Tag: Communication and Relationships
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When Special Needs Parenting Becomes Survival: Faith, Endurance and Autism Parenting with Celeste Shally

What happens when special needs parenting moves beyond exhaustion and into survival? In this deeply honest and faith-filled conversation, Carrie M. Holt sits down with Celeste Shally, author of While We Wait: Clinging to Christ in the Trenches of Special Needs Parenting, to talk about the rarely discussed reality of long-term violence in special needs…
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Marriage, Caregiving, and Connection: A Conversation with Bruce Holt (Part 2)

In this final episode of the month, Carrie is joined once again by her husband, Bruce, for a candid conversation about marriage in the midst of caregiving. From survival mode in the early years after their son Toby’s diagnosis, to counseling and intentional connection in later years, Carrie and Bruce share the real struggles, arguments,…
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A Father’s Voice in Special Needs Parenting with Bruce Holt

In this heartfelt episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt sits down with her husband, Bruce, to share the often-unspoken perspective of fathers in the world of special needs parenting. Together, they revisit the day they received their son Toby’s diagnosis, the wave of grief that followed, and the heavy burden of guilt Bruce…
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From Diagnosis to Heaven With Breena Holt on Grief, Guilt, and God’s Faithfulness

In part two of this conversation, Carrie M Holt continues her conversation with Breena Holt as she shares the heartbreaking diagnosis of Batten Disease for her son Ezekiel—and the faith and hope that carried her family through his final days. Breena vulnerably unpacks her dreams of God’s glory, the paradox of relief and grief in…
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Creating Community and Connection for Moms in the Disability Space With Labeled & Loved

In this episode, Carrie M. Holt speaks with Julie Hornok and Dr. Regina Crone, co-founders of Labeled and Loved, an organization dedicated to supporting families with children who have disabilities. They share their personal journeys into the disability space, the importance of community and faith, and how to navigate the unique challenges of motherhood and…
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Finding Purpose and Perseverance in Suffering with Dr. Nicole Wilke

In this, the second part of Carrie M. Holt’s interview with Dr. Nicole Wilke, they discuss the importance of faith in overcoming challenges, the lens through which we should view suffering in our lives, and how children of all abilities need to know they have a purpose and a role in their families. This conversation…
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Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke

In this episode, host Carrie M. Holt engages with Dr. Nicole Wilke, a researcher and therapist, discussing the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with special needs. They explore the importance of resilience, the impact of early adversity, and the role of attachment in healing. Dr. Wilke shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the…
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Bringing Hope, Humor, and Healing to this Unexpected Journey With Amber Pierson & Chelsea Kuhn

In this episode, Carrie M Holt interviewed Chelsea Kuhn and Amber Pierson from Making Lemon Cake, who share their journeys as medical mothers. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with medical complexities, emphasizing the importance of community, finding joy in small victories, and the role of surrender in their experiences. The conversation…
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Creating Family Memories Through Travel With Kristin Faith Evans

In this episode, Carrie Holt interviews Kristin Faith Evans, who shares her journey as a mother of a child with disabilities. Kristin discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of family travel, and practical tips for families with medically fragile children. She emphasizes the need for a positive mindset, baby steps in travel,…
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Encouragement For Sharing Your Story in the Unexpected With Mackenzie Walters

In part two of this interview with Mackenzie Walters, she shares the different types of faith stories, some guardrails for sharing, and how to decide what and when to share with others. She also offers some practical advice on knowing when you’re not ready to tell your story and how our stories are often a…
