Mama Bear Podcast

Becky Davidson has been a leader in the special needs community for many years. She and her husband Jeff are the founders of Rising Above Ministries- an organization they started when they saw a need for accessible events that brought families raising children with special needs together. In 2017, while writing a book for special needs fathers, Jeff Davidson passed away. Through the urging of Jeff's agent and publisher, Becky helped shepherd that book through publication. In this conversation, Mary Susan and Becky talk about Becky and Jeff's life together, the organization they built, and the last book Jeff wrote: Common Man, Extraordinary Call. You can find Becky here: www.risingaboveministries.org www.redefinethislife.com IG: BeckyDavidson1 FB: Becky Davidson (Motivational Speaker)

In this episode, host Mary Susan McConnell discusses some of the many expenses associated with a special needs journey- everything from hidden costs like lost wages, to equipment, services, or therapies. Mary Susan shares stories, tips, and ideas sent in from listeners and fellow special needs parents about saving money on this path. Additionally- Mary Susan chats about some of the many ways she has seen women create alternative streams of income that allow them to be both entrepreneur and caregiver.

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with mom of 5 and founder of Special Needs Siblings, Jeniece Stewart. They discuss Jeniece's personal story and the world of finding support for siblings of children with special needs. Find Jeniece Stewart and Special Needs Siblings: Website: www.specialneedssiblings.com IG: @special_needs_siblings IG: @jeniecestewart

It's Feeding Tube Awareness Week! In this episode, Mary Susan speaks about their daughter's experience with feeding therapy, the reasons she originally needed a feeding tube, and the top 10 things she loves most about life with a g-tube.

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with Lisa Leonard about her new book, "Brave Love: Making Space for You to be You". Topics of discussion include the parenting journey of raising a child with profound special needs, the breakdown and restoration of her marriage, and the realization that she had somehow taken herself out of the equation of her own world. Lisa is the founder and creative director of Lisa Leonard Designs. She is a speaker, a writer, and a mother to two incredible sons, David and Matthias. Lisa, her husband Steve, and her boys reside on the Central Coast of California. Find Lisa at: Website: www.lisaleonard.com IG: lisaleonard FB: lisaleonarddesigns Twitter: @lisaleonard Pinterest: lisaleonard

In this episode, Mary Susan talks about having more fun in your life by elevating the experiences you are already having (without the need for more time or money.)

In this episode, host Mary Susan McConnell speaks with Kim Albrecht about five lessons she has learned as a reluctant advocate. Kim is the host of The LOMAH Podcast, a show she created as a mom planning the future for her teenage daughter with differing abilities. Kim interviews experts on important topics and digs deep with series (sometimes 12 episodes long) on significant topics such as housing, safety, and more. You can find Kim at www.lomah.org, or by searching The LOMAH Podcast on any podcast platform, facebook, or instagram.

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with husband Sean about parenting goals and visions for the future. You can find more about Sean at: www.seanmcconnell.com FB: @officialseanmcconnell Instagram: @sean_mcconnell. Mary Susan can be found at: www.marysusanmcconnell.com FB: @mamabearpodcast IG: @marysusanmcconnell *The inclusive coloring book is a free download and can be found at www.marysusanmcconnell.com/dreamteamcoloringbook

In this episode, host Mary Susan McConnell speaks with guest Mia Durairaj about her journey balancing a career with special needs motherhood. They also discuss the program Mia co-created: Mindful Return's Balancing Career with a Special Needs Baby. This online program is for mothers raising children with special needs. It has been featured in LA Parent, Houston Family Magazine, Wolf + Friends, and eParent. -Mia is a mom of identical twin toddlers, both of whom have special needs -She's a health and nutrition writing consultant at Little Octopus LLC -She is the Co-Creator of Mindful Return's Balancing Career with a Special Needs Baby program -Her writing has been featured in a recently published World Health Organization report, as well as Hand to Hold, Fairy God Boss, the Mighty and many others -She's the founder and Co-Chair of the Cardiac Family Advsiory Council at Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego More info on Mia: https://littleoctopus.org/biography/ More info about the course: www.mindfulreturn.com/specialneeds Related Articles: https://www.laparent.com/course-offers-special-needs-moms-a-mindful-return-to-work/ https://www.wolfandfriends.com/blog/mindful-return-balancing-career-with-special-needs-baby https://www.houstonfamilymagazine.com/family-life/balancing-career-with-a-special-needs-baby/ TO WIN A FREE COURSE you can enter in any of the following ways: - Message Mary Susan on IG @marysusanmcconnell "I'm entering the contest." -Message Mary Susan on Facebook @mamabearpodcast "I'm entering the contest." -Email Mary Susan at [email protected] , subject line: "I'm entering the contest." COUPON CODE FOR THE COURSE: MindfulReturn25 for $25 off

36. It's Christmas Eve! by Conversations w/ Women Raising Children with Special Needs