Rockin the Difference

Chandra Neal/Single Mom/Special Needs Mom/Special Needs Sports Program Board Member
  • 4.8 (20)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Hello There! Welcome to Rockin the Difference, a podcast meant to share the experiences and information with those on their journey in the special needs world. I am your host, Chandra Neal, a mom of a young adult with special needs. My intent is to create a community where we can connect, be real and share in the humor and the tears, challenges and triumphs of what it’s like traveling down this path that is so unique as a special needs parent. Together, we can encourage and support each other as we are all Rockin the Difference!

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 26: When Plans Change: Pivoting as a Special Needs Parent

    This episode wasn’t planned. I found out my mother-in-law passed away just days before I leave on a big trip with my mom. And as a special needs parent, moments like this hit differently. How does your child process grief? What does change feel like in their nervous system? How do you hold space for them while also preparing to step away? In this episode, I share how Ryan responds to unexpected news, what grief can look like in neurodivergence, and the tension of missing him deeply while also being grateful I’m able to travel at all. Caregiving is learning to pivot without losing yourself. If you’re walking through change right now, you’re not alone. 🤍 #CaregiverSupport #NeurodivergentAdults #SpecialNeedsMom #ParentingThroughChange

    13 min

  2. JAN 31

    Episode 25: Love, Care, and Financial Clarity: Planning Ahead for Our Special Needs Children with Jennifer Brown

    In this episode of Rockin’ the Difference, I site down with Jennifer Caryn Brown—financial advisor and adoptive mom to a child with special challenges—for an honest and empowering conversation about caregiving, planning ahead, and finding peace of mind. Jennifer shares her personal journey navigating special services, advocacy, and parenting, while also offering practical guidance on how families can financially prepare for their child’s future. From understanding key planning tools to shifting from fear-based decisions to intentional ones, this episode bridges lived experience with professional insight. Whether you’re a caregiver just starting to think about long-term planning or someone feeling overwhelmed by the “what ifs,” this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all at once—and you don’t have to do it alone. You can find more information forJennifer below:  Website: www.browninvestmentmanagement.com email: jennifer@browninvestmentmanagement.com Social Media: @BrownInvestmentManagement

    1h 30m

  3. 12/30/2025

    Episode 24: Shedding Skin - What 2025 Asked of Me

    As 2025 comes to a close, this  episode of Rockin the Difference reflects on a year of profound change, challenges, and growth. I share what it meant to navigate major caregiving transitions for my son Ryan, face unexpected delays and emotional strain, and arrive at year’s end feeling both stretched and resilient. As I turn 50 on New Year’s Eve and reflects on shedding old layers to step into a new season, this episode marks the beginning of a year-end tradition—one rooted in honesty, healing, hope, and moving forward with intention.

    12 min

  4. 11/29/2025

    Episode 23: Meet Josh Bridegewater - The Spina Bifida Skater

    Today on Rockin the Difference, we’re talking with someone whose story rewrites what resilience can look like. Josh Bridgewater is the oldest skateboarder with spina bifida — a title he never set out to earn, but one he carries with pride. Born with his spine outside his body, Josh has endured more than 46 surgeries just to keep moving through life as normally as possible. Growing up, he faced bullying, isolation, and the kind of challenges most of us will never understand. But everything changed the day he found skateboarding — and with it, a community that accepted him exactly as he was. What started as a personal escape evolved into a calling. As an adult, Josh as poured his energy into teaching kids with spina bifida and other disabilities how to ride, how to fall, how to get back up, and how to hold onto a positive mental attitude even when life hits hard. He knows the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and he knows the light that comes from purpose and connection. Josh and his wife Shawna, are an amazing team that work together to show the resiliency of love for each other and community through all the ups and downs that life brings.   His story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring — and I’m honored to share it with you. Let’s get into it.

    53 min

  5. 10/26/2025

    Episode 22: No Sight, All Vision: A Chat with the Lamarra Family

    💫 What do you get when you mix courage, comedy, two white canes and 3 canines? Meet Brennan (21) and Mina (17) — two siblings who are blind, bold, and breaking barriers every day alongside their amazing mom, Parisa. ❤️ In this week’s Rockin the Difference episode, we dive into what it’s really like navigating a world that’s not always designed for them — the funny moments, the frustrating ones, and how they use their Instagram @yes_I_cane to educate and inspire others. 👩‍🦯✨ 🎧 Tune in and see the world through a whole new lens — one full of strength, laughter, and love.

    41 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Episode 21: Russel Burke: Finding Purpose after Paralysis

    🎙️ Episode 21: Russel Burke: Finding Purpose after Paralysis In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Rocking the Difference, I sit down with my friend Russ (@russ_on_wheelz), whose life changed forever after a boating accident at Lake Havasu left him quadriplegic. Russ opens up about his life before the accident — the energy, adventure, and freedom — and the life-altering moment that tested everything he thought he knew about strength and purpose. He shares candidly about the early days of recovery, the emotional and physical battles, and the unwavering determination that helped him rebuild not just his body, but his mindset and mission. Today, Russ has transformed his journey into one of hope and service. Through motivational speaking, hospital visits to newly paralyzed kids,  tireless fundraising and being an awesome friend, he’s become a beacon of inspiration — surrounded by an incredible circle of family and friends who believe in his mission. He has also worked with the Triumph Foundation, helping others living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities find hope and support. Learn more at www.triumph-foundation.org. This episode is a reminder that even when life takes the most unexpected turn, the human spirit is unbreakable — and that purpose can rise from the deepest pain. 💡 Tune in to hear: Russ’s life before and after the accident The physical and emotional journey of recovery How he found purpose through helping others The power of community, faith, and love His ongoing mission to inspire hope and possibility 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to see challenges through a new lens — one of courage, connection, and unstoppable resilience. 📲 Follow Russ on Instagram: @russ_on_wheelz 🌐 Learn more or support: www.triumph-foundation.org

    1 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Episode 20: The Hidden Work Behind Parenting a Special Needs Adult

    ✨ New Episode of Rockin’ the Difference ✨ Being a special needs parent means carrying an invisible load that most people never see. In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my life as a single mom to my adult son—sharing the scheduling, the driving, the advocacy, and the emotional weight of planning for the future, all while balancing a full-time job and trying to care for myself, too. 💙 🎧 In this episode, I talk about: The hidden daily work of special needs parenting Navigating doctors, schools, and government agencies The long-term planning no parent wants to face, but has to This one’s for every caregiver who feels unseen—you are not alone. 💙

    17 min

  8. 07/31/2025

    Episode 19: Beyond Borders: Our Brazil Journey; Challenges and Big Wins

    In this  episode of Rockin the Difference, host Chandra Neal shares the behind-the-scenes story of preparing for international travel with her adult son, Ryan, who is blind and autistic. From a frustrating passport battle that required the help of her congressman, to packing with intention and securing disability accommodations, Chandra walks listeners through the real challenges — and the powerful surprises — she encountered while traveling to Brazil. This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver who’s ever wondered if big adventures are even possible. They are — and sometimes, they open doors to unexpected growth. 🎯 Topics Covered: Navigating the passport process with a special needs adult How to advocate with government agencies (and when to call your congressperson) Travel accommodations in Brazil for individuals with disabilities Emotional growth moments during long-distance travel Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and other helpful tools Encouragement for caregivers to embrace travel and dream bigger 🧳 You don’t have to keep life small just because it’s hard. Let this story encourage and equip you for your own adventures — near or far.

    25 min
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About

Hello There! Welcome to Rockin the Difference, a podcast meant to share the experiences and information with those on their journey in the special needs world. I am your host, Chandra Neal, a mom of a young adult with special needs. My intent is to create a community where we can connect, be real and share in the humor and the tears, challenges and triumphs of what it’s like traveling down this path that is so unique as a special needs parent. Together, we can encourage and support each other as we are all Rockin the Difference!

Information

  • Creator
    Chandra Neal/Single Mom/Special Needs Mom/Special Needs Sports Program Board Member
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Rockin the Difference