In this reflective New Year's episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies encourages caregivers to let go of overwhelming resolutions and instead focus on realistic, short-term goals that actually reduce guilt and stress. She shares her own plans around health, self-care, and trusting others with her mom’s care, while offering practical ideas for visiting loved ones more intentionally without burning out. Lexie reminds listeners that small, thoughtful changes—taken one season at a time—can lead to lasting growth and grace.
Song of the Week: Good News by Shaboozey
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies opens up about why Christmas feels especially heavy this year as she balances caregiving, motherhood, charity work, and the emotional labor that comes with the season. From tough decisions about church services and concerts to feeling worn down by nonstop obligations, Lexie reassures listeners that it’s okay to feel “Scroogey” sometimes—and that rest, grace, and choosing your sanity still count as love.
Song of the Week: Deck The Halls / Silent Night by Whitney Houston
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies reflects on motherhood, loss, and self-recognition as she watches her son narrowly earn straight A’s—prompting memories of her own school years and the lessons she learned (and avoided) along the way. As she navigates guiding a bright, capable child who doesn’t always push for perfection, Lexie shares the emotional weight of missing her parents’ wisdom while learning to let natural consequences do their work. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at parenting from the middle—where pride, worry, and reflection all collide.
Song of the Week: Hot Coco! By Go Banana Go! and Flula Borg
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies reflects on a whirlwind week of school concerts, holiday volunteering, and the powerful impact of connecting younger generations with the elderly. Sparked by a Boy Scout service project, she encourages families to include seniors—especially those in higher levels of care—in their holiday giving and community outreach. With warmth and wisdom, Lexie reminds listeners that meaningful moments between kids and older adults benefit everyone and help preserve the stories that keep our shared history alive.Song of the Week: Joy to the World by Whitney Houston
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares an emotional and uplifting update on her mother’s move to a smaller, more attentive care facility. She reflects on the challenge of stepping out of “caregiver mode” after five years, even as her mom begins to thrive with personalized care, better food, and more meaningful interaction. With honesty and heart, Lexie celebrates early wins, new friendships, and a renewed sense of hope for her family.
Song of the Week: I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash (Also sung by Jimmy Cliff)
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies reviews a simple but life-changing caregiving tool: a $60 bed turner that allows one person to safely reposition a loved one in bed. Demonstrating the device with a friend, she explains how it reduces strain, prevents injury, and supports caregivers managing nighttime changes or mobility challenges at home or in assisted living. Lexie shares firsthand experience from using it with her mom and offers a link for listeners who want to try it themselves.
Song of the Week: Primos by Adrian Quesada
(Unfortunately the second part our episode cut out where I mentioned the Song of the Week!)
Here's the link to the pillow: https://a.co/d/4x6V1bF
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares the big news that her mother is moving into a brand-new, smaller, more attentive memory care community — a change she hopes will restore connection, engagement, and light. She opens up about the emotional mix of excitement and nerves, the tender logistics of moving day, and the deep gratitude she feels for the caregivers who have supported her family along the way. Lexie closes with a reminder that caregiving decisions evolve as our loved ones’ needs change.
Song of the Week: Friendship By Mavis Staples
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares practical, compassionate advice for families navigating the early stages of dementia care. Inspired by conversations with friends beginning their caregiving journeys, she outlines simple ways to keep loved ones safe — from using AirTags in shoes and wallets to creating easy ID systems that maintain dignity and independence. Blending heart and humor, Lexie reminds listeners that preparation brings peace of mind.
Artist of the Week: Laufey
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares that her mom is moving to a smaller assisted living facility where she’ll receive more personal care — and reflects on the emotional weight of caregiving. She opens up about how others perceive her role, the constant balance between “daughter” and “care manager,” and the importance of recognizing that caregivers — whether full-time or part-time — are doing enough.
Inspired by a fellow caregiver’s journaling practice, Lexie reminds listeners to honor the good moments, give themselves grace, and “stay positive,” just like the week’s song by The Hold Steady.
Song of the Week: “Stay Positive" by The Hold Steady
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares a hopeful update in her ongoing caregiver journey—her mom has a new aide, and this one finally feels like the right fit. After meeting her in person, Lexie describes her as calm, capable, and genuinely caring, even attending her mom’s occupational therapy sessions to learn how to better help. This week’s reminder: finding the right caregiver takes patience and persistence—and a little faith that the right person will come along.
Song of the Week: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody" By Whitney Houston
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies continues her tour of local senior living options, sharing her visit to a newly reimagined, owner-operated facility close to home. With small, home-style buildings, low staff-to-resident ratios, and the ability to care for residents with advanced needs, Lexie highlights what makes this model special—and why it might be the right fit for her mom.
Song of the Week: “You and Me" By Dave Matthews Band
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies puts on her “mom hat” this week as she dives into the overwhelming world of high school planning for her eighth-grade son. Between GPA scales, AP classes, and career choices at just 13, Lexie reflects on how much pressure kids face today—and how parents can help them stay grounded and still be kids. It’s an honest, heartfelt look at parenting in the modern education maze, with encouragement for every mom trying to do the same.
Song of the Week: “Lean on My Love" By Jon Baptiste Featuring Andra Day
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies puts on her “wife hat” this week, sharing how she and her husband prioritize an annual music festival getaway on the East Coast. With busy jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and daily stress, this trip has become their way to recharge, reconnect, and set goals for the year ahead. Lexie reminds listeners that even one night away with a spouse can restore balance, deepen connection, and bring back a little joy!
Song of the Week: “I Got A Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
https://instagram.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://facebook.com/sandwichstoriespodcast
https://youtube.com/@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares a hard-learned lesson about hiring private aides for her mom’s care. After discovering that an aide had been neglecting responsibilities — even disappearing during an urgent appointment — Lexie reflects on the importance of checking in with facility staff about how outside caregivers are really doing. She passes along this experience so others won’t make the same costly mistake.
Song of the Week: “Good Day Sunshine” by The Beatles
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcastDownload Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nfFollow Us:Instagram: @sandwichstoriespodcast Facebook:Sandwich Stories PodcastYouTube:@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, host Lexie Callies reviews a Grapevine-based assisted living and memory care facility. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, low resident-to-caregiver ratios, and comprehensive services, the community gave Lexie the “warm and fuzzies” compared to other tours. She reflects on what makes a facility feel right and why trusting your gut matters when choosing care for a loved one.
Song of the Week: “Where I Belong” by Galactic & Irma Thomas
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcastDownload Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nfFollow Us:Instagram: @sandwichstoriespodcast Facebook:Sandwich Stories PodcastYouTube:@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies reviews a memory care facility in Grapevine, Texas, sharing her candid impressions of the space, pricing, and culture. While the all-inclusive rates and family-owned aspect stood out, she found the building dated, the rooms small, and the overall experience just “fine” rather than comforting or warm.
She closes on a brighter note with the Song of the Week: “Good Day” by Seratones, a feel-good anthem about skating past the negativity and enjoying life.
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place:
https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
Instagram: @sandwichstoriespodcast
Facebook:Sandwich Stories Podcast
YouTube:@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies shares an important caregiving reminder after taking her mom to the dentist, where a surprise report of plaque buildup raised concerns about daily oral care.
She discusses practical steps—like posting reminders for caregivers, switching to an electric toothbrush, and exploring mobile dental services—to ensure loved ones keep their teeth healthy and avoid unnecessary dentures. To close, she lightens the mood with the Song of the Week: “Can You Picture That?” by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, a joyful throwback from The Muppets.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
Instagram:@sandwichstoriespodcast
Facebook: Sandwich Stories Podcast
YouTube: @SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies breaks down the real costs of her mother’s current memory care facility in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, sharing how daily rates, rent increases, and add-on care like incontinence support quickly add up to jaw-dropping totals.
She reflects on the financial realities of long-term care, the importance of staying vigilant about loved ones’ care, and the tough truth that even well-prepared families eventually face limits. To wrap up, Lexie lightens the moment with the Song of the Week: “Lemonade” by Forrest Frank, recommended by her friend Jeremy.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place: https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
Instagram:@sandwichstoriespodcast
Facebook: Sandwich Stories Podcast
YouTube: @SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies gives listeners an inside look at a high-end memory care facility near Denton, Texas, highlighting its unique home-style design, low caregiver-to-resident ratio, and special touches like equine therapy and a 1950s-style diner.
While impressed by the personalized care and amenities, she also discusses the challenges of affordability and distance, weighing the realities of choosing the right fit for a loved one. To end on a joyful note, Lexie shares the song of the week—“Get the Party Started” by Pink—reminding us to dance and find happiness amid difficult decisions.She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcastDownload Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place:https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nfFollow Us:Instagram:@sandwichstoriespodcastFacebook:Sandwich Stories PodcastYouTube:@SandwichStoriesPodcast
In this touching episode of Sandwich Stories, Lexie Callies reflects on the importance of putting away your phone, connecting with strangers, and sharing stories of loved ones we miss. She recounts a chance meeting with an older woman at Costco that sparked meaningful conversation and reminded her of her late father, whose memory she honors through everyday moments and shared stories.
The episode closes with the song of the week—“A Love International” by Khruangbin—an instrumental track perfect for daydream drives along the coast.
She is you and you are her. One day you wake up and suddenly you look around and realize your life is…complicated. You’re sandwiched between caring for and navigating aging parents…while still trying to raise your young family. Join me, Lexie Callies on Sandwich Stories: Stories From the Sandwich Generation with Lexie Callies.
Check Out Some of The Products We Love For Our Loved Ones (Check the shop slider!)
https://linktr.ee/sandwichstoriespodcast
Download Our FREE Checklist of Aging In Place:https://tr.ee/KUYpH2a3nf
Follow Us:
Instagram:@sandwichstoriespodcast
Facebook:Sandwich Stories Podcast
YouTube:@SandwichStoriesPodcast