2 Moms No Fluff: Recent Episodes
2 Moms No Fluff
A podcast where we discuss the uncensored and often irreverent reality of raising children with disabilities. We invite you to join Alma Schneider (LCSW) and Iris Mehler (MS, CRC), two seasoned moms of kids with disabilities. These two have nothing in common except that they are always right and have everything under control. NOT! No topic is off limits so bring it on in your comments and suggestions for future episodes. You’re a part of our journey.
Discover why the Abilities Parade is more than just a parade. This episode explores the power of inclusion, community, and belonging, and why everyone is invited to join in celebrating the abilities that make each of us unique.
Disability doesn't just affect one person—it impacts the entire family. In this episode, we explore family rifts, strained relationships, and the difficult reality of relatives taking sides, pulling away, or disagreeing about caregiving, support, and decision-making. Join us for an honest conversation about protecting relationships while navigating the unique challenges disability can bring to family dynamics.
Join guest speaker Mary Shehan, Community Inclusion Coordinator with the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, for a conversation about sexuality education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’ll discuss healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and why disability and sexuality are natural parts of the human experience.
In this episode, we talk about the transition to adulthood for young people with disabilities — what families should expect, how to prepare early, and why community becomes more important than ever during this stage. Adulthood is not a single moment but a long transition, and no family should navigate it alone.
Trauma is trauma. In this episode, we speak with author Nikki Mammano about her trauma, the maladaptive behaviors that followed, and her journey back to health, which she shares in her book Breaking Good. We also talk about how trauma, disability, and caregiving often intersect, and why self-care and community are not luxuries but necessities for people carrying heavy responsibilities.
When a family chooses an out-of-home placement, the need for connection doesn’t disappear. Parents, siblings, and extended family still want to stay meaningfully involved in the life of the child or adult with a disability who no longer lives at home. In this episode, we talk about ways to stay connected across distance, along with practical strategies and tools that can help families maintain strong, supportive relationships.
Setting up goals for a child with a disability is never easy and sometimes even impossible. Join us for a conversation about goals at a time where we are contemplating our new year’s resolutions…
In this episode, we highlight The Boost, a newsletter we think brings real value, and share why we recommend checking it out and subscribing.
Tune in to find out what makes the 1in6 Support Gala on November 14th such an inspiring and joyful night to be part of. An evening celebrating families, inclusion, and hope.
In this episode, we welcome Jared Ciner from Spirit Club to explore the unique challenges—and surprising advantages—of going to the gym and staying in shape when you have a disability. Jared shares insights from his journey and discusses how inclusive fitness can empower individuals of all abilities.
In this episode, we dive into the topic of dyslexia—what it is, how to recognize the early signs, and practical ways to support your child in navigating school and learning challenges. Our special guest, Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse, shares expert insights and strategies to help parents empower their children and build the skills they need to thrive.
This episode explores the experience of taking a vacation without your child with a disability- and the mix of emotions that come with it.
Discover how time in nature can support connection, growth, and well-being for children with disabilities and their families.
Explore the challenges and benefits of working from home while raising a child with a disability, plus tips for finding balance and support.
In this episode, we take you inside the heart of 1in6 Support- what we do, and why it matters. From support groups and community events to advocacy, education, and building inclusive spaces. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or ally, this episode will give you a clear picture of how we’re creating meaningful change and how you can be part of it.
Join us for a special episode about 1in6 Support’s Summer Fund Development Campaign and how you can help break the cycle of isolation for families of children with disabilities. Learn how to get involved, support our mission, and build a more inclusive community.
Join Us for a Conversation with Dr. Samango-Sprouse
Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of The Focus Foundation
We invite you to listen in as we speak with Dr. Samango-Sprouse about the groundbreaking work of The Focus Foundation. Learn how the foundation is making a difference in the lives of families raising children with disabilities, and discover valuable insights from a leader in the field of neurodevelopmental research and support.
Listen in to learn why the All Abilities Parades are so important for our communities and why you should attend!
All about 1in6 Support Mother's Day events and celebrations. Listen in to hear how you can join the fun!
How can we support our adult children with disabilities as they navigate intimate relationships? In this episode, we speak with Joseph Kaiser (MA, LMFT) a therapist specializing in working with neurodivergent adults, to explore the challenges, joys, and ways to foster healthy and fulfilling connections.
In this episode, we discuss the experience of raising children who literally can’t hear you. Our guest, Barbara Raimondo, shares her journey of raising her deaf children and how it led her to become a national advocate for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Author Stacy Ross shares her experiences raising a child with Borderline Personality Disorder, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and her new book, Searching for Slippers.
In this episode, we are proud to introduce you to Songs of Love, a nonprofit with a beautiful mission that we absolutely love! Their work brings personalized songs to children and teens facing medical, physical, or emotional challenges, spreading joy through the power of music. Join us as we dive into their inspiring story and the impact they’re making in the lives of so many families!
In this episode, we explore one dad’s story of how he supported his young adult son with a disability in navigating intimacy and relationships.
Whether it's video games or online Minecraft adventures, gaming is a big topic for parents of children with disabilities. Join us as we learn from a true gaming expert, Stephen Duetzmann from Engaged Family Gaming, in this episode.
How to raise children with disabilities through lessons learned in dance? Listen to this conversation with dancer and author Joanne De Simone about her new book- Fall and Recovery
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the chaos of parenting a child with disabilities – because when the 's' hits the fan, it's not just a mess, it's an adventure!
In this episode we talk about neighbors, and why the relationship with them is so important when your child has a disability.
A short conversation about our children returning to school, and upcoming IEP meetings.
Join us as we chat about how our daily lives as parents intersect with bigger social issues. We share stories about turning personal experiences into small acts of activism, and making mindful choices for our families. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about making a difference in our own unique ways!
In this episode, we explore life with a progressive diagnosis and discuss strategies for managing the constant changes and uncertainties that come with it, as well as ways to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges.
The summer has only begun and you are already feeling desperate? Alma and Iris to the rescue with an episode filed with tips and tricks - not just for surviving the summer break - but on actually making it fun for the whole family!
In this episode we discuss why it's so important to teach children with disabilities to swim (if they can), and how to stay safe in and around water. Listen in to learn some useful tools that can literally save lives...
In this episode we share our insights on gifts for fathers as well as anyone else who is a father figure in our Childs life. Happy Father’s Day!
Emily Klein engages in a brutally honest conversation about her daughter's out-of-home placement and how the support systems meant to assist parents in providing in-home care systematically fail them.
In this episode we explore the delicate topic of how parents can support teens with disabilities - navigating puberty.
Grammy award nominee, Mike LeDonne, joins us as he discusses starting the NYC disability pride parade in honor of his daughter with prader willi syndrome
Join us on this episode as we explore the joys and challenges of exercising with our kids with disabilities, discussing inclusive activities, adaptive equipment, and the profound impact of physical activity on their well-being and development.
A fascinating interview with Jan Lampman, who shares her story and experiences in nearly four decades as an activist, an advocate, and a leader of disability rights in Michigan and beyond.
Few experiences are more exhausting, frustrating and painful as having to fight for our children when their programs are touted as safe and inclusive but are not. Learn how best to advocate in these extra difficult spaces
Learn how an educational advocate can help you ensure your child gets the best support in school and beyond. Get essential tips for your next IEP meeting. Tune in for must-know tools to advocate for your child's education!
Allies are our some of our most important advocates and supporters. In this episode we share practical tips on being a great ally, from lending an ear to pushing for change. Tune in to learn how to make a difference in someone’s life!
Meet author, parent and disability activist, Vickie Rubin. Join us as we learn about her adventures raising her 44 year old daughter with a genetic syndrome.
Invisible disabilities: Yes, they exist even if you can’t see them. How parents of kids with invisible disabilities carry the burden of proof everywhere they go and the trauma that is caused by having to advocate incessantly in an non-inclusive world.
An unfortunate realty of some marriages is separation/divorce... This Thursday's podcast episode discusses how to make a separation less stressful and more manageable especially when there is a child with a disability in the family. Join us as we interview a lawyer turned divorce coach, Lisa Lisser LZL Coaching, for extremely useful information regarding any partnership whether it's stable or on the rocks....
Raising a child is not an easy task, especially when your child has a disability. Join us to discuss how to find those precious and rare opportunities to recharge…
Marcy Post in a fascinating conversation about life, death and everything in between...
When parenting our children with disabilities is simply overwhelming… An honest discussion of our parenting ‘breaking points’ and how to deal with them.
Physical Accessibility: Someone may be crying before bed if your ice cream shop does not have a ramp. Learn all the ways in which we can make our communities business and organizations physically accessible.
Ableism and internalized ableism- what it means to us as parents of children with disabilities, and what it means to others…
A father's perspective on raising a child with a disability, autism, and life in general...
In this episode we are hosting Laura Hernandez. You think your life is complete chaos? Laura found a way to systemaize motherhod and simplify our neverending to do lists!
An interview with Catherine Shields, a writer, an educator and a mom to an adult daugther with a disability. Listen in and learn something new!
In this episode Alma and Iris challenge each other with the dilemma of when is the right time to part ways from our children so we can get some very needed rest…
The brilliant idea of one determined mother is now allowing all of us to get some rest. A fascinating interview with Andrea Faris Roberts, the founder and director of the amazing non-profit, “A Mother's Rest”.
Learn about what TRUE inclusion means in this episode where we interview Dr. Priya Lalvani. Dr. Lalvani is Professor at Montclair State University. She teaches courses in Disability Studies and is the coordinator for the Graduate Program in Inclusive Education.
Mom, activist, and author Mei Li, shares her journey with her son with a disability and her unique perspective as a Chinese-American, a Brooklynite and a middle child…
Wow! 2022 flew by but not without 52 episodes from Alma and Iris! Tune in to learn which episodes were our favorites and why, as well as what we have in store for 2 Moms no Fluff in 2023!
A younger sibling's perspective on their brother with a disability may be much different than an older sibling. Listen in to get some insight into what goes on behind closed doors and out in the community for this sibling of an older brother with a disability.
Having another baby after you have had a child with a disability. Whether you are considering your options or have already decided, this candied conversation will certainly resonate with you.
This week we welcome another mom, Nina N'silo Swai , who's son is Autistic. She shares what it's like to love and care for him and concerns about him being Autistic and Black out in the world.
Hotels versus airbnb? We give the pros and cons of each as well as how to make our children feel at home while traveling. Make it a vacation and not just a trip!
An interesting point of view from Amy Langan who spent the past two decades working with children with multiple disabilities.
As the holiday season approaches, we are here to help you give and receive gifts that are meaningful, useful and often times free!
Ready to learn more about what it's like to be Autistic for Maria Linietsky? Listen in to hear part 2 of Maria's beliefs and perspectives regarding her identity, her community and what she'd like to change.
While air travel is rarely easy, adding children with additional needs to the mix can make it extra challenging. Learn some useful strategies to fly through this...
A fascinating interview with Jocelyn Gottlieb who shares her perspective on raising a child with high support needs. Listen in and learn something new!
For more information about DDX3X please visit: https://ddx3x.org/about-us/
Whether we tend to be very organized or have a high tolerance for mess, listen in to learn strategies to reduce the chaos and regain control over our physical environment.
Whether you are attending, hosting or avoiding family get togethers altogether, we have strategies to help you navigate these not-always-easy social situations during the holidays and beyond. #emotionalandpractical!
Tips and tricks to make sure Halloween isn’t an actual nightmare! This episode is meant for the general community as well as for families with children with disabilities. Please share this episode far and wide so everyone can enjoy Halloween.
From day one of the disability journey, there are infinite decisions to be made, some of which are high stakes. Learn how to break the process down to be as comfortable with your final choices as possible while keeping your sanity.
Coming to terms with and appreciating our new reality. Redefining milestones and success.
How to strategize when you feel depleted and disconnected from your child because of emotional and practical overwhelm.
A personal take on being a sibling to a person with a disability. In a very special episode, Ilah Saltzman generously shares her candid accounts from her childhood as well as her adult perspective on the unique role of siblings. Listen in to learn something new!
A fascinating interview with Meaghan Bates Lorenz, about parenting a child with Type-1 Diabetes. We are grateful for this candid discussion in which Meaghan shares the things we all need to know about Type-1 Diabetes. Listen in and learn something new!
Websites that are wonderful all-around resources: Beyond Type 1 T1D Exchange DiaTribe Facebook support groups: T1D Mod Squad Diapers and Diabetes Facebook groups that support the type of insulin pump and CGM you use if you use them- there are support groups for each brand and they are incredibly helpful. Books: Sugar Surfing Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution Think Like a Pancreas Resource for getting affordable insulin: GetInsulin.org DiaTribe Article and Resources for Insulin For activism about the extreme costs of insulin. I recommend contacting your Senator to demand that insulin not only be capped but BE FREE. It is a life-saving medicine and it should cost nothing, just as it does in so many other countries around the world. Resources for Allies who want to learn more about what life with Type 1 is like: Stories about Diabetes Virtual Diabetes Coaching taught by professionally trained Type 1 Diabetics: Integrated Diabetes Services
Maria Linietsky: if you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person! We are grateful to have a young Autistic woman share her experience and perspective on identifying as autistic.
Happy to interview filmmakers Amanda and Tom Dyer discussing their new film “Unseen” Caregiver Documentary.
What does a disability lawyer actually do and how can they help families with unique challenges? In this episode, Glen Parker, disability activist and lawyer will tell us what we need to know...
Our first reaction after watching the film "Unseen - Caregiver Documentary" and why everyone else needs to watch it too…
If you have someone in your life who has additional needs, you know that gift-giving is not always very easy. Let Alma and Iris simplify the process of choosing the right gift for every occasion!
Durable medical equipment was probably not on your baby registry but it may now be a necessity. Are you overwhelmed with emotions and decision making around this topic? If so, we are here to make the process of information gathering and purchases a lot smoother.
Are you worried your child might miss out on important milestone ceremonies or rituals because of their additional needs or challenges? Listen in to learn how to modify any and all ceremonies that are important for your family, your community, and most importantly, your child! Believe us, it can be done. P.S. This episode is also intended for allies and those who are attempting to be inclusive in their own celebrations.
Whether it is adaptive clothing you need, cool, hip clothing or just clothes not to have your child be a bullying target, this episode is a must!
This is the episode in which Alma reveals all of her secrets on how to "take back the kitchen". For those who have a complex relationship with the act of cooking, but still, need to power through (because we will do anything to keep our children healthy...), and for those who are natural-born chefs- this episode is for you!
In this episode, we discuss how we can modify our homes to make life safer and more comfortable for our children and our family as a whole. Spoiler alert; this can be achieved 100% free of cost!
This episode is about fathers (and people who identify as fathers) and how this role is different when there is a child with a disability in the family...
In this episode, we discuss how to help our kids explore new fields of interest or hobbies. We focus on what, where, and how to find fun pastimes that our kids can engage in with others with similar interests (with or without a disability).
For all the grandparents and kind people who act as grandparents to our children, and for anyone else who is wondering how to get involved and support children with disabilities and their families!
In this episode, we share our experience when it comes to adopting a new pet or applying for a service dog and raising it. Lots of advice to help anyone with a child with additional needs in the decision-making process. While the joy of adding another furry friend to the family can be endless, sometimes so is the care involved… Listen in!
Siblings- or how to split attention between high stakeholders in your life... In this episode, we share tips and tricks to help you negotiate the very different needs of the most important people in your child’s life- siblings!
Sleep deprivation seems to be an inevitable “side effect” of raising children with disabilities. Wether you lose sleep due to all the stress and worries in your life, or simply cannot sleep due to the ongoing care needs of your child- this episode is for you! For all the allies of families with children with disabilities, listen in and get a sneak peak to what our life is like when the lights are off…
How to hire the aides and caregivers to support our children's complex daily needs? In this episode we discuss how to find the right people to join your family on this journey, and all the secrets to making this relationship so much more than just a part time job!
Do you feel overwhelmed and worried that you are missing out on valuable services for your child? In this episode, we will give you a map and a compass to help you navigate this rough terrain. Spoiler alert: You may find them in the most unlikely of places!
Good communication is vital for every relationship. In this episode, we discuss how to overcome communication barriers with our private circles as well as the general public. For people living the disability life as well as allies to the disability community, this episode is for you. Please share this episode with anyone and everyone who may interact with your child.
On a challenging journey, you need partners you can trust. In this episode we discuss how to know who you can trust. Spoiler alert: Being related to someone by blood doesn't necessarily qualify them for the job of confidante!
Food is a very loaded topic. Because everyone must eat in one way or another, we all come to the table with baggage. In this episode, we discuss how to break bread without judgment from ourselves and others.
Medical professionals are supposed to be our partners on this journey. Then why do we often feel that we are at odds? In this episode, we discuss how to deal with medical professionals so that we can have the best outcomes for success for our kids. This episode is full of practical advise for the medical professional. Feel free to share with your medical team.
If you thought your days of traveling are over, think again! In this episode, we discuss how to make the impossible possible. Wake up world, here we come!
In this episode, we discuss how the tiniest words/actions can change the world. You may not think that you are an activist but don't be so sure. Whether you are an ally or live the disability life, listen in and we will show you how!
In this episode we will answer the question that almost no one dares to ask.... How does it feel to receive the news that your child has a disability and that your family life will never be the same? In yet another brutally honest episode, Alma and Iris reveal their personal experience (which years of professional experiences didn't really help prepare them for...).
You are not alone! In this episode, we discuss how to find the practical and emotional supports you need (that may very well not be in your family ....).
How to choose an Educational Route: Public, private, specialized, home schooling or unschooling? Which option is best for your family and why?
In an episode full of honesty and self disclosure… All the ways in which having a child with a disability can change, influence or have an impact on the relationship with your partner, and what you can do about it...
Whether you have a child with a disability or not, this episode is relevant to everyone who wants to be inclusive in their celebrations. We share ideas and suggestions on how to make your party inclusive to everyone. We also share stories about why it is so important to us for our kids to be included.
In a life dedicated to caring for others, we discuss the seemingly impossible yet vitally important task of caring for ourselves. From changing small habits to massive life transformations, we assure you there are ways to put yourself first.
In this episode we have a candid discussion about learning how to know our limits and set our limits before we implode or explode! Owning and reevaluating our new reality and adjusting accordingly. Spoiler alert: You may end up happier and more productive!
Actually, it can be called a gold or even platinum lining! In this uncensored discussion, we share our experiences on how some aspects of having a child with a disability has improved our lives-we swear!
This episode is dedicated to all of us helpers that sometimes also need to ask for help... If you ever wonder how to help a family with a child with a disability, this episode is for you!
In this segment we describe some of the positive interactions we experience while out with our kids (after sharing some negative encounters in our previous segment..).
In this podcast we share our experiences going out with our kids, and the reactions we sometimes get... This is the first part of a two segment episode.
This is our introduction shout out! Sneak peak to what our podcast and FB page will be about. Please folllow us on FB And instagram and stay tuned for our weekly episodes launching January 1st 2022.