The Special Needs Mom Podcast

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:InstagramTikTokYouTubeWebsiteConnect 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.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.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 SpotifyPodcast on Apple MusicWebsiteInstagramBrittany Crabtree InstagramContact: [email protected] 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 SpotifyPodcast on Apple MusicWebsiteInstagramBrittany Crabtree InstagramContact: [email protected] 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 ResourcesBook: Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God by Sam CrabtreeThe Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom by Carrie M. Holt, Amy J. Brown, Sara ClimeCarrie’s previous episodes:Episode 98 – Tending to Your Soul with Carrie HoltEpisode 171 – Carrying the Heavy Emotional Load of Special Needs Nursing Care with Carrie Holt & Kacie Craig, Pt. 1Episode 172 – Managing Special Needs Nursing Care Like A Boss with Carrie Holt & Kacie Craig, Pt. 2Connect with Carrie:Website: carriemholt.comSubstack: @cmholtInstagram: @carriemholtFacebook: @carriemholtwriterConnect 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 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 PEACEConnect 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 MentionedThe Courage to Raise: The Heart of Parenting a Child with Special NeedsWe Are Brave TogetherLabeled and LovedConnect 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 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. 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 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 MentionedRare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease Rare Mamas communityRare Mamas Rising PodcastCure SMA (patient advocacy group)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 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.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 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.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 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.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!!)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.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 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.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 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.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 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 revealA serendipitous lunch detour that landed us at Clemson LIFEHow structured writing helped us both process and connectIf 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 SubstackConnect 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 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, TXSisterhood Circles: In-person & virtual support groupsUnited in Autism by Julie HornokTherapy and Beyond (Dr. Crone’s clinic)Labeled and Loved featured on The Kelly Clarkson ShowConnect 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’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.comBook: Boundless Hope for Every ChildPodcast: Every Child BelongsInstagram: @kimbottoTBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)Baylor University & Eric Carter research on disability and church inclusionConnect 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 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 bookConnect 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 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. 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 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 usWhat it looks like to trust yourself, even in uncertaintyYou’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.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!!)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 scheduleHow I’m redefining what “working hours” look like for meMy 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 HelpConnect 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 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: @erinktrierYouTube: @erinktrierFacebook: ektrierWebsite: erintrier.comPodcast: Empowered in Health by Erin TrierResources Mentioned: The Compound Effect by Darren HardyEpisode 76: Having Impermissible Thoughts About Your Special Needs ChildConnect 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!!)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 GameWork Life Podcast by Adam GrantConnect 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 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:Instagram FacebookEmail: [email protected] 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 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."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 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 nonprofitContact Kristen: [email protected] for Kristin in the Supermom contest! Other Resources: UMass Chan Medical School : Partnering for gene therapy developmentArticle on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)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 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 NeffConnect 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'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 Heartache by Tara HeatonSelf-Compassion by Kristen NeffConnect with our guest,  Tara Heaton:[email protected]: @taraheatonauthorLinkedIn: Tara HeatonConnect 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 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.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 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!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, 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 DeFabioGlobal GenesGlobal Genes: Rare Advocacy ExchangeCure DHDDSConnect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/Website: https://www.kararyska.com/