Why Politicians Can’t Afford to Ignore Caregivers — with CareYaya CEO, Neal K. Shah

Caregivers are doing some of the most important work in our society, yet so many are doing it unpaid, unsupported, and without even realizing that “caregiver” is the word for what they have become.

On this episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart welcomes back CareYaya CEO Neal K. Shah to talk about the viral conversations that have struck a nerve with caregivers across North America. After his first appearance sparked a huge response online, Neal returns to dig deeper into why caregiving feels so invisible, why the healthcare system often fails to recognize it, and what caregivers actually need to feel supported.

Together, Teri and Neal unpack the difference between parenting and illness-based caregiving, why so many people caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones with dementia or cancer keep their struggles private, and how the lack of recognition can affect everything from work to mental health to long-term financial stability.

Neal also shares what he is hearing from caregivers through his work at CareYaya and from his growing online community, where his candid takes on unpaid caregiving, caregiver burnout, and the hidden cost of care have resonated with millions.

This episode is for you if you are caring for a parent, spouse, family member, or friend and have ever felt like the system does not see what you are carrying. It is a frank, validating conversation about why caregiving deserves more recognition, more infrastructure, and more support.

Neal Shah is the founder of CareYaya, a care innovation platform focused on scalable solutions that support caregivers and improve care quality. His work, recognized by institutions like Johns Hopkins, is helping reshape how we approach aging and care.

Resources:

Visit the CareYaya Website: https://www.careyaya.org/

Access CareYaya's "Yaya Guide": https://www.careyaya.org/yayaguide

Follow Neal Shah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nealkshah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealkshahcareyaya/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya

To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPod

Follow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpod Website: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/

Follow Teri Hart: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihart

Co-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 Digital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digital Website: https://www.6of1digital.com/

I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.

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🟡 About The Hart of it All

A podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.

No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.

From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.