Heart of the Home Series

Rachel Austin became a caregiver at 16 when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Over 18 years, she discovered that laughter wasn't a distraction from serious illness — it was one of the most powerful tools a caregiving home has. Actor, writer, and founder of the Love Labor Project, Rachel shares how comedy carried her and her mom through, and what she learned about love, loss, and showing up.

Sadie was 11 years old when her father was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. For nearly three years — through a COVID lockdown — she helped care for him until his passing in January 2021. Now 19 and a college hockey player, she speaks with raw honesty about grief, resilience, and what it means to be a good swimmer in a world that forgets you can drown.