Hello Brave Friends! This is a Winter Re-Run of one of our favorite Ask Us Anything episodes from Seasons 5 and 6. Call in to our SpeakPipe to ask YOUR questions and tune in next season, starting in January 2026, for many more. 
 
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 episode, #165, we are discussing how to get the most out of connection circles and in general, support groups, without taking on other attendee’s pain. 

In this community we are ALREADY dealing with our own tough feelings when we step into a group sharing environment and as Dr. Zoe Shaw says, in this episode, “we’re wired for protection not connection” so dealing with other people’s emotions on top of our own can feel daunting. BUT it doesn't have to feel that way and the community and sisterhood that comes with sharing and holding space for those emotions is so worth facing your own. 

There are so many wisdom gems, AHA moments and tools in this episode for helping us deconstruct the emotions we feel when in the presence of other people’s pain. Please enjoy this important episode of Ask Us Anything. 

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.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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!

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Hi Bravies! Welcome to Season 10 of Brave Together Podcast!

I’m Jessica Patay, founder of the non-profit, We Are Brave Together. Since 2017 We Are Brave Together has been a supportive community for the brave moms of children with disabilities, neurodivergence and all unique needs. Our international community includes over 4000 moms in 50 states and 30 countries. 

I am also a mother to three children including a son with Prader-Willi Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder. I am passionate about encouraging and serving caregiving moms everywhere and I’m not alone. I have two brave mom co-hosts, the vivacious author and life coach to disability families across the globe, Susanna Peace Lovell and the deeply wise author, Clinical Psychotherapist, and complex shame expert, Dr. Zoe Shaw. Together we use our exponential motherhood experiences to support, guide and lovingly witness our fellow caregiving mom audience. 

This season we are beyond thrilled to announce that we are now streamable on UK Health Radio. This means our beautiful community of genuine superhero moms will be growing and we have some incredible guests lined up to help celebrate. Guests like self-proclaimed ‘disabled fashion girlie’ April Lockhart, Mental Health Advocate, Author and Comedian Kristina Kuzmic, and the parenting guru for navigating the spicy ones, Mary Van Geffen.

So what can you expect from the podcast this season? We are offering Story episodes from moms just like you, Expert episodes on topics that impact you, Thriving Disabled Adult episodes to give you insights into the experiences of your children and Ask Us Anything episodes to answer your burning questions.

We make this podcast as a lifeline for you, the caregiving parent, so please, submit stories through our website, call into our Speakpipe through the link in the show notes and leave us messages with your questions, or comment on our Instagram and Youtube posts @wearebravetogether. We’d love to hear from you and do our best to create episodes to address your questions. We are also on Youtube so come see the faces behind this podcast there. And please take a moment to rate and review our podcast so we can continue to grow and reach more brave moms. 

We offer you community here at Brave Together Podcast and remind you every chance we get—that you are strong, capable and definitely not alone. 

We see you and we love you. Welcome to Se

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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!

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When a medical event rocks her son and family a week before Christmas, guest Karen Draper has to rapidly process everything and do her best to move through it with grace. From the life saving steps necessary for her son, to the protection of her family's hearts through the fear, many of you will relate to this story of shock, strength and ultimately recovery and laughter. 

In her story and sweet conversation with host Jessica Patay, we hear from another strong mother who has experienced the spectrum of experiences that come with the special needs journey and has come out the other side forever healing, human and present.

Karen Draper is a writer, poet and former inclusion advocate who turned her passion for celebrating diversity into her first book, The Place of Us. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably editing photographs instead of words. Karen is an avid walker and yoga enthusiast who can easily be enticed by dark chocolate and red wine. She lives in Frederick, Maryland with her husband, Sam. Karen hopes that The Place of Us will help readers become better advocates for themselves and others. 

Find Karen’s Book here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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!

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Hello Brave Friends! On this, our final episode of Season 5, we have such a great guest for you. Debbie Reber, who you guys probably know already, is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker and the CEO and founder of Tilt Parenting, a resource, top performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. Her most recent book, Differently Wired, A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope, came out in 2018.

Debbie is a wealth of information, and I highly recommend that you check out everything that she offers and get involved in her community. If you have a child who is neurodivergent, she has lots of experts on her podcast and has educated thousands of parents. Please enjoy this comforting, warm blanket of an episode with the wonderful Debbie Reber.

Find the Tilt Parenting website here. 

Find Debbie Reber’s book, Differently Wired, here. 

Find the Tilt Parenting Podcast here. 

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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, do you think you fully understand ADHD and how it impacts school and everyday life? Although it is common, it is not simple, not by any means. It is extremely complex. There are many aspects to this disorder. There is no magic pill or formula that will help all kids and adults who struggle with ADHD, but there are proven methods, tips, skills, and wisdom to be applied.

We have an incredible guest today for you: Leslie Josel, an ADHD-academic and parenting coach, who is an award-winning entrepreneur, having founded Order Out of Chaos – a virtual company whose mission is to help parents guide their students to success in learning and in life - when her son was first diagnosed with ADHD.

She is also the creator of the award-winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®, a planner that helps students develop time management skills, and the award-winning author of 3 books including the recently published, “How to Do it Now Because it’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” (Lerner Publishing)

 A respected resource on ADHD and Executive Functioning, Leslie writes the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach®” column for ADDitude Magazine, the premiere magazine for adults and children with ADHD.  She speaks to audiences all over the world helping them utilize their resources to best navigate the task-driven world in which they live.  Last year, Leslie’s line of student organizing products – a collaboration with Samsill Corp – was released.  

And for the last six years, Leslie has been named by Global Gurus as one of the top 20 Time Management experts in the world.

Find Leslie’s website here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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, #236, we are responding to the question, How do I survive the holidays without support?

In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, Dr. Zoe Shaw discuss the concept of overwhelm and how to manage it by entering a 'survival mode' where non-essential activities are minimized to focus on what truly matters. 

Keep the questions coming, we’re here to support 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. We see you and we love you! Leave us a message here.

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

Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame 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 and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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 expert episode, #235, with Molly Trexler, a pediatric nurse practitioner and coach for medical moms. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents. 

We discuss the unique challenges faced by mothers navigating the medical system, coping strategies for managing fear and anxiety, and the importance of community and support. With over 30 years experience, Molly shares personal stories and insights, emphasizing the need for self-care and the power of listening. 

Find more information about Pediatric Nurse Practitioner & Medical Mom Coach, Molly Trexler here.

The generous sponsor for the entirety of our San Diego retreat this month is PCSI. PCSI is a nationwide, mission-driven nonprofit that creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans while delivering exceptional services to both the public and private sectors. Through our Workforce Development programs—including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Employment, and Careers at PCSI—we empower individuals to achieve independence, personal growth, and long-term success. By combining sustainable business innovation with a values-based approach, we strengthen communities, challenge the status quo, and deliver outstanding results in every partnership. PCSI enhances the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. 

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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 expert episode, #234, with Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh the creators of Social Life 360. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents. 

In this conversation, Susanna Peace Lovell interviews Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh, a couple dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals in building friendships and relationships through their program, Social Life 360. They share their backgrounds, the inception of their program, and the importance of community and support in navigating social skills. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, the impact of media representation, and the success stories that inspire their work. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of connection and the dreams they have for their clients' futures.

The generous sponsor for the entirety of our San Diego retreat this month is PCSI. PCSI is a nationwide, mission-driven nonprofit that creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans while delivering exceptional services to both the public and private sectors. Through our Workforce Development programs—including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Employment, and Careers at PCSI—we empower individuals to achieve independence, personal growth, and long-term success. By combining sustainable business innovation with a values-based approach, we strengthen communities, challenge the status quo, and deliver outstanding results in every partnership. PCSI enhances the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. 

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

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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 expert episode, #233, with certified life coach and clinical hypnotherapist Shelly Ehler. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents. 

In this enlightening conversation, Jessica Patay and Dr. Zoe Shaw interview Shelly Ehler about the transformative power of hypnotherapy, exploring its journey from skepticism to acceptance. Shelly shares her personal journey into hypnotherapy, addressing common misconceptions and the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality in treating anxiety, fears, and other mental health issues. The discussion highlights the process of hypnotherapy sessions, the safety and ethics involved, and its potential benefits for caregivers and individuals with special needs. The conversation concludes with a call for greater awareness and collaboration between hypnotherapists and traditional mental health professionals.

Shelly Ehler is a certified life coach and clinical hypnotherapist and her mission is to enlighten, empower and inspire her clients to live their best lives! She received her life coaching certification from the Integrated Wellness Academy and her certification in hypnotherapy from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the first accredited college of hypnotherapy in the country. Find more information about Shelly Ehler here.

The generous sponsor for the entirety of our San Diego retreat this month is PCSI. PCSI is a nationwide, mission-driven nonprofit that creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans while delivering exceptional services to both the public and private sectors. Through our Workforce Development programs—including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Employment, and Careers at PCSI—we empower individuals to achieve independence, personal growth, and long-term success. By combining sustainable business innovation with a values-based approach, we strengthen communities, challenge the status quo, and deliver outstanding results in every partnership. PCSI enhances the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. 

Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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 expert episode, #232, with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger, sharing his neurodivergent affirming approach to IEP’s and wow does he have a refreshing take on them.

In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Chris Wenger shares his journey as a neurodivergent educator and advocate for students with special needs. He discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the need for a shift from deficit-based IEPs to a more affirming approach, and the significance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. Chris emphasizes the value of connecting with students authentically and provides insights into effective teaching strategies and resources for educators and parents alike.

Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.

Find more information about Chris Wenger here.

Follow Chris Wenger on IG here.

The generous sponsor for the entirety of our San Diego retreat this month is PCSI. PCSI is a nationwide, mission-driven nonprofit that creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans while delivering exceptional services to both the public and private sectors. Through our Workforce Development programs—including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Employment, and Careers at PCSI—we empower individuals to achieve independence, personal growth, and long-term success. By combining sustainable business innovation with a values-based approach, we strengthen communities, challenge the status quo, and deliver outstanding results in every partnership. PCSI enhances the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. 

Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

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!

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