<p>In this episode of <em>How to Deal When the Sh</em>t Gets Real*, I sit down with Lisa Zawrotny to talk about what it means to be both a caregiver and a sandwich caregiver — supporting loved ones while also trying to maintain your own life.</p><p>Lisa shares her experience caring for her mother after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the emotional weight that comes with anticipatory grief — the kind of grief that begins long before loss.</p><p>We also talk about burnout, the unrealistic expectations of hustle culture, and why constantly pushing yourself is not sustainable — especially when you’re already carrying so much.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss:<br>• What it means to be a sandwich caregiver<br>• Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s<br>• Understanding anticipatory grief<br>• Recognizing and recovering from burnout<br>• Why hustle culture can be harmful<br>• Creating space for rest and capacity</p><p>This conversation is about giving yourself permission to slow down, honor your limits, and navigate caregiving with compassion — for others and for yourself.</p>