Season 3 of Wiched Generation kicks off with a reality check — and a reset. Julie reflects on how caregiving, parenting, and personal reinvention collide, and why time has become the most valuable thing we own. She shares new data, personal lessons, and a roadmap for what’s ahead this season — from AI’s role in the caregiving workforce to redefining self-care when everything feels out of control. This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and rebuild — because caregiving doesn’t end when the crisis passes; it just evolves.

In the season finale of Wiched Generation, Julie reflects on what happens when caregiving collides with every other part of life—divorce, parenting, family conflict, work, and grief. Drawing on her own recent experiences, she shares the tools that have helped her manage chaos: resiliency training, gratitude practices, exercise, therapy, and the small joys that remind us we’re still living. This episode closes out Season 2 with honesty, hope, and practical reminders that even when the shit hits the fan—you’re going to be okay.

Summer isn’t always carefree when you’re in the thick of caregiving. In this episode, Julie explores what the season looks like for those juggling kids, aging parents, and careers — all while navigating the heat, disrupted routines, and the emotional toll it can take. From the story of one summer she had to take time off to manage her mother’s dehydration to the staggering stat that over 62% of caregivers take time off work not for rest, but to care for older family members, this episode dives into the truth behind the so-called “break” of summer. Tune in for practical insights, real stories, and a reminder that even when summer feels heavy, you're not alone.

Sibling rivalry doesn’t always end in childhood—and when aging parents need care, old roles, resentments, and family politics come roaring back. In this episode, Julie explores how perceptions of favoritism, unspoken expectations, and long-simmering sibling dynamics can complicate caregiving. Backed by research and lived experience, this is a candid look at why one sibling often ends up doing the heavy lifting, why fairness rarely feels equal, and how to navigate caregiving when family fractures make it even harder. ...I call shotgun! Let's dive in... beat you there!

Siblings and caregiving—it’s complicated. In this episode, I unpack the emotional terrain of caring for a parent alongside, or in tension with, a sibling. Sparked by the Netflix series Sirens, we explore how family roles, old rivalries, and uneven expectations show up when a parent’s health declines. I share my own story navigating sibling estrangement, chasing connection, and ultimately choosing to focus on what I could control. From financial friction to emotional divides, this episode holds space for the messy middle so many caregivers find themselves in—and offers a few takeaways for surviving it with clarity, empathy, and grace.

In this episode of wiched generation, host Julie Viola reflects on the power of grace—grace for ourselves, for those we care for, and for the people around us who may not fully understand what caregiving demands. Drawing from personal moments and hard-earned perspective, Julie shares how letting go of expectations (like always sending birthday cards or staying perfectly healthy) helped her survive the long haul of caregiving. With powerful stats and tender stories, this episode is a reminder that grace isn't weakness—it's strength in softer form.

In this deeply personal episode, Julie reflects on life after caregiving—what it feels like to emerge on the “other side” of loss, grief, and intense responsibility. A year after her mother’s passing, she shares the emotional complexities of stepping out of survival mode and into a life that feels unfamiliar. From recalibrating relationships and reclaiming personal health to redefining joy and daily routines, this episode explores how to process the letdown that often follows caregiving. It’s not all relief and healing—sometimes it’s exhaustion, numbness, or awkward emotional reentry. But with reflection and resilience, there’s also space for rebuilding. Whether you’re past the peak of your caregiving journey or still in it, this one offers honest insights and compassionate reminders that you’re not alone.

In this special episode of Wiched Generation, Julie sits down with her longtime friend and resiliency coach, Mark McGarry—founder of the Learn to Surf mindset. Together, they explore how to build emotional resilience when life keeps coming at you, especially during caregiving, parenting, and big professional leaps. Mark breaks down what it means to truly practice resilience, shares the neuroscience behind stress, and offers tools to create daily habits that shift you from surviving to thriving. It’s not about avoiding the waves—it’s about learning to surf them. 

Caregiving can take a serious toll on your body—weight changes, fatigue, and feeling like you don’t recognize yourself. In this episode of Wiched Generation, Julie gets real about the physical and mental impacts of caregiving and shares practical tips for taking small, meaningful steps to feel more like yourself again. From reassessing coping mechanisms to building flexible routines, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at reclaiming your well-being while navigating the challenges of caregiving.

In this special episode of Wiched Generation, host Julie Viola reflects on the one-year anniversary of her mom’s passing—a milestone marked not just by grief, but by a commitment to living with purpose. Julie shares how caregiving changed her role from being the one cared for to the one providing care, and how that flip shaped her perspective on life. Through honest stories of comforting her mom, letting go of perfection, and allowing her parents to hold onto what mattered to them, Julie explores the balance between loss and growth. She speaks candidly about learning to let go of the little things while holding onto the spirit of her mom—choosing to live fully as a way to honor her memory. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t have to hold you back—it can be the foundation for building a life rooted in love, joy, and intention. Join Julie as she shares her why, and invites you to find yours.

When caregiving scrambles your world, community can be the life raft that keeps you afloat. In this episode of Wiched Generation, host Julie Viola shares how community shaped her life long before she became a caregiver—and how it saved her during some of her hardest days. Julie explores why building (or rebuilding) a support network is essential when you're sandwiched between caring for kids and aging parents, and offers practical ways to create connection even when you feel isolated. Whether you're leaning on old friends, finding new ones, or simply learning how to ask for help, this episode is a reminder: you’re not meant to do this alone—and you don’t have to.

  In this episode of Wiched Generation, host Julie Viola returns to the basics—what exactly is the Sandwich Generation, why it matters, and most importantly, what helps when you’re feeling stretched too thin. Whether you're caring for aging parents, raising kids, or doing both at once, this episode offers a reset and a few practical lifelines. Julie breaks down three key strategies that helped her navigate some of the hardest caregiving days: "Get your mind right" – Using visualization and short meditations to mentally prepare for emotional moments. Movement – How even simple walks helped her reconnect with her body and relieve anxiety. Gratitude – Finding small, sometimes silly glimmers of good in the everyday. If you’re looking for encouragement and tangible ways to make the day-to-day a little lighter, this one’s for you. Because sometimes, it’s the little things that help the most.

When people say, “Let me know what you need,” it’s always well-intentioned. But the reality? A grieving person often has no idea what they need in the moment. It’s too overwhelming to decide... so let us help on episode 2. Susie Shaw and Julie Viola talk about supporting friends managing grief, how to manage your own grief, ideas (funny and serious) on how to chip in on the grief experience- your own or a loved one. This includes comfy sweatsuits, meal prep (but in non-precious Tupperware), and even the true trophy of love- ironed sheets.  In the end, as Susie states, "there is no Grief Olympics," so don't worry about winning or losing- just show up. 

In this powerful episode of 'wiched generation, host Julie Viola dives into the hidden struggles of grief, resilience, and responsibility through the story of NBA superstar Jimmy Butler. As revealed in Netflix’s Starting 5, Butler lost his father during the 2023-24 season, forcing him to navigate deep personal loss while the world expected him to keep performing at the highest level—something so many in the Sandwich Generation can relate to. Julie unpacks key lessons from Butler’s journey, exploring how grief doesn’t wait for the right time, why support systems are everything, and how life—and joy—shift after loss. Whether you're managing caregiving, balancing work and family, or simply trying to hold it all together, this episode is a raw and honest look at what it truly means to carry on when your world has changed forever.

In this episode of 'Wiched Generation, Julie Viola explores the controversial yet compelling world of gossip. While often dismissed as cruel or shallow, gossip plays a surprising role in building social bonds and navigating complex relationships. Drawing on insights from the Yale Daily News and NBC News, Julie examines the fine line between healthy and harmful gossip. Whether you’re managing the dynamics of a parent group or seeking connection in a caregiving community, discover how to use gossip as a tool for kindness and understanding. Tune in for practical tips to foster trust and uplift those around you.

In this heartfelt episode of 'wiched generation, host Julie Viola is joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Allison Flynn to explore the complexities of navigating the holiday season as part of the Sandwich Generation. Together, they discuss the joys and challenges of balancing caregiving, parenting, and grief during a time often associated with tradition and togetherness. Allison, a mom of three young daughters and a specialist in child development, family therapy, and perinatal mental health, brings both professional insights and personal experience to the conversation. After her mom’s cancer diagnosis in 2018, Allison cared for her mom at home until her passing earlier this year—a shared experience that has deepened her friendship with Julie, who also lost her mom this spring. In this episode, Julie and Allison share practical advice on: Letting go of traditions that no longer serve you. Communicating your needs with family and friends. Creating new traditions that align with your values and honor both joy and grief. Whether you’re navigating the season as a caregiver, a parent, or someone grieving the loss of a loved one, this episode offers a compassionate guide to finding peace and meaning in the holidays.

In this episode, “What About Your Friends?”, we’re talking about the incredible support that friendships provide—whether they’re lifelong friends who know our history, newer friends who see us in our current reality, or those we’ve met along this specific journey of being sandwiched between caring for parents and raising children. We will provide tools to leverage in your journey, talk about normalizing the "ugly cry", and finding your person who can serve as your voice when you need to focus on other things.

In the pilot episode of 'wiched generation, host Julie Viola shares her deeply personal journey as part of the Sandwich Generation—juggling her career, raising young children, and caring for her mother through the late stages of dementia. Julie opens up about her decision to leave a successful corporate career to prioritize caregiving, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned about vulnerability, control, and resilience. Tune in to hear Julie’s story and discover how this podcast will offer support, community, and expert advice for those in similar situations.