Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey: Finding Joy in the Face of Challenges with Susie Singer Carter

Work From Your Happy Place with Belinda Ellsworth

In this episode of the "Work From Your Happy Place" podcast, Belinda Ellsworth interviews Susie Singer Carter. Susie shares her personal story of caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer's for 16 years. She believes that rather than fighting the disease, one must learn to navigate and find joy in the journey. Susie emphasizes the importance of focusing on what a loved one with Alzheimer's can still do rather than dwelling on their limitations.
Susie admits to making mistakes in caring for her mother, underestimating the challenges of the disease. However, she aims to showcase her mother's daily life through her film, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects. Sharing her experiences on social media, Susie discusses the challenges and benefits of engaging online. While she values organic and meritorious engagement, she questions the authenticity of some influencers' high follower counts and the crowded nature of the caregiver community on social media.
Using the metaphor of a spider web, Susie encourages listeners to pursue their chosen activities with excellence and let their work be carried by the wind to where it needs to go.
Reflecting on storytelling's power, Susie discusses her project "No Country for Old People," which aims to change the conversation on Alzheimer's and the nursing home industry. She also encourages listeners to find fulfilling work, regardless of whether it's entrepreneurial, and reminds them that money does not define one's worth. Lastly, Susie explores the importance of authentic storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and giving value to audiences rather than constantly asking for engagement or sales.
Overall, this episode of "Work From Your Happy Place" delves into the significance of finding joy in caregiving, the challenges and benefits of engaging on social media, the power of storytelling, and the importance of pursuing fulfilling work.
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Key Learnings :
[00:06:34] Storytelling, purpose, broadening, help others, share, rewarding. [00:08:18] Alzheimer's: Lean in, treasure what's left. [00:12:41] Changing the conversation on Alzheimer's, documenting nursing homes. [00:17:34] Find what you love, and work for it. [00:20:10] Challenges of social media and authenticity. [00:24:14] Fun, resonating approach: Behind-the-scenes appeal, personal connection, value. [00:27:06] Insecurity and criticism can challenge artists.
About Susie Singer Carter -
Susie Singer Carter is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, producer, actor, podcast producer, host, and Caregiver Advocate. She is best known for writing, directing, and producing the 2018 Oscar Qualified short film, My Mom and The Girl starring Valerie Harper in her final performance, writing and producing “Bratz the Movie” for Lionsgate, and co-producing “Soul Surfer” for Sony. Susie recently wrote the screenplay, “RUN”, based on the book “Plain Jane” and is attached to direct. Attachments: Leighton Meester. Ms. Singer Carter also produces and hosts the podcast Love Conquers Alz – awarded BEST PODCAST 2020 by New Media Film Festival and is #4 on Feedspots’ 2022 25 Best Alzheimer’s Podcasts list. Susie is also the co-creator, co-writer, co-star, and director of the outrageous horror/comedy narrative podcast I Love Lucifer which was just nominated Best Audio Fiction 2023 by Indie Series Awards. She is currently producing a documentary, No Country For Old People, which centers on the Nursing Home Neglect and the systemic healthcare crisis responsible for it. Susie is a sought-after speaker and has appeared in several Alzheimer’s awareness campaigns for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. She proudly emceed the 2022 San Fernando Valley Alzheimer's Walk holding up a purple flower for her mother who passed away in July and hosts the WGA’s 3rd & Fairfax Podcast.
Explore some of Susie’s works:
No Country for Old People 13:29 minute sizzle (https://vimeo.com/824257035?share=copy )
No Country for Old People 3 minute trailer (https://vimeo.com/832438976)
No Country for Old People DONATION PAGE (http://act.theconsumervoice.org/documentary )
My Mom and The Girl -Trailer (https://vimeo.com/183072790 )
My Mom and The Girl Full Film (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiEpPe77en9AhUYOkQIHUXdAfwQFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftv.apple.com%2Fus%2Fmovie%2Fmy-mom-and-the-girl%2Fumc.cmc.6p7lsosuaaxgipc2o49mrzeuu&usg=AOvVaw02lJR5IXq-GFGtIukG769M )
Love Conquers Alz Podcast (2020 Best Podcast New Media Film Festival) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-conquers-alz/id1492023291?uo=4)
I Love Lucifer (comedy/Horror Fiction Podcast (https://linktr.ee/iloveluciferthepodcast )
About the Host:
Belinda Ellsworth is a Speaker, Trainer, Best-Selling Author, and Podcaster
She has been a professional speaker, mover, and shaker for more than 25 years. Having built three successful companies, she has helped thousands of entrepreneurs make better decisions, create successful systems, and build business strategies using her "Four Pillars of Success" system.
Belinda has always had a passion and zest for life, with the skill for turning dreams into reality.
How to Connect with Belinda:
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/workfromyourhappyplace LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaellsworth Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/workfromyourhappyplace/ Website - www.workfromyourhappyplace.com