The Better Together Podcast

By Better Together Supports

Welcome to the Better Together Supports Podcast, where we share inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and the remarkable impact of our community-focused support services. At Better Together Supports,... more

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FAQs about The Better Together Podcast:

How many episodes does The Better Together Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

The Better Together Podcast episodes:

February 27, 2025The Unexpected Gifts of Autism Parenting
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Belinda Hanson about:
Her experience with Oregon Adaptive Sports and the impact on her son.
The journey of raising a son with autism and finding community support.
How her perspective has evolved from the challenging early years.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:02:05 - Oregon Adaptive Sports program origins
00:09:12 - Daily life and activities with her son
00:11:14 - Early parenting journey with autism
00:17:04 - Finding a different approach to parenting
00:20:34 - Unexpected joys of parenthood
00:28:19 - Breaking down autism myths
00:32:36 - How children reveal others' character
...more
40min
February 20, 2025Making Meaningful Connections as a Support Professional
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with David Neely about:
His journey starting as an instructional assistant in a life skills classroom.
Building a special bond with his first student in the IDD community.
How that relationship changed his perspective and career path.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:05:05 - David's first experience as an IA
00:13:31 - How the experience changed him
00:17:40 - Finding common ground with clients
00:21:24 - Advice for aspiring DSPs
00:22:31 - Breaking down myths about DSP work
...more
26min
February 13, 2025Understanding Autism Through a Mother's Journey with Claudia Lynne
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Claudia Lynne about:
Her journey raising four children, including two sons on the autism spectrum.
Getting early diagnoses and finding support systems.
Navigating challenges with screen time and sensory input.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Claudia Lynne
00:02:32 - Early signs and diagnosis journey
00:09:31 - Myths about autism spectrum
00:13:14 - Managing screen time challenges
00:15:15 - Advice for new special needs parents
00:21:03 - Memorable family moments
00:29:27 - Brothers' relationship dynamics
00:30:42 - School experiences and progress
...more
34min
February 06, 2025Hosting Inclusive Youth Events with Young Life Capernaum
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mallea Rofelty about:
Updates on Salem's Capernaum program and community building.
Details about the upcoming Capernaum Prom in May.
Success stories from recent events and activities.
And much more!

You can email Mallea directly at: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Timestamps:
00:00:50 - Capernaum program updates
00:03:15 - Community building across Oregon
00:04:56 - Connecting participants through activities
00:09:05 - Last year's Capernaum Prom highlights
00:14:14 - Planning this year's prom event
00:17:11 - Impact on parents and caregivers
00:20:28 - Changes for 2025 Capernaum Prom
00:22:06 - How to get involved
...more
23min
January 30, 2025Breaking Barriers in the Workplace with Lisa Thomas
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Lisa "LT" Thomas about:
Living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and maintaining independence.
Advocating for changes to disability assistance programs.
Balancing full-time work with needed daily support.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Lisa "LT" Thomas
00:05:41 - Understanding Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
00:10:18 - Career journey and independence
00:15:01 - Challenges with disability assistance programs
00:21:58 - Current support system challenges
00:25:24 - Maintaining positivity despite obstacles
00:31:35 - Breaking misconceptions about disabilities
00:34:08 - Call to action for program changes
...more
35min
January 25, 2025Navigating Down Syndrome with the Hildebrandt Family
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Josh and Mary Hildebrandt about:
Their journey raising three boys, including their youngest son Jordan who has Down syndrome.
Breaking down myths and misconceptions about Down syndrome.
The special bond within the Down syndrome community.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Hildebrandt family
00:02:03 - Jordan's current phase and personality
00:04:55 - Relationship with siblings
00:10:08 - Myths about Down syndrome
00:17:33 - Special bond in Down syndrome community
00:22:31 - Health challenges and experiences
00:25:40 - Advice for other families
...more
29min
January 16, 2025The Jolly Family Story of Love and Resilience
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Kaylee Jolly about:
Understanding unbalanced translocation and Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
Her journey as a mother of two children with rare genetic conditions.
Finding accessible places and activities for the family.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Kaylee Jolly
02:17 - Early motherhood experiences
04:29 - Explaining unbalanced translocation
06:57 - Raising Emmett
11:28 - Lizzie's journey
14:38 - Understanding feeding therapy
17:07 - Celebrating progress and inch stones
23:32 - Finding support and resources
...more
26min
January 09, 2025Creating Content That Breaks Barriers with Jackson Campbell
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and David Neely speak with Jackson Campbell about:
His successful YouTube channel and content creation journey.
Growing up with disabilities and overcoming challenges.
The importance of treating everyone as people first.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:46 - YouTube channel origins
00:07:33 - Camp experiences
00:17:13 - Growing up
00:21:05 - Support from teachers and family
00:37:14 - YouTube channel goals
...more
41min
December 19, 2024Building Inclusive Spaces Through Personal Purpose
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Katy Adams about:
The Chris and Jill How You Doing Foundation, named in memory of her brother and mother.
Her new role as developmental disabilities coordinator at the Salem YMCA.
Creating purpose from tragedy through community service.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:01:17 - Foundation name origin story
00:09:09 - YMCA connection and background
00:11:34 - Foundation's community impact plans
00:13:18 - YMCA's inclusive environment
...more
16min
December 12, 2024Understanding The Nonverbal Autism Experience
Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Karla and George about:
How businesses and communities can better support families with autism.
Navigating family dynamics and cultural perspectives on autism.
Their journey as parents of a 4-year-old son with level 3 autism.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:01:14 - Introduction to Christian and autism
00:03:55 - Early signs and family acceptance
00:08:33 - Navigating public spaces
00:11:25 - How communities can provide support
00:15:41 - Starting a food business
00:22:46 - Supporting autism awareness globally
...more
27min

FAQs about The Better Together Podcast:

How many episodes does The Better Together Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.