’wiched generation

Things That Help

 
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.

Grief

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. 

Jimmy Butler

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.

Gossip

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.

Holly Jolly... maybe

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.

What about your friends?

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.

Why do this?

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.