“When your passion and purpose collide, beautiful things happen” – This next guest covers so much ground today and I’m PUMPED for you to meet her.. On the podcast today is Jamie McCabe. Jamie is the Founder, Publisher and Area Director for Special Needs Living Magazine, a publication dedicated to being a resource of connection and support to those living and supporting someone with “special needs.” Jamie knows the demands of a caregiver as she supports 3 beautiful children, one who is autistic, and today she opens up about her journey and the resources that she has found along the way.

Jamie is an amazing example of how when you want something bad enough, you can find room and space to make it happen.. Jamie desperately wanted to make sure other moms, dads, and caregivers had a space to share and connect resources and stories and Special Needs Living Magazine was born. Get ready to take notes! She is bringing so much goodness!

Resources mentioned:

• https://linktr.ee/community.stories - Here is the link to view past issues, share a story or sign up to get the magazine.
• Jamie can also be reached via email at [email protected]

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

The one where we talk about ‘Back to School’  – Let’s pause from our regular scheduled programming and chat with our host, Jen, about “Everything In-between.” Today, she is going to share vulnerably about the sneaky feelings the start of this school year brought on for her as a "special needs mom" and the way she is choosing to handle it. Whether you identify with that title or not, this is an episode I’m sure all moms will be able to relate to on some level so come, pull up a chair, and let’s get to know each other a little bit better. 

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The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

“The one when the doctor says…Leukemia ” – I’m actually not sure how to introduce this one properly except maybe to share a quick stat.  Studies show that children with Down Syndrome are between 10 to 30 times more likely to develop leukemia than children without. And I, like many other mom’s out there with a child with Down syndrome, find myself thinking about this more often than I care to admit.

Today, I welcome my childhood friend, Meredith Hall to the podcast. Meredith is a wife and mom to 3 beautiful children and one, Hudson, who just happens to have Down syndrome. I watched her from the sidelines as she and her family battled this awful disease with Hudson over 3 years ago. She is here today to share her story, testify some good news, and give all sorts of practical advice to the mom who may be on the start line with this hard news about her own baby. Get ready to be inspired, friend. I can’t wait for you to hear this one!

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.instagram.com/meredithahall/ - The best way to reach Meredith is by direct message here!
• She can also be reached via email at [email protected]

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

“But what about the kid that just needs a little help… ” – This one is a little different to what you’ve come to expect here on the Podcast. Today, we are chatting with my sweet friend Emily Schwalbach about some of her experiences with her “neurotypical kiddos” that have thrown her for a little bit of a loop. You see, friend, what I hope you hear after listening to my chat with Emily is that no matter what side of parenting you find yourself on today, the fears, doubts, questions and advocacy needs are still all there. Listen to her words today and I think you’re going to be surprised to find just how alike we all are in our thinking and struggles despite what side of the parenting couch you sit on. Isn’t that oddly comforting!? I think so too!

Emily is a wife and mom of 3 little boys, founder & CEO of Be Social Consulting© and co-founder of Social Squad Society©. (this woman is a BOSS!) Her businesses are focused on helping women entrepreneurs build sustainable marketing strategies that deliver to the bottom line while still being authentic and true to the things you value most.

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.instagram.com/emily_schwalbach/ - The best way to reach Emily is by direct message here!
• https://www.besocialconsulting.net/links - TONS of free and amazing resources from Emily and her marketing business as well as ways to have her speak or interact at your business. 
• https://socialsquadsociety.com/links - Social Squad Society official info page

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

“When the thing that tried to wreck you, becomes the gas to fuel you ” – Today is special because you get to meet my friend, Heather Gregg. Heather is a shining example of a woman who instead of just SAYING “Someone should do something to help new parents that are getting a new Down syndrome diagnosis,” she DID something! Heather is the founder of non profit TheLuckyMamaProject© where they make care packages for moms who have prenatal diagnosis and for them when the child is born. These packages come with love, resources, and most importantly a symbol of SUPPORT so that each new mom knows she is not alone!

Heather is a wife and mom to two amazing girls, Ivy and Lilah. She is also the founder of 21 Vines Photography where she specializes in capturing beautiful images of families and meets those with special needs with patience and understanding. 

Resources mentioned:

• theluckymamaproject.org- This is the non profit organization referenced in today’s podcast 
• Dsindiana.org - Down Syndrome of Indiana Organization
• 21vinesphotography.com - Heather's Photography is beautiful! You must check it out!
• https://instagram.comtheluckymamaproject - Heathers’ IG where you can send her all the direct messages!

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

“Your baby is profoundly deaf, but wait, there’s more..” – You are not going to be able to stop listening to this episode with my friend, Suz Conley, as she shares for the FIRST TIME on the internet her journey with her son’s dual diagnosis of having severe hearing loss and a rare genetic disorder. Suz shares boldly about her struggles, the advice she has for anyone just learning they have a child who is deaf, and her perspectives on life with a kiddo who just needs a little extra help. It’s all just so good.

When Suz isn’t chasing her two beautiful children around, she is a wife and an established online business coach specializing in helping mom’s successfully launch their entrepreneurial dream businesses. She helps support women with online strategies and business tools to truly succeed while juggling all the demands of life.

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.instagram.com/suz.conley/ - Suzy’s  Instagram and best way to reach out and contact her.

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

The “Silent Diagnosis” of ADHD  – Today we unpack one of the more controversial diagnoses out there from a mom that has not only one, but three sons who are learning to navigate life with this disorder. ADHD can be complicated to navigate when there are so many stereotypes and stigmas thrown around with it. Get ready to learn a few new things from our guest, Nicole Stassinopoulos, who vulnerably shares with us the good, the bad, and the ugly and all the things she has learned in between. If you are a mom or caregiver trying to navigate these unchartered waters,  I’m excited for you to meet Nicole and hear what she has to say. 

When Nicole isn’t raising these three amazing boys, she shares elevated, yet relatable style ideas helping millennials and beyond discover fashion from a capsule wardrobe to tackling new fashion trends. You’ll also find tips on beauty, easy recipes, organization tips, and more. (see below)

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.instagram.com/touch_of_stass/ - Nicole Stassinopoulos Instagram and best way to reach out and contact her.
• https://touchofstass.com/ - Nicole’s personal website where you can find all her resources and things she shares with the world!

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome.. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun!

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbarger.co/
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenbarger/

Email [email protected] with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

“Your baby has Down syndrome.”  – These were words that we never expected to hear as parents, much less the next sentence, “I’m so sorry Mr & Mrs Barger but your baby is going to die.” Buckle up because in this episode, my husband, Dave, and I walk you through our prenatal diagnosis with our beautiful son, Preston. We open up about all the feelings we experienced, both good and bad, and the ways we had to wrestle with our faith in the process. We also share the things we have learned, the advice we have for any new parents just learning about their own new diagnosis, and the ways our son has blessed our lives (and all those that meet him) through it all. 

Resources mentioned:

• DSDN Network - An amazing network that we immediately reached into for support & education.
• GiGi’s Playhouse - Another organization that gave us immediate support.

The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast provides a space for friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way.

Our host, Jen Barger, is a mom to two amazing children, one of which just happens to have Down syndrome. In her families’ own crazy, beautiful journey to learn more about this diagnosis, she found that real valuable advice and encouragement came more from the incredible families and caretakers she met, versus her failed internet searches. And that is what she is going to share with you each episode: Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories. Real Wisdom. So get ready, this is going to be fun

Connect with me: 

• Instagram: @jenbarger.co
• TikTok: @jenbarger
• YouTube

If you’re interested in partnering with The Ultimate Plot Twist Podcast, please email [email protected] with more information. 

Hi and WELCOME to The Ultimate Plot Twist podcast! Here you will find a welcoming space for families and friends to share their stories of when life handed them the unexpected and the blessings that came from them. We will hear the things they have learned, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they wish they had known sooner to help them along the way. 

Life is HARD and can feel crazy LONELY. I'm hoping that by sharing this time together you leave with a bit more knowledge and a peace knowing you are not alone in your journey! I can't wait to see who all we get to meet in this time together!