The Special Needs Mom Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kara Ryska
Think of this podcast as your very own support group--except it's actually helpful and fun! You will leave with the hope that you can have a super happy life even when your life circumstances are super hard. You are a mom to a child with extraordinary needs. Your story is unique; it’s hard to find a place where you belong or where people get what your life is like. You find yourself managing all their needs, parenting your other children, staying married to your husband, and maintaining your career. All this has you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dizzy---not knowing who to turn to or what to do next. This podcast will be your lifeline, you’ll be inspired and encouraged as we connect to other mom’s journeys. We’ll get practical and look at what it takes to stop being a victim of your own life.
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode is a personal one. I’m sharing why I’m stepping back from the podcast for now and what it looks like to choose rest, even when it’s hard to let go.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode is a real-life conversation about what support actually looks like and where it still falls short for special needs moms. Kara and Anika talk about advocacy, friendship, community, and the quiet weight so many of us are still carrying.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Transformation guide and stroke survivor Joy Shaw joins me to talk about healing through the lens of the hero’s journey and what it means to become the author of your own story. In this thoughtful conversation, we explore grief, witnessing pain, and the shift that happens when we stop trying to return to the life we expected and begin living the one we have.
read the full show notes here.
Connect with Joy Shaw:
TikTok
YouTube
Website
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
In this episode, Kara re-shares a deeply personal story about the aftermath of a medical crisis with her son and what she calls the “fallout zone” that follows survival mode. This conversation about the shadow side of strength is one many caregivers will recognize, and it’s one worth revisiting.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
What happens when everything you intellectually understand still doesn’t help you survive the hardest seasons of motherhood? In this episode, I talk with Erin Popp about complex grief, chronic uncertainty, and what it really means to dig deep when control stops working.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode explores the emotional stages many special needs moms move through, from survival and self-sacrifice to restoration and possibility. Kara shares a personal moment of heartbreak and why community changes everything.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Ethics educator and special needs mom, Anika Atkins, joins me for a conversation about medical mistakes, ethical repair, and what it looks like to rebuild trust after hard experiences in the healthcare system. We talk about apologies, advocacy, and how caregivers can communicate clearly without losing themselves in the process.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
In this episode, I reflect on the power of being held inside a safe community and what becomes possible when you stop trying to fix yourself. I share a moment from inside the Pathway to Peace community that beautifully illustrates what I call the power of letting be.
Read the full story and details.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
A powerful reflection on uncertainty, resilience, and learning how to trust yourself in seasons where you cannot control the outcome. This episode explores what it really means to be okay even when life is not okay, and how to build a mindset that can hold uncertainty without losing your footing.
👉 Read sthe full show notes and resources here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
You don’t need to be great right now you need permission to do what works. In this short episode, Kara shares why choosing the easiest path on purpose can be the most powerful decision you make in a hard season.
👉 Full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Misty Coy Snyder shares how “the next right thing” helped her move forward after her son received a Down syndrome diagnosis. This episode is for the mom who feels stuck and needs one simple step forward.
Read the full show notes here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Caregiving does not become overwhelming because we do not care. It becomes overwhelming because everything lives everywhere, and the mental load has nowhere to land.
In this episode, Kara shares the system she built to organize medical information, providers, tasks, and caregiving knowledge into one flexible command center you can actually use.
👉 Read the full show notes and get your free download!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Grief does not mean something is wrong with you. In this episode, I share why grief is part of the special needs parenting journey and how allowing it can quietly lead you back to feeling more alive.
👉 Read the full show notes and reflections.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode is a small way of saying I see you and I appreciate you this holiday season.
Read the full show notes and access your holiday gift here.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
There is often a version of Christmas we carry in our heads. Quiet. Cozy. Predictable. The kind that feels comforting but somehow never shows up in real life.
In this episode, I talk about the grief that can surface when the Christmas you imagined does not exist and how common that experience is, especially for special needs moms. Between medical needs, disrupted routines, and the sheer weight of caregiving, the holidays can feel very different than what we expected.
I share a simple framework I use to help reimagine seasons like this one. We talk about noticing when expectations are quietly hurting us, releasing the version of Christmas that no longer fits, and intentionally generating something new from the life we are actually living.
This episode is an invitation to stop chasing a picture that causes pain and to create a version of Christmas that feels more honest, grounded, and possible.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week I hit record while standing, which feels fitting because this episode has a little extra energy behind it. November was a lot for me — two ER visits for Levi, construction stress, holiday disruption, all the things. I sat down to prepare for work and realized I had been judging myself for everything I didn’t get done.
In coaching, we talk about two paths: judgment or self compassion. And while there’s no wrong choice, only one of them leads us toward peace, clarity, and real empowerment.
Today I share the simple practice that has become the gateway drug to self compassion in my own life and in my coaching clients: self acknowledgment. Most of us are wildly under practiced in seeing ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. But when you start with acknowledgment, it changes the entire conversation you have with yourself.
Inside the episode I walk you through what self acknowledgment looks like, why it feels uncomfortable at first, and how this tiny micro practice can shift your entire emotional landscape. I even give you a question to try on today. And yes, there is a challenge waiting for you.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode came from a simple morning walk and one very unexpected moment of wisdom from my teenage niece’s boyfriend. We spent Thanksgiving together and he shared something that stopped me in my tracks. It got me thinking about how the people we spend time with quietly shape our thinking, our habits, our emotional landscape and even our hope. As special needs moms we often forget how much this matters because our lives feel full before they even begin.
In this conversation, I explore community, both the good and the harmful parts of it. I talk about why we pick up the beliefs of the people we are around, why default cultural narratives like holidays always being terrible can keep us stuck and how we can intentionally choose rooms that lift us up. I also share a powerful story from a memorial service that reminded me that healing usually happens shoulder to shoulder, never solo. If you have been craving connection or wondering why certain spaces feel draining, this episode will give you clarity, inspiration and a gentle nudge toward what feels good and true.
Another episode on suffering: Episode 164 Doing Hard Things Without Suffering
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This Thanksgiving week, I’m keeping it simple and talking about complex gratitude. The kind that feels messy, honest, and actually doable for special needs moms.
I share a story from the early days after Levi’s surgery, when gratitude felt impossible and I fully wanted to shove the whole concept off a cliff. What finally clicked for me was realizing I didn’t have to be grateful for everything to be grateful for something. That little truth opened up room for real, authentic gratitude instead of the forced version that makes you feel worse.
In this episode, I walk through my “sorting buckets” idea. It's a playful way to separate the hard things from the things we genuinely appreciate, without pretending the hard stuff isn’t there. Even a tiny whisper of gratitude can shift something inside us, especially during a season that brings up so many mixed emotions.
If you’re listening with metaphorical crossed arms… I get it. You’re still welcome here.
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Today’s episode is a cozy, casual chat. The kind you’d have over coffee with someone who gets it. I almost skipped releasing an episode this week, but connecting with you truly matters to me, even when life feels full.
I shared why I’ve stepped back from social media, what prompted it, and how that space has led me to new things like watercolor (and letting go of perfection, one messy brushstroke at a time). I also gave an update on the ongoing home repairs after a family incident and how bringing in support made the process lighter and less lonely. It's a reminder that we don’t have to do hard things solo.
I touched on a recent ER visit with my son and how emotional work I’d done earlier that day created more peace in a situation that could’ve felt overwhelming. And finally, a quick update on the Pathway to Peace Coaching Community. Doors will open again, likely early next year. The waitlist link is in the show notes.
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week, I’m back with my friend Brittney Crabtree from Moms Talk Autism for part two of our talk on behaviors that include aggression: physical, verbal, or self-directed.
In this episode, we answer the big question: “What now?” We walk through the framework of pre-game, game time, and post-game recovery. We discuss how to prepare, get through, and recover from the hardest moments as special needs parents.
We share what safety planning looks like in real life, how to stay calm when emotions run high, and how to care for yourself afterward. This one’s about giving yourself grace and finding ways to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Get to know Brittney & Moms Talk Autism:
Podcast on Spotify
Podcast on Apple Music
Website
Brittany Crabtree Instagram
Contact: hello@momstalkautism.com
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
In this episode, I sat down with my friend Brittney Crabtree from Moms Talk Autism to talk about something few of us say out loud, aggression in our homes.
Brittney shares what life looks like parenting her non-speaking son with profound autism, while I share parts of our story with Levi, a brain tumor survivor with his own set of challenges. Together we explore what it’s like to navigate these moments, when love and physical or verbal aggression exist in the same home, and how it feels to live in that constant tension.
We talked about the gray area between parenting and caregiving, the weight of hypervigilance, and the mix of shame and strength that can surface in public moments. This episode isn’t about fixing anything, it’s about being seen, validated, and reminded that you’re not the only one living this reality.
Get to know Brittney & Moms Talk Autism:
Podcast on Spotify
Podcast on Apple Music
Website
Brittany Crabtree Instagram
Contact: hello@momstalkautism.com
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week, I invited my friend and returning guest Carrie M. Holt back to talk about something that every special needs mom wrestles with, the difference between fixing and accepting our children.
We unpacked what those energies feel like, how they show up in motherhood, and how they connect to deeper themes of fear, control, grief, and peace. We also talked about how acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It means seeing our children (and ourselves) as whole, right where we are.
Carrie shares from her own experience raising her son with complex medical needs and reflects on how her perspective has shifted from striving to affirming, from control to trust.
This conversation will meet you wherever you are in your own evolution as a special needs mom. Whether you’re in survival mode, rediscovering yourself, or finding peace in what is.
Episode Resources
- Book: Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God by Sam Crabtree
- The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom by Carrie M. Holt, Amy J. Brown, Sara Clime
- Carrie’s previous episodes:
- Episode 98 – Tending to Your Soul with Carrie Holt
- Episode 171 – Carrying the Heavy Emotional Load of Special Needs Nursing Care with Carrie Holt & Kacie Craig, Pt. 1
- Episode 172 – Managing Special Needs Nursing Care Like A Boss with Carrie Holt & Kacie Craig, Pt. 2
Connect with Carrie:
- Website: carriemholt.com
- Substack: @cmholt
- Instagram: @carriemholt
- Facebook: @carriemholtwriter
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week, I got to sit down with the wise and feisty Cynthia Schulz, author of Shine On: Raising Our Children with Disabilities to Lead Bright, Happy Lives. Cynthia’s daughter is now 40, and hearing from a mom who’s decades down the road was such a gift.
We talked about what it was like when she first received her daughter’s diagnosis, by mail, in the most abrupt and heartbreaking way, and how she decided early on that this would not ruin her life. Cynthia shared her “play to win” philosophy and how that mindset shaped everything from advocacy to joy to building a full, meaningful life for her daughter and family.
We also got into self-care, identity, and the evolution that happens over time. Cynthia reminded me that while this life is a marathon, it’s one fueled by a mother’s love and that we can do hard things.
This one left me encouraged, grounded, and full of hope for what’s possible, both for our kids and for us.
Resources Mentioned:
- Shine On: Raising Our Children with Disabilities to Lead Bright, Happy Lives
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
Today’s episode is a little different. I’m pausing our regular programming to share something close to my heart: The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community.
This podcast connects us week after week, and still, sometimes we need a space to go deeper to actually live out the things we talk about here. That’s what Pathway to Peace is. It’s part coaching, part community. A place for special needs moms to rediscover themselves, reconnect to their own power, and find peace in the middle of chaos.
Inside the membership, you’ll get access to weekly coaching calls, small “Power Pods,” and a private online hub filled with tools and resources. It’s designed for real life, flexible, supportive, and genuinely transformative.
If you’ve ever wondered what the next step after listening might be, maybe this is it.
Click here to JOIN PATHWAY TO PEACE
- Sign up for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community Waitlist
- Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack free resource
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
In this episode, I talk with Sarah Davis, a wife, homeschooling mom, and former librarian raising her 7-year-old son on the autism spectrum. We first met through The Courage to Raise, a collaborative book where Sarah shares her story of grief, hope, and faith.
We talk about caregiver burnout, learning to accept help, and how faith and community make a difference. Sarah opens up about her son’s medical complexities, what it’s like to grieve the life you expected, and how she’s finding meaning in her new season of life.
She also shares what church inclusion done well looks like and how being surrounded by people who truly “get it” has helped her family thrive.
If you’ve ever felt tired but hopeful, or unsure how to ask for help, this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned
- The Courage to Raise: The Heart of Parenting a Child with Special Needs
- We Are Brave Together
- Labeled and Loved
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week, I’m talking about a pattern I see often in caregiving—the heartbreaking habit of turning on ourselves when life feels too hard.
I share how our minds default to “something must be wrong with me,” and why the truth is simpler: hard things feel hard because they are hard.
Inside the episode:
- The self-blame cycle so many of us fall into.
- Three ways to shift: accepting reality, noticing comparison traps, and redefining strength.
- Practical reframes, like asking “what’s hard here?” instead of “what’s wrong with me?”
I mentioned Episode 268: Nobody Else Has It This Hard. Go take a listen!
Lastly, I also share details about the Pathway to Peace Coaching Community, opening October 14th for five days. It's your safe space to be supported and seen.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
In this episode, I sit down with Nikki McIntosh, founder of Rare Mamas® and host of the Rare Mamas Rising Podcast. Nikki is also the author of Rare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease, a book born from her family’s journey after her son’s rare diagnosis.
We talk about the shock of those early days, the fight for treatment, and what it’s like raising one child with a rare condition and another without. Nikki shares how she turned pain into purpose, creating resources and community to give other moms strength, strategies, and hope.
This conversation is full of those “me too” moments—reminders that we’re not as alone as we sometimes feel. Nikki and I also touch on the rollercoaster of emotions that come with parenting in the world of rare disease, from fear and grief to joy and fierce determination. Her story is a powerful example of what it looks like to fight for your child while still choosing to build a meaningful, hope-filled life.
Resources Mentioned
- Rare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease
- Rare Mamas community
- Rare Mamas Rising Podcast
- Cure SMA (patient advocacy group)
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week I’m sharing a really personal story—not all the details, but the emotional experience of finding myself in a very sudden, very public, and really scary moment with Levi. It was one of those times where I could’ve spiraled, but something shifted in me.
We’re talking about the sneaky nature of self-pity, how it isolates us, and how powerful it can be to not go down that road—even when things are objectively really hard. I reflect on how my work as a coach gives me daily reminders that I’m not alone, and neither are you.
I also share a powerful coaching session I had earlier that day that helped ground me in what I needed when everything hit the fan. This episode is your reminder: nothing has gone wrong. You’re still in the driver’s seat, and thriving doesn’t mean everything’s perfect—it just means you’re still showing up, step by step.
And PS: The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community opens again October 14! Even if you're just a little curious, join the waitlist to get the details when they drop.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This week on the podcast I got to talk with Catherine Marston—a mom, health coach, author, and 14-time Ironman triathlete (yes, you read that right…14!). Catherine’s story is one of grief, resilience, and learning how to take small, consistent steps toward healing and strength.
She shares about losing her daughter Helen, how she processed that deep grief, and the ways she found power in self-acceptance and exercise. I loved how real she was about starting small—sometimes just 10 minutes of movement—and how that shift can completely change the way we feel in our bodies and lives.
We also talked about her book Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power, Raising a Child with Special Needs, which offers guiding principles for parents navigating both caregiving and grief. Catherine reminds us that while there may be no “way out,” there is always a way through.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This episode was such a treat. I got to catch up with my longtime friend Kelly Dixon—someone who knew me way back in my landscaping days (pre-leadership Kara 😅). Kelly has a fascinating background managing ultra-wealthy households, and while she’s not a special needs mom—or a mom at all—her systems-thinking brain totally applies to ourworld.
We talked about what it looks like to run your home like a well-functioning operation: from checklists to communication, boundaries to burnout. Kelly shared how to start small—think cleaning caddies and grocery lists—and how simple systems can free up your brain and actually give you back some peace.
I walked away feeling like, “Okay, I’m not that far from this.” And maybe, just maybe, I don’t need to reinvent my whole life to feel more supported. It starts with believing that it can be different—and then taking one step at a time.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
I didn’t plan to end up emotionally fried by the end of summer... but there I was. I hit my limit. So, I did something radical (for a special needs mom, at least): I took myself to the beach. Alone. No kids. No caregiving. Just me, the ocean, and a much-needed van therapy session overlooking the waves.
And wouldn’t you know it—while body surfing, I ran into a fellow special needs mom friend, totally by surprise. The odds were wild. We both chose the same beach, at the same time, from different corners of San Diego. It felt divinely orchestrated.
This experience reminded me just how extreme the job of a special needs mom really is. Like, Olympic-level extreme. So what if we treated ourselves accordingly? What if we supported ourselves like Serena Williams supports her game—with specialists, intentional recovery, and next-level planning?
In this episode, I talk about what it means to be an “extreme mom,” why our current support systems aren’t cutting it, and what baby steps you can take to start acknowledging and supporting yourself like the elite performer you are.
If nothing else, I double dog dare you to use the text link at the top of the show notes to say it with me: “I am an extreme mom.” Or just say hi—I'll never know it's you, but it makes my day when I get those messages.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Send us a text (Note: we are not able to respond but LOVE to hear from you!!)
This replay from the archives is just as relevant now as it was in 2022. If you’ve ever felt the crushing weight of being the one who holds everything together for your child with disabilities, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I share listener reflections on what feels heaviest—like being the only one who knows every detail, the fear of forgetting meds, or never fully relaxing. I also offer a powerful visual: dragging a massive crate filled with your daily responsibilities, inch by inch.
It’s an invitation to pause, acknowledge your experience, and maybe—just maybe—set down the weight for a moment.
JOIN THE WAITLIST for Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
JOIN WAITLIST for The Pathway to Peace Coaching Community
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This one’s light, real, and a little bit ridiculous in the best way.
I showed up ready to share a few stories from the trenches—some funny, some a little gross (parenting, right?), and all with the hope that you’d feel just a little less alone in this wild life of ours.
We talked about:
- 🧯 Levi’s new hobby with matches (and yes, I’m taking suggestions).
- 🍋 My sad little lemon tree and how it became a metaphor for this burnt-out end-of-summer feeling.
- ⏰ The specialist appointment that didn’t happen—and the spectacular mental gymnastics I did to make sure it wasn’t “my fault.”
- 💆♀️ Why I’m fantasizing about massages, cafes, and beach days (and putting out a casual call for local beach buddies).
- 🌀 The importance of marking transitions with a little intention, especially when we’re crawling out of survival mode.
Whether you're closing out summer, still deep in the marathon, or somewhere in between—I hope you leave this one with a little more curiosity and compassion for yourself.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This week, I’m joined by my friend and fellow writer, Brooke Turbyfill. We met as co-authors of The Courage to Raise, a book written by moms navigating the special needs parenting journey—and somewhere between that and a road trip in an electric blue rental car, we became fast friends.
Brooke shares what it was like entering the special needs world later in parenting, with both of her teens receiving epilepsy diagnoses. We talk about the challenges of finding community, honoring our kids’ privacy while needing support ourselves, and why it’s okay to change what we need in different seasons.
Also in this episode:
- A hilarious hotel sleep setup reveal
- A serendipitous lunch detour that landed us at Clemson LIFE
- How structured writing helped us both process and connect
If you’ve ever felt late to the “club” or unsure where you belong, this one’s for you.
📚 Episode Resources:
- The Courage to Raise
- Clemson LIFE Program
- Mend Coffee & Goods
- Turbo Words Editing
- On Stories Substack
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This episode lit me up. I had the gift of sitting down with Julie Hornok and Dr. Regina Crone—co-founders of Labeled and Loved. Together, they’ve created something powerful for moms like us navigating disability and special needs: connection, purpose, and spaces where you don’t have to explain yourself.
Julie brings over 20 years of experience in the special needs world—as a mom, speaker, behavioral program facilitator, and author of United in Autism. You might’ve seen her featured on Focus on the Family, Today Parents, or even iHeartRadio. Her work-hard-play-hard energy is contagious.
Regina, a Ph.D. and board-certified behavior analyst, was inspired by her brother’s diagnosis. She owns Therapy & Beyond, and has spent decades presenting, writing, and supporting families across the country. Oh—and she lives on a farm in Texas with her crew, which includes chickens and cows. Her motto? “Go with the flow and eat chocolate.” Legendary.
We talked about what it looks like to grieve expectations and still find deep joy. About the hard moments that no one prepares you for—and the small but bold steps that can shift everything. And we dove into the retreat they created just for moms like us (recently featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, by the way).
If you’re feeling stretched thin, isolated, or like you’ve lost pieces of yourself along the way, this one will speak directly to your heart.
Resources Mentioned:
- Labeled and Loved Retreat: October 10–12 in Dallas, TX
- Sisterhood Circles: In-person & virtual support groups
- United in Autism by Julie Hornok
- Therapy and Beyond (Dr. Crone’s clinic)
- Labeled and Loved featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This week’s guest is Kim Botto, a longtime children’s and student ministry leader, TBRI® Practitioner, and all-around passionate advocate for kids who don’t always fit the mold. She’s spent decades creating spaces where every child—regardless of background, behavior, or ability—can belong, contribute, and grow.
Kim and I talked about what happens when places like school or church aren’t safe or supportive—especially for kids with trauma, disabilities, or neurodivergence. She shared the idea of “connection before correction,” and reminded me that we don’t need a diagnosis to lead with compassion.
We also got real about what it takes to build a culture of belonging—and how sometimes it starts with something as small (and powerful) as a strip of red tape.
Kim is the author of Boundless Hope for Every Child and hosts The Every Child Belongs podcast. She lives in the greater Cincinnati area with her husband, close to their five kids and eleven grandkids.
Resources Mentioned:
- Website: kimbotto.com
- Book: Boundless Hope for Every Child
- Podcast: Every Child Belongs
- Instagram: @kimbotto
- TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
- Baylor University & Eric Carter research on disability and church inclusion
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This week, I’m sharing something exciting: I co-authored a new book called The Courage to Raise! It's a collaborative project with eight other special needs moms, and I’m proud (and a little surprised) to be a published author again—especially since writing has never come easily to me.
In this episode, I talk about how the opportunity came about (perfect timing while I was already traveling), what my chapter is about, and the special tool I included called Tolerating the Intolerable—a game plan for surviving those chaotic, over-the-top moments we know too well. I even share a few “plays” that didn’t make the book but are too good not to mention (Skedaddle, anyone?).
Whether or not you buy the book (but I hope you do!), this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how I turned hard stories into something meaningful.
Resources Mentioned:
- 📘 The Courage to Raise on Amazon
- ✍️ Publishing Company: Hope Books
- 📕 Becoming Brave Together – A past collaborative book
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This episode is a rebroadcast of episode 87 that was originally aired May 2022.
This episode I’m talking about what happens when our story gets disrupted. Likely, we all feel this way about diagnosis, a relationship ending or some other trauma in our lives. What narrative do you tell yourself in this special needs mom life when story you thought you were going to have gets disrupted.
“I’m going to be tied down forever. “
“I can’t bring more children into this life.”
“I won’t ever be happy again.”
“I can’t do this.”
“God must not be as good as I thought.”
“This is not how it’s supposed to be.”
When your story gets disrupted you shouldn’t feel like you just need to survive. You have the chance to rewrite your story and recognize that that was how it was supposed to be because it is.
So I ask you, how do you want to know through this? Through being the key word.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This episode is pulled from the archives way back in September 2021. It is episode 56 and it aired shortly after finding out my son Levi’s brain tumor had returned. It was a season full of fear and uncertainty—and that’s exactly what I talk about here: worry and anxiety, and how they show up in our lives as special needs moms.
I share real examples from that time and explore:
- Why worry can feel like responsibility (but isn’t)
- How trying to control the uncontrollable drains us
- What it looks like to trust yourself, even in uncertainty
You’ll hear mindset shifts and questions to help you interrupt the worry spiral and reconnect with presence, peace, and choice—even when the stakes are high.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Welcome to summer—ready or not! In this episode, I share a super personal mid-summer check-in that started with a frazzled Voxer chat with my friend Nicole and ended with some surprisingly helpful advice from... ChatGPT. (Yep, really.)
I walk you through a real-life day in the life: four kids, a business to run, complex caregiving, and an unfiltered look at what it’s like to try and do all the things during summer break. Spoiler alert: taquitos were involved.
I also talk through:
- Why I brought back my hand-drawn family schedule
- How I’m redefining what “working hours” look like for me
- My renewed commitment to managing my nervous system (hello, less social media and more morning walks)
It’s not about perfection—it’s about peace and presence (and maybe a little humor along the way).
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 210: Empowering Special Needs Moms with AI: How ChatGPT Can Help
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This conversation with Erin Trier was equal parts heart, healing, and hard truths. Erin is a mom of four, a health coach, and someone who knows the weight of navigating rare diagnoses and emotional overwhelm. She shares about her son Brendan’s long, winding path to a diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex—and what it’s been like to mother through so much uncertainty, grief, and resilience.
We talked about how it feels when your family life doesn't look the way you dreamed it would, and the importance of making space for all the feelings—especially the ones we don’t usually say out loud.
Erin brought her insight not only as a mom in the trenches, but also as a wellness coach and someone deeply passionate about supporting women in caring for themselves well—even when time and energy are limited. We also dug into sleep, therapy, the all-or-nothing trap, and how baby steps are actually the big deal.
You’re going to feel seen, validated, and maybe even challenged to believe that small things count.
Get To Know Erin:
- Instagram: @erinktrier
- YouTube: @erinktrier
- Facebook: ektrier
- Website: erintrier.com
- Podcast: Empowered in Health by Erin Trier
Resources Mentioned:
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
- Episode 76: Having Impermissible Thoughts About Your Special Needs Child
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Sometimes the “good” moments still catch us off guard—like when progress or positive change feels surprisingly heavy. In this episode, I share how a kitchen remodel gone wrong helped me notice something deeper: the emotional tension of expecting joy, but feeling stress instead.
If you're a parent of a child with special needs, you probably know this feeling well—when even the wins come with grief, fear, or fatigue. I unpack five mindset shifts that have helped me stay grounded when emotions don’t match the moment.
There’s a metaphor about manure. There’s a story about laughing in the middle of chaos. And there's space for you here, too.
Episode Resources:
The Glad Game
Work Life Podcast by Adam Grant
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, I talk with Katelyn—a mom of three kids with different disabilities, including Trisomy 21, Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome & Autism, whose parenting journey started at just 19. Her story includes foster care, childhood trauma, a cancer diagnosis, and learning how to feel her emotions for the first time as an adult.
We talk about what survival mode looked like for her, how therapy (and a really good life coach-turned-therapist) helped her start healing, and the beauty of learning to set boundaries and feel again. There’s a lot of laughter, honesty, and even a little discussion about why she wants to throat-punch anyone who says, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
Katelyn’s story is raw, real, and full of unexpected wisdom. Whether you’re in the thick of it or reflecting from the other side, you’ll find something here that resonates.
Connect with our Guest, Katelyn Johnson:
Email: Katelynmarietheimer@gmail.com
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This is a rebroadcast of Episode 130 that was aired back in 2023.
"In this episode, I open up about those moments when everyone assumes you're okay, but inside, you're struggling. It's a common experience, especially for us moms navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs.
I share personal reflections on the internal work required to acknowledge our true feelings and the courage it takes to express them. We delve into the layers beneath the surface and discuss the importance of authenticity in our struggles."
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This week, I sat down with Kristin Herzberg Purdy—psychologist, rare disease advocate, and mom of two children with disabilities. KristIn shares her deeply personal story of parenting through autism, epilepsy, and a rare neurodegenerative condition. We talked about the emotional toll of constant caregiving, the push to find answers when the medical system leaves you hanging, and how self-compassion gets complicated when you're stuck in survival mode.
Kristin was so open about what it means to love fiercely while grieving at the same time. We touched on everything from her professional lens as a trauma psychologist to the messy feelings of comparison and guilt that creep in, especially when you’re watching other families do “typical” things.
She's also raising funds for a gene therapy treatment for her son, Paxton, and currently in the quarterfinals of a Supermom contest that could bring in $20,000 toward that effort. She's a powerhouse, and I know you'll be as moved by her.
Connect with Kristin:
- CureCLCN6.org : Kristin and her husband’s nonprofit
- Contact Kristen: contactus@cureclcn6.org
- Vote for Kristin in the Supermom contest!
Other Resources:
- UMass Chan Medical School : Partnering for gene therapy development
- Article on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In today’s episode, I’m sharing some personal reflections about acceptance and the emotions that come with it, especially with my son’s 16th birthday bringing up past challenges. I also share the excitement of an upcoming getaway, thanks to my friend Laura's help—talk about a surprise upgrade!
The highlight of the episode is a powerful Native American story about two wolves fighting inside us—one good, one bad. Which wolf will win? I dive into how this story helped me reflect on where I put my energy and how we often judge ourselves for our emotions. It’s a message you won’t want to miss.
Resources Mentioned:
- Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, I'm joined by Tara Heaton, a writer, speaker, and master storyteller with over 25 years of corporate experience. Tara’s journey took a turn when her daughter, Caroline, developed encephalitis, which led to a seizure disorder and ongoing medical challenges. Tara shares how her career in sales helped her build genuine relationships and how those skills have translated into advocating for her daughter.
We dive into the importance of asking for help, the struggles of balancing motherhood and personal well-being, and the deep emotional journey of accepting the limitations and joys of parenting a child with special needs. Tara’s reflections on shifting from chasing fleeting pleasures to embracing intentional joy are powerful and inspiring.
This episode will leave you with valuable insights on building real connections and finding joy even amid hardship.
Resources Mentioned:
- Life Minutes: Igniting Joy From The Fire of Heartacheby Tara Heaton
- Self-Compassion by Kristen Neff
Connect with our guest, Tara Heaton:
- Connect@enpointeglobal.com
- IG: @taraheatonauthor
- LinkedIn: Tara Heaton
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, I talk about the sneaky voice of self-judgment that creeps in when we’re feeling inadequate. I share a personal story of how I’ve learned to recognize and deal with these judgmental thoughts, and why it’s important to show ourselves some compassion.
If you've ever felt that nagging doubt about not being good enough, this episode is for you.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, I share my concern over the rising division within our special needs community. Recently, I’ve observed two sides clashing—each convinced the other is wrong. This division started with a comment made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services about autism, but what’s more troubling to me is how we’re responding as a community. I’ve seen judgment replacing empathy, and I’m left wondering how we got here.
There’s a lot more to explore, but for now, I want to remind you, together is the only way!
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In this episode, we sit in on the Rare Advocacy Exchange virtual series. Global Genes is hosting this series in an effort to empower rare disease leaders. As moderator, I facilitated a panel that focused on the challenges and rewards of leading in the rare disease space.
The conversation covered the importance of community, collaboration, and using personal experiences to drive change. Panelists shared their journeys of advocacy, highlighting how moments of isolation became opportunities to connect and push for change.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rare disease advocacy, offering inspiration and insights for creating meaningful impact.
Episode Resources:
Parenting Differently When You Expect A Shorter Life with Daniel DeFabio
Global Genes
Global Genes: Rare Advocacy Exchange
Cure DHDDS
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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I share a personal story today about my journey with pelvic floor physical therapy, and how I’ve been learning to support myself in ways that match my resistance. After some humorous missteps with scheduling and a lot of self-judgment, I realized that getting the right kind of support—whether it’s a coach, a friend, or even a check-in system—can make all the difference when it comes to sticking with something that feels hard.
I talk about a concept I love: getting support sufficient to your resistance. We often do this for our kids, but how often do we apply it to ourselves? It's about recognizing that resistance isn't a problem, but the lack of the right kind of support is. This episode is all about finding the right tools and structures to help you get where you want to go, without judgment or guilt.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This conversation with Callista Bowes, a therapist, mom, and certified pediatric gentle sleep coach, dives into a reality many special needs parents face—the deep isolation that exists even in a hyper-connected world.
We talk about how social media can create a false sense of connection while leaving parents feeling even more alone. Callista shares her experience navigating loneliness after stepping away from her career following her daughter’s Down Syndrome diagnosis, the struggle to find truly understanding spaces online, and why building in-person support can feel so hard. We also explore the emotional toll of managing constant responsibilities and the fear of judgment that keeps many parents from opening up. If you’ve ever felt unseen or like digital spaces don’t quite meet your needs, this episode is for you.
Books Mentioned:
As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.S. Park
The Wild Edge of Sorrow. by Francis Weller
Connect with Our Guest, Callista Bowes:
email: callistabowes@gmail.com
website: A Cherished Night of Sleep
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, I’m sharing how I’m planning ahead to create a summer that actually works—for me, my family, and especially Levi.
Last summer was rough, so I got intentional about doing things differently this year. I walk you through a six-step process (inspired by my landscape design days!) to create a future you’re excited about—without getting stuck in the “how.”
I cover:
- What worked, what didn’t, and what’s changing
- Why support is key (and why I’m hiring help!)
- How to move forward without overwhelm
Resources Mentioned:
- Oncology and Kids (San Diego-based camp)
- Care.com (for finding caregivers)
- Episode 000: episode title here
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Today I’m chatting with my friend Laura Ishmael, special needs mom, travel advisor, and all-around travel pro. Laura shares how travel became part of her family’s life, even after her daughter Sophie’s rare brain malformation diagnosis. From navigating accessibility challenges to embracing flexibility, Laura’s story is all about keeping dreams alive, even when the path looks different than expected.
We talk about:
🌍 How Laura’s family adapted their travel style after Sophie’s diagnosis.
🛫 Practical tips for overcoming common travel fears (accessibility, medical needs, disrupted routines).
🏨 The magic of staycations and why even small getaways can be life-giving.
💡 How a travel advisor (like Laura!) can help make travel feel possible again.
If you’ve ever felt like travel just isn’t in the cards for your family anymore, this episode might just change your mind!
Get to Know Our Guest, Laura Ishmael:
- Website: Our Next Adventure
- Email: laura.ishmael@fora.travel
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This episode is full of heart, insight, and real talk about the ever-evolving journey of special needs motherhood. I sat down with Brittney Crabtree and Tash Dillman from the Moms Talk Autism podcast to chat about grief, acceptance, and finding your people.
Tash, a Portland-based mom of two, loves fitness, nature, volunteering, and tending to her MANY houseplants. Brittney, a Northern California mom of four, runs a home bakery and balances the unique needs of her two autistic children.
We talk about the cycle of special needs parenting, the fine line between helping and "fixing" our kids, and why diversifying your friendship portfolio is a game-changer. If you're feeling exhausted or alone, this one’s for you.
Episode Resources:
Marco Polo App
TSNM Pod Episodes on Grief:
Episode 220: Let's Talk About Loneliness
Episode 221: The Antidote for Loneliness
Episode 223: The Trojan Horse of Happiness
Episode 225: Together Is the Only Way
Get to know Moms Talk Autism:
Podcast on Spotify
Podcast on Apple Music
Website
Brittany Crabtree Instagram
Tash Dillman Instagram
Contact: hello@momstalkautism.com
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Ever walked into a support group expecting connection and left feeling… not so supported? You’re not alone. This episode is all about navigating support groups that don’t quite meet our needs and how to find, or even create, the spaces that truly support us.
I share my first (not-so-great) support group experience, the different types of people you might encounter in these spaces, and why mismatched expectations can make things feel off. But don’t worry, this isn’t just a gripe session—I also give you actionable steps to help you find (or build) the support you need.
And if you’ve ever felt like there has to be a better way, you’re right! Let’s explore how to create meaningful, truly supportive communities together.
Resources Mentioned:
🎧 The Telepathy Tapes Podcast – A fascinating listen on telepathy in non-speaking autistic individuals.
📖 Happiness Falls – A novel featuring a character who communicates through spelling.
💙 We Are Brave Together – A fantastic organization offering support groups for special needs moms.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Welcome to our Community Huddle! This month, we’re talking about receiving—why it’s hard, why it matters, and how we can get better at it.
In this episode, we explore:
- The struggle of asking for help.
- Why receiving is a gift to both giver and receiver.
- Practical ways to ask for and accept support.
- Learning to give yourself grace.
And of course, we wrap up with our Community Cheer—because together is the only way.
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Last night, as I was putting Levi to bed—exhausted and overwhelmed—I realized I had a choice: shrink back or dig deep.
I take you back to my water polo days and a phrase my coach drilled into us—"Dig Deep." It’s stuck with me ever since, and last night, it surfaced again as a reminder that even in the toughest moments, we can choose to keep going.
I hope this message encourages you to dig deep when things feel hard.
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Today I'm wrapping up our two-part series on receiving. Inspired by my own journey and the experiences of the moms I work with, I take you through a personal story of navigating the world of financial support for my son, Levi.
I share how, after years of advocacy, we finally received the help we needed—only to find myself struggling with an unexpected wave of guilt and disbelief when even more support came our way. I dive into the concept of our "inner thermostat" for receiving, as explained in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, and how our subconscious beliefs can keep us stuck in feeling undersupported.
We also take a closer look at common thought patterns that may be holding you back from accepting help, like feeling obligated to reciprocate or believing it’s too much effort to ask. Plus, I offer a few mindset shifts that can help you break free and receive the support you deserve.
If you've ever felt conflicted about getting the help you need, this episode is for you.
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Today, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us struggle with—receiving help. This conversation was sparked by a comment from our community about the guilt of accepting support, even when we know we need it.
In this episode, I explore:
✨ Why we resist help, even when it’s available.
✨ The hidden beliefs that keep us stuck in overdoing.
✨ Two big "potholes" in our thinking that block us from receiving.
✨ Simple mindset shifts to make accepting help easier.
If you’ve ever thought, I should be able to do more or other people need help more than I do, this episode is for you! We'll unpack these thoughts and gently rework them so you can open up to the support you truly deserve.
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I’m sharing a personal update about a recent unexpected hospitalization with my son Levi, and how I handle “hospital mode” when life throws a curveball. I also dive into how we try to outrun anxiety with our to-do lists—and why that just doesn’t work.
I talk about how to recognize when your nervous system is out of whack, why your to-do list might actually be adding to your stress, and simple ways to slow down, reset, and feel more grounded.
Here's another related episode: Anxiety and Your Never Ending To-Do List
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This week’s episode is a special one—our January Community Huddle! I sat down with four amazing moms, and together, we unpacked the post-winter break season. Think of it as a virtual coffee chat, full of reflections, laughs, and shared wisdom. ☕
Here’s what we covered:
- Post-Break Overwhelm: How to recalibrate routines after the holidays when everything feels disorganized.
- Guilt Around Self-Care: Why it’s so hard to prioritize yourself—and how to give yourself permission to take the breaks you need.
- The Power of Connection: How finding a community of other moms who “get it” can make a huge difference.
- Parenting Challenges: From navigating aggressive behaviors to juggling multiple diagnoses, we dove into the real, unfiltered realities of special needs parenting.
- Strategies for Calm: Including a simple “shaking and dancing” exercise to help process stress in the moment.
Want to join a future community huddle?
- Sign up for my email list: Head over to my website at kararyska.com and subscribe to stay updated. All the details for future Community Huddles are shared there.
- Follow Me on Instagram: (@thespecialneedsmompodcast) for updates and announcements about upcoming huddles.
- Reach out directly: Have questions or want more info? Feel free to contact me through the website or DM me on Instagram.
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This episode is all about catching up! I’m sharing highlights from our winter break, including a big advocacy win for Levi, and reflecting on the mix of joy and challenges that come with parenting a child with disabilities.
I also dive into a theme I’ve been embracing: being of service. It’s helped me find purpose and peace, and I hope it might inspire you too.
Lastly, I’m asking for your help to support special needs moms displaced by the recent LA fires. If you know someone in need, please reach out.
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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Kari A. Baker, an inspiring mom, author, and advocate for families navigating life with invisible neurological differences. Kari shares her journey of becoming a "KIND mom" after her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. Together, we dive into topics like letting go of the "fixing" mindset, embracing the unexpected joys of parenting, and finding hope and purpose in life’s challenges.
Kari talks about the evolution of her life—transitioning from a career in financial services to founding KIND Families, a supportive community for families like hers. She also opens up about her struggles with control, the lessons she’s learned from her faith, and the incredible ways her son has surprised and inspired her.
Whether you're a mom at the start of your special needs journey or further along, Kari’s story will remind you that even in the hard moments, there’s room for gratitude, growth, and kindness.
Connect with Kari:
- Order Kari’s Book:
- Hardback
- Ebook on Amazon
- Connect with Kari Online:
- Website: kindfamilies.com | kariabaker.com
- Social Media: @kariabaker on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Podcast: The KIND Families Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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As 2024 wraps up, I’m reflecting on my son’s incredible progress and the motto that’s guided me: “Together is the only way.” In this quick episode, I share the story behind it and why it means so much.
Looking for more connection in 2025? Check out:
- Pathway to Peace Coaching Community – A paid, supportive space for real connection.
- Community Huddles – Free, fun calls to meet and grow with others.
Details are at kararyska.com. Together really is the only way—let’s make 2025 amazing!
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In this special holiday community huddle, we dive into:
🎄 Managing Holiday Chaos: Moms share how they handle busy schedules, unexpected challenges, and finding balance.
🌟 Finding Magic: From little rituals to joyful connections, we talk about creating calm in the chaos.
💌 Intentions for the Season: Our guests share personal goals to embrace the season with peace and joy.
It’s a heartfelt chat full of tips and inspiration to help you navigate the holidays. You’re not alone—there’s magic in the everyday moments!
Special thanks to guests Anika, Alyssa, Angela, and Lisa for their contributions.
Episode Mentioned: Episode 204 "Doing Hard Things Without Suffering"
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In this episode, I get real about something we’ve all felt at one point: that temptation to sink into self-pity when things get hard (especially during the holiday season!). After a year filled with appealing and advocating for my son, I share a personal story about a recent hearing where things did not go as planned — and how I nearly let it pull me into the “poor me” mindset.
But here’s the twist: I didn’t stay there. Instead, I made a small shift toward self-compassion — and it made all the difference. In this episode, we explore:
- The difference between self-pity and self-compassion 🤔
- How our mindset shapes our experience ✨
- Why self-compassion acknowledges our struggles and gives us the grace to keep going 💜
- Navigating those “grief landmines” during the holidays 🎄
If you're ready to move away from self-pity and give yourself the gift of kindness this season, this one’s for you!
Listen to the previous related episode on mindset shifts: Episode 103
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In this episode, I sit down with Kim Guche, a hypnotist, NLP practitioner, and pediatric speech-language pathologist with a passion for helping families create harmony and peace at home. As a mom of four and a best-selling author, Kim brings a wealth of personal and professional insight into reducing stress, building confidence, and fostering resilience in both kids and parents.
We discuss the misconceptions about hypnotherapy, how it works, and why it’s an accessible and transformative tool. Kim shares her journey from working with children with special needs to founding Entrancing Inspirations Hypnotherapy in 2016. Her mission? To help children and families decrease anxiety, improve communication, and tap into their inner strength through mindset and energy work.
Kim also offers a simple, practical grounding technique to help parents shift from overwhelm to calm in minutes. This tool is a game-changer, whether you're preparing for a challenging day or navigating the chaos of daily life.
Connect with Kim Guche:
- Peaceful Parent Hypnotic Meditation Download
- Website
Related Episodes:
- Understanding Trauma As A Gateway To Healing with Meghann Crane - Russ | Part 1 of 3
- Trauma In The Body, In The Mind, and In Our Lives with Meghann Crane - Russ | Part 2 of 3
- Trauma Recovery Resources For The Special Needs Mom with Meghann Crane - Russ | Part 3 of 3
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December is here, and with it, the chaos of the season! In this episode, I dive into the idea of "busting the bustle" and slowing down amidst the holiday madness. Inspired by The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, I share insights on how chronic busyness can undermine the relationships and moments we cherish most.
Together, we explore the concept of "being", how we show up, and how simple shifts in our mindset can transform stressful moments into opportunities for calm and connection. This holiday season, let’s make space for love, presence, and maybe a little magic too. You deserve it.
Resources from the episode:
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Stay tuned for next week’s episode with hypnotherapist, Kim Gucci!
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In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the complexities of gratitude, especially during tough seasons. If the thought of gratitude feels like it’s being forced down your throat, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we’re not here to push.
I share practical ways to shift your perspective and share a heartfelt quote from Francis Weller about holding both sorrow and gratitude, and how this duality can stretch and grow us.
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In this week’s community huddle, we dive into a heartfelt follow-up on loneliness and grief—topics we’ve explored in recent episodes. Picture this: a cozy space to connect with moms who truly get it. We talk about whispers of grief in everyday moments, how resilience sometimes feels like a mask, and finding strength in vulnerability.
I’m joined by Shantay, Alyssa, and Annika, three incredible moms who open up about their unique parenting journeys, the unexpected emotions they’ve faced, and the power of shared community. We also touch on creating safe spaces, both physically and emotionally, and the profound impact of feeling truly seen and understood.
Whether you’re listening on your way to an appointment or with a warm cup of coffee, this episode invites you to reflect, connect, and feel supported in your journey.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Got thoughts on this episode? I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me a text!
Episode Resources:
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
- A Special Needs Mom’s Gratitude Journal by Amanda Owen
Guest Details:
- Shantay Hindia: Mom to an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old autistic son.
- Alyssa Meyerhofer: Mom of three, including Gabby, who has Trisomy 9p.
- Annika Atkins: Mom of 10-year-old Ella, diagnosed with Infantile Pompe Disease.
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Today’s conversation is one that I know many of us can relate to – balancing anxiety and our relationship with digital media. I’m thrilled to have Jennie Ketcham Crooks join us! Jennie is a clinical social worker, anxiety and OCD specialist, and founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic. Jennie has also been involved in research at the University of Washington, guest lectured at Harvard University, and appeared on popular television shows including Headline News, The View, and Oprah. She’s here to unpack some powerful insights on navigating anxiety, managing our “shiny rectangle” (a.k.a. our phones), and making space for true connection.
We dive deep into what makes anxiety tick, especially for special needs moms, and how our smartphones can be both a blessing and a trap. Jennie shares practical tips from her 30-day program in her book Look Up, which helps us rethink our digital consumption and build healthier relationships with technology. We also share a few laughs about managing “Brenda,” the little voice in our heads that always seems to have something to say!
Connect with Jennie:
- West Coast Anxiety Clinic
- Look Up: A 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism
Episode Resources:
- Self-compassion resources at selfcompassion.org
- Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnoutby Kristen Neff
- Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Lifeby Steve Hayes'
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This episode continues our exploration of the often avoided topic: grief. I share a story about one of my special needs mom clients, “Diana,” who, through our work together, found acceptance and even a path to peace despite facing deep sadness and loss. This is her third conversation with me on the podcast and I am grateful she is back for again.
We often think grief looks like constant sadness or that it follows neat “stages,” but it’s much messier—and that’s okay. Grief doesn’t have to mean losing joy; in fact, it can create more room for it. I explore how embracing grief can actually open us up to feel fully alive. If you’re looking for a supportive space to explore these topics, I’ve built a community just for that.
Resources Mentioned:
- Diana’s Episodes:
- Ep 163: "Regaining Control and Finding Tranquility"
- Ep 165: "Impossible Levels of Support and Acceptance..."
- Books:
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
- As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.K. Park
- Related Episodes:
- Ep 220: "Let's Talk About Loneliness"
- Ep 221: "Antidote to Loneliness"
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I sit down with Rachel Wojo, author of Desperate Prayers, a book born from her journey through immense grief, faith, and resilience as a special needs mom. Rachel shares her deeply personal experiences of loss, from her mother’s battle with leukemia to the passing of her special needs daughter, Taylor.
Together, we explore what it means to live with both grief and joy, finding peace and purpose in the hardest moments. Rachel talks about the role of simple prayers—like “God, help me”—in staying grounded and connected to her faith, even when life felt overwhelming. We also dive into the power of community, self-compassion, and letting go of the need to be in control.
If you’re navigating life as a special needs parent, facing grief, or looking to strengthen your faith in difficult times, this conversation will speak to you. Join us to hear Rachel’s wisdom and encouragement for living fully, even in the face of life’s hardest challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
- Desperate Prayers by Rachel Wojo
- Book Website: desperatesprayers.com
- Rachel's website: rachelwojo.com
- Rachel’s Podcast: Untangling Prayer
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In this episode, I’m diving into the connection between grief and loneliness, picking up where we left off last week. I share a bit about my experience with Levi and how loneliness often shows up for us as special needs moms. The good news? The antidote to loneliness is connection.
I also reference Dr. Vivek Murthy's book Together (an excellent read!) and talk about how loneliness can be as damaging as smoking or obesity. In this episode, I share how we can break the cycle of loneliness by:
- Questioning those disempowering beliefs like “No one understands me.”
- Joining communities like my Pathway to Peace coaching program.
- Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and build connections, even through pain.
Next week, I’ll be doing an interview episode, and I’ll dive deeper into the topic of grief itself.
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 220: Let's Talk About Loneliness - last week’s episode - go back and give it a listen!
- Together by Dr. Vivek Murthy
If you found this episode helpful, I’d love for you to share it with a friend—maybe it’ll spark a conversation about breaking the cycle of isolation and loneliness.
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In this episode, I explore the deep connection between loneliness and grief as a special needs mom. Loneliness can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world, while the rest of your community continues on like nothing has changed. We discuss how relationships shift in these moments and why feeling abandoned is such a common experience.
This is just Part 1, where we unpack loneliness, so stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share more on the antidote to loneliness and offer actionable insights!
If you found this episode helpful, share it with your community, tag me @thespecialneedsmompodcast, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Resources from this episode:
- Together by Dr. Vivek H Murthy
- The Dictionary of Emotions: Words for Feelings, Moods & Emotions by Patrick Michael Ryan
- Episode 189: Bringing Balance Back to The Language of Disability with Effie Parks
- Episode 196: Between The Cracks: Navigating Belonging in Cancer & Rare Diseases with Parvathy Krishnan
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This week, I thought I’d be back with a full episode, but instead, here’s a quick check-in and a preview of what's to come.
I share a bit about our recent school emergency and the challenging space of not knowing what’s next. If you’ve ever had to live in that uncertainty, you’ll relate. I also talk about the importance of giving ourselves permission to let go when needed (shoutout to my editor for pushing me to give myself a break).
On the horizon? I’m working on episodes about loneliness and grief—two emotions that often go hand-in-hand, especially in our community.
Lastly, I’d love to hear from YOU! Use the "Text the Show" feature in the show notes to share what you're going through or suggest topics for future episodes.
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During a peloton ride recently, my instructor Robin Arzon, said something that has stuck with me. "Find your people, and climb your mountains together." I instantly thought of all of you. As special needs moms, we face tough challenges, but we’re stronger when we support each other. This is what I talk about on today's episode, and also how self-care impacts those around us—and why that’s okay!
Peloton Ride with Robin Arzon(not sponsored)
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Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Apply Here or Contact Me
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This week, to take care of myself, I’m hitting pause on a full episode. In its place I have something special for you: I’m sharing my contribution to the anthology Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight.
My piece, titled Anger. Rage. Fear. Surrender. Repeat. takes you through the raw emotions of caregiving—navigating medical systems, grappling with endless appointments, and finding peace in moments of surrender. It’s a deep dive into the realities we face but rarely talk about.
If you connect with this, you’ll definitely want to grab the anthology—it’s packed with stories from incredible moms, just like you.
Enjoy, and we’ll be back next week with a regular episode!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Coaching Community}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
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This is an un-episode episode, a break from our regularly scheduled programming.
Here are some previous episodes for your binging pleasure:
Trauma, Shame & Loss of Identity https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/14473465
Understanding Trauma as a Gateway to Healing Pt 1. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/14507073
Trauma in the Body, In the Mind, & In Our Lives Pt 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/14547417
Trauma Recovery Resources Pt 3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/14572094
Easy Self Compassion with Kaitlyn McCarty https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/10475858
Having Your Own Back with Charmaine Fuller https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/9357658
Grief and Gratitude https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/11723308
When People Think You're Fine but You're Not https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190612/12134357
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Pathway to Peace {Coaching Community}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
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In this episode, I’m sharing a rough day I had when something totally unexpected threw me off. I won’t go into details (to respect my son’s privacy), but I was left feeling embarrassed and powerless. Ever been there?
This led me to the idea of self-care in advance—basically, planning ahead for those stressful moments we know are coming, like IEP meetings or doctor’s appointments. I talk about how prepping for these events can make a huge difference, even if it’s as simple as planning an easy dinner or giving yourself a break.
Listen and learn how planning your self-care before chaos hits is a game changer!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Coaching Community}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
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In this episode, I sit down with Andie Torres, a fellow special needs mom, author, and "maker of pretty things" for this podcast. Andie shares her journey as a special needs mom, how she is learning to let go of the need to control everything, and the importance of having compassion for those inside and outside of the disability community. She shares a story of how advocating for her son’s health, despite pushback, ultimately saved his life. We also talk about what she has learned in her unique co-parenting dynamic and how they have learned to share their fears and build trust with each other.
This episode offers valuable insights with a mix of honesty, humor and warmth for everyone. Tune in and join the conversation!
Connect with our Guest, Andie TorresInstagram
Website
YouTube
Resources from the episode:
Book: Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, extraordinary caregiving stories from mothers hidden in plain sight
We Are Brave Together Organization
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Coaching Community}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
Why do we find ourselves on the fringe? Why do we find ourselves alone even though we so deeply want to belong? In this episode we look at why we feel isolated inside the diagnoses communities of our kids. I share my personal experience with my family at Oncology & Kids Camp (OAK) this last weekend and why this was our only our first year here, even though Levi's first tumor was 13 years ago. Opting into a community can bring connection, support, and a sense of belonging, even when your experience feels so different than others.
Connect with Oncology & Kids Camp (OAK):https://oncologyandkids.org/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In this candid episode, I sit around a virtual table and catch up with a group of incredible moms from our community. They share their personal stories, discuss the challenges they faced this summer, and offer each other (and you) support and encouragement. This episode is all about being known, seen, and supported in the journey of raising children with special needs.
Fun Fact:Three of our four guests (Lora, Rachel & Andie) are all contributing authors to the anthology I am also an author in, Becoming Brave Together.
Connect With Our Community Huddle Guests:
Lora DeMello @colormesmiling18
Elisa Hill @elisalhill
Rachel Alves @alvesmomkickingcask
Andie Torres @we.are.takingcare
Connect With We Are Brave Together:
- Join the Community: Connect with the "We Are Brave Together" group on Facebook, where moms can find a safe supportive space to share their experiences without judgment.
- Participate in the 5K: Sign up for the annual 5K event, whether locally or virtually, to support the cause and help reach the goal of 300 participants.
- Read the Anthology: Explore the "We Are Brave Together" anthology, a collection of stories that offer hope and solidarity to moms in the special needs community.
- Dive into Self Care:Does self care ever seem either superficial or way too much work? That's why this free resource was created. It's a list of 72 "bite size" ideas for you to make your self care practical, meaningful and attainable
- Binge the work of WABT
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In this episode we delve into the transition from the chaos of summer to the stability of fall. I candidly share my own struggles during the summer, particularly around unmet needs for my disabled son, Levi, and offer hope and practical advice for making this seasonal shift smoother for special needs families like mine.
I introduce the concept of “closing the last chapter” before moving forward and emphasize the importance of intentional reflection on the summer season. By assessing what worked, what didn’t, and what can be done differently, I encourage you to create a plan for a more stable and fulfilling fall.
Ready to make the shift from summer to stable? Join me, Kara, in the Pathway to Peace coaching community and be part of a supportive community that understands the unique challenges of special needs parenting. We are shifting to an even more connected and community based feel, think a coffee date with friends. Introductory pricing is available for a limited time for early birds! Reach out to Kara for more details.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In this episode, we are exploring the transformative tool of AI, specifically ChatGPT, and how it can be a game changer for caregivers and special needs moms. From streamlining tasks, to assisting with paperwork and medical bills, to enhancing email communication, discover how this tech can be your new best friend.
We hope this episode inspires you to explore the capabilities of AI and how it can simplify your life!
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Share Your Stories: We’d love to hear how you've used AI in your life! Share your experiences on social media and tag @thespecialneedsmompodcast!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. This is the last episode in the series and it is a companion episode to Reclaiming Your Life: The Journey from Helpless to Empowered, last week's episode.
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 105 that aired September of 2022.
In today's episode, I talk about ways we can rewrite the narrative and take responsibility for our emotions, even in this difficult circumstances we face as special needs moms.
First, we need to distinguish between facts and our interpretations. I share a few examples of facts in our life and some negative interpretations that our brains often jump to. The key in taking back control is to realize that while we can't control the situations (facts) in our lives, we can control how we relate to these things that are happening.
I hope this episode gives you a different outlook on how to be in these tough times. As always, feel free to message me if you want to dig into this topic more on a one-on-on basis.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. Stick around! I am bringing back some really well received episodes that I know you'll enjoy!
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 103 that aired September of 2022.
In this week episode, I'm diving into a topic that came to me from a client's suggestion. It's the idea of the opposing ways we can find ourselves; being at cause/ having choice & being at effect/feeling like the victim. Today, I'm specifically talking about the many ways we can find ourselves in the victim role because of our choices and circumstances.
For now, be sure to take my personal examples and notes and to reflect on your own life as a special needs mom.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. Stick around! I am bringing back some really well received episodes that I know you'll enjoy!
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 24 that aired February 2021.
This week, l'm talking about a topic that I feel very passionate about, self love. Often people (especially in the Christian faith) look down on self love because it's considered conceited and we're putting God below ourselves. I'm taking this idea of self love to be more practical in ways like regulating our emotions and maintaining a good relationship with your body.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. Stick around! I am bringing back some really well received episodes that I know you'll enjoy!
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 78 that aired March 2022.
This weeks episode is shedding some light on toxic positivity. I think we all have experienced this in one way or another although we may not realize it. It looks like someone saying, "Everything will be okay" or "You need to focus on the positive!"
While I will never underestimate the power of hope and positive thinking, it becomes toxic when others (or even you are using positivity to cover up negative emotions or events in our lives. We have to have a balance and be able to feel the wide range of emotions to make it through these events.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. Stick around! I am bringing back some really well received episodes that I know you'll enjoy!
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 131 that aired February 2023.
Do you find yourself blowing up at your kids? Losing your cool with your spouse? You are not alone. In this episode, I give you some ways to dig into this and get more curious about why you're acting this way.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
In honor of our Summer Sabbath Challenge, we are taking time to invest in rest. To give us more space and time we are rebroadcasting previous episodes for June & July. Stick around! I am bringing back some really well received episodes that I know you'll enjoy!
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 164 that aired in September of 2023.
In this episode of the Special Needs Mom Podcast, we delve into distinguishing between ‘hard things’ and ‘suffering.’ It’s a journey of resilience, a shift from suffering to self-compassion, from being mired in guilt, judgment, shame, and resistance to steering clear of them. We’re called to face difficult and often unpleasant emotions, but suffering doesn’t have to be our default response.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
It's the launch of our summer sabbath series! Kara discusses how summer will look different on the pod over the summer months and invites you to join her in her season of rest. The episode ends with some "extra credit" for you to get you through change of pace that having our kiddos out of school creates.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Send us a Text Message.
This episode is an oldie, but a goodie. I talk about how hard it is to remove our identity from the actions and behaviors of our children, how it isn't a reflection of our parenting and how we give away our power to the opinions of others. I invite you to look within yourself and ask some uncomfortable questions to find a place of acceptance and relief.
In an effort to honor my personal needs and the needs of my family, I am re-airing an episode I recorded a few years ago. You know, sometimes life just demands more of us and I want to honor that and not over burden myself.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Send us a Text Message.
Here we are, we've reached 200 episodes! What an exciting milestone! Let's celebrate by getting deep and taking questions from you, my beloved community and friends. The questions range from deeply personal to practical and logistical. Even my kids weigh in. Thank you to everyone who messaged or commented with your questions. Much, much appreciated!
Resources from this episode:Becoming Brave Together - Anthology with contributing author Kara Ryska
Our YouTube channel now has video (but not this week)
Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
Ashley Barlow website | podcast | instagram
You Need a Budget Phone App
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Send us a Text Message.
Get it? Just a little mom humor with my Lego Movie reference. I couldn't help myself. 🙂
In this short episode I share my thoughts around a concept that keeps coming up, both in my life and the life of my coaching clients. We talk about what's it's like to have an experience with your child and to feel seemingly contrary emotions at the same time. We tend to label then "good" and "hard". I would like to present another perspective.
Mentioned in this episode:Becoming Brave Together
Video Now on YouTube
Text the show
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
This conversation is a necessary and stimulating (pun intended) exchange between Cindy and myself. This podcast was created to serve and focus on you, the special needs mom, and this episode is exactly that. You deserve to be connected to your own sensuality.
Cindy Scharkey is a nurse with over 3 decades of experience in healthcare. She is passionate about breaking the silence surrounding women’s sexuality and empowering parents to be their child’s sexual health educator. Through her podcast, Permission for Pleasure, as well as her workshops, newsletter and consultations, she desires to provide the holistic sex education that every woman needs to experience more pleasure.
Connect with our guest, Cindy Scharkey
Website www.cindyscharkey.com
Instagram @cindyscharkey
Facebook @scharkeycindy
Podcast Permission for Pleasure www.cindyscharkey.com/podcast
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
This week's episode is my ode to you, special needs mama. I share from my heart about our role as Mother, in all its complexity and beauty. My hope is that you feel validated, seen and honored.
Happy Mother's Day!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
After both her children were diagnosed with multiple rare/ultra rare and nano rare diseases (some of which predispose them to cancer), Parvathy Krishnan dedicated her life to empowering people worldwide to advocate for themselves no matter their location or diagnosis. She is now a Rare Disease Specialist and healthcare professional with a Masters in Clinical Nutrition. She is also an expert in Patient Advocacy and Patient caregiver education.
I am honored to speak with her about her experience with her children and the intersection of cancer and rare disease. As you may or may not know, this topic is extra close to my heart, as my son also has a disability with cancer at its center.
Connect with our guest, Parvathy Krishnan
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parvathy_r_krishna/
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parvathy-raman-krishnan
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
This week's guest, Shelley Frappier, is a friend, single mother and former Pathway to Peace member. We talk all about her experience in Pathway to Peace, how she learned to connect with her feelings and how that one tool changed the trajectory of her life. She decided that she no longer wanted to be "unhappily happy". She knew that she wanted more for her life and for the life of her children so she took deliberate steps toward finding her joy again. Alongside her role as mother, she is also part of the executive team of The Cute Syndrome Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to serving children, like her son Nico, with a diagnosis of SCN8A and their families. We talk about the value of diagnosis specific communities and the honor I have of working with a SCN8A specific Pathway to Peace cohort.
Resources from this Episode:Mitchell Thorpe Foundation
Connect with our Guest, Shelley Frappier:previous episode: Episode 743: Stories Like Yours Recorded On-Site at Global Genes Conference
The Cute Syndrome Foundation
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Here we are, talking about anxiety again, because fear and worry are a regular part of our lives as special needs moms. I have to say, I feel like a bit of an imposter, because this is an area I still work on all of the time. On this solo episode, I am going to share a tool that I've created for us, to make managing our anxiety a little less like work and more like a game. Imagine turning your anxiety management into a game where each small practice, like self-talk or an easy stroll, earns you points towards a more settled mind. I'll guide you through 10 of the 24 strategies that can help maintain and restore your personal "health meter". From the simplicity of staying hydrated to the invigorating shock of cold therapy, we cover the spectrum of techniques that can anchor you in the present moment and regulate your physiology. I encourage you to integrate these practices into your daily life, using the bingo card as a fun and tangible way to track your progress and celebrate your wins.
Resources from this episode:Download Your Anxiety Bingo Card Here!The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Episode 189: Bringing Balance Back to the Language of Disability with Effie Parks
Trauma Series with Meghann Crane-RussEpisode 187: Understanding Trauma As A Gateway to Healing
Episode 188: Trauma In The Body, In The Mind, & In Our Lives
Episode 189: Trauma Recovery Resources for the Special Needs Mom
Connect with Meghann Crane-Russ
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Are the endless tasks of motherhood, career & relationships leaving you buried under a pile of planners and post-it notes? Megan Sumrell, a life planning expert, CEO & founder of Pink Bee, joins me to talk about productivity and how we need to plan differently in order to live balanced and fulfilled lives. She brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to this conversation from her years teaching others how to optimize their businesses and personal lives. Megan's insights resonate deeply, as a special needs mom herself, offering strategies to navigate the overwhelming demands of our lives without the guilt.
This conversation with Megan is an honest reflection on the complexities of modern life, where the digital world begs for our attention. Where crossing things off our list often leaves us feeling anxious and like we are never getting it all done. Here, you'll find practical tools that promise more presence and less pressure, so you can savor the moments that matter most and even find fun for yourself. Megan ends with a poignant reminder that you are more than 'just a mom'—you're a woman of multifaceted identity, deserving of self-care, recognition & support.
Mentioned in this episode:Redeeming Heartache
Book by Dr. Dan Allender and Cathy Loerzel
Asking for Help:
Episode 122: A Little Discomfort for a Whole Lot of Help (Asking for Support)
Connect with our Guest, Megan Sumrell:Website: www.megansumrell.com
Podcast: www.megansumrell.com/podcast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/megansumrell
Instagram: www.instagram.com/megansumrell/
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/WorkLifeHarmonyPodcast
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
We all have a giant stack of papers that are taunting us. The physical and mental to do's posted everywhere. The phone calls to make and the errands to run. It all piles up and we are left feeling anxious and frenetic. I had a morning this week where it all hit me at once, and I had to get myself back to center before I could be present for my day of coaching calls. I talk about how I do this for myself and for my coaching clients. I take you through a quick quiz and give you practical steps to shift your state and outlook moving ahead. I believe that peace is possible for you. I know you can leave the heaviness behind. I've seen it happen for others and I know it is possible for you too.
References from this episode:
Trauma series with Meghann Crane - RussEpisodes 186: Understanding Trauma as a Gateway to Healing
Episode 187: Trauma in the Body, in the Mind, and in our Lives
Episode 188: Trauma Recovery Resources for the Special Needs Mom
Trauma resources from Meghann Crane - Russ
Dr. David Bilstrom
Episode 149: Healing from the Inside Can Be Simple with Dr. Bilstrom
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
I am honored to share today's episode with Donna Letier, co-founder and CEO of Gardenuity. Donna is a business woman, mother of two, advocate and caregiver for one of her daughter's and a genuinely kind human. She lives and breathes helping others through the power of nature and aims to make gardening accessible for everyone.
We talk in this episode about work/life/caregiving balance, how we show our other children they are not forgotten, and of course about all of the beautiful important and necessary need to care for ourselves and how gardening can help us do just that. Donna also shares her top three tips for being the CEO of your home and/or business.
Thank you, Donna, for sharing your wisdom, and to all the listeners, may you find the seeds of hope as you grow something good in your life.
Connect with Donna:
Website: www.gardenuity.com
B2B Website: www.gardenuityforbusiness.com
LinkedIn: /Gardenuity
Instagram: @gardenuity
Facebook: /Gardenuity
TikTok: @gardenuity
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
In this episode, Kara gets vulnerable and shares about how she is reintegrating into her life after her son's unexpected ten day hospital stay. Her hope as you listen is that you will remember that you are not alone in the balancing act of survival mode and living a whole hearted life. We are all walking this winding road together.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
As a fellow traveler on the path of special needs motherhood, I found a kindred spirit in Effie Parks, a standout voice in the rare disease community who sat down with me for an honest, empowering conversation. Effie and I explore the sensitive topic of language and how it is used in our caregiving and advocacy. We challenge some common narratives we saw perpetuated through social media in 2023 and offer alternatives ways of thinking and relating to ourselves and each other.
Effie also shares her exciting new initiative, Once Upon a Gene Therapy. Her mission is to empower fellow caregivers, through walking, to remember who they are and find strength through movement & community.
Connect with Effie Parks:
Effie Parks doesn't mind being called "strong": Article
Once Upon A Gene Podcast: Spotify
Once Upon A Gene Podcast: Apple
Once Upon A Gene Therapy: Walking Club FB Group
Once Upon A Gene Instagram
Once Upon A Gene Website
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
In this episode, we wrap up our series dedicated to trauma and how to cope with life's uncertainty. Learn how to harness the power of sensory grounding, strategic breath work, and even the right expression of anger to guide your nervous system back to a state of calm and presence. Each strategy we discuss is a step towards emotional well-being, designed to reinforce your sense of safety when the pressure rises. We share personal stories and practical advice that will leave you equipped to handle life's storms with self-compassion and confidence. We conclude by emphasizing community as a fundamental need and another pathway to healing your trauma.
Click here to download the resources mentioned in this episode<<<
Connect with our Guest, Meghann Crane-Russ:
Noticing Growth, website
Instagram
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
As a parent raising a child with special needs, we experience unusual amounts of chronic trauma. Trauma therapist Meghann Crane-Russ, LCSW, PMH-C, is back this week, guiding us through the science and mechanisms behind our primal response to trauma. Strap in as we explore the complex terrain of the human brain, and prepare to gain a deeper understanding of your own responses in the face of fear.
We will learn the difference between feelings and thoughts and why we explode into fight or flight or withdraw into freeze or collapse. Learning how our 'downstairs' and 'upstairs' brains interact when faced with said trauma will help us to understand ourselves more deeply, while giving us the hope that we can live a more present and connected life.
This episode is packed full of science, with plenty of everyday examples to us understand. For us visual learners, Meghann has provided resources to use while listening to help pull all of the concepts together.
Click here to Download the Resources mentioned in the episode!<<<
Connect with our Guest, Meghann Crane-Russ:
Noticing Growth, website
Instagram
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Discover the hidden & evident impacts of trauma, and the pathways to healing with Meghann Crane-Russ. Meghann is a therapist who specializes in supporting parents navigating medical complexity, medical trauma, traumatic loss and grief. Prior to private practice, she was an inpatient medical social worker in pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care and also did some work in PEDS palliative care.
We unravel together the complexities of "big T" and "little t" trauma and the grief that countless families face. Meghann's profound understanding of the brain and body's response to trauma not only sheds light on the subject but also plants seeds of hope for anyone navigating the road to recovery. Together we explore a message of resilience, affirming that through compassion, understanding and insight, healing from trauma is not just a possibility but a journey well within our reach.
Click here to download trauma resources<<<
Resources from this episode:
Bessel van de Kolk M.D.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Paul Conti
Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic: How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It
Connect with our Guest, Meghann Crane-Russ:
Noticing Growth, website
Instagram
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Our brains are seeking to understand the traumatic experiences of our lives in an effort to keep us safe, both now and in the future. I can almost guarantee, if you are a special needs mom, you have experienced trauma. This trauma shakes our identity, creates false narratives about our role in it all, and disconnects us from ourselves and those around us. On this solo episode, we dissect the science based interconnection of trauma, shame and identity; how our body is protecting us, how they impact our self-worth and how we can begin to give ourselves a break from the shame. This is more than just a conversation; it's the start of your journey toward healing & recovering your identity.
We will continue this conversation for the next three weeks with Meghann Crane-Russ, LCSW, PMH-C.
Resources from this episode:
Paul Conti, MD
Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic: How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It
Brene Brown, Shame & Vulnerability Researcher
Neuroscientific account of Guilt and Shame Driven PTSD phenotypes
National Library of Medicine
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
When life hands you a narrative you never expected, where do you find the script to follow? This question lingered in my mind as Kelley Coleman, the insightful author of "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child," joined me to share her journey and the wisdom she's encapsulated in her guide for fellow parents. We peel back the layers of our personal transformations, discussing the complexities of medical care, education, and the emotional landscape that defines the experience of raising a child with visible disabilities. She shares her path, transitioning from a career in the film industry to narrating the unique story of her child's life, emphasizing their individuality and potential beyond their limitations.
As our conversation unfolds, we trace the evolution of a special needs mom across five stages—from the initial shock to rediscovering personal power and peace. It's a transformative journey, filled with moments of self-sacrifice and deep reflection on societal expectations and the importance of retaining one's identity. We share our insights into the rollercoaster of parenting highs and lows, the intense commitment it demands, and the surprising joys that can emerge from this unique life experience. This episode is a candid exploration of the emotional terrain that we navigate as parents, offering a narrative that affirms and inspires.
Join us as we navigate the unexpected paths and find camaraderie in shared experiences.
Connect with Kelley Coleman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellokelleycoleman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelley.coleman.56
Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Words like 'disability', 'differently abled', and 'identity-first language' might seem interchangeable, but as we peel back the layers, the significance of each term emerges, shaped by personal experiences and societal perceptions.
The episode casts a light on the journey of understanding and accepting disability, not just as a concept, but as a profound aspect of human diversity. Sharing the intimate progression of my relationship with my son's disability, I open the floor to the importance of honesty and the strength found in community support. Evoking change in our subconscious beliefs, we explore how language can forge new paths toward love, compassion, and authenticity. Join us as we challenge ourselves to grow and enrich our perspectives on disability, transforming how we relate to others and ourselves in this ever-evolving conversation.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
When the weight of perfectionism feels like a lead cloak, it's the raw, honest stories that can lift it off our shoulders. That's exactly what Kristin Faith Evans brings to our table this week, as we navigate the deeply personal terrain of motherhood to children with special needs. Her voice, a blend of vulnerability and strength, breaks through the silence on the mental health crisis among special needs moms, illuminating the tough yet rewarding journey that lies ahead for many.
This episode is a tapestry woven with the threads of shared experiences, where the barriers of seeking help are pulled back, revealing a landscape that many special needs moms traverse in solitude. Together with Kristin, we peel back the layers of guilt that often accompany the pursuit of self-care, underscoring its non-negotiable place in our lives. As we discuss the stigmas within conservative Christian communities and the scarcity of resources, the conversation is an open door for every listener who has felt judged or alone in their struggles.
Kristin's insights serve as a compass, guiding us through the expectations and self-inflicted pressures that can overshadow the joys of parenting. We celebrate the power of positive self-talk and the gentle art of embracing imperfection. Whether you're a mom knee-deep in therapy schedules or a friend standing by in support, this episode is a sanctuary for reflection, growth, and unwavering support—a reminder that no one should walk this path without a hand to hold.
Contact Kristin Faith Evans
Website: https://disabilityparenting.com/
Instagram: @disabilityparenting (https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparenting)
Facebook: Kristin.Evans.5895 (https://www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895)
X: AuthorKristinEv (https://twitter.com/AuthorKristinEv)
LinkedIn: Kristin-Evans (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-evans)
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast.
Transitioning back to work after a break can feel like an uphill battle, even when you love what you do. My personal strategy to overcome this, involves a trio of 'C's; method I delve into with heartfelt honesty. Join me as we navigate these waters together, finding strength in community and the shared quest for a year filled with intention and growth.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
When you're balancing the world on your shoulders as a special needs mom, finding time and space for yourself can feel like an impossible puzzle. But Angela O'Brien, mother, professional organizer, and podcast host with a heart as big as her expertise, joins me to piece together the jigsaw of life, proving that every mom can create harmony out of chaos. Our conversation is a heartfelt journey through the evolution of a special needs mom who redefined her identity and blossomed into a source of inspiration and practical wisdom for parents in similar shoes.
Join Angela and me in a dialogue that enriches, uplifts, and equips you with the tools to not just organize your surroundings, but to flourish within them. Embrace the journey of growth and the art of making space for yourself—it's a celebration of possibility, and it starts right here.
Connect with Angela:
Website: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourspacereclaimed
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. As the dawn of a new year breaks, I'm filled with renewed hope and the pleasure of revisiting an episode that remains close to my heart, featuring the indomitable Anna Brown.
Through the lens of raising a nonverbal child, we discuss the profound lesson of releasing control and the importance of honoring our children's individual journeys without imposing our own expectations.
Connect with Anna:Blog: https://www.motheringrare.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mothering_rare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothering.rare
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Feeling the holiday rush? Let me pull you aside for a moment of candid reflection; because, let's face it, the festive season can be equal parts enchanting and exhausting. In this heart-to-heart, I bare my soul about the upcoming winter break, sharing the joy and the jittery nerves as my husband and I put a new spin on our Christmas tradition. It's a tale of breaking the cycle of overwhelm by leaning into support and embracing the restorative power of rest—something many of us, especially us hands-on mothers and ardent workers, often resist. Prepare to feel a kinship and maybe even a lightbulb moment as I recount how reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness but an essential step to enjoying the true spirit of the holidays.
As the year draws to a close, I'm buzzing with excitement to reveal a collaborative co-workshop that pairs my coaching insights with the organizational magic of a professional dynamo. This hands-on experience is designed not just to inspire but to ignite real change, and I'm practically giving away seats with a special rate and an early bird discount. If the price tag makes you hesitate, don't let it stand in your way—reach out, and let's make it work for you. And as we approach the finale of this episode, please receive my warmest holiday wishes, whether you're decking the halls or simply unwinding into the new year. Join us for a conversation that's all about honoring your need for downtime and getting a head start on a transformative journey.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. As the twinkle of holiday lights begins to shimmer, the weight of coordinating a festive season that embraces the needs of our special children can feel like a tangled string of bulbs. This heartfelt episode invites you into our circle of mothers, including the candid voices of Brooke, Erica, Francesca, and Rachel, who each bring to the table their own patchwork of challenges and triumphs in parenting children with special needs. We're cracking open the conversation on how we craft a holiday that's as inclusive as it is joyous, sharing stories that will wrap around you like the coziest of winter scarves.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 things that have been game-changers in my life recently! Listen in as I talk practical strategies from meal planning, and therapy support, to even mindset shifts that can help you reclaim your peace during this busy period. Lastly, I share five transformative tips that have been my compass during this journey and invite you to share your own experiences. You're not alone on this journey, and together, we can navigate this terrain.
Try Hungry Root for Yourself! ($50 off with this link)
Other Mentions:
The Lazy Genius Podcast
We Are Brave Together
Naples/Long Beach Retreat
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Experience a journey that navigates the thin line between despair and hope.
We open our hearts to you, sharing the intimate moments of fear and struggle, and the glimmers of hope that served as our lifeline. Feel the terror of entrusting our precious Ryan to a stranger's care, and the relief washing over us as we receive the invaluable support from those around us. Join us, as we recollect our journey from hardship to healing, resonating with strength, resilience, and most importantly, hope.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Are you losing sleep over your child's restless nights? You're not alone. I'm thrilled to share with you a conversation brimming with wisdom, insights, and practical tips from pediatric sleep consultant, Alison Egidi. She's not just an expert in her field, but also a mother who's walked the path of sleep troubles with her own child. We explore and debunk sleep myths, emphasizing the individuality of each child's sleep rhythm. The goal isn't to control their sleep schedules but to understand and align with their unique circadian rhythms. But the conversation doesn't stop there. We touch on how anxiety can impact sleep and parenting, sharing our personal experiences and offering strategies to make bedtime less stressful.
Connect with AllisonIG: https://www.instagram.com/sleepandwellnesscoach/
Website: https://sleepandwellnesscoach.com/
Dr. Winter's Sleep Podcast
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find gratitude in the midst of managing life as a special needs mom? Let's unpack those feelings together. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we're taking a deep-dive into the concept of "defending gratitude." We'll explore why we often struggle to be grateful in the face of adversity, and introduce practical strategies to help you navigate these emotional hurdles.
Positive Psychology
The Enemies of Gratitude: Hidden Brain, Tom Gilovich at Cornell
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Do you ever feel unprepared to manage nursing care at home? Picture yourself juggling conflict, setting clear communication, and ensuring your child's safety without losing your peace of mind. Well, you're not alone. Join us as we dive deep into the world of home nursing care with our guests, the remarkable Carrie Holt and Casey Craig. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as we explore Carrie's unique approach to home nursing care, the crucial role of sleep, and the many creative solutions families implement for their child's safety.
Managing in-home care relationships isn't always a walk in the park. How do you establish boundaries? When should you trust your instinct? Tune in as Carrie and Casey share their personal experiences of collaborating with nurses and nannies, throwing light on the significance of a formal on-boarding process. They explain the potential benefits of utilizing contracts in complex relationships and how to steer the ship of home nursing care with grace and grit.
Finally, let us not overlook the challenges of caregiving, especially when it comes to picking caregivers for special needs children. Carrie and Casey take us on their journey, sharing their encounters with nursing agencies, church communities and their innovative strategies to finding help. They emphasize the importance of accepting help and the blessings that it brings. What role could prayer play in finding quality care? How can self-care be prioritized amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities? All of these questions and more are answered in this enlightening discussion. Don't miss out on this dose of inspiration and practicality!
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever thought about the life of a mom navigating the world of special needs nursing care? Here, we bring you a heartwarming and enlightening conversation with two incredible women, Kara and Kasey, who are living this reality every day. We journey with them from the moment their children's diagnosis altered their lives, to the trials and triumphs they experience in their daily lives now. This candid conversation provides an in-depth look at the world of caregiving, including the emotional impact of nursing care, managing family dynamics, and balancing work and caregiving.
We delve into the realities of providing care for medically fragile children while respecting their growth and desires as teenagers. Not only do we explore the love-hate relationship with having nurses at home, but also the continuous challenge of starting over with a new nurse each time. Kara and Kasey share the journey from survival to thriving, their growth fostering hope and support for other families in similar circumstances.
As we further this conversation, we shift our focus towards addressing unexpected challenges in parenting. Hear firsthand how Kara and Kasey manage the emotional toll of nursing care and its impacts on their lives. They also open up about their strategies for handling conflict, their stories offering valuable insights and practical advice for families in similar situations. This discussion with Kara and Kasey promises to be a source of encouragement and invaluable information you won't want to miss.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever wondered how to balance household responsibilities when you're a special needs parent? It's time to explore some new pathways. In our illuminating episode, we dive deep into the dynamics of division of labor in households with a special needs parent, unearthing the often hidden challenges and ways to create a more equitable balance of roles. We discuss how to identify ourselves in our roles, celebrate our victories, and constructively engage our partners about divvying up tasks efficiently.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Taking you further into the journey, we dive into the identity of a special needs mom, an exclusive club of the toughest people you'll ever meet. And while we celebrate our shared experiences, it's critical to be mindful of the beliefs we tend to harbor within this community. We discuss the need for self-care, the struggle with feeling misunderstood, and the often-underestimated role our partners play in caregiving. This episode is a gentle nudge to you, and to myself, reminding us that while we are part of a remarkable community, we must prioritize ourselves and welcome our partners into the caregiving journey. So, buckle up and journey with me through the trials, triumphs, and revelations of being a special needs mom.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
We're thrilled to share this heart-felt conversation with Hilary Ramos, a dynamically multifaceted woman whose roles encompass a mother, a wife, a doctor of physical therapy, and a content creator. Hilary’s journey involves a major life pivot; leaving behind her career in physical therapy after years of doctorate-level schooling, to devote herself to her son's early life. She presents a captivating narrative of faith, resilience, and the unique challenges that come with being a parent to special needs children.
Connect with Hillary:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulandrising/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever find yourself in a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and changes that come with a new school year, especially when you're a special needs mom? Brace yourselves as Brooke, Jenny, Kristen, Rachel, and I navigate through the labyrinth of successes and challenges we're experiencing. We share candid insights into what's worked for us, from using visual calendars and grocery delivery services to create a peaceful home environment, to managing our children's fatigue and stress levels.
No one said being a special needs mom was easy, especially when it comes to juggling activities and responsibilities. We've seen how reducing extra activities or joining new communities can create surprising breathing space for our kids. Listen as we tackle the everyday chaos of managing backpacks, tour schedules, and medical care, and share how we've found the systems that work best for each of our families. We also share our trials on creating new habits for our kids, from transitioning in and out of the car to toilet training, and how we've conquered these roadblocks.
Our journey as special needs moms isn't all about our children, it's about us too. In this episode, we delve into overcoming the fear of asking for help, improving communication with our children's teachers, and even taking a break from our children to nurture our marriages. We also explore the concept of marriage meetings and how they can benefit relationships. Join us on this empowering journey, where we support each other to be the best moms we can be. After all, it's through sharing and connecting that we find strength and solutions to our challenges.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Have you ever felt the weight of anxiety, isolation, or confusion while navigating through your child's healthcare journey? Today's episode takes a raw and insightful look into these challenges as we sit down with Katie Taylor, a seasoned child life specialist with over 13 years of experience under her belt. Together, we delve into the heart of what it truly means to be a parent in the healthcare landscape, tearing down the barriers that often leave us feeling alone and unprepared.
We tackle the not-so-simple art of processing emotions in parenting. With Katie's guidance, we explore the strength in vulnerability, the power in authenticity, and the importance of emotional regulation. We discuss how parents can use their past experiences to positively influence their present situations, offering solace and direction to those of us who find ourselves lost in the adversities of medical experiences. We also underscore the role of health professionals in our journey, shedding light on how they can be our strongest allies in advocating for the best possible care for our loved ones.
But, that's not all! Katie also walks us through her revolutionary creation: Child Life on Call - an app designed to provide families with the resources they need during a medical experience. We also address the vital importance of self-care, or as Katie puts it, 'replenishing our emotional tank', and the transformative power of gratitude. Wrapping up our conversation with a genuine expression of appreciation, we leave the door wide open for future insightful conversations. By the end of this episode, you'll be feeling more enlightened, inspired and ready to confidently approach your family's healthcare journey. Tune in and let's navigate this often uncharted territory together!
Full Show Notes
Connect with Katie:Website: https://childlifeoncall.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/childlifeoncall/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. I'm back with part 2 of the conversation with Diane (her alias.) Part 1 is back in episode 163. In this episode, we explore her transformation, finding the right support, and the emotional journey towards acceptance - a powerful tool for life-changing transformations.
Discover how acceptance plays a key role in trusting yourself, facing challenges, and paving the way for changes you can't even imagine. This story celebrates the resilience and strength of a special needs mom, inspiring you to believe in your own power to handle anything life throws your way.
Full Show Notes
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Can you imagine navigating life's challenges without the constant weight of guilt, judgment, shame, and resistance? What if I told you suffering is a choice and you can learn to steer clear of it?
Join me as we delve into the difference between 'hard things' and 'suffering.' We'll unravel ways to identify these elements, bring kindness and curiosity to ourselves, and use a helpful script to get started. This episode is all about self-compassion. Along the way, we'll also take a look at our Pathway to Peace community - the perfect place to find and share collective kindness and compassion. I also share a small favor - if you could take a moment to rate and review our podcast, it would greatly help others on similar journeys discover us. Get ready for an episode filled with hope and a powerful message of resilience. Let's begin.
Full Show Notes
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me
Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Today is part one of a two art episode with a quest who has chosen to be anonymous, we'll call her Diane. Join us for an intimate chat with this mother is three.
We explore the terrain of Diane's experience in my group coaching program, a haven she sought during a time of immense stress and isolation. Diane unwraps her journey from feeling utterly overwhelmed to slowly regaining control and finding tranquillity, a journey that has the potential to bring hope for parents in a similar predicament. Our discussion dives deep into the essence of caregiving, the nuances of parenting, and the critical importance of maintaining an individual identity amidst the tumultuous waves of challenges.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Have you ever felt that conventional idea of rest just doesn't recharge you? It's time to redefine rest, especially for us, the special needs moms. This episode unravels the different facets of rest and how it can be uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs. From restoring order to your home to engaging your mind with activities you love, rest can be more than just closing your eyes.
We dive deeper into the role of rest in enabling us to be better parents. Listen to personal experiences of carving out 'me' time in the midst of chaotic days and how these moments can be rejuvenating. Not just that, we will also discuss the concept of micro-restoration and how crucial it is to identify the kind of rest that works for you. We aim to break down the complexities around rest for the betterment of your mental well-being. So, let's not leave rest as a mere mystery, and start focusing on it, one area at a time.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever wondered what it's like to be a special needs mom? This episode is a heart-to-heart with Amy Nair, a physical therapist and a mother to a child with medical complexities. Our conversation touches on the emotional journey that comes with managing a child's medical complexities, from navigating healthcare challenges to finding a suitable diet for her son. Amy candidly shares her experiences, including dealing with feelings of guilt and shame, and the constant advocacy required when interacting with medical professionals.
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever wondered how a diagnosis can change the trajectory of not just one life but an entire family? Join me as I have an intimate conversation with Erica Kingsbury, a mother of three and a proud graduate of the Pathway to Peace coaching program. Erica's journey through her son Jack's diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome has transformed her from a career-driven woman to a stay-at-home mom. Her story is one of resilience, strength, and an unwavering love that navigates the difficulties and delays that impact their family every day.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Ever feel like you're constantly in overdrive, with no time to breathe? Then you're in for a treat. Meet Amber, a resilient veterinarian and mother of two, juggling an impressive array of responsibilities as she navigates her life, complete with its challenges and triumphs. Amber's life is a whirlwind of love, struggle, and hope, and she's inviting us to join her journey towards a pathway to peace.
Feel the tug at your heartstrings as Amber opens up about her experiences of raising a child with special needs. Imagine the strength it takes to support her daughter, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy and severe autism, all while preparing her son for kindergarten. Amber also gives us a candid look into her relationship dynamics - with her husband, her children, and her work - as she strives for understanding and peace of mind.
In a world where overplanning can lead to anxiety, Amber takes us deep into her struggles of habitual overplanning and its implications on her life. Glean insights as we explore how recognizing triggers and shifting behaviors can pave the way to inner peace. We end the episode with a deep dive into breaking habits, finding balance, and learning how to celebrate successes. Let's venture together into this candid journey of resilience, strength, and peace.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Come along for an inspirational ride as I sit down with the invincible Serene Noor Ali. She is a special needs mom and tech entrepreneur. From the shock of her daughter’s unexpected diagnosis to the major brain surgery that followed, Serene's personal experiences and professional background with the US Department of State have all paved the path to her innovative startup. With her compelling narrative of resilience and innovation, Sehreen Noor Ali is sure to leave you inspired.
Connect with Sehreen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sehreennoorali/
Sleuth: https://hellosleuth.com/
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Do you ever find yourself spiraling in a cycle of overwhelm, shutting down, procrastinating, overthinking, and planning without execution? This week, we pick apart this familiar loop and expose how it merely exacerbates the stress and anxiety we aim to evade. As a life coach and a mom, I’m excited to share practical insights from my personal experiences and those of my clients to help you regain control of your life.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. In this week's episode I take a deeper look into emotional pain. Sometimes it's ours and sometimes it's our child, spouse, friend etc. How do we naturally react in these situations and how can we better understand the process of these emotions. It's a journey of self-awareness and redefining our understanding of emotional resilience, an inherent trait, that we all possess.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. In this episode, let's explore the trials and triumphs of summer as a special needs mom. From managing physical accessibility to redefining 'perfect summer', our latest podcast episode is a heartfelt journey.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week's episode is geared towards special needs moms that are planning vacations, but the 3 tips I give are useful for any time. Being aware of the things you say, having appropriate expectations and being creative in your planning can help things go more smoothly any day of the week.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Today's episode is a rebroadcast, but it was edited to be a little less Christmas and feel more applicable to the summertime season. Both times of the year can be hard for us as special needs moms to stop and enjoy; to just have fun. I want you to change your perspective and try to see things in a fun and light way this summer.
Original Episode: The Lost Art of Having Fun
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
In this episode, we will explore the process of reflecting on any event to help navigate anxiety and foster personal growth. We will discuss three essential steps that can guide individuals in gaining valuable insights and moving forward in a positive and transformative way.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
In today's episode, we have Maureen Michele, MD, an accomplished physician, life coach, and mother of three. With her extensive experience as a general pediatrician and allergist/immunologist, Dr. Maureen has cared for patients with various acute and chronic health issues. She also uses her storytelling talent to teach young physicians the art of medicine. As a life coach, she helps parents of chronically ill children regain control and find fulfillment in their lives.
This podcast episode addresses essential questions for parents, such as effectively disagreeing with a doctor and finding ways to be heard when concerns aren't acknowledged. Dr. Maureen provides valuable advice for parents on being prepared for medical appointments and shares her insights as a physician and a parent.
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Coaching Opportunities
Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Get More Information
Activation Session: An Activation Session is a mini-coaching session, which is recorded and shared as a podcast episode! It's a great way to get a complimentary taste of coaching AND support you in this community! Sign up for your session here!
Come join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week I am truly admitting that my family is in a really hard season. I give a life update in the beginning and then I am rebroadcasting a previous episode, actually episode number 11! This topic of pain comparison gets brought up time and time again. I thought it was a great episode to bring to light during this season.
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I am excited to share my conversation with Dr. David Bilstrom! He shares a passion and heart to help women and specifically special needs mom, just like I do. Listen in as he gives actual medical evidence to how small practices can help heal our bodies and potentially prevent ailments and diseases as stress ravages our daily lives.
Free 7-day Educational E-mail Course
Connect with David:
Website: www.DrDavidBilstrom.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidbilstrom/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drdavidbilstrom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drdavidbilstrom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drdavidbilstrom
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week's episode is a shorter one, as I'm trying to take my own advice. In this episode, I want you to hear and implement the questions I share and do what you can to make things even just 1% easier for yourself.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I did a community huddle with moms Brooke and Rachel. We talked about our history of summer struggles and how we can start this summer being prepared and having a game plan!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week is a short episode but a big topic! I’m talking about being an endurance mother. For most of us, we’re special needs parents for the long haul. Often, the days are long, the weeks are packed and we are always doing something.
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome back to the podcast. I am always looking for new ideas and types of episodes to bring to this community. Today's episode is a conversation with 3 other special needs moms and myself about birthdays. We talk about the high and lows around birthdays with friends, siblings and our special needs children.
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week I want to address that elephant in the room that is your life. I'm calling it a rock and it is just impossible to move or destroy. That rock is likely a diagnosis or something permanent about your child. A rock that is seemingly keeping you from freedom, from hobbies, from more joy. Let's change your perspective and get back the control!
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week's episode is a short one, but I am focusing on 2 simple questions to help you move from feeling alone.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I'm giving you some life updates on scans and a big trip we took! I'm also using a couple personal stories to share concepts for all you special needs mom about taking breaks, finding the context and being able to let go of the fight!
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week's episode is another activation session. I have Laura with me and we're talking about the struggles of shifting out of caregiver and into that mothering role. It is hard to be the caregiver and we often are missing out on the joys and beauties of motherhood. I hope the plan I lay out with Laura can help you switch your mindset too.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week I am sharing another activation session featuring mom, Dominique. She wants to have less anxiety, worry & overwhelm in her daily life and that's where I came in to help her make a plan! While your story may not be the same as Dominique's, I think the steps I lay out can be beneficial to any special needs mom.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Welcome back to the podcast. This week I am joined for a second time by Anne Fricke. Anne and I catch up on IEP meetings and the struggles our children are having comparing themselves to typical children. Most importantly, Anne shares about a brand new platform she's started called, Breathe: Bringing resources, education & advocacy to home everywhere!
Connect with Anne:IG: https://www.instagram.com/walkingwithfreya/
BREATHE: https://www.breathe-community.com/
BREATHE IG:https://www.instagram.com/breathecommunity/
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Welcome to the podcast. This episode is about those things we can’t share. The stories that will go untold. The situations that no one will ever know about. Why? And what options do we have?
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. Anna Brown is my guest this week. Anna is a mother, advocate, homemaker and blogger. She shares her perspectives on life with her special needs daughter and how she's grown to learn value and worth is about more than just doing. Anna talks about how she's had to let go of the idea of control she never actually had and build the life and community she needed.
Connect with Anna:Blog: https://www.motheringrare.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mothering_rare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothering.rare
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Welcome to The Special Needs Mom Podcast. This episode is the introduction of a new style episode we'll be having called an Activation Session! It's a coaching-style session, so you'll hear live coaching and leave with insight and inspiration of what you might take action on in your own life.
Enjoy the episode? Sign up for your own Activation Session. Click here to apply.
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I have guest Jillian Benfield. Jillian is a mother, parent advocate and author of a new book, The Gift of the Unexpected. She gives us a glimpse into her story as a special needs mom. We talk about the transformations we need to go through as these parents and that the new life we're left with can often be better. Jillian's wonderful insights are something I hope all special needs parents can hear and learn from.
Connect with Jillian:Website: http://jillianbenfield.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jillianbenfieldblog/
Get the Book: The Gift of the Unexpected
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Do you find yourself blowing up at your kids? Losing your cool with your spouse? You are not alone. In this episode, I give you some ways to dig into this and get more curious about why you're acting this way.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Schedule a consultation for Being Mom Together HERE!
Full Show Notes
Sign up for an Activation Session Here
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I'm diving deeper into the topic of not being okay, despite people thinking you are. There are many layers to this and a lot of it is work we need to do within ourselves.
New! Sign up for an Activation session (mini coaching session)
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week we’re talking about the idea of restoration (rehabilitation) versus the recovery. After we’ve been through some of the big struggles as special needs moms, we often wonder what’s next. How can we heal or recover from this? Recovery suggests we can get back to how we were before. Often this isn’t the case. We won’t ever be who we were. This episode explores this concept.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Welcome to the podcast! This week's guest is Gay Grossman. Gay shares about her experience in the rare disease community, life with her daughter, and ways to be an awesome advocate for yourself and your special needs child. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Connect with Gay:
Email: GGrossman@ADCY5.org Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I’m continuing to talk about motherhood and leadership. More specifically, I’m sharing ways to trust yourself and become a better decision maker. It’s a practice but you can be the best leader for your family if you work on this skill!
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Schedule a consultation for Being Mom Together HERE!
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I wanted to emphasize some of those feelings that get brought up when the new year comes around. It can feel overwhelming - all the posts about goals, new you, or the extreme optimism. Maybe you're in those places, but maybe you're not. That's what I'm calling the "Anti-Resolution Party." You may be in the middle of a really hard season or you may be drained from the holidays. Whatever may be preventing you from wanting to plan and vision cast and makes new goals, I'm here to tell you that's okay!
You can choose not to do that this year. Or you can choose to check in with yourself in a few weeks and rev-evaluate where you are mentally for these tasks. Just remember it's not about comparing or making it to some destination. Its about the daily life you lead and what's best for yourself and your special needs family.
And with that, welcome to 2023 and we're so glad you're part of this community.
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Schedule a consultation for Being Mom Together HERE!
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week, I decided to allow myself a break from recording a brand new episode. It is the holidays after all, my children are home, we're traveling and it just makes sense to bring you this particular replay. Back in episode 76, I shared about how often times mothers have impermissible thoughts about their children, especially special needs children. Never is this most prevalent than in the stressful holiday times.
I hope you can relate to this episode and gain some perspective and grace for yourself; whether this is the first time you've listened or a replay.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
We put endless energy, thought, and pre-mediation to the gifts we create and buy for others. And it’s a beautiful thing.
Here is the question I want you to ponder today: What gift will you give yourself?
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Do you resist those guilty feelings as a mom? This week, Billie Short is having a conversation with me about why the guilt can be good and the alternative to pushing away those guilty feelings.
Connect with Billie:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/billieshort
IG: www.instagram.com/bgshort68
Website: www.conversation4change.com
Email: billieshort68@gmail.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
NEW Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Sign up link for The Special Needs Mom Podcast COMMUNITY.
Full Show Notes
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. In this episode I’m taking a deeper look at asking for help and why we may not be doing it.
There are often many reasons we don’t want to ask for help- They don’t care for our child as we do or it’s too much to ask, or it’s uncomfortable to ask (and receive).
I think sometimes we forget all the different types of help we can be asking for, the different ways to lighten our load. These can include- financial help, meals, childcare, housework, etc.
Finally, we often forget the consequences of not asking for help. This can be consequences for us as the mom, for our special needs child, or even for our other children. It’s not a burden and often people want to help.
Whether it be a friend, relative, neighbor, church member, or even an organization; there are so many ways to get help for your family!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
NEW Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Full Show Notes
Sign up link for The Special Needs Mom Podcast COMMUNITY.
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
The best way to learn more about the Pathway to Peace Group Coaching Program is to schedule a quick and easy call so I can get to know you and confirm that the program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule, I can’t wait to meet you!
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, Laura Hernandez shared about her family of biological + adopted foster children and how they manage to work as a team!
Laura struggled with her daily life, finding time for each of her children and the general chaos before she learned to implement a basic system for her family. I know what you’re thinking, schedules are rigid… I don’t have time to plan… that won’t work for us…. I encourage you to listen to this episode with an open mind. Take some tips from Laura to help your family run a little smoother and feel closer than ever as everyone finds a way to contribute!
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Connect with Laura:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mamasystems.net
IG: www.instagram.com/mamasystems
Website: www.mamasystems.net
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
NEW Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
Sign up link for The Special Needs Mom Podcast COMMUNITY.
Full Show Notes
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Click here for Podcast Website
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Click here for Podcast Website
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Click here for Podcast Website
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Click here for Podcast Website
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
The roadmap, the path you are already on. Maybe you are closer than you realize.
One of the biggest losses of the special needs mom experience is the loss of what you thought would be your future. And due to the unpredictability of your child’s needs and future your footing is wonky, you feel like you’ve lost your ability to plan and dream about the future.
Today I want to talk about what I call the Pathway to Peace Process, which is helping you figure out where you are so you can figure out how to reclaim your life.
Sign up for the Un-Challenge HERE.
Click here for Podcast Website
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
Hello and welcome to the podcast! This week we’re discussing ways to improve a difficult relationship you may have, even with your spouse. I talk about this in two parts.
Part one: Acknowledging and Identifying your Unspoken Agreements
Part two: Accepting people as they are.
Join the Un-Challenge!
Pathway to Peace: Schedule a Conversation
Request to Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community
This episode continues our monthly series focusing on relationships. Rach Wilson joins me to share about her own “hell year” with her neurodiverse children. She speaks with extreme vulnerability about this time and how she had to fix a seriously-damaged self and spouse relationship.
Connect with Erica:
Email: rach@divinerelating.com
IG: http://instagram.com/divinerelating
Website: http://divinerelating.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
NEW Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show?Contact me
Sign up link for The Special Needs Mom Podcast COMMUNITY.
Full Show Notes
Pathway to Peace: Schedule a Conversation
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Do you secretly (or not so secretly) struggle with the relationship with your special needs child? In this episode, we’re going to reflect on the thoughts and feelings we have revolving around our child and dig deeper into them. It usually isn’t about THE CHILD.
I also have an exercise for you. Write down all the things you think about your child. The things you love, your hopes, the mom you wanted to be, the dreams you had before they were born, the behaviors, etc. My guess is you have a list of unspoken agreements and ideas that explain why it’s making it hard to have the relationship you want with your child!
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Welcome to the podcast. In this episode, I share a conversation with Erica Stearns about hospitalizations. Erica is a researcher and disability activist, disabled adult and mother of two children with disabilities.
Being in the hospital happens in all different circumstances for families with special needs children. Erica and I talk about these in some depth. Each situation has its own challenges and as Erica shares, some small amounts of comfort or joy can also be found if you try. We also discuss the complexity of communication with our friends and family while we are in the hospital.
Erica and I also talk about that transition of heading home, as you are often completely depleted. And sometimes the cycle can start all over again, immediately.
All in all, we both hope this conversation can bring you closer to this community and gain some more insight and empathy for others in these situations. See you on the next episode!
Connect with Erica:
Email: erica@atypicaltruth
IG: http://www.Instagram.com/ericajolene/
IG: http://www.instagram.com/atypicaltruth/
Website: www.atypicaltruth.org
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Pathway to Peace: Schedule a Conversation
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Hello and welcome to the podcast. In this weeks episode, I’m talking with Michelle Fehlman about misconceptions and similarities between therapy and life coaching.
Michelle gives a good description of coaching versus therapy, saying coaching is about learning to do and therapy is more about learning to be. Also, coaching is about look forward about goals and forming an plan that makes the goals attainable.
The bottom line in both is the work has to come from you! And Michelle and I both encourage you to pay attention to the signs and get some help if you are struggling or feeling stuck Coaching or therapy can make a huge difference.
Connect with Michelle:
Website: https://www.opentoextraordinary.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This is a very different style episode than what you are used to here at The Special Needs Mom Podcast. If you've ever listened to The Moth, you'll feel right at home.
This episode was recorded on-site at the Global Genes Conference in San Diego in September 2022. Global Genes envisions a globally connected community equipped to eliminate the challenges of rare disease.
To create this episode, I provided the storytellers with a framework to support them in telling their stories and in minutes they crafted these powerful and vulnerable stories.
In this episode, you will witness thirteen stories total from moms and dads like you, adults with rare disease, and even a researcher who develops drugs to treat rare diseases.
Sit back and enjoy, and notice how you don't feel alone as a parent to a child with disabilities and medical complexities after you listen to these stories.
Episodes Mentioned in this Show:
Who Am I Now with Rachel Alves Episode 88
Having Impermissible Thoughts About Your Special Needs Child Episode 76
Other Podcasts mentioned in this show:
Once Upon a Gene Podcast
Parents As Rare with Adam Young
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and welcome to the Special Needs Mom Podcast. This episode I am diving into some of the common themes of responsibility that we feel as special needs moms. I actually did a poll on my social media accounts and the responses were overwhelming. I am highlighting the most common ones today.
What I want to accomplish most with this episode is for you to know you are not alone in these feelings. I also want you to know that you don't have to be crushed and paralyzed by all of the responsibilities you have on your shoulders. It is okay to step out of that and take time for yourself and to reflect on how strong, amazing, brave, resilient you are!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Welcome to the podcast, this weeks episode is with guest Sarah Hoke. She is a mother to three girls, her middle daughter was born with a genetic disorder called Digeorge Syndrome.
In Sarah’s story, her daughter’s prognosis actually improved as the dug deeper with the doctors and as time went on. Sarah recognizes that this isn’t the norm and she uses this to fuel her optimism for their life.
She is also a member of my special needs mom coaching group and has unique insight into just how valuable it was can and the connections she didn’t know she needed.
Connect with Sarah
IG: www.instagram.com/sarah_hoke Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Welcome to the podcast! This episode was unplanned originally, but after attending The Global Genes Conference I wanted to share my takeaways with you.
The first is the idea of trust. Trust in yourself and your instincts. But also trusting that you’re not the only one who can care for your child.
The second idea is community. Finding your people has the ability to shift your life in such profound ways. There is also something different about being in a community where everyone has their hard and your story is normal.
The third idea is purpose. There is a profound importance in finding your purpose outside of being just a special needs mom.
Lastly, I want to share an idea from one of the keynote speakers, an acronym, P.U.S.H. Push Until Something is Heard. Don’t stop. Don’t stop until somebody listens.
I hope these takeaways are meaningful and helpful to you and look into the conference for next year!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and thanks for joining us for this episode. This week's guest is Queren King. She is a mother to two, her youngest son has been through a big journey and he's not even 2 yet. He has a unique genetic disorder, AUTS2.
Queren shares her story and perspective as a mom who is fairly new to the special needs life. Like most moms I talk to, she struggles with finding a connection to similar families. However, she also juggles the fine line between sharing too much online and still being able to make those connections.
Queren also shares some personal details about her childhood and the odd way that our current struggles with out children, can somehow dig up the past trauma. Finally, she offers some insight with us for relaxing and trying to slow down to enjoy the joy amongst the grief.
Connect with Queren:IG: www.Instagram.com/querenko
Website: www.querenking.com Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and thanks for being here. This week is a companion episode to Ep103, Let Go of Feeling Like a Victim. In today's episode, I talk about ways we can rewrite the narrative and take responsibility for our emotions, even in this difficult circumstances we face as special needs moms.
First, we need to distinguish between facts and our interpretations. I share a few examples of facts in our life and some negative interpretations that our brains often jump to. The key in taking back control is to realize that while we can't control the situations (facts) in our lives, we can control how we relate to these things that are happening.
This is hard work to do, but if we can make a better habit of being curious and not conceding to the worst thoughts, we can help ourselves.
I call this being at cause. Being at cause looks like:
-Having the difficult conversations
- Asking for what we want (even if we can't get it)
-Being open to different "hows" to achieve the goal
-Staying committed to the main cause in the midst of roadblocks
I hope this episode gives you a different outlook on how to be in these tough times. As always, feel free to message me if you want to dig into this topic more on a one-on-on basis. See you next episode!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week I have guest Kelly Speck speaking about her life with her 3 children, one of whom is a teenager with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Kelly has the ability to describe the beginning of her journey to parenthood and coincidentally special needs parenthood with light, however she also explains that her whole family is aware of the fragility of life. No one knows how long they have, but she especially feels the weight of that with her son and his extraordinary conditions.
Kelly opens up about her journey with her faith and some funny conversations and stances she's taken on her relationship with God.
Kelly shares how she has come to learn what the word respite actually means and that it has been a game-changer for not only her marriage but their whole family. She doesn’t want her other children to feel left out or grow up to resent their brother.
And of course, Kelly shares about the book she has written about her story and her family. Hope In the Heartache is a book she hopes can bring light, understanding and most of all hope to others, whether they have special needs children in their life or not. Connect with Kelly:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/speckhome/
Website: https://hopeintheheartache.com/hope-in-the-heartache/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyjspeck/Twitter: https://twitter.com/thespecksConnect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and thanks for listening to the podcast. In this week episode, I'm diving into a topic that came to me from a client's suggestion.
It's the idea of the opposing ways we can find ourselves; being at cause/ having choice & being at effect/feeling like the victim. Today, I'm specifically talking about the many ways we can find ourselves in the victim role because of our choices and circumstances.
As you listen to me share these different red flags, you may be thinking, "That's me!" My point is for you to notice this and not beat yourself up about it. When we notice, we can reflect on these specific situations and shift our thinking. When we acknowledge this, we can shift into being at cause, making choices rather than falling victim.
In two weeks, I'll be back with the second part of this conversation, the being at cause portion. So for now, be sure to take my personal examples and notes and to reflect on your own life as a special needs mom. See you next time!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
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Hello listeners. This week I have Hannah Parsons on the podcast. Hannah is mother to one son and explains how nothing went as planned from her pregnancy, to birth, to postnatal. We speak on her realization that she had no control over the circumstances and her path to acceptance.
This conversation was in-depth and we actually split it into two episodes. This episode is more about pregnancy, birth and her sons time in the NICU. I know you’ll be able to relate to these moments of fear and eventual growth in the wake of her son’s procedures and hospital stay.
Be sure to check back next week for the second half of her story.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Global Genes 2022 RARE Patient Advocacy Summit
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Hello listeners and thank you for being with me to celebrate the 100th Episode of the Special Needs Mom Podcast!
This episode, I bring attention to the words Acceptance and Celebrate. The lives, diagnosis’, struggles, joys that we’ve been dealt don’t often feel like sometime we would willingly accept. I definitely understand this. You know how we roll on this podcast. I want you to challenge yourself to shift your thinking. If you can accept your journey and find a way to celebrate where you are today and how far you’ve come, it can make a difference.
Thank you for being here with me and being that awesome special needs mom you are!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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99: Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This episode, I talk about anxiety, mostly in reference to the long to-do lists we have as special needs moms.
Now let me be clear, this is coming from the lens of a coach and not a therapist or medical professional. Anxiety is a real medical condition. I’m speaking about the anxiety we feel when we have too much to do and don’t FEEL like we have enough time to do it.
In this episode, I explain a method I like to use to brain dump, organize and reap the benefits of a plan to tackle my to do list!
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week we have guest, Carrie Holt. She is mom to 4 children, one of which has taken her on the ride of 15+ years as a special needs mom. Her son has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Carrie starts with the beginning of the story. They knew about her son's conditions in-utero, but this didn't make his arrival any easier. She highlights that, at about two weeks old he had respiratory failure and ended up spending 64 days in the hospital. When he came home, he was very medically fragile and had 16 hours of in-home nursing care. In the last 15 years, he’s been through about 60 surgeries.
All this and her 3 other children has lead her to believe that tending to your soul and your heart is of upmost importance.
Carrie explains how she works hard to be there with her son in his hard times of pity and anger but also knows it’s her job to remind him or his self-worth and that it isn’t defined by the things he can’t or cannot do. She shares her belief on the grieving process and that it seems to be a never ending cycle for special needs families.
In the end, Carrie wants listeners to know it's okay to feel all the tough feelings and also have those moments in survival mode where maybe you can't tap into the hard feelings. You are worthy all around and so are your special needs children.
Connect with Carrie:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriemholt/
Website: www.carriemholt.com
Website: www.takeheartspecialmoms.com
Facebook: @carriemholtwriter
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello listeners and welcome back to the podcast. This week, we have guest Joanna Wen on the show. Joanna is a life coach and weight loss coach while being a mother to twins, one of which has special needs. She is here to share some small ways special needs mom can remove mental blocks to weight loss and food relationships.
Smoothie Recipe
Connect with Joanna:
Website: https://www.spicesandgreens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spicesandgreens
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/spicesandgreens
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week, we have a special guest in Mishka Sibert. Mishka is an adult sibling of an autistic brother and shares her experiences growing up and finding her purpose to help mothers.
Mishka starts by sharing her personal journey to realizing that she had been people pleasing and being told that she was fine her whole life. This was finally brought to light with a serious medical situation and Mishka truly had to advocate for herself.
After this, she started doing soul searching, diving into her emotions and searching for the stories of other siblings like her. This led her to write a book with messages to mothers based on her own experience and deep dive into emotions.
Connect with Mishka:
Website: https://happyautism.co/
IG:https://www.instagram.com/mishkasibert
IG:https://www.instagram.com/happyautism
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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In this episode, we’re back with the second half of my conversation with Beth Thorp. If you’re just joining us, go back and listen to part 1.
Beth shares about her enlightenment and the road to healing which lead her husband and herself to start the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. What started as naming a local ball field and helping a couple families on the team, became a four branches of a full foundation.
-Medical Home Assistance
-Healing and Rehabilitation
-Wheelchair Van Conversion
-Youth Leadership Program
During the pandemic, Beth wrote a book about their son and the struggles they faced You can purchase A New Creation on the Mitchell Thorp website or the link below.
Connect with Beth:
Website: www.mitchellthorp.org
Book: www.anewcreation.org
Email: beth@mitchellthorp.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitchellthorpfoundation/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellthorpfoundation
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello listeners. This week’s guest is extra special for our family and I can’t wait for you to hear Beth Thorp’s story!
Beth has walked a difficult road in her time as a special needs mom. Her son and namesake for their foundation, Mitchell, died after 5 long years with no diagnosis. Beth and her husband started the Mitchell Thorp Foundation to help other families in similar circumstances.
We split our conversation into two episodes. This week is Beth’s story about her son and next week we will dive into her journey after her sons death and their eventual healing.
Connect with Beth:
Website: www.mitchellthorp.org
Book: www.anewcreation.org
Email: beth@mitchellthorp.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitchellthorpfoundation/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellthorpfoundation
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Morning Meditation for Women
Start your day with a moment of mindfulness with the Morning Meditation for Women podcast.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Hello listeners,
Today I want to talk about the weird thing that happens after after an intense event, new diagnosis, long hospital stay etc…
This is the time when we’re home from the hospital stay, we’re adjusting to a new normal, we’re winding down from all the intensity. And it feels like people start to lose interest. The support wanes.
We find ourselves wishing we were back in that dreadful hospital or intense season BECAUSE of the positivity, the support and the love we experienced. It can be a difficult and depressing time. Of course we don’t miss those horrible time. We miss how we felt and how we were surrounded and lifted up.
We can recreate this for ourselves and we deserve this, even in the after. We may need to vocalize our needs more. We may need to tap into those same positive beliefs, but we can create this again for ourselves.
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello Listeners, in this episode I have guest Dana Johnson. She is a stay at home mother to 5 children, including a set of twins, one of which has cerebral palsy. They also do homeschool. Dana has great perspective on being positive in difficult circumstances as well as her input on being told "You're so strong!"
Dana knew her last pregnancy with her twins was complicated. They had twin to twin transfusion syndrome. She explains that they were always worried about one of the twins, the donor twin, and ironically the other twin ended up being her special boy.
I hope you enjoy this conversation Dana and come back next week for a new episode.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week is a totally different type of episode, but I wanted to share it, regardless. I am reading a piece I wrote about the struggles I have been facing. We are in a time of treatment being over, the recent hospital stays behind us, but also in a time of unknown and uncertainty about how to move forward.
I hope this can resonate with you or someone you know. And I want others to know they are not alone in these feelings. It is easier to be in the fight sometimes, than to sit back and relax.
Have a wonderful week!
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Hello listeners. Cara Lewis is our guest with week. Cara has a son with a rare genetic condition, most common to boys, ATR-X syndrome. She speaks about the rocky road they've had with her sons many diagnoses and symptoms, steps she's coined in the special needs mom journey, and the importance of being connected with others.
Here are the steps the Cara has mapped out for special needs moms:
1) Realizing you are a special needs parent. It will be overwhelming and confusing to figure out what works for your family.
2) Accepting you are a special needs parent ad move forward with your child's needs.
3) You can be in a place to help other moms that are walking in similar paths and build a support system.
I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Cara. Feel free to reach out to her or myself anytime!
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Connect with Cara:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamasherlBlog: https://aspecialmamablog.wixsite.com/aspecialmamablog
Connect with Kara:IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello listeners and welcome back. This week on the podcast I’m talking about being proactive to create a summer that works for your children and YOU!
1) it’s about offense, not defense. Take some time now to build and create what you want. Pull back and look at the bigger picture of your summer and what would work for you and your children.
2) After you have a general idea what you want, make your ideal schedule. This can be by months, weeks or days or all the above. Write it out. Type it up. I challenge you to put time for yourself and your priorities before your children when making this calendar. You are important.
3) When you’re doing the above, I want you to think closely about what you need. This question is often hard to answer but try to fulfill your needs during this time too.
I hope that you can take the time to create a summer that you really can thrive and works for you and your whole family!
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello listeners and welcome back to the podcast. This week, I have Rachel Alves as a guest. Rachel is mom to a daughter, Audrey, who has a rare gene mutation called CASK. Rachel is involved in her daughter’s diagnosis and that community, she’s fond of therapy and is working on who she can become now.
Her daughters diagnosis is very rare and they quickly volunteered to be part of research study on her daughters cask mutation. That really set things into motion for Rachel to dig into her role as a special needs mom. She started a blog to share with the world and document the study and beyond.
Rachel and I discuss a popular topic of isolation. She says it can be lonely to spend all day caring for a child who is non-verbal. She also doesn’t fit into the typical child/mom activities either. She’s turned to the internet for those mom relationships that she doesn’t have in person.
Rachel is currently working toward finding herself, outside of being Audrey’s mother, and finding new passions and a purpose for her life. I can’t wait to check back in on her in the future!
Connect with Rachel:IG:https://www.instagram.com/alvesmomkickingcask
Blog: www.audreyjokickingcask.com
Email: Rach.m.alves@gmail.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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Hello listeners and welcome back to the podcast. This week I’m talking about what happens when our story gets disrupted. Likely, we all feel this way about diagnosis, a relationship ending or some other trauma in our lives. What narrative do you tell yourself in this special needs mom life when story you thought you were going to have gets disrupted.
“I’m going to be tied down forever. “
“I can’t bring more children into this life.”
“I won’t ever be happy again.”
“I can’t do this.”
“God must not be as good as I thought.”
“This is not how it’s supposed to be.”
When your story gets disrupted you shouldn’t feel like you just need to survive. You have the chance to rewrite your story and recognize that that was how it was supposed to be because it is.
So I ask you, how do you want to know through this? Through being the key word.
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Welcome back listeners. This week, I am here with guest Courtnay Schadtle who is a mom of one. Courtnay is still new in the special needs mom journey, but she has a great way of taking things as they come and staying positive.
Courtnay shares about her early days after her daughters birth and how she still carries some guilt and shame about how she feels her body let her down in regards to carrying her daughter to term and keeping her safe and healthy.
Courtnay tells us that she has a strong support system and medical team, but she has to fight to choose her team and suggests anyone else does the same. She is also an advocate for mental health and taking life and struggles one day at a time.
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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This week I am taking a step back to deal with what life is throwing at us. I am bringing back an episode from the early weeks of the podcast. It’s the episode with Kaitlyn McCarty. Her daughter has challenges because of severe ADHD and learning disabilities. Kaitlyn and I discuss the need to expand and grow ourselves as we parent our children and talk about changing the expectation we had for our children and our own lives as an opening to accept the life we have. It’s so powerful!
Kaitlyn shares about how’s she created an empowering relationship with her child’s diagnosis and for her, it creates an easier path to self-compassion as she acknowledges that what she’s confronted with is truly hard.
I want everybody to hear how Kaityln explains compassion. Notice the way she model’s talking to herself when she’s being kind and compassionate with herself.
Connect with Kaitlyn:
IG: https://instagram.com/kaitlynmccartyoc
Non-Profit: https://www.wearefreedommovement.org/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
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Hello listeners! This week’s episode, I am introducing a project I am so excited about.
I had an epiphany last year on Mother’s Day, when one of my children gave me an empty card. I feel like I give so much for this child and it can be so challenging. I wanted some acknowledgment and I’m not afraid to say that aloud.
So this year, I am doing a project with moms. Any mom: new mom, veteran mom, bereaved mom, is welcome to participate!
What will I need to do?
- Sign up by providing your contact information.
- You will be matched with a mom partner on April 28th via email.
- "Interview" your matched mom and send her a heartfelt mother's day card. (We'll give you guidance along the way)
Sign up and acknowledge a wonderful mama this Mother’s Day.
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Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week, I am joined by Jennifer Deis. She is mom to three, one of her sons has educational disabilities. Jennifer and I are old friends who have rekindled over the last year, so this episode is extra fun and special for both of us.
Jennifer explains her story about becoming a special-needs mom and it was a bumpy road. She says that her son was actually an overachiever before going into kindergarten and after a rocky first year and into his second, the teacher noticed he wasn’t keeping up with the advanced students he was placed with. Jennifer vividly remembers being in denial about this and it wasn’t until moving schools completely, that they began to see the full picture and get her son the help he needed.
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This weeks episode is all about tapping into the way your brain thinks about new things. New is inherently scary and let’s face it, it may seem easier to stay in the comfort zone.
However, that is our brains way of tricking us! Our brains are using the technique of prediction, what it knows to force us into feeling certain ways about the future. Even if these conclusions are false. When it comes to new things, we actually do not have all the information to know what will happen, even though our brains may try to figure out possible outcomes. These are thought errors.
When it comes to the future or new possibilities, I challenge you to ask yourself these two questions:
1) Is that true?
2) Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
Go forth into new things and free yourself from the constraints of the “comfortable” !
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Hello listeners! This week I have guest, Angela Todd in the show. Angela describes herself as a person who’s done at all, but not in a good way. She’s been through fertility treatments, a spousal separation, two pre-term births and child loss; just to list a few.
During this conversation, Angela and I talk about how we as special needs moms cannot be the only ones talking about the struggles we’re having and how we need more of a place and a voice in today’s world.
We also talk about trauma. Angela discusses it the way a friend has told her, in referencing PTSD, thereare “big T” traumas that explodes like a diagnosis or other large event in our life. There are also “little t” traumas that erode like pandemics, eating struggles, school struggles; daily things that weigh on top of the already hard circumstances.
As an Archivist and historian, it is very important to Angela that we find a way to tell the stories of our children, especially our special needs children. She says that they often don’t meet recordable life milestones such as getting married, having real jobs, having children etc. We have to find a way to share their story and preserve it for the future. We also have to find a way to share our stories as mothers, because there is so much more that we did before we had children and what we do now for our children than meets the eye. I hope you enjoyed this episode and I hope to have Angela back for more in the future.
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Connect with Angela:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaLeighTodd
LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaleightodd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelaltodd/
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Hello listeners, this week I have guest Crystal Anderson. She is a mom of 3, one of her sons has Down Syndrome.
Crystal shares her story from the beginning, when they found out from genetic testing, that their in-utero baby was a son and had down syndrome. She also shares how the news wasn’t as tough because she had worked with the down syndrome community from many years and knew the possibilities for people that had down syndrome.
Crystal and I both agree that service to others and to our community really can help us process our own traumas and challenges. And it can help us find our best selves in this life as special needs moms.
World Down syndrome day March 21st. : it’s a platform to show the world what they can do and what we can do as families. Crystal says it doesn’t need to just be about the Down syndrome community but she says it’s a reminder to connect with others and give back. Crystal wants to tell people that they can take world down syndrome day as a day to really reach out to someone if they are struggling or if they are lacking connection.
Connect with Crystal:IG: https://www.instagram.com/a_lil_extra/
Email: info@alilextra.net
Website: http://www.alilextra.net/
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Hello Listeners! Welcome back to the podcast. This week, I want to share some of my favorite books with you.
I’ve split these books into categories:
-Hospital Reads
-Personal Growth
-Trauma +Recovery
- Processing Emotions
I also have created a beautiful document with the complete lists and I’d love to send it to you!
Click here so I can email you the book list!
This weeks episode is shedding some light on toxic positivity. I think we all have experienced this in one way or another although we may not realize it. It looks like someone saying, “Everything will be okay” or “You need to focus on the positive!”
While I will never underestimate the power of hope and positive thinking, it becomes toxic when others (or even you) are using positivity to cover up negative emotions or events in our lives. We have to have a balance and be able to feel the wide range of emotions to make it through these events.
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077: Welcome back to the Special Needs Mom podcast. Today I have guest, Bonnie O’Neil. Bonnie is a mom to 3, one if her children having type 1 diabetes. She also has an intense background with her own childhood and the disease. Bonnie is also an author and a spiritual director.
Bonnie was born into a family that had previously lost a son to the sudden, undiagnosed, onset of diabetes. She lives in fear of this disease her whole childhood and into early adulthood. After finally moving forward without fear, she was blindsided by her son’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis at the age of 5.
She shares the vulnerable story of how she quickly pushed away her faith and was really angry at life. Bonnie explains that she now knows it’s okay to feel angry, jealous or isolated. There is nothing wrong with intense and negative emotions.
Bonnie also has insight on the struggles we live through as parents. We usually circle around to the same emotions again, such as control. But the control we feel as our kids are first diagnosed, is different from the control we feel as our children move out. The emotions and feelings will spiral back around but they will be different for us each time.
Bonnie uses her book as a tool for helping mom or parents to take control of their mental health and in turn support their whole family.
Connect with Bonnie:
Website: https://www.bonnieoneil.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.w.oneil
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonjourbonnieo/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7KP4kpHlWSCHEk- m_ymFRA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-o-neil-a9b7a5ab/
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076: Welcome back, listeners. Today i want to talk about all those taboo thoughts we just ignore or push to the back of our mind. Have you ever thought or said things you'd consider impermissible about your special needs child? Chances are you have and so have many other moms.
The first thing I want to explain is, there are no bad feelings or thoughts. Just bad actions. It's okay to think a certain thing and never
act on those thoughts.
Then I want you to notice if you're judging yourself or feeling guilty for saying or thinking the things you do about your child. Pay attention to the statements you're thinking about yourself. Are you judging
yourself? What would kindness do for yourself instead?
Take a step back and realize all this is normal and we can learn from it.
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075: Welcome back to the Special Needs Mom podcast. Today I’m doing something totally different and I have a dad on the show with us. Daniel comes to us with the unique circumstances of losing his special needs son 18 months ago. Daniel is very involved in the film industry and has started a channel (to download on streaming devices) to raise awareness for rare disorders!
In this episode, we talk about how to cope with internal conflicts and personal relationships after receiving such a tough diagnosis and a short life expectancy. Daniel explains that it’s often hard to decide how much information to share about their circumstances but he never wants to do a disservice to his son's memory.
We also talk about role models in the special needs parent community. He emphasizes that you can use whatever gifts you have to serve the community or your own family. You don’t have to do what someone else is doing. Daniel wants to encourage you to do whatever you can.
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Connect with DanielIG: https://www.instagram.com/disorderrarediseasefilms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disorder-the-rare-disease-film-festival/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rarediseasefilmfestival
Channel: http://thedisorderchannel.com/
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Hello listeners and welcome to part three of the series I have been doing about our experience with Levi’s recent surgery and the recovery process.
This week I am focusing on my personal recovery process. I want to emphasize that I feel like I was in survival mode and I reference the Polyvagal theory which talks about fight/flight and freeze when you’re in extreme physical or emotional circumstances. I recognize in hindsight that I was coming out of the freeze phase of this and it is not a smooth process.
Let me start by saying I think I had a lot of fear about never being myself again. For a while, I didn’t feel like doing anything, I had no motivation, creativity and lacked connection to others. In this episode, I talk about different things that I implemented to support myself during this personal recovery.
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073: Hello moms and listeners! I’m back this week with part 2 in the series where I reflect on our recent experiences with Levi’s surgery and recovery. This episode, I’m focusing on what worked, what didn’t work and what I would do differently.
Check back next week for part 3 of this series.
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072: Hey there, listeners! His week's episode is part one in a series all about preparing for, living in, and moving last Levi’s most recent surgery. I wanted to give some real and relatable content for moms out there who may be going through similar circumstances.
I want to start by sharing how we felt like everyone, including the doctors and ourselves, where minimizing the situation. I was especially felt the huge loss of control over the whole situation and I was taking control in any way I could during this time. Finally. We started putting a real plan and system into place, with the help of coworkers, family, and friends. Our village was really important during this time.
Next week I’ll be talking about what worked well, what didn’t, and what I would do differently.
I also have some exciting news for the Special Needs Mom podcast community. I’m starting a group on the app Circle for our listeners to engage with one another and with our episode guests.
Sign up link for The Special Needs Mom Podcast COMMUNITY.<<<<<
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Hello listeners and welcome back to the podcast. This week, I have special guest Courtney Hightower. She is a mom to 6 ranging in ages 4-16.
Courtney and I started talking in the comments on one of my posts and just knew this could be a conversation to benefit all special needs moms. Is it okay if being together isn’t actually better? As families that have children with special needs, sometimes they can’t or don’t want to do the same adventures and activities as the rest of the family. Courtney and I discuss how sometimes it is okay to leave your special needs with a someone or bring an extra person on your adventure to be specifically with that child.
Courtney suggests, find a friend, a sitter, a grandma to help and don’t always feel obligated to do ALL the things together. We see you trying. We know you always mean well. As always, keep your head up and keep going! Chat again next week.
Connect with Courtney:IG: http://www.instagram.com/adventuring.hightowers
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070: Hello Listeners and Happy New Year. This is my first episode of 2022 and it’s a special one. This week was our 18th wedding anniversary and I wanted to finally bring my husband, Dan on as a guest!
Dan and I talk about how important it is to be vocal with each other as well as carrying to load together. We like to think we are doing a good job in our marriage and it does help us parent our special needs child better.
I hope you enjoy this special conversation and can take away some helpful hints for parenting with your spouse, partner or the parent of your child.
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Hi listeners and happy holidays!
I wanted to check in with you this week and encourage you to listen to yourself and be sure to give yourself rest, if you can! I’ll be taking off a week from the podcast and I will be back on January 6th. I couldn’t preach to mamas to take care of themselves and not stop to take some time for me and my family.
I truly wish you peace and joy for your holidays! Chat in the new year!
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Hey listeners, this episode I want to help you set yourself up for success. During the holiday season, there are so many activities, plans and gatherings with family and friends. It is really easy to get overwhelmed and feel triggered.
Boundaries are a way to create a safe environment, physically or emotionally for ourselves and as special needs mom, also our children.
The idea of these boundaries is to control yourself and not other people. Make the requests about you and honor your feelings and desires this year.
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Hey there! This week I am bringing you a conversation about hope. I want to be clear that the kind of hope I’m talking about refers to things that have a reasonable chance of happening. It’s hard as special needs moms to let ourselves have hope for things, but living in that hope can make us take actions towards the outcome.
When we hope we connect to our desire and we believe it is possible. Whether this leads us to doing therapies or having positive attitudes or encouraging our children; these are all great things.
Keep hoping, keep acting on that hope and revel in that power!
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066: Hello listeners. This week I am having a conversation with Francesca Collins. She’s a homesteader who lives in a 400 sq ft home with her special needs daughter, Emery and husband.
Francesca shares how she’s been listening to the podcast from the beginning and I’m so glad she reached out to be to be on it. Her favorite saying is “choose your hard” and I love that. Sometimes as special needs moms, all the options are hard and you just have to choose which one you’d rather do.
Francesca lives in a remote area, hours away from therapies and appointments and she shares how she’s learned to do these things and incorporates the therapies into their daily routine to help her daughter while saving precious time. She has hopes that one day Emery will be able to run around the farm and interact in their hands on life style. Until then, Francesca says she will take the progress they get and try to enjoy the moments and experiences with her little family.
Connect with Kelli:IG: http://www.instagram.com/ourmainehomestead/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCnPh8Irp9KQ-XELwmhkjpeg
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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065: Hello listeners, and Happy Thanksgiving. This week, I want to chat about gratitude and finding the beauty in life.
I’m in that place where I’m trying to recover from our recent tumor return and hospitalization. After listening to a favorite podcast and reflecting on it, I was reminded again that we can find the beauty in anything. Our children, nature, the little things… this beauty reminds us that good can exist in any circumstance and good prevails over evil. This can help us find gratitude when we may be lacking.
For a fun challenge remember to take and post photos of the beauty you find, tag me IG: @kararyska and use #thereisbeautyheretoo
Credit: John Eldredge, Get Your Life Back
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Hello listeners! This episode I am taking about how to take care of yourself during a crisis! Yes, I know you often feel like you’re last on the list during tough times, especially as a special needs mom. Just hear me out!
A crisis can be many things, medical, marital, financial or even spiritual. It’s some situation or event that puts us operating in a “business NOT as usual” mentality.
In order to help yourself during these times, it’s important to declare a state of crisis and then come up with small ways you can regain control, accept help and even relax during this time. In this episode, I give you many examples on how to help yourself when it seems impossible. You can make it through this hard time and you’re not alone!
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Ep 63: Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week is a quick episode addressing some of our family updates. I also touch on resisting what is happening in your life and how to move past these feelings, while still addressing them.
Episode 55 for more back story.
Ryska CaringBridge Page
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062: Hello listeners and welcome back to the Podcast. In today’s episode, Kelli McIntosh shares about how she’s coped with being a special needs mom; through many years without an actual diagnosis.
Kelli is a mom of two, very close in age, children. She had normal fears of welcoming another baby so soon, but also those fears were compounded with her sons challenges. She shares that for 14(!) years they didn’t have a diagnosis for her son and she was hesitant to even get that final diagnosis. Kelli shares that it has been nice to have a name to search and groups to belong in.
Kelli places a huge importance on writing in her journey. She says she had begun writing journals before her children were even born and when she started a blog, it further helped her with her struggles a day special needs mom. Fast forward to today when she has a blog, YouTube channel and has made a coloring book for fellow special needs moms.
Connect with Kelli:IG: https://www.instagram.com/kelli.mcintosh1/
Website: https://kellimcintosh.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbBNmkHLwba--nQ8LX0WCQ
Coloring Book: https://amzn.to/3BuoCHE
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061: Hello listeners. This week I have guest, Charmaine Fuller, to talk with me about her experiences and advice for special needs moms. She calls herself an OG special needs mom, as her oldest child is 20. We have some laughs and insights in our conversation.
Charmaine is a fellow coach and shares what works for her when it comes to trying to balance her life. She wants to emphasize that balance doesn’t mean all things have to be done or done equally. Charmaine says to think of your structure or schedule as flexible and to try and leave space in your schedule for those things life throws at you. Know your point of center to get back to when life gets crazy.
Charmaine shares about how she had to shift her mindset from doing all the things and the pressure she felt as a woman and a mom. Charmaine wants women to trust themselves and also realize that moms are worthy of help, self-care and taking breaks!
Connect with Nicole:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmedwithchar
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIpvAl54PfOs4E8YNRpoww
IG: https://www.instagram.com/charmed withchar/
Email: Hello@thecharmedlife.me
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
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060: Hey there listeners. This week I have guest Nicole Holcomb from Dyslexia Mom Life. She shares with us how she has been helping her daughter and other families through their dyslexia challenges.
Nicole explains about invisible parenting. This concept involves all the things mom (or dads) do that no one realizes. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel lonely in these moments.
Nicole shares about her daughters journey through finding her diagnosis of dyslexia and the adjustments they’ve made along the way. She also tells me how she’s coped with it as a mother.
She started a blog and later a podcast with this blog. She knew she needed to reach more people and the ease of listening to a podcast just felt right for her causes.
Connect with Nicole:
Website: www.dyslexiamomlife.com
Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dyslexia-mom-life/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiamomlife/
FB Private Group - Dyslexia Mom Life Podcast Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyslexiamomlife
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059: Hi listeners. This episode was a fun way to bring my son, Levi, on the show. Levi interviews me and I ask him a couple questions too. I hope you enjoy the laughs and sunshine that is our boy!
If you want to follow along with our newest health journey, click here.
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058: Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week is a little more of an update with how my life is going, but it’s also a good example of how you can shift your focus. I want to highlight how you can go from being the victim in life’s situations and taking responsibility back!
I don’t have it all figured out, but I have some tools to help! I hope you can relate to this and find some perspective for yourself.
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057: Hello listeners. This week I have Dafne Wiswell. She is a mother to three children with individual chronic illnesses and is a coach to others and families who face these struggles.
Dafne gives us insight on how she has been able to find peace, despite often feeling out of control of her children’s circumstances and conditions. She relies heavily on her faith and says that healing can come in many forms, even if it’s not the way we’re expecting it.
Dafne shares her views on the importance of rest! If you’re a long-time listener, you know I really embrace the idea of rest and self-care. Along these lines, she also says that we as special needs moms, need to learn to say no. We simply can’t do everything and don’t need a real reason to say no.
Dafne does private coaching for women and also hosts what she calls the Chain Breaker Academy that focuses on getting out of the rut of your chronic illness.
Connect with Dafne:Website: www.thechronicillnesscoach.co
IG: www.instagram.com/dafnethechronicillnesscoach
FB: www.facebook.com/dafnethechronicillnesscoach
Connect with Kara:
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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
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Hello fellow moms and listeners! This week I’m talking about a subject that is in the forefront of my life right now, worry and anxiety!
I find that these two emotions/actions go hand in hand. Very often, we are worrying about something we have no control over. The list is long for special needs moms.
How do you experience the feeling of worry? The feeling of anxiety? If we sit in these feelings and this place, we tend to spin ourselves even deeper into these feelings.
Take notice of what you’re doing and feeling when you have these emotions come up. Are these practices actually helping or harming your state of mind?
Hang in there mommas and be mindful of your thoughts and actions surrounding these things. Trust that you have what it takes when the unknown comes to fruition and enjoy your children in the now!
Full Show Notes
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Ep. 55: Hello listeners. This week on the podcast, I’m taking a little detour from our Back to School series to talk about some life updates.
As a special needs moms, we are constantly growing and evolving. However, the news I was given a few weeks ago, had me feeling just like that mom I was 10 years ago. It scared me and I wanted to run! Right then, I knew it was time to focus and actually find that therapist I’ve been thinking about for months.
Life coaches, therapists, counselors… we all need help sometimes and we don’t have to choose just one. Mamas, take care of yourselves.
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
054: Happy Birthday....or is it Happy Anniversary? Either way, this episode marks the very special one-year mark of The Special Needs Mom Podcast.
Today's episode is one that will surely leave you more connected to yourself, your stories, and the community of special needs moms around you.
Enjoy the stories of three lovely and courageous women as they share their stories.
Don't forget to send me a note and share what you connected with most on this episode AND tell me what you want to hear more of in the next year of episodes!
See Full Post
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053: Hello and welcome back to the Special Needs Mom podcast. This week I am joined by our family’s nanny, Alex. I wanted to talk about creating your support team and who better to weigh in than someone from our support team!
Alex has been with our family for over three years. This year, our needs have changed and roles have shifted. Alex shares some of her recent medical journey and how she had to suddenly become on the receiving end of support. We talk about what types of people and personalities we’d love to have on our teams if we could create the dream team.
We also discuss how we found her as a nanny and a variety of ways you can bring help into your families busy routines. It’s not a one size fits all situation.
As you listen to this episode I challenge you to think about what’s really holding you back from asking for help and brainstorm some ways you can get that support your family could benefit from.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
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Full Show Notes
052: Welcome back to the podcast. This week I’m starting a series about Back to School! For many of us, this is an extra stressful and somewhat unusual new school year. I encourage you to give yourself some grace as a mom and remember that this transition is allowed to be hard for you too.
There are a few tricks to making this go more smoothly such as asking for help, big or small. Another way to help yourself is to keep your cup filled during this time so you have more wiggle room to give to the extra needs of your children. It’s also a good idea to reflect on the previous season of life, summer/vacation whatever it may be, and realize there are things to celebrate and things to grieve with any season of our lives.
I encourage you to jump into this new school year with joy, grace and thoughtfulness. It will be messy, that’s probably a given, but we will make it through!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Hey listeners! This week I am sharing part 2 of my conversation with Robyn Rosenberger, mom of 3 and founder & CEO of TinySuperheroes.
Robyn explains that Tiny Superheroes was actually started by accident. She wanted to make a special needs child feel beautiful and special, so she made her a cape. That’s how it began and now the organization sends capes to kids all over the world. Robyn says any diagnosis because part of the mission is to bring together families and show they have a commonality. Finding this connection, big or small, breaks loneliness and the TSH program helps mark the journeys that families go through.
Robyn and I talk about how our thoughts are wholly impactful on our feelings and emotions. We don’t always have to be happy or rainbows but if what we are thinking and saying is true, that’s the emotion we need to be feeling.
Please check out Tiny Superheroes and join this amazing community that Robyn has built.
Connect with Robyn:Website: http://tinysuperheroes.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinysuperheroes
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TinySuperheroes
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
050: Hey listeners! This week I am sharing part 1 of my conversation with Robyn Rosenberger, mom of 3 and founder & CEO of TinySuperheroes. TinySuperheroes is a company seeking to empower kids and families as they overcome illness or disability. Robyn actually isn’t a special needs mom but she clearly has a servant heart and followed her calling to helping these families and inserting herself into the special needs world. Robyn shares such a similar passion to help these special needs families.
We talk about choosing joy even in life circumstances that are filled with grief, anger and sadness. We also touch in letting go of typical milestones and goals for our children and just letting them be themselves and find excitement in the journey
Check back next week for more of our conversation!
Connect with Robyn:Website: http://tinysuperheroes.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinysuperheroes
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TinySuperheroes
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
049: Welcome back to the podcast. This week let’s talk about accepting compliments this week. We often have such a hard time accepting compliments, especially when it comes to our children, because we see the REAL and the HARD and its so conflicting!
We are often so hard on ourselves about what else we could be doing that we cant stop and take a step back to see that we are doing just fine and we are deserving of compliments!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Wanna be on the show? Contact me
048: Welcome back to the podcast. Today I have Kayla Monville sharing about her two children with autism and how she’s working to educate others as an author.
Kayla tells us that it’s never an easy or normal day in her house with two children who have autism. She is also a special education teacher and as we dive into her story she shares that not even that prepared her for being the parent she is today.
We talk about how much to share about our children, mom guilt and the idea that a single diagnosis isn’t always as simple as a recognized diagnosis.
Kayla has been very productive during the pandemic and wrote and published a book about autism. She shares that she wanted to normalize and bring awareness to families that were being thrust into the world of autism. Kayla says her family felt so lost and such a lack of resources in their local community. Rock with Me, Autism Inspired I Love You Book can be shared with parents as well as siblings, cousins, classmates etc. She is currently working on a second book.
Connect with Kayla:https://www.reasofsteele.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/reasofsteeleautism
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Autism-Inspired-Resources-107606934338832
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Sign up for Story Workshop
Full Show Notes
You are invited to come to the Own Your Story Workshop, Sat July 31st.
This is a bonus episode where I tell my story. It's not that I don't have other stories, this is just the one I am proud of and allowed me to make a transformational shift in my life.
To sign up CLICK HERE
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Being Mom Together Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Sign up for Story Workshop
047: Hello listeners. This week, I want you to think about the possibilities. It can be so easy to train our brains to think that something isn’t possible and then all we have is that picture of impossibility!
I want you to play like a winner. Think about your favorite board game. How is your mindset when you know that it’s possible to win? You see the options. You are positive and motivated and ready to achieve your goal! This is how we should be attacking the situations thrown at us as special needs moms. We may be doing things that haven’t been done or asking things of people that don’t seem relatively or even possible. However, if we have our brains set on a possibility rather than the impossibility, we are more likely to win in the end.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Learn more about Own Your Story Workshop
Full Show Notes
046: Hello Listeners. Today I have Robyn Grogitsky with me. She is sharing her story about how she found answers for her daughter’s end of life diagnosis and used energy work to turn their family around.
When her daughter turned 3 months old, they got many diagnosis, and were told their daughter would likely die very soon. Robyn describes how little support they had and that they didn’t choose to believe their daughter would die. She fought for second and third opinions and was looking for any surgeon who would operate and eventually save her daughters life.
In that time, she explains that she found Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative medicine that deals with energy forces and
encourages emotional or physical healing.
This helped not only herself but her connection with her daughter. She goes on to say she is now a Reiki Master Teacher and believes that Reiki helped to turn around their lives.
Connect with Robyn
IG: https://instagram.com/the_empathic_nutritionist
E-mail: empathicnutritionist@yahoo.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Sign up for Story Workshop
Full Show Notes
045: Welcome back to the Special Needs Mom Podcast. This week is a really special and different episode. I am sharing an actual coaching call with you guys.
We’re just referring to her as Kayla, to keep some privacy. She reached out to me about being on the podcast and I’m so glad I had the opportunity for her to step out of her comfort zone and share this unique episode experience with you. This is a real coaching call, awkward silences, hard questions and all! I hope this gives you better insight into the world of life coaching.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Own Your Story Workshop: More Info
Full Show Notes
044: Hello and welcome back. This week I am speaking with Leylani Cardoso. She is a mom of two and her 18 year old has Down Syndrome. Leylani shares her positive outlook on this diagnosis and she’s had years of experience to go off of.
She starts by sharing with me how devastated they were when Sophia was born and diagnosed. She said she wished they had spent less time worried about milestones and what would be stereotypical and had spent more time just being with Sophia and making memories.
Leylani explains that she learned very quickly it was all about making and giving opportunities to her daughter. If ballet didn’t work out, that’s okay. They tried something new. She explains that Sophia started out in earlier intervention programs but has been in mainstream school and will graduate with a normal diploma this year!
We both agree that if parents spent more time saying “what if?” In terms of schooling and options instead of being frustrated, our children could be having better experiences.
Connect with Leylani/Sophia
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheekysassyme
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/cheekysassyme
E-mail: cheekysassyme@gmail.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
043: Hey listeners, this week is a solo episode to give you some guts when it comes to making decisions! We all have our own ways and reasons for avoiding it, but I want to uncomplicate making decisions.
When we are avoiding making decisions we are usually avoiding some sort of fear or feeling. We don’t want to make a mistake. There is no right way, only the way you choose.
And on that same note, sometimes you have to give yourself permission to change your mind. If you like the reason, then do it. And if you take the “good vs bad” out of the decisions you can be more gracious to yourself and just be more curious with your thought process.
What decisions are making you feel uncertain? If there were no right or wrong what would you decide? Make a list of the things you’re struggling to decide about.
Go through the list and identify what you’re afraid of in terms of making each decision. Wasting money? Failing? Not enough time?
Go through and make a decision! Remember you can always change your mind if it comes to it along the way.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
Hello! This week I am talking with Anne Fricke. Anne is an author, poet, podcaster and mom. She is all about people sharing their stories and I’m glad she gets to share hers with us!
Anne’s daughter, Frey’s has Prader-Willi Syndrome and she describes how the rare disorder impacted her life and her story. We discuss the stark contrast between the worlds we grew up in and the world we want to see now for our children, especially the special needs ones. Her words about others being called and creative to help inclusion are truly inspiring.
Anne shares how writing down her story opened up so many wounds and how therapeutic it truly is for mother (& dads) to find a way to write their stories and explore all those emotions and struggles they felt along the way. Anne also gives tips on how to start journaling!
I’m challenging listeners this week to choose a method and implement it. Get to writing, friends!
Connect with Anne:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/walkingwithfreya/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneFricke1
Buy Journal
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
- This is my 41st Episode and Friday is my 41st birthday! This episode I’ve taken some input from other special needs moms and my own experiences to bring to the conversation about birthdays!
How has being a special needs mom changed your outlook on your child’s birthday? Do you have cake? Is it hard to find friends to invite? How do these decisions make you feel?
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
A special BONUS episode & super exciting announcement!
Weekly 4 in 4 Email Sign
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
040: I am so excited to have Casey Waugh on the podcast today. She’s an Occupational Therapist and known in my special needs mom circle for her inspiring reel from a couple months ago. It has made so many of us feel seen and recognized during these hardships we endure with our children.
Casey has been a foster mom to a special needs child and grew up with a special needs brother. We discuss the details and often complications with IEP meetings. She shares how she uses these experiences along with her professional experiences as an OT to connect with parents and be a better partner to parents in these circumstances.
We talk about play and parents. I wanted Casey’s advice on how to better connect and sustain imaginative play. She says even 10 minutes of quality time on the floor is more worthwhile than an extended time that isn’t actually connected.
Casey wants to tell parents they are the biggest advocates for their children. And even when it’s hard to speak up in a meeting, your voice is essentially your child’s voice. It will help them be their own advocates in the future.
Reel
Connect with Casey:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ottimecasey/
Email: cwaughot@gmail.com
Facebook: @ottimecasey
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Weekly 4 in 4 Email Sign: Sign Up
Full Show Notes
039: Hi listeners. This week I have Part 3 of my habit series based on the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Today, I want to focus on two things when it comes to making habits- making is easy and making it satisfying.
Making it easy: I love this quote from the book, “walk slowly, but never backward”. Baby steps are still steps!
Let me introduce the Law of Least Effort. Creating an environment that requires the least amount of work. Make it really easy to make the choices we want to make.
Another fun tool is the 2 minute rule: when making a new habit, spend two minutes in your new habit first. Maybe this means putting on your running shoes every day and n out actually doing any more than that. You’re still reinforcing a small habit in your brain to start checking boxes and it removes the resistance to starting a scary, new habit.
Making it satisfying increases the likilehood the habit will be repeated!
Progress is satisfying, it’s in human nature. Once you’ve started gathering or checking off so many boxes in a row, it’s hard to stop. Tiny can become mighty.
Accountability can also be a satisfying reward. Grab a friend or your spouse.
The bottom line is, we all have different circumstances as special needs mom. Each of us can progress in the same way, through a commitment to tiny, sustainable, unrelenting improvements. We can create new and healthy habits for ourselves!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
038: Hi listeners. This week I am back with Part 2 of my habit series based on the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear. How do we make habits? A lot of the time, self control is not your biggest issue.
I also want to emphasize, habits are not about accomplishing a goal they’re about who you are becoming. Your identify influences your habits; identity is who you believe yourself to be.
Simple decide who you want to be and prove it to yourself with small wins. I will practice said behaviorat thistime in thatlocation.
How habits work-
- Cue : something your brain can notice that tells it what to do.
- Cravings: motivation force behind every habit. Usually you crave the change in state, not the actual act.
- Response: the actual thing, habit, you do. A thought or action.
- Reward: the end goal of every habit. The cue is about wanting the reward. They satisfy us and teach us.
4 laws of behavior change:
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
Welcome to a new episode of the Special Needs Mom Podcast. Today I am speaking with Madeline Cheney. Madeline has two children, one with some pretty severe birth defects. She also has started a podcast geared towards helping special needs mom find a community.
We talk about the difficulty in the beginning of a diagnosis and how hard and lonely it really can be. Madeline shares that she had to be her sons biggest advocate and shares for others that moms really are a key role in the team surrounding your child. No one can replace that role, what they can see and advocate for.
Madeline and I dive into talking about diagnosis comparison. We will be the first to admit it isn’t logical or realistic to compare anyone’s diagnosis, but we’ve both been guilty of thinking this way. Madeline talks about how when she was pregnant she was first told her son would have Down’s syndrome. She immediately connected in this community and felt more in control. Unfortunately this was short lived. With her son's actual diagnoses, she didn’t know where he fit in or where to turn to for support. This also ties back into her passion to start her podcast, The Rare Life. She wanted to create a community where moms of children with rare diseases and disorders could join together.
Connect with Madeline :
IG: https://instagram.com/the_rare_life
Website: therarelifepodcast.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/The-Rare-Life-Podcast-100145211681157/?view_public_for=100145211681157
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
Hello listeners. This week I am starting part 1 in a series based on my takeaways from James Clear’s book called Atomic Habits. I’d like to put an emphasis in this episode on the idea of habits shaping our identity.
You need to first decide the person you want to be. Then, you can decide what small habits/steps you can make towards being that person!
Atomic HabitsConnect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Episode Download: Click here
Full Episode Notes
035: Hello listeners! This week I am back with part two of Laurie Moore’s story. We had such a great conversation and it was packed with so much that I knew I needed to split it into two episodes.
Laurie and I get to talking about IEP meetings in this episode. And if you have ever been to an IEP meeting you can share our sentiments. She explains how the first IEP meeting she went to was a horrible experience and this actually pushed her into becoming a teacher so that she could be an ally for other parents that were in the same position as her.
Ashley Barlow: https://instagram.com/ashleybarlowco
Connect with Laurie:
IG: https://instagram.com/laur_morr
Business IG: https://instagram.com/morr_balloons
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
034: Welcome back listeners! This week is part one of an episode with Laurie Morris. Laurie is a mom to three, her son was diagnosed with Autism diagnosis 4 years ago. She is also a special education teacher.
Laurie begins by sharing about her love of making things look beautiful and out together. She actually started a ballon decorating business in the middle of the pandemic last year! This need to have the perfect picture also carries into her personal life and really made it difficult for her to come to terms with her sons diagnosis and all that it meant for their life.
Finally the weight was too much for her to bear and she made the bold decision to share her sons diagnosis and their families story with the world. Laurie explains that the more she is open and shares about her son, the more she comes to terms with his diagnosis and knows that it’s all going to be okay. She realizes she doesn’t have to please everybody anymore.
Connect with Laurie:
IG: https://instagram.com/laur_morr
Business IG: https://instagram.com/morr_balloons
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
033: Hello listeners. This week I am speaking Michelle Wenger. She is a special needs mom and a fellow coach! We had no problem ping-ponging this conversation and even got a little off track at times because we both feel so passionate about the same ideals.
If there’s a big takeaway Michelle wants special needs mom to grasp it’s this- everyone should work towards more self-awareness. She explains that this is the basis for controlling your thoughts, owning your emotions and cultivating a mindset to grow yourself.
She also wants special needs moms to know they can do hard things, they do every day. But they also don’t have to do it alone!
Connect with Michelle:
IG: https://instagram.com/calm_her_chaos
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
032: Hello and welcome back. This week I’m giving you a very real-life look into our Spring Break family trip.
I’ll be the first to admit we probably didn’t plan the best vacation based on our special needs son. We always seem to work it out but this trip definitely had its struggles too.
I hope this brings you some humor and also a perspective on how we have to face life differently sometimes, even if we are resistant.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
031 Welcome back to the podcast! This week I have Robyn Cortese sharing her amazing perspective. She’s an Air Force veteran, Navy wife, Clinical Pharmacist and mom to two boys. Her youngest son has a very rare genetic disorder that they’re still learning about every day.
Robyn is different from a lot of our guests because she is pretty new to the special needs mom world, but uses her past training and experiences to bring a fresh and encouraging light to our world. Being a military veteran has given her so many tools towards building resiliency in the face of their son’s unfamiliar diagnosis. Robyn shares 10 tips on how to increase your own capacity for resiliency.
Connect with Robyn:
IG: https://instagram.com/robyncortese
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
Welcome back listeners. This week it's me talking about the unwritten rule of reciprocity. Wikipedia says this rule of reciprocity requires that we repay in kind what another has done for us. However, we shouldn’t find ourselves trapped in this obligation to repay the gift or service another bestowed upon us. I’m having a real conversation about this and shaking up the norm!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
029: This week was such a packed conversation with Joya Van Der Laan. Two of her three children have special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intermittent Explosive Disoder (IED). We quickly got into a deep conversation centered around guilt/grief, faith, and alternative medicine.
Joya initially describes her feelings of guilt and grief that have riddled her motherhood journey. She goes on to say, its okay to feel how you feel, especially when we aren’t expecting the struggles that are thrown our way. Having a special needs child has really deepened the valleys and heightened the peaks we experience in life.
We talk about loving a child unconditionally, a child who is not how you expected. How loving a that can be difficult to love it so hard!
Joya describes herself as a Granola, natural mom. She says she’s always trying to find more natural ways to come to the roots of her children’s struggles. This is her mission as a functional medicine specialist, to help others beyond her own children. She focuses on integrative and alternative therapies, many you can start at home to come to more conclusions about your children’s struggles,
Joya and her husband now release videos to help overwhelmed parents, a series called Your Autism Game Plan.
There is so much more from Joya and so many insights. I hope you enjoyed this episode as much and we did.
Connect with Joya:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourautismgameplan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeK_KYCsTPhMzxfezM6tTBw (You Autism Game Plan)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/YourAutismGamePlanInc
Website - www.YourAutismGamePlan.com
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Interested in the NEW Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Mentioned in the Episode: The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast and More
Full Show Notes
028: Hello, this week I am here to talk to you about a very relevant topic in my life - feeling overwhelmed!
It is really easy in today’s current reality to feel overwhelmed. I have started actively trying to get to the root of my overwhelming emotions and I hope you do the same. These feeling won’t just go away and life isn’t getting any simpler. I want you to dive in deeper.
Find a quiet, safe place. Get away from your children, if you can. Sit or lay down; shut your eyes. Start at your head and work your way down your entire body, slowly. Scan each part and observe feelings of tightness, heaviness, etc. Settle in where you feel the most energy and really try to describe how you’re feeling. Allow these feelings and sit with them. Do you feel better, different? Can you break your cycle of feeling overwhelmed?
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Interested in the NEW Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
027 Hello listeners. This week I am talking to Ginger McGee. She’s an author and mom to two boys, one who lives daily with Tourette’s and OCD. I’m in the middle of reading her autobiography about her life and struggles surrounding her older son. It has been such a resonating story and we had a lot to discuss in this episode.
Ginger says becoming a mom to a child that has special needs brings something out of her she didn’t know she even had. She has poured her heart and soul into this book she has written about her experiences. It started as a book about her son and turned into such a treasure for other moms to relate to her experiences.
Ginger is vulnerable and says there were some tough moments that she’s not sure how she made the choices she needed to and she often still feels guilt over certain moments. Her son is now 23, and she says she still struggles to help and protect him. She wants her readers (and our listeners) to know that its okay to feel the hard feelings like anger and resentment. How you act on these feelings is the choice you have to make.
Connect with Ginger:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/gingermcgeewriter
IG: https://www.instagram.com/papersoupstudio
Website: https://gingermcgee.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GingerMichelleMcGee
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hesnotbroken
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Interested in the NEW Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult
Full Show Notes
026: Hello listeners! It’s me this week talking about that uncomfortable moment when people don’t believe (or rather understand) what is happening in the homes and lives of special needs families!
I’ve had this happen to me recently and it’s just one of those things I will always encounter. The human brain is made to made predictions and go off of the knowledge it has. And a lot of people just don’t have the knowledge base of the crazy things we go through as parents with special needs children! It’s not that they think we’re lying, but they just don’t have examples or personal experiences to relate to.
On this note, I’m starting a new group-style coaching option and I’m so excited! People are meant to be with other people and throughout this last year, so much separation has occurred. I want to bring together moms of special needs children and not only help build bonds but provide life-changing coaching. Click Here to Learn More
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
This week, I am speaking with Jessica Patay. I have actually had the privilege to meet Jessica in person and I am so excited to share our conversation with you this week.
Jessica is a mom to three, one having the rare Prader-Willi syndrome. She is very passionate about helping other special needs moms feel connected, supported, and inspired! We discuss our son's similar struggles and how they change with age. We also dive into sibling relationships surrounding the difficulties of having a special needs child in the family.
Jessica shares with me how she’s had dreams of helping women and specifically special needs moms on a bigger scale. I am happy to say she has started a non-profit organization that provides respite, community, and mentoring to special needs moms of any kind, We Are Brave Together. She also started her own podcast, of the same name. Check out her organization and I hope you enjoyed this episode! Come back next week.
Connect with Jessica:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearebravetogether/
Website: https://www.wearebravetogether.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/wearebravetogether
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brave-together/id1511571105
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Click here to schedule a Pathway to Peace Consultation
Hello listeners! This week, I’m talking about a topic that I feel very passionate about, self love.
Often people (especially in the Christian faith) look down on self love because it’s considered conceited and we’re putting God below ourselves.
I’m taking this idea of self love to be more practical in ways like regulating our emotions and maintaining a good relationship with your body.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
023: Welcome back to the podcast! This week, I am happy to have Christina Leitner on the show with me. She’s a mom to two, hosts a YouTube channel and major advocate for mental health!
Christina is a few years into her journey as a special needs mom. She does have an actual diagnosis for her daughter, although it is rare. She explains how she tries hard not to dwell on what should have been but is looking forward to the future with her children.
Quickly into our conversation, Christina shares a little about her mental health and how happy she is currently. She says she had postpartum after second child, before her first was even diagnosed. This really affected her mental health. She has implemented therapy and medication and will shout to the world how beneficial this has been.
Christina is a stay at home mom. She tells me about her YouTube channel and how’s it’s been a great outlet for her. She uses her channel to make videos that share awareness and insights into what she wishes she had known.
We also touch on sibling relationships and our fears for our children’s futures.
Above all, Christina takes a huge stand about advocating for ones mental health. She tells anyone to reach out if they need to talk to someone, she’d love to help!
Connect with Christina:
IG: https://instagram.com/empoweringeleanor
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2WaLYBnJpkOsfgffuth0iA
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
FREE group coaching call.
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022: This week I found myself thinking about a year ago, when I almost lost Levi. My husband and I were hours away, for a wedding. We received the scariest phone call and that drive back home was so long! What was going to happen to our boy?
-Scariest Day
-Familiar and Traumatic
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
New Group Coaching: Learn More
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021: Hello! I’m talking with Andrea Jones this week and her journey with her daughters PANDAS diagnosis. She’s a listener of the podcast and wanted to share her story and insights with other moms. She loves the network that social media and podcast have created and even her daughter encouraged her to share their story for others to benefit from!
Andrea and I discuss how important a parent’s insight and intuition is when it comes to our children and especially special needs children. We have to be their best advocates, even if it means we question the doctors and nurses. Andrea was a pediatric nurse prior to having children and she was highly aware of her child’s behavior changes. She used this acquired knowledge, along with her gut feelings, to fight for her daughter's diagnosis. Two years later, she confirmed it was PANDAS.
Andrea shares how her younger daughter is now the age that her older daughter was starting to show symptoms and be diagnosed. She says it’s such a great feeling to see it with her, but it’s also really hard and hurts. She wants moms to know it is okay to feel both emotions, together. You can sit in gratitude and grief!
Andrea has an awesome insight about our failures as moms. She says we need to look deeper and look at our good intentions, even if we missed the mark. We can use these opportunities to show our kids, we’re humans. We all make mistakes and we can model apologizing and our inner emotions. Andrea also talks about how she can care for herself when these crazy moments happen with her child(ren). She says she has to stop and think about what SHE needs right now, and not about the things she can’t control. Andrea loves using essential oils to help her body and emotions come back to normal.
Connect with Andrea:
IG: www.instagram.com/abundantwellnesswithandrea
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Learn about the Special Education Conference with Ashley Barlow
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Hello listeners, it’s Episode 20! This week I’m here talking about failure resistance. At first you make think, DUH, of course I am resisting failure.
That’s not exactly the full idea I’m discussing this week. Failure resistance is working or showing up in a way that avoids failure --as the primary driver. It is making any other goal or objective come in second place by default. I’m defining failure as not achieving the expected or desired outcome.
Often, this is our way of avoiding failure in the form of unpleasant feelings. I’ve come to realize that feelings cannot actually injure me, and I’ve discussed in past episodes how important it is to feel your wide range of emotions. You’d never want to limit yourself. In real life, this looks like making small goals, procrastinating, being hard on yourself or others when expectations aren’t met or not even considering failure as an option.
I challenge you to pause and take a deeper look at yourself and your emotions. Give a name to the feelings, explore why there are some feelings you’re avoiding and finally make steps and move forward. Go forth without the fear of failure!
Full Show Notes
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
019 Hey guys, I’m back this week with another guest episode. I’m talking with Robin MacMillan. She was such a joy and I’m glad I helped share her story.
Robin has two older children and her son Robbie who is 17. She didn’t think anything was different about her son when he was a baby, but was urged by a home nurse to have him checked out. Turns out, he was only the second recorded case of complete deletion of chromosome 9. He also suffers from a couple other prognosis, including a seizure disorder. He was nonverbal for a long time.
The biggest take away from Robin is her view on his diagnosis. There was no name and no actual picture of what his life would be like, she says they’d push until they came up against resistance with him and then would try another thing. It made her feel powerful not having his life and diagnosis put him in some predetermined “box”.
Robin also talks about how it is hard to find support and care for mothers. She works closely with fellow moms and runs gatherings/support groups. She is currently starting her own podcast to share about her journey for other parents and families to relate to.
Connect with Robin:
IG: https://instagram.com/robinclason1
Podcast: http://www.samebutdifferentstrong.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
Happy New Year! In this episode I give you a task or challenge, if you will, to say goodbye to 2020 in a strong and healthy way.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
I’m feeling extra vulnerable this week. I have been struggling with the holidays on my plate, on top of everything else. I don’t want to miss out on the fun, so I’m sharing how to shift my perspective to enjoy this time of the year.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
016 Hey all you listeners! This week I am talking with Donna Sandoval. We ended up having a lot in common with the struggles we face surrounding our special needs child. Donna shares about the transformations she’s gone through from becoming a special needs mom to her weight loss journey and finally coming to the place to be a light for others (and herself!)
Donna talks about how easy it is for anyone to focus on the highlight reels of other parents on social media. It’s an easy trap to fall into and she wanted to change that. She started sharing as a form of therapy and says if she can help even one person, it’s worth it.
Donna shares her weight loss journey. She says she needed to change NOW, and mentions the importance of self-love and accountability. It was more for her than her weight, her mentality was in such a bad place it was affecting every part of her life. She now knows the value of harnessing those negative thoughts in productive ones.
Connect with Donna:
IG: https://instagram.com/determineddonna
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
015 What if you are the best parent in the world and you've given it all and your child STILL doesn't how act you thought they would.
It can start to spin you into feeling more and more out of control and stuck. In this episode, I unpack a lot more insight around this and give you some thought to consider.
And to my very special podcast listeners, I am offering a completely complimentary session I am where I will teach you the Path to Peace Process. Once you get it, it's the 5 mins process that will change your life forever. All you need to do is click here, fill out the form and we'll make a date.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
FULL SHOW NOTES
014 This week I’m sharing my conversation with Melanie Oates. Melanie as a mother of two special needs children, a single working mother and a founder of a nonprofit organization, Here For a Reason.
We touch on topics like self-care, daily balance, divorce and her nonprofit.
Melanie is a working mom and often has unpredictable days because of her children’s unique needs and abilities. She says that it often helps to go into the day understanding that she needs to have a balance in her mindset for the day. She shares that she’s has mental struggles in the past and she knows she needs a clear headspace to make sure that she can successfully maneuver her work and her children in distance-learning.
When I brought up the topic of taking care of herself, we realized sometimes she does stop short. Melanie describes that she has an inner dialogue that some days “she’s done enough for herself” and doesn’t want to keep pushing. The more we talked we realized she was doing this more for other people and not for herself. I love having these moments of realization with other moms!
Melanie explained how she met so many roadblocks while trying to get care and financial relief with her own children and how difficult it can be. All of the extra things add up quickly and the process is so difficult. She founded the nonprofit, HFAR, to help lighten the load for other families who are on a similar journey.
Melanie also opens up about her divorce. She describes life as a new mom, in college, married, and trying to figure out the needs of her children. On her way, she says how much social media has become to her. She describes it like one huge family. It’s a place for her to share freely and build important connections with other parents.
I definitely encourage you to follow her on Instagram or reach out if you want to talk more about anything.
Get the Self Care Guide (It's FREE)!
Connect with Melanie:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearebravetogether/
Non-Profit: https://hereforareason.org/
Website: https://melanieoates.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
FULL SHOW NOTES
013 In this episode, I want you to shift your focus on life and hardships. For so long, I thought I had to make it through these tough times and it would be smooth sailing. Something will always happen in life. And one day, during a church sermon, I realized I need to find the good things in my life and actually recognize them!
You don’t have to be wholly grateful or wholly miserable. There can be a balance between having a really hard life (or circumstances) and still having gratitude for things within our lives.
Ways to feel more grateful:
- Let there be both, consciously. Good and bad.
- Bring it close and bring it small. Today I am grateful for… it doesn’t have to be something large and intangible.
- Express it. Write a letter or note and deliver it!
- Keep a gratitude journal.
Click HERE for the FREE Gratitude Practice Guide created to support this episode.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
FULL SHOW NOTES
012 This week I am talking with Kim Nothdruft. Kim and her husband have 5 children, their oldest has a rare condition, CDKL5. I have been following her life (online) for awhile now and I am excited we got into some real talk this week.
Kim focuses on using laughter as a coping mechanism in her life. She shares that her parenting philosophy is to take what she does well and run with it. Parents can’t ever be perfect, but we can take the skills that we have and thrive with those.
Kim and I both agree that it’s so important in life to take responsibility for how we show up and how that impacts everyone around us. Positivity (usually) attracts positively. As moms with chaotic lives, we can see the benefits of bringing the right attitude to the table.
Kim amplifies her belief that all moms have this special inner strength, the strength to do hard things and push through hard situations with their children. She wants moms to know that they can and would be able to be strong, if they had to.
Finally we talk about how we try to keep an open mind and an open heart about other struggles moms are going through. This ties back to my previous episode about pain comparison. Kim says she can tap in and feel compassion for others, even if their problems seem “less” than what she’s gone through.
Connect with Kim:
IG: https://instagram.com/calm_amongst_chaos
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
011: There is no competition for who has it worse, so why do we operate like there is one? This week, I’m talking about how comparing pain/struggles can really damage the way we process the experiences in our life and our ability to fully feel our emotions.
It doesn’t matter than our specific experience or situation isn’t as bad as someone else’s; it’s still hard for us.
What if we allowed ourselves to not shut down our emotions because we don’t think it’s a big deal or it could be worse? What if we let it be a big deal? This is the pathway to more of what we want in our life!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
010 - Hello! This week I am joined by Jeannie Schnur. Jeannie actually reached out to me with her story after I began the podcast and I’m so happy she did. In the episode, we talk about how important it is to find a group or organization to get connected with, we talk more about self-care, and about how to get into your community with your special needs stories.
Jeannie is a mom to three, her oldest son has a seizure disorder called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. This means he could have multiple seizures a day, among other concerns. Jeannie starts by telling us how important it is to find other parents, families, groups; that you can relate to and find more information.
We talked about how to combat unpleasant feelings and look for the positive side of things, daily. Jeannie shared how she loves upbeat music, being outdoors, deep breaths and purposely connecting to what’s good and brings her joy.
When we got down to talking about self-care, we both came to the conclusion that its easy to feel guilty about taking time for ourselves. We also agreed that it was self-imposed guilt and we need to break free from it! Her motto is doing self-care that actually makes her feel better about herself.
Jeannie’s belief is that helping others can shift the focus off our own worries and struggles. A big project she was involved in is making a comic book based on her son’s journey. With the help of the company Medikidz, she was able to shine a light on LGS and give other kids and teens a look into that world.
I can’t wait to see what else Jeannie accomplishes and I’m so happy we had her share her journey on the show.
Connect with Jeannie:
IG: https://instagram.com/jenesnr
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
009:
Hello and thanks for being here for another episode. This week is a shorter, solo episode; but I discuss some of my recent struggles and real life happenings.
Between a migraine and a couple foot injuries, it just wasn’t in the cards to run. I went for a walk and was struggling with myself over not being able to run. And that’s okay!
I talk about how important it is to be where you are right now, and be okay with that. It may not be a comfortable emotion every time, but we need to tap in and feel all the range of emotions we’re capable of experiencing.
It’s so important to listen to what we need and try to help ourselves (remember my self care episode?) But I caution you, it’s not always instant or magical. The more we practice, the better we can get to lean into our feelings and learn about best self care for ourselves!
Whether you’re struggling with quarantine, your children, your job, or even your marriage; keep trying and keep moving forward!
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
008 - Hello! This week I am speaking with Leah Moore. She is a mama to three children- a daughter with a rare chromosomal condition and twin boys, one of whom also has special needs. Leah’s resounding message for our listeners and everyone she comes into contact with is, “Share your story!”
Leah and I talk about what strategies she leans on to cope with the challenges she’s been given and practice self-care. She strongly believes in the power of writing and has even completed a memoir called, Loving You Big. She also shares how she’s grown as a mother (and a person) in her ability to stand up for her daughter and many others, in a loving and respectful way. She has goals to keep educating her family, students, and her community about peoples’ differences and embracing them with a sense of inclusion.
More than anything, I hope you come out of this with the idea that your story is important and you should share!
Connect with Leah:
IG: https://instagram.com/lovingyoubig
Website: https://lovingyoubig.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
007: We are diving right back in this week with our conversation about IEPs and our journeys’ as moms. I enjoyed talking with Ashley so much and these last two episodes cover hard topics, but we’re also laughing a lot!
Ashley and discuss the fine line between supporting and advocating for our child at school while still having compassion and understanding for the staff. It’s easy to feel intimidated in those meetings. We chat about some ways to better prepare yourself for the IEP meetings and keep the momentum going for your child.
Connect with Ashley:
IG: https://instagram.com/ashleybarlowco
Website: http://www.ashleybarlowco.com/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-education-advocacy-with-ashley-barlow/id1530453928
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
006- Ashley Barlow and I keep it casual, but we give you a deep dive into our real-life discussions this week.
We discuss the difficult topics of struggling through your child’s special needs, including WIC, accepting help, insurance issues, marriage, and more. We want anyone listening out there, especially if you’re in the trenches, to hang on. You can make it through!
We will continue to dive more into IEPs and much more in next week's Part 2!
Connect with Ashley:
IG: https://instagram.com/ashleybarlowco
Website: http://www.ashleybarlowco.com/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-education-advocacy-with-ashley-barlow/id1530453928
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
005- In this episode, I talk with Rosalie Mastaler. She’s a mother to three boys living in Texas. She tells their story of how a traumatic dog bite accident turned into her son losing his leg and eventually hearing loss. This sudden tragedy turned their lives towards their faith and a new road, together.
Rosalie shares about how it feels to change the way you actually parent when you have a child who’s been through so many changes himself. She explains how she leans heavily on things like reading, her faith, and even writing a memoir dedicated to her son.
Rosalie also lends advice for other moms (and their children) about leaning into your emotions and adjusting your expectations. Those messy emotions are there for a reason!
Connect with Rosalie:
IG: https://instagram.com/mastalerpartyof5
Website: https://rosaliemastaler.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
004- In this episode, I take a more realistic look at what self-care is and how it can be just what you're missing.
Before you run away, I want to make this easier for you. It's not about checking off a box, but genuinely making a point to build a caring relationship for ourselves! It's not optional, I think this is essential. Care for yourself and you will have so much more to give when caring for your child.
I challenge you to look at self-care differently. Yes, you have a lot of things you truly have to do in your life, but you’re using those things against you, rather than for you. You are so amazing at taking care of your children, you can totally be that amazing when taking care of yourself.
I also touch on three skills you can hone to better direct your thoughts and actions towards self-care.
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes Here
002 - In this episode I talk with Emily Golden, mother to two children, both diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome and ADHD.
She offers so much insight about what she’s learned along the way and how accepting your child exactly as they are in the essential shift we must all make. She is an example of a mom who stands for the greatest possibility for who her children are.
Her book, The New Golden Rule, the professional perfectionist’s guide to greater emotional intelligence, a more fulfilling career, and a better life will be available on Amazon.
Connect with Emily
IG: https://instagram.com/emilybgolden
Website: https://golden-resources.com/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
003 - This week I am happy to be talking with Kaitlyn McCarty and sharing her story. Her daughter has challenges because of severe ADHD and learning disabilities. Kaitlyn and I discuss the need to expand and grow ourselves as we parent our children. Severe ADHD, Learning disabilities and We talk about changing the expectation we had for our children and our own lives as an opening to accept the life we have. It’s so powerful!
Kaitlyn shares about how’s she created an empowering relationship with her child’s diagnosis and for her, it creates an easier path to self-compassion as she acknowledges that what she’s confronted with is truly hard.
I want everybody to hear how Kaityln explains compassion. Notice the way she model’s talking to herself when she’s being kind and compassionate with herself. (Hint: She’s filled with curiosity rather than judgment)
We touch on grief and control and how the two are sometimes related. It’s so fascinating!
Connect with Kaitlyn:
IG: https://instagram.com/kaitlynmccartyoc
Non-Profit: https://www.wearefreedommovement.org/
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes
001 - Welcome to The Special Needs Mom Podcast!!
I am so glad you are here!! In this first episode, you'll learn a little bit about my story and what I will be creating with this podcast. (hint, hint it's community and inspiration through the powerful personal stories)
If you are a mom who parents a child with special needs this podcast is for you. If you are a mom who feels anxious or overwhelmed, you are in the right place.
Would you like to be featured on this podcast?
Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Full Show Notes