Wonders & Worries: WonderCast: Recent Episodes
Wonders and Worries
Guest Hosts: Tessa Stuckey, LPC, published author and Co-Founder of LookUp Summary: In this conversation, Tessa Stuckey, a therapist and author, discusses her journey in understanding the impact of screens and social media on youth mental health. She shares insights on her nonprofit, LookUp, which aims to educate families about healthy screen use. The discussion […]
Guest Hosts: Adrianna Ortega, BA, BS, CCLS and Francine Gamez, MS, CCLS, LPC-Associate, NCC Summary: In this conversation, child life specialists Adrianna Ortega and Francine Gamez discuss the unique challenges and cultural considerations when providing support to Latin families facing illness. They emphasize the importance of family dynamics, cultural representation, and the need for culturally […]
Guest Hosts: Dr. Caroline Leek BSc MSc PhD RSA CF, Director of Fruit Fly Collective Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Caroline Leek discusses her journey from personal loss to creating impactful resources for families affected by cancer. She shares insights on the work of the Fruit Fly Collective and the importance of educating children about […]
In this conversation, Taryn Schuelke shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, navigating treatment, and the impact on her family. She discusses her background in the medical field, the challenges of being a working mother during treatment, and the importance of community support. Taryn also reflects on her experiences with hair loss, body image, and how she has supported her children through this process. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with cancer while maintaining a sense of normalcy in family life.
Guest Hosts: Jenni Rogers MS, CCLS, CTRS and Sara Olsher, Author and Founder of Mighty + Bright Summary: Sarah and Jenni discuss the benefits of using books to help children understand illness and navigate difficult conversations. They share their experiences in creating resources for families facing chronic illness, including books on cancer, anticipatory grief, and […]
Guest Hosts: Joshua Williams (Program Coordinator, Fatherhood EFFECT) and Ernie Agbobock (Parent Educator, Fatherhood EFFECT) with DePelchin Children’s Center in Houston, Texas. Summary: In this episode we visit Ernie and Joshua to discuss their work as parent educators and fatherhood specialists at DePelchin Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling services and parenting […]
Guest Host: Megan Christie For many families the return to school is met with excitement and anticipation of routines and daily visits with classmates. In households with chronic illness, however, perhaps summer wasn’t the season of relaxation you had hoped it would be. Perhaps it was filled with loss, or lots of medical changes, or […]
Fr. Kristin Braun joins our podcast to discuss the importance of spiritual care and its supportive role in our overall health and wellness. This episode highlights the role of chaplains in hospitals and the holistic care they provide. In this conversation, Kristin Braun, an Episcopal priest, discusses spirituality, faith, and finding meaning in difficult times. Listen in as she unpacks common questions and struggles people have with their faith, offering reassurance and support to others in need.
In this episode, Vicki Parsons, the director of Ballet Austin's Butler Center for Dance and Fitness, discusses the wellness programs and community initiatives offered by Ballet Austin. She highlights the Pink Pilates program, which provides post-operative workouts for breast cancer survivors, and emphasizes the importance of the arts in healing. Parsons also talks about the Be Well initiative, which focuses on promoting health and well-being through inspiration and resources related to food, fitness, and healthy living. She encourages individuals to find joy in movement and to connect with others in a supportive community.
Guest Hosts: Danielle Coleman, MS, CCLS Summary: As we prepare for the launch of season six on July 15th, we revisit a favorite episode from season two. Kids are out of school for the summer which grants abundant opportunities to see the world through their point of view. Kids have the most magical ability to […]
Guest Hosts: Jordan and Will Summary In this episode, Jordan and Will share their journey of healing from Dad’s anoxic brain injury and eventual passing. They discuss the impact on their lives, the challenges they faced, and the support they received from their community. This important conversation carves out space for authenticity, grief, creativity, hope […]
Guest Hosts: Yolanda Calle, NHC, MAOM, RM Summary Today we meet Yolanda Calle, Nutritional Health Coach with Natural Grocers here in Austin Texas. Tune as she highlights the incredible resource of integrating natural and conventional medicine to achieve optimal wellness. She discusses the correlations between nutrition, stress, and illness, emphasizing the need for holistic wellness […]
Guest Hosts: Yolanda Calle, NHC, MAOM, RM Summary Today we meet Yolanda Calle. Nutritional health coach with Natural Grocers here in Austin Texas. Tune as she highlights the incredible resource of integrating natural and conventional medicine to achieve optimal wellness. She discusses the correlations between nutrition, stress, and illness, emphasizing the need for holistic wellness and self-care. […]
Guest Hosts: Chris Brown, founder of Aya of Infinity Cancer Foundation Summary In the episode we meet Christopher Brown, founder of the Aya of Infinity Cancer Foundation, as he shares his journey and perspective on living with cancer. He discusses his diagnosis, the challenges he has faced, and his determination to fight against cancer. Despite […]
Guest Hosts: Wanda Montemayor, LPC-S-AT, ATCS, RPT-S, ATR-BC – Director and Founder of Community Arts Therapy & Meagan Butler, M.Ed, LPC – Chief Care Model Officer at Lucero In this episode we visit with Wanda Montemayor and Meagan Butler to discuss healing-centered engagement, art therapy, and the incredible ways that art can support community care. […]
Guest Hosts: Becky Morales, LCSW-S Chief Mission Officer at Flatwater In this episode we learn about an incredible organization called Flatwater. A nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, Flatwater provides mental health therapy to individuals and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Tune in today as we visit with Becky Morales, Chief Mission Officer for […]
With guest host: Marti Smith, OTR/L At the launch of her newest book, Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma, we revisit our incredible episode with Marti. In this episode, we are joined by Marti Smith, TBRI Specialist, published author and licensed, clinical occupational therapist living in Austin, Texas. Relying on her incredible knowledge of her TBRI […]
Guest Hosts: Kim Fryer, MS, MEd, CCLS and Ashley Byrnes, MS, CCLS Spring is here, which means it is time to start looking towards the plans for summer. In this episode, we are joined by Wonders & Worries Child Life Specialists, Kim Fryer and Ashley Byrnes, to discuss all things camp. Listen in and hopefully […]
Guest Host: Kristen Patton In this episode, we are joined by Kristen Patton, a local Mom of four, advocate of her Austin community and grateful recipient of a heart transplant. Her story is one of chaos, vulnerability, gratitude, resiliency and well… Grace. Key Websites: Dr. Mary Beth Cishek http://advancedheartcarecenter.com/ Dr. William Kessler https://ctvstexas.com/about-ctvs/our-physicians/cardiothoracic-surgeons/william-f-kessler-m-d-f-a-c-s/ Ascension Seton […]
Guest Hosts: Ashley Dedmon, MPH, CHES Trained Research Advocate | Speaker | Author | Thought Leader In this conversation, Ashley Dedmon, published author and advocate, shares her personal experience as a caregiver to her parents with cancer and her own high-risk status due to a BRCA2 gene mutation. Through her platform, Pink Legacy 5050, and children’s […]
Guest Hosts: Esther Pipoly Today we open season five with the incredible organization known as LOLA. Esther Pipoly, the owner and founder of Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA), shares her personal journey and the creation of Lola. Lola provides support and guidance to families navigating end-of-life transitions and losses. Esther emphasizes the importance of open […]
As we turn a page on a new calendar year, we look back at 2023 and give thanks for all the incredible resources shared, the brave stories that highlighted resiliency, uncertainty, loss and hope. Over 20 new episodes shared, social platforms grown and the exciting potential of a new year to come. Thank you to […]
With guest host: Shani Thornton Our second season closes with a very special guest. In this podcast, we are joined by Shani Thornton, CCLS as she collaborates to share a Child Life Specialist’s take on Opera’s Favorite Things. Resources in the community, favorite calming techniques, the best things about supporting kids… it’s all in there. […]
Guest Hosts: Dr. Elisabeth Potter, MD Today we complete the third and final part of this series following along the journey of double mastectomy and the healing space that follows. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elisabeth Potter, board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, an expert in the microsurgical DIEP flap procedure and […]
Guest Hosts: Julie May, CCLS The recovery that follows a double mastectomy with reconstruction is no sprint. It is marathon levels of recovery. Slow, inconsistent, tiring… but a goal worth chasing. In this episode, join Wondercast host, Julie May, as she walks through her recovery from surgery and the tools and resources that helped along […]
Guest Hosts: Julie May, CCLS Preparation for surgery is as unique as the surgery itself. Everyone has their own story to tell, and this is mine. Tune in this episode to hear the first section of a three-part series on the full process of double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This episode focuses on all the […]
Guest Hosts: Danielle Coleman, MS, CCLS Whiteny Dubuisson, MEd, CCLS Wonders & Worries, Houston Office We prepare our children for
Guest Host: Joanie Brooks – certified Nia 1st Degree Black-Belt teacher, Nia White Belt and Nia FreeDanceTrainer, Nia Moving to
Guest Host: Megan Christie For many families the return to school is met with excitement and anticipation of routines and
Guest Host: Annie, Henley, and Halen As a Child Life Specialist, I am privileged to be on the receiving end
With Guest Host: Whitney Hewlett, MT-BC In this space between next episode’s season #4 debut, we fill it with music
Guest Host: Chad Riggins Today as we close out season three, just days away from Father’s Day, we continue with
This month we're focusing on resources that highlight or support Dads and the role of chronic illness in their lives. Listen in as we interview Jacquelyn Rebecek and discuss her new book, "I wonder what it is like when a parent has cancer. Max’s Story."
In this episode listen in as we hear the story of an incredible mom and how she balances her struggle with recurrent disease and continues to support her family and community at large.
Join Julie for this episode where we celebrate Mothers and the way they continue to comfort & nourish their families through chronic illness.
On today's episode join Julie alongside W&W's child life specialists, Kim Fryar and Ashley Byrnes, to discuss whether camp life is the best life for your family as summer approaches.
Join Julie and Wonders & Worries very own child life specialist, Jacquelyn Rebecek, as they discuss the intricacies of the Child Life field.
Listen in as Molly Harris, a speech language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist, discusses the importance of speech therapy and shares tips for staying connected when home life pulls you away from the hospital.
Join Julie and guest Jamie Tanner to discuss Simple Sparrow Care Farm and how important taking space is for cultivation and renewal.
Listen to Kristen Patton tell her story of chaos, vulnerability, gratitude, resiliency and well... Grace.
In this episode we highlight the social work profession and its specific roles and supports for families navigating heart transplants.
Join Julie and guest Dr. Lon Smith to discuss all things related to clinical trials on today's episode.
Join us as we take a glance back at the voices that made 2022 great here at WonderCast.
Join us as our guest host, Shani Thornton, discusses a Child Life Specialist's take on Opera's Favorite Things.
Join Julie and guest host Lauren Wiatrek as they discuss the best ways to support those living with cancer and other serious diagnoses throughout this holiday season.
Join us and four teens from the Austin-area as we explore adolescent grief and how to properly support them throughout their experience.
In this episode our guest, Marti Smith, discusses several methods to calm children (and adults!) in crisis by using our sensory systems.
Join Julie and guest host Taryn Schuelke to discuss how legacy affects families and children as they work through the journey of coping with a chronic illness.
Join Julie along with guest speaker Whitney Hewlett as they explore the healing power of music.
Dawn Martin shares valuable insight into the grieving process after the first year of loss.
With guest host: Michelle Poole September 1st marks the beginning of National Self Care Awareness Month. Today, we are joined
Today we revisit a beloved episode we recorded last season as a tool for all our Texas parents sending their
While not indicative of all children, in the work we see at Wonders & Worries, oldest children do have some
Kids have the most magical ability to see the world around them. In fact, for many of us in the
We open this next podcast season with a very special episode as we take several looks at some of the
As Child Life Specialists, our abilities to provide care and support through non-pharmacological pain management has vastly reached new heights
Often times, in the midst of treatment you might find yourself inundated with support. People love to help people in