How Would You Feel if You Were Living an Unauthentic Life?
July 22, 2022
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Guest Information
Episode Description
J.R. Strayve, Jr. was born to a nomadic military family, attending nine schools before entering college. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, he raised a family. Jerry lived with a gnawing feeling inside that there was something different about him. Never knowing what that was, or why, he proceeded to pursue what was considered to be the "American Dream. He achieved all he desired, or so he thought, marriage to a college sweetheart, children, a house with a picket fence. Along with the "American Dream" life, he describes caring for a daughter with disabilities who they were told would essentially be a "vegetable" and should be institutionalized. The family forged on together, their special needs daughter was special beyond her own personal limitations. In their special needs daughter, the Strayve family found a commitment that bound them together for thirty years. But through the years, Jerry's "difference' that laid dormant inside him, needed to be "set free". Jerry reveals the effect of denying who he was his entire life, the effect on him personally, psychologically and emotionally. When he finally acknowledged his identity the life he knew, and some of the people in it, and the relationships he cherished changed. He describes the challenges he's faced In search of pursuing a place in his new life. Jerry Strayve wears his heart on his sleeve, his openness and transparency is a testament to his bravery and courage to leave the life he always "wanted" to the life he desperately needed.
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
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