The holidays have a way of slowing us down—and sometimes, opening our eyes. 👀❤️

In this heartfelt episode, host Angela Vanderpool reflects on how holiday gatherings often shine a light on changes we may have been avoiding or didn’t notice before. From mom repeating the same story, to dad seeming more tired than usual, to the quiet realization that “something feels different,” the holidays can be a powerful wake-up call.

Angela gently walks listeners through:
✨ Why the holidays bring clarity around aging parents
✨ Common signs families notice for the first time
✨ The emotions that come with these realizations—guilt, fear, sadness, love
✨ How to start conversations without panic or pressure
✨ Why noticing is not failing—it’s caring

With compassion, honesty, and reassurance, this episode reminds listeners that awareness is the first step toward support—and that you are not alone on this journey. 💛

If the holidays opened your eyes this year, this episode is for you.

Company Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Host: Angela Vanderpool
Podcast Name: Hey Mom, We Never Prepared For This

Podcast Description:
Honest conversations for adult children navigating aging parents. Hosted by senior living expert Angela Vanderpool, this podcast explores caregiving, aging, grief, and the emotional moments families experience as roles begin to shift.

Podcast URL: https://heymompodcast.com

Sponsor Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Sponsor URL: https://www.dharmahealthcare.net/en/

Contact Number: 541.280.3786

Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1169776351379932
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heymom-weneverpreparedforthis

Hashtags:
#HeyMomPodcast #CaregivingJourney #AgingParents #HolidayReflections
#AdultChildrenCaregivers #SeniorCareSupport #NavigatingAging
#FamilyCaregiver #CompassionateCare #CaregivingConversations

In this heartfelt and reflective final episode of 2025, host Angela Vanderpool of Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This sits down—solo—to talk honestly about something we all feel but rarely say out loud: sometimes the holidays just… don’t feel magical.

And that’s okay.

When you’re caring for an aging parent, juggling changing traditions, or coping with loss, the holiday season can feel less like a Hallmark movie and more like an emotional obstacle course. Angela invites you into a warm, honest conversation about what it means to show yourself grace, redefine connection, and find meaning even when the season looks different than it used to.

She explores:

• How to honor the past while embracing new traditions
• Ways caregivers can relieve holiday pressure
• Why grief often resurfaces this time of year
• Small mindset shifts that bring peace and grounding
• How to let go of “perfect” and lean into “authentic”

With her signature compassion and gentle humor, Angela offers encouragement for anyone navigating a holiday season that feels tender, complicated, or bittersweet.

Episode Information

Company Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Host: Angela Vanderpool
Podcast Name: Hey Mom, We Never Prepared For This
Podcast Description:
Welcome to Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This, a podcast dedicated to adult children navigating the emotional, practical, and often overwhelming realities of caring for aging parents. Hosted by Senior Living expert and Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Angela Vanderpool, each episode provides heartfelt insight, practical tools, and compassionate support to guide you through the caregiving journey.
Podcast URL: https://heymompodcast.com
Sponsor Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Sponsor URL: https://www.dharmahealthcare.net/en/
NMLS Numbers: Not Applicable
Licensing Information: Not Applicable
Address: 4701 SW Admiral Way #174 Seattle, WA 98116
Contact Number: 541.280.3786
Contact Email: angela@whisperingwinds.info

Social Media Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1169776351379932
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heymom-weneverpreparedforthis

Hashtags:

#CaregivingJourney #AgingParents #SeniorCareSupport #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverSupport #EndOfLifeCare #AssistedLivingHelp #GriefRecovery #HeyMomPodcast #AngelaVanderpool #CaregivingCommunity #ElderCareAdvice #NavigatingAging #PodcastForCaregivers #ParentCare #AdultChildrenCaregivers #SeniorLivingExpert #CompassionateCare #CaregivingTips

In this episode of Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This, we explore one of life’s most challenging transitions — when health changes. Whether it’s a diagnosis, a sudden fall, or the gradual shift that comes with aging, these moments often bring grief, fear, and questions about independence and identity.

Angela opens up an honest conversation about what it means to lose pieces of the life we’ve known — and how families can find their way through it with empathy and understanding. We talk about redefining independence, the emotional layers of accepting help, and how to support both our loved ones and ourselves when everything feels uncertain.

Because sometimes, grief isn’t just about loss — it’s about change. And learning to navigate those changes with heart, grace, and courage is where healing begins.

Company Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Host: Angela Vanderpool
Podcast Name: Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This
Podcast Description:
Welcome to Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This—the podcast that dives into the tough conversations around aging and caregiving. Hosted by senior living expert and grief recovery specialist Angela Vanderpool, this show guides you through the emotional, practical, and heartfelt challenges of caring for aging loved ones. Whether you’re managing care, navigating tough decisions, or just trying to find peace in the process, you’re not alone.
Podcast URL: https://heymompodcast.com
Sponsor Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Sponsor URL: https://www.dharmahealthcare.net/en/
Address: 4701 SW Admiral Way #174, Seattle, WA 98116
Contact Number: 541.280.3786
Contact Email: angela@whisperingwinds.info

Social Media Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1169776351379932
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heymom-weneverpreparedforthis

Hashtags:
#CaregivingJourney #AgingParents #SeniorCareSupport #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverSupport #EndOfLifeCare #AssistedLivingHelp #GriefRecovery #HeyMomPodcast #AngelaVanderpool #CaregivingCommunity #ElderCareAdvice #NavigatingAging #PodcastForCaregivers #ParentCare #AdultChildrenCaregivers #SeniorLivingExpert #CompassionateCare #CaregivingTips