Island Treasures
Island Treasures began as a platform for caregivers with its guests sharing their stories to encourage, provide insights, and resources to support those in the midst of caregiving. With over 100 heartfelt episodes, it reminded caregivers they were not alone, as it uplifted voices of wisdom, empowerment, and compassion. In October 2025 Island Treasures enters a new chapter.
This relaunched season explores life after caregiving—the transitions, transformations, and moments that follow with former caregivers sharing how they have transitioned into their next chapter.
In addition to these heartfelt episodes addressing life after caregiving, from time to time we will celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island with an episode highlighting a place or experience unique to Vancouver Island—after all that’s where the podcast calls home.
Whether you’re just beginning to rediscover life beyond caregiving or caregiving is part of your distant past, Island Treasures offers stories that we trust will resonate with you and inspire you as you move forward after caregiving. Or if you’re curious about Vancouver Island and want to hear more about the people and places that make it special, we’re delighted to have you join us for those episodes as well.
Please note: the original episodes remain available and provide a rich archive of support for caregivers. This new season simply expands the journey.
Island Treasures
Island Treasures Podcast: Change is A-Coming!
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Island Treasures Podcast is taking a short break from publishing new episodes to reflect and seek future direction!
Over the past six seasons, we've explored the many facets of caregiving, sharing insightful conversations and meaningful stories. While our existing content will remain available for you to revisit anytime, we feel it may be time to venture into new territory.
We look back over the life of the podcast thus far as its focus has been on caregiving, with exceptional guests - many caregivers themselves - sharing their caregiving stories, wisdom and experiences as they help encourage the listeners in their caregiving journeys.
A huge thank you to all the guests who have helped shape the caregiving chapter of the Island Treasures Podcast, namely: Roy Johnson, Dennis Dulniak, Theresa Wilbanks, Brenda Blais-Nesbitt, Cori Sandler and Alice de Wolff, Anne Sands, Betsy Haddad, Pat Thibodeau, Toni Gitles, Sue Johnston, Lisa Kendall, Chris MacLellan, Erin Galyean, Chandra White-Cummings, Arlene Jacobs, Judy Cornish, Zander Keig, Beth Hearn Douglas, Jennifer Richey, Kathy Shoaf, Mike George, Brenda Leppington, Loretta Veney, Dave Iverson, Licia Thompson, Jodi Kay Benusa, Breeda Miller, Debbie Compton, Ben Graham, Dr. Delon Canterbury, Roxane Anderson, Tracy Crump, Lori Lemasters, Natalie Hankins, Denise Brown, Kathy Neuhausser, Sandra Strauss, Heidi Rome, Katrina Prescott, Valerie Weins, Grace Block, Bill Cohen, Teepa Snow, Dr. George Ackerman, Lori Rogers, Jenna Rumberger, Victoria Essner, Alexis Baker, Amy Friesen, Susanne White, Sarah Merriman, Rebekah Dowhy, Angela Fairhurst, Gina Awad and Rayna Neises
Stay tuned for more details on what may lie ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to share what’s next!
Applause track Sound Effect by Freesound Community from Pixabay
Thank you for tuning in to the Island Treasures Podcast.
We value the insights shared by our guests and hosts, but it's important to note that their personal experiences are intended to inform and encourage, and not to replace professional, legal, or medical advice.
With that, we are ready for today's exciting episode.
Welcome to Island Treasures, a place for caregivers to hear encouragement from other caregivers, who by sharing their experiences offer helpful information and resources for your caregiving journey.
I am your host and caregiver consultant, Alison van Schie from beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Over six incredible seasons on the podcast, we've explored the ups and downs of caregiving, its challenges, rewards, and the deep impact it has on individuals and families. Today's episode is a little different.
It's not goodbye, but rather a heartfelt pause to consider the future of the Island Treasures Podcast. Caregiving is one of the most selfless acts of love and service.
Whether you're a family member caring for a loved one, a professional working tirelessly to support others, or someone who has walked the caregiving path before, your resilience and dedication matter. You matter.
The podcast has brought incredible stories and wisdom from our guests, most of them caregivers themselves. We've created a space where listening caregivers feel seen, understood and supported.
From navigating difficult emotions to finding joy in the small moments, our guests have shared tools, tips, resources and encouragement, all with the goal of supporting and uplifting other caregivers.
If there's one thing I hope Island Treasures Podcast has provided, it's the reassurance that caregiving is never meant to be a solo journey. You are not alone.
The strength found in community, shared wisdom, as well as open and courageous conversations, is what makes caregiving both meaningful and sustainable.
And while we may be transitioning soon, all the past episodes will remain available for you to revisit whenever you need encouragement or insight on various aspects of caregiving.
Before we wrap up this chapter of the Island Treasures Podcast, I must add that I've been blown away by the incredible podcast guests. Caregivers who've joined us from Canada, the United States, and also from Great Britain.
Guests who have generously shared their stories to support others on their journey. Their openness, wisdom and kindness that they so selflessly shared have made a lasting impact.
What began during the COVID pandemic with my first episode has now grown to 119 episodes featuring over 50 remarkable guests. My gratitude for every guest who has joined me along the way is immeasurable.
Your generosity in sharing your experiences has shaped this podcast into a meaningful space for learning, encouragement, connection and resource. I want to thank you for being part of this incredible journey. So what's next?
For now, we're taking a well-deserved break, a chance to reflect on the success of the Island Treasures Podcast and consider what the future might hold.
While caregiving will always be a part of our story, we're excited to explore the possibility of fresh perspectives and ideas to inspire, uplift and perhaps even entertain.
Wherever this journey leads, we're grateful and honored that you welcomed us to come alongside on your caregiving journey through the Island Treasures Podcast.
Your support, feedback and commitment to caring for others have shaped this podcast in ways I never could have imagined. This isn't goodbye. It's the beginning of a new chapter.
Stay engaged and continue exploring the valuable resources at alongside caregiverconsulting.ca, including the library of podcast episodes, videos and blog posts to support you.
Watch for updates on our Instagram and Facebook accounts as we navigate what's next for the Island Treasures Podcast. We appreciate your support and the connections we've built along the way. It's been a privilege to share this space with you.
And so until we meet again, take care.