How to Help a Friend in Crisis: Real Advice from a Mom Who’s Been There with Tara Sharp
Tara Sharp & her daughters
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
When your friend is facing a medical crisis—like a critically ill child, a major diagnosis, or life-changing surgery—it’s hard to know how to help. You don’t want to say the wrong thing. You don’t want to intrude. But you do want to show up.
In this powerful episode, Jessica talks with Tara Sharp, a midlife mom who has walked through years of intense medical challenges with her daughters. From multiple open-heart surgeries in infancy to recent spinal surgery for her teen, Tara shares raw and honest reflections on what helped her most—and what every friend should know about supporting someone in crisis.
You’ll learn how to offer meaningful help to a friend with a sick child, what kind of support matters most during medical emergencies, and why small gestures can make a lasting impact. Tara also opens up about postpartum depression, how to advocate for top-tier medical care, and the emotional toll that long-term caregiving can take on marriage and mental health.
In this episode, we cover:
✔️ What to say (and what not to say) when someone is in crisis
✔️ How to organize practical support
✔️ The power of empathy, and why “Let me know if you need anything” isn’t actually helpful
✔️ How to get a second opinion—and why it might save a life
✔️ Navigating emotional burnout and relationship strain as a caregiver
✔️ How to find purpose in hard experiences by helping others
Whether you’re the one in crisis or the friend who wants to help—this episode is full of wisdom, compassion, and real advice from a mom who’s lived it.
About Tara Sharp:
Tara is recognized as one of the world's foremost leaders in AI marketing. She launched and scaled Google’s consumer AI business and is a board member, advisor and investor in several AI businesses.
Most importantly, Tara is mom to two daughters, Cece and Elle. They reside in the Bay Area in California with their beloved dogs.
Resources & Links:
➡️ Connect with Tara on Linked In
➡️ Pre-order Maya Shankar’s book: The Other Side of Change*
*This is an affiliate link. I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking this link, but rest assured I only recommend what I stand behind.
Other Episodes You Might Enjoy 🎧:
How to Heal from Burn Out in Midlife w/Katie Bonarrigo
What is Reiki Healing—and Can It Help Stressed-Out Midlife Women?
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⭐️ Please share this episode with a 40+ friend who could use some support, drop a 5-star rating and leave a review! I promise I will do a happy dance if you do.
Disclaimer:
Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Further, the opinions of guests on this show do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jessica or anyone affiliated with Belong Wellness.
