Amintro Family: The Podcast

Episode 18: Ian Hardy

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

As Ian Hardy steps more fully into the role of caregiver, he joins our host Jeff Sammut to reflect on the changes unfolding in his family. He shares the story of his aging father, who found love again later in life—only to face heartbreaking loss just a few months ago. Ian opens up about how his father is readjusting to being single in his later years, and how he and his siblings are stepping in to help fill the space left by his father’s partner. He also discusses the delicate timing of conversations around downsizing and increasing levels of care, and speaks candidly about how he’s navigating the emotional and practical realities of taking on a growing caregiving role.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Amintro Family: The Podcast is brought to you by Amintro Inc., a mission-driven tech company dedicated to supporting older adults and family caregivers. If you’re caring for an aging relative or friend, our companion platform—the Amintro Family App—is here to help. This free app connects you with fellow caregivers, expert advice, practical tools, and exclusive offers tailored to your caregiving journey. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, problem-solving tips, or simply reassurance that you’re not alone, you’ll find it here. The podcast and our app offer stories, solutions, and solidarity for life’s caregiving chapters. Download Amintro Family App free from Google Play or the App Store.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17: Katharine Perry

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Caring for parents with mobility and cognitive challenges inspired Katharine Perry to turn a personal need into a purpose-driven business. In this episode, she joins host Jeff Sammut to share her journey of creating an adaptive clothing line, navigating entrepreneurship while caregiving, and addressing the gaps in awareness and education around adaptive wear. Katharine also reflects on the rewards of helping families facing similar challenges and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Her company, Adaptt Apparel, is featured in the Amintro Family app marketplace, connecting family caregivers with practical solutions and trusted resources. This episode is a must-listen for family caregivers, older adults, and anyone interested in adaptive clothing, caregiving innovation, and meaningful ways to support aging loved ones.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16: Carla Velastegui

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Carla Velastegui has been a caregiver to her mother since her teenage years. She joins host Jeff Sammut to share her story, discussing the shock of her mother’s early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis, the need for greater support and recognition for young caregivers, and the economic ripple effects when caregivers are forced to leave the workforce. Carla also offers advice for families with a newly diagnosed loved one, emphasizes the importance of self-care for Parkinson’s caregivers, and explores the many challenges—and lessons—that come with the role.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15: Cathy Caldarola

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Following the recent loss of her father, and her mother just a few years earlier, caregiver Cathy Caldarola joins host Jeff Sammut to share her deeply personal caregiving journey. She reflects on caring for a cognitively impaired parent, doing so from another country, the guilt that often accompanies long-distance caregiving, the profound void left in the aftermath, and how the experience has forever changed her.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 14 : Ron Baecker

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Ron Baecker, author of Reinvention: Meaningful Ventures in Later Life, joins host Jeff Sammut to discuss how caregivers can navigate — or look ahead to — life beyond caregiving. Ron shares insights from people who have successfully reinvented themselves, outlines his five foundations for meaningful reinvention, addresses common misconceptions about the process, explores how the concept of reinvention may evolve in the future, and reflects on his own journey of reinvention.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 13: Jay Ingram

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Canadian author, acclaimed broadcaster, science journalist, and Member of the Order of Canada Jay Ingram joins host Jeff Sammut to reflect on the history of Alzheimer’s disease. Together, they explore what has changed in the decade since the release of Ingram’s book The End of Memory: A Natural History of Aging and Alzheimer’s, discuss his personal experiences as a caregiver, and delve into the topic of caring for aging pets in light of his latest work, The Science of Pets — and much more.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 12: Amy Coupal

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Jeff Sammut sits down with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), to explore the deeply personal experiences that have shaped her life’s work. Amy opens up about her caregiving journey—first as a young caregiver to her brother living with Cerebral Palsy, then supporting her mother through cancer, and now caring for her aging father.

Drawing from more than two decades in the not-for-profit sector, Amy reflects on how her personal story continues to inform her professional mission: ensuring caregivers across Ontario feel seen, supported, and valued. Together, she and Jeff discuss the realities of caregiving—its emotional impact, the gaps in awareness and resources, and how organizations like OCO are creating meaningful change for millions of families.

Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the invisible network that keeps our communities strong, this conversation offers compassion, wisdom, and hope in equal measure.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11: Chris Durrance

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:42:26 GMT

2-time Emmy & Peabody award-winning documentary filmmaker and the founder/owner of Seven One Eight Studios Chris Durrance is the director and senior producer of the PBS film “Caregiving”, executively produced by Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper. Chris sits down with host Jeff Sammut to discuss how the film shines a light on caregiving in the US, the challenges unpaid and professional caregivers are facing, the sense of urgency that came with making this film, how he’s left feeling hopeful after making “Caregiving” and more. Watch “Caregiving” and the 18 short films Chris and his team also made as part of the project on PBS.org and the PBS app. https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10: Francine Gelinas

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Past caregiver Francine Gelinas joins host Jeff Sammut to look back on caregiving for her late father who suffered from Alzheimer’s, sharing caregiving responsibilities with her sister, stepping in for her burned-out caregiving stepmother and discusses how her family is being studied due to so many members receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Amintro Family: The Podcast is created by the Amintro Family App to give family caregivers a voice. Each episode shares real-life stories and conversations—both from well-known personalities and everyday caregivers—so no one feels alone on their caregiving journey.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9: Jann Arden

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Singer, songwriter, author, actress, 8-time Juno Award winner, member of the Order of Canada… and caregiver. In this heartfelt episode, host Jeff Sammut sits down with Jann Arden as she reflects on her personal caregiving journey.

Jann opens up about her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows she experienced, and a simple but powerful choice she made that changed everything for both her and her mother. Through her candid storytelling, listeners gain insight into the challenges, resilience, and love that define the caregiver experience—reminding us all that even small choices can have a profound impact.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8: Marc Berube

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:38:22 GMT

Caregiver Marc Berube joins host Jeff Sammut to discuss caregiving from another province, how his family dealt with his father’s abrupt terminal cancer diagnosis, how he’s made his mother his top priority since the loss of his father and more. In this heartfelt episode of Amintro Family: The Podcast, host Jeff Sammut sits down with Marc Berube, a devoted caregiver navigating family care from another province. Marc opens up about the emotional whirlwind his family experienced when his father received an abrupt terminal cancer diagnosis, sharing the challenges, fears, and moments of love that came with it.

He also reflects on the ways he has prioritized his mother’s well-being since his father’s passing, balancing distance, responsibility, and compassion in a journey that many caregivers will relate to. Through candid stories and reflections, Marc offers insight, hope, and inspiration for anyone supporting aging loved ones—reminding us all that even in difficult times, love and connection can guide every decision.

Tune in for an honest, moving conversation that shines a light on the realities of caregiving, the power of family, and the strength found in caring for those we love.

The Amintro Family App is a social network and resource hub where family caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: Caroline Tapp-McDougall

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Executive Director & Managing Editor of the Canadian Abilities Foundation, President of the BCS Group, publisher of Caregiver Solutions magazine and founder/CEO of Canada Cares Caroline Tapp-McDougall joins host Jeff Sammut to discuss the importance of community for caregivers, what advice she has for someone who’s just become a caregiver, how she’s been able to help other caregivers as an author, publisher, fundraiser and through her non-profit and what triggered her career dedication of helping other caregivers.

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Episode 6: Susie Singer Carter

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 GMT

EPISODE 6: Susie Singer-Carter joins host Jeff Sammut. Susie is an award-winning filmmaker and spokesperson for the documentary “NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE”, a nursing home exposé. Susie speaks to her own caregiving experience with her mother, takes a deep dive into the long term care industry in the US and how for many in the business, money…not care…is the incentive.

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Episode 5: Taylor Kaye

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Taylor Kaye joins host Jeff Sammut. She’s a broadcaster, do-it-yourself lifestyle expert, mother of 3 daughters and wife/caregiver/advocate to her husband, who is nonverbal and paralyzed. Taylor discusses her many roles, how she has navigated the unexpected and where she draws strength from to get through every day.

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Episode 4: Gavin Crawford

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

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Episode 3: Hal Johnson

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Co-host of TV’s “BodyBreak” Hal Johnson joins host Jeff Sammut to talk about caregiving for his parents, who are in their 90’s. Hal joins us at a time when his father is in palliative care and is not only helping his mother say goodbye, but saying goodbye himself. Hal also discusses how he’s been able to caregive from a distance with the help of technology.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected and get early access to future episodes!

Download the Amintro Family App now from Google Play, the App Store, or visit amintrofamily.com to listen first, join the conversation, and explore more caregiver-friendly content.

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Episode 2: Patty Attwell

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Caregiver Patty Atwell joins host Jeff Sammut just a couple of days after saying goodbye to her 99 year old mother. Patty looks back at her caregiving journey, discusses how she shared caregiving duties with her husband, sister and brother-in-law, and how they convinced someone known for taking care of everyone else to be taken care of.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected and get early access to future episodes!

Download the Amintro Family App now from Google Play, the App Store, or visit amintrofamily.com to listen first, join the conversation, and explore more caregiver-friendly content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: Charlene Nadalin

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT

President and CEO of Amintro Inc Charlene Nadalin joins host Jeff Sammut in our debut episode, looking back on Amintro’s creation and evolution. Charlene also discusses her own caregiving journey with her mother’s recent cancer diagnosis and goes back almost 25 years to that of her father’s. Thanks to Chartwell Retirement Residences for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at chartwell.com.

Amintro Family App

You're Caring. We’re Here for You.

Caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one isn’t easy — and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Amintro Family is a supportive, online space built specifically for family caregivers. Here, you’ll find others who truly understand what you're going through and are ready to listen, share, and help.

Alongside a warm, welcoming community, you’ll also discover practical tips, trusted advice, and resources to help you care with confidence — including products and services that make life a little easier. With Amintro Family, you’re not just informed. You’re empowered.

Download now from Google Play, the App Store, or visit amintrofamily.com

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Amintro Family: The Podcast Trailer

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:27:54 GMT

Amintro Family: The Podcast supports family caregivers—and it shares the same mission as the Amintro Family App: to empower, connect,

and uplift those caring for aging loved ones. The podcast is a natural extension of the app experience, offering real stories and meaningful

conversations that complement the resources, community, and tools available in the app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.