Pancakes and Pandemonium (The Podcast)

Join us for a powerful episode as we sit down with Laura Munn-dedicated mom, reading specialist at a charter school specializing in autism, and passionate advocate for neurodiverse learners. Laura shares her inspiring journey: from what motivated her to become a specialist, to her personal experiences raising an autistic daughter. Together, we dive deep into the realities of facing discrimination, breaking down barriers, and persevering as parents and educators of children with autism.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode offers heartfelt stories, practical advice, and hope for anyone navigating the world of autism. Discover how Laura’s expertise and resilience are making a difference in both the classroom and at home.

✨ Don’t miss this honest and uplifting conversation about autism, advocacy, and the power of perseverance!

💬 We’d Love Your Feedback!

• Instagram: @pancakes_pandemonium
• Email: [email protected]

☕ Support Pancakes & Pandemonium

Help Sarah’s family and the podcast grow:
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Hey friends! This week’s episode is a real heart-to-heart about a parenting moment that had me second-guessing myself-and then feeling super proud. My son wanted to use his IEP (Individualized Education Program) to skip Shakespeare (yep, the Bard himself!), but I said no. And guess what? He ended up absolutely crushing it.

We talk about why sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is to let them face hard things-even when it’s tempting to step in and fix everything. There’s something powerful about watching them grow through struggle, and I’m sharing what I learned from this experience.

We also get into the tricky territory of people-pleasing (hello, fellow recovering people-pleasers!) and why trusting the systems around us-teachers, IEPs, school processes-can actually make life easier and help our kids thrive.

If you’re a parent who’s ever wrestled with when to say yes, when to say no, and how to let go just enough, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The story behind my son’s Shakespeare challenge and why I decided not to opt him out
• Why letting kids struggle is one of the best gifts we can give them (spoiler: it builds resilience and confidence!)
• My personal battle with people-pleasing and how I’m learning to trust the system instead of trying to control everything
• Practical tips for encouraging independence and supporting your kids through tough moments without swooping in to save the day

Why This Matters

Parenting is hard, and sometimes the hardest thing is not doing something. But when we let our kids face challenges, we’re helping them build skills that last a lifetime. This episode is a reminder that growth often comes from discomfort-and that saying “no” can sometimes be the most loving thing we do.

Let’s Chat!

What’s the hardest thing you’ve let your child struggle with? Or maybe you’re in the middle of a tough parenting decision right now? I’d love to hear your stories!

• Drop a comment on my IG @pancakes_pandemonium
• Email me at [email protected]
• Share your story with #ParentingStruggles #ResilientKids #GrowthMindset

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with honest parenting talk, real-life wins, and a little bit of messy in-between!

Support the Podcast

❤️ Support Pancakes & Pandemonium (and Sarah’s family!) as the channel grows:
buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

🌟 Check out Team Awesomism (and donate to their mission!):
teamawesomism.com

📺 Watch more Mom content on YouTube:
Pancakes & Pandemonium

In this exciting episode, we sit down with Rose, the founder of Rose’s Naturals, to talk about her journey in creating clean, sustainable products that people love. Rose shares the story behind her brand, what makes her products stand out, and how her partnership with Team Awesomesim is helping spread the word about healthy, natural living.

Plus, we’re celebrating this episode with a special Rose’s Naturals Giveaway!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Listen for the secret word in this episode.
2. Follow each of our three social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
3. Like the giveaway post on each of those three pages.
4. Comment the secret word (revealed in this episode!) on each giveaway post—one comment per page.

Giveaway closes on: Midnight May 4th
Winner announced: May 5th

Good luck, and thank you for supporting Rose’s Naturals and our show!

Find Rose’s Naturals Online:

• Website: rosesnatural.com
• Instagram: @rosesnaturalproducts

Order at: rosesnatural.com

USE CODE: Awesomism20 for 15% off your order

We’d love your feedback on this episode!

• IG: @pancakes_pandemonium
• Email: [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and podcast grow:
buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomesim and/or donate to their mission:
teamawesomism.com

Join Our app!!:  Teamawesomism.app 

Also check out Sarah's YouTube Channel for more Mom content:
Pancakes & Pandemonium
youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared

Thank you for listening and supporting our community!

Hey friends! It’s just me this week, sharing some family updates, chatting about Blue Origin’s historic all-female space flight, and giving my take on RFK’s latest autism research push. Pour yourself a coffee and let’s catch up!

I’d love your feedback on this episode!
IG: @pancakes_pandemonium
Email: [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and our family as we grow:
buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism and consider supporting their mission:
teamawesomism.com

For more mom life content, visit my YouTube channel:
Pancakes & Pandemonium

In this heartfelt conversation with Caleb Larsen, we dive into his unique perspective and personal journey shaped by family and love. Caleb shares his experiences growing up with an autistic sister and the profound impact it had on his life, teaching him empathy, patience, and understanding. He reflects on the challenges and joys of being a sibling in such a dynamic family environment.

We also discuss Caleb’s journey as a father to a son with Williams Syndrome. He opens up about navigating the ups and downs of parenting a child with special needs, from celebrating small victories to overcoming daily challenges. Caleb’s story is one of resilience, love, and finding beauty in life’s complexities.

This episode is a touching reminder of the power of family bonds and the strength found in embracing life’s challenges with love and compassion.

Find Caleb on Facebook and IG

Instagram @CalebLLarsenI

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.larsen.3volve

I’d love your feedback on this episode!!

IG @pancakes_pandemonium

Email [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and Podcast grow at 

buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism and/or Donate to their mission

https://teamawesomism.com/

Also check out Sarah's Youtube Channel for more Mom content!

Pancakes & Pandemonium

https://youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared

In this episode, we sit down with Sholdon Daniels, a passionate advocate for rural development, the importance of small farms, and making healthy food accessible. Sholdon shares his thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding Jasmine Crockett, his ambitious vision for supporting farmers, improving access to markets, and ensuring communities have access to healthier food options.This conversation is packed with insights, bold ideas, and a clear vision for change. Tune in to hear how Sholdon Daniels is working to transform TX-30 into a model of progress and opportunity.    This conversation is packed with insights, bold ideas, and a clear vision for change!

Find Sholden :

Campaign Website: Daniels For Us

Congressional Record: Sholdon's Record 

Twitter/X Profile: Sholdon Daniels For Congress 

TikTok: @sholdendaniels https://www.tiktok.com/@sholdondaniels

I’d love your feedback on this episode!!

IG @pancakes_pandemonium

Email [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and Podcast grow at 

buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism andstay up to date on the app!!

To purchase tickets for the ICAN Conference 2025, visit the official registration page here: ICAN Conference Registration & Pricing

Also check out Sarah's Youtube Channel for more Mom content!

Pancakes & Pandemonium

https://youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared

#SholdonDaniels #TX30Leadership #VoteSholdonDaniels #CommonSensePolitics #DanielsForUs  #FoodEquity 

#HealthyAmerica #RuralRevival #PoliticalAccountability  

#MakeAmericaHealthyAgain #FeedingCommunities #FixPoliticsFeedAmerica #TX30Strong #LeadershipWithVision 

Hey ya'll! Welcome to our podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have the amazing Rebecca Engle joining us. She's a talented autistic author, educator, and advocate, and we're so excited to dive into her incredible journey.

Rebecca shares her inspiring story of transformation from being non-verbal to becoming a powerful advocate. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion to revolutionize educational systems, and she's here to tell us all about it.

As we chat, Rebecca highlights the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive educational environments. She draws from her own experiences as both a student and teacher, shedding light on the challenges autistic students face and the vital role of self-advocacy. We also explore the challenges autistic individuals encounter in public spaces, and Rebecca shares her vision for sensory-friendly environments that reduce anxiety and promote participation.

Rebecca's story is truly one of resilience and advocacy, inspiring us all to embrace neurodiversity and strive for more inclusive environments. Her work as an educator, author, and advocate is making a real difference in promoting understanding and acceptance. We're so grateful to have her with us today!

Find Rebecca:

Rebecca Engle's Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.Engle.02/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Re02.20

Book: "Step Into My Shoes"

https://amzn.to/4hqOWa2

Rebecca's poetry is featured in several anthologies through the Unseal community, a monthly poetry subscription service. For more information, you might want to explore the Unseal community directly.

For more information go here 

• The Unsealed Website: https://theunsealed.com/

I’d love your feedback on this episode!!

IG @pancakes_pandemonium

Email [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and Podcast grow at 

buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism and/or Donate to their mission

https://teamawesomism.com/

Also check out Sarah's Youtube Channel for more Mom content!

Pancakes & Pandemonium

https://youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared

Hey y'all! We've got something special for you today. We sat down with the amazing Dr. Norrine Russell, and this episode is brimming with insights you won't want to miss!

Dr. Russell is the brilliant mind behind Russell Coaching for Students and hosts her own podcast, "ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety: Breaking Out of the Box." With over 20 years of experience working with kids and parents, she's a true expert in her field.

In this episode, we dive deep into Dr. Russell's coaching practice and her unique approach. We explore why coaching can be a game-changer for parents of kids with ADHD and autism, and Dr. Russell shares some super helpful strategies that parents can start using right away. We also chat about how coaching differs from therapy and why that distinction matters.

We also really dive into the importance of doing your homework when choosing a coach. Dr. Russell emphasizes why it's so crucial to research and vet coaches before working with them. Trust me, this discussion is eye-opening!

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and join us for this incredible conversation with Dr. Norrine Russell. You'll be glad you tuned in!

 FIND DR. RUSSELL 

1. Russell Coaching for Students: Dr. Russell is the founder and director of this coaching practice, which specializes in helping students with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences.
2. Podcast: You can listen to Dr. Russell on her podcast "ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety: Breaking Out of the Box," available on Apple Podcasts.

  3. Email: [email protected]

  4. Dr. Norrine Russell and Russell Coaching for Students can be found on several social media platforms:

Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
Pinterest

You can find direct links to these social media profiles on the Russell Coaching website: russellcoaching.com. The website serves as a central hub for connecting with Dr. Russell and her coaching practice across various platforms.

I’d love your feedback on this episode!!

IG @pancakes_pandemonium

Email [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and Podcast grow at 

buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism and/or Donate to their mission

https://teamawesomism.com/

Also check out Sarah's Youtube Channel for more Mom content!

Pancakes & Pandemonium

https://youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared

#NavigatingNeurodiversity #ADHDParenting #AutismParenting #ParentCoaching #NeurodiverseFamily #ADHDAwareness #AutismAcceptance #ParentingTips #SpecialNeedsParenting #ADHDSupport #AutismSupport #ParentingStrategies #NeurodiversityMatters #InclusiveParenting #ADHDLife #AutismLife #ParentingPodcast #CoachingForParents #NeurodiverseKids #EmpoweringParents #pickyeaters #pickyeating

Hey Ya’ll In this inspiring episode, we sit down with James Gregg, the remarkable founder of Cookie Whaaaat! James, a disabled adult with Tourette's syndrome, shares his journey from special education classrooms to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate.

Discover the sweet origins of Cookie Whaaaat! as James reveals how his experiences shaped his unique business venture. We delve into:

• James's childhood and education in special ed classrooms
• The inspiration behind Cookie Whaaaat! and its mission
• His collaboration with Team Awesomism, including the weekly special cookie
• How James's personal challenges have fueled his passion for supporting autism initiatives

Join us for a heartwarming conversation about overcoming obstacles, finding one's path, and using business as a force for good. James's story is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the positive impact one person can make in their community.

Tune in to discover how James Gregg is truly "baking a difference" one cookie at a time!

Find James:

 Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @cookiewhaaaat
• Facebook: Cookie Whaaaat!
• Twitter: @cookiewhaaaat

We'd love your feedback!

• Instagram: @pancakes_pandemonium
• Email: [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium

Support Sarah's family as the channel and Podcast grow at buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Support Team Awesomism

Check out Team Awesomism and/or donate to their mission at teamawesomism.com

More Mom Content

Check out Sarah's YouTube Channel: Pancakes & Pandemonium

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Essex, a disabled writer who recently joined the team at Red State. Brad shares his unique perspective on navigating the professional world as a disabled adult and his journey into conservative political writing.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The challenges of finding employment as a disabled individual
• Brad's transition into political writing and joining Red State
• Workplace accommodations and the importance of understanding disabilities
• His experiences with discrimination and overcoming barriers in his career
• Brad's advice for other disabled adults seeking to enter the workforce or pursue writing careers

Resources Mentioned:

Brad on X- @BradEssex

Venmo - @brad-essex-3 

Brad Essex DEI Article- https://redstate.com/brad-essex/2025/02/13/the-essex-files-n2185128

Red State- https://redstate.com/

I’d love your feedback on this episode!!

IG @pancakes_pandemonium

Email [email protected]

Support Pancakes & Pandemonium and Sarah’s family as the channel and Podcast grow at 

buymeacoffee.com/the_mindful_mama_podcast

Check out Team Awesomism and/or Donate to their mission

https://teamawesomism.com/

Also check out Sarah's Youtube Channel for more Mom content!

Pancakes & Pandemonium

https://youtube.com/@pancakespandemonium?feature=shared