The Special Needs Mom Podcast

By: Kara Ryska
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Think of this podcast as your very own special needs mom support group--except it's helpful and fun! You will leave with the hope that you can have a super happy life even when your life includes parenting a medically complex child or a child with something like autism and ADHD.You likely didn't ask to be the parent of a disabled child or to live portions of your life in the hospital NICU or PICU. Your story is unique; it’s hard to find a place where you belong or where you don't feel so isolated and alone. Your child might have a rare disease, be undiagnosed or experience something that almost everybody has heard of like Downs syndrome yet the weird thing is that whether your child has an intellectual disability or physical disability, the experience as a mother is so similar. So regardless of your child’s disability, we can all find a home in this community.You find yourself managing everybody else's needs; your child, their siblings, and all the guilt that you have about that. All this has you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dizzy---not knowing who to turn to or what to do next for help. This podcast is your lifeline, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration as we connect to other moms’ journeys. We’ll get practical and look at what it takes to stop feeling so stuck in your life.You know this podcast is for you if you find yourself googling:Overwhelmed special needs mom helpHow to do self care as a special needs mom?Dealing with anger as a special needs momHow to manage special needs mom burnout and stress?How do I deal with mom's guilt?Help for myself as a special needs momHow do I cope with a disabled child?How do I manage the grief of my medically complex child?How to keep from drowning as a caregiverSupport group for special needs mom or community for caregiversI'm tired of taking care of my special needs childFinding balance between my child’s needs and my own mamas needsRespite and rest for special needs moms
    © 2024 The Special Needs Mom Podcast
    Show more Show less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • Together is the Only Way (A Community Huddle Episode)

    Together is the Only Way (A Community Huddle Episode)
    Nov 20 2024

    Send us a text

    In this week’s community huddle, we dive into a heartfelt follow-up on loneliness and grief—topics we’ve explored in recent episodes. Picture this: a cozy space to connect with moms who truly get it. We talk about whispers of grief in everyday moments, how resilience sometimes feels like a mask, and finding strength in vulnerability.

    I’m joined by Shantay, Alyssa, and Annika, three incredible moms who open up about their unique parenting journeys, the unexpected emotions they’ve faced, and the power of shared community. We also touch on creating safe spaces, both physically and emotionally, and the profound impact of feeling truly seen and understood.

    Whether you’re listening on your way to an appointment or with a warm cup of coffee, this episode invites you to reflect, connect, and feel supported in your journey.

    Let’s keep the conversation going! Got thoughts on this episode? I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me a text!


    Episode Resources:

    • The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
    • A Special Needs Mom’s Gratitude Journal by Amanda Owen


    Guest Details:

    • Shantay Hindia: Mom to an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old autistic son.
    • Alyssa Meyerhofer: Mom of three, including Gabby, who has Trisomy 9p.
    • Annika Atkins: Mom of 10-year-old Ella, diagnosed with Infantile Pompe Disease.


    Give yourself the gift of COZY:
    https://cozyearth.com/
    Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST

    Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
    Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

    Join the Community:
    Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Apply Here or Contact Me
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Reclaiming Time: Mindful Digital Consumption for Anxious Moms with Jennie Ketchum Crooks

    Reclaiming Time: Mindful Digital Consumption for Anxious Moms with Jennie Ketchum Crooks
    Nov 13 2024

    Send us a text

    Today’s conversation is one that I know many of us can relate to – balancing anxiety and our relationship with digital media. I’m thrilled to have Jennie Ketcham Crooks join us! Jennie is a clinical social worker, anxiety and OCD specialist, and founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic. Jennie has also been involved in research at the University of Washington, guest lectured at Harvard University, and appeared on popular television shows including Headline News, The View, and Oprah. She’s here to unpack some powerful insights on navigating anxiety, managing our “shiny rectangle” (a.k.a. our phones), and making space for true connection.

    We dive deep into what makes anxiety tick, especially for special needs moms, and how our smartphones can be both a blessing and a trap. Jennie shares practical tips from her 30-day program in her book Look Up, which helps us rethink our digital consumption and build healthier relationships with technology. We also share a few laughs about managing “Brenda,” the little voice in our heads that always seems to have something to say!

    Connect with Jennie:

    • West Coast Anxiety Clinic
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Look Up: A 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism


    Episode Resources:

    • Self-compassion resources at selfcompassion.org
    • Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout by Kristen Neff
    • Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Steve Hayes'


    Give yourself the gift of COZY:
    https://cozyearth.com/
    Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST

    Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
    Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

    Join the Community:
    Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Apply Here or Contact Me
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Trojan Horse of Happiness

    The Trojan Horse of Happiness
    Nov 6 2024

    Send us a text

    This episode continues our exploration of the often avoided topic: grief. I share a story about one of my special needs mom clients, “Diana,” who, through our work together, found acceptance and even a path to peace despite facing deep sadness and loss. This is her third conversation with me on the podcast and I am grateful she is back for again.

    We often think grief looks like constant sadness or that it follows neat “stages,” but it’s much messier—and that’s okay. Grief doesn’t have to mean losing joy; in fact, it can create more room for it. I explore how embracing grief can actually open us up to feel fully alive. If you’re looking for a supportive space to explore these topics, I’ve built a community just for that.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Diana’s Episodes:
      • Ep 163: "Regaining Control and Finding Tranquility"
      • Ep 165: "Impossible Levels of Support and Acceptance..."
    • Books:
      • The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
      • As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.K. Park
    • Related Episodes:
      • Ep 220: "Let's Talk About Loneliness"
      • Ep 221: "Antidote to Loneliness"


    Give yourself the gift of COZY:
    https://cozyearth.com/
    Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST

    Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
    Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

    Join the Community:
    Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Apply Here or Contact Me
    Show more Show less
    42 mins

What listeners say about The Special Needs Mom Podcast

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

Phenomenal!!!

I loved listening to your first episode! I loved it so much that I listened twice and took many notes to help remind myself daily that I am MORE than just a mama of 2 special needs children. I would absolutely love to chat more with you one on one. The thing that stuck with me most from your first episode was

”Separate the concept of what you are responsible for...

I am responsible for teaching her, and I won't ever stop!

Just like the warrior mom that I am, I am going to find everything that is helpful for her and I'm going to love her fiercely and teach her..

But, I am not responsible for her learning.

It's letting go of the control. We cannot control them, nor would we really want to, right?

For me, it allows me to show up as fully and authentically as who I am, and to love them without attachments to them having to do something a certain way, or to meet my standard.

It allows me to continue to believe in her. Even though she has still not yet learned certain things, I believe it's possible for her, and so I get to show up relating to her as her highest and best and I also don't have to get mad when she doesn't act like I want her to. I have to realize she just hasn't learned that yet.

Thank you so much!

Gloria Hartle

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!