This Unexpected Life

Carrie M Holt
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to This Unexpected Life, a podcast designed to equip and encourage parents and caregivers of children with disabilities so they can embrace their journey with hope, faith, and resilience. With over twenty years of parenting experience, Carrie M Holt is a story-telling companion for caregiving mothers, exploring the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ—one story at a time.

  1. The Special Needs Parenting Journey: Faith, Marriage & Finding Hope in the Life You Never Expected with Dr. Joe & Cindi Ferrini

    2D AGO

    The Special Needs Parenting Journey: Faith, Marriage & Finding Hope in the Life You Never Expected with Dr. Joe & Cindi Ferrini

    What happens when the life you planned is suddenly replaced with one you never expected? In this powerful and deeply practical episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, to talk about what it really looks like to raise a child with special needs over the long haul. With over 45 years of caregiving experience, Joe and Cindi share honest insight into the shock of diagnosis, the strain on marriage, the weight of caregiving, and the beauty of a life shaped by faith. From navigating sibling dynamics and isolation to handling public judgment and building a support system, this conversation is filled with wisdom you can apply right now. You’ll hear:  How special needs parenting reshapes marriage—and how to stay united  Practical ways to support siblings without neglecting their needs  What to do when people stare, judge, or don’t understand  How to build a “team” when you feel completely alone  Real encouragement for caregiver fatigue and long-term burnout  Why embracing your unexpected life can lead to deeper purpose and joy This episode is for any parent walking the special needs journey—whether you're in the early shock, the daily grind, or years into caregiving and needing renewed hope. You are not alone. Your story matters Eps. 47; May 5, 2026 Resources: New Book: The Special Needs Parent Cindi’s Website If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    51 min

  2. APR 21

    Desperate Prayers and Deep Faith: Finding God in Long-Term Caregiving and Loss with Rachel Wojo

    What do you do when you don’t have the words to pray? In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Carrie sits down with author and speaker Rachel Wojo to talk about caregiving, grief, and how prayer transforms in life’s hardest seasons. After walking a 22-year journey caring for her daughter Taylor, who was diagnosed with a rare terminal disorder, Rachel shares how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God, and her approach to prayer. Together, they unpack what it looks like to move from asking “Why, God?” to “Show me You,” how to pray in moments of exhaustion and overwhelm, and why God’s presence matters more than His intervention. Rachel offers practical, grace-filled ways to build rhythms of prayer in unpredictable caregiving life, including “prayer habit stacking” and letting go of prayer perfectionism. If you’re a special needs parent, caregiver, or someone walking through grief, this episode will remind you that even your simplest prayers—“God help me”—are heard, held, and answered with His presence. Eps. 45; April 21, 2026 Resources: Rachel’s Website Book: Desperate Prayers Praying Through Life’s Battles If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    39 min

  3. APR 14

    From Disability to Calling: Finding Purpose, Identity & Joy in Christ with Anna Harp (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt continues her interview with Anna Harp, a young writer living with cerebral palsy who is discovering her God-given purpose through storytelling. Anna opens up about the ongoing grief that can come with disability and the freedom of realizing that grief is not failure—it’s part of the journey. Through reflections on Psalm 23 and God’s “withness” in the wilderness, she shares how God meets us in our hardest places and gently reshapes our understanding of purpose. You’ll also hear how Anna discovered her calling as a fantasy writer, creating stories where characters with disabilities are seen, valued, and empowered. Her passion is to help teens with disabilities feel understood, less alone, and full of hope. This episode is a deeply encouraging reminder that: Your child’s story mattersDisability does not disqualify purposeGod uses the broken things for beauty and impactWhether you are parenting a child with special needs or walking through your own unexpected journey, this conversation will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is always at work—even in the wilderness. Eps. 45; April 14, 2026 Resources: Subscribe to Anna’s Monthly NewsletterPurchase Book Featuring Her WritingAnna’s Website If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    37 min

  4. APR 7

    Cerebral Palsy, Faith & Overcoming Fear: A Teen’s Journey from Feeling “Less Than” to Trusting God With Anna Harp (Part 1)

    In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Carrie sits down with Anna Harp, a young adult living with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, to share her story of faith, fear, and transformation. Born at just 27 weeks and spending nearly three months in the NICU, Anna’s life began with immense challenges. As she grew, she wrestled deeply with feeling “less than,” questioning God’s goodness, and navigating the emotional weight of living with a disability. In this honest and hope-filled episode, Anna shares: When she first realized she was differentHer struggle with comparison, anger, and faithThe moment her faith became personalHer life-changing spinal surgery and recoveryHow she relearned to walk—step by step—with JesusThis episode is for any parent raising a child with disabilities, and for anyone walking through fear, grief, or uncertainty. Anna’s story is a reminder that even in the unexpected places—Jesus is there Eps. 44; April 7, 2026 Resources: Subscribe to Anna’s Monthly NewsletterPurchase Book Featuring Her WritingAnna’s WebsiteIf you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    43 min

  5. MAR 24

    Why Disability Ministry Isn’t One-Sided (And What the Church Is Missing) with Barb Stanley

    What happens when the life you planned falls apart—and God builds something completely unexpected in its place? In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with Barb Stanley, founder of Wonderful Works Ministry, to talk about losing everything she thought defined her success… and discovering a deeper calling rooted in surrender, identity, and purpose. Barb shares how her journey through career loss, disappointment, and shame led to the unexpected birth of a ministry that is now helping churches across the country become more accessible to families impacted by disability. Together, they unpack: The truth about identity and why your worth is not tied to what you doA harmful misconception about disability ministry in the churchThe scripture often misused when talking about disability—and why it mattersHow families impacted by disability are essential to the future and revival of the ChurchPractical ways churches and families can begin working togetherIf you’ve ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you don’t belong in church because of your child’s needs—this conversation will remind you: your story matters, your presence matters, and you are deeply needed in the Kingdom of God. Eps. 43; March 24, 2026 Resources: Barb’s Facebook & Instagram Wonderful Works Ministry If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    43 min

  6. MAR 17

    Autism, Faith, and the Gospel: Raising an Autistic Child to Know God with Larah Roberts

    What happens when an autism diagnosis reshapes everything you expected about parenting—and faith? In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Bible teacher, author, and autism mom Larah Roberts about navigating autism parenting through the lens of the gospel. Larah shares the story of her son Graham’s autism diagnosis and the difficult early years of confusion, advocacy, and learning how to trust God in the unexpected. Together, they explore some of the biggest questions Christian parents ask after a diagnosis:  • Can my autistic child truly know God?  • What does discipleship look like for neurodiverse children?  • How do parents advocate for their child without losing their Christian witness?  • What do we do when suffering makes us question our faith? Larah also shares insights from her book Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens, offering practical and spiritual encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed by the road ahead. If you are raising a child with autism or disability and wondering how faith fits into this journey, this conversation will remind you that God is still faithful, the gospel still applies, and your child is an image bearer deeply known and loved by Him.  Eps. 42; 3/17/26 Resources: Larah Roberts InstagramBook: How To Advocate & Stay ChristianBook: Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    49 min

  7. MAR 10

    The Hidden Story of Special Needs Siblings: Growing Up with Disability and Raising a Child with Autism with Sandra Peoples

    What is it really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with disabilities? How does that experience shape the way you parent your own family? In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant, author, professor, and mom of a son with level-three autism. Sandra shares her unique perspective of living on both sides of the story: growing up with a sister with Down syndrome and now raising a child with significant autism. Sandra opens up about the hidden experiences many siblings carry — from trying to make themselves “smaller,” so their parents have less to worry about, to navigating embarrassment, protectiveness, and love. Together, Carrie and Sandra discuss: • What Sandra’s parents did well in raising a special needs sibling  • The stage of life that can be most difficult for siblings  • How parents can validate difficult emotions without guilt or shame  • Navigating responsibility and avoiding unhealthy parentification  • Why disability families are still one of the most overlooked mission fields in the church If you’re raising a child with disabilities and wondering how this journey is shaping your other children, this honest and grace-filled conversation will offer both wisdom and encouragement. Eps. 31; 3/10/26 Resources: Sandra’s Book: Accessible ChurchFind Sandra on FB and InstagramSandra’s Website If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    41 min

  8. MAR 3

    When I Stopped Praying for Healing: Autism, Anxiety, and a God Who Stayed with Camille Joy

    Enter to win the giveaway for a free copy of Camille's new devotional: Moments of Joy: 1. Subscribe to Carrie's newsletter here OR  2. Share this episode and tag Carrie on her social media:  Carrie’s Facebook or InstagramWhat do you do when you pray for healing—and it doesn’t come the way you hoped? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Carrie sits down with author and advocate Camille Joy, founder of The Ausomely Different Foundation and host of the Moments of Joy podcast. Camille shares her unexpected journey of learning her son would be born with complex heart defects, walking through open-heart surgery, and later receiving an autism diagnosis that reshaped her understanding of faith, grief, and advocacy. She opens up about sleepless nights, panic attacks, IEP battles, anxiety medication, and the moment the Holy Spirit shifted her prayers from “Take this away” to “Help me see who You gave me.” Together, Carrie and Camille talk about: When healing doesn’t happen the way we prayedRedefining joy when life feels overwhelmingThe emotional weight of advocacyPTSD and anxiety in special needs parentingWhy having a community is not optionalSetting healthy boundaries without guiltTrusting God in the silenceCamille’s new devotional, Moments of Joy: 90 Days of Encouragement for Parents of Children with Special Needs, is a gentle reminder that joy isn’t the absence of pain—it’s God’s presence in the middle of it. If you’ve ever wrestled with disappointment in prayer, exhaustion from advocacy, or fear about the future, this episode will remind you: God is still good, even here. Resources: Camille's new book releases March 17th! Camille’s New Book: Moments of Joy Camille’s Website Camille’s Instagram March 3, 2026; Eps. 40 If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing GriefClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

    36 min
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About

Welcome to This Unexpected Life, a podcast designed to equip and encourage parents and caregivers of children with disabilities so they can embrace their journey with hope, faith, and resilience. With over twenty years of parenting experience, Carrie M Holt is a story-telling companion for caregiving mothers, exploring the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ—one story at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Carrie M Holt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This Unexpected Life
  • Show Website
    This Unexpected Life

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