I’m Leah— mindset coach, proud wife of a Green Beret, and mom of 7 living on an 80 acre pumpkin farm in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. Whether you’re a parent navigating life’s challenges, someone striving for personal growth, or just looking for a spark of inspiration, you’re in the right place. This is THE podcast that celebrates the beautiful chaos of motherhood, the pursuit of purpose, and the belief that everything is always working out for us. LEAVE ME A QUESTION here! And I"ll answer ...
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People are good. You might not think that if you listen to traditional news, but that's a lie. Everyday heroes and saints live among us and my goal is to introduce them to you.We are inspired by the words of Mother Teresa, "Do something beautiful for God. Do it with your life. Do it every day. Do it in your own way. But do it!” Leah Darrow, former model and contestant on America's Next Top Model, draws on her experience in the beauty industry to expose the lies we are told about our worth be ...
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You want the best possible quality of life for your child regardless of diagnosis or prognosis. Raising a child with medical complexities is often lonely, scary and overwhelming. Join two parents of amazing children with rare medical complexities, Emily K. Whiting and Ashlyn Thompson, to get help and grow with them into empowered advocates for our kids. Here you’ll find a community of support, encouragement, education and resources, equipping you to navigate your child’s medical complexities ...
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The Silver Lining for Siblings: How Siblings of Medically Complex Kids Grow in Strength & Compassion
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35:19Send us a text, we want to hear from you! As parents of children with complex medical needs, our hearts often ache with worry about our other children. Are they getting enough attention? Will they feel less important? Do they resent their sibling's conditions? These questions haunt us during late-night hospital stays and therapy appointments. What …
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What Matters Most: A Medically Complex Adult Reflects on Childhood & Parental Love
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48:19Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Every parent of a medically complex child wonders: Will my child grow up knowing how deeply they are loved? Will they appreciate how hard I fought for them? In this episode, we bring you a powerful answer straight from someone who’s been there. Annelise Frazier, born with a rare and complex medical conditio…
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ICU/NICU Survival: Mindset Tools from Coach & Medical Mom Leah Darrow
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39:23Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Leah Darrow, renowned public speaker and mindset coach, joins Emily Whiting on the Empowered by Hope podcast to share her inspiring journey from faith-based public speaking to impactful mindset coaching. As mothers with children facing complex medical challenges, Leah and I connect deeply over our shared ex…
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Feeding Matters: Jaclyn Pederson's Journey to Recognition and Support for Pediatric Feeding Disorders
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32:44Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Join us for an exploration of pediatric feeding challenges as we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, the dynamic CEO of Feeding Matters. Through Jaclyn's personal journey and professional insights, we uncover the critical, yet often sidelined, issue of pediatric feeding disorders. In a world where validation for…
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009 Ask Me Anything: Mindset Shifts, Mompreneur Chaos & Do I Ever Lose It?
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40:13Send us a text Ever wonder if I actually lose it sometimes? (Spoiler: I do.) In this episode, I’m answering YOUR questions—everything from mindset shifts that actually work, to small biz hacks, to the real, unfiltered truth about balancing it all. No boring Q&A here—just a fun, honest hangout where we tackle life, business, and a little bit of chao…
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Creating Compassionate and Accessible Healthcare Systems with Melissa Paige
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35:34Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Step into the empowering world of healthcare advocacy with us as we welcome the inspiring Melissa Paige, Co-CEO of the Healthcare Advocate Summit. A recognized expert in patient access programs and navigation, Melissa combines her extensive medical knowledge, diverse pharmaceutical expertise, and leadership…
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008 Transform Your Life: The Power of Language & Thought Management
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19:24Send us a text Transform Your Life: The Power of Language & Thought Management In this episode of the Leah Darrow Podcast, mindset coach Leah Darrow delves into the profound impact of language on our thoughts and lives. Highlighting the staggering statistic that we have around 60,000 thoughts a day, with 80% being negative, Leah stresses the import…
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007 Goals Are Great, but Have You Tried Marinating?
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16:18Send us a text Leah goes over the danger of vision boards (and they're good parts too) and why you MUST do these 2 things with your goals. Did you know that you can send Leah questions she'll answer on her podcast? YEP! Send her your questions here: https://www.speakpipe.com/leahdarrowp... Tip: keep it brief ;) Be Part of the Adventure!…
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Embracing the Unexpected: Transforming Birth Trauma into Parental Empowerment with Carleigh Joseph-Olivas
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1:20:09Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Today's guest is Carleigh Joseph-Olivas, a licensed perinatal social worker, full spectrum doula, maternal mental health therapist, and parenting coach. Her passion for supporting women and families through the profound transformations of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period makes her the perfec…
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006 Stop Playing the Victim: Mindset Tools to Reclaim Your Power
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12:22Send us a text Ever feel like life keeps throwing you curveballs while you’re stuck holding a broken bat? Let’s talk about victim mentality—how to spot it, why it’s not doing you any favors, and (most importantly) how to kick it to the curb. Plus, I’ll show you why a strong mindset is like that one gift you didn’t know you needed but can’t live wit…
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005 My Battle, Sly’s Fight: The Year That Changed Everything
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32:10Send us a text LEAVE ME A QUESTION here! And I"ll answer it on my podcast! I'll do my best to answer all your questions! https://www.speakpipe.com/LeahDarrowPodcast Be Part of the Adventure!By Leah Darrow
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A Tail of Joy: Transforming Shelter Dogs into Life Saving Heroes with Medical Mutts
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18:36Send us a text, we want to hear from you! What if a simple bark could bring a little holiday miracle into your life—alerting you to an impending health crisis faster than any device? In this special holiday episode of Empowered by Hope, we’re spreading the spirit of giving and hope as we explore the incredible work of Medical Mutts Service Dogs wit…
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Empowering Parents: Celebrating the Launch of the Parent Empowerment Network & Building a Supportive Community Together
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11:51Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the journey behind the rebranding of our organization to the Parent Empowerment Network, where our mission to uplift caregivers of children with complex medical needs remains steadfast. In this episode, we reveal the thoughtful process of selecting a new name that truly reflects our dedication to s…
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Battling Caregiver Burnout: Finding Calm and Support in the Caregiving Storm
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30:33Send us a text, we want to hear from you! The ceaseless demands of caregiving could be captured in the powerful metaphor of "death by a thousand paper cuts." Join us as we open up about the raw emotions and daily challenges faced during National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month. Ashlyn and Emily share their deeply personal stories, revealing the…
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From Isolation to Empowerment: Jamie Olson's Journey in Building a Special Needs Community Through Uniquely You Magazine
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35:19Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Jamie Olson, publisher of "Uniquely You Magazine," joins us to share her transformative journey from isolation to empowerment. Her story begins with her raising her 12-year-old son with autism, epilepsy, and nonverbal communication, and her relentless quest to find community and resources. Dive into how her…
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Considerations Before Launching a Nonprofit with Gabie Benson from Sprout Fundraising
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31:26Send us a text, we want to hear from you! We're thrilled to spotlight Gabie Benson, owner and founder of Sprout Fundraising, our insightful fundraising and leadership coach, who has been pivotal in elevating our nonprofit endeavors with her expert guidance and empathetic approach. Have you considered starting a nonprofit in honor of your journey wi…
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Your Child's Diagnosis: Why It's Not Your Fault and How to Move Forward
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41:33Send us a text, we want to hear from you! "What did I do wrong?" "How did I cause this?" "Is this my fault?" Some form of this question is the first thing to cross the mind of almost every single parent at what we refer to as "the moment of impact" - the moment a parent learns their child is not ok and requires medical intervention. Take a trip bac…
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Transforming Fear into Courage: Empowering Children Through Medical Procedures
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35:26Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Finding it hard to imagine your child transforming their fear of medical appointments into proud moments of bravery? This episode of Empowered by Hope illuminates that journey through the inspiring story of Charlotte, Emily’s daughter, who recently earned a bravery award for her courage. Navigating the comp…
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Facing a Rare Diagnosis: Finding Hope & Community
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23:08Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Receiving a life-altering diagnosis for your child reshapes everything. In this episode, Emily shares the emotional journey of discovering Charlotte’s rare condition—Hardikar Syndrome, a diagnosis with only nine documented cases worldwide at the time. We reflect on those heart-wrenching days and how hope an…
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Bringing Hope Home: A Mother's Journey to Secure Life-Changing Surgery for Her Child & Bring It to America for More Families
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28:13Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine discovering that the best medical treatment for your child's rare condition is halfway across the globe. Join us, Ashlyn and Emily, as we recount the incredible journey of Ashlyn's daughter, Emery, who was born with bladder exstrophy. Ashlyn's advocacy journey for Emery led them to a life-changing p…
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Empowering Parents: Navigating School Preparation for Children with Complex Medical Needs
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22:05Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine facing the overwhelming task of preparing your child with complex medical needs for school. Emily knows this journey all too well with her daughter Charlotte, and in this heartfelt episode of Empowered by Hope, she shares her invaluable experiences. From dealing with feeding tubes and medications to…
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Courageous Parenting: Advocating for Your Child's Health and Wellbeing while Managing Your Fears
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20:20Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine the fear gripping you as you hear your child’s complex medical diagnosis for the first time. It’s a fear Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting deeply understand and tackle head-on in this episode of Empowered by Hope. Join us as we explore ways to transform that paralyzing fear into a wellspring of cour…
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Practical Strategies for Balancing Chaos: Prioritizing Tasks and Finding Sanity in Special Needs Parenthood
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28:08Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine creating an eight-page care document for your in-laws just to ensure your child's complex medical needs are met. That's the reality many parents face, and it's exactly the kind of challenge we're tackling in this episode of Empowered by Hope. Emily, our go-to for all things organization, shares her …
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Mindful Parenting: Navigating Complex Medical Needs and Finding Joy in the Moment
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25:15Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of living in the moment as we navigate the intricate world of parenting children with complex medical needs. You'll hear Ashlyn's heartfelt account of her daughter Emery's remarkable journey through a tough post-surgery recovery in England. Emery's amazing ability to bounce…
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Understanding Trauma in Pediatric Care: Insights from Sarah Curry on Fostering Resilience and Compassion
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39:48Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of understanding trauma with the expertly insightful Sarah Curry, communication manager for Cincinnati's Ronald McDonald House and a certified trauma and resilience specialist. Sarah guides us through the complexities of trauma, particularly as it relates to caregiving for …
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Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges Surgeons Don't Understand: Empowering Parents with Pracitcal Strategies
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20:40Send us a text, we want to hear from you! How do you navigate the daily challenges of your child's post-surgery recovery when the experts can only provide clinical advice? Join us on Empowered by Hope as Emily and Ashlyn share their heartfelt journeys, illustrating the real-world struggles and triumphs of managing a child's medical condition, side …
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Introducing a New Era of Empowered by Hope: Bite-Sized Episodes for Caregivers on the Go
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10:09Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Ever wish you had a quick, powerful resource to tackle your biggest pediatric caregiving challenges? We promise to make every minute count as we unveil our refreshed, streamlined podcast format designed just for you! Join Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting as they return to Empowered by Hope, eager to share …
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Stirring Souls and Supporting Families at the Upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala
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14:58Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Embark on a journey of hope and celebration with us, as Emily Whiting and Ashlyn Thompson unveil the grandeur of the upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala. This episode of Empowered by Hope is about painting the town with the vibrancy of giving, where every dance step taken and every bid placed at the auction i…
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004 Unleashing the Power of Embracing Messy Beginnings
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7:43Send us a text Power Made Perfect - a Christian approach to Personal Development is now open! Motivated Mompreneur: from Clarity to Cashflow! A business coaching program for mompreneurs now has a waitlist - get on it now so you don't miss out! Leah discusses the parallels between the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. She encourages emb…
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Gain the Confidence to Secure the Financial Support Your Child with Special Needs Deserves with Advocacy Abby
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40:33Send us a text, we want to hear from you! "Feeling lost in the maze of funding options for your child's needs? My proven system can help. I'll guide you through a clear, step-by-step process to identify grants and foundations that match your child's needs. Stop wasting time on dead-end searches. Gain the confidence to secure the financial support y…
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003 The Most Powerful Tool for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
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9:41Send us a text Power Made Perfect - a Christian approach to Personal Development is now open! Motivated Mompreneur: from Clarity to Cashflow! A business coaching program for mompreneurs now has a waitlist - get on it now so you don't miss out! You have to avoid muddy puddles! These limiting beliefs can hinder your mindset and personal growth. Leah …
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Embracing Life's Detours: A Mother's Journey of Hope and Kindness in Raising a Child with Special Needs
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55:24Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine being 21 years old, newly married, in the middle of dental school and excited to start a family, then finding yourself in the NICU with your newborn for four months, completely unexpected. When life presented Leah Crum with the surprise of raising a daughter with extremely rare medical needs, she em…
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002 Understanding Your Lore: The Key to Authentic Living
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16:31Send us a text Leah explores the concept of "your lore," reflecting on how personal experiences shape our worldview. She shares her journey from public speaking to business coaching and personal development, emphasizing the importance of transparency and vulnerability. Leah discusses the role of faith in her life, the balance of entrepreneurship an…
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Transformative Travels, the Recipe for Joy and More with Creator of Accessible Adventures Kristy Cook
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1:16:11Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Kristy Cook, the heart behind Accessible Adventures, dedicated wife and mother of four, joins us to share her family's story, illuminating the joy and beauty found in life's unexpected paths. Embracing each day with a philosophy of "I'm glad I tried it" over "I wish I had," Kristy's narrative is a beacon of…
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001 Don't Let the Dream Police Ruin Your Journey!
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7:39Send us a text In this debut episode Leah Darrow talks about the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. She reveals the truth behind "dream police," those who get in the way of your dreams. Leah encourages her listeners to protect their dreams, find a supportive community, and trust that God has given them a multidimensional mission! Time…
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Bella Brave - Mom & Daughter Duo Spreading Hope & Joy Along their Medical Journey
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1:17:10Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Today's episode is a heartwarming and powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, as we're joined by Kyla Thomson, mother to Bella of TikTok fame from the account Bella Brave. Kyla's moving narrative takes us from the deepest worries a parent can face to a horizon of hope, as she recounts the tr…
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From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Tale of Transforming Pain into Purpose
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55:36Send us a text, we want to hear from you! When Sarah Kalis walked into the room with her son, Crew, I saw more than just a mother and her child; I saw a beacon of hope personified. Sarah, a former special education teacher turned medical mama, joins us to share the profound lessons and stories from her life with Crew, who has cerebral palsy. Her ca…
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Empowering Resilient Children: Harnessing Snyder's Hope Theory for Goal-Setting in Pediatric Care
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48:57Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of Snyder's Hope Theory as it intertwines with the aspirations and resilience of children facing medical challenges. Ashlyn Thompson, joined by the compassionate child life specialist Kimberly Flood, unravels how setting realistic goals can fortify a young one's emotional l…
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Part 2: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs
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38:34Send us a text, we want to hear from you! In Part 2, Emily & Ashlyn examine the intricacies of Snyder's Hope Theory, revealing how it can ignite creativity and lead to innovative treatment options. We delve into the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions and building a robust support network, sharing stories that highlight the transformati…
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Part 1: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs
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47:21Send us a text, we want to hear from you! In Part 1, Snyder's Hope Theory takes the spotlight, unveiling its profound impact on navigating life's hurdles, especially when it comes to parenting children facing medical challenges. As we dissect the elements of hope—goals, pathways, and agency—we translate them into tangible strategies for fostering r…
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Finding Hope Amidst Holiday Blues and Looking Ahead to 2024 with Renewed Perspective
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48:52Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting a child with medical challenges can feel like sailing in uncharted waters. But imagine finding a constellation of hope that guides you through the darkest nights. That's the essence of our latest conversation, where we share intimate experiences of hospital …
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Bridge to Bravery - Learn how a Child Life Specialist can Empower Both You & Your Child
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1:02:30Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Bridging the gap between children's fear and understanding of medical procedures is no small task. That's where our guest, Kim Flood, a child life specialist from Columbus, Ohio, steps in. Kim has been an invaluable beacon of hope in Emily's journey, helping Charlotte find confidence and coping skills that …
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A Mother's Inspirational Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Love
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57:37Send us a text, we want to hear from you! This is a rerun of an episode from earlier this summer. Ashlyn & Emily will be back next week with a new episode. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, we are grateful for everyone of you! Imagine the shock of hearing a cancer diagnosis for your small child, an innocent soul you would die to protect, only to real…
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A Maternal Fetal Care Coordinator's Guide to Advocating while Pregnant
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53:24Send us a text, we want to hear from you! This is a rerun of a past episode that Ashlyn & Emily want more people to listen to because it is loaded with invaluable knowledge and support for parents expecting a child with medical needs. We will be back with new episodes after Thanksgiving! Navigating the complexities of parenthood is a challenge in i…
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You Are More Capable to be a Parent Advocate Than You Think and You Don't Have to Do It Alone
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1:06:40Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you ever wondered how it feels to care for a child with complex medical needs? We've got the insider scoop for you, direct from the heart of a parent in the thick of it, battling insurance bureaucracy, juggling career advancements, and dealing with unexpected family health scares that life seems to thr…
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Unpacking and Healing from the Impact of Trauma
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49:20Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you ever thought about how trauma could be impacting your journey as a parent or caregiver? Be prepared to journey with me, Ashlyn, and my own therapist, Chelsea Cassel, as we break down this intricate subject. We aim to arm you with the basic knowledge necessary to recognize & understand trauma, its e…
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Navigating the Waters of Acceptance in Special Needs Parenting
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56:40Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Welcome to our intimate chat about the tumultuous yet enlightening journey to acceptance when parenting special needs children. We, Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting, invite you to join us as we navigate the ebbs and flows of acceptance, a state that we revisit on a regular basis, supercharged with hard-ear…
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Why It's Important to Question Our Children's Doctors
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48:37Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Do you ever find yourself wanting to ask your child's doctor(s) more questions, but find yourself holding back? Today is all about arming you with strategies to take control of medical decisions for your child. We share how we confidently question our daughters' medical providers and expand on the importanc…
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Navigating a Month in the Life of Raising a Medically Complex Child
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39:56Send us a text, we want to hear from you! There is so much joy to be had in the midst of the chaos. That is the key takeaway as Emily K. Whiting shares a month in the life of pediatric complex care for her daughter Charlotte. As Emily recounts the last month's wild journey of outpatient appointments, ER visits, infections, unidentified excruciating…
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The First Step is “Beelieving” – An introduction to Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)
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46:17Send us a text, we want to hear from you! On today’s episode, Ashlyn takes the reins while Emily navigates 12 big appointments for Charlotte crammed into 4 days. While Emily is greatly missed, this episode was so much fun to record with our 3 guests, DMI Experts & owners of Beelievability: Allie Watkins, OD OTR and Maggie Pisano, PT, DPT, along wit…
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