Podcasts That Provide Hope For Christian Special Needs Parents
I love listening to podcasts! I find it encouraging to listen to topics I'm interested in and want to grow in while I'm on the road, going for a walk, or folding the laundry.
As a Christian who writes about special needs parenting and special needs ministry I've had the honor of meeting several of these podcast hosts at various conferences or through social media, and some of them have given me the joy of being a guest on their awesome podcast. :)
Anyway, without any further ado, some of my favorite encouraging podcasts for Christian special needs parents by special needs parents:
Rising Above Podcast
"Rising Above Ministries is lifting up the special needs community through support, encouragement, inspiration, and community."
Rising Above is a ministry that supports Christian special needs parents, not only on their website and on social media, but they also have online small groups, retreats and other events for special needs caregivers, and so much more. I was so excited to learn that they have a podcast in which they chat with other special needs parents and am loving it. Listen here.
Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver
Self care isn't a fad for caregivers—it's a necessity. Sandra Peoples will help you take better care of yourself so you can care for others!
I've had the honor of meeting Sandra Peoples and also collaborating with her on a few writing projects. She is passionate about creating inclusive special needs ministries in churches and encouraging special needs parents. She has written several books and numerous blog posts that have been an inspiration and encouragement to me. Her new podcast is no exception. Listen here.
A Special Hope Podcast
"A Special Hope Podcast. Discovering special hope in the stories of those living with special needs, those who strive to minister to special needs families, and the God who is making all things new."
I got to meet the lovely Sarah Broady (podcast host of A Special Hope) at a Key Ministry conference last year and met a kindred spirit. She invited me out to lunch and we had an amazing time connecting and sharing our special needs parenting journeys. I loved hearing her voice and her heart, so I was super excited to hear she was starting up a podcast. I love that she interviews a variety of people–special needs moms, dads, authors, and even her son with special needs. All these varied perspectives and stories are refreshing to the soul and truly do point to the hope we have in Christ. Listen here.
Hope Anew Podcast
"The podcast for parents of children who are impacted by disability. Where we believe there is beauty in the journey and purpose in the pain."
Hope Anew is a ministry by Jonathan and Sarah McGuire to encourage parents who have children with special needs in their faith. I had the honor of meeting this couple at the Key Ministry conference and they were such a down to earth, friendly couple that were happy to stop everything and pray with parents who needed some encouragement. I absolutely love that they work together to minister to fellow special needs parents and so we get to hear from a special needs dad's perspective as well. I love this couple's heart, ministry and journey. Listen here.
Take Heart Special Moms
"Take Heart is a podcast for special needs moms by special needs moms. It is a place for special needs moms to find authentic connection, fervent hope and inspiring stories."
I met the three lovely ladies of Take Heart Special Moms (Sara Clime, Amy Brown, and Carrie Holt) at a Christian writing conference. They are wonderful people that I wish I had spent more time getting to know in person, but I'm grateful I can hear more of their stories and hearts on this lovely and encouraging podcast. Listen here.
Coffee with Caregivers
"Join Jess Ronne, author, speaker, and caregiver advocate as she chats with caregivers about the joys and trials of raising a child with complex needs. Jess is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit which provides recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Tennessee with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound special needs."
I've been following Jess on social media for a while now and I'm so excited to learn she now has a podcast, in which she chats with other special needs parents about the special needs parenting journey. Listen here.
LOMAH
"Your host, Kim, has a teenage daughter with severe autism and other special needs that will require 24/7 care the rest of her life. Like many parents, Kim has a lot of important questions. She does not claim to know the answers for her child nor yours but does promise to search for them and share what she is discovering along the way. You will quickly find her getting things right just as often as wrong. These mishaps will also be openly shared as we all fumble through this journey together."
I'll admit, I haven't listened to this podcast YET, but with all the great things I've heard about it, I definitely plan to. Kim's focus is on parenting teens and adults with special needs. Topics include education, technology, housing options, and so much more. Listen here.
What podcasts for special needs parents are your favorite? Do you know of any other podcasts I should check out?