Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey

Laurie Hellmann
  • 4.9 (76)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast comes to you from a very tired and eternally hopefully autism mom of an adult son with profound needs. My intention is to bring together caregivers of special needs children and those who may want to gain a better understanding of our challenges and triumphs. Through the sharing of our stories and experience, I hope to build a larger, more inclusive community of support. Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection from someone who walks daily in caregiver shoes.

  1. S6: Episode 187 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (Part 2)

    Jun 4

    S6: Episode 187 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (Part 2)

    I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our almost 2 hour recording into 2 parts.  ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!

    50 min
  2. S6: Episode 186 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (aka Bacon & Juiceboxes)

    May 28

    S6: Episode 186 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (aka Bacon & Juiceboxes)

    I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our almost 2 hour recording into 2 parts.   ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!

    53 min
  3. S6: Episode 185 - Mother's Day and Keeping the Faith

    May 7

    S6: Episode 185 - Mother's Day and Keeping the Faith

    Mother's Day can amplify comparison. Let's try to release the idea of what motherhood 'should' look like and embrace our version of motherhood as valid, meaningful and enough! Similarly, caregiving often forces us into a place where control is an illusion. Faith becomes less about having answers and more about trusting without them. Remember... faith isn't always loud- it's often just choosing to keep going! ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!

    32 min
  4. S6: Episode 184 - Ashley Gillespie owner/director of Bloom Developmental Center

    Apr 23

    S6: Episode 184 - Ashley Gillespie owner/director of Bloom Developmental Center

    Ashley Gillespie, M.A., is a child development specialist and the owner and clinical director of Bloom Developmental Center in League City, Texas. She specializes in working exclusively with autistic children, using a relational, play-based approach that integrates emotional development, sensory regulation, and movement. Her work is deeply personal. Growing up alongside her profoundly autistic cousin, Hailey, shaped how Ashley understands connection, communication, and the importance of truly seeing each child. That experience continues to guide and motivate her work today. Ashley partners closely with parents and caregivers, helping them better understand their child and build connections through everyday moments. Her approach focuses on developing the whole child through relationships, supporting the nervous system, and creating meaningful, lasting growth.  To connect with Ashley visit her IG page: @bloomdevelopmentalcenter or her website: https://www.bloomdevelopmentalcenter.com ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!

    37 min
  5. S6: Ep. 183 - I'm BACK!!

    Apr 9

    S6: Ep. 183 - I'm BACK!!

    After a longer than expected hiatus, Living the Sky Life podcast is BACK!! I'm looking forward to an impactful Season 6 filled with phenomenal guests, more solo episodes and frequent 'couples' episodes with my husband, Josh!

    12 min
  6. S5: Episode 182 - Through his new book, this autism dad shares practical advice & hopes to be a voice for other fathers who may be struggling.

    05/09/2024

    S5: Episode 182 - Through his new book, this autism dad shares practical advice & hopes to be a voice for other fathers who may be struggling.

    A devoted family man, Harry Psaros has been happily married to his wife Michelle for 24 years and is a proud father of two sons, Costa "Gus" and Maximos "Max." With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as minors in physics and philosophy, Harry has a strong educational foundation. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a certification as a health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Professionally, Harry serves as an Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist for AbbVie. Known affectionately by fans as the "Pitt Guru," he is a top social media influencer for University of Pittsburgh athletics and the senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now. Harry is on the Board of Directors for the Autism Caring Center, President of North Fayette Township's Parks and Recreation Board, Vice President of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV and one of the founders of North Fayette P.A.L.S. (an organization for special needs children). Harry is an avid reader, enjoys strength training, running, martial arts and lives to serve others.

    42 min
  7. S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future

    04/04/2024

    S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future

    Jo-Ann Turning also known as "Mrs. Bacon"  is one half of the married, blogging couple from Bacon and Juice Boxes: Our Life with Autism. She's mom to Eric (age 19 on the autism spectrum) and Anna Kate (age 22, recent college graduate who is now working in NYC.)  When her son, Eric, was first diagnosed with autism 18 years ago, she couldn't say the word "autism" without crying.  After many years, and many experiences parenting in both the neuro-typical and special needs world, Jo-ann has become passionate about building bridges of hope for her family and other families like theirs. She's been honored to be invited to give several lectures at conferences and schools, works full-time outside the home, and is President of Special Wants, Inc. a 501c3 organization. If she's lucky enough to get a few hours to herself, Jo-ann loves to bake, cook, read and make watercolor greeting cards. https://www.facebook.com/BaconandJuiceBoxes/ https://www.facebook.com/SpecialWantsInc/ www.specialwants.org

    1h 10m
  8. S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood

    03/21/2024

    S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood

    Kentucky mom & former ICU nurse, Rachel Moldoveanu shares her experience navigating through the world of Autism with her almost 15-year-old son Frankie while also parenting her two neurotypical daughters, Livi age 16 and Ellie age 6.  Rachel's love of Diet Coke, Jesus and Kentucky basketball get her through the tough days!   You can reach out to Rachel on FB: @Rachel Moldoveanu Rachel's first appearance on my show was January 2020 (Episode 12) if you want to listen to more of her family story!

    1h 28m
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4.9
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About

This podcast comes to you from a very tired and eternally hopefully autism mom of an adult son with profound needs. My intention is to bring together caregivers of special needs children and those who may want to gain a better understanding of our challenges and triumphs. Through the sharing of our stories and experience, I hope to build a larger, more inclusive community of support. Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection from someone who walks daily in caregiver shoes.

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