Episode Overview:In this episode, Laura sits down with Martha Ranon, Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC), to talk about the power of turning personal caregiving experience into community advocacy. Together, they explore how caregivers can access meaningful support, educational resources, and the validation they need to continue showing up with compassion and resilience. Meet Martha Ranon:Martha Ranon is the Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center in San Diego, CA. Her personal journey as a family caregiver led her to a professional path supporting others in similar roles. Martha is a passionate advocate for caregivers, offering support through education, community programs, and public awareness. She helps families navigate the often complex and emotional world of caregiving, particularly for those caring for someone with dementia or cognitive impairments. Topics Discussed:Martha’s transition from family caregiver to professional advocateThe mission of the Southern Caregiver Resource CenterSupport groups and education as tools for caregiver resilienceWhy caregiving should never be done in isolationThe emotional, physical, and mental toll of long-term caregivingBuilding a bridge between caregivers and accessible resourcesSimple steps toward caregiver self-care⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):00:00 – Introduction to Martha Ranon and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center 02:45 – Martha’s personal caregiving story: Caring for her great aunt06:10 – How her caregiving experience led to her professional role08:30 – The mission and work of Southern Caregiver Resource Center11:40 – Challenges caregivers face and the importance of support groups15:20 – The emotional impact of caregiving and how Martha supports families18:10 – Educational programs and how they empower caregivers21:30 – Common caregiver struggles and how community helps26:00 – Martha’s advice for overwhelmed caregivers30:15 – What self-care really looks like for caregivers33:00 – Why accessible resources make all the difference36:20 – Final reflections and how to connect with SCRC Key Takeaways:Caregiver support is essential—not optionalCommunity resources can transform the caregiving experienceEducational programs empower caregivers to advocate for themselvesThere is no “one right way” to care for someone—personalized support mattersEven small moments of self-care make a big differenceYou don’t have to do this alone Resources Mentioned:Southern Caregiver Resource Center – https://www.caregivercenter.org Support groups, educational programs, and local caregiving services Connect with Martha Ranon:Visit https://www.caregivercenter.org to learn more about Martha’s work and the services available through SCRC. Connect with Laura Vaillancourt &#38; the Life on Repeat Podcast:Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcastYouTube: <a...