The Special Needs Mom Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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The Special Needs Mom Podcast

Kara Ryska

Kids & Family

Health & Fitness

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 294

Think of this podcast as your very own special needs mom support group--except it's helpful and fun! You will leave with the hope that you can have a super happy life even when your life includes parenting a medically complex child or a child with something like autism and ADHD.You likely didn't ask to be the parent of a disabled child or to live portions of your life in the hospital NICU or PICU. Your story is unique; it’s hard to find a place where you belong or where you don't feel so isolated and alone. Your child might have a rare disease, be undiagnosed or experience something that almost everybody has heard of like Downs syndrome yet the weird thing is that whether your child has an intellectual disability or physical disability, the experience as a mother is so similar. So regardless of your child’s disability, we can all find a home in this community.You find yourself managing everybody else's needs; your child, their siblings, and all the guilt that you have about that. All this has you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dizzy---not knowing who to turn to or what to do next for help. This podcast is your lifeline, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration as we connect to other moms’ journeys. We’ll get practical and look at what it takes to stop feeling so stuck in your life.You know this podcast is for you if you find yourself googling:Overwhelmed special needs mom helpHow to do self care as a special needs mom?Dealing with anger as a special needs momHow to manage special needs mom burnout and stress?How do I deal with mom's guilt?Help for myself as a special needs momHow do I cope with a disabled child?How do I manage the grief of my medically complex child?How to keep from drowning as a caregiverSupport group for special needs mom or community for caregiversI'm tired of taking care of my special needs childFinding balance between my child’s needs and my own mamas needsRespite and rest for special needs moms

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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Germany - parenting
05/03/2026
#79
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
10/12/2025
#100
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
09/06/2025
#65
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
08/06/2025
#41
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
02/06/2025
#99
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
27/04/2025
#76
🇩🇪 Germany - parenting
16/04/2025
#81
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
17/02/2025
#98

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://cozyearth.com/
3287 shares
https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
861 shares
https://brenebrown.com/
690 shares

http://www.instagram.com/
2203 shares
https://www.instagram.com/megansumrell
697 shares
https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast
558 shares

https://www.facebook.com/megansumrell
671 shares
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyslexiamomlife
144 shares
https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE
73 shares

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 42%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Latest published episodes

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The Complexity of Receiving Help

Episode 237

mercredi 12 février 2025 • Duration 28:44

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Today I'm wrapping up our two-part series on receiving. Inspired by my own journey and the experiences of the moms I work with, I take you through a personal story of navigating the world of financial support for my son, Levi.

I share how, after years of advocacy, we finally received the help we needed—only to find myself struggling with an unexpected wave of guilt and disbelief when even more support came our way. I dive into the concept of our "inner thermostat" for receiving, as explained in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, and how our subconscious beliefs can keep us stuck in feeling undersupported.

We also take a closer look at common thought patterns that may be holding you back from accepting help, like feeling obligated to reciprocate or believing it’s too much effort to ask. Plus, I offer a few mindset shifts that can help you break free and receive the support you deserve.

If you've ever felt conflicted about getting the help you need, this episode is for you.

Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HERE

Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

The Guilt of Receiving

Episode 236

mercredi 5 février 2025 • Duration 22:29

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Today, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us struggle with—receiving help. This conversation was sparked by a comment from our community about the guilt of accepting support, even when we know we need it.

In this episode, I explore:
✨ Why we resist help, even when it’s available.
✨ The hidden beliefs that keep us stuck in overdoing.
✨ Two big "potholes" in our thinking that block us from receiving.
✨ Simple mindset shifts to make accepting help easier.

If you’ve ever thought, I should be able to do more or other people need help more than I do, this episode is for you! We'll unpack these thoughts and gently rework them so you can open up to the support you truly deserve.

Busting the Bustle this Holiday Season

mercredi 4 décembre 2024 • Duration 19:39

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December is here, and with it, the chaos of the season! In this episode, I dive into the idea of "busting the bustle" and slowing down amidst the holiday madness. Inspired by The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, I share insights on how chronic busyness can undermine the relationships and moments we cherish most.

Together, we explore the concept of "being", how we show up, and how simple shifts in our mindset can transform stressful moments into opportunities for calm and connection. This holiday season, let’s make space for love, presence, and maybe a little magic too. You deserve it.

Resources from the episode:

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Stay tuned for next week’s episode with hypnotherapist, Kim Gucci!

Stuck in the Hurry Up, Rush, Rush! {An Activation Session with Dominique}

Episode 137

mercredi 22 mars 2023 • Duration 31:24

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Hello and welcome back to the podcast. This week I am sharing another activation session featuring mom, Dominique. She wants to have less anxiety, worry & overwhelm in her daily life and that's where I came in to help her make a plan! While your story may not be the same as Dominique's, I think the steps I lay out can be beneficial to any special needs mom.

BREATHE, a New Resource for Special Needs Families with Anne Fricke

Episode 136

mercredi 15 mars 2023 • Duration 49:41

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Welcome back to the podcast. This week I am joined for a second time by Anne Fricke. Anne and I catch up on IEP meetings and the struggles our children are having comparing themselves to typical children. Most importantly, Anne shares about a brand new platform she's started called, Breathe: Bringing resources, education & advocacy to home everywhere!

Connect with Anne:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/walkingwithfreya/
BREATHE: https://www.breathe-community.com/
BREATHE IG: https://www.instagram.com/breathecommunity/

Unspoken Stories: The Stories We Cannot Share

Episode 135

mercredi 8 mars 2023 • Duration 18:36

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Welcome to the podcast. This episode is about those things we can’t share. The stories that will go untold. The situations that no one will ever know about. Why? And what options do we have?

Ending the Chase for Normal with Anna Brown

Episode 134

mercredi 1 mars 2023 • Duration 46:43

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Hello and welcome to the podcast. Anna Brown is my guest this week. Anna is a mother, advocate, homemaker and blogger. She shares her perspectives on life with her special needs daughter and how she's grown to learn value and worth is about more than just doing. Anna talks about how she's had to let go of the idea of control she never actually had and build the life and community she needed.

Connect with Anna:
Blog: https://www.motheringrare.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mothering_rare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothering.rare

Finding Myself Again Outside of Being a Special Needs Mom {Activation Session with Ali}

Episode 135

mercredi 22 février 2023 • Duration 44:24

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Welcome to The Special Needs Mom Podcast. This episode is the introduction of a new style episode we'll be having called an Activation Session! It's a coaching-style session, so you'll hear live coaching and leave with insight and inspiration of what you might take action on in your own life.

Enjoy the episode? Sign up for your own Activation Session. Click here to apply.

Full Show Notes

Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan with Jillian Benfield

Episode 132

mercredi 15 février 2023 • Duration 42:42

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Hello and welcome to the podcast. This week, I have guest Jillian Benfield. Jillian is a mother, parent advocate and author of a new book, The Gift of the Unexpected. She gives us a glimpse into her story as a special needs mom. We talk about the transformations we need to go through as these parents and that the new life we're left with can often be better. Jillian's wonderful insights are something I hope all special needs parents can hear and learn from.

Connect with Jillian:
Website: http://jillianbenfield.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jillianbenfieldblog/
Get the Book: The Gift of the Unexpected

When You Lose it on Your Children or Spouse

Episode 131

mercredi 8 février 2023 • Duration 30:26

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Do you find yourself blowing up at your kids? Losing your cool with your spouse? You are not alone. In this episode, I give you some ways to dig into this and get more curious about why you're acting this way.