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We’re talking about something a lot of people still try to avoid, periods and puberty. Terrin and Josselyn get into what it actually looks like to have these conversations with your kids, especially as blind moms raising girls who are trying to understand what’s happening to their bodies. From preparing for that first period to handling the emotions that come with it, this is one of those topics you can’t afford to ignore. They share their own experiences, what worked, what didn’t, and how they approach it in a way that keeps things open instead of awkward or shame-filled. We talk hygiene, body changes, and the importance of making sure your kids feel comfortable asking questions without feeling embarrassed. There’s also a real conversation around how these moments hit differently when you’re blind or raising a child who is, and why it matters to be intentional about how you explain things and build confidence early. It’s honest, it’s needed, and it’s the kind of conversation more parents should be having out loud. Get your hands on the Blind Parenting Bundle, a resource to help you feel more prepared for your journey as a blind parent: https://bdbushop.com Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Our Mom of the Month is here, and Kimberly from Komfort by K does not disappoint. She joins us to talk about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up while raising a family and showing up for your kids every single day. Kimberly is a blind entrepreneur running multiple lanes at once, from comfort meals and baked goods to body butters and event planning, and she breaks down how she makes it all work. We get into her story growing up with glaucoma, becoming a young mom, and figuring things out without a blueprint. She’s honest about the challenges, but also about the mindset it takes to keep moving when things don’t go how you planned. And then there’s her role as a team mom. The stories alone are worth pressing play. Between the chaos, the pressure, and the moments that somehow turn hilarious after the fact, she’s fully in it for her kids and not backing down from anything that comes with it. Kimberly brings a straight-up approach to everything she does. No excuses, just execution. If you’re trying to build something, hold it together at home, or just need to hear from someone who’s doing both at the same time, this one is going to hit. Find Komfort by K Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Komfort-By-K/61572698144831 Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram. 92

This one’s a real one. Josselyn’s out handling a parenting situation, so Terrin and Kisha are joined by Stephanie and Precious for a conversation all about step-parenting and what it actually looks like day to day. We get into how these relationships start, those first introductions with the kids, and how quickly things can either click or feel complicated. From there, it’s the real stuff, co-parenting dynamics, knowing your place, handling discipline, and figuring out how to show up without overstepping. We also talk about that in-between feeling of not always being seen as “the parent,” while still doing everything a parent does. And at the same time, the moments that make it worth it, the bonds, the routines, and the relationships that grow over time. Different experiences, different family setups, but the same goal, doing what’s best for the kids. If you’re living this or about to step into it, this one’s going to feel familiar. Connect with Our Guests Precious Perez Website: https://preciousperezmusica.com Socials: preciousperezmusica (all platforms) Find her music on all streaming platforms under La Reggaetonera Ciega Stephanie Co-runs the Blind and Bookish Facebook group Find the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/997080930144525/ Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This one feels like a breath of fresh air after some of our heavier conversations. We’re back with a full cast episode, just talking, catching up, and letting things go wherever they go. No big topic, just real life updates, random questions, and the kind of conversations that remind you why we started this in the first place. We get into what’s been going on lately, from Kisha being deep in mom life with sports, gymnastics, and a packed schedule, to Terrin stepping into bodybuilding and prepping for the stage while working on a full Louisiana-inspired tattoo sleeve that keeps getting more detailed. Josselyn shows up with brand new pink hair after a full-day transformation that has her feeling like a whole different person. And Danny is doing what Danny does, dropping music updates, talking about AI projects, and somehow making his drink choices sound concerning. We also take a minute to talk about something we’ve been working on behind the scenes, the Blind Parenting Guide. It’s something we built with other blind parents to make things easier for anyone figuring it out as they go, from planning for a baby to handling everyday situations that don’t always get talked about. Then we get into the chaos. We run through a series of random “MySpace survey” questions that take us all over the place. From weird things our families collect to dream ice cream flavors, business ideas, childhood memories, and the kind of answers that probably say a little too much about who we are. It’s funny, it’s random, and it turns into one of those conversations where you realize you’re still learning new things about each other. We also touch on how different things feel now compared to how we grew up, especially with how much social media and AI have changed everything. There’s more access than ever, but also a lot more noise, and we get into what that looks like from our perspective. This episode is just us being us. No structure, no pressure, just conversation, updates, and a reminder that sometimes it’s good to slow down and just enjoy talking. Check out our Blind Parenting Guide and Toolkit Bundle at https://bdbupodshop.com. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This one is a celebration. For Women’s History Month, Josselyn and Kisha sit down with the powerhouse women behind Eyes Like Mine Inc., an organization doing real work in the community and creating space for blind and visually impaired individuals to show up fully as themselves. Founded by Newark natives Krystal and Naquela, Eyes Like Mine has built something that goes beyond events. From Dancing with the Blind to the Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant and their upcoming Marvelous Moms Community Baby Shower, they’re creating opportunities, visibility, and support where it’s needed most. We’re also joined by some of the titleholders from the Miss Blind Diva 2025 pageant, and they bring their stories, their work, and their personalities right to the table. Bianca Blaque Diamond Johnson, Ms. Altruistic 2025, is an award-winning author, poet, motivational speaker, and host of the BFF Empowerment Podcast. She’s written over 14 books, released multiple projects, and created the No Limits Girl Empowerment App, a platform focused on building confidence, independence, and leadership in blind and visually impaired youth. Everything she does is centered around showing people that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Courtney “Coco” Brown, Miss Blind Diva 2025 and Miss Photogenic 2025, is a full-on entrepreneur and leader. She’s the CEO and Founder of Cut Not Crushed Enterprises, along with Bling Boutique by Coco, Lillies Lifesavers LLC, and Blind Diamonds. Coco has taken her experience with vision loss and turned it into purpose, building brands that focus on confidence, advocacy, and community. She’s using her platform to uplift others while adding her own style and energy to everything she touches. Throughout the episode, we talk about what this pageant and organization mean to the women involved, the impact of having spaces like this in the blind community, and how each of these women is using their voice and their work to push things forward. This episode is full of energy, pride, and real conversation. It’s about showing up, supporting each other, and making sure the next generation sees what’s possible. Miss Blind Diva 2025 Titleholder Information Ms. Altruistic 2025: Bianca Blaque Diamond Johnson Website: www.bffempowermentpodcast.com Website: www.nolimitsgirl.com Miss Photogenic 2025 and Miss Blind Diva 2025: Courtney “Coco” Brown Courtney “Coco” Brown is the CEO and Founder of Cut Not Crushed Enterprises, an umbrella company rooted in faith, purpose, and empowerment. She is also the Founder and CEO of Bling Boutique by Coco, Lillies Lifesavers LLC, and Blind Diamonds. Living with vision loss, Coco has turned adversity into purpose by building brands and platforms that inspire confidence, advocacy, beauty, and community. As the reigning Miss Blind Diva 2025 and Miss Photogenic 2025 through Eyes Like Mine, she uses her voice, story, and leadership to uplift others and add sparkle back into the world one diamond at a time. Email: [email protected] Link: https://vip.covergirl.maxim.com/p/X2MFKWSf Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Friendships look a lot different once you become a parent, and we’re talking all about it in this episode. Kisha, Terrin, and Josselyn get real about the friendships that shaped them growing up and how those relationships change once life fills up with kids, work, and responsibilities. From childhood best friends to the people who came into their lives later, they talk about how those connections influenced who they are today. The conversation moves into the reality of maintaining friendships as adults. Long-distance friendships, group chats that go quiet, the effort it takes to stay connected, and how hard it can be to build new friendships when your schedule revolves around family life. They also talk about the uncomfortable side of friendships, including disagreements, drifting apart, and the moments when a friendship simply runs its course. Along the way they share stories about setting boundaries, figuring out who truly shows up for you, and why having a supportive circle matters more than ever as a parent. Sometimes your chosen family ends up being just as important as the one you were born into. It’s honest, relatable, and full of the kinds of conversations people don’t always say out loud about friendships as adults. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

iv> Our Mom of the Month spotlight is back, and this time we’re welcoming Katie from Katy’s Eyes on TikTok to the mic. Katie is a blind mom of two who has built a growing online following by simply sharing what life actually looks like in her house. From raising her kids to running her day-to-day life without sight, she’s been documenting the routines, workarounds, and moments that most people never get to see. In this episode, Katie talks about her choice to homeschool and how she structures learning at home while still giving her kids space to explore and be kids. She shares how volunteering at her church became another place where she could stay connected to her community and contribute in ways that matter to her family. We also talk about what it’s been like growing a social media presence while being open about blindness. Katie explains why she started posting in the first place, the reactions she gets from people online, and how those videos have turned into a space where others can ask questions, learn, and feel less alone. Along the way we get into the everyday strategies she uses around the house, the moments that catch people off guard when they see a blind parent in action, and the importance of showing the world that blind parents are doing the same messy, funny, exhausting, rewarding job as everyone else. Katie brings honesty, humor, and a lot of perspective to this conversation. It’s a great way to get to know another mom who’s doing things her own way and sharing it with the world. Find Katie from Katy’s Eyes TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katyseyes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KatysEyes Instagram: http://instagram.com/katyseyes Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This one is real. We’re talking about what it’s actually like working outside of the blindness bubble. Not conferences. Not advocacy spaces. Regular workplaces. Offices. Meetings. Systems that were never built with us in mind. We share our experiences being the only blind person in the room, the pressure to prove ourselves before we even open our mouths, and the exhausting dance of deciding when to educate and when to just do your job. There are stories of discrimination, yes. But there are also stories of unexpected allies, managers who stepped up, and coworkers who surprised us in the best way. We get into inaccessible software, awkward interviews, assumptions about productivity, and the constant need to advocate for basic accommodations. We also talk about why it matters that blind people show up in every industry, not just blindness organizations. Visibility changes perception. Presence shifts culture. And sometimes just existing in the space is the statement. This episode is about honesty, growth, frustration, and persistence. If you’ve ever felt underestimated at work or wondered how to push back without burning bridges, this conversation is for you. And we really do want to hear your stories. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

We’re kicking off 2026 by naming our very first Mom of the Month, and it had to be REL Cooper. Friend of the show, blind mom, entrepreneur, homeschooler, and all-around force, REL joins Josselyn, Kisha, and Terrin for an episode that feels like sitting at the table with people who really know each other. Danny pops in with his usual chaos, the drinks are flowing, and the stories come fast. The episode opens with catch-ups and life updates, from Kisha being nominated for a major PTA honor, to Terrin stumbling into a full-circle connection with a tattoo artist whose family shares a blindness journey of their own. Josselyn admits she’s running on wine and an empty stomach, Danny shocks everyone with his beverage choices, and the group dynamic does what it does best. Then REL takes the mic. She talks about growing up blind, losing her remaining vision as a kid, and building a life that now includes a marriage, two kids, homeschooling, and multiple businesses. She shares how she met her husband Vision, how their partnership grew from friendship into family and work, and why entrepreneurship became the path forward when traditional jobs weren’t opening doors. REL breaks down the businesses she and Vision have built together, from furnished rental investing through Access Your Place, to Penny Works, an AI website builder designed with blind users in mind, to her passion projects centered on supporting moms. She also gets real about past ventures that didn’t work, the lessons they left behind, and why no experience is wasted if you actually learn from it. The conversation moves into homeschooling, how they make it work day to day, why structure looks different in their house, and how learning happens in conversations, play, and everyday life. They talk socialization myths, flexibility, and the pressure parents put on themselves to do things the “right” way. Along the way there are parenting stories, throwback memories, and moments that only happen when people have real history together. This episode is equal parts laughter, honesty, business talk, parenting reality, and mindset shifts. It’s a strong start to a new year and a perfect introduction to REL Cooper as our first Mom of the Month for 2026. Find REL Cooper shesrel.com Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Money planning can get complicated fast when disability benefits are involved, so we brought in someone who truly understands how the system works. In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Melero from The Arc of Texas for a clear, grounded conversation about ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts, and why knowing the difference between the two matters more than most people realize. Ashley walks us through what ABLE accounts are, why they were created, and how they allow people with disabilities to save money without risking Medicaid or Social Security. We talk contribution limits, who can open and manage an account, how parents can use them for minors, and what happens as balances grow. She also explains what counts as a disability-related expense and why documentation is key. From there, we shift into Special Needs Trusts and the common mistakes families make when planning for the future. Ashley explains the difference between third-party and self-settled trusts, why inheritances need to be handled carefully, and how pooled trusts can remove a lot of the stress that comes with managing funds and staying compliant with benefit rules. We also cover the parts people often avoid talking about, including Medicaid payback provisions, how marriage and employment can affect benefits, and why small steps like adding transfer-on-death designations or updating a will can make a major difference down the line. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting financial security and fearing the loss of benefits, this episode helps untangle that tension. It’s a straightforward conversation about planning ahead, protecting access to care, and making sure your money works for you instead of against you. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Money is one of those topics that can feel heavy fast, especially when you’re trying to rebuild, stretch a fixed income, or figure things out after time spent at home raising kids. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony for a grounded conversation about money that speaks to real situations, not perfect ones. He shares his own experience moving through debt and finding financial stability, along with the mindset shifts that helped him stop feeling stuck. We talk about budgeting in a way that makes sense for people living on a fixed income and for moms who are re-entering the workforce or trying to regain financial footing after staying home. Anthony explains how to be more intentional with spending, how to approach money conversations with a partner, and how everyday choices can quietly shape your financial future. He also walks through tools like IRAs and Roth accounts in plain language, so you can understand what they are and why they matter without feeling overwhelmed. This episode is for anyone who wants to feel less anxious about money and more aware of how to work with what they have. It’s honest, realistic, and focused on building confidence one step at a time, no matter where you’re starting from. Reach Anthony: [email protected] Anthony’s suggestions: Opening a Capital One account (no minimum banking fees), which can help you build a simple system to track spending and start budgeting: https://www.capitalone.com/bank/money-management/banking-basics/opening-a-bank-account-online/ Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover (available on BARD and Bookshare): https://store.ramseysolutions.com/money/books/the-total-money-makeover-by-dave-ramsey/ Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the signs you’re seeing mean something more, or you’ve already been down the road of seeking an autism diagnosis for your child, this episode is one you’ll want to sit with. Josselyn and Terrin speak honestly about their experiences raising autistic daughters, including the early stages of denial, the moment they realized they were the only ones in their families acknowledging what was happening, and what it took to fully accept and move forward with a diagnosis. They break down how autism diagnoses work today, why the term Asperger’s is no longer used, and what actually separates Levels 1, 2, and 3. They also talk through the day-to-day realities that come with parenting autistic kids, redirecting behaviors, managing sensory needs, and adjusting parenting styles to meet their children where they are. From different types of sensory input their daughters seek out to tools and items that help with regulation, they share what has worked in their own homes. The conversation also takes a necessary turn toward advocacy. Josselyn and Terrin discuss why organizations like Autism Speaks have faced backlash, and why person-first language is often pushed by people who are not autistic themselves. They draw clear parallels to disability language within the blind community and explain why lived experience matters more than outside policing. This episode is grounded in real parenting, real questions, and real learning. If you’re curious, concerned, or already working through an autism diagnosis, there’s a lot here that may help you feel less alone and more informed. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

First episode of the new year, and we’re easing back in by catching you up on our lives. We talk about how the holidays actually went, who we spent time with, what worked, and what we are glad is officially over. From family moments to quiet resets, it’s a real look at how we wrapped up the year. We also share our resolutions and personal goals for the year ahead, the realistic ones and the stretch goals we are holding ourselves to. To close it out, we keep things fun with a quick Playlist Playoff, picking our walk-on songs for 2026 and explaining why each one fits our mindset going forward. New year energy, honest conversation, and a little music to set the tone. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Merry Christmas from the Babies Down, Bottles Up crew! This episode is a fun holiday special, full of festive energy and end-of-year laughs. We kick things off by talking about what our kids are most excited for this Christmas, from the gifts they have been counting down for to the little traditions that make the season feel special. Then it is time for a Playlist Playoff holiday edition, where we each share our top three Christmas songs we absolutely cannot stand. Strong opinions are shared, feelings may be hurt, and no one backs down. We also reveal what our Secret Santas got us, unwrapping and reacting in real time as we talk through the gifts and the thought behind them. Before closing out the episode, we take a moment to say thank you. To everyone who has pressed play, shared an episode, supported our work, mentioned us to a friend, sponsored an episode, or believed in the mission, we are incredibly grateful. A huge thank you as well to all of our guests and supporters this year. Celebrate the holidays with us, get a few laughs in, and wrap up the year together. We will see you in 2026. Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Amber from WonderBaby.org joins us for a conversation that feels like sitting down with the friend every parent of a disabled child wishes they had sooner. Amber takes us back 20 years to when WonderBaby.org first started, long before Facebook groups and endless resource websites existed. What began as a need for information turned into a lifeline for families raising children with disabilities. She talks about the parents she’s connected with over the years, the friendships that grew out of shared experiences, and what it really means to be a steady resource for families who are figuring things out as they go. We get into adapting mainstream toys for kids with different needs and the simple materials Amber keeps on hand to make toys more accessible. She also shares practical advice for relatives and extended family, especially during holidays and gatherings, on how to make things easier and more inclusive for families who are already doing a lot of planning behind the scenes. Then Amber delivers something parents will want to bookmark, her favorite toy picks broken down by category. From sound and music toys to tactile and exploration toys, light-up toys for kids with light perception, movement and motor skill toys, braille toys, and other developmentally appropriate options, she gives thoughtful recommendations and explains why they matter. We wrap up with Amber offering grounded advice for parents and advocates who are supporting children with special needs and want to feel more confident doing it. If you are looking for ideas, reassurance, and tools you can actually use, this episode is one you will want to listen to more than once. Visit WonderBaby: https://www.wonderbaby.org Email Amber: [email protected] WonderBaby on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderbaby.org/ Support us on Patreon. Email us at [email protected]. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.