Episode 46: Liz O’Donnell on caring for elderly parents

We don’t talk enough about caregiving. Especially the kind that unfolds quietly while juggling jobs, parenting, and the slow, disorienting decline of aging parents. But Liz O’Donnell is changing that.

In this deeply moving episode, Liz—founder of Working Daughter and author of the book by the same name—shares her story of navigating career ambition, caregiving chaos, and emotional survival after receiving a double diagnosis for both of her parents. What followed was a crash course in elder care, systemic gaps, and radical acceptance.

In this episode we discuss:

• How to show up at work when your personal life is falling apart

• Why letting go of guilt is one of the most challenging acts a caregiver can embrace

• What caregiving reveals about family roles, unspoken expectations, and sibling dynamics

• Why our culture still stigmatizes elder care—and how we can start the right conversations now

Liz’s story isn’t just about hardship. It’s also about grace, humor, and the unexpected gift of showing up fully for those we love.

Show notes and resources: