I’m beyond excited to finally introduce something I've been eagerly working on behind the scenes: the new season of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast.
This will be our eighth season, and I've put a tremendous amount of planning and organization into it. Normally, I'm more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants creative, but I didn't want to fizzle out mid-season this time when life got complicated. This season feels extra special because of the relationships that have developed with my guests.
I'm also proud to announce we're doing book giveaways for the first three episodes. You'll have a chance to win signed copies of:
Dr. Matt Zakreski's "Neurodiversity Playbook,"
Jamie Lynn Tatera's “Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids,” and
Jennifer Natalya Fink's "All Our Families."
Let Me Dive Right Into Announcing This Season
We're kicking things off with an incredible guest this Sunday, Dr. Matt Zakreski. He's not only a clinical psychologist and parent, he also hosts a wonderful podcast called Nerding Out on Neurodiversity. Dr. Matt, the founder of the Neurodiversity Collective, will talk about his parenting philosophy of being "curious, not furious."
Excitingly, he’s offering a book giveaway for "The Neurodiversity Playbook." You won't want to miss it, especially if you're one of those parents (like me) who has wished for a playbook to help guide your journey.
Upcoming Guests and Topics
In two weeks, we'll have Jamie Lynn Tatera on the show. Jamie writes a Substack Newsletter called "We Are In It Together," and hosts a podcast and a YouTube channel. Her work focuses on self-compassion, a topic I am deeply passionate about. She specializes in teaching resilience practices to kids and teens, so make sure to tune in.
Following that, on March 30th, I'll be joined by Jennifer Natalya Fink. Jennifer wrote the foreword to my upcoming book "Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents," and our interview will focus on building a positive disability identity and the importance of community for parents.
Mid-Season Highlights
Then, in mid-April, “Spicy Soul Mama” Shelley Karpati will join us. Shelley has been sharing her journey of supporting her child through mental health challenges, a journey filled with deep conversations, healing, and community-building.
We also have an engaging session with Julie M. Green, a fellow parent who writes the Substack, “The Autistic Mom.” Julie will share her journey of being diagnosed with autism later in life, and how that realization impacted her perspective on parenting.
Finally, we'll wrap up with a two-part episode featuring Ryan Rose Weaver, of “In Tending,” an educator and parent with plenty to share about raising neurodivergent kids. Ryan and I had a marathon conversation that I’m lovingly splitting and finessing to give you all the highlights. Easter egg: look for Ryan’s interview of me coming out around the same time of year. Talk about going deep!
Engaging with Our Community
As we embark on season eight, I invite you to be part of the conversation. This isn't a one-way street. I'm eager to hear from you, to discuss what resonates and how we can explore these topics further through blog posts and/or Q&A sessions. I'm thrilled to be on Substack and deeply value your input and community.
Breathing Exercise and Conclusion
Before I sign off, let me share a little practice with you. If your hands are free, put your fingertips together, let them rest in front of your chest, and look down. Inhale for a count of five, hold, then exhale. Let's repeat that. Inhale, hold, and exhale. 3-5 rounds is plenty. Just a little exercise to calm ourselves down.
Thank you so much for joining me on this ride. I can’t wait for you to hear all we have lined up this season. I'll be posting updates on our Substack blog and newsletter soon. If you haven’t subscribed yet, please do. And if you can, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your engagement helps other parents find the podcast and feel a bit less alone.
Remember to enter to win those giveaways!
Thank you and be well.
PS: Join me for my next live video in the Substack app:
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