Podcst

Brian Can’t Stop Fact-Checking His Mother-in-Law

Science Vs

Spotify Studios

February 19, 2026

Show Notes

We’ve all been there. Feeling stuck with a problem because no one in our life can relate. Or because the one person we need to talk to … won’t. Or can’t. Enter Yowei Shaw and the show Proxy. Proxy is built on a simple idea: no one is ever as alone with their problem as they think. So Yowei brings in a proxy, a perfect stranger, to help her guests work through their dilemma. Today we’re sharing the case of Brian, a journalist whose mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. Even though Brian knows she can’t help misremembering things, he can’t stop losing his patience with her, and with himself.

This episode was mixed for Science Vs by Bobby Lord.


Find Proxy here.


Resources from Claudia on dementia caregiving, caregiving in general, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT):

On understanding dementia

DementiaReimagined: Building a life of joy and dignity from beginning to end by Tia Powell (and thisaccompanying Fresh Air episode)

On preventing/addressing emotional or behavioral changes associated with dementia

Whena Family Member Has Dementia: Steps to Becoming a Resilient Caregiver by Susan M. McCurry

On acceptance and commitment therapy (not specifically related to caregiving)

GetOut of Your Mind and Into Your Life The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Steven C. Hayes

TheHappiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris

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Brian Can’t Stop Fact-Checking His Mother-in-Law — Podcst