Episode
38

Emma Heming Willis on Bruce Willis, Caregiving, and the Diagnosis She Never Saw Coming

with
Emma Heming Willis
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Bruce Willis has spent decades on screen as one of Hollywood’s strongest leading men.


Now, his wife Emma Heming Willis is redefining what strength looks like behind the scenes.

In this powerful and deeply insightful conversation, Emma joins Tamsen to share what she’s learned from caring for Bruce and how her experience has become a guide for millions of caregivers around the world.

Emma opens up about the early signs she noticed, what it felt like to get Bruce’s diagnosis, and how she’s learned to care for herself while caring for him. 

She also shares the practical lessons that every caregiver needs: the expert advice, daily adjustments, and small shifts that can change everything for both the person you love and yourself.

Drawing on research and interviews from her book The Unexpected Journey, Emma breaks down real, usable information that every family can benefit from, whether you’re in the caregiving role now or know you will be one day.

You’ll learn:

-The subtle early signs that something may be changing with a loved one
-The small, evidence-based adjustments that make caregiving easier day-to-day
-How to protect your physical and mental health as a caregiver
-What most families don’t realize about support systems and self-care
-The mindset shifts that helped Emma move from isolation to advocacy

This conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of practical wisdom.

If you’ve ever cared for someone you love, or you know you might one day, Emma’s voice will give you the tools and strength to face it with compassion and grace.

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guest appearing in this episode

Emma Heming Willis

Bruce Willis has spent decades on screen as one of Hollywood’s strongest leading men. Now, his wife Emma Heming Willis is redefining what strength looks like behind the scenes.

Resources

medical disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.

00:00 Intro

02:16 Bruce and Emma’s Love Story and the Start of Something New

07:08 The Subtle Signs of FTD She First Noticed

09:50 Understanding Bruce’s Diagnosis: What FTD Really Is

11:18 What Caregivers Are (and Aren’t) Told at Diagnosis

13:40 Why She Wrote The Unexpected Journey for Other Families

15:21 Going Public with Bruce’s Diagnosis and Fighting the Stigma

18:52 The Urgent Need for Early Diagnosis and Clinical Trials

20:10 Why Asking for Help Isn’t Failure, It’s Survival

25:29 The Science Behind Caregiver Health and Burnout

35:20 Practical Tips from Dementia Experts That Changed Everything

36:54 Why She’d Be OK With It Being Called ‘Bruce Willis Disease’

40:12 The Legacy She Hopes to Pass to Her Daughters

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