This is Brave Together Podcast. On Brave Together Podcast, co-hosts Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell and Dr. Zoe Shaw, will share interviews, celebrate stories, explore challenges, and rally hope for the motherhood journey. Through this inspirational and resourceful podcast, may all caregiving parents know that they are not alone. We Are Brave Together is a global nonprofit that creates community for mothers raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 19/08/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Summer Re-Run: BONUS EP: Why We Should Care About Care with Elissa Strauss
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 44:46
Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's BONUS episode. Our guest is care advocate and author, Elissa Strauss, who has a fantastic new book called When You Care, The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others.
This conversation was about such an important topic that I invited author, activist and fellow caregiving mom, Kelley Coleman to co-host with me. And together we explore the powerful role caring for others plays in our individual and communal lives with Elissa Strauss who in her book weaves together research about care and stories from parents and caregivers with a feminist bent.
Elissa Strauss has been writing about the politics and culture of parenting and caregiving for more than 15 years. Her work appears in publications like The Atlantic, The New York Times, Glamour, Elle, and elsewhere. And she was a former contributing writer at CNN.com and Slate, where her cultural criticism about motherhood appeared on XX. Her book, When You Care, The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others, is out now from Gallery Bugs.
Please enjoy this critical and important conversation.
Thanks so much for listening!
Find Elissa Strauss and her book, When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Othershere.
Find Kelley Coleman and her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supportshere.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: A Neurodivergent Affirming Approach to IEP’s with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 44:30
Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #232, with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger, sharing his neurodivergent affirming approach to IEP’s and wow does he have a refreshing take on them.
In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Chris Wenger shares his journey as a neurodivergent educator and advocate for students with special needs. He discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the need for a shift from deficit-based IEPs to a more affirming approach, and the significance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. Chris emphasizes the value of connecting with students authentically and provides insights into effective teaching strategies and resources for educators and parents alike.
Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Summer Re-Run: STORY: When Both Mother and Child are Diagnosed with Autism with Natasha M. Nurse Esq.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 45:46
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.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Summer Re-Run: ASK US ANYTHING: Co-Parenting after a Divorce
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 45:05
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 children’s 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. We’re 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 you’re 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. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shamehere.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, .
Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: Empowering neurodiverse relationships with Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 47:57
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 Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
A Suddenly Brave Together Episode with Tina J., Asha W., & Lena W.
Season 10 · Episode 261
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 44:00
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 teachers—offering lessons about presence, compassion, emotional strength, and unconditional love.
Jessica and the guests also discuss the meaning behind the phrase “Suddenly Brave” 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.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell .
EXPERT: Turning Toward Your Partner in Hard Seasons with Julia Woods
Season 10 · Episode 260
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 45:45
Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s 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 relationships—and 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 life’s hardest seasons, connection and support remain possible—and deeply important.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
EXPERT: How Storytelling Changes Disability Perspectives with Dan Habib
Season 10 · Episode 259
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 48:57
Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s 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 family’s 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 Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe here.
THRIVING NEURODIVERGENT ADULT: Finding Connection Through Art and Neurodiversity with Alexis Brygider
Season 10 · Episode 258
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 48:28
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 joyful—and serves as a beautiful reminder that every person deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and valued exactly as they are.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
ASK US ANYTHING: The Questions We Were Afraid to Ask
Season 10 · Episode 257
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Duration 44:36
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, we’re responding to the question:
“HI 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 — and what's the answer you wish someone had given you?”
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 loud—questions 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 “perfect” 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 human—and that no one should have to carry those fears alone.
Keep the questions coming—we’re here to support you. Whether you’re 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. Zoe’s book, .
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shamehere.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enoughhere.
Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Togetherhere.
Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Togetherhere.
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.
Discover shows related to Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
