Rachel Kerr Schneider: Finding Strength, Faith & Resilience Through Caregiving

Breathe with Intention: Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly. Conscious breathing helps neutralize overwhelming emotions and brings a sense of calm.
Be Your Own Comfort: Imagine what you would tell a dear friend who was feeling the same way. Now, say those kind, reassuring words to yourself. Whether it’s a phrase like, “It’s okay to let go” or “I’m safe now” , affirmations can help soothe your mind.
Anchor Yourself: Use your senses to ground yourself in the present moment. Notice what you see, hear, or feel around you. This practice helps disrupt the rumination cycle and reorients you to the here and now.

E156
32:17
October 16th 2026

In this heartfelt conversation, Isabel welcomes Rachel Kerr Schneider, CEO, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, to talk about caregiving, resilience, faith, and the unexpected seasons of life.

Rachel shares her experience caring for her husband, John, after his ALS diagnosis and the lessons that journey taught her about anticipatory grief, asking for help, managing expectations, difficult family conversations, and caring for yourself while caring for someone you love.

They explore how clarity can strengthen families, why we sometimes expect others to help in ways they simply cannot, and how having honest conversations before a crisis can make caregiving more manageable.

Rachel also shares how her faith became a source of hope and resilience throughout some of the most difficult moments of her life.

A meaningful conversation for anyone caring for a loved one—or preparing their family for the seasons of life that none of us can predict.

A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors.

After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them through their particular journeys with their loved ones. In this podcast, I want to share advice on how to prioritize your mental health, how to have those difficult conversations, and how to talk you out of feeling guilty and overwhelmed.