S1E2 Jay Brenneman

The CARTI Hopecast

In this episode of The CARTI Hopecast, host Adam Head sits down with Jay Brenneman—clinical psychologist, leadership coach, and author of Take a Larger Way: Reflections of a Dementia Caregiver. Jay shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his wife, Janene, as she navigated dementia—a journey that tested his understanding of grief, vulnerability, and identity.

Through raw and honest storytelling, Jay reflects on the complexities of ambiguous grief, the emotional toll of long-term caregiving, and the process of finding meaning in suffering. Together, Adam and Jay explore how memory, solitude, and hope shape our ability to heal in the face of profound loss.

This powerful conversation is an invitation to reflect on resilience, transformation, and the strength found in community—offering encouragement to anyone who has experienced grief or is walking alongside a loved one in decline.

Takeaways:

• Jay's initial resistance to vulnerability during his wife's dementia journey highlights a common struggle many caregivers face.
• The concept of ambiguous grief in dementia emphasizes the lack of closure and ongoing emotional challenges for caregivers and families.
• Jay's story underscores the importance of community support, especially during the emotional toll of dementia caregiving.
• Through journaling and the encouragement of friends, Jay discovered the writing process as a form of healing and reflection.
• Caregivers must navigate the duality of celebrating life while grieving the loss of their loved one's personhood.
• Jay emphasizes that compassion is essential when dealing with the complexities of dementia and its impact on relationships.

Founded in 1976, CARTI delivers leading-edge cancer care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Our mission is to make trusted cancer care accessible for every patient we serve through compassion, innovation, and purpose.

The CARTI Hopecast shares authentic, meaningful stories that focus on human experiences. Every day, we see patients and families navigating unimaginable hardships, sometimes feeling alone in their journey. Through The Hopecast, listeners hear stories of resilience and transformation, fostering a sense of connection and hope.