In this episode of CAREPOD, Kiplee Bell, MD, MS, PA-C sits down with Dr. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN — Professor and inaugural Karen and Ronald Hermann Distinguished Chair in Caregiver Research at UT Health San Antonio — for a rigorous, necessary conversation about who is actually holding dementia care together in America. Dr. Epps has spent two decades building evidence-based programs at the intersection of faith, race, and caregiving. She is the founder of the Alter Program, the only nurse-led dementia-friendly initiative designed specifically for African American congregations, and a leading voice on why family caregivers must be treated as clinical subjects in their own right. Together, Dr. Bell and Dr. Epps examine the structural gaps in dementia care for Black families, the burden carried silently inside faith communities, what the science actually says about spiritual engagement and quality of life, and why an endowed chair in caregiver research — not just dementia research — is one of the most important academic appointments in nursing today. This is not a wellness conversation. This is a care leadership conversation. Topics covered in this episode include dementia caregiving for Black families, African American Alzheimer's caregiver support, faith-based dementia care programs, caregiver research in nursing, the GUIDE Model for dementia care navigation, caregiver burnout among healthcare professionals, health disparities in dementia care, nurse-led dementia programs, the family caregiver as patient, spiritual care and dementia quality of life, the Alter Program for African American congregations, and caregiver research at UT Health San Antonio. Episode themes: dementia care navigation | caregiving equity | faith community health | Black eldercare | caregiver wellbeing | nursing research | GUIDE Model | care leadership | The Double Shift™

In this powerful episode of CarePod, Dr. Kiplee Bell sits down with Maiko Todoroki, CEO of Poppins Corporation, for a deeply human conversation at the intersection of leadership, caregiving, and legacy. Recorded live during a restorative leadership retreat in Hawaiʻi, this episode explores what happens when high-level leadership collides with deeply personal responsibility. Maiko shares her experience as a daughter caring for a mother living with dementia, and the quiet courage it took to ask her mother to step away from the company she founded—an act rooted not in loss, but in stewardship, dignity, and long-term vision. Maiko leads Poppins Corp, a publicly traded Japanese company recognized for its innovative approach to childcare, family support services, and workforce solutions for working parents. Her leadership journey offers a global perspective on caregiving as a strategic, ethical, and deeply human leadership responsibility. Together, Dr. Bell and Maiko reflect on: What it means to lead when personal and professional identities collide Dementia, caregiving, and the unseen emotional labor of daughters in leadership Why restorative spaces for leaders are no longer optional in an aging world How legacy is preserved not through control, but through care This conversation also looks ahead—to global gatherings designed for leaders who are navigating caregiving, aging, and responsibility across cultures. Join Us: Global Leadership Retreat – Philippines If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to continue the conversation in person. Dr. Bell will be hosting the next global leadership retreat in the Philippines, bringing together clinicians, executives, caregivers, and thought leaders for intentional rest, reflection, and leadership renewal in an aging world. 👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.impactfulcaregiving.com/unplug-unwind-unwrap-philippines-2026 Featured Guest Maiko Todoroki CEO, Poppins Corporation (Japan) Leader, daughter, and global voice on caregiving, legacy, and humane leadership Hashtags (Kajabi + Cross-Platform) #CarePodPodcast #MaikoTodoroki #PoppinsCorp #LeadershipAndLegacy #CareLeadership #LeadingWhileCaregiving #DementiaCare #WomenWhoLead #GlobalLeadership #UnplugUnwindUnwrap #RestOnPurpose #CaregiverLeadership

The emergency department reflects the best — and sometimes the most broken — parts of our healthcare system. In this episode of CAREPOD, Dr. Kiplee Bell speaks with Dr. Brett Greenfield about what the ER reveals about access, equity, innovation, and human resilience. From system redesign to the use of AI and telehealth in acute care, this conversation explores how emergency medicine serves as a diagnostic tool for society itself. When we listen to the stories that start in the ER, we understand where modern medicine must evolve next. “The ER is the pulse of modern medicine — every patient tells us what’s working and what’s not.” Dr. Kiplee Bell and Dr. Brett Greenfield go inside the frontline lessons shaping the future of care. #CarePod #EmergencyMedicine #HealthInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #DrKipleeBell #healthcare systems #emergency department #public health #innovation #AI in medicine #EMS #caredelivery #clinician perspective #healthcare reform

Violence against healthcare workers is an urgent and growing crisis. Optics — a cutting-edge AI-driven solution — is changing how organizations identify and mitigate threats before they escalate. In this episode, Dr. Kiplee Bell speaks with David Brake, CEO and Co-Founder of Optics Health, about transforming workplace safety, protecting staff, and shaping the future of care environments. Learn more at: opticshealth.ai

In this CarePod conversation, Dr. Kiplee Bell sits down with Rashonda Ambrose, founder of Senior Oasis Advisors, to explore how families can navigate senior care transitions with confidence and compassion. From choosing the right senior living option to reducing caregiver stress, Rashonda shares expert insights, practical resources, and heartfelt stories that empower caregivers and loved ones alike.

#SeniorOasisAdvisors #SeniorCarePlanning #CareTransitions #CaringForParents #ElderCareSupport #SeniorLivingAdvisor #AgingParents #CaregiverCommunity

In this powerful episode of CAREPOD, Dr. Kiplee Bell sits down with Rick Henkin, founder of CaregiverMasteryCourse.com, to discuss the mindset, skills, and support needed to thrive as a family caregiver. Rick brings decades of insight into what it really means to care — not just for a loved one, but for yourself. Whether you're navigating burnout, seeking better communication with medical providers, or just trying to make it through the day, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in for real talk, powerful tools, and encouragement to reclaim control as a caregiver and a leader. 💡 Featuring resources from ForFamilyCaregivers.com 👥 Join Rick’s community: facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers 📺 Subscribe to his channel: youtube.com/@ForFamilyCaregivers/videos #CarePod #FamilyCaregivers #RickHenkin #CaregiverSupport #CaregivingJourney #CaregiverTips #AgingWithDignity #ImpactfulCaregiving #HealthLeadership #CaregiverMastery #DementiaCare #ElderCare #CompassionateCare #CaregivingEducation

Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and author of the award-winning, Amazon best-selling memoir, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict. For years, Michelle was a top performer for the most influential brands in media, including Radio One and Disney/ABC. Finally, the stressful and competitive media advertising space took a toll on her mental and physical health. After gaining and losing over 700 pounds, she finally discovered the “secret” to quieting the battle between her mind, body, and hunger – her “story.” Michelle’s memoir, a category winner in The 2022 Memoir Prize for Books, explores the deep emotional and psychological connections to food and how these "food stories" shape our eating behaviors and weight management struggles. Michelle developed a Prescriptive Writing Process to make peace with her mind, body, and food. Her approach emphasizes that the battle with weight isn't just about food but about the stories and emotions behind why we eat. By understanding and rewriting these narratives, individuals can achieve lasting transformation. She conducts healing- through-reading-writing-and-storytelling workshops where she teaches others how to find their food and personal truths. She offers various services, including workshops, retreats, and speaking engagements to show others how to uncover their food stories and transform how they manage their relationship with themselves, gain mastery over food, and uplevel performance. She speaks to organizations, large and small, sharing her insights and stories of hope, healing, triumph, and transformation. Her latest ebook, Mind Over Meals: 7 Secrets to Rewire Your Brain for Healthy Eating and High Performance, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off for good.

Meet Felicia Shanken Hello, my name is Felicia Shanken CEO/Founder of the Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection, LLC and PWNC Foundation Inc 501(c)(3) We are not just a business; we are a community. Felicia Shanken is a highly accomplished Women’s Strategist and Success Builder who has made significant contributions to the world of business. Her impressive track record speaks for itself. Felicia has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations for her outstanding work. For instance, “Fun Times Magazine” featured her in its March/April 2020 edition as part of the “2020 Philadelphia Who’s Who Black Women of Influence.” Moreover, “International Brainz Magazine” recognized her as an influential leader and business owner for small businesses in December 2020. In May 2021, she was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business” by “VIP Global Magazine.” “USA Today Black History Month Special Edition Magazine” acknowledged her for being a black-owned business in February 2022. Additionally, in the same month, “Alignable” named her the Local Business Person of the Year for Lower North Philadelphia. She is also a Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Graduated Alumni, May 2023. Lastly, her work was recognized in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s April 2023 write-up on Women-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia, and The Global Institute for Human Excellence June 2023, Write up “The Women Success Builder.” A recipient of the Premier Dream Chasers Award presented by Acereel Studio, LLC, January 2024. Named again by “Alignable” in March 2024 for Local Business Person of the Year for Gilbertsville. Featured in “Top 100 Magazine for Innovators and Entrepreneurs” , March 2025 and recently recipient of the, “Trailblazer Award”, presented by the National Association of Women Business Owner (NAWBO) March 2025 . Medical Professional, before becoming a solo entrepreneur full-time 7 1/2 years ago. Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy University. Worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia for 9 1/2 years before deciding to pursue Entrepreneurship full-time. Raised in Queens, New York, moved to Philadelphia over 30 years ago where I met my husband, Paul a native Philadelphian. Recently moved to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. We are avid travelers and love being at the beach. We are also parents to a 14-year-old rescued pit-bull mix named Maximus. ​