The KIND Families Podcast

When KIND-ness Overcomes Challenges with Ann Kagarise

As the parent of an autistic child, one of the most affirming experiences you can have is meeting an autistic adult who has overcome many of the challenges your child currently faces, and is thriving personally, professionally and spiritually. Today’s guest is all that and more and is a KIND mama herself to three autistic children.
Ann Kagarise is a prolific author, podcaster, speaker, journalist, and photographer, just to name a few of her professional endeavors. She is the co-host of "Real Talk with Tina and Ann," where they explore mental health topics and overcoming challenges. After being told as a child that she would likely not graduate from high school, Ann completed degrees in mental health, and later earned a master’s in divinity.  She has dedicated herself to sharing stories that inspire and uplift.
In our conversation we talk about Ann’s amazing journey from a child diagnosed with learning disabilities, to an accomplished, faith driven, multi-faceted autistic mom who doesn’t accept “can’t” as an option.
You can learn more about Ann on her website, www.annkagarise.com, and be sure to listen to “Real Talk with Tina and Ann” on your favorite podcast channel or YouTube. www.realtalktinaann.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 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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KIND Faith with Larah Roberts of Raising Autistic Disciples

Today’s episode came to be through God’s sweet hand and just a bit of stalking. I found Larah Roberts (like Sarah but with an L) through her Instagram page Raising Autistic Disciples last year and messaged her right away when I heard she had a book coming out called How to Advocate and Stay Christian, which she wrote with her husband Collin.
Larah and her husband are lifelong followers of Jesus, but just like many of us, their world was rocked when they received an autism diagnosis for their middle son, Graham. Along with many questions most parents ask in that moment, like, “Will my child go to high school or college? Will my child ever get married or live on his own?” or even more in the moment, “Will my child ever be potty trained?” Larah and Collin discovered the biggest and most important question was “Will my son ever know Jesus?” Unwilling to accept the prevailing opinions that Graham would never be able to understand and grasp a strong faith, Larah and Collin set out to prove to families that God does not create an image bearer without the ability to reach his or her heart.
In a very short time, the Roberts have gathered a huge Instagram following for Raising Autistic Disciples, and have built on their leadership in the Christian autism community with their book How to Advocate and Stay Christian. Larah is also the operations director for Key Ministries, the organization behind the huge national conference, Disability and the Church. She and Collin live with Graham and their two other beautiful children in North Carolina.
One note about this episode. Most of you know how important my faith is in my life, and this episode is an open discussion about the impact of Larah’s and my faith in our KIND journey. If you walk a different path, please don’t let that stop you from hearing the wisdom you can draw from Larah and her experiences. We all need strength to draw from in challenging circumstances. I hope wherever you are, you are not relying solely on your own resources. Your child has purpose and promise in this life, and so do you.
Follow Larah at @raisingautisticdisciples, listen to the Raising Autistic Disciples Podcast wherever you find your podcasts, and pick up her book How to Advocate and Stay Christian HERE.
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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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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A Blueprint for KINDness with Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC, Host of the Autism Blueprint Podcast

Today’s guest Janeen Herskovitz is an autism mom, a licensed psychotherapist, an autism strategist, and the host of the long-running podcast, The Autism Blueprint. As often happens when I meet heroes in the KIND community, Janeen and I bonded quickly. Like me, she struggled with her son’s autism diagnosis at age three. But eventually, Janeen took the lessons she learned and decided to embark on a new career focused on providing the kind of help she wished she had access to when she was starting her journey.
She went back to school, while raising two teenagers no less, got her masters in Mental Health Counseling, and subsequently founded Puzzle Peace Counseling. That’s p-e-a-c-e for those listening and not reading. Janeen also started The Autism Blueprint podcast in 2016 so she could provide more free resources to families impacted by autism, and loves working with parents and neurodivergent children.
Janeen and I talk about the proven therapeutic impact of community, the progression of the autism conversation over the years, and never underestimating our KIND kiddos. You will love Janeen’s perspective so without further ado, let’s jump in to today’s KIND word.
Visit www.puzzlepeacecounseling.com and www.autismblueprint.com for more information, and follow Janeen on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autismblueprint.
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!
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A KIND Play on Words with Dinalynn Rosenbush, host of The Language of Play Podcast

At Brady’s two year well check appointment, I vividly remember the pediatrician telling me that because he walked and talked on time, autism was off the table. Brady was verbal, and in fact had a surprising vocabulary at the time, so the idea that he had speech delays never crossed my mind. When he was finally diagnosed with autism a year and a half later, I realized that while he had words, he was severely delayed in many facets of speech and language.
Today’s guest, Dinalynn Rosenbush, has spent the last 30 years as a school Speech Language Pathologist, helping families like ours to understand how to help our children communicate better so they can connect with others. In addition to her daily practice, Dinalynn is also a Consultant and Parenting Coach, Speaker, international best-selling Author, and she is the Creator and Host of the podcast: The Language of Play, which is in the 1.5% of podcasts in the world.
If you have concerns about your child’s ability to listen, read, and communicate, Dinalynn will provide you with practical tips for recognizing a problem and understanding that behaviors are often the result of a child’s very real inability to process and respond to others’ words. We discuss the importance of play in the learning process, and how parents can feel more confident as advocates for their children in a school setting.
Whether or not you are struggling with speech issues in your life, I know Dinalynn’s upbeat approach and positive message will resonate with you. If you would like to contact Dinalynn, simply email her at hello@thelanguageofplay.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 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
@kariabaker
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!
 

Changing the World to be more KIND with Dr. Lauren Megrew

Today’s guest checks ALL the boxes for a fantastic first episode for our second season, even some boxes that didn’t exist last season. Dr. Lauren Megrew is a friend I met several years ago when my son Brady attended a school for kids with learning differences in second grade. Her daughter was in Brady’s class, and they hit it off.  Her credentials were impressive enough – she holds a Ph.D. as an industrial and organizational psychologist, she is a licensed clinical therapist, and an international speaker with a specialization in the understanding and support of neurodiversity. 
What I didn’t realize when I first met Lauren, is that she herself, is neurodiverse, diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult. In fact, her whole family is what she describes as neurospicy. In addition to helping individual clients, Dr. Megrew assists organizations in understanding and proactively supporting their neurodivergent talent by redefining neurodiversity through a strengths-based perspective. She provides guidance to neurodiverse individuals on self-advocacy and educates organizations on the development of neuro-inclusive environments, employee resource groups, and effective management techniques.
Dr. Megrew is also a certified equine therapist and equine-assisted learning facilitator dedicated to creating innovative models tailored to the neurodiverse population. 
This conversation will inspire and empower you, and just may be the first step in changing the world to be more KIND.
You can reach Lauren on her website, https://www.laurenmegrew.com/, or email her at hello@laurenmegrew.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 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!
 

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.
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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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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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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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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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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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!
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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
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on Facebook
@kariabaker
Connect with Kari on LinkedIn
@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!