Start Here: Welcome to Between Now and Next

Hi,

I'm so glad you're here.

Between Now and Next is a podcast for caregivers navigating seasons of change, whether you're stepping into this role for the first time, deep in the daily realities of caregiving, or figuring out how to rebuild after your watch has ended. This is a soft space to land when the middle feels messy.

You might be:

• Caring for aging parents or a loved one with complex health needs

• Balancing your own career, family, and dreams while caregiving

• Wondering how to prepare for what's ahead or how to recover from what's behind

• Learning how to care for yourself with gentleness in the midst of it all

This podcast won't give you 10 productivity hacks or promise overnight clarity. But it will offer honest stories, gentle encouragement, and practical insights so you can take your next step with resilience and intention.

🎧 How to Listen

You can listen here on Substack (in your inbox or the app), or find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major players.

✨ Where to Start

Start with these three episodes to get a feel for the tone, themes, and heart of the show:

1. Trailer – A 2-minute preview of the podcast's purpose and vibe.

2. 01: What to Expect Here + Why I Started Between Now and Next – A personal introduction to who I am, why I created this space, and what you'll find.

3. 02: My Career Story: From Aspiring Doctor to Project Manager - The story behind how I changed careers while navigating caregiving, burnout, and purpose.

4. O3: The Many Roles of Caregivers - Understand what caregiving looks like and why it's different for everyone.

💌 What to Expect

New episodes drop weekly (sometimes solo, sometimes guest conversations).

You'll also get short written reflections from me here on Substack, which is perfect if you're more of a reader than a listener.

Each post or episode will offer:

• A real story or insight

• A soft truth to sit with

• A gentle call to reflect, share, or act

☕ Let's Stay Connected

If this resonates, here's how we can stay in touch:

• Subscribe to the podcast + newsletter

• Share an episode with a friend who's caregiving

• Drop a comment on a post or reply to an episode email. I'd love to hear your story

🧭 About Me

I'm Tessa Shahid - a project leader, podcast host, mentor, and advocate for the aging, youth, and disabled communities. I spent over 15 years navigating life as a caregiver. My journey included strokes, paralysis, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and hospice care, all while moving through school, career shifts, and significant life milestones. Both of my parents have now passed, but the lessons, love, and resilience from that season continue to shape everything I do.

I created Between Now and Next because I know what it's like to face caregiving, grief, and transition and feel unsure of where to start. This space is for those of us who show up every day for others while still trying to hold space for our own well-being, dreams, and healing.

If that's you, you're not.