BABIES DOWN, BOTTLES UP

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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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: amficoaching@gmail.com 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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 info@bdbupod.com. 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: help@wonderbaby.org WonderBaby on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderbaby.org/ Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

When your child has to go into the hospital, everything shifts. In this episode, Kisha and Terrin open up about their personal experiences with surgeries, long hospital stays, and what it takes to keep yourself together when your child is on the operating table. They break down how they prepared themselves and their kids, physically and emotionally, for surgery day, from pre-op appointments to fasting rules to finding age-appropriate ways to explain what is about to happen. They also talk about the anxiety that builds as surgery approaches and the different ways they have learned to stay grounded while waiting for updates. Once surgery is over, that is when the real work begins. Kisha and Terrin walk through the recovery phase at home, comforting kids through pain, handling mobility limitations, and staying on top of medication schedules without mistakes. They also get real about how they label and identify prescriptions as blind moms and why asking for weight-based doses is one of the most important safety steps you can take. This episode also digs into medication awareness inside the hospital, specifically fentanyl, why it is commonly used, how it is administered, and the questions every parent should be ready to ask before anything is given. They talk openly about overdose concerns, what warning signs look like, and how to advocate for your child in a medical setting. Terrin also shares her experience with long-term hospital stays: what to pack, how to make an unfamiliar room feel a little more like home, staying strong when you are hit with hard news, and balancing communication with doctors while still trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for the rest of your family. They also discuss anesthesia. Together, they talk through what parents should expect before, during, and after anesthesia, how kids often respond differently than adults, and the little things they wish they had known sooner, told through their own real experiences. From prepping your kid for surgery to surviving days or weeks in the hospital, this episode is an honest look at what families actually go through. If you ever find yourself in this situation, this one will prepare you in ways you did not know you needed. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

```html The cookisode is finally here, and it is landing just in time for the holidays. Whether you are trying to keep the kids fed while they are home on break or you are just ready to level up in the kitchen, this one is for you. We are talking all things cooking and baking, starting with simple beginner meals and the kitchen gadgets that actually make life easier. We get into meal prep routines, grocery shopping strategies, and how to confidently drift away from a recipe without losing the plot. We also walk through how we orient ourselves around the stove as blind moms, from finding your bearings with burners to safely managing multiple dishes at once. And of course, we get into baking: the tips, the tricks, and the basic ingredient science that makes the difference between “it worked” and “why did it turn into a brick?” Some of our favorite lessons from independence training make their way into the conversation too, including the little skills and shortcuts that changed the way we move in the kitchen. If you have been wanting to sharpen your cooking skills, get more comfortable with baking, or simply feel more confident whipping up something good, this is your episode. Hit play and let’s get cooking. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.```

BDBU in Austin? On the court? Absolutely. Kisha and Josselyn officially drag Terrin into their world of sports as Babies Down, Bottles Up reps Metro Blaze at the Texas Goalball Tournament. We break down what goalball actually is, how the game works, and what it felt like to finally play together as a trio. The sportsmanship, the teamwork, the chaos, and the inside jokes on the court, we’re giving you all of it. We swap stories from our weekend in Austin, our favorite moments from being reunited, and yes, the bruises we didn’t expect but proudly brought home. Terrin shares what it was like touching a goalball for the very first time, and how surprisingly natural she felt jumping into a game she’d only ever heard about from the other two. We also get into our first experience riding in a Waymo self-driving car and why we instantly became fans. No weird small talk. No unhinged rants. No “five-star if I drop you at this random corner instead?” Danny proves our point perfectly with a real recording of the chaotic Uber driver he got stuck with on the way to the airport. It’s friendship, sports energy, and pure BDBU vibes from the court to the rideshare. Hit play and join us in Austin. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Safety isn’t optional when you’re raising kids, and this week we’re getting into the real, everyday work that goes into keeping your home and your family protected. We’re talking first aid basics, what supplies you should always have stocked, and how we blind parents stay organized so we know exactly what we’re giving and when. We get into babyproofing, toddler-proofing, and teen-proofing the house as your kids grow, plus the importance of locking up anything that could become a temptation or a risk—meds, alcohol, firearms, and more. We also talk about how we tell what’s going on when our kids come running to us in pain or panic: listening for certain cues, asking the right questions, checking their bodies safely, and trusting our instincts even when we can’t see what’s wrong. And because emergencies don’t wait for you to get ready, we’re breaking down safety plans too: what happens if there’s a fire, a break-in, or any situation where every second counts. Why having a plan matters, how to talk to your kids about it, and how to make sure everyone knows what to do. It’s an important conversation full of practical tools, family-tested systems, and reminders that preparation really does make all the difference. This one’s for every parent who wants their home to be as safe and steady as possible. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

We’re joined by friend of the show Kristin Revere from Gold Coast Doulas to explore a role that many don’t hear about often enough — the bereavement doula. Kristin walks us through the vital support she offers families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or a traumatic birth. She explains how this work differs from therapy and why having someone by your side who truly understands these moments makes all the difference. We talk about what happens in the immediate aftermath of loss, both physically and emotionally, and how a bereavement doula helps families process shock, communicate with partners, and begin to heal. Kristin also shares ways to work through grief in healthy, sustainable ways, and how to set realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to recovery. The conversation moves into how families can find balance when they’re ready to re-enter daily life, and the importance of giving yourself grace through anniversaries, due dates, and other emotional milestones. We also touch on what it’s like when the doula’s work comes to an end, and how to continue that healing journey afterward. It’s a powerful and compassionate conversation — one that reminds us all that grief doesn’t have a timeline, and that no one should have to face it alone. Find Kristin Revere with the links below: Gold Coast Doulas Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby Check out Kristin's Podcast and Media Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Traveling with kids isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re juggling strollers, car seats, and white canes. This week, the crew shares their best tips, stories, and survival tactics for traveling as blind parents. From wrangling car seats in Ubers and Lyfts to managing flights, trains, and buses, we’re breaking down how to keep the little ones safe, close, and calm. You’ll hear how we plan seating arrangements, pack efficiently, and handle those unpredictable moments in airports because there’s always one. We also talk motion sickness, yes, Dramamine gets a shoutout after Kisha’s unforgettable plane story, and the rules we set for the kids when we’re out in public. Whether it’s staying hydrated, staying together, or staying sane, this episode’s full of the small details that make traveling just a little smoother. Hit play, grab your carry-on, and let’s get going. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This episode is one of the hardest we’ve ever recorded. Terrin and Josselyn open up about their personal experiences with miscarriage, sharing what it was really like to go through it from start to recovery. They talk about the first signs that something was wrong, how they identified what was happening as blind women, and what the medical process looks like when a miscarriage occurs. They walk through the procedures doctors perform, what recovery actually feels like, and how the emotional impact lingers long after the physical pain fades. The conversation gets deeply personal as they describe how grief affected them and their partners in different ways, and how even simple things—like attending events or enjoying certain activities—can bring back memories. They also share what it’s like dealing with doctors who don’t always say the right thing, and why it’s important to express your own feelings separately on medical paperwork. Both women reflect on the joys they felt during pregnancy, the parts of that experience they miss, and the moments that took time to enjoy again without the weight of those reminders. It’s a heavy, honest episode that doesn’t shy away from the details—but it’s also a reminder of the strength it takes to talk about what most keep to themselves. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

It’s giving petty, pretty, and witty! 💅🎤 The crew finally linked up LIVE in Dallas, glammed up and ready to pod with champagne flutes in hand! The energy was sky-high, the laughs were nonstop, and this one feels like you’re right there in the room with us. We’re spilling all the tea—from our airport adventures to whether our families actually listen to the podcast 👀. We share what we’re most proud of, get a little sentimental (in between the jokes), and even introduce you to our amazing studio engineer and photographer who came through for our Dallas photoshoot. And because no BDBU moment is complete without a surprise guest, Tanner Gers from Accessibility Officer pops in to tell us what he loves about the show and why he had to jump on board to support. So grab your glass, press play, and catch the vibe—it’s BDBU, live, loud, and unapologetically us. 🥂✨ Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Friend of the show Tanner Gers, founder of AccessAbilityOfficer.com, joins us to get real about employment in the blind and visually impaired community. With most blind adults still facing massive barriers to finding and keeping steady work, Tanner breaks down what it actually takes to stand out and succeed. He talks about learning your strengths, mastering assistive tech, and why staying close to people in positions of influence—what he calls “proximity to power”—can change everything. We also talk about the hidden skills that stay-at-home parents build every day and how to translate those into résumé-ready experience when it’s time to rejoin the workforce. Along the way, we share our own work-life balance struggles, the lessons we’ve learned about professionalism, and why effort matters more than excuses. Tanner keeps it straight, reminding us that in this world, cutting corners isn’t an option. It’s an honest, practical, and motivating conversation about knowing your worth, putting in the work, and creating your own opportunities—no matter where you’re starting from. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Potty training—it’s one of those milestones every parent faces, and we’re sharing exactly how it went down in our homes. From spotting the first signs that our kids were ready, to the ways we encouraged them to keep going once they started, nothing is off the table. We talk about the rewards that worked (and the ones that didn’t), how we handled kids who just weren’t ready yet, and the creative methods we used to help them through the process. Kisha, being the only one on the team with experience training both a boy and a girl, breaks down the differences and what worked for her family. We also open up about teaching independence—how we showed our little ones to care for themselves after using the potty—and the tools that made life easier once they started going on their own. If you’re a blind parent trying to figure out what works, or you just want to hear a few tried-and-true ideas to make potty training less stressful, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a whole lot of real talk. Press play and learn a few things with us. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.