The UNspecial Podcast

Embracing Inclusion: A Journey Through Homeschooling and Advocacy.

On the UnSpecial podcast, the host interviews Mercedes Lara (Hooray for the Laras), an adoptive mom, homeschooler, Down syndrome advocate, and co-host of The Lucky Few po

Heartbreak and Hope: Embracing the Unknown

Connection Is the Intervention: DIR/Floortime, Behavior, and Supporting Parents | Ashley Gillespie (Bloom Developmental Center) On the Unspecial Podcast, host interviews

Building a Life Beyond Bounds: Cody Alford on Growth and Grace

In this Us Special podcast, the host interviews Cody Alford, a former Marine recon scout sniper and current farmer, business owner, and jujitsu coach, about resilience, s

Living in the Moment: Strategies for Health and Happiness

On the Us Special podcast, the host talks with Allie Hobson (Ally Hobson Wellness) about raising holistic kids, parenting through autism, and wellness habits for parents.

Raising Hunter: A Mother’s Determination and Love

On the Unspecial podcast, Christina (“Autism Moms on a Mission”) discusses raising her nearly 4.5-year-old nonverbal son Hunter, including a near-drowning at a lake where

Unwavering Faith: Parenting in the World of Autism and Down Syndrome

On the Unofficial Podcast, host interviews Jamie Bisant (“The Bisants” on Instagram) about parenting a “unique” family with a 17-year-old daughter Dakota (autism with int

Redefining Autism Care: Insights from 'The Relentless Advocate'

Cassandra Jimenez (The Relentless Advocate): Biomedical Autism Hope, MAPS Doctors, and Faith Through the Journey On the Unspecial podcast, host interviews Cassandra Jime

The Listening World: Bridging the Gap with The Spellers Method.

Host Zach interviews Dr. Dana Johnston, an occupational therapist and co-founder of the Spellers Method, about why silence in autism is often mistaken for absence and why

Faith, Family, and New Beginnings with Shante Gold

Pregnant With a Down Syndrome Baby Boy: Faith, Family Leadership, and Holistic Health with Shante Gold On the Unspecial podcast, the host interviews Shante Gold (wild.bo

Warrior for Change: Martin Slingstad's Story.

Martin’s Autism Life: Self-Acceptance, Special Olympics, and Training First Responders | Unspecial Podcast In this episode of the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews

From Special Needs to Community Needs.

On the Us Special podcast, host interviews Claire DePaulis about motherhood, community-building, and self-care while raising three children under five, including her olde

Navigating PDA: A Mother's Insight into Autism Challenges.

On “The Unspecial Podcast,” host Zach interviews Amber Aarons, an Arizona mom of six (four autistic children) and advocate for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persiste

Fierce and Unconditional: A Conversation on Autism and Advocacy

Zach interviews Sarah of Inch Stones by Sarah, a mom, advocate, and educator supporting families navigating autism, IEPs, and celebrating “inches” of progress. In rapid-f

Perspective Shift: Embracing the Journey with Down Syndrome

On the Us Special podcast, the host interviews Erica Daverio, a mom to Gabriella (6), who has Down syndrome and autism, amid social-media controversy over an influencer w

Hidden Battles: Understanding Profound Autism

The host and Olivia Rojo (“Praying Through Autism”) discuss the unseen burdens of profound autism—seizures, sleeplessness, isolation, grief, and constant medical battles—

Faith, Inclusion, and Community: A Conversation on Disabilities in the Church

On the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Jessi Mansfield about disabilities and the church, focusing on whether inclusion is a slogan or a lifestyle and how faith, a

Mindset and Miracles: Navigating Autism and Life's Challenges

The host interviews Tommy Rhyne of Spectrum and Camouflage about the unseen mental battle parents—especially dads—face in the autism journey, emphasizing real mindset ove

Breaking the Silence: Chase's Journey to Communication.

The speaker describes apraxia as a major misconception in autism, noting that during five years teaching profound autism it was never discussed, and says recent experienc

Embracing Vulnerability: Uniting Moms Through Shared Experiences.

Zach interviews Megan Vondrak, founder of the Unlonely Moms Club, about motherhood, loneliness, and caring for her son Miller, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age three

Beyond the Spectrum: A Dad's Journey Through Autism Advocacy

Two dads, Zach and Tyler, troubleshoot audio on an Instagram Live, swap dad jokes, then discuss autism: what it is, misconceptions from the DSM-5, and how the broadened l