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Proudly Hosting The Dementia Collective Podcast!

What happens when someone who has spent his life rescuing people faces something he cannot rescue his own mum from? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Andrew “Reidy” Reid, longtime Bondi Rescue lifeguard, endurance athlete and dementia advocate, for an incredibly open conversation about lifeguarding, family, caregiving, grief, endurance sport, and his mum Trish’s journey with dementia. Reidy has spent more than 20 years as a lifeguard, becoming one of the familiar faces of Bondi Rescue. He has also completed more than 50 marathons, competed in Ironman triathlons, and even holds a Guinness World Record for running a marathon carrying a surfboard. But years before dementia became part of his own family, Reidy had already started using that endurance background to support dementia research through the 155-kilometre Bondi2Berry ride. Then his mum, Trish, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Reidy speaks candidly about watching his relationship with his mum change, stepping into a caregiving role, navigating difficult family dynamics, and eventually seeing his mum move into a nursing home. He describes the complicated grief of mourning someone who is still alive and the difficulty of leaving after a visit when his mum asks why she cannot come home with him. He also reflects on the things dementia has not taken away. Trish still remembers the words to the Elvis songs she played for her children growing up, and Reidy shares how music, old memories, family videos, puzzles and time with his children can still create moments of connection. The conversation also explores Reidy’s life beyond dementia, from growing up around Bondi and becoming a lifeguard to the beginnings of Bondi Rescue, extraordinary rescues, more than 50 marathons, Ironman racing, his 2:49 marathon, and the unlikely story behind his Guinness World Record marathon carrying a surfboard. In this episode: * Growing up around Bondi and how Reidy became a lifeguard * The real-life rescues behind Bondi Rescue * What more than 20 years of lifeguarding has taught him about patience and caregiving * Why Reidy started supporting dementia research before his mum was diagnosed * Trish’s early signs of dementia and eventual diagnosis * What it feels like to mourn someone who is still alive * The emotional difficulty of visiting a parent living in a nursing home * Navigating caregiving and complicated family relationships * Why music can still bring moments of connection with his mum * The memories of Trish that Reidy never wants to lose * Why running has become one of his most important coping mechanisms * More than 50 marathons, Ironman and breaking three hours in the marathon * The wild story behind running a 3:17 marathon carrying a surfboard * Bondi2Berry and raising money for dementia research * What Reidy wants other families navigating dementia and grief to know This is a conversation about much more than Bondi Rescue. It is about what happens when the person accustomed to being the rescuer becomes a son trying to navigate something he cannot fix. And through all of it, Reidy offers a simple message to other families living through dementia: be kind to yourself. You are navigating grief and doing the best you can. ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:00 Introduction to Andrew "Reidy" Reid 02:35 Lessons learned from lifeguarding: Patience and calmness 03:55 Reconnecting with people saved at Bondi Beach 05:33 A memorable rescue and reflection on mistakes 09:38 Bondi2Berry 17:19 Life growing up 19:12 Becoming a Bondi lifeguard 21:09 Andrew’s personal struggles and resilience 25:36 Andrew’s childhood, early life, and career path 26:37 Experiences with his mother’s dementia and caregiving challenges 35:39 Bringing children to visit the nursing home 39:43 Taking mum out for quality time 41:46 The importance of documenting family stories 50:40 First signs of dementia 01:00:56 Reflections on life, loss, and hope 01:05:32 World record race 01:12:43 IRONMAN Triathlons 01:22:47 Lightning Round 01:36:35 Bondi terrorist attack ——— This episode is brought to you by Eugeria. Check out their website for dementia products you can trust. ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use. 1:44:06
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC4xNEMzREYwQzc3REUwNDY0

The Bondi Lifeguard Taking on Dementia (with Andrew “Reidy” Reid) | EP53

What does it actually mean to build with older adults, rather than simply for them? In this special episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with seven guests at the Silver Tech Summit 2.0 in Edmonton to explore what aging well really looks like, who gets a say in shaping that future, and why older adults need to be part of the conversation. Across seven conversations, the discussion moves from technology to care, community, entrepreneurship, research, loneliness, Indigenous perspectives, and the importance of actually listening to the people we are designing for. Featuring: * Darlene Schindel, Founder, NurseWell Collective * Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta * Janice Baskin, Manager, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network * Karen Murdock, Founder, Silver Longevity Business Association * Jay Pritchard, President, WE Seniors * Zoran Kovacevic, entrepreneur and founder of Pace * Chief Billy Morin, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Northwest, former Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, and Indigenous Services Critic In this episode: * What “Build With Us, Not For Us” actually means * Why older adults need a voice in the technologies and services created for them * Why care is about more than technology * Loneliness, isolation, and rebuilding community * Turning research and innovation into real-world solutions * Entrepreneurship and designing alongside the people you serve * Indigenous entrepreneurship and culturally appropriate care for Elders * Rethinking how we define and measure successful aging This is a conversation about agency, dignity, community, independence, and who gets a seat at the table when we decide what aging well should look like. This special episode was filmed at and produced in conjunction with the Silver Tech Summit 2.0, hosted by WE Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:00 Introduction to the Silver Tech Summit 00:47 Introduction to Darlene Schindel 06:14 The Language of Caregiving 12:23 Personal Experiences in Nursing 20:30 Embracing Technology in Senior Care 28:37 Building Together: The Meaning Behind the Slogan 32:23 Introduction to Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell 35:43 The fluid mechanics of urination 38:10 Research Impact on Aging and Disabilities 44:13 Challenges in Commercializing Innovations 47:12 Why university research is often not brought to market 54:23 Introduction to Janice Baskin 01:00:04 Edmonton Regional Innovation Network Overview 01:02:49 Entrepreneurship defined 01:05:54 Community Needs and Innovation 01:12:30 Commercialization Challenges in Innovation 01:20:51 Building with Users in Mind 01:24:38 Introduction to Karen Murdock 01:29:20 Building Community and Trust in Technology 01:37:35 Empowering Seniors: Stories of Inspiration 01:44:25 Creating Solutions for Seniors 01:51:22 Empowering Seniors to Share Their Needs 01:52:14 Introduction to Jay Pritchard 01:57:19 Humor and Connection in Senior Care 02:03:03 Strategies for Identifying Isolated Seniors 02:08:37 Building Technology with Seniors in Mind 02:12:32 Introduction to Zoran Kovacevic 02:17:27 Life on a Cruise Ship 02:23:46 Lessons from Law School and Personal Growth 02:29:02 Introducing PacePet: The AI Companion 02:34:37 Integrating Senior Feedback into Product Development 02:38:26 Introduction to Chief Billy Morin 02:41:16 Billy Morin's Background and Political Journey 02:44:16 Leadership Philosophy and Fiscal Responsibility 02:47:13 Infrastructure Development and Community Trust 02:48:37 Indigenous Knowledge and Elder Reverence 02:50:36 Cultural Values and Community Dynamics 02:51:42 Technology and Community Design 02:53:25 Entrepreneurship in Indigenous Communities 02:54:52 Balancing Community Development and Entrepreneurial Influence 02:56:07 Attracting Talent to Indigenous Communities 02:57:31 Navigating Allyship and Community Needs 02:59:21 The Importance of Ceremony and Tradition 03:00:49 Creating Urban Reserves for Indigenous Innovation 03:03:23 Building Community Spaces for Indigenous Identity 03:05:58 Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Education and Health 03:08:09 Redefining Success in Indigenous Services 03:10:01 The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Modern Solutions 03:10:56 The Haunting Absence of Indigenous Language and Culture ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use 3:14:05
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC5CNTRCQzEzRUU4Mzc4OUIw

Build With Us Not For Us: What Aging Well Really Looks Like | LIVE from the Silver Tech Summit

What does caregiving look like when no one sees what you’re carrying? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Katie Kristofic, founder of The Carefullist, caregiver advocate, and former family caregiver, to explore the realities of supporting a loved one through Alzheimer’s disease and why she now spends her late nights helping caregivers who have nowhere else to turn. After caring for her mother through every stage of Alzheimer’s disease, Katie transformed her own experience into a mission to make caregiving less isolating. She shares the subtle signs that first made her realize something was wrong, the challenges her family faced as her mother’s condition progressed, and how her father’s quiet devotion shaped the way they navigated dementia together. Katie also reflects on balancing caregiving with a demanding corporate career, the unexpected challenges caregivers face in the workplace, and how those experiences ultimately led her to create The Carefullist. Together, Andrew and Katie discuss the hidden emotional weight of caregiving, the importance of meeting every person living with dementia where they are, the value of community, and why caregivers deserve far more support than they often receive. They also explore what happens after caregiving ends, how purpose can emerge from grief, and why helping others became part of Katie’s own healing. This is a conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving, family, grief, purpose, advocacy, and finding hope by helping others. In this episode: * How Katie first realized something was wrong with her mother * What Alzheimer’s looked like throughout her mother’s journey * How her father cared for his wife at home with creativity and compassion * The challenges of balancing a career while caring for a parent * Why so many caregivers feel isolated and unsupported * How caregiving changed Katie’s purpose after her mother’s death * Why she created The Carefullist * The importance of finding community during and after caregiving * Practical advice for families beginning a dementia journey * Why Katie spends her nights supporting caregivers online Whether you are caring for a parent, spouse, grandparent, friend, neighbour, or someone living with dementia, this conversation is a reminder that while caregiving can often feel lonely, you do not have to carry it alone. Sometimes the greatest source of hope is knowing that someone else understands exactly what you’re going through. Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.carefullist.com ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:32 Katie Kristofic 01:00 The Carefulist: A Journey of Healing 02:45 Understanding Alzheimer's: Personal Experiences 08:42 Family Dynamics in Caregiving 11:32 Creative Caregiving Strategies 16:58 Caregiving Challenges 18:09 The Impact of Caregiving on Career 39:59 Navigating Grief and Loss 41:57 The Role of Community and Support 46:36 Navigating Caregiving Challenges 51:29 The Birth of a Podcast 53:39 Understanding The Carefulist 55:49 Lightning Round 01:00:36 Impactful Stories and Lessons 01:12:16 Finding Hope in Caregiving 01:14:28 Final Thoughts and Community Support ——— This episode is brought to you by Eugeria. Check out their website for dementia products you can trust. ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use. 1:17:21
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC4wQzZFNDlFNkI3MDBBMDcx

She's Up At 2AM Because That's When Caregivers Need Her Most (with Katie Kristofic) | EP52

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