Finding Happy The Podcast

Getting that first diagnosis for your child is something you never forget. Life after that changes in so many ways and everything begins to blur. It can feel really lonely, but what would it be like to hear from someone who is 20 years farther along than you? 

That’s why I am bringing Jane Winans on the podcast today. She is the proud mama to 18-year-old Lydia, who has Down’s syndrome. Jane is sharing all of the ways that Lydia has made her life richer and everything she wished she knew at the very beginning of the journey. 

Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/janewinans

Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Though so many of the mamas in this community have experiences in common, no two stories are exactly the same. This is why it’s so critical to gather together and have the space to share our stories - and why I wanted you to hear from blogger, and children’s book author, Amy Webb. 

Amy’s daughter Lamp (more on her name in the episode) was born with limb differences. What is uniquely challenging for Lamp is that her disability has no impact on her mental development. But because children have such little exposure to a child with limb differences, connecting is so exhausting. 

Discover how advocacy has been a messy and grace-filled road for Amy and why writing children’s books have been a perfect way to engage in this important conversation. 

Check out the full show notes at  findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amywebb

Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Today I am chatting with rare-disease mom and podcast host of Once Upon a Gene, Effie Parks. Effie is on a mission to help more mamas get connected to encouraging communities that remind you that you’re not alone and that your story needs to be told. 

Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/effieparks

Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com

Don’t you love it when you make a plan to do something, but then you end up doing something entirely different, but it’s like - exactly what needed to happen? 

That’s the case with my conversation with my guest today, Jami Nato. Jami is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who will make you laugh and cry in the same breath.

Her honesty about navigating life with a nearly teenage daughter who has been labeled developmentally delayed will refresh and maybe even encourage you to tap into your own passions. You’re so worth it, mama. 

Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jaminato

Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Do you ever laugh when people comment on how strong you are as a special needs mama? Like was there ever a choice? You just get used to showing up and being a warrior. 

Today I am talking with Amy Purling, founder of Miracle Mumma. Amy is no stranger to challenges. Dreams for starting a family do not often include infertility, miscarriage, a DNC, high-risk pregnancy, and 2 premature births. And yet, she’s still here to tell her story today. 

Discover how she is helping preemie mamas celebrate the small steps that are actually big victories. 

Check out the full show notes at www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amypurling

Register is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Today I am chatting with the founder of Never Give Up, Victoria Strong. Victoria is the proud mama of Gwendolyn, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at three months. Gwendolyn lived a life full of joy and purpose. Her parents are now on a mission to inspire everyone to never give up and honor Gwendolyn’s legacy as they continue to advocate for inclusion, kindness, and hope for the future of children with SMA. 

Listen to learn about the many ways you can be part of Gwendolyn’s story too! 

Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/victoriastrong

Register for the event: Stronger Together https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

When you’re jumping from crisis to crisis on a daily basis, there’s no space to try something new or shake things up. There’s just no energy left. We end up staying stuck because it doesn’t require making any more decisions. But it’s also why we end up staying put in toxic relationships and avoiding the care our minds and bodies are desperate for. 

If you know you’re craving change, but you’re not sure how to take the first step, start here with this episode. 

Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/13

Register for the next Soul Flow here! 

Today I am chatting with author and parenting coach, Amy Carney. Amy is a mom of 5 kids. Even though Amy’s youngest is adopted, there were many surprises about the unidentified and complex needs of her son. We’re talking about how this journey has been full of discovery, growth, joy, pain, and lots of grace. 

Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com 

Also listen to find out more about Amy’s newest book and journal: 100 Questions for Mom 

Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amycarney 

In this solo episode, I’m taking a minute to rewind a bit in order to help you see what it means to “find happy” on this journey of being a mama of kiddos with special needs.

I think you’ll discover that finding your happy will require you to put pause on something else so you can prioritize your health. It won't be easy, but it will always be 100% worth it. 

Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com

Visit the show notes at 

https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/11

Today I am chatting with the executive director of Ruby’s Rainbow, Liz Plachta. Liz is the proud mama of Ruby who is 10 years old and has Down Syndrome. Ruby’s Rainbow is a non-profit that exists to empower young people with Down Syndrome to go to college through scholarship aid.

Learn how one extra chromosome has transformed Liz's perspective and has given her life a new level of purpose and value for what she can offer her community. 

Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/lizplachta