Welcome to the very first episode of Final Approach: Human Stories From High-Stress Professions, a podcast dedicated to the untold stories behind caregiving, family, and high-paced careers. I’m Jonathan Knaul, your host, and for this debut episode, I’m joined by my incredible sister, Dr. Felicia Knaul, a world-renowned public health leader. Together, we open up about our journey as caregivers for our parents, blending the extraordinary and the ordinary with stories of love, vulnerability, and resilience.

Felicia’s impressive career—from her influential work with street children in Colombia to her advocacy for cancer and palliative care—is the backdrop to our conversation. But the heart of the episode is my motivation to write a book about caregiving, triggered by our shared experience caring for our mother as she declined from dementia, and our father’s earlier battle with cancer.

We explore how my background as a military pilot and test pilot shaped my approach to caregiving, especially during the isolating days of COVID-19. Felicia brings to light her own perspective, sharing how pandemic restrictions separated her from our mother and how remote tools became lifelines for connection and therapy. We talk candidly about the burnout, emotional vulnerability, mistakes, and ultimately the love that kept us going.

By weaving together the wartime survival stories of our parents, the stress of caregiving through the pandemic, and the practical wisdom of checklists and compassion, we share not just a guide for others—but a testament to family. This episode is for anyone suddenly thrust into caregiving, searching for support, or needing reassurance that the “final approach” can be met with strength and heart.

Key Takeaways

• Caregiving often arrives unannounced: We rarely plan for it, but when it happens, the experience is both challenging and life-changing.
• Checklists and structure help: My military and test pilot training instilled a discipline and process that translated into practical guidance for caregiving—especially during critical moments.
• Emotional vulnerability is not weakness: Opening up about the hard days, mistakes, and burnout empowers others and builds connection.
• COVID-19 changed everything: The pandemic complicated every aspect of caregiving—from isolation to securing help—and revealed the need for creativity and resilience.
• Personalized care is vital: To truly care for someone, you must know them—what comforts them, what bothers them, and what makes their life meaningful.
• Remote support matters: Virtual therapy, music, and art sessions became essential for maintaining connection and well-being during the pandemic.
• Love drives the process: Beyond procedures and organization, it’s the love for our mother (and for each other as siblings) that fueled us through difficult times.
• Resources and guides are essential: The book I wrote, and this podcast, aim to fill gaps for caregivers—especially when dealing with administrative and emotional hurdles after loss.

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. Best in care,

Jonathan