Episodes of The Hart Of It All

When Cheryl Hickey’s father was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, her family was thrown into a world they were not prepared for. In this candid conversation, Cheryl shares the emotional and practical realities of caregiving for an aging parent navigating dementia and Parkinson’s disease, including the difficult decision to move him into long-term care. She reflects on caregiver guilt, burnout, and the quiet strength required to keep going, all while balancing the demands so many in...

Where we live as we age is one of the biggest decisions families face, and one of the most confusing. In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri Hart is joined by elder-care expert Pat Irwin, president and founder of ElderCareCanada, to walk through the full spectrum of senior living options, from aging in place and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), to retirement communities, life-lease housing, and long-term care. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience and her own fam...

Most people underestimate how deeply Parkinson’s disease reshapes identity, independence, and daily life. In this revealing episode, award-winning writer and journalist Marni Jackson shares her journey from diagnosis to redefining how she lives, including the unexpected ways she pushes back through boxing, mindfulness, and movement. Marni speaks candidly about living with an incurable disease, the importance of honest conversations around caregiving and asking for help, and finding joy and humo...

Caring for someone living with dementia changes everything. In this episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with Dr. Adriana Shnall, program director at the Baycrest Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving, to explore what caregivers are really carrying. Dr. Shnall shares why dementia caregiving is uniquely complex, touching on ambiguous loss, personality changes, repetition, and the grief that unfolds over time. Together, they discuss why language matters, how behaviour...

In this deeply personal episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart is joined by filmmaker and casting director Heidi Levitt, who shares her journey as a caregiver to her husband, Charlie Hess, following his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Heidi opens up about the emotional weight of caregiving, the shock and clarity that came with an early diagnosis, and how love and partnership evolve in the face of profound change. She also discusses her documentary "Walk With Me", a film borne from ...

When should you see a geriatrician? Dr. Amina Jabbar explains aging, cognitive decline, and care options for older adults and their families. If you are caring for aging parents or worried about dementia or Alzheimer’s, this conversation brings clarity without fear. This week, Teri Hart is joined by Dr. Amina Jabbar, a GTA geriatrician and health policy PhD candidate at McMaster University, for a powerful conversation about cognitive decline, dementia vs. Alzheimer’s, and why geriatric medicine...

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we’re opening a 4-part series on Alzheimer’s and dementia with Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. In this first episode, Cathy helps cut through fear and misconceptions to focus on what really matters early on, including why getting a clear diagnosis is so important, what “respite” actually looks like in real life, and how caregivers can communicate through repetition, confusion, and behaviour changes. Listeners will come away wit...

Caregiving is growing fast in Ontario and across Canada, and too many people are doing it quietly, without support. To wrap up 2025, Teri Hart is joined by Ontario Caregiver Organization CEO Amy Coupal to break down the biggest takeaways from this year’s Spotlight on Ontario Caregivers report, from burnout to the financial and workplace impact. They also talk about why identifying as a caregiver matters, and where to find help when you’re running on empty. Resources: The Ontario Caregiver Orga...

Caregiving does not always look the way we expect, and sometimes the hardest role is the one filled from a distance. In this episode, Teri Hart speaks with The Honourable Marci Ien about caring for her mother after a devastating stroke that occurred just days before Marci was elected as Member of Parliament. With a demanding new role, young children at home, and her sister taking on full-time care, Marci reflects on guilt, grief, sibling strain, and the long road to forgiveness. This honest con...

Holiday gatherings can be busy, loud, and full of nostalgia, yet they can also carry quiet clues about how a senior in your life is truly coping. In this bonus episode, Teri sits down with geriatrician Dr. Amina Jabbar to explore how to spot those subtle signs with warmth rather than worry. Dr. Jabbar shares a thoughtful perspective on aging that blends clinical experience with real-life stories, helping you understand what matters most, what can wait, and how to start supportive conversations t...

If you have ever wondered whether you or a loved one should get your hearing checked, this episode is for you. Registered audiologist and educator Beverley Wolfe sits down with Teri to explain how common hearing loss really is in midlife and beyond, why so many people wait years before seeking help, and what changes in conversation, background noise, and everyday listening might actually be telling you. She walks through what happens during a hearing test, the difference between basic and more a...

Planning for future care can feel intimidating, but it is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect yourself and the people who may need to make decisions on your behalf. In this episode, Wills and Estates Lawyer Jordana Talsky returns to explain the two key documents that operate while you are alive: Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care. Jordana breaks down what each one does, how they work together, and the real-life situations where they become...

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Wills and Estates Lawyer Jordana Talsky sits down with Teri to demystify the documents, decisions, and conversations that shape what happens after we are gone. Jordana explains what a will actually does, why choosing an executor matters, and how probate really works. She also touches on digital assets, common mistakes she sees in her practice, and why reviewing your plan every few years is one of the kindest gifts...

When Corie Begley’s parents first moved in, it was to support her mom through the final stages of her life. Thirteen years later, her dad still lives with them, woven into the daily routine, the dinner table, and even the laundry schedule. Corie joins Teri Hart to talk honestly about what long-term multigenerational living really looks like: the grief that started it, the boundaries they had to figure out, and the many ways her dad’s presence has been a gift to her kids and to her. This conversa...

Join Teri Hart as she sits down with the hilarious Gerry Dee, one of Canada's most beloved comedians, to discuss his journey from teaching to comedy, his new Netflix special "Funny You Should Say That," and the heartfelt realities of caregiving for his aging father. With humor and sincerity, Gerry shares personal stories that highlight the importance of laughter in life's challenging moments. Don't miss this engaging conversation that blends comedy with poignant insights into family and aging. ...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Brian Goldman, renowned ER physician, author, and broadcaster, joins Teri Hart to share his deeply personal experience caring for his sister living with dementia. Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, the importance of early diagnosis, and how even a lifetime of medical expertise can’t prepare you for the heartbreak of watching someone you love change. This conversation also shines a light on the often-overlooked role siblings p...

In this insightful episode of "The Heart of It All," host Teri Hart and tech expert Lisa Chang delve into the intersection of technology and caregiving. They explore how digital tools can empower seniors and their caregivers, from overcoming tech-related fears to utilizing smart home systems for enhanced independence. Discover practical tips on managing digital wellness, ensuring online security, and leveraging virtual healthcare apps to improve the quality of life for seniors. Whether you're a ...

In this heartfelt episode of "The Heart of It All," host Teri Hart sits down with her longtime friend, Pay Chen, Canadian television host, writer and producer, to explore the deeply personal journey of caregiving. Pay shares her poignant experience of caring for her father, who battled early dementia and cancer. Through candid conversation, they discuss the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving, the cultural nuances, and the importance of community support. Join us for an intimate lo...

Join registered dietitian Devon Peart in this enlightening episode as we explore the intersection of senior nutrition and the well-being of caregivers. Discover how social factors, such as loneliness, can significantly impact appetite and nutritional intake in seniors. Devon shares valuable insights on how caregivers can address these challenges while also prioritizing their own health needs. Learn practical strategies to foster social connections and improve nutritional outcomes for both senior...

In this eye-opening episode of The Hart Of It All, host Teri Hart delves into the pervasive issue of fraud targeting seniors. Joined by Jeff Horncastle from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, they explore the sophisticated tactics used by scammers and share actionable advice to protect yourself and your loved ones. Discover why seniors are particularly vulnerable, learn about common scams like the grandparent and bank investigator frauds, and gain insights into safeguarding your digital footprint. ...

In this inaugural episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with renowned parenting expert Alyson Schafer to explore the delicate art of caregiving conversations. As we navigate the complexities of aging, Alyson shares her insights on how to approach difficult topics with our loved ones, emphasizing respect, honesty, and collaboration. Whether you're part of the sandwich generation or simply seeking to support the seniors in your life, this episode offers practical advice and heart...

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