In this episode, host Carrie M. Holt engages with Dr. Nicole Wilke, a researcher and therapist, discussing the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with special needs. They explore the importance of resilience, the impact of early adversity, and the role of attachment in healing. Dr. Wilke shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for faith, community, and support in navigating this complex parenting journey.

Eps. 18; July 22, 2025

Resources:

• Would You Change it? My Article on Substack
• Learn more about Overcoming and Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride
• Helping Children with Disabilities Thrive ebook
• Purchase the book Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience
• Purchase the book Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride: A Journey to Overcoming
• Follow Dr. Nicole Wilke on Instagram
• Find Dr. Nicole Wilke on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Dr. Nicole Wilke on the CAFO Website
• Learn more about the Christian Alliance for Orphans

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, host Carrie M Holt engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kara Ryska, a dedicated advocate for families navigating the challenges of raising children with disabilities. Kara shares her personal journey as a mother of four, including her experiences with her son's brain tumors and the complexities of parenting a child with diverse disabilities. The discussion delves into themes of grief, faith recovery, repeated acceptance of circumstances, and the importance of finding joy amidst adversity.

Eps. 17; July 15, 2025

Resources:
Kara’s Website
The Special Needs Mom Podcast

Kara Ryska on IG

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this episode, Carrie M Holt interviews Paula Romang, who shares her journey of motherhood, particularly the challenges and joys of infertility, premature twins, and a son with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Paula discusses her initial expectations, the reality of caregiving, and the profound grief that accompanies the realization of having a special needs child. She emphasizes the importance of faith, the struggle to understand God's plan amidst hardship, and the necessity of finding hope in Christ.

Ep. 16, July 8, 2025

Resources:
Paula Romang’s Website
Instagram
Thriving in the Barren Place

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.