This Unexpected Life

Carrie M Holt
  • 5.0 (10)
  • 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. Learning to Embrace the Life You Didn't Expect: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Prayer in the Special Needs Parenting Journey with Jenn Soehnlin

    4d ago

    Learning to Embrace the Life You Didn't Expect: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Prayer in the Special Needs Parenting Journey with Jenn Soehnlin

    When Jenn Soehnlin's two young sons began receiving diagnoses including hearing loss, apraxia, autism, and anxiety, her world quickly filled with therapies, specialists, grief, and questions for God. What started as a season of overwhelming uncertainty led Jenn into a crisis of faith as she wrestled with why God would allow so much hardship in her family's life. Then, during a desperate moment, God whispered a single word to her heart: embrace. In this encouraging conversation, Jenn shares how that one word transformed the way she viewed her children, her marriage, herself, and even God. Together, Carrie and Jenn discuss learning to embrace the life you didn't choose, releasing unrealistic expectations and mom guilt, finding peace in the middle of chaos, and discovering God's faithfulness through every stage of the special needs journey. Jenn also shares how praying Scripture changed her relationship with God, practical ways parents can begin praying God's Word over their children, and how to persevere when prayers seem unanswered. If you've ever wondered where God is amid your family's struggles, this episode is a reminder that His presence is often closer than we realize. In this episode: • Learning to embrace the special needs journey • Finding peace in the middle of uncertainty • Releasing mom guilt and unrealistic expectations • The power of praying Scripture • Persevering through unanswered prayers • Recognizing God's presence in suffering • Encouragement for special needs parents Eps. 53; June 23, 2026 Resources: Jenn’s Website On The Same Page With God by Jenn Soehnlin Embracing This Special Life Spotify Playlist: There Was Jesus Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney Praying Through Life’s Battles by Rachel Wojo Every Moment Holy  Scripture: Psalm 116:2, Luke 2:52 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
  2. The Autism Caregiver's Journey: Finding Jesus in Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, and Isolation with Sarah Mays

    Jun 16

    The Autism Caregiver's Journey: Finding Jesus in Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, and Isolation with Sarah Mays

    When Sarah Mays first heard her newborn son cry, she knew something wasn't right. What followed was a long journey of medical appointments, therapies, genetic testing, autism, ADHD, and learning how to advocate fiercely for her child. In this heartfelt episode of This Unexpected Life, Sarah shares how caregiving has been woven throughout her entire life—from caring for her younger sister as a child to raising a son with complex medical needs and autism as a single mom of five. Together, Carrie and Sarah discuss the grief that accompanies every stage of the special needs parenting journey, the church hurt many disability families experience, and the importance of finding safe people who will simply sit with you in the pain. Sarah offers powerful encouragement for caregivers struggling to see Jesus in their suffering, reminding us that God's greatest work isn't always found in deliverance—but often in His presence as He carries us through the hard things. Through honest conversations about perfectionism, people-pleasing, isolation, and grace, Sarah invites listeners to embrace the messy middle and discover that they were never meant to walk this journey alone. If you're navigating a diagnosis, caregiving, autism parenting, disability, chronic illness, or the ongoing grief that comes with raising a child with special needs, this episode will remind you that God's grace is sufficient for today Eps. 52; June 16, 2026 Resources: Spotify Playlist: There Was Jesus 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
  3. When You Feel Alone: Finding God’s Provision and Presence in a Rare Diagnosis with Brianna Johnson

    Jun 9

    When You Feel Alone: Finding God’s Provision and Presence in a Rare Diagnosis with Brianna Johnson

    When Brianna Johnson's son was diagnosed with Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting only a few hundred people worldwide, her family entered a journey they never expected. Faced with uncertainty, unanswered questions, and the reality of parenting a child with complex needs, Brianna discovered that even the rarest diagnoses don't have to be walked alone. In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Brianna shares how finding community across state lines and even across oceans helped her family feel seen and supported. She opens up about raising three boys with different needs, navigating school supports and IEP meetings, learning to celebrate "inchstones" instead of just milestones, and embracing the grace to parent one day at a time. As part of our There Was Jesus series, Brianna reflects on the unexpected ways God has shown up throughout her family's journey—through teachers, doctors, friendships, and the small moments that reveal His faithfulness. If you've ever felt isolated by your child's diagnosis, discouraged by slow progress, or wondered where God is in the middle of the unknown, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and that God's presence is often found in the people and provisions He places along the way. Eps. 51; June 9, 2026 Resources: Brianna’s Website Instagram Spotify Playlist: There Was Jesus 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.

    38 min
  4. There Was Jesus: Knowing God’s Presence in Trauma, Loss & Disability Parenting with Becky Davidson

    Jun 2

    There Was Jesus: Knowing God’s Presence in Trauma, Loss & Disability Parenting with Becky Davidson

    This month kicks off the new podcast series entitled, There Was Jesus. In this deeply honest episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt sits down with returning guest Becky Davidson to discuss recognizing God’s presence in the middle of suffering, trauma, grief, and caregiving exhaustion. Becky shares how years of hospital stays, caregiving stress, widowhood, and parenting her adult son with profound disabilities shaped her faith journey. Together, Carrie and Becky discuss how trauma impacts the way we see God, the healing power of EMDR therapy, imaginative prayer, attachment wounds, anxiety, and learning to recognize the presence of Jesus in painful memories. This conversation offers hope for special needs parents, caregivers, widows, and anyone walking through grief or chronic stress. If you’ve ever wondered where God was in your hardest moments, this episode is a reminder that Jesus was there — even when you couldn’t see Him. You’ll also hear encouragement about: Processing trauma safely in communityEMDR and Christian counselingLearning spiritual rhythms of remembering God’s faithfulnessHealing attachment wounds and anxietyFinding God’s presence in caregiving burnoutEps. 50; June 2, 2026 Resources: Register for By The Brook or Purchase it for Later! Rising Above Podcast Spotify Playlist: There Was Jesus Becky on Episode 9: Worst-Case Scenario By The Brook: Restore Retreat Experience By The Brook: Flourish Retreat Experience John Eldredge’s Podcast: Wild At Heart John Eldredge’s Books Mentioned: Get Your Life Back Resilient Experience Jesus Really One Minute Pause App Healing Care Center Adam Young’s Podcast: The Place We Find Ourselves Allender Center: Story Work 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
  5. When Your Child Asks Difficult Questions: Navigating Faith, Medical Motherhood and Rare Disease with Katie Seelig

    May 19

    When Your Child Asks Difficult Questions: Navigating Faith, Medical Motherhood and Rare Disease with Katie Seelig

    In this heartfelt episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with homeschooling mom of six, Katie Seelig, to discuss raising a child with a rare neuromuscular condition, navigating medical uncertainty, and learning to trust God in the unknown. Katie shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s scoliosis at age three, pursuing answers through specialists and genetic testing, and eventually learning he had a rare FLNC gene mutation connected to congenital myopathy and cardiomyopathy. Along the way, she opens up about medical motherhood, grief, postpartum anxiety, advocacy, sibling dynamics, homeschooling, and the challenge of carrying heavy burdens while trying to stay strong for everyone else. Together, Carrie and Katie discuss what it means to steward a child’s care faithfully, how to respond when your child asks hard questions like, “Am I going to die?”, and why vulnerability, therapy, and community support are vital for special needs parents. This conversation is filled with honest faith, practical encouragement, and the reminder that even in sorrow and uncertainty, God remains faithful Eps. 49; May 19, 2026 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.

    40 min
  6. When Your Yes Is On The Table: Trusting God Through Disability Parenting, Adoption, and Trauma with Johnna Hensley

    May 12

    When Your Yes Is On The Table: Trusting God Through Disability Parenting, Adoption, and Trauma with Johnna Hensley

    What does it look like to keep saying “yes” to God when life feels chaotic, exhausting, and completely unexpected? In this heartfelt conversation, Carrie Holt sits down with author, disability mom, and “coordinator of chaos,” Johnna Hensley. With six children—including a son with complex medical needs and three adopted children—Johnna shares what it really means to live a life of unexpected yeses. From navigating disability parenting and biracial adoption to processing trauma, grief, and the reality of “forever nesting,” this episode dives deep into the everyday surrender required to follow God in the hard places. Johnna offers honest insight into: Letting go of control and trusting God’s bigger storyThe shift from big, visible “yeses” to small, daily obedienceAdvocating for disability awareness and belongingParenting through trauma triggers and emotional overwhelmReframing expectations around independence and adulthoodFinding peace in the questions instead of rushing to answersThis conversation is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about being willing to be willing and trusting God one small “yes” at a time. If you’re a parent navigating disability, adoption, or the unexpected turns of life, this episode will meet you right where you are—with honesty, hope, and grace. Eps. 48; May 12, 2026 Resources: Johnna’s Website Her Book: Reckless Yes Children’s Book: HP and the VIP’s Social Media: IG, FB, YouTube Listen to This Podcast 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.

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

    May 5

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

    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. 46; 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
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

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
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This Unexpected Life
  • Show Website
    This Unexpected Life

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