and having connection through aging or a terminal diagnosis?
Death merch is a very cool thing.
Death nesting is also a very real part of the process.
Are we all in ‘The Long Goodbye?’
Legacy is about carrying forward the stories and values of those we love.
How do we raise our kids to learn about death and loss when we’re sandwiched?
Continuing the celebration at a memorial - in a fun way.
Links + Resources:
Episode 2: What the hell is power of attorney and why do you need it? With Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law, LLC.
Season 1 · Episode 2
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 48:58
“Are you the Power of Attorney?” When shit goes down and a health crisis happens with our aging parents, this is one of the first questions we are asked. But what the hell is a power of attorney and why do we need it?
In this episode, Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank are joined by (the fantastic) Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law, LLC and we discuss it all. Rachel’s approach to guiding her clients through Estate Planning and Elder Law is truly remarkable and we are so grateful for her advice and real-life-tips that you can put into action to help you today!
Side note: We learned Power of Attorney isn’t just for aging parents, it’s important for ALL of us. Listen in to learn more!
Takeaways
Why Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives are important for ALL of us, NOW! Including your freshly turned 18 year old.
What’s valuable about hiring an attorney to help with Estate Planning and Elder Law.
How to interview attorneys to find the right personality and fit for your family.
When to strategically schedule legal meetings + important appointments to allow everyone to retain the information best.
How siblings should play to each other’s strengths to divide and conquer responsibilities.
What’s the difference between Power of Attorney and co-signer on your parent’s bank accounts, and which one is better.
Links and Resources:
**The following links are resources based in the state of Minnesota.**
Schromen Law, LLC - Learn more about Rachel’s practice and approach to Estate Planning and Elder Law. We know we’ll be making an appointment!
- A very cool document provided by Schromen Law, LLC that walks you through questions to ask while calling around for Estate Planning and Elder Law.
Episode 1: Introduction: What even IS the Sandwich Generation? And are YOU in it?
Season 1 · Episode 1
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 21:33
Are you taking care of your young kids and aging parents? Are you feeling like you’re in the messy middle and you don’t know where to go? We felt the same way so we started this podcast ♡
In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, who are simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. Our conversation introduces us, your charming co-hosts, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson, as we share our personal experiences with being sandwiched. We also explore the emotional and financial burdens of caregiving, the importance of community support, and our hopes and dreams for The Sandwich Generation Pod and how we want YOU to be a part of it all! ✨
Takeaways:
Why is caregiving so emotionally and physically taxing?
Community support is crucial!
How isolation plays into the struggles
Navigating the complex process of Assisted Living
Humor as a coping mechanism is real
Build that community for much-needed support!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Sandwich Generation Pod
05:20 What IS Sandwich Generation?
10:41 Our Hopes and Dreams for this Podcast
14:19 Engagement and Community Building
Links and Resources:
We want to hear from you and invite you to be a part of the community we are building! Do you want to share your story of being in The Sandwich Generation? Do you have a question or topic you’d love us to talk about? Maybe you have a very funny or terribly sad To Laugh or Cry Moment? We’d love to hear from you however you want to show up and you can find us in these spaces:
Find us on Instagram
Season 1 Trailer
Season 1
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 00:40
A quick glimpse of what is to come - Season 1 of The Sandwich Generation Pod will be launching in Mid July 2025. This will be a humorous podcast about caregiving for the young, old, and all of the chaos in between. Hosted by Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank ✨
Epiosde 9: Holiday Survival Guide: A Very Tricky Christmas!
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 51:28
We can all relate to the chaos of the holiday season and when you’re in The Sandwich Generation, things can feel…extra tricky. You’re packing up the strollers, the walkers and packing diaper bags for both the young and old - ah! Yes! The Holidays! In this episode, hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank talk about the hilarious predicaments of the holiday logistics when you’re caregiving, along with generational and religious differences, sentimental holiday traditions and even a visit from Santa! You heard right - Santa. We will also leave you with some tips and tricks that we can all use as we approach this holiday season! Yes - it’s an episode for us all!
Takeaways
Things feel mighty tricky during the holidays when you’re Sandwiched!
There are a lot of logistics, diaper bags, walkers and snacks packed for everyone.
Emotions run high during holiday gatherings.
The torch has been passed - and now it is our time to carry on or start new traditions.
Consider hosting your holiday early - when the kids and grandparents' energy levels are the best - or before the sugar crash.
Outsource that shit! The meal, the shopping, whatever you need to do!
Happy Holidays - I’m setting boundaries this year!
All that matters is our time together.
What would you add to our holiday survival guide?
Chapters
00:00 The Holiday Chaos when you're in The Sandwich Generation
04:22 Robyn's Real Life Hallmark Story of Chrismukkah
08:18 Nostalgia and the Holidays - How did our parents do it all?
10:51 Eliesa's Christmas Tradition: Being Santa and the Elf
11:35 The Santa Legacy
16:47 Passing the Torch: When a new generation leads the Holiday
20:54 HO HO HO! A visit from SANTA!
25:37 Incorporating Parents in Holiday Celebrations
Episode 8.5: How do I NOT age like my parents? With Rachel Daugherty of Booty and Brains.Co
Season 1 · Episode 85
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • Duration 56:58
For caregivers who have watched a loved one decline from the terrible diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Cancer; the question is often asked, “Will this happen to me? Is there anything I can do to prevent this?” If you are in The Sandwich Generation, you also know that finding time for self care is hard (See Episode 4: Self Care is a SCAM!). Suddenly we see ourselves shifting - we are setting our vanity aside and health and wellness have become about preserving our bodies and MINDS for aging - and living in the now! In this episode we welcome Rachel Daugherty of BootyandBrains.co who has built something truly remarkable and made the internet buzz about - gasp - brain health! She’s a sandwiched parent who has ushered her own mother through a fraught battle with Alzheimer's - and built us all a resource on both educating and empowering our bodies and minds! Rachel is inspiring hundreds of thousands of people and we are lucky to have her with us today!
Links and Resources:
@bootyandbrains.co - Follow Rachel, her knowledge and hilarity here on her instagram account!
BootyandBrains.co - Sign up for Rachel’s class. A clear guided path to reducing your risk of Alzheimer's by building sustainable daily habits.
Momentous - A Rachel-endorsed brand for Creatine and Fish Oil supplements. (Code B&B for 20% off)
Episode 8: I think my parent has Alzheimer’s, NOW what?! With Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly of the Alzheimer's Association
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 01:13:33
Almost everyone knows someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease. For many of us in The Sandwich Generation, this diagnosis was also the moment we became caregivers for our loved ones. But it’s all so confusing - is it Alzheimer’s? Is it Dementia? How do I bring up this conversation with my parents? Am I genetically dispositioned to get this too? WTF!
In this episode, co-hosts Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank have an incredibly candid and informative conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly, Senior Director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Edgerly shares her personal story of walking alongside her mother with Lewy Body Dementia, along with answering all our questions - and giving HOPE to the future of Alzheimer’s. This episode is for us all - what we can do for Alzheimer's prevention, knowledge about the latest groundbreaking treatments and most importantly - how we, as caregivers, can bring humanity and Person Centered Care to our loved ones!
Takeaways
The difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
What to do when you notice cognitive changes in your parent.
Explaining the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact brain health and reduce risk.
Genetic factors play a role in Alzheimer's risk, but lifestyle can mitigate this.
Hormonal changes in women may increase Alzheimer's risk and with caregiving, it’s a double whammy.
Support resources are available for caregivers and those diagnosed at ALZ.org.
Episode 7: Saying goodbye to the childhood home - also my parents have WAY too much STUFF! With Alli Rubin, Professional Moving Manager
Season 1 · Episode 7
Thursday, September 18, 2025 • Duration 01:07:39
Downsizing and moving your aging parents is one of the hardest tasks of all time. Or maybe your loved one has already passed and you are tasked with selling a home and going through a lifetime of belongings. It’s. Brutal. Seriously, it’s the definition of overwhelm. Where do you begin? In this episode, we welcome guest Alli Rubin who is a professional moving manager and a true ‘easy button’ when it comes to tackling this enormous task. Alli shares actionable tips on how to approach going through all of the stuff along with a thoughtful conversation about how our objects do hold meaning and the way we can honor the past while finding closure and moving on. It’s a good one, welcome to The Sandwich Generation Pod!
Takeaways
The difference between a Hoarder and a Saver - we all think our parents are hoarders, but are they really?
It’s a gift to move your parents while they are still alive - start the conversations and process early!
Our objects, our things and our stuff hold meaning. They tell stories. Let's honor that while also downsizing and guest Alli Rubin provides actionable tips to dealing with all of the ‘stuff’.
How to make the new place feel like home.
How to keep objects for future generations and remember our loved ones.
The difference between hiring a professional mover vs junk removal - and the realistic costs.
How our objects can live on and give meaning to others!
Working with Siblings and creating boundaries and deadlines around the moving process!
PRISM MPLS - Donate to the Shop for Change Thrift Shop and Marketplace Food Shelf.
Episode 6: How to save your friendships when you’re in The Sandwich Generation
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, September 4, 2025 • Duration 47:54
Have you ever been asked by a friend, “What can I do to help?” and you go blank?! Yeah, us too. Being in The Sandwich Generation is a lot. And it’s oftentimes hard for our friends and ourselves to communicate just how lonely it feels and how much we need our friends. In this episode hosts Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson discuss the challenges of maintaining friendships, having the capacity and some great tips on how we can accept help and love from our friends. Lets learn together on how to call upon our village, so we can feel a little less alone!
Takeaways
Life can feel heavy and lonely when you’re in the Sandwich Generation and it’s oftentimes hard to share your true feelings with friends.
We need our friendships, now more than ever - but how do we ask for help?
Friends can show support in simple, meaningful ways
Friendship is essential and can be a source of strength during tough times.
It's important to include friends in the caregiving journey, even if it's just sharing updates.
Friendship is essential and can be a source of strength during tough times
Recognizing the efforts of friends and expressing gratitude strengthens relationships.
Chapters
00:00 Intro to Friendships
01:17 It feels lonely when you're 'Sandwiched'
06:04 The importance of work friendships
09:26 It takes a village
12:59 Things aren't as they used to be - and that's okay!
19:57 What can I do for you?
28:25 To Laugh or Cry Segment
30:15 Examples of how friends have shown up
37:42 Keeping our Parent's friendships alive and well
42:51 A recap and Survival Guide to Friendships in the Sandwich Generation
47:13 Outro
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to The Sandwich Generation Pod, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
State of Minnesota Power of Attorney Forms - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you.
State of Minnesota Health Care Directive Form - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you.
Do you have a hot tip for legal advice to share? Good resources beyond our state of Minnesota? Maybe you have a hilarious Laugh or Cry moment you want to contribute to our show. We want to hear from you ✨
My ALZ Journey - a new app brought to you by the Alzheimer's Association that puts all of their resources in one easy place for people who are first diagnosed
The Empowered Caregiver - Support Groups, Local Chapters and Online Community for caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
24/7 Helpline - Yes, this helpline is still a thing AND a useful tool when you need help directly in the moment! A professional staff can guide you through all of your questions, day or night!
Trial Match - Are you interested in being a part of a clinical research study? See if you qualify and what studies are happening now!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly
25:03 The Comfort of Nostalgia: Peanut M&Ms and Family Bonds
27:27 Preserving Dignity
30:36 Early, Middle and Late Stages of Alzheimer's
35:12 The Importance of Early Diagnosis
38:59 Emerging Treatments and Blood Tests for Alzheimer's
45:54 Understanding Amyloid and Neurofibrillary Tangles
Bridging - Accepts Furniture, housewares, linens, small appliances, electronics, mirrors, artwork and pictures.
JFCS Hag Sameach Program - provides personalized holiday gifts, ritual items, and household necessities to families and individuals who are in need.
Astound Video - Converting VHS, Photographs, CD's, and Video Tape transfers to digital format.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:12 Meet Alli Rubin 04:39 When is the right time to call a mover? 14:19 Hoarder vs Saver 19:06 Helping families downsize 30:52 Our objects hold meaning 34:42 The energy our objects hold and passing that along 38:30 The difference between hiring a mover and junk removal 43:15 Estate Sales and Resellers 46:45 Setting Boundaries and Timelines 51:55 Start the moving conversation early, make the calls and plan 56:12 Outro 56:53 Real Talk
