Leaving this world—and the belongings we accumulate—is inevitable, and those we love are left to navigate the memories, the closets, and the goodbyes. In this heartfelt episode, Jennifer David and Kirsten share both tears and laughter as we reflect on a loved one’s passing and the small steps that can make the process a little easier. They explore the practical and sentimental challenges of letting go, talk about when to call in reinforcements, how to support those grieving, and the delicate balance between preparing and simply being present.

Follow Who Gets the China? on www.whogetsthechina.substack.com

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Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @ www.jigawattsstudio.com

This week, we are joined by Danielle Schulz, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility at the Denver Art Museum, to explore how art can make the aging process a more enjoyable experience. Danielle and Kirsten discuss the benefits of creative aging--a fun way to create new neural pathways, promote healthy aging, and combat social isolation. Get useful and specific tips on how you and your aging parent or loved one can be creative, whether individually or in group, at home or at a local venue. Creativity at every age enhances mental and emotional well-being, particularly for caregivers who often prioritize others' needs over their own.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Denver Art Museum Art at Hand Program

Museum of Modern Art, NYC

Meet Me at MoMA for adults with dementia

Creative Aging at the Frye Museum in Seattle

Metropolitan Museum of Art 360 video series

Memory Cafe Directory

Craftsy.com

Follow Who Gets the China? on www.whogetsthechina.substack.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @ www.jigawattsstudio.com

This mini episode features a very special guest: my mom!

Together, we share the funny, at times frustrating, and surprisingly emotional journey of trying to downsize the family dollhouse. Join us as we take a stroll or two down memory lane and explore why it’s so hard to let go of items that you have such an emotional connection to.

To read this essay, and see photos(!), visit www.whogetsthechina.substack.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Spotify or Apple podcasts

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @ www.jigawattsstudio.com

I often find that every visit to my parents seems to become more of a mission to tackle an endless checklist than an opportunity to spend time with family and build memories in the time we're lucky to have. It's so easy to focus on the to-do list that you lose sight of creating quality time.

I've worked with a range of experts to create my list of Top Ten Strategies to Maximize Quality Time - without sacrificing getting things done, perhaps even by combining the two in unexpected ways.

If there's something I left out, I'd love to hear about it! Maybe we'll do a future episode featuring the best tips I receive.

You can also read this essay as an article on Substack at www.substack.com/whogetsthechina?

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Spotify or Apple podcasts

Email us at info@whogetsthechina.com

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @ www.jigawattsstudio.com

If you have aging parents like I do, no doubt the topic of “aging-in-place” vs. moving to a “community” has come up. Maybe it’s a topic they don’t want to talk about or haven’t even thought about. Listen as Julie and Kirsten break down how to have these conversations and what to look for as you assess options with your parents.

You’ll love Julie’s positive outlook and nuggets of wisdom that will help you remove the stress and get to the right solution for your family.

We touch on: using the “Spoons Theory” to maximize quality of life; how to avoid being one incident away from a crisis; when to advocate for outside assistance and how to justify the financial investment; tips for having “the car key conversation”; strategies for keeping older adults safe in their home with medication management tips; how to use “Voice 7” to gain acceptance for new ideas and care strategies; and how to plan ahead to avoid a "no decision" decision.

Follow Who Gets the China? on whogetsthechina.substack.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Spotify or Apple podcasts

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @ www.jigawattsstudio.com

What are the most important parts of organizing an estate? What forms need to be in place, even as soon as we turn 18? How do we protect our parents (and our own) finances from accidents to fraud? Estate attorney Kami Pomerantz is here to answer our questions and share her expert knowledge for preparing an estate for a smooth transition at any financial level.

Connect with us on Substack

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Spotify or Apple podcasts

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Bryce @ www.bluogden.com/

Theme music composed by Greg Fellman @ www.windsandproductions.com

Graphic design by Jenn Beam @jigawattsstudio.com