Society would grind to a halt without the work done by unpaid carers - yet they are too often left to feel invisible, unsupported and alone.

In this episode, Andrew talks to PENNY WINCER, the author of Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring, about how to provide care for loved ones without burning out yourself.

Penny shares her deeply personal story of caring for her mother, who lived with mental illness, and later for her autistic son. She sheds light on the complexity of care—the beauty, the exhaustion, and the personal costs.

Andrew and Penny discuss:

• Asking for help
• Dealing with isolation
• How being a “young carer” can shape adult relationships
• The importance of self-compassion.

Penny Wincer is a Melbourne born, London dwelling, author and non-fiction writing coach. She has written for Red Magazine, iPaper, BBC Radio 4 and The Telegraph. Penny’s first book Tender was published by Coronet Books in 2020. Her second non-fiction book, Home Matters, was published in August 2024.

If You’re Looking for More…

You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions.

This week supporters will hear:

• Three Things Penny Wincer knows to be true.
• How to balance what YOU want to do with the pressures of life.
• Subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content—a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Attend Andrew's new men's retreat, Reconnect With Yourself, this autumn in the Brandenberg countryside near Berlin

Get Andrew’s free guide to difficult conversations with your partner: How to Tell Your Partner Difficult Things

Read Penny Wincer’s book Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring, and her latest book, Home Matters

Follow Penny Wincer on Instagram @pennywincer

Take a look at Andrew’s new online relationship course: My Best Relationship Tools

Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50.

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall