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PODCAST

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker

Amy Julia Becker

Parenting a child with a disability can feel overwhelming and isolating—but you don’t have to journey this road alone. Take the Next Step offers practical insights to help you create a thriving future for your whole family. Join Amy Julia every Wednesday for honest conversations that offer simple next steps to build connection, belonging, and delight—at home and in community.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

30:51

After Diagnosis: Grief Isn’t the End of the Story...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/04/08

E21—As the mom of a daughter with Down syndrome, I have felt my fair share of complicated emotions over these past twenty years. And sometimes, I haven't known what to do with those emotions, especially the ones that seem negative, like grief or fear. I'm talking today with psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson about all these things—how we can name our emotions in safe and trusted communities, and the way receiving comfort in the midst of those emotions can also open us up to

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25:35

Disability + Family: What Is Good? What Is Hard? with...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/04/01

E20—Does your child struggle to understand who they are in a world that sees disability as a deficit? Renee Dollenmayer is a speaker, coach, and founder of Even If Ministries. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and has experienced the joy and sorrow of disability. Learn how she has navigated those emotions, discovered a sense of calling and purpose, and why she cares so much that people with disabilities know how much their presence matters. 00:00 Introduction to Renee's

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27:32

Disability and Simple Faith Practices for Exhausted...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/03/25

E19—Many parents of children with disabilities carry deep spiritual questions and have very little space to process them. Amy Julia Becker talks with Pam Harmon about spiritual direction and why it can be a lifeline for parents navigating caregiving, uncertainty, and burnout. Together they explore practical ways to slow down, notice God in everyday life, and find renewed hope in the middle of disability parenting.00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Direction03:48 Experiencing Spiritual Direction in Real

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29:32

Your Child’s Behavior Is Communication with Emily...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/03/18

E18—Your child isn’t “misbehaving.” They’re trying to be understood. Many children with disabilities communicate through behavior, especially when spoken words aren’t available in the moment. Behavior analyst Emily Longino shares practical tools for recognizing communication signals before they escalate and helping parents build connection with their kids. Amy Julia Becker and Emily explore:How to look beyond behavior to understand the “why”How parents can recognize communication signals earlierWays

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27:59

Why “Special Needs Ministry” Isn’t Enough with...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/03/11

E17—Is your family welcome at church? If Sunday mornings leave you more exhausted than encouraged, you’re not alone. Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries, joins Amy Julia Becker to explore why so many disability families are leaving church—and the small, practical changes that can create real belonging. Find (or help build) a community where people with disabilities aren’t just accommodated, but welcomed.Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything

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25:05

Parent + Caregiver: How to Do Both Without Burning...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/03/04

E16 — Parent and medical caregiver. Many parents of children with disabilities know the complexity of these two full-time roles. Juli Henderson, founder of In Our Arms, was the caregiver for her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. She joins Amy Julia Becker to explore:Caregiver burnout, guilt, and isolationHow to pace yourselfCreating community (even when you’re exhausted)Practicing small, sustainable acts of self-careNavigating griefAsk Me Anything: Record (or

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29:30

Disability: Tragedy, Inspiration… or Something Else?...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/02/25

E15 — Tired of feeling like you have to “fix” your child—or turn their life into an inspiration story? Parents of kids with disabilities are often pushed toward two extremes: tragedy or triumph. But what if both miss the point? In this conversation, Amy Julia Becker and Matthew Mooney (co-founder of 99 Balloons) offer a healthier way to understand disability—rooted in shared humanity, vulnerability, and real relationships.Plus: simple language shifts you can use at home and with friends starting

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26:39

How Disability Parents Can Get Organized Without...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/02/18

Ep 14 — If paperwork and clutter are exhausting you, you’re not alone. Professional organizer Angela O’Brien, mom to a young adult daughter with Down syndrome, talks with Amy Julia Becker about the unique organizing challenges of disability parenting. From managing medical appointments and IEP paperwork to creating a home that works for everyone, Angela shares simple, realistic steps to help you move toward greater peace and presence.00:00 Organizing for Disability Caregivers06:22 Challenges Faced

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27:15

Thriving in Marriage as Disability Parents with Todd...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/02/11

Ep 13 — There's a myth out there that raising a child with disabilities will doom a marriage. But the data tells a different story. Authors Todd and Kristin Faith Evans offer research-based hope and practical strategies to help couples move beyond survival and toward a thriving, resilient marriage. Together with Amy Julia Becker, they explore:00:00 Intro: Marriage and Disability Parenting05:52 Challenges and Possibilities Parents Face09:28 The Power of Vulnerability in Relationships12:02

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28:57

When Special Education Works with Adrian Wood

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2026/02/04

Ep 12 — What if inclusion in schools didn’t have to be a constant fight? Adrian Wood, PhD, shares what actually helped her son with autism thrive in their public school system. Adrian and Amy Julia Becker explore:Building trust with educatorsCollaboration and creativityNavigating IEPs and transitionsSmall changes that make a big difference03:36 Navigating Public School for Children with Disabilities05:59 Creative Thinking and Working Together as a Team15:01 Strategies for Success22:01 Preparing for

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6:21

A Lifeline for Disability Parents: Your Feedback, Our...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/12/10

Feeling alone in the hard parts of parenting a child with a disability? Hear how other families are finding support, encouragement, and practical ways to navigate the challenges while celebrating the joys. Plus, a quick review is the perfect Christmas gift to help more families discover Take the Next Step!Mentioned:Niro Feliciano's Take the Next Step episode00:00 Intro00:31 Your Feedback03:33 Backstory and Future Reimagining_SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack:

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27:48

From Chaos to Calm-ish: Holiday Survival for...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/11/26

E11 — Feeling the holiday overwhelm creep in already? Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, author of All is CALMish, unpacks why disability families carry extra emotional weight this time of year—and how small, doable shifts can bring more peace. We explore:realistic expectationsmicro-moments of delightasking for helpbuilding a holiday season that fits your family, not InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:All is CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro

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26:07

The Power of Proximity in Disability Parenting with...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/11/19

E10 — From Frustration to Connection: If your home feels tense or chaotic, connection might be a missing piece. Recording artist Sho Baraka joins Amy Julia Becker to share how his family moved from daily breakdowns and aggression to a home marked by peace. Sho reflects on his story of parenting two sons with autism and the surprising power of proximity—how simply being with our kids can open doors to communication, trust, and calm.00:00 Introduction to Sho Baraka03:07 Navigating Communication with

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27:42

How to Handle Awkward Questions About Disability with...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/11/12

E9 — Awkward questions about disability happen. Here’s how parents can respond. Carrie Hahn, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother, joins Amy Julia Becker to share actionable strategies for:navigating conversations and correcting misconceptionsmaking disability normal in playhelping kids feel seen and respected without feeling singled out00:00 Intro03:14 Myths About Disability05:33 Talking About Disability in Public09:05 Challenging Assumptions of Incompetence14:32 Making Disability

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25:20

The Help Disability Parents Actually Need (But Rarely...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/11/05

E8 — Asking for help shouldn’t feel impossible. In this episode, Jordan Arogeti, CEO of SupportNow, joins Amy Julia Becker to talk about why asking for help can feel so hard, especially for disability families. They explore how SupportNow offers a simple path toward connection and lasting support.Connect to Community download: A one-page guide to help families experiencing disability map out the connections that matter most within their communities. Get the guide:

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32:59

What If I’m Just Exhausted? {Questions from...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/10/29

E7 — Q+R: How do I take care of myself and avoid burnout? Is it okay to grieve? Where can my child build lifelong friendships? How do I stop feeling guilty? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and Matt Mooney, co-founder of 99 Balloons, respond to your questions. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful contributions!Chapter List00:00 Introduction04:30 I’m so tired as a parent. How do I avoid burnout?10:35 Is it okay to grieve?17:16 Where can my child build lifelong friendships?23:29 How do I let

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28:15

From Deficit to Delight: Changing the Disability...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/10/22

What if one powerful way to advocate for your child is simply to delight in who they are? Author and advocate Heather Avis talks with Amy Julia about learning to find joy in family life, even when the world isn’t built for disability. They explore:Why delight can rewrite the disability narrativeWhat it takes to move from deficit to delightThe ripple effect of delight in our relationships and communitiesHow to lean into love and delight instead of anxiety and fear__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your

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25:45

Disability & Belonging: “We Aren’t Us Without You”...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/10/15

We all long to belong. But for many families experiencing disability, true belonging can feel out of reach. In this episode, researcher and advocate Erik Carter joins Amy Julia Becker to unpack how small steps toward inclusion and belonging can transform entire communities. They explore:How families can foster communities of belongingCommon barriers that block belongingThe benefits for everyone when communities embrace belonging__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question

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27:05

Disability & Family: The Yes/No Filter Every Parent...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/10/08

Overwhelmed by therapies, appointments, and never-ending “to-dos”? Author Jillian Benfield shares practical tools for families experiencing disability—offering parents guidance on setting limits, saying yes to what matters, and finding beauty in everyday life. Jillian and Amy Julia Becker explore:Parenting and caregiving without burning outDeveloping a yes/no filterTurning routines into lasting habitsCreating a clear vision for your familyHonest gratitude as a tool for resilienceUPCOMING Q+R

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28:06

The Hospitality of Need: Disability and...

Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker ·

2025/10/01

Many of us don't want to ask for help, but what if being needful isn’t weakness but a doorway to connection, friendship, and belonging? Kevan Chandler, coauthor of The Hospitality of Need, shares his personal story with Amy Julia Becker, reflecting on his experiences with spinal muscular atrophy, neediness, and the ways mutual care shapes his life. They explore:What peer-to-peer caregiving looks likeHow disability opens doors to friendshipWays to start supportive friendshipsHow your view of

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23 results

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