Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker

Amy Julia Becker
  • 5.0 (32)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. MAR 11

    Why “Special Needs Ministry” Isn’t Enough with Rebecca Wall

    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 episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ 00:00 Creating Welcoming Church Communities 04:43 Models of Disability Ministry 07:31 The Role of Church Size in Inclusion 10:28 Separate Programming: When and Why? 13:35 Transitioning to Integration 16:21 Finding the Right Church for Families 19:42 The Heart of Belonging in Churches MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: With Ministries: withministries.orgBarriers to Belonging: The Church Experiences of Families of Children with Disabilities | Erik Carter _ 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: As Executive Director of With Ministries, Rebecca has spent more than a decade at the intersection of education and parachurch ministry, equipping leaders to transform their churches into places where every person is known, valued, and truly belongs. Through her vision and catalytic leadership, she has helped congregations across the country move from surface-level inclusion to authentic belonging, reflecting beauty and wholeness. Rebecca’s work continues to inspire a movement toward churches that don’t just welcome but flourish, through the participation of every member of the community. @withministriesorg (instagram), withministries.org (website), With Ministries (FB) _ 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!

    28 min

  8. MAR 4

    Parent + Caregiver: How to Do Both Without Burning Out with Juli Henderson

    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 email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ 00:00 Caregiving, Disability, and Family Dynamics 07:05 The Distinction Between Mom and Caregiver Roles 09:28 Balancing Family Needs with Caregiving Responsibilities 13:47 Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers 17:17 Building a Supportive Community for Caregivers MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: In Our ArmsAmy Julia's book: A Good and Perfect Gift_ 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: Juli Henderson is a disability communicator, writer, and advocate who supports families navigating disability, caregiving, and grief. She is the founder of In Our Arms, inspired by her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. Through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit leadership, Juli offers hope and connection to caregivers around the world. _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership 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!

    25 min
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5
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32 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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