This conversation features former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber discussing his experiences as a caregiver for his wife Elaine, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease, the need for caregivers to take care of themselves, and the role of community support. Gov. Schreiber shares insights from his award-winning memoir, "My Two Elaines," and highlights the emotional challenges faced by caregivers. He advocates for greater awareness and education about Alzheimer's to foster a supportive environment for both patients and caregivers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alzheimer's Caregiving

01:27 The Journey of Caregiving: The Two Elaines

05:48 Living Our Best Life as Caregivers

12:01 Seeking Help: The Importance of Support

13:14 Understanding Alzheimer's: The Role of Caregivers

8:48 Making Alzheimer's a 'Chicken Casserole' Disease

21:10 Systemic Support for Alzheimer's Caregivers

25:56 Decisions in Caregiving: The Tough Choices

28:14 Awareness for Lawyers: Memory Issues

31:55 Conversations About Memory Loss

36:17 Public Awareness and Personal Processing

In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, a special project of the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP), attorney Aviva Kaiser shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in a Pennsylvania coal mining town to building a prominent and unconventional career in the legal field. She discusses her experiences with work-life integration, the importance of establishing guiding principles, and the challenges of balancing professional and family life. Aviva reflects on her activism and the role of law in her life, and offers valuable advice for future generations of lawyers, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in navigating the complexities of the legal profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aviva Kaiser and Her Journey

02:17 From Coal Mining Town to Law School

04:37 Activism and the Pursuit of Justice

07:06 Navigating Work-Life Integration as a Lawyer

10:22 Establishing Guiding Principles for Life

15:25 The Role of Law in Personal and Professional Life

18:46 Creating Family Rituals and Quality Time

22:21 Living with Less: Prioritizing Family Over Wealth

25:07 Reflections on Career Choices and Regrets

29:29 Advice for Future Generations of Lawyers

In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, brought to you by the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) and hosted by WisLAP Program Manager Amber Ault, join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lee Edmondson, a litigator and founder of Health Education and Welfare. Jennifer shares her personal journey through a stage four metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, her resilience, and the founding of her nonprofit to support those with lymphedema. Discover how her legal training helped her navigate this challenging path and the unexpected support she received along the way.

Key Topics:

• Jennifer's cancer diagnosis and treatment experience
• The role of family and community support
• Founding a nonprofit to aid lymphedema patients
• Leveraging legal skills in personal health battles

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Lee Edmondson

00:47 The Diagnosis Journey

05:50 Navigating Treatment and Medical Team

11:35 Challenges of Chemotherapy

17:01 Support Systems and Community

23:02 Finding Hope and Remission

28:53 Creating a Nonprofit from Adversity

35:02 Legal Training and Personal Resilience

40:21 Unsung Heroes and Community Support