The KIND Families Podcast

KIND-ness in the Wilderness with Justin Garrard, Executive Director of Adam's Camp

One of the unexpected gifts I’ve received since starting The KIND Families Podcast is getting to meet so many heroes of the KIND community. People who are champions for those with neurological differences or any other special needs and who serve selflessly and passionately to make life better for everyone.
Today I speak with one of those champions, Justin Garrard. Justin is the Executive Director of Adam’s Camp, a therapy based summer camp program in Colorado for children and adults with any kind of difference or disability. Adam’s Camp began nearly four decades ago by a mother who would not accept what the doctors and so-called experts told her was possible for her son with cerebral palsy. Last year Adam’s Camp touched the lives of 550 individuals and their families, and they are looking to expand further.
Justin’s passion for the special needs community stems from his personal experiences growing up with his older brother John, who is on the Autism Spectrum. This firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by families, coupled with a strong desire to effect positive change, has driven Justin to dedicate himself to serving individuals with special needs.
Justin has a passion for helping those around him realize their dreams through life-changing opportunities. He has his Bachelors and MBA from Ottawa University, where he was also an All-American distance runner.  Fun fact – he was recently inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame, but I think his real Hall of Fame performance is what he does every day for the KIND and special needs Communities.
 
You might want to grab some Kleenex as we jump into today’s KIND word with Justin Garrard.
 
Learn more about Adam’s Camp or find ways to support the organization by visiting www.adamscamp.org.
 
Have you picked up a copy of my book yet?  Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available on October 22nd! Visit Finding KIND to get your hardback copy today, or, if you prefer ebooks, head over to Amazon and purchase HERE!
Want a free preview of the book before you buy? Click HERE and I will send you a pdf of the foreword, (written by my amazing son, Brady!), the introduction and the first chapter.
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Throwback Thanksgiving with the King of KIND, Bob Goff

Welcome to our first Thanksgiving Throwback episode!  If you are already chopping your vegetables or mashing your potatoes in anticipation of the biggest meal of the year, this throwback episode will put a little pep in your prep.
Today we are taking a trip back to our very first guest, so our newest friends can hear the wit and wisdom of one of my favorite love do-ers, and chief balloon carriers, Bob Goff. In addition to writing numerous New York Times bestsellers, Bob is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and the founder of Love Does, a human rights organization helping kids around the world find safe places to live and learn.
Bob was one of my writing coaches, along with the spectacular Kim Stuart, and he is also the inspiration for this podcast. Bob and I talk about some of the challenges KIND families face, how to be available, dealing with negativity, and more. For those of you who are veterans of The KIND Families Podcast, you will LOVE Bob’s response to the final question I ask all my guests: “Describe one random act of KINDness.” Bob’s is a doozy!
While Bob plugs preordering my book, Finding KIND, during our conversation, I want you to know that the book is out in the world NOW, and I’d love you to pick up a copy HERE. I also want to let you know that Bob has a new book coming out in December called Catching Whimsy! I’m honored to be part of his launch team, so here is a link to preorder the book: Catching Whimsy
You can find Bob at www.bobgoff.com, or on socials @bobgoff.   Also check out Love Does at www.lovedoes.org.
Have you picked up a copy of my book yet?  Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available now! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your hardback copy today, or, if you prefer ebooks, you find it on Amazon HERE.
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Redeeming KIND Chaos with author, podcaster and KIND mom, Laurie Christine

Laurie Christine is an author, the host of the podcast Redeeming the Chaos, a certified Biblical Parenting Coach, a wife, and a mom of four boys she describes as wild, loud and adventurous, which explains the name of her podcast! She also writes biblical fiction and devotions for preteen readers. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same! 
 
With degrees in Creative Writing, Biblical Studies and Education, Laurie has more than twenty years of experience teaching the Bible to children and teens, as well as writing Sunday School curriculum for her local church. 
 
What you might not know from her resume is that she is also a KIND mom. Today we talk about her KIND journey, and how she navigated the diagnosis with her son and his brothers. We also get to chat about her latest book, Garden of Mysteries, and its companion devotional which is available for purchase on her website https://lauriechristine.com/.
 
Have you picked up a copy of my book yet?  Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available now! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your hardback copy today, or, if you prefer ebooks, head over to Amazon.
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Finding KIND Resources with host of the Autism Resource Podcast and Founder of the Autism Resource Project, Gilda Evans

I remember when my husband and I started our KIND journey over ten years ago. We were desperate for information, connection, and trusted guidance. We went to the library, searched online, and sat through hours of parenting classes. I would take direction and referrals from other moms I’d never met before in waiting rooms, and all the while I wished there was a quarterback for our KIND experience. A concierge if you will, to direct us in the best way to help our son.
Gilda Evans’ youngest son was diagnosed with autism at age three over two decades ago. She describes that experience as being in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight and no idea which way to swim. I can relate, and I’m sure you can too. But Gilda decided to do something about it. Her professional background in media and entertainment provided a foundation for her to create the wildly successful podcast, The Autism Resource Podcast.
But even still, she wanted to do more. So, earlier this year, she launched the Autism Resource Project, a nonprofit online service that will be a repository for information, research, provider connections, and much more. Her vision is for ARP to be a central, global, 24/7 knowledge hub, bringing together access to supports and services currently scattered in the maze of the web. Her mission is to give neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and those who support them, access to answers from trusted professionals.
Please check out the ARP website HERE. You can also listen to the Autism Resource Project Podcast by clicking HERE or by searching your favorite podcast platform.
Have you picked up a copy of my book yet?  Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available on October 22nd! Visit Finding KIND to get your hardback copy today, or, if you prefer ebooks, head over to Amazon and purchase HERE!
Want a free preview of the book before you buy? Click HERE and I will send you a pdf of the foreword, (written by my amazing son, Brady!), the introduction and the first chapter.
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!
 
 

Finding KIND with my "OG" KIND kid, Brady Baker

Today’s guest is the most special EVER to be heard on this podcast or frankly any podcast on the planet, although you may consider me biased. As we approach the launch date of my book, Finding KIND, I thought you might want to hear directly from the inspiration, the main character, the hero of the book, my son, Brady Baker. Brady is a handsome, smart, funny, creative 13-year-old in 8th grade, and he is also the author of the foreword to Finding KIND. When Brady was three, he was diagnosed with autism. Later we added ADHD and some other acronyms to his neurological soup. So, his brain works a little differently than typically developing kids. He receives and processes information in a unique way and reacts and responds accordingly.
When we first received the diagnosis of autism, I will be honest, I was devastated. I didn’t know anything about autism, I didn’t know anyone with autism. I couldn’t even fathom what life would look like a decade later.  Maybe some of you listening are in the same boat, or you love someone who is. I wrote Finding KIND for you. I want you know you are not alone, and I want to help you move out of your grief into a place of acceptance and joy. I hope my conversation with Brady gives you the hope of what can be for your child and for you! Never underestimate them, never give up on them, never stop fighting for them, and never doubt that your child was made on purpose, for a purpose and God doesn’t make mistakes.
Brady’s neurodiversity does not define him, but it is woven into his very being. He has passions, dreams, skills, talents, and personality galore which you can’t miss when you hear him speak.  AND he wrote the foreword to my new book, Finding KIND – how cool is that?
Speaking of the book, have you picked up a copy yet?  Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available on October 22nd! Visit Finding KIND to get your hardback copy today, or, if you prefer ebooks, head over to Amazon and purchase HERE!
Want a free preview of the book before you buy? Click HERE and I will send you a pdf of the foreword, (written by my amazing son, Brady!), the introduction and the first chapter.
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!
 

Raising Good Humans and KIND Confident Kids with Author & Mindfulness Coach Hunter Clarke-Fields

Have you ever lost your temper with your kids? Have you ever yelled or said something in the heat of the moment you wish you could take back later? As KIND parents we’ve all experienced big emotions from our kids, and sometimes, unfortunately, our emotional response is just as big and disproportioned. But take heart, you are not alone! What if you had a toolbox full of strategies to help regulate your responses, while building a stronger relationship with your child? Well today’s guest wrote a bestselling book which provides exactly that called Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids.  
Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host of the Mindful Parenting Podcast, one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world. She speaks internationally about mindfulness and followed up on her number one bestseller Raising Good Humans with Raising Good Humans Every Day, which was released in 2023. Hunter has over 20 years’ experience as a Mindfulness Meditation teacher, she is the creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training and has been highlighted all over national news publications and podcasts. Most importantly, she is the mother of two active daughters, who she says challenge her every day to hone her craft!
So take a breath, and join Hunter and me for some practical ways to yell less and connect more.
Purchase Raising Good Humans here:  Raising Good Humans
Purchase Raising Good Humans Every Day here: Raising Good Humans Every Day
Listen to the Mindful Parenting Podcast here:  Mindful Parenting Podcast
Visit Hunter’s Website HERE
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences releases on October 22nd, but is available for preorder today! Visit https://findingkind.myshopify.com/ to get your copy today!  
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A Different KIND of Episode – Kari Discusses KIND with Thriving in Between hosts Lori Taylor and Christina Willman

This episode is a little bit different, because this time, I’m the one answering questions! I was honored that my dear friends Lori Taylor and Christina Willman invited me as a guest on their podcast called Thriving in Between, and I wanted to share part of our conversation with you, because I think it will provide you with deeper context around KIND Families and how it came to be.
Lori and Christina’s organization supports people facing transitional seasons through education, resources, and coaching. Their personal advice and counsel were extremely helpful to me when I went through my own major life transition in 2023. That’s when I walked away from a 30-year career in financial services to focus my efforts on a calling I believe God put on my heart. Of course, I’m referring to KIND Families. We talked about the genesis and progression of KIND Families, the importance of obedience, and trusting God’s timing.
This is an edited version of the full episode, which I encourage you to listen to on the Thriving in Between podcast. You can also hear Lori’s take on the postures of Mourning and Pilgrimage, two transitional stages most KIND families know well, by listening to my interview with Lori on Episode 2 of The KIND Families Podcast!
Visit Lori and Christina at www.thrivinginbetween.com, where you can sign up for online coaching or in person retreats.  Lori is also an outdoor educator and adventure guide. Her business, www.mountaintreks.com Mountain Treks, offers adventure trips and retreats for people seeking personal growth, physical challenge, and spiritual renewal.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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No KIND Left Behind with Abigail Salazar, Founder of I Learn Child Center in the Philippines

For today’s episode we are going around the world to hear from an unsung hero of the KIND community. Abigail Salazar founded the I Learn Child Center in Batan, Aklan in the Philippines over twenty years ago to help children with disabilities, delays or learning challenges get the education they deserve.
What started as a directed effort to help her young nephew with a speech delay, has grown into a school with multiple teachers and dozens of students. Children are taught alongside neurotypical peers, regardless of the diagnosis or their family’s ability to pay.
Abigail is a fierce advocate for the KIND population, refusing to allow physical or mental differences to be marginalized, even in the face of governmental disregard. She receives no financial support other than the $42 per month from families who can afford it.
I know you will be inspired by Abigail’s story! The school does not have the money to have a website, but if you are willing to help, please contact the school at ilcc.batanaklan@gmail.com.
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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Strategies for Back to School Success with Debbie Tipton, M.Ed, Executive Function Coach

As a KIND parent, does the phrase “Back to School” fill you with equal parts joy and terror? Sure, it’s great to get your kids back into a routine, but what about homework, lockers, and supplies, (OH MY!)
Have no fear, our favorite Executive Function coach, Debbie Tipton, is back to share some actionable strategies to ease the stress of a new school year. She may even be able to reduce the number of replacement water bottles you have to buy. (We can hope, right?) Debbie is our first ever repeat guest, and I’m excited for her to share her Secrets for Back to School Success!
Check out one of Debbie’s favorite resources for EF tools, Sarah Ward’s 360 Thinking Program, which can be accessed at www.efpractice.com. 
Did you hear I have a new book??   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder and will be released on October 22nd! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy today!  
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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Finding KIND Grace with Kimberly Stuart, Author of Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit).

It is such a pleasure to welcome my friend, mentor, and writing coach Kimberly Stuart to the KIND Families Podcast!
Of course, in addition to everything she does for me, she is also the author of eight novels, and has a new non-fiction book called Star For Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit). Through often funny and sometimes heart wrenching stories from her personal life, Kim unpacks the concept of grace in a way that I know will resonate with KIND Families. You can purchase Kim’s book HERE.
In addition to her writing career, Kim is the host of her own podcast, “For Real”, and is the co-host of “The Writing Room” podcast with bestselling author, Bob Goff.  She and Bob have coached hundreds of aspiring authors (like me!) through executive coaching, online classes, and live events at The Oaks Retreat near San Diego. 
Follow Kim on Instagram and Facebook at @kimberly.stuart.writes, or visit her website, www.kimberlystuart.com.
Interested in reading the book Kim coached me in writing?   Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is available for preorder today! Visit www.findingkind.myshopify.com to get your copy!  
 
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!