Advertise on podcast: Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #252, with Dr. Melisa Moore, a sleep psychologist who specializes in supporting neurodivergent children and teens. These expert episodes bring conversations with professionals whose work supports caregiving parents and families navigating complex needs. In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell talk with Dr. Moore about the unique sleep challenges many neurodivergent children experience. Dr. Moore explains that neurodiverse brains can process sleep differently, and many sleep struggles are rooted in biology, development, and environmental factors—not parenting mistakes. Dr. Moore shares practical, science-backed strategies to help families improve sleep routines while also encouraging parents to balance ideal recommendations with the realities of daily life. The conversation explores how to recognize when sleep issues may require professional support, how to create sleep environments that support regulation, and how mindset shifts can reduce anxiety around sleep for both parents and children. Jessica and Susanna also discuss the important role sleep plays in emotional regulation, mental health, and overall well-being for neurodivergent youth. Dr. Moore offers compassionate encouragement for caregivers navigating sleep struggles and reminds parents that progress often comes from small, sustainable changes rather than perfect routines. This episode is filled with practical insights and reassurance for families seeking better rest and healthier sleep habits for their children. Find more about Dr. Melisa Moore here.  Find Dr. Melisa Moore’s book, The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together her Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #251, featuring Jennifer Iannuzzi, who joins us for a candid and compassionate conversation about supporting children with behavioral struggles, particularly aggression. These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell explore the emotional toll that aggressive and dysregulated behaviors can take on caregivers and families. Jennifer speaks openly about the isolation and stigma many parents experience when their child’s behaviors include self-injury or outward aggression. Together, they discuss how guilt and shame often compound the stress caregivers already carry—and why open conversations are essential in reducing stigma and normalizing these very real struggles. The conversation also highlights the importance of building intentional support systems, creating safety plans for caregivers, and recognizing parents as valuable partners in their child’s care. They address the difficult and often misunderstood decisions around residential programs, reframing them not as failures but as thoughtful, loving choices made in pursuit of safety and independence for the child. This episode validates the weight many caregivers carry while offering connection, perspective, and hope. You are not alone in navigating these challenges—and your efforts matter. Find more information about Jennifer Iannuzzi here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #250, featuring Dr. Jenn Rapkin, who joins us for a powerful and clarifying conversation about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with Dr. Rapkin to unpack the many misconceptions surrounding OCD and to offer deeper understanding for families navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. Dr. Rapkin shares her perspective not only as a clinician, but also as someone who has personally experienced OCD and as a parent of a child with the condition. Together, they explore how OCD is often misunderstood and trivialized as simply being “neat” or “organized,” when in reality it can significantly disrupt daily life through intrusive thoughts and compulsions—including mental compulsions that may go unnoticed by others. The conversation covers how OCD presents in children, the impact of trauma, and why early recognition and proper diagnosis are so important. Dr. Rapkin explains why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard treatment and what it truly means to sit with discomfort rather than allowing OCD to dictate behavior. She also emphasizes that managing OCD is often a lifelong journey—one that requires compassion, support, and informed care. This episode replaces stigma with understanding and offers practical, hopeful insight for families seeking clarity around OCD. Find more information about Dr. Jenn Rapkin here. Find Jenn’s book, The Feeling Muscle here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL ep Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode, #249, where you, the listener, get to write in and ask us anything. In this episode, we’re responding to the question: “Hi there, I guess I am looking for more info on siblings in a special needs family. Can you shed light or talk about how they battle their own resentment, depression, anxiety or PTSD? THX.” In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Dr. Zoe Shaw, and Susanna Peace Lovell come together to explore a deeply important and often under-discussed topic in caregiving families: the sibling experience. The hosts unpack the complex emotional and psychological dynamics that can arise when one child in the family has additional needs. They discuss how siblings may experience a wide range of emotions—including love, pride, resentment, protectiveness, anxiety, and even feelings of invisibility—and why it’s so important to create space for all of those feelings without judgment. Jessica, Zoe, and Susanna also explore the different roles siblings can take on within the family system, and how these roles can shape identity, relationships, and mental health over time. They speak directly to the question of resentment, depression, and anxiety, emphasizing that these responses are valid and deserve attention, support, and care. The conversation offers practical strategies for parents, including the importance of validating siblings’ experiences, being mindful of how praise is given, and creating intentional one-on-one time and support systems. The hosts also highlight the value of therapy and open communication in helping families navigate these dynamics with compassion and honesty. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that sibling relationships are deeply meaningful—and that supporting siblings is an essential part of caring for the whole family. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.  Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #248, featuring Kirk Martin, a parenting educator known for his honest, practical insights on raising strong-willed children and leading with calm. These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Susanna Peace Lovell and Jessica Patay talk with Kirk about the evolving landscape of parenting—and why the most powerful shift we can make is moving from controlling our children to regulating ourselves. Together, they explore how parental anxiety often fuels controlling behaviors, why strong-willed children require a different approach than compliant ones, and how calm leadership creates safety and connection. Kirk emphasizes the importance of normalizing children’s emotions rather than correcting them, validating their experiences, and modeling emotional intelligence in everyday moments. The conversation also highlights the crucial role fathers play in breaking generational patterns and fostering secure, healthy relationships with their children. This episode is filled with practical strategies and honest reflection, reminding us that parenting is not about perfection or performance—it’s about growth. Success as a parent is not defined by a child’s behavior, but by our willingness to lead with steadiness, self-awareness, and compassion. Find more information about Kirk Martin and Celebrate Calming here. Follow Kirk on Instagram here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s story episode, #247. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation that goes deeper into the experience and themes shared. In this episode of the Brave Together Podcast, Dr. Zoe Shaw shares her personal journey as a writer, therapist, and caregiver, exploring the powerful and often hidden impact of shame. Drawing from her own life and the insights that shaped her book, Stronger in the Difficult Places, Zoe unpacks the difference between simple guilt and complex shame—explaining how complex shame attaches itself to identity and can quietly influence how caregivers see themselves. Zoe reflects on the “phantom critic” that so many parents carry, the cultural and societal pressures that intensify feelings of inadequacy, and how writing became her therapy and path toward healing. She offers practical insight into how shame manifests in caregiving, why guilt can be a healthy, adaptive emotion, and how forgiveness—“giving up all hope of a better past”—can open the door to freedom and self-acceptance. In the conversation that follows, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell explore how shame shows up in the lives of caregivers, the ripple effects it has on families, and how parents can begin to untangle these deeply rooted beliefs. Together, they remind listeners that good-enough parents are more than enough for a child to thrive. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.  Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! In this Expert episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with therapist and behavior analyst Monica Fyfe, LMFT, BCBA, to explore the evolving landscape of therapy for neurodivergent youth. Monica brings a unique perspective to her work, blending her experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist with her training as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In this thoughtful conversation, she explains how therapy for neurodivergent children has shifted in recent years toward more compassionate, individualized, and strengths-based approaches. Together, they discuss how modern therapeutic practices—including updated approaches to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—are increasingly centered on dignity, consent, and the unique needs of each child. Monica also shares how integrating different therapeutic frameworks, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help children and teens better understand their emotions, identify their values, and build confidence navigating the world. The conversation also explores the powerful role of language in shaping how families understand diagnoses and neurodiversity. Monica encourages parents to focus less on labels and more on specific goals and supports that help their children thrive. She also discusses the importance of helping neurodivergent youth build “social navigation” skills that allow them to create meaningful connections and engage with their communities. Finally, Monica introduces her children’s book series, which uses storytelling and bibliotherapy to introduce therapeutic concepts in accessible, engaging ways for kids and families. This episode is full of practical insight and reassurance for parents seeking thoughtful, respectful, and effective support for their neurodivergent children. Find more about Monica Fyfe’s children’s series Welcome to Petsville here. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.  Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ask us anything. In this Ask Us Anything episode, #245, we’re responding to the question: “Hi Dr. Zoe, Susanna and Jessica, I was wondering if you could shed light on us parents who will NOT BE EMPTY-NESTERS? I am struggling right now because I see friends who are so free and spontaneous and honestly, I am envious. As you guys always say, the grief buttons are getting pushed again. Thanks.” In this conversation, Susanna Peace Lovell, Dr. Zoe Shaw, and Jessica Patay talk honestly about what it means to be a “forever nester”—a caregiver who may never experience the traditional empty nest. They define what empty nest and forever nest can look like, while also acknowledging that it’s not always a simple either/or; there are many unknowns, in-between seasons, and times when adult children launch and then return home. Together, they name the complicated mix of emotions that arise when friends are traveling, retiring, or enjoying spontaneous freedom, while caregiving parents are still managing high-support needs, sleep deprivation, food vigilance, and constant responsibility. Jessica and Zoe share candidly about life with children who have Prader-Willi syndrome and the relentless focus on food and safety; Susanna reflects on lifelong rigidity, shame, and a longing to be more spontaneous. They speak to grief as cyclical, normal, and deeply human—especially when future dreams like travel, retirement, or hands-on grandparenting feel uncertain or out of reach. The hosts also offer hope and reframes: the power of naming longings out loud, seeking pockets of “empty nest cosplay” (brief moments of freedom and joy), practicing radical acceptance of the life you’re living, and being intentional about creating memories and glimmers of joy right now. They remind listeners that wanting freedom, rest, and space is not selfish—it’s human—and encourage caregivers to seek support when resentment or grief feels overwhelming. Keep the questions coming—we’re here to support you. Whether you’re a parent to a child with complex medical, developmental, or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you. Leave us a message here. Find more information about Licensed P Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #244, featuring Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One and parenting coach for families raising strong-willed, intense children. These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Susanna Peace Lovell and Jessica Patay sit down with Mary to explore what it really means to parent a child who feels like they “need more than you have to give.” Mary reframes the concept of the “spicy one”—a child who is strong-willed, emotionally intense, and often misunderstood—and challenges traditional parenting approaches that rely solely on discipline and control. Instead, she emphasizes compassion, emotional regulation, positive reinforcement, and what she calls “self-mothering” for parents. The conversation explores how self-care is essential—but not selfish—and how parents can protect themselves during aggressive outbursts while still leading with calm and clarity. They also discuss sibling dynamics, navigating public perception, and the emotional complexity that can arise when one child requires significantly more energy than others. Mary encourages parents to name challenges openly, normalize the struggle, and create supportive environments where both parents and children can grow. This episode offers practical tools, hopeful reframes, and the reminder that strong-willed children can grow into powerful advocates and leaders when met with steadiness and understanding. Find more information about Mary Van Geffen here. Find her book, Parenting a Spicy One, here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! In this special collaboration episode, Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell are joined by Tash Dillmon and Brittney Crabtree, two of the hosts of Moms Talk Autism for a heartfelt and reflective conversation about podcasting, parenting, and the power of community. Together, they reflect on how podcasting has transformed their lives as mothers raising children with autism and how building connection—especially during the isolation of the pandemic—became essential. What began as a creative outlet became something much deeper: a space for vulnerability, resilience, and shared stories that remind caregivers they are not alone. This conversation explores the ongoing journey of grief and how it often resurfaces in everyday moments. Brittney shares, “Grief is an ocean for me,” capturing the cyclical and layered nature of caregiving. The group discusses how joy and heartache coexist, how community stories offer perspective and hope, and why vulnerability fosters deeper connection. They also honor the unique perspectives dads bring to caregiving and the importance of diversifying support systems. From the challenges and rewards of podcasting to the quiet strength that grows when we share our stories, this episode is a reminder that we are doing this together. Find more information about Moms Talk Autism here. To subscribe to Moms Talk Autism see Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #242, featuring Tanya Valentin, a neuro-affirming family coach, author and podcast host, who specializes in burnout in Autistic and ADHD children. These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, Tanya joins hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell for a compassionate and eye-opening conversation about childhood burnout, nervous-system safety, and how deeply children’s overwhelm impacts the entire family. Together, they explore the ways burnout shows up in neurodivergent children, why it’s often misunderstood or misidentified, and what parents can look for when their child is chronically overwhelmed. Tanya shares practical tools and guidance to help children feel safer and more supported, while also addressing that parents of children in burnout need community and support too. Find out more about Tanya Valentin and her parent membership community, From Burnout to Balance, here. Find Tanya Valentin’s book, When She Wakes, She Will Move Mountains: 5 Steps to Reconnecting With Your Wild, Authentic, Inner Queen here. Leave us a message here. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.  Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and - yes - ask us anything! In this Ask Us Anything episode, #241, we’re responding to the question:  “Hi Zoe, Susanna, and Jessica. You all have been moms a long, long time, and I am a newer mom. My first child, now age 3, was born with a disability…and I just can’t decide if I should have more kids or not. How did you decide?” In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe Shaw respond with honesty, compassion, and deep respect for how complex this decision can be. They talk about the emotional weight of choice through the lens of their own experience, the role of grief and hope, and how different phases of parenting call for different questions. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, they explore how to listen to your values, your capacity, and your support system- while giving yourself permission to take your time and trust that there is no “right” answer, only the one that is right for you and your family. Keep the questions coming—we’re here to support you. Whether you’re a newer parent navigating big decisions, a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you. Leave us a message here. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.  Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! On this episode, #240, we are hearing about the experience of another Thriving Disabled Adult, April Lockhart.  April is the founder of Disabled& and an advocate for the disabled community. She is a contributing fashion editor at Marie Claire and a member of the Hello Sunshine Collective. April has been featured in Vogue, The Cut, Byrdie, Refinery29, Who What Wear, and Fast Company, among others. Her 2023 debut at New York Fashion Week walking for Victoria’s Secret’s adaptive line, along with her work modeling for Anthropologie’s adaptive collection, solidified her status as a trailblazer in both the fashion industry and advocacy space. In 2025, April was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. In this conversation with Susanna Peace Lovell and Jessica Patay, April Lockhart shares her journey from hiding her limb difference to becoming an advocate and influencer in the disability community. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her identity and the positive responses she received after sharing her story on social media. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity, community, and the role of social media in amplifying disability representation. She also touches on the criticism faced within the disabled community and the need for a shift in how disability is perceived, advocating for a narrative that celebrates aspiration rather than mere inspiration. Find April Lockhart on IG, TikTok and Youtube. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hi Bravies! Today Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell are talking to another expert on a topic deeply relevant to you, the caregiving parent.  In this expert episode, number 239, they sit down with Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and host of the acclaimed podcast ‘A Slight Change of Plans.’ Maya shares her profound insights on navigating life's unexpected turns and the transformative power of change. Through her personal stories and expert knowledge, she reveals how embracing change can lead to self-discovery and growth. Join us as we explore the revelations that come with life's challenges and learn how to harness them for personal evolution. Dr. Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and creator of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, previously named “Best Show of the Year” by Apple. She served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Obama White House where she founded and chaired the Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, which President Obama formalized by Executive Order in 2015. She was also appointed as the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations. Maya has a B.A. from Yale and a doctorate from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience at Stanford. She has been profiled by The New Yorker, has been a guest on NPR, CBS Mornings, and The Today Show, and was featured as a neuroscience expert on National Geographic’s Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. She is a former violin student of Itzhak Perlman at Juilliard, and is the author of the forthcoming book with Penguin Random House, The Other Side of Change. Website: https://mayashankar.com/ Instagram: @drmayashankar Book Order Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729180/the-other-side-of-change-by- maya-shankar/ Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #238. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience. In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Kristina Kuzmič shares her journey from childhood in Croatia to becoming a voice of hope and humor for parents navigating the challenges of altered motherhood. Kristina shares her personal journey of navigating guilt as a parent while dealing with her son's mental health struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and how it can positively impact both parents and children. Kristina introduces the concept of 'No, thank you' as a powerful tool to reject judgment and negativity from others. The discussion also touches on the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health and the need for open conversations to combat shame. Finally, Kristina presents her new app, Hope and Humor Daily, designed to provide support and encouragement for parents. Find out more about Kristina Kuzmič here. Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.  JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.  Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.  Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.  Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]  If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer