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This season of the podcast has ironically been the way I’ve been Finding Happy. It has been so fulfilling to share with you so many guests who are engaging in inspiring, hard, and honest conversations that are helping us live more courageously and show up for our kids in big ways. I’ve got even more fantastic guests lined up for you too. But I also need to practice what I’m preaching, so I’m taking a pause. Right now I’m on an epic road trip with my family. I’m learning, resting, playing, sleeping, and being present with my people. So this is my encouragement to take care of you too, mama. If you haven't already, hit subscribe, so you'll be the first to know when we're back for Season 2! And I’ll see you back here in just a few weeks!

It’s no secret that drinking has become an acceptable means of coping with the overwhelm and demands of motherhood. While alcohol may take the edge off of the day, the side effects are more impactful than any of the relief it might offer.    In this episode, Michelle Smith of Recovery is the New Black is here to share her recovery story. She discovered that when she was finally honest, she was thirsty for something she couldn’t drink. If you’re curious about the possibility of what sobriety could look like on you, don’t miss this episode.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michellesmith

Did you get to join us for Stronger Together this past spring? This live virtual event was the realization of a dream come true for me and my co-host for the event, Amber Rojas.  Join us as we finally take the time to debrief this event. We discuss what we learned, what impacted us most, and what we are looking forward to doing more of at the next event!  What was your biggest takeaway from the event? What other topics would you love to see covered? We would love to hear from you! 

As small as the internet has made our world, sometimes it’s still hard to find parents on a similar journey that you truly connect with. Understanding that struggle is what led my guest, Summer Petrosius to developing the app, Kindship.    Learn why this free app could be a lifeline to you on this journey and how a later in life autism diagnosis has brought healing and a new perspective to Summer’s life.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/summerpetrosius

Getting an official diagnosis for a child with a disability is an intense moment. When your emotions are paired with a lack of resources or misinformation, it can be even more isolating.    In this episode, I’m chatting with Jen Jacob, founder of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. Her organization walks closely with parents at the time of diagnosis to inform, advocate for, and empower parents on their new journey.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jenjacob

Sometimes we can hit that fight, flight, or freeze button without even realizing it. If you’re feeling paralyzed by the amount you have going on in your life, I’m going to share 4 totally manageable action steps you can take today to break free.    Feel the feelings and move through them. You’re not alone mama!  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/32

On this journey, it’s so powerful when you find your “person”, or if you’re really lucky - your tribe. Mandy and Kate are two dear friends who are proof of the healing that can happen when you seek out community. Mandy and Kate are both moms to twins who were born premature. Now they walk out the joys and hardships of parenting children with disabilities on their own podcast, Too Peas in a Podcast.  We’re talking all about learning to delight in realistic expectations, why they are so passionate about the work they do, and what you can expect to find in their new book, The Invisible Life of Us.   Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/toopeasinapodcast

It’s pretty common for a mom to feel off, drained of energy, or just not yourself. When you hit a slump, it can also feel easy to continue to neglect your mind and body. But we all know, you can’t afford to do that.    In this episode, I’m going to help you go through a quick assessment of simple things you could be overlooking when it comes to your physical and mental health. I hope that just listening helps you reflect and realize what you’re needing most so you can prioritize your self-care and kick that slump sooner!  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/30 Are you ready to relieve stress and reclaim joy? Register for Soul Flow before June 5th! 

This week I’ve found your dose of happy for you. It comes in the form of Cheethams with Dreams-the dynamic sibling duo from Manchester, England. You can thank me after you follow them on Instagram or TikTok.   Becky is a pediatric nurse and her sister Hannah was born with Cerebral Palsy. Together they are spreading joy and awareness of disabilities. Today we’re chatting about everything from why these two are so close, how they are inspiring people worldwide to choose inclusion over ignorance, and what it’s like to be a sibling to a person with a disability. Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/siblingswithdreams

As parents of children with disabilities, there are so many ways we modify our lifestyle to ensure our kids stay safe and have the chance to thrive.    And at the same time, life in a pandemic has forced us to do life differently and showed us how our kids can adapt. Today I’m sharing how life is about to be really shaken up in our family and why we’re really excited about not knowing what to expect.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/problemsintoopportunities

I think it’s fair to say we’re working hard to create disability awareness. But a lot of us didn’t plan to start this advocacy journey. We started it when we were handed a baby or a diagnosis. We’re here and we’re learning.  In today’s episode, I’m excited to chat with Larkin O’Leary, down syndrome mama and co-founder of the Common Ground Society. Larkin is compassionately educating the community about the world of disabilities through assemblies for audiences from birth to college.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/larkinoleary

Can you spot the signs of burnout before you hit it? One sign that’s easy to spot is that when the little things like getting groceries or making an appointment feel like the big scary things.    In this episode, I’m sharing the way you can start to determine the real change you want to make so that you can break away from the patterns and cycles that aren’t serving you anymore. You don’t have to do the big scary thing today. You just need to start getting curious.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/bigscarythings

Mama, I know there are ideas and dreams you have that you can’t let go of. Or maybe you don’t have any right now, but you know you need something to invest in something -that is just for you. Today I’m talking with Mia Francis-Poulin, founder of the Copy Haus, a creative copywriting agency.    We’re talking about how to take your first step to pursue your dream, why it’s okay to ask for help, and why it’s good for everyone when you find that thing that lights you up.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/pursueyourdreams

Mamas, you inspire me. The women in this community blow me away with the dreams they have of advocating, empowering, and bringing awareness to the world about the gifts that our children offer.    But your impact is limited to work you are willing to do on your own mind, body, and spirit. When you do, your kids have the greatest chance to thrive all because they are getting the best version of you. Ready to take your first small step with the help of a community? Claim your spot in the group coaching program!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/findinghappy8weekcoaching/ Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/smallsteps

What if the problem was not with our children? What if the problem had everything to do with the devaluation of life that society projects on us? In today’s episode, I am talking with the founder of the Good Things in Life, Genia Stephen. Genia comes to us with a unique perspective, as she has both a sister and a son with a disability.    Genia reminds us that while grieving is a part of any one of our journeys, there really is so much to celebrate. But who you’re connected to really matters. If you’re ready to start unlearning what it means to have a disability, this is a perfect place to start.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/geniastephen Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Have you ever wondered - does this get easier? With the idea of life slowly returning to "normal", there's another transition ahead of us. I think we thought we'd be jumping for joy, but why aren't we more excited, more grateful?  If we take a little review of everything we've been through over the last 12 months, I think it's safe to say a lot of us are still grieving.  I want you to know that it definitely does get easier. But not without your people. So if you need a space to process, I want you to come join me at the event: Stronger Together. Grab your seat!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/ Check out the full show notes at: https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/presspause  

As hard as it is to receive that official news of a diagnosis for your child of a disability, it can be empowering to be able to finally go after the resources you need that match that diagnosis.    But what about when your mama gut says something is off, but you can’t get an official diagnosis? Or what if you get that diagnosis later in life? What if it’s “just” ADHD? When do you qualify for the support you need most?  Today I am talking with a dear friend, Brittany Bollard. We’re talking about why comparing our grief only makes us feel less alone on our journey. It’s time to recognize more mamas on the journey and call them out of their silence.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/brittanybollard Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

In this episode, I’m chatting with another inspiring mama-Rachael James. And while she is definitely a mama of four kiddos- one who has a disability - it’s just one piece of who she is. If something inside of you is telling you that you’ve got a purpose that extends beyond the walls of your home, chances are, it’s time to take yourself seriously.  Listen to how Rachael has embraced her passions and reprioritized to live a purpose-driven life that helps her show up for her kids in a bigger way. It’s not easy, but you’ll see why it’s 100% worth it.  Check out the full show notes at http://findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/rachaeljames Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

In today’s episode, I am bringing to you a very different type of guest. He’s definitely not a mom, and he’s actually not a parent yet. But after listening you’ll wish he was working with your own son or daughter every day in the gym Michael Adams is a physical trainer who has a passion for improving the lifestyle of differently-abled young adults. He helps empower young people to consistently reach their personal best through events like weight training and preparing for the Special Olympics.   Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michaeladams Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Some days, the moments of overwhelm are just too many to count. But if we’re honest, juggling the appointments, the medications, or the special diets is not something we can ever let go of. But we can do the work of understanding the source of our stress and motivation.  In this episode, I am bringing on life coach, Jaime Gordon to give you a crash course in using the Enneagram. After listening, you will understand why this tool is so helpful in getting unstuck and why you need to start honoring exactly who you were made to be.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jaimegordon Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/