Carrie On! with Carrie Murray
Carrie On! with Carrie Murray
Podcast Description
Carrie On! is more than a web series and podcast—it’s a movement. Produced by Rolling Water Entertainment, LLC, in partnership with BRA Media under the BRA Network, Carrie On! amplifies the voices of women who refuse to be ignored.Frankly, I’m disappointed by the complacency of some women, yet deeply inspired and energized by those who are rising up. Carrie On! is my way of bringing together two of my greatest passions: fearless entrepreneurship and bold, disruptive women sharing their truths. This is a space for women 40+ to have the tough, necessary conversations and shine a light on what we need right now.The 2024 election made one thing painfully clear—marginalized voices are under attack. Government policies are muting us, and without relentless advocacy, our democracy and fundamental rights are at risk.Carrie On! is our stand. A space for women to show up, speak out, share their talents, and get unapologetically real.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes such as fearless entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, personal reinvention, and navigating midlife challenges, with episodes like 'Saying No, Setting Boundaries & the Enneagram Edge' showcasing tools and frameworks for self-advocacy and setting boundaries. Specific focus areas include the unique struggles of women 40+, personal stories of overcoming societal pressures, and the need for advocacy in a challenging political climate.
Carrie On! is more than a web series and podcast—it’s a movement. Produced by Rolling Water Entertainment, LLC, in partnership with BRA Media under the BRA Network, Carrie On! amplifies the voices of women who refuse to be ignored.
Frankly, I’m disappointed by the complacency of some women, yet deeply inspired and energized by those who are rising up. Carrie On! is my way of bringing together two of my greatest passions: fearless entrepreneurship and bold, disruptive women sharing their truths. This is a space for women 40+ to have the tough, necessary conversations and shine a light on what we need right now.
The 2024 election made one thing painfully clear—marginalized voices are under attack. Government policies are muting us, and without relentless advocacy, our democracy and fundamental rights are at risk.
Carrie On! is our stand. A space for women to show up, speak out, share their talents, and get unapologetically real.
🎙️Carrie On!
Show Notes:
When J. Smiles’ father died suddenly, her mother’s dementia accelerated from grief-induced trauma into a rapid decline. Overnight, J. went from touring comic and multi-hyphenate professional to full-time only-child caregiver—and discovered just how broken (and expensive) the system is. We talk candidly about the $900 Alzheimer’s medication with insurance, the IRS flagging her for “money laundering” while she was literally paying for mom’s care, why “balance is a farce,” and the improv rule that saves her sanity: “Yes… and.” If you’re in the sandwich generation, this one will make you feel seen—and give you scripts, steps, and a little laughter to carry on.
Caring for an aging parent with dementia is messy, expensive, and heartbreakingly human. Comedian and caregiver J. Smiles shares how her mom’s symptoms accelerated after her dad’s sudden death, the $900 med shock, getting flagged by the IRS while fronting care costs, and the improv rule that keeps her sane: “Yes, and.”
Hot Takes & Aha! Moments
1. Sticker shock is real: “One of my mom’s Alzheimer’s meds—with insurance—was $900.”
2. Paperwork > panic: The biggest early crisis wasn’t money—it was access to money. Power of Attorney and health directives would have prevented months of chaos.
3. The IRS might call (seriously): Moving funds to front costs for a parent can trigger flags. Keep records; get legal docs before you need them.
4. Balance is a myth: “It’s not balance—it’s being on call forever.” Permission granted to stop chasing equilibrium.
5. Improv saves caregivers: “Yes, and…” in your head. Don’t argue with dementia—join the moment, redirect for safety, and look for humor.
6. The best helpers aren’t always family: Angels often come from neighbors, church, or a brand-new agency owner who’s “been there.”
7. Self-care that’s not cute: A doctor telling you “At this rate, you’ll die before your mom” can be the wake-up call to change everything.
8. The hardest grief: The body stays the same; the mind slowly leaves. That’s why denial hangs on—and why humor matters.
Memorable Quotes:
“I was effing furious. If I’m catching hell with connections, what happens to people without them?”
“Balance is a farce. You’re either on call or asleep.”
“Always say yes in your mind. Don’t fight the disease—redirect it.”
“The person looks the same for a long time—but their mind is leaving. That’s the grief.”
Guest: @jsmilescomedy | jsmilescomedy.com | parentingup.com
Sponsors (from this episode)
Two Peacocks Travel — Transformative small-group adventures for women: https://www.twopeacockstravel.com/
RFC21 — Progressive consulting and expert witness services in public child welfare: https://www.rfc21.com/
Disclaimer: This show is for storytelling and information only; not medical, legal, financial, or therapeutic advice.
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