Better Relationships, Better Life

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 041: Alzheimer’s & Caregiver Relationships

Cheryl Blanchard is a licensed social worker, certified dementia care specialist, and a certified case manager. She has worked with seniors for several years in a variety of roles. She has focused most of her training on caring for those with Alzheimer’s Disease, along with their families. Cheryl provides information on caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis. She also supports caregivers.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Definition and misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Common complications with care giving and family relationships

Breaking through denial in order to prepare for progressive stages of the illness.

How to edit a vow that was previously promised in order to care effectively for the loved one while staying well as a caregiver.

Connect with Cheryl:

Links Mentioned:

Website: https://www.alztennessee.org/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AlzTN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alztn?s=21&t=Cvt3TqgNo0mmBamxl4rpXw

Instagram: https://instagram.com/alzheimerstn?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q=

Hire Judy to Speak, plus additional resources:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 040: Severe Mental Illness & the Partnered Marriage Part 2

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Mark Lukach. He is the author of the international bestselling memoir My Lovely Wife in The Psych Ward.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you go back to the previous episode. We talk about the care-giving season of Mark and Giulia’s young marriage.

This episode is “Severe Mental Illness and the Partnered Marriage.” We talk through how to maintain a sense of family when you know that crisis and trauma might be on a loop cycle.

Mark first wrote about Giulia in a New York Times “Modern Love” column. He has also shared their story at The Moth Main Stage, and at a TEDx conference.

My Lovely Wife In The Psych Ward is the product of 5 years of Mark’s writing. He shows how mental illness redefined his marriage to Giulia, and ultimately affirmed the power of love.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Learning to maintain a sense of family while in a loop cycle of severe mental illness.

A pathway toward accepting and embracing the reality of the mental illness while realizing its after affects.

How reciprocal perspectives are necessary for sustaining the relationship.

Resilience and healing through the written word.

Necessity of self-care and individual therapy for the non-ill spouse.

Wellness factors required for partnered teamwork and preparation.

Connect with Mark:

Website: http://www.marklukach.com

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 039: Severe Mental Illness & the Care-Giving Marriage Part 1

This episode and the next are part 1 and 2 of a topic that touches many of us. “Severe Mental Illness.”

In part 1 we’re addressing the care-giving season of a young marriage.

In part 2 we address the growing partnership of Mark & Giulia Lukach. This is a remarkable story. You’ll want to be sure and tune into both parts.

Mark Lukach is the author of the international bestselling memoir My Lovely Wife in The Psych Ward. His freelance writing has been published in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Pacific Standard, Wired, and other publications. He is currently the ninth grade Dean at The Athenian School, where he also teaches history. Mark lives with his wife, Giulia, and their sons in the San Francisco Bay area.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·      The unexpected onset of severe mental illness in a young married couple.

·      How psychosis and recovery changes the husband/wife partnership into care-giver/patient.

·      Necessity of therapy and support for the caregiver.

·      The role of denial and the condition of anosognosia.

·      What’s needed in partnered healing.

Connect with Mark:

Website: http://www.marklukach.com

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Judy K Herman helps families and leaders change complaints into cooperation in their 9-5 jobs and 24/7 lives. She’s been doing that all her life at various stages from her family of origin to 40 years of marital experiences with two husbands (not at the same time.) Her second career as a psychotherapist specializing in relationships followed seasons of homeschooling her four (now adult) children.

She’s the author of top ten finalist “Beyond Messy Relationships” published in 2019. Her weekly podcast “Better Relationships, Better Life” features influencer experts and courageous couples.

The book and podcast have become “therapy beyond the four walls of her counseling office.” Judy is among the top 3 marriage counselors in Chattanooga. She is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia. Her innovative counseling and coaching includes virtual and outdoor retreat packages.

When she’s not having backyard adventures with her 5 young grandchildren, you can find her exploring her own adventures. Part of that is honing her craft as a speaker and writer. The other part is international travel along with facilitating retreats and mastermind groups.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• What lights you up?

• What are the common themes in your life?

• What does it mean to be willing to evolve?

Connect with Judy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judykherman/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judycounselor/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyHermanRelationships

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 037: Finding Fun & Flow Through Life

Jody Lentz facilitates better teams, better meetings and better decisions.

His creative communication and innovative approach helps organizations think, plan and act strategically. His passion is engaging organizations to create high-performance, low-drama work cultures.

Jody’s clients span the government, higher education, entrepreneurial and corporate realms. One of his proudest business achievements has been on a team developing “Serious Play,” a product for the LEGO company. Based in Nashville, Jody and his wife of 34 years have three adult sons and two grandchildren.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·      Tapping into fun and wonder in family and business.

·      The difference between a facilitator and a consultant.

·      Take work seriously. But don’t take your life too seriously.

·      Injecting play and light-heartedness in everything you do.

·      Balancing creative flow to avoid stuck-ness or boredom in your relationships and career.

·      Mentioned the book: “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmilhalyi

Connect with Jody::

Links Mentioned:

www.JodyLentz.com

http://www.thinkwithyourhands.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-lentz-bna

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman 

Episode 036: Post-Divorce Bliss: Ending Us & Finding Me

Jude Walsh is the author of the award-winning Post-Divorce Bliss: Ending Us and Finding Me. She is a creativity and life coach. And she helps women, either post-divorce or at a turning point in their lives, identify and realize an optimal new life. She writes self-help, personal essay, and romance. In addition to writing and coaching, she teaches legacy and journal writing classes.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• Physical health concerns dealing with the jolt of betrayal in a long-term marriage. 
• The crucial importance of self-care and letting go 
• Necessity of a marriage autopsy through the divorce process 
• Creating new traditions and new life experiences for post-divorce bliss.

Connect with Jude:

Links Mentioned:

http://secondbloomcoaching.com/

jude@secondbloomcoaching.com Subject line “Bonus” for a PDF to help through the holidays. 

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/secondbloomcoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-walsh-49508b165

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 035: Beyond Messy Relationships: Divine Invitations to Your Authentic Self

Rebecca Greene is back (see episode # 12) now on the other side of the microphonewith Judy. From one therapist to another, Rebecca brings thought-provoking questions after reading Judy’s book, “Beyond Messy Relationships.” Their common professional trainings and careers led them to a “soul-sisterhood” connection. Both have been hosts and guests on each other’s podcasts. Both share common values on marriage, family, and relationships. 

Rebecca’s Whinypaluza Vlog has over 3.7 million views. On this episode, she is masterful at bringing out Judy’s intense and dramatic story. With 40 years of marital experiences to two different husbands, Judy shares the catalyst for writing her book. Issues addressed include divorce, re-marriage, mental illness, abortion, and resilience. Tune into the conversation behind the curtain of an “uncoupled” relationship therapist. 

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

• How confronting and releasing shameful secrets can become transformational moments in our lives.
• How to use a resilience formula – AIR: Awareness, Intentionality, Risk of growth
• The value of reframing narratives of painful endings. i.e. divorce vs. ‘natural completions.’ 
• Relationship advice for those caring for loved ones with mental illness. 
• The need for support regardless of the shame of secrecy or “imposter syndrome.”
• Our lives are more than the initials behind our names and more than the roles we play (as spouse, parent, mother, etc.) 

Connect with Rebecca:

Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

Book  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

Links Mentioned:

Get your signed copy of Beyond Messy Relationships https://www.judycounselor.com/beyond-messy-relationships/

For Judy’s resources and connection:

To hire Judy as a speaker – https://www.judyspeaker.com

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 034: Deepening Connection Through Listening, Creativity, and Risks of Growth

John Noltner is an award-winning photographer who has worked on four continents, gathering stories of human courage, grace, and resilience. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations. His multimedia art project, A Peace of My Mind, reflects his belief that art and storytelling can help individuals, organizations and communities articulate their deepest values and encourage action toward building social capital and community connections.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·      How stressful events can lead to creative connection

·      Tuning into your passion is becoming aware of what feeds your soul

·      The importance of navigating risks and becoming open to uncertainty

·      Peace is rooted in listening in which another person feels seen and heard with a story that matters

·      Openness to conversations broadens our understanding of the world

Links Mentioned:

https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506471211/Portraits-of-Peace

www.apomm.net

Twitter https://twitter.com/apeaceofmymind1

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/apommstories/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/A-Peace-of-My-Mind-186355973157/

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 033: Redefining Normal: Thriving Partnership While Parenting Special Needs Children

Wendy and Bob Andersen are an entrepreneurial couple whose lives have shifted dramatically with the discovery of their newborn son’s rare genetic disorder. They learned to partner through major decisions in order to meet the needs of their family.

Wendy soon found her passion advocating for her family and other families who are also going through extraordinary means to care for their children. As a public speaker, she’s a woman who isn’t afraid to speak truth to power or challenge the status quo if it means creating more equity and respect for all.

Wendy & Bob are a couple who have learned and are living a life of Redefining Normal.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·      The importance of a solid partnership when the unexpected happens and life turns upside down.

·      How adapting to the challenges of a special needs child brings hope to other families.

·      The value of setting intentions while letting go of the results.

·      Why it’s vital to redefine normal

·      Advice for families with special needs children while honoring their unique challenges.

Connect with Wendy:

www.wendyandersenpresents.com

https://www.facebook.com/WendyAndersenRedefiningNormal/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-andersen-867a1041

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/

Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman

Episode 032: Corporate Leadership Wellness at Work & at Home

Dennis & Angela Buttimer, are professional speakers, leadership consultants, and yoga teachers. Both have been featured in various media outlets as experts on human behavior in the workplace. They’ve authored two books, CALM: Choosing to Live Mindfully, and Inspired: 365 Days of Mindful Mojo. Their TEDx talk is entitled “Defusing Stress with Mindful Mojo.” Dennis has a coaching practice. Angela is a psychotherapist who loves to cook and dance in the kitchen. Together, they’ve learned to integrate their marriage and business together.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

·      What corporate leaders need for their emotional and relational wellness

·      The necessity of implementing strategies for stress management

·      Why a growth mindset is crucial for a growing company

·      The importance of busting through isolation during dark times

·      How a trusted community is necessary in order to get through difficulties and loss

Connect with Dennis and Angela:

www.pathtobestself.com

www.bookmotivationalspeakers.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-buttimer-19108b2/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-buttimer-ms-cvp-lpc-28021a19/

For Judy’s resources and connection:

Relationship Stress Quiz – https://www.judycounselor.com

Complimentary Clarity Call – https://judykherman.as.me/ComplimentaryCall

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/