Episodios
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #229. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience.
Join Susanna Peace Lovell and Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. as they delve into the complexities of neurodivergence, motherhood, and personal growth. Natasha shares her journey of self-discovery, from her childhood experiences to her recent diagnosis of autism and ADHD. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child, the importance of self-care, and the power of storytelling. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on embracing authenticity and designing a life that serves you.
Find out more about Natasha M. Nurse Esq. here and here and here.
Learn more about MRM Education here.
Learn more about ShareWell here
Learn more about Swell Cast here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING!
In this Ask Us Anything episode, #189, we are responding to the question, Do you have any tips for navigating life with a disabled child after a divorce?
This is a VERY relevant topic for our community because the added stress of caregiving for disabled children is not known to help marriages last longer. Also two of our three hosts have been through divorce and continue to co-parent with their disabled childrenâs fathers. So we have A LOT of first hand experience and advice for this caller.
In this episode we offer: important things to consider in the divorce process, ways to break the news to our kids and the realities of what co-parenting with your ex-partner can look like as the primary caregiver.
Keep the vulnerable questions coming. Weâre here to support you!
We see you and we love you!
Whether you have questions as a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs or youâre someone looking to support a care-giving parent, we would LOVE to hear from you.
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to ask a question, leave us a message here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #234, with Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh the creators of Social Life 360. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents.
In this conversation, Susanna Peace Lovell interviews Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh, a couple dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals in building friendships and relationships through their program, Social Life 360. They share their backgrounds, the inception of their program, and the importance of community and support in navigating social skills. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, the impact of media representation, and the success stories that inspire their work. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of connection and the dreams they have for their clients' futures.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to special feature episode #261 of the Brave Together Podcast.
In this moving conversation inspired by Suddenly Brave Together, Jessica Patay sits down with several mothers to share honest reflections about caregiving, resilience, motherhood, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Together, Asha, Tina, and Lena open up about raising children with complex medical and developmental needs, the emotional realities of adapting to unexpected diagnoses, and the ways caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and hope.
Throughout the episode, the mothers discuss grief, acceptance, fear, advocacy, and the complicated emotions that often coexist alongside deep love and connection. They also reflect on the healing that can happen when caregivers share their stories openly and realize they are not alone.
This conversation explores how children with disabilities and complex needs often become profound teachersâoffering lessons about presence, compassion, emotional strength, and unconditional love.
Jessica and the guests also discuss the meaning behind the phrase âSuddenly Braveâ and how bravery often looks less like confidence and more like continuing forward one moment at a time, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that there is power in vulnerability, healing in community, and hope in being witnessed by others who understand the caregiving journey.
Connect with Tina at [email protected], or find out more about her here.
Find more information about Asha here.
Find more information about Lena here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs expert episode, #260, with relationship advocate and speaker Julia Woods.
These expert episodes feature conversations with professionals, advocates, and community voices whose work supports caregiving parents and families navigating complex life experiences.
In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with Julia for a powerful conversation about marriage, emotional connection, and navigating suffering together as partners.
Julia shares her personal journey and the experiences that shaped her work supporting couples through hardship and transition. Together, the conversation explores how caregiving, stress, grief, and changing family dynamics can deeply impact relationshipsâand why emotional honesty, vulnerability, and compassion are essential during difficult seasons.
Jessica, Susanna, and Julia discuss practical ways couples can strengthen connection, improve communication, and remain emotionally present for one another even when life feels overwhelming. The episode also highlights the importance of support systems and community, particularly for men who are often socially conditioned to navigate pain and stress in isolation.
Throughout the conversation, Julia emphasizes that partnership does not require perfection. Instead, healthy relationships are built through honesty, empathy, shared support, and a willingness to turn toward each other during suffering rather than away from it.
This episode is a compassionate and encouraging reminder that even in lifeâs hardest seasons, connection and support remain possibleâand deeply important.
Find more information about Julia Woods here.
Follow Julia on Instagram here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs expert episode, #259, with documentary filmmaker and disability advocate Dan Habib.
These expert episodes feature conversations with professionals, advocates, and storytellers whose work supports caregiving families and the disability community.
In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe talk with Dan about his journey from photojournalist to acclaimed filmmaker and advocate for disability inclusion.
Dan shares how the birth of his son Samuel transformed both his familyâs life and the trajectory of his work. Through projects like Including Samuel and The Ride Ahead, Dan has used storytelling and documentary filmmaking to challenge misconceptions about disability, amplify disabled voices, and advocate for systems rooted in belonging, mentorship, and interdependence.
The conversation explores the impact of mentorship in disability advocacy, the importance of authentic representation in media, and the lessons Dan has learned from Samuel about patience, communication, and community. Dan also speaks candidly about the fragility of support systems for families and the ongoing work of creating a more inclusive society where disabled individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.
Jessica, Susanna, and Zoe also discuss the emotional realities of parenting children with disabilities, balancing independence and support, and the importance of building communities where families feel seen and understood.
This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about advocacy, storytelling, and the power of community to create meaningful change.
Find more information about Dan Habib here.
Follow Dan on social media here.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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In this Thriving Neurodivergent Adults episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with artist, advocate, and neurodivergent creative Alexis Brygider for a deeply personal and unforgettable conversation about communication, creativity, disability justice, and finding belonging. On this episode, Alexis is joined on this episode by Anthony Rivello, a personal mentor on her support staff and a founding board member of We Are Brave Together.
Alexis shares memories from early childhood, including growing up nonverbal and experiencing the world through intense sensory and emotional awareness. She reflects on how art became her first language and how watching expressive performers and comedians helped her learn communication and human connection.
Throughout the conversation, Alexis speaks candidly about frustration, emotional overwhelm, and the internal experience of being misunderstood while desperately wanting connection. She offers compassionate insight into emotional dysregulation and explains how patience, support, and understanding can help neurodivergent individuals build communication skills and self-awareness over time.
Alexis also honors the people who shaped her life, especially her mother Barbara, whose steady love and belief in her became a foundation for growth and resilience. The episode explores the importance of support staff, community, disability advocacy, and creating environments where disabled adults can thrive authentically.
Listeners will also hear Alexis discuss her artistic work, disability justice communities, and her dream of creating meaningful art and animation that helps others feel understood and connected.
This conversation is equal parts insightful, emotional, philosophical, and joyfulâand serves as a beautiful reminder that every person deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and valued exactly as they are.
Find more information about Alexis Brygider here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ask us anything.
In this Ask Us Anything episode, #257, weâre responding to the question:
âHI LADIES. I know the new book is coming out soon. I am very excited! What's a question you were afraid to ask early on as a mom â and what's the answer you wish someone had given you?â
In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe reflect on the fears, grief, uncertainty, and unspoken questions they each carried early in their caregiving journeys.
The hosts share personal stories about the questions they were afraid to voice out loudâquestions about identity, marriage, loneliness, resentment, joy, the future, and whether they would ever truly feel okay again. Together, they explore how silence and shame can keep caregivers isolated, and why honest conversations and community support are so important.
Jessica, Susanna, and Dr. Zoe also discuss the answers they wish someone had given them earlier: that grief and joy can coexist, that perfection is not required, that asking for help is healthy, and that caregivers deserve support and compassion too.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that there is no âperfectâ way to navigate caregiving and that vulnerability can become a powerful pathway toward healing and connection.
This episode is a tender reminder that many of the questions caregivers are afraid to ask are actually deeply humanâand that no one should have to carry those fears alone.
Keep the questions comingâweâre here to support you. Whether youâre parenting a child with complex medical, developmental, or mental health needs, or supporting someone who is, we would love to hear from you. We see you and we love you.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #256, with Laurie Magulac, an advocate focused on supporting caregivers navigating the financial realities of raising children with disabilities.
These expert episodes feature conversations with professionals and advocates whose work directly supports caregiving parents and families navigating complex needs.
In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with Laurie to discuss the financial challenges many caregivers face when raising children with disabilities. Laurie shares her perspective on the intersection of caregiving, poverty, and public assistance systems, and explains why so many families struggle financially despite working tirelessly to support their children.
The conversation explores how caregiving responsibilities can limit employment opportunities, create long-term financial strain, and force families to navigate complicated support systems that are often difficult to understand or access. Laurie also highlights resources available to caregivers, including programs that support student parents and families pursuing education while raising children with disabilities.
Jessica and Susanna discuss the emotional impact financial stress can have on families and the stigma that can prevent caregivers from seeking help. Laurie emphasizes that accessing public assistance or community resources is nothing to be ashamed of and encourages families to pursue support systems designed to help them survive and thrive.
The discussion also touches on the importance of advocacy, policy change, and collaboration between organizations to create stronger support networks for caregivers. Laurie shares her hope for more accessible, centralized resources and greater public awareness of the financial realities many caregiving families face.
This episode is a powerful reminder that caregivers deserve support, safety, and communityâand that sharing these stories can help shift public perception and drive meaningful change.
Contact Laurie Magulac at [email protected]
Sign up for one of Laurieâs upcoming in-person or virtual support groups for Moms of Teens here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends!
In this special episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Dr. Zoe come together for a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation centered around Suddenly Brave Together, the book co-authored by Jessica Patay, Dr. Zoe, and Kari Morin.
This episode explores the emotional journey so many parents experience when life changes unexpectedlyâwhether through a diagnosis, a medical challenge, or a shift in what we imagined for our families. Jessica shares the inspiration behind the book and the meaning of becoming âsuddenly braveââthat moment when you are called to show up in ways you never anticipated.
Together, Jessica and Zoe reflect on the complexity of navigating grief, uncertainty, and resilience, while also making space for hope, healing, and connection. They discuss the importance of moving away from a âfix-itâ mindset and instead embracing the present moment, honoring both the heartbreak and the beauty that can coexist in this journey.
This conversation also highlights the power of community. Through shared stories and vulnerability, parents can find connection, validation, and the reminder that they are not alone. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or years into it, this episode offers compassion, perspective, and encouragement.
You are not brokenâyou are becoming.
Find more about Kari Morin here.
Find more about We Are Brave Togetherâs second book Suddenly Brave Together here.
Find more about We Are Brave Togetherâs first book Becoming Brave Together here.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #254. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guest that goes deeper into their experience.
In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Wendy Ernzen shares her journey raising her daughter Nicola, who lives with autism and bipolar disorder. Wendy reflects on the challenges of navigating complex diagnoses, advocating for the right educational and support systems, and facing moments of crisis that required courage, compassion, and difficult decisions.
Through her story, Wendy explores the emotional realities of caregiving, the importance of finding community support, and the critical role of self-care for parents navigating long-term caregiving journeys. She speaks openly about the moments that pushed her family to seek new forms of help and how those experiences ultimately created new pathways toward stability and growth.
In the conversation that follows, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell discuss with Wendy the importance of compassion when interpreting our childrenâs behaviors, the need for stronger support systems for families, and how caregivers can find meaning, connection, and small moments of joy even in the most challenging seasons.
Wendyâs story is a powerful reminder that caregivers cannot do this work aloneâand that community, honesty, and support are essential to sustaining the journey.
Find more about Wendy Ernzen here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Donate in May to support retreats & scholarships: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/mothers-day
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ask us anything.
In this Ask Us Anything episode, #253, weâre responding to the question many parents quietly carry:
âHi Brave Together Podcast--What do you do when your partner is in denial about your child's needs?â
In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe Shaw explore the emotional complexity that can arise when parents process a childâs diagnosis differently.
The hosts discuss how denial is often rooted in grief, fear, overwhelm, shame, or uncertaintyânot a lack of love. They talk about how one parent may be ready to seek services, ask questions, and move into action, while the other may still be struggling to accept what is happening. These different coping styles can create tension, loneliness, resentment, and conflict within a relationship.
Jessica, Susanna, and Zoe share personal insight and practical strategies for navigating this difficult dynamic with compassion and resilience. They discuss the importance of communication, empathy, timing, and curiosity over judgment. They also emphasize that support groups, therapy, family counseling, and community connection can be life-changing resources for couples feeling stuck.
The conversation also touches on cultural stigma around diagnoses, fears about labels, sibling dynamics, and the importance of advocating for a childâs needs even when parents are not on the same page. The hosts remind listeners that it is okay to have needs, ask for help, and seek support for yourself while your partner works through their own process.
This episode is a powerful reminder that parents do not have to process things at the same pace to still move forward together.
Keep the questions comingâweâre here to support you. Whether youâre parenting a child with complex medical, developmental, or mental health needs, or supporting someone who is, we would love to hear from you. We see you and we love you.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #252, with Dr. Melisa Moore, a sleep psychologist who specializes in supporting neurodivergent children and teens.
These expert episodes bring conversations with professionals whose work supports caregiving parents and families navigating complex needs.
In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell talk with Dr. Moore about the unique sleep challenges many neurodivergent children experience. Dr. Moore explains that neurodiverse brains can process sleep differently, and many sleep struggles are rooted in biology, development, and environmental factorsânot parenting mistakes.
Dr. Moore shares practical, science-backed strategies to help families improve sleep routines while also encouraging parents to balance ideal recommendations with the realities of daily life. The conversation explores how to recognize when sleep issues may require professional support, how to create sleep environments that support regulation, and how mindset shifts can reduce anxiety around sleep for both parents and children.
Jessica and Susanna also discuss the important role sleep plays in emotional regulation, mental health, and overall well-being for neurodivergent youth. Dr. Moore offers compassionate encouragement for caregivers navigating sleep struggles and reminds parents that progress often comes from small, sustainable changes rather than perfect routines.
This episode is filled with practical insights and reassurance for families seeking better rest and healthier sleep habits for their children.
Find more about Dr. Melisa Moore here.
Find Dr. Melisa Mooreâs book, The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs expert episode, #251, featuring Jennifer Iannuzzi, who joins us for a candid and compassionate conversation about supporting children with behavioral struggles, particularly aggression.
These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell explore the emotional toll that aggressive and dysregulated behaviors can take on caregivers and families.
Jennifer speaks openly about the isolation and stigma many parents experience when their childâs behaviors include self-injury or outward aggression. Together, they discuss how guilt and shame often compound the stress caregivers already carryâand why open conversations are essential in reducing stigma and normalizing these very real struggles.
The conversation also highlights the importance of building intentional support systems, creating safety plans for caregivers, and recognizing parents as valuable partners in their childâs care. They address the difficult and often misunderstood decisions around residential programs, reframing them not as failures but as thoughtful, loving choices made in pursuit of safety and independence for the child.
This episode validates the weight many caregivers carry while offering connection, perspective, and hope. You are not alone in navigating these challengesâand your efforts matter.
Find more information about Jennifer Iannuzzi here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs expert episode, #250, featuring Dr. Jenn Rapkin, who joins us for a powerful and clarifying conversation about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with Dr. Rapkin to unpack the many misconceptions surrounding OCD and to offer deeper understanding for families navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors.
Dr. Rapkin shares her perspective not only as a clinician, but also as someone who has personally experienced OCD and as a parent of a child with the condition. Together, they explore how OCD is often misunderstood and trivialized as simply being âneatâ or âorganized,â when in reality it can significantly disrupt daily life through intrusive thoughts and compulsionsâincluding mental compulsions that may go unnoticed by others.
The conversation covers how OCD presents in children, the impact of trauma, and why early recognition and proper diagnosis are so important. Dr. Rapkin explains why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard treatment and what it truly means to sit with discomfort rather than allowing OCD to dictate behavior. She also emphasizes that managing OCD is often a lifelong journeyâone that requires compassion, support, and informed care.
This episode replaces stigma with understanding and offers practical, hopeful insight for families seeking clarity around OCD.
Find more information about Dr. Jenn Rapkin here.
Find Jennâs book, The Feeling Muscle here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode, #249, where you, the listener, get to write in and ask us anything.
In this episode, weâre responding to the question:
âHi there, I guess I am looking for more info on siblings in a special needs family. Can you shed light or talk about how they battle their own resentment, depression, anxiety or PTSD? THX.â
In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Dr. Zoe Shaw, and Susanna Peace Lovell come together to explore a deeply important and often under-discussed topic in caregiving families: the sibling experience.
The hosts unpack the complex emotional and psychological dynamics that can arise when one child in the family has additional needs. They discuss how siblings may experience a wide range of emotionsâincluding love, pride, resentment, protectiveness, anxiety, and even feelings of invisibilityâand why itâs so important to create space for all of those feelings without judgment.
Jessica, Zoe, and Susanna also explore the different roles siblings can take on within the family system, and how these roles can shape identity, relationships, and mental health over time. They speak directly to the question of resentment, depression, and anxiety, emphasizing that these responses are valid and deserve attention, support, and care.
The conversation offers practical strategies for parents, including the importance of validating siblingsâ experiences, being mindful of how praise is given, and creating intentional one-on-one time and support systems. The hosts also highlight the value of therapy and open communication in helping families navigate these dynamics with compassion and honesty.
Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that sibling relationships are deeply meaningfulâand that supporting siblings is an essential part of caring for the whole family.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs expert episode, #248, featuring Kirk Martin, a parenting educator known for his honest, practical insights on raising strong-willed children and leading with calm.
These expert episodes are conversations with professionals whose work directly supports caregiving parents. In this episode, hosts Susanna Peace Lovell and Jessica Patay talk with Kirk about the evolving landscape of parentingâand why the most powerful shift we can make is moving from controlling our children to regulating ourselves.
Together, they explore how parental anxiety often fuels controlling behaviors, why strong-willed children require a different approach than compliant ones, and how calm leadership creates safety and connection. Kirk emphasizes the importance of normalizing childrenâs emotions rather than correcting them, validating their experiences, and modeling emotional intelligence in everyday moments. The conversation also highlights the crucial role fathers play in breaking generational patterns and fostering secure, healthy relationships with their children.
This episode is filled with practical strategies and honest reflection, reminding us that parenting is not about perfection or performanceâitâs about growth. Success as a parent is not defined by a childâs behavior, but by our willingness to lead with steadiness, self-awareness, and compassion.
Find more information about Kirk Martin and Celebrate Calming here.
Follow Kirk on Instagram here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to todayâs story episode, #247. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation that goes deeper into the experience and themes shared.
In this episode of the Brave Together Podcast, Dr. Zoe Shaw shares her personal journey as a writer, therapist, and caregiver, exploring the powerful and often hidden impact of shame. Drawing from her own life and the insights that shaped her book, Stronger in the Difficult Places, Zoe unpacks the difference between simple guilt and complex shameâexplaining how complex shame attaches itself to identity and can quietly influence how caregivers see themselves.
Zoe reflects on the âphantom criticâ that so many parents carry, the cultural and societal pressures that intensify feelings of inadequacy, and how writing became her therapy and path toward healing. She offers practical insight into how shame manifests in caregiving, why guilt can be a healthy, adaptive emotion, and how forgivenessââgiving up all hope of a better pastââcan open the door to freedom and self-acceptance.
In the conversation that follows, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell explore how shame shows up in the lives of caregivers, the ripple effects it has on families, and how parents can begin to untangle these deeply rooted beliefs. Together, they remind listeners that good-enough parents are more than enough for a child to thrive.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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Hello Brave Friends!
In this Expert episode, hosts Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell sit down with therapist and behavior analyst Monica Fyfe, LMFT, BCBA, to explore the evolving landscape of therapy for neurodivergent youth.
Monica brings a unique perspective to her work, blending her experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist with her training as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In this thoughtful conversation, she explains how therapy for neurodivergent children has shifted in recent years toward more compassionate, individualized, and strengths-based approaches.
Together, they discuss how modern therapeutic practicesâincluding updated approaches to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)âare increasingly centered on dignity, consent, and the unique needs of each child. Monica also shares how integrating different therapeutic frameworks, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help children and teens better understand their emotions, identify their values, and build confidence navigating the world.
The conversation also explores the powerful role of language in shaping how families understand diagnoses and neurodiversity. Monica encourages parents to focus less on labels and more on specific goals and supports that help their children thrive. She also discusses the importance of helping neurodivergent youth build âsocial navigationâ skills that allow them to create meaningful connections and engage with their communities.
Finally, Monica introduces her childrenâs book series, which uses storytelling and bibliotherapy to introduce therapeutic concepts in accessible, engaging ways for kids and families.
This episode is full of practical insight and reassurance for parents seeking thoughtful, respectful, and effective support for their neurodivergent children.
Find more about Monica Fyfeâs childrenâs series Welcome to Petsville here.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
-
Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ask us anything.
In this Ask Us Anything episode, #245, weâre responding to the question:
âHi Dr. Zoe, Susanna and Jessica, I was wondering if you could shed light on us parents who will NOT BE EMPTY-NESTERS? I am struggling right now because I see friends who are so free and spontaneous and honestly, I am envious. As you guys always say, the grief buttons are getting pushed again. Thanks.â
In this conversation, Susanna Peace Lovell, Dr. Zoe Shaw, and Jessica Patay talk honestly about what it means to be a âforever nesterââa caregiver who may never experience the traditional empty nest. They define what empty nest and forever nest can look like, while also acknowledging that itâs not always a simple either/or; there are many unknowns, in-between seasons, and times when adult children launch and then return home.
Together, they name the complicated mix of emotions that arise when friends are traveling, retiring, or enjoying spontaneous freedom, while caregiving parents are still managing high-support needs, sleep deprivation, food vigilance, and constant responsibility. Jessica and Zoe share candidly about life with children who have Prader-Willi syndrome and the relentless focus on food and safety; Susanna reflects on lifelong rigidity, shame, and a longing to be more spontaneous. They speak to grief as cyclical, normal, and deeply humanâespecially when future dreams like travel, retirement, or hands-on grandparenting feel uncertain or out of reach.
The hosts also offer hope and reframes: the power of naming longings out loud, seeking pockets of âempty nest cosplayâ (brief moments of freedom and joy), practicing radical acceptance of the life youâre living, and being intentional about creating memories and glimmers of joy right now. They remind listeners that wanting freedom, rest, and space is not selfishâitâs humanâand encourage caregivers to seek support when resentment or grief feels overwhelming.
Keep the questions comingâweâre here to support you. Whether youâre a parent to a child with complex medical, developmental, or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you.
Leave us a message here.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoeâs book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susannaâs book, Your True Self is Enough here.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.
Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube
Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.
Canât get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected]
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
Disclaimer
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