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Real talk, real tools, and real hope for families experiencing disability—a Hope Heals podcast hosted by author Amy Julia Becker. Culture often tells us that families with disability are a problem. At Take the Next Step, we see your family as a gift—to society and to your community. Your family matters. Your child matters. We need you here. Join Amy Julia each week for honest conversations with parents, therapists, and disability advocates about finding delight at home and belonging in community, plus practical steps toward a flourishing future. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, longing for connection, or unsure what’s next, you’re not alone. Tune in every Wednesday for direction and hope.
15 Episodes
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Ep 13 — There's a myth out there that raising a child with disabilities will doom a marriage. But the data tells a different story. In our conversation, authors Todd and Kristin Faith Evans join Amy Julia Becker to offer simple ways for couples to connect in the midst of both the ordinary and the most intense family circumstances. There's a lot of hope in this episode! 00:00 Intro: Marriage and parenting a child with a disability 05:52 Challenges and possibilities parents face 09:28 The power...
Ep 12 — What if inclusion in schools didn’t have to be a constant fight? Adrian Wood, PhD, shares what actually helped her son with autism thrive in their public school system. Adrian and Amy Julia Becker explore: Building trust with educatorsCollaboration and creativityNavigating IEPs and transitionsSmall changes that make a big difference03:36 Navigating Public School for Children with Disabilities 05:59 Creative Thinking and Working Together as a Team 15:01 Strategies for Success 22:01 Pre...
Feeling alone in the hard parts of parenting a child with a disability? Hear how other families are finding support, encouragement, and practical ways to navigate the challenges while celebrating the joys. Plus, a quick review is the perfect Christmas gift to help more families discover Take the Next Step! Mentioned: Niro Feliciano's Take the Next Step episode00:00 Intro 00:31 Your Feedback 03:33 Backstory and Future Reimagining _ SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com...
E11 — Feeling the holiday overwhelm creep in already? Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, author of All is CALMish, unpacks why disability families carry extra emotional weight this time of year—and how small, doable shifts can bring more peace. We explore: realistic expectationsmicro-moments of delightasking for helpbuilding a holiday season that fits your family, not InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: All is CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro Felicia...
E10 — From Frustration to Connection: If your home feels tense or chaotic, connection might be a missing piece. Recording artist Sho Baraka joins Amy Julia Becker to share how his family moved from daily breakdowns and aggression to a home marked by peace. Sho reflects on his story of parenting two sons with autism and the surprising power of proximity—how simply being with our kids can open doors to communication, trust, and calm. 00:00 Introduction to Sho Baraka 03:07 Navigating Communicati...
E9 — Awkward questions about disability happen. Here’s how parents can respond. Carrie Hahn, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother, joins Amy Julia Becker to share actionable strategies to: navigate conversations and correct misconceptionsmake disability normal in playhelp kids feel seen and respected without feeling singled out00:00 Intro 03:14 Myths About Disability 05:33 Talking About Disability in Public 09:05 Challenging Assumptions of Incompetence 14:32 Making Disability No...
E8 — Asking for help shouldn’t feel impossible. In this episode, Jordan Arogeti, CEO of SupportNow, joins Amy Julia Becker to talk about why asking for help can feel so hard, especially for disability families. They explore how SupportNow offers a simple path toward connection and lasting support. Connect to Community download: A one-page guide to help families experiencing disability map out the connections that matter most within their communities. Get the guide: amyjuliabecker.com/connect-...
E7 — Q+R: How do I take care of myself and avoid burnout? How do I make sure siblings aren't overlooked? Is it okay to grieve? Where can my child build lifelong friendships? How do I stop feeling guilty? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and Matt Mooney, co-founder of 99 Balloons, respond to your questions. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful contributions! Chapter List 00:00 Introduction 04:30 I’m so tired as a parent. How do I avoid burnout? 06:13 How do I make sure siblings aren'...
E6 — What if one powerful way to advocate for your child is simply to delight in who they are? Author and advocate Heather Avis talks with Amy Julia about learning to find joy in family life, even when the world isn’t built for disability. They explore: Why delight can rewrite the disability narrativeWhat it takes to move from deficit to delightThe ripple effect of delight in our relationships and communitiesHow to lean into love and delight instead of anxiety and fear__ UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE:...
E5 — We all long to belong. But for many families experiencing disability, true belonging can feel out of reach. In this episode, researcher and advocate Erik Carter joins Amy Julia Becker to unpack how small steps toward inclusion and belonging can transform entire communities. They explore: How families can foster communities of belongingCommon barriers that block belongingThe benefits for everyone when communities embrace belonging__ UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcom...
E4 — Overwhelmed by therapies, appointments, and never-ending “to-dos”? Author Jillian Benfield shares practical tools for families experiencing disability—offering parents guidance on setting limits, saying yes to what matters, and finding beauty in everyday life. Jillian and Amy Julia Becker explore: Parenting and caregiving without burning outDeveloping a yes/no filterTurning routines into lasting habitsCreating a clear vision for your familyHonest gratitude as a tool for resilienceUPCOMIN...
E3 — Many of us don't want to ask for help, but what if being needful isn’t weakness but a doorway to connection, friendship, and belonging? Kevan Chandler, coauthor of The Hospitality of Need, shares his personal story with Amy Julia Becker, reflecting on his experiences with spinal muscular atrophy, neediness, and the ways mutual care shapes his life. They explore: What peer-to-peer caregiving looks likeHow disability opens doors to friendshipWays to start supportive friendshipsHow your vie...
E2 — What if delight is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker talks with therapist and author Sissy Goff, LPC-MHSP, about how parents—especially those raising children with disabilities—can bring delight into everyday family life. Together, they explore: What gets in the way of delighting in our childrenHow to shift focus from deficits to strengthsWhy a parent’s own sense of being delightful mattersHow honesty about both joy and sorrow helps chil...
E1 — "How could there be a good future in the midst of so much loss?" If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of disability—or if you know a family walking that road—you won’t want to miss this conversation with Katherine Wolf. She is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. Together, Katherine and Amy Julia Becker explore how families can reimagine disability, build connection, and celebrate life—even when it doesn’t look the way they once imagined. From the dinner table ...
Welcome to Take the Next Step, a weekly podcast for families experiencing disability, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope. I’m Amy Julia Becker, writer, speaker, and mom to Penny, my 19-year-old daughter with Down syndrome. Each Wednesday, I’ll bring you short, hope-filled conversations with fellow parents, therapists, and disability advocates. We'll explore how to: Navigate the challenges of disability parentingCreate moments of delight, joy, and connection at homeConnect wi...
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