Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING! 

In this Ask Us Anything episode, #201, we are responding to the question, Am I alone in feeling like there is extra pressure on us caregiving mothers to be saint-like in our parenting?

In this episode, the hosts celebrate the New Year and the start of Season 8 by reflecting on their experiences of motherhood. They discuss the unexpected gifts that come with being a mother, the pressures of perfection, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in parenting. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the understanding that it's okay to not always be a 'perfect' parent. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the “rainbow” of emotions that come with motherhood and to recognize that their struggles are shared by many.

Keep the questions coming, we’re here to support you! We see you and we love you!

Whether you have questions as a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs or you’re someone looking to support a care-giving parent, we would LOVE to hear from you. 

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to ask a question, leave us a message here.

Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here. 

Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.

Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

This episode was sponsored by Rise Educational Advocacy. 

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow us on Instagram or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Dis

Hello, Brave Friends! Welcome to Season 8 of Brave Together Parenting, a helpful podcast for the parents of children all ages with all types of disabilities and diagnoses. Our mission is to provide you, the caregiving parent, with as many resources, relatable stories, and perspectives as possible so you can stop surviving and start thriving, or maybe a little bit of both. 

This season we are offering Ask Us Anything episodes to answer your burning questions, Story episodes, hearing from parents just like you, Thriving Disabled Adult episodes to give you hope and perspective on what's possible and we're bringing back Practical episodes to give you even more resources. 

We make this podcast as a lifeline for you. Please feel free to call into our speak pipe voicemail through the link in the show notes and leave us a message, leave us a question, leave us a request for a future episode. And do follow us on Instagram at we are brave together. Also, please take a moment to rate and review our podcast so that we can best serve you.

And so that this podcast can get into the ears and hearts of more and more parents. We offer you community here at Brave Together Parenting and remind you every chance we get that you are beautiful, strong, and definitely not alone. We see you and we love you. Welcome to Season 8. 

Our big sponsor this season is Rise Educational Advocacy. 

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! This is story episode #182, about what can happen when parents presume competence in their non-verbal, autistic son. 

Today we hear from Jason Hague about his experience accepting his autistic son Jack’s presumed intellectual disability, making peace with it, and then seeing a documentary that changed everything.

Welcome to today's story episode: How Spelling Revealed a Non-Verbal Teen’s Brilliance.

Jason Hague has been telling his story of faith, fatherhood, and autism on his blog for years and years now. He also has a fabulous book called “Aching Joy: Following God through the Land of Unanswered Prayer” which chronicles his own spiritual and emotional journey with his son Jack and the link to find it can be found below. 

Find Jason Hague’s Website, Blog and Book here.

Find the video about Jack’s spelling breakthrough here.

Find the Spellers Website here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

You have to PRUNE to create room for real GROWTH, this is a sentiment gardeners understand but often busy parent caregivers forget. Are you making space in your life to experience peace? To exhale? To hear your own thoughts? In our busy world and even busier caregiving lives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and out of touch with what we really require to thrive as human beings. 

On this episode, host Jessica Patay, speaks with our story teller, Jess Ronne, about getting in touch with ourselves, embracing our instincts and pruning anything from our lives that’s keeping us from reaching our full potential.

Jess Ronne is a non-profit CEO of The Lucas Project, author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight and special needs mama to her son Luke.

Find The Lucas Project here.

Find the trailer for UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why it Matters here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Did you know grief can be disenfranchised? Have you ever caught yourself welling up or feeling angry when parents of neurotypical, undisabled, healthy kids talk about the different milestones they’re experiencing with them? Do you judge yourself, feeling you should have accepted your child’s unique path by now? Well, you are NOT alone!

In this practical episode, Jessica interviews Meghann Crane-Russ, a therapist and licensed clinical social worker about ALL THINGS GRIEF. They discuss where grief comes from, what it means, how to move through it, and most of all, how it is ABSOLUTELY NORMAL. 

Meghann is a therapist who works with parents navigating childhood illness, individuals struggling with medical trauma, traumatic grief, and bereaved parents. Prior to private practice Meghann was a medical social worker caring for families in Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and hospice. She has advanced training in Pediatric Palliative Care and is trained in EMDR (a trauma focused treatment modality). 

Connect with Meghann Crane-Russ, LCSW, PMH-C here!

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

The holidays can be tough for everybody! We all get this extra large serving of commitments and expectations that can make enjoying anything feel off the table. Add the element of unique needs to this feast and now even the most organized and flexible person can feel downright defeated. Is there a fresh way to approach this?

On today’s episode, Jessica interviews life coach, Margaret Webb, about strategies going into this most stressful of seasons. They discuss getting clear about your family's needs; which may be different than society's expectations. How to handle comments from family members, who may not understand your child’s unique needs during holiday celebrations. And ultimately, how to set your family up for a successful and satisfying holiday season.

Margaret Webb is a master certified life and parenting coach for the past 12 years. She is passionate about supporting parents who are on parenting journeys filled with unexpecteds. Margaret has a 19 year old autistic son who has been the best teacher for her in learning how important curiosity and embracing different perspectives are in order to have more peace, ease and joy in parenting. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband of 25 years, her son and her three Jack Russell Terriers. 

Get in touch with Margaret Webb here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's episode, #200! Can you believe it?!

In this celebratory 200th episode, host Jessica Patay, with co-hosts Dr. Zoe Shaw and Susanna Peace Lovell chat with Clayton Frech and Bahar Soomekh, parents of Paralympic Gold-Medalist, Ezra Frech. They share their journey of parenting a child with a disability, discussing the importance of proactive parenting, soliciting advice from the disabled community and the power of intuition, especially when making big medical decisions. The conversation delves into how they embraced Ezra's passion for sport, instilled confidence, and balanced normalcy with uniqueness in his upbringing. We know their insights will provide valuable lessons for parents facing similar challenges. 

Clayton and Ezra co-founded Angel City Sports, which is a Los Angeles based non-profit that provides year-round sports opportunities for kids, adults, and veterans with physical disabilities or visual impairments. As a family they have been on a mission to transform the way our country views disability and make those with disabilities feel unlimited. Check out Angel City Sports and their upcoming events in the links below. 

Brave Together Parenting Podcast WILL BE BACK on January 15th, 2025 with Season 8, so stay tuned!

Angel City Sports here.

Register for Angel City Sports Youth Weekend March 29th 2025 here.

Find out more about Camp No Limits here.

Find this episode and ALL our Season 7 episodes on Youtube here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! On this Thriving Disabled Adults episode, #199, we are speaking to Thriving Disabled Adult, Jacob Pacheco, who shares his inspiring journey as an adaptive elite athlete and professional speaker. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up with cerebral palsy and how he transformed his struggles into a purpose-driven life. 

In this fantastic interview, our guest Jacob emphasizes the role of support systems in recovery, the healing power of the ocean, and his path to becoming a professional surfer. He also reflects on navigating family expectations and career choices, highlighting the importance of following one's passion. Jacob also shares his journey of overcoming barriers related to his disability, particularly in the context of employment. He discusses the importance of self-worth, the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and the significance of service and community support. 

Connect with Jacob Pacheco here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING! 

In this Ask Us Anything episode, #198, we are responding to the question, How do I outsource help so I’m not doing everything for myself, my Family and my neurodivergent child?

In this conversation, we discuss the challenges of parenting, particularly for those with neurodivergent children, and explore various strategies for outsourcing tasks to alleviate stress. We emphasize the importance of community support, creative solutions for childcare, and the necessity of asking for help. Our discussion highlights the need for parents to recognize their limits and seek assistance, whether through formal arrangements or informal community connections. We share personal experiences and insights on finding help, balancing duties, and fostering connections with other caregivers. 

Keep the questions coming, we’re here to support you! We see you and we love you!

Whether you have questions as a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs or you’re someone looking to support a care-giving parent, we would LOVE to hear from you. 

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to ask a question, leave us a message here.

Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here. 

Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.

Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find this episode and ALL our Season 7 episodes on Youtube here.

Find Care.com here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Donate to keep this podcast going here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?

Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #197, in which we hear a story from brave mom and advocate, Abby Zachritz.
In this conversation, Abby Zachritz shares her harrowing journey following a near-fatal accident involving her son, Wyatt. The discussion covers the emotional and medical challenges faced by Abby and her family, the miraculous recovery of Wyatt, and the profound impact of the experience on their lives. Abby emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from trauma. In this conversation, Abby Zachritz shares her journey of navigating mental health challenges, particularly PTSD, after her son Wyatt's traumatic brain injury. She emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and seeking help, both for herself and her family. Abby discusses Wyatt's remarkable progress and her transition into advocacy work, where she helps families find resources and support. The conversation highlights the significance of self-care, community support, and the need for parents to prioritize their well-being while caring for children with disabilities.

Find the Advocacy Abby Website here.
Follow Advocacy Abby on IG here.
Check out supportnow.org here.
Find Grants here.
Find this episode and ALL our Season 7 episodes on Youtube here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.
Donate to keep this podcast going here.
Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?
Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer