Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker

Amy Julia Becker
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Parenting

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.

  1. May 6

    How Disability Changed This Dad’s Idea of “Normal” with Mike Erre

    E25—What do you do when the child you imagined isn’t the child you have? Pastor Mike Erre experienced the slow dismantling of achievement-based parenting when his son with Down syndrome was born. If you’re exhausted by comparisons and milestones, this conversation invites a different way forward: noticing, delighting, and being with your child as they are. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories 03:06 Connecting with Your Child 06:54 Redefining Success and Celebration 11:40 Navigating Grief and Emotions 16:16 Building Connections and Community 19:01 How Dads Can Help Create a World of Belonging MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Voxology podcastHope Heals Camp_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mike Erre is the lead pastor of Journey Church in Tennessee and speaks on faith, culture, and spiritual formation. He is also the author of several books and cohost of the Voxology podcast. He is a dad to three children, including their youngest son who has Down syndrome. _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    29 min

  2. Apr 29

    From Fear to Future: How Families Plan for a Good Life with Sheli Reynolds, PhD

    E24—"I don't know what life can look like for my child." If you've ever felt that, this episode is for you. Sheli Reynolds, PhD, is a leader in disability innovation. She joins Amy Julia Becker to share free, practical tools that support individuals and families experiencing disability in planning for friendship, independence, employment, and joy. 00:00 Dr. Sheli Reynolds and Disability Advocacy 03:40 Understanding the Lifecourse Framework 09:15 Tools for Envisioning a Good Future 12:29 Person-Centered Planning Explained 16:04 The Importance of Life Experiences 21:36 Taking the First Step: Practical Advice for Parents MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: LifeCourse (home page)Charting a LifeCourse FrameworkLifeCourse Facebook page_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sheli Reynolds is the lead developer of the Charting the LifeCourse framework and a national leader in person- and family-centered disability innovation. Her passion, knowledge, and experience comes from growing up as a sibling of a brother with developmental disabilities. She has spent her career advancing research, policy, and practices that support individuals and families across the lifespan. She serves as Associate Director at the UMKC Institute for Human Development, where she has worked for 28 years, and has held national leadership roles, including on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University and earned her doctorate in Public Administration and Sociology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.  www.lifecoursenexus.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifecoursenexus/ https://www.facebook.com/lifecoursenexus/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sheli-reynolds-phd/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    28 min

  3. Apr 22

    How to Find Your People When You Feel Invisible with Katherine Wolf

    E23—The meals stop coming. The texts slow down. And suddenly you feel like you’re navigating disability alone. Friends can be great at showing up in a crisis, but how do you find community for your family when life stays hard day after month after year? Katherine Wolf, stroke survivor, mother, and disability advocate, shares her story with Amy Julia Becker. They consider: GriefLimits of toxic positivityFinding community that helps families survive and flourish00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:37 Is a Good Future Possible? 08:45 The Role of Community in Healing 13:01 Sustaining Community Connections 18:31 Navigating Disappointment in Community 21:05 Creating Long-Term Connections 25:12 Taking Steps Towards Connection MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hope HealsHope Heals CampGoodHard Story podcastVoxer_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons. Website: https://hopeheals.com/ Instagram accounts: @hopeheals; @opehealscamp; @mendcoffee _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    28 min

  4. Apr 15

    Disability + Siblings: What the Research Says with Meghan Burke, PhD

    E22—Is having a sibling with a disability hard on kids? Researcher Meghan Burke has spent years studying (and living) this question. Her findings might surprise you. In this episode, she joins Amy Julia Becker to share: what siblings actually say about growing up alongside disabilitywhy the "burden" narrative is mostly a myththe one conversation every family needs to have before a crisis hits00:00 Introduction to Sibling Relationships in Disability 02:48 Research Insights on Sibling Dynamics 05:57 Understanding the Myths and Realities 09:34 The Experience of Being Overlooked as a Sibling 10:59 Common Strengths Among Siblings 12:48 Siblings' Needs and Involvement 16:41 The Normalization of Disability in Sibling Relationships 18:16 Fostering Mutual Care in Families 23:02 Future Planning and Sibling Responsibilities _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Meghan Burke is a professor of special education in Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Her research interests include advocacy, families (i.e., parents and siblings) of individuals with disabilities, and disability policy. Her research examines how families advocate for services with their family members with disabilities. She also conducts research examining how siblings of individuals with disabilities transition to caregiving roles. Website: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/bio/meghan-burke/ Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-burke-4191239/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanbm/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    26 min

  5. Apr 8

    After Diagnosis: Grief Isn’t the End of the Story with Dr. Curt Thompson

    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 hope and joy.  00:00 Introduction to Grief 06:15 The Importance of Naming Grief in Community 11:58 Navigating Grief in the Context of Disability 18:32 Connecting to the Fullness of All of Our Emotions 24:12 Practical Steps for Emotional Awareness MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: John 9The Center for Being KnownNew Story Behavioral HealthBooks by Dr. Curt Thompson_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Psychiatrist, speaker and author Curt Thompson connects our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves — showing us how to form deep relationships, discover meaning and live integrated, creative lives. www.curtthompsonmd.com IG @curtthompsonmd FB@curtthompsonmd Curt's podcast: Being Known Podcast _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    31 min

  6. Apr 1

    Disability + Family: What Is Good? What Is Hard? with Renee Dollenmayer

    E20—Does your child struggle to understand who they are in a world that sees disability as a deficit? Renee Dollenmayer, founder of Even If Ministries, shares how living with cerebral palsy shapes her joy, sorrow, and purpose—and why every person with a disability needs to know their presence matters.  00:00 Introduction to Renee's Story and Disability 03:15 Joy and Sorrow in the Context of Disability 05:56 Creating Space for Lament and Joy 11:49 Disability and Identity 19:50 Loving and Supporting People with Disabilities 22:23 Practical Next Steps MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Even If Ministries_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Renee is a speaker, coach, and founder and visionary of Even If Ministries. Renee was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and has experienced the joy and sorrow of disability. She has a passion to see the disabled transformed by the power of the Gospel. She believes God allowed disability for His glory and her good. Renee has a passion for sharing that suffering is never the end of the story and helping individuals find purpose and freedom in hardship. Furthermore, she finds joy in coming alongside church leaders to make their churches and communities more accessible. Instagram and Facebook: @weareevenif https://www.weareevenif.com/ https://www.reneedollenmayer.com/ Instagram: @reneedollenmayer Facebook: renee.dollenmayer _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    26 min

  7. Mar 25

    Disability and Simple Faith Practices for Exhausted Parents with Pam Harmon

    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 Direction 03:48 Experiencing Spiritual Direction in Real Time 05:20 The Hummingbird's Lesson: A Reflection on Action 07:17 Spiritual Needs of Parents of Kids with Disabilities 10:30 Finding Space for Spiritual Direction 12:59 Practical Spiritual Practices for Parents 21:23 Recognizing the Need for Spiritual Direction Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Young Life CapernaumSpiritual Directors InternationalGrafted Life MinistriesWith MinistriesPam’s email: pharmonyl@comcast.net_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Pam Harmon is a leader in disability ministry with more than 20 years of experience serving youth with disabilities nationwide. She launched Young Life Capernaum in the Washington, DC region and now serves as a Church Consultant with With Ministries, helping congregations become more inclusive and create spaces of belonging for all. She holds a Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a certified Spiritual Director through Lipscomb University. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withministriesorg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-ministries Capernaum Young Life: capernaum.younglife.org • Instagram: @ylcapernaum _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    28 min

  8. Mar 18

    Your Child’s Behavior Is Communication with Emily Longino

    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 to support alternative communication skillsHow understanding behavior can reduce crises and build connection00:00 Introduction to Behavior Analysis 03:31 Understanding the Functions of Behavior 08:31 Functional Communication as a Survival Skill 12:31 Where Parents Can Find Behavior Support 16:00 Practical Examples of Functional Communication 22:15 It’s Never Too Late to Change Behavior Questions: Have a question for Emily or for Amy Julia? Record (or email) your questions, and we’ll do our best to respond to them in an upcoming episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hope Heals CampFREE RBT TRAINING - Autism Partnership Foundation_ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Emily Longino is a Senior Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Glenwood, a residential facility and specialized school serving children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has seven years of experience assessing and treating severe maladaptive behaviors, providing staff training on crisis management, and supporting functional communication. Emily’s work is grounded in compassionate care and trauma-informed practices. She has published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, presented at state and national conferences, and shared her expertise on supporting transition-aged individuals with autism. _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

    30 min
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5
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33 Ratings

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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.

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