In this eye-opening episode of the Conquering Your Clown Fish podcast, host Brady Murray sits down with Katie Rivera, a Texas mother of three whose journey through the world of parenting a child with Down syndrome shatters the glossed-over narrative of "perfect parenting." Katie pulls back the curtain on the raw, often controversial realities of fostering children with special needs, confronting the social stigma and system failures that make her family's story one of resistance, love, and gritty resilience.

From navigating the emotional minefield of raising a child with a disability to dismantling the exclusionary practices still rampant in education, Katie reveals the often-ignored challenges and hypocrisies that families like hers face every day. And while the world applauds her commitment, Katie doesn’t shy away from calling out the uncomfortable truths about community support, the pressures of social media, and the role of fathers in the disability space—issues rarely discussed but desperately needed in this conversation.

As Katie opens up about her plans to foster once again, this time with an even greater willingness to care for children with special needs, the question remains: Is society really ready for true inclusion, or are we just paying lip service to the idea of belonging? Tune in for an episode that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about disability, family, and the limits of love.

In this eye-opening episode of Conquering Your Clown Fish, host Brady sits down with Jennifer Allen, founder of Wonders Within Reach, for an unfiltered conversation about the unpredictable realities of adopting a child with spina bifida. Jennifer pulls no punches as she recounts her family's raw journey through the challenges of raising a child with special needs in a world that is often unprepared for them. From the overlooked obstacles of accessibility to the deeper, uncomfortable truths about inclusion, Jennifer argues that society is failing to meet the needs of families with disabilities—and it's time for that to change. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Jennifer shares how embracing adventure and travel has not only transformed her family’s experience but has also exposed the radical power of community support. Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your assumptions, spark your empathy, and leave you questioning what true inclusion really looks like.

In this eye-opening episode of Conquering Your Clown Fish, host Brady Murray sits down with Stefanie, the fierce and unapologetic president and co-founder of Lily's Voice, a nonprofit that’s challenging the broken system of assistive technology. Stefanie pulls no punches as she reveals the shocking obstacles families like hers face when trying to secure AAC devices for their non-speaking children, especially when these life-changing tools are often withheld due to financial or bureaucratic red tape.

Through the powerful lens of her daughter Lily’s journey—a vibrant, non-speaking autistic child who’s defying the odds and thriving—Stefanie passionately argues that the right to communicate is a fundamental human right, not a luxury. She exposes the uncomfortable truth about how society often fails to provide the necessary support for these children, and why organizations like Lily’s Voice are stepping in to fill a critical gap.

Stefanie doesn’t just talk about the struggle; she celebrates the victories, including the joy of watching Lily discover independence through customized AAC devices and her unexpected passion for ice skating. But it’s not all heartwarming stories—this conversation is an urgent call to action for better access to communication tools and a reminder that for too many families, the fight isn’t over.

Tune in to hear about the transformative power of AAC devices, the painful truth about accessibility, and the fight for equality that no one’s talking about.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel Vermeulen opens up about her journey as a mother to a child with Down syndrome, reflecting on both the challenges and the unexpected blessings that come with raising a child with disabilities. She underscores the vital role of faith, community, and inclusion in supporting families like hers. Alongside her husband, Kyle, Rachel co-leads *A Little Extra Love*, a ministry dedicated to offering faith-based support to families navigating disability. Together, they share the power of embracing differences, the profound impact of love, and the strength that comes from a supportive community in overcoming life's hurdles.

In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Rachel Morris opens up about her extraordinary journey as a mother raising a child with Down syndrome while simultaneously battling pediatric cancer.

From the profound moments of receiving two life-altering diagnoses to the overwhelming power of love and the unwavering support of her community, Rachel’s story is one of unbreakable resilience and transformation. She takes us through the raw emotions of fear and uncertainty, the painful yet healing process of navigating these challenges, and the incredible joy of finding strength in her daughter, Rosie.

Rosie, in turn, has become not just a source of inspiration, but a beacon of hope, teaching Rachel the true meaning of courage, connection, and the boundless capacity for love.

This is a story of growth, of rising through adversity, and of the unshakeable bond between mother and daughter.

In this episode of the Conquering Your Clownfish podcast, host Brady Murray sits down with the incredible Carol Tingey, founder of the Hip Hop Homies—an awesome organization that’s all about helping individuals with Down syndrome live their best lives through dance, friendship, and community. Carol takes us on a journey from her early days in a special needs classroom to creating a vibrant space where everyone can bust a move, be themselves, and feel accepted. With tons of heart and soul, Carol talks about the magic of dance, the power of kindness, and the importance of building a supportive community. Plus, she shares her exciting vision for the future of the Hip Hop Homies. If you’re ready for some major inspiration and a whole lot of good vibes, this episode is a must-listen!

In this conversation, Michelle Fruhschien shares her journey as a mother and advocate for her daughter Haley, who has Jordan syndrome, a rare genetic condition. Michelle discusses the challenges of navigating the diagnosis, the importance of family support, and her advocacy work through her platform 'Mama Bear for Rare'. She emphasizes the need for true inclusion and understanding in society, and reflects on the emotional growth and resilience that comes from parenting a child with disabilities.

In this episode, Brady Murray interviews Monica Castro, a devoted mother and behavior analyst, who shares her journey raising her daughter Rio, who has Down syndrome and is completely blind. Monica discusses the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with disabilities, the importance of inclusive toys, and her work in the ABA therapy space. She emphasizes the need for a positive mindset, understanding ableism, and providing compassionate care to families. Monica also shares her aspirations for the future, both for her daughter and her business, Rio's Place.

In this enlightening conversation, Amy Julia Becker shares her journey as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, exploring the profound concept of belovedness and its impact on her family dynamics. She discusses how Penny's presence has transformed their understanding of love, purpose, and the essence of being human. The dialogue delves into the importance of family support, the redefinition of perfection, and the vision for a future where everyone belongs and matters. Amy emphasizes the need to challenge societal assumptions about success and happiness, advocating for a more inclusive and loving world.

In this heartfelt conversation, Erin Eicher shares her journey as a homeschooling mother of four, including her experiences living on a seven-acre property, her time as a missionary in Southeast Asia, and the challenges and joys of raising a child with Down syndrome. Erin discusses her family's adoption journey, the miracles of parenthood, and the aspirations she holds for her son Maverick, emphasizing the importance of faith, trust, and the unique value each child brings to a family.