Love Transform Evolve
Caregivers often feel like they go unnoticed. Love. Transform. Evolve. aims to change all that. This podcast shines a light on caregivers’ incredible journey. Hosted by Cynthia Iorio, each episode brings you firsthand accounts, personal stories, and valuable insights from experts in the field. Whether you’re the one who is caring for a loved one, or you know someone who is a caregiver, this podcast is your go-to resource for understanding and empathy.
info_outline
Season three of Love. Transform. Evolve. starts May 7th!
04/23/2025
Season three of Love. Transform. Evolve. starts May 7th!
Season one was all about love. Season two was about transformation. Welcome to season three of Love. Transform. Evolve. It's time for your evolution! Join host Cynthia Iorio for the third season of this immensely popular podcast. New episodes drop every Wednesday starting May 7th.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/29733043
info_outline
S2E8: Transformation
11/06/2024
S2E8: Transformation
Caring for someone else in their time of need is a tremendously transformative experience. Whether your caregiving journey lasts a few weeks, a few months, a few years, or even a lifetime, the person that you are on the other side of it is different from the person who became a caregiver. Like a modest caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly, the process can be scary, painful, and uncomfortable, but ultimately, beautiful. Joining us to discuss transformation on the season finale of Love. Transform. Evolve. Is Anna Czarnecki, who you heard from in a previous episode, as she talks about what it was like to suddenly become a caregiver after her parents were involved in a serious car accident. We’re also joined by retired teacher Maria Fornasier, who has been caring for her aging mother for several years now. And, we hear once again from Shari Reinhart, a ghostwriter and developmental editor to aspiring authors who are working on their memoirs and business books. She’s also the host of an amazing podcast, , which is extremely relevant, given the context of this particular episode.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/33646357
info_outline
S2E7: When the Caregiving Stops
10/30/2024
S2E7: When the Caregiving Stops
Transitioning from caregiver back into your old life can feel uneasy and unsettling. Whether your caregiving experience was prolonged or brief, slipping back into your old life can feel like slipping into a pair of shoes that don’t fit quite right anymore. So, how do you ease through the transition from caregiver to “regular” person? Brian Sutherland, who you heard from in previous episodes this season, is a product manager who was a caregiver for both his parents, and spoke about what that transition was like for him, after his mother passed away. If your caregiving journey has come to an end, and you're looking for additional support and/or resources, here are a few that can be very helpful at this stage:
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/33570367
info_outline
S2E6: Tech Talk
10/23/2024
S2E6: Tech Talk
Caregivers are often thrust into the caregiving role with zero advance warning, leaving little time to prepare or adjust to their new reality. Thankfully, there are many technological advancements that are making things just a little bit easier for caregivers and for the people they’re caring for. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Cindy Sim, the CEO and co-founder of Team CarePal, an app that transforms the caregiving experience through partnerships with care associations across the country and by increasing family collaboration, curating resources, and supporting caregivers’ mental health. One of Team CarePal’s long-term goals is to predict and prevent caregiver burnout, through machine learning. We also touch base with Carmi Levy, CTV’s tech analyst, to discuss a variety of tools available to caregivers both in Canada and the United States. For more on Team CarePal, click . For more on Uber Caregiver, click . For more on PyxHealth, click .
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/33483532
info_outline
S2E5: Burnt Out Heroes
10/16/2024
S2E5: Burnt Out Heroes
Are you able to recognize the warning signs of burnout? Whether you’re caring for a loved one, recently finished your caregiving journey, or are even just going through a busy season in your life, burnout is a very real issue threatening the overall well-being of the adult population. Understanding what burnout looks like for YOU, and taking action before the situation escalates, is paramount. On this week’s episode of Love. Transform. Evolve. we’re joined by Cindy Jordan, the founder and CEO of , which combines easy-to-use technology, timely human connection, and science-based programming to improve loneliness at scale. We also speak with Claire Webster, the founder of the . Both guests this week offer concrete tips and tricks for both recognizing and coping with burnout.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/33317267
info_outline
S2E4: Systems Managing Systems
10/09/2024
S2E4: Systems Managing Systems
Whether you’re a caregiver or the person receiving care, it can feel like the healthcare system is managing you, as opposed to the other way around. Navigating the various specialists, subsidies, care protocols and systems can be extremely overwhelming for anyone, but especially for regular people who aren’t well-versed in the healthcare network’s existing infrastructure. This week, we’re joined by three incredible people to discuss navigating and managing these systems: Claire Webster is the founder of the , and in addition to being a caregiver for her own mother, has also had to navigate the healthcare system for her own care. Mark Stolow is the CEO of , an organization that aims to inspire a developmental leap from health care to Human Care. Mark likens the healthcare ecosystem to a forest, highlighting the absurdity of the fact that the system requires caregivers to also be advocates for their loved ones. And finally, we’re joined once again by Brian Sutherland, a project manager and former caregiver whom you heard from in episode one of this season. Based in the United States, Brian shares what it’s like navigating health and social services south of the border, compared to how things work in Canada. For more information on services available in your area:
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/33076302
info_outline
S2E3: Mind Blown
10/02/2024
S2E3: Mind Blown
Being a caregiver can be a tremendously isolating and lonely experience. Whether you’re caring for a loved one struggling with mental illness, or taking care of an aging parent, loneliness has a way of creeping up and forcing its way in, no matter how organized or self-aware you may be. On this week’s episode of Love. Transform. Evolve. We’re joined by Anna Czarnecki, who is a caregiver to her husband, who suffers from mental illness. Anna’s husband has always been upfront with her about his mental health, which has in turn enabled her to be more introspective about her own. We’re also joined by Cindy Jordan, the founder and CEO of . Cindy’s stepdaughter Riley struggled with loneliness, and ultimately lost her life. Cindy went on to found Pyx Health, which combines easy-to-use technology, timely human connection, and science-based programming to improve loneliness at scale.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/32991117
info_outline
S2E2: Tight Rope Walking
09/25/2024
S2E2: Tight Rope Walking
Do you ever feel like you’re walking on a tightrope, trying to balance everything, worrying that one single misstep could cause you to fall? This isn’t an uncommon feeling for caregivers, who are tasked with overseeing and managing the care of a loved one. In this week’s episode of Love. Transform. Evolve. we explore the challenges that come with the caregiving balancing act. To help us on this journey of self-discovery, we welcome back Grant Bruno, an Indigenous PhD candidate in pediatric medical sciences at the University of Alberta, and a father of four. Two of his children are on the autism spectrum, which has informed his PhD research, which aims to redefine autism from a nehiyaw lens. For more information on Grant’s research, . We’re also joined by Shari Reinhart, a ghostwriter and developmental editor to aspiring authors who are working on their memoirs and business books. She’s also the host of an amazing podcast, , which is definitely worth a few minutes of your time.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/32990862
info_outline
S2E1: Transforming the Face of Caregiving
09/18/2024
S2E1: Transforming the Face of Caregiving
We’re back! Season two of Love. Transform. Evolve. aims to shift the conversation about caregiving to highlight the transformative experience that so many caregivers have after caring for a loved one. In this first episode, we speak with two incredible men who are changing the face of caregiving, and breaking the stigma that so often comes with this unique yet challenging role. Brian Sutherland is a product manager who was a caregiver for both his parents, and speaks about what it was like being a male caregiver, in what has traditionally been considered a female role. I’m also joined by Grant Bruno, an Indigenous PhD candidate in pediatric medical sciences at the University of Alberta, and a father of four. Two of his children are on the autism spectrum, which has informed his PhD research, which aims to redefine autism from a nehiyaw lens. For more information on Grant’s research, .
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/32990772
info_outline
S1E8: Finding Myself
04/03/2024
S1E8: Finding Myself
When you spend so much time caring for a loved one, it’s inevitable that your entire personality becomes tied up in being a caregiver. Sliding back into your old life can feel excruciatingly uncomfortable, and there’s very little support for those of us making that transition. On this final episode of season one of Lead With Love, we examine what happens when our caregiving journey comes to an end. To help with this, we’re joined once again by Anita Mehta, the Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange at the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, and Katrina Prescott, a caregiver and advocate. I want to take a moment to thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey. To all the caregivers out there, I see you, and you are not alone in this. For more information on caregiving, please check out the following resources: Caregiving benefits and leave - Canada.ca ontariocaregiver.ca caregiversalberta.ca familycaregiversbc.ca https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/caregiving-essentials/ socialprescribing.ca http://www.virtualhospice.ca
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30654628
info_outline
S1E7: Blessings On Your Journey
03/27/2024
S1E7: Blessings On Your Journey
When caring for a loved one, it’s really easy to fall into a negative headspace, and fail to recognize the blessings on our journey. This week on Lead With Love, host Cynthia Iorio discusses how to practice gratitude on a difficult journey, without falling into a toxic positivity mindset. She’s joined by Kathy Bohley, a Chaplain at the James Oncology Center in Ohio, as well as Grace Chapman, a nurse and caregiver also based in Ohio. The two offer valuable insight on holding space for family members who are caring for a loved one, highlighting the importance of leading with love. Also in this episode, we reflect on the medical community, and we'll hear from Sabrina Propper, a Family Support Worker at Jewish Family and Child Services in Toronto, who joins us to share a beautiful story about a family that she worked with.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30550258
info_outline
S1E6: Losing Myself
03/20/2024
S1E6: Losing Myself
Being thrust into the role of caregiver can be all consuming. There is no self any longer, you’re fully committed to this new way of life. Sometimes you’ve quit your job, moved back home, and have little time for outside commitments that aren’t directly related to caring for your loved one. The absolute greatest lesson we can learn as we’re caring for someone else is to remember to fill our own cups. This week, we’re joined by Anita Mehta, a registered nurse and licensed family therapist, who is also the Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange at the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, a branch of the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, as well as Jessica Baldwin, Cynthia’s close friend. You’ll also hear from Katrina Prescott, a caregiver and advocate whom we heard from in previous episodes. For more information on the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, you can visit their website:
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30424558
info_outline
S1E5: End of Life, Not Death
03/13/2024
S1E5: End of Life, Not Death
When you find out that someone you love has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there are certain opportunities that open that didn’t exist before. Opportunities to to open up, to communicate, and to say how you feel. Because the end of someone’s life is sacred ground. On this week’s episode of Lead With Love, host Cynthia Iorio is joined by Anita Mehta, a registered nurse and licensed family therapist, who is also the Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange at the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, a branch of the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, to discuss what palliative care looks like for different people. And, Cynthia is also joined by close friend Jessica Baldwin, who was there when Cynthia found out about her mother’s diagnosis. For more information on the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, you can visit their website:
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30292153
info_outline
S1E4: Tell Me What I Can Do To Help
03/06/2024
S1E4: Tell Me What I Can Do To Help
When you’re a caregiver, every day of your life looks different. The task list gets longer, the physical demands increase, and the emotional toll wreaks havoc on your soul. For many caregivers, help isn’t just nice, it’s a necessity. But being asked “what can I do to help” can feel incredibly overwhelming when you’re already so heavily burdened with everything else that you’re already dealing with. So, what can you say to friends and family members who ask that dreaded question? And, if YOU know someone who is actively caregiving, how can you help without creating additional emotional labour? Katrina Prescott is a caregiver and advocate, who spoke about the one thing that caregivers need most right now. And, we also hear from Sabrina Propper, a Family Support Worker at Jewish Family and Child Services in Toronto, who works with families who have recently received an autism diagnosis.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30065663
info_outline
S1E3: Burning Buildings
02/28/2024
S1E3: Burning Buildings
It takes a special kind of person to run into a burning building when everyone else is running out. Caregiving for a loved one can be a very similar ordeal, and that’s a theme that we explore this week on Lead With Love, a caregivers podcast, hosted by Cynthia Iorio. This week, we’ll hear a few familiar voices in Liv Mendelsohn (executive director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence), Oliver Fitzpatrick (Young Carers Project Coordinator at AMI-Quebec), and Terrence Ho, who we heard from earlier this season. Their unique insight into what makes a caregiver leap into action when others cower away provides a valuable lesson to us all. •You can follow Terrence on Instagram at TerrenceHo. •To learn more about the CCCE, you can visit their website at •For more on young carers and the support that’s available to them, visit
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/30033598
info_outline
S1E2: Denial
02/21/2024
S1E2: Denial
Denial can be a powerful thing, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a weakness. In fact, denial can serve a bigger purpose, and oftentimes acts as a protector to our brains. This week on Lead With Love, host Cynthia Iorio talks about what denial has looked like in her own caregiving journey, and how it has served her. Cynthia also is joined by Sabrina Propper, a Family Support Worker at Jewish Family and Child Services in Toronto. The two met at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence’s first annual summit in Ottawa, and both took away something completely unexpected from the conference. We’ll also hear from Katrina Prescott this week, a caregiver and tireless advocate, on what her own caregiving journey was like.
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/29943323
info_outline
S1E1: Don't Call Me Caregiver
02/14/2024
S1E1: Don't Call Me Caregiver
In this inaugural episode of Lead With Love, host Cynthia Iorio tackles the tough but rewarding topic of caregiving. As a caregiver to both of her parents when they were in the end-stages of their lives, Cynthia comes armed with a unique perspective from her lived experience. This week, she's joined by Terrence Ho, a caregiver and tireless advocate, as well as Liv Mendelsohn, the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre of Caregiving Excellence, and Oliver Fitzpatrick, the Young Carers Project Coordinator at AMI-Quebec. •You can follow Terrence on Instagram at TerrenceHo. •To learn more about the CCCE, you can visit their website at •For more on young carers and the support that’s available to them, visit
/episode/index/show/3b303729-bf85-44e0-8b2d-b41c6fb362c7/id/29943303