Conquering Your Clownfish

What if everything the world assumes about disability is wrong? In this powerful episode, Pete Larkin invites us into the sacred, often overlooked bond between siblings—one shaped by unconditional love, grit, and a radical rethinking of what it means to live a meaningful life. Pete shares his journey growing up alongside his brother Brigham, who has Down syndrome, and how caregiving, once seen as a burden, became his greatest teacher.

Their story challenges the narrative that individuals with disabilities need to be "rescued" or "protected." Instead, Pete speaks to the strength, independence, and unapologetic joy Brigham embodies—reminding us that shielding people from struggle can rob them of growth. Through Brigham’s vibrant personality, infectious kindness, and the generational wisdom he unknowingly passes down, we’re forced to ask: are we underestimating the very people we should be learning from?

What happens when life throws you a plot twist that shifts your entire worldview? In this powerful episode, Devon Dowdell — a proud father, passionate ufologist, and deep thinker — shares the raw, beautiful, and deeply human journey of raising his son Jack, who was born with Down syndrome.

Devon opens up about receiving Jack’s diagnosis over the phone while away for work — a moment that shattered expectations but sparked an awakening. He speaks candidly about the emotional weight of that day, the fear of the unknown, and the transformation that came through love, acceptance, and presence. Devon doesn’t shy away from hard truths — about fatherhood, about societal pressure to "fix" what's different, and about the grief that often precedes joy.

But this isn't a story about sadness — it's a celebration. A reminder that the things we fear the most can become the greatest blessings. Devon’s perspective challenges conventional narratives around disability, masculinity, and what it means to show up — not with perfection, but with heart.

It’s honest. It’s bold. And it might just change how you see parenthood, purpose, and what truly matters.

What if the hardest thing you've ever faced as a parent turned out to be the most transformative?

In this powerful episode, Angela O’Brien—mother, Enneagram coach, and unapologetic truth-teller—opens up about raising a daughter with Down syndrome and how the experience shattered her expectations… and rebuilt her in the best way possible. Angela doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of parenting a child with disabilities. From grief and isolation to identity loss and the pressure to “always be strong,” she dives deep into the emotional weight families carry—especially mothers.

But through that struggle comes beauty: unexpected friendships, deeply empathetic siblings, and the chance to rediscover who you are beyond caregiving. Angela reminds us that community isn’t optional—it’s oxygen. And that pretending everything’s fine helps no one.

If you’re ready to challenge the polished narratives of disability parenting and embrace the raw, beautiful, and often misunderstood reality—this conversation is for you.

What If Being a “Strong Dad” Is Actually Hurting Your Family?

In this raw and revealing episode of Conquering the Clown Fish, host Brady Murray sits down with Graham Andrews—a father of three and proud dad to Andy, his daughter with Down syndrome—for a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about fatherhood. Graham opens up about the gut-wrenching moment he received Andy’s diagnosis and the emotional rollercoaster that followed.

But this isn’t your typical “inspirational parent” story. Graham gets real about the pressure men face to be stoic providers, the myth of control in parenting, and how vulnerability—not strength—became his greatest asset. He credits his transformation to the everyday lessons Andy teaches him, the unwavering support of his own parents, and a journey that’s been as confusing as it’s been beautiful.

This episode dares to ask: what if the best thing a father can do is break down, ask for help, and stop pretending he’s got it all figured out?

What if the most heartbreaking diagnosis became your life’s greatest teacher?

In this powerful episode of Conquering Your Clown Fish, host Brady Murray sits down with Jillian Arnold—a mother, caregiver, and unapologetic warrior for the rare disease community. When her son Roman was diagnosed with ASMD, a rare and devastating genetic disorder, Jillian was already pregnant with her second child, Stella—who would later be diagnosed with the same condition.

Instead of surrendering to grief, Jillian chose a radical path: one of relentless advocacy, deep community connection, and fierce joy. She challenges the idea that parents of children with disabilities should only be pitied. Instead, she shows us they are the strongest experts in the room, forced to navigate complex systems, fight for treatment access, and still find laughter and light in the darkest places.

This episode isn’t just about rare disease. It’s about turning pain into power, about rejecting the pity narrative, and about redefining what it means to live a joyful life—on your own terms.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Silvia Almond lays bare the raw, unfiltered reality of parenting a child with Down syndrome. She doesn’t sugarcoat the initial shock, the overwhelming panic, or the crippling anxiety that followed Jordan’s diagnosis. Instead, she boldly confronts the uncomfortable truths society often avoids: the fear of the unknown and the heavy responsibility of raising a child who defies expectations.

Silvia’s story is not just one of personal transformation but a call to challenge outdated narratives around disability and family. She reveals how Jordan shattered their preconceived notions, not by conforming to societal standards, but by thriving unapologetically in his own way. His infectious spirit and undeniable charisma have not only reshaped family dynamics but have also forced them to reconsider what success and happiness truly look like.

Silvia’s journey shows that the real struggle is not in raising a child with Down syndrome, but in breaking free from society’s pity-driven perspectives and embracing the pure, transformative love that only a child like Jordan can bring. Her story proves that children with Down syndrome are not just surviving—they are thriving, leading lives filled with friends, joy, and potential that the world too often underestimates.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they view children with disabilities, daring them to go beyond surface-level acceptance to a deeper understanding and admiration for their strengths and individuality. Silvia’s story is a battle cry for radical love, fierce advocacy, and the courage to reject limiting beliefs.

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Strength with Camille Robinson

On this unfiltered episode of Conquering Your Clownfish, we dive into the raw and powerful journey of Camille Robinson—a mother, podcast host, and relentless community force. Camille's story isn’t just about raising her son, Mason, who lives with congenital heart disease and autism—it’s about shattering expectations, defying the odds, and proving that adversity doesn’t define your destiny.

From surviving an abusive relationship as a young mother to reclaiming her power through faith and community, Camille refuses to let society dictate her story. She gets candid about the brutal realities of raising a child with disabilities—the toll on mental health, the impact on marriage, and the unspoken struggles that many families face but few dare to talk about.

This conversation isn’t just about parenting; it’s about dismantling outdated narratives and showing up fiercely for the ones we love. Camille shares the pivotal moments that transformed her into an unshakable advocate for special needs families and why she believes that waiting for support isn’t an option—you have to build it yourself.

She also gives us an inside look at Moments of Joy Fest, a groundbreaking event dedicated to uplifting families who often feel unseen, and her upcoming book, 100 Days of Encouragement for Families Raising Children with Special Needs—a must-read for anyone seeking hope, resilience, and unapologetic truth.

This episode will challenge your perspectives, ignite your determination, and remind you that real strength isn’t about having it all together—it’s about refusing to give up.

Breaking Barriers: The Unstoppable Journey of Caleb Prewitt

In this electrifying episode, Brady Murray sits down with Karen Prewitt, the fierce and determined momager behind Caleb Prewitt, a trailblazing athlete and entrepreneur who just happens to have Down syndrome. Karen shares the raw, unfiltered truth about raising a child society often underestimates—challenging outdated mindsets and proving that limitations exist only where we allow them.

Caleb has shattered expectations, from becoming the youngest person with Down syndrome to complete a half marathon to launching his own business, Caleb’s Cookies. But their story isn’t just about personal victories—it’s about rewriting the narrative for individuals with disabilities. Karen unapologetically calls out the lack of opportunities and systemic barriers, advocating for a world where people with disabilities are seen as capable, ambitious, and worthy of the same dreams as anyone else.

The conversation dives deep into the importance of community support, the power of mentorship, and the bold belief that no one—not doctors, not schools, not even well-meaning parents—should dictate the limits of a child’s potential. As Caleb transitions into adulthood, Karen envisions a future filled with independence, adventure, and possibilities that defy every outdated stereotype.

This episode will challenge you to rethink what you believe about ability, ambition, and what it truly means to live without limits.

Breaking Barriers in Faith, Disability, and Inclusion

In this powerful episode of Conquering Your Clownfish, host Brady Murray sits down with Monica Mangiacapra—an author, advocate, and mother who is reshaping the conversation around disability and faith. Inspired by her son Isaac, who has Down syndrome, Monica wrote Different by Design, a children’s book that challenges outdated narratives and educates young minds about disabilities in a way that fosters understanding rather than pity.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: many families of children with disabilities feel excluded from church communities, often forced to leave due to a lack of accommodation. Monica calls for bold action—churches must stop seeing disability as a burden and start embracing it as an opportunity for radical inclusion. Her story of self-publishing Different by Design is proof that stepping into discomfort and breaking traditional molds can open unexpected doors of impact.

Monica’s journey is a wake-up call to parents, educators, and faith leaders: disabilities are not limitations; they are purposeful, designed differences that enrich our communities. She encourages all of us to ask tough questions, challenge the status quo, and create spaces where every child—regardless of ability—is seen, valued, and celebrated.

This episode will leave you inspired and maybe even a little uncomfortable—in the best way possible. Are we truly building inclusive spaces, or just offering performative support? It’s time for action, and Monica is leading the charge.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Purpose and Perseverance

In this powerful episode, Brady Murray sits down with Cathy Daub—a mother of eight, fierce advocate, and co-founder of Team Iron Will—to challenge society’s perception of value and purpose. Cathy shares the raw, unfiltered story of her son Will’s birth, a journey marked by both medical challenges and undeniable miracles. She refuses to see Down syndrome as a limitation, instead embracing it as a divine calling to disrupt the status quo.

This conversation forces us to ask: Do we truly believe that every life has value, or only the ones that fit our expectations? Cathy’s unwavering faith and relentless advocacy push back against a world that often measures worth in terms of productivity rather than purpose. Her story is a call to action—one that demands we rethink how we support, uplift, and fight for individuals with disabilities.