In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rhonda Klug from Harry & David to talk about the often invisible and deeply personal journey of working caregivers. From supporting her parents through dialysis and COPD to leading real cultural change within her organization, Rhonda shares her firsthand experience that sparked a company-wide movement of support and empathy. She takes us behind the scenes of how Harry & David and the broader 1-800-Flowers family are creating a more compassionate workplace for employees who are balancing caregiving responsibilities with their careers.

We explore how Rhonda transformed her lived experience into a catalyst for creating CARE (Caregivers and Allies Responding with Empathy), an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that is reshaping how caregiving is understood and supported in the workplace. If you're an employer wondering how to retain and uplift your caregiving employees—or you're a caregiver looking for inspiration on how to advocate for yourself—this is the episode for you.

Episode Highlights:

[2:12] – Meet Rhonda Klug of Harry & David: Her background and caregiving connection.
[3:23] – Rhonda shares her emotional journey as a caregiver for both her parents.
[7:12] – How personal caregiving shaped her awareness of employee needs.
[9:24] – The pivotal moment at the Care Colloquium that sparked a corporate movement.
[12:50] – Why storytelling from leadership is essential in changing culture.
[15:48] – Turning insight into action: Creating a caregiver-focused ERG.
[18:50] – Innovative benefits like Talkspace and Torchlight to support employees.
[20:23] – Practical tips for managers and employees to foster communication.
[24:29] – Encouraging employees to self-identify and seek support.
[26:30] – Real-life impact: Preventing turnover and boosting retention through flexibility.
[28:50] – The ripple effect: How leadership empathy transforms company culture.

Links & Resources:

• Talkspace – Mental health support platform used by Harry & David employees
• Torchlight – Caregiving resource platform Rhonda mentions
• Celebrations Chatter Podcast by Jim McCann and interview with us
• Celebrations Pulse Newsletter by Jim McCann
• Care Colloquium – The conference that sparked Rhonda’s caregiving leadership journey and Facebook Group
• Debbie Howard – Aging Matters International – Caregiving strategy consultant
• Harry & David: https://www.harryanddavid.com/
• Crater Lake: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
• Benefits Alliance Connect Conference 2024: https://benefitsalliance.ca/event/connect-conference-2024

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you're a working caregiver—or if you support them—you need to hear this one. In this episode, we sit down with elder law experts (and longtime friends of the show) Eric Goldberg and Clelia Pergola from the NJ Elder Law Center. Together, they drop some serious knowledge on navigating Medicaid, protecting assets, and creating real systems of support for families in crisis.

This conversation gets personal, gets practical, and—most importantly—gets to the heart of what caregivers are up against. We dive into everything from care coordination and legal documentation to family dynamics, generational friction, and what employers really should be doing to help. If you’ve ever wondered what makes elder law so crucial—or if you’ve avoided the paperwork altogether—this episode is the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] - Meet Clelia and Eric, and hear how their caregiving and legal paths became one.
[7:27] - How personal chaos led to a systemized, compassionate elder law practice.
[8:32] - Eric explains the types of cases they handle and the three phases of long-term care planning.
[12:06] - The must-have legal documents every family should prepare before a crisis.
[13:36] - What Medicaid actually covers, and why it’s often misunderstood.
[16:24] - The real challenge behind Medicaid applications—and why counties can make or break it.
[20:11] - Clelia’s powerful case for why employers should bring elder care resources to work.
[22:19] - How to have “the talk” with your parents—without a total meltdown.
[26:53] - Why geriatric care managers are secret weapons for families navigating uncertainty.
[32:59] - Debunking the myth that elder law is just for the wealthy.
[36:52] - Toughest questions families ask—and the surprising legal consequences of good intentions.
[38:20] - The sibling divide: managing conflict between hands-on caregivers and money managers.
[41:35] - Final takeaways: plan ahead, talk early, and don’t try to DIY elder care in a crisis.

Links & Resources:

• About Eric: https://njelc.com/our-team/eric-goldberg/
• About Clelia: https://njelc.com/our-team/clelia-pergola/
• Goldberg Law Group: https://njelc.com/
• Aging LIfe Care Association (Geriatric Care Managers): https://www.aginglifecare.org/
• Interview with Geriatric Manager/Aging Life Care Professional Elyse Weber-Sacks: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-7
• Clelia's books: “The Law Firm Revolution” : https://www.amazon.com/Law-Firm-Revolution-Clelia-Pergola/dp/1543911595 and “Life, Lessons, & Legacy“: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Legacy-Grandmother-Changed/dp/1667803662

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Bob Mastrogiovanni, a devoted husband, retired IRS professional, and co-president of the Well Spouse Association. Bob opens up about his powerful caregiving journey for his late wife Kathleen, who battled multiple sclerosis for decades. From the moment of diagnosis just two years into their marriage, Bob shares how their love, resilience, and adaptability helped them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of being a caregiving couple.

Together, we unpack the unique experiences of caregiver spouses—those caring for their life partners—and explore how this journey differs from other types of caregiving. Bob also dives into the vital role the Well Spouse Association plays in offering emotional support, community, and resources to those walking this path. If you're a working caregiver, a spouse currently in a caregiving role, or someone who supports them—this episode is for you. Don’t miss Zack’s challenge to organizations to step up and support the Well Spouse mission!

Episode Highlights:

[1:25] – Welcoming listeners and introducing Bob Mastrogiovanni, a retired IRS agent and caregiver spouse.
[4:11] – Bob begins sharing his caregiving journey for his wife Kathleen, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
[6:21] – How Bob and Kathleen made lifestyle choices to maintain a sense of normalcy after diagnosis.
[7:50] – Balancing full-time work and caregiving, and the role of professional home caregivers.
[9:28] – Discovering and joining the Well Spouse Association and eventually becoming co-president.
[11:13] – Why spousal caregiving is different and how Well Spouse provides vital support.
[13:05] – The therapist recommendation that led Bob to Well Spouse.
[16:46] – Employer flexibility: how the IRS helped Bob stay employed while caregiving.
[17:56] – Bob’s advice to employers: educate HR on caregiver challenges.
[19:38] – Why caregivers should communicate openly with employers.
[21:51] – Credit hours, workplace flexibility, and practical tools that helped Bob balance work and caregiving.
[22:52] – The emotional cost of burnout and delayed caregiver identification.
[23:16] – What Bob would tell his younger self about family, caregiving, and preparation.
[24:30] – Overview of Well Spouse programs: Zoom support groups, chat forums, respite weekends, and more.
[27:07] – Zack challenges an organization to be the first to donate and show support for Well Spouse!

Links & Resources:

• Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/
• Riverwinds Restaurant, shout out to Foti Farmakis: https://theriverwindsrestaurant.com/menus/
• Caregiver Centered Care, University of Alberta: https://www.caregivercare.ca/
• Former Gov. Marty Schreiber’s Story: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-2-1
• My Two Elaines by Marty Schreiber: https://mytwoelaines.com/
• Paul Wynn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwynn/
• Zack’s challenge to organizations – be the first to support Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.