The KIND Families Podcast

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.
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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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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
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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!
Subscribe HERE!

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

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

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!

Living in the Moment & Sibling Support with Elizabeth Thorndike of Moment 2 Moment Masterpiece

Elizabeth Thorndike and her husband Dan are the creators of Moment 2 Moment Masterpiece, a website dedicated to encouraging families whose parenting journey is a little out of the ordinary, like their own.  With five kids, including two adoptions and various medical and special needs, The Thorndikes learned early on that surviving and thriving as a family unit meant living in the moment.
Elizabeth shares her family’s inspirational story and highlights how important it is to properly support the neurotypical siblings of special needs children. Through pain, isolation, and a chaotic schedule this mama can’t fathom, Elizabeth teaches us you can always find time for a dance party.   
Check out Elizabeth’s blog at www.moment2momentmasterpiece.com, and follow her on social media:
Instagram @elizabeth.thorndike
Facebook @Moment 2 Moment
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!  Release is scheduled for summer, 2024.
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Autism Advocacy and Acceptance with Gillis "GW" Williams IV of AutismChoseMe

I’m so excited to share my conversation with Gillis “GW” Williams, an articulate, passionate, autistic young man who runs a self-advocacy company, AutismChoseMe.  GW was diagnosed with autism at age five, and he started AutismChoseMe in high school with a mission to build widespread acceptance of neurodiversity.
GW has spoken at schools in the U.S. and Canada, has his own merchandising line, and currently has over 200,000 followers on TikTok, with a growing presence on Instagram and YouTube. GW is an inspiration for KIND Families, proving that neurological differences should be celebrated. I am certain GW’s courage and creativity will make the world a better place for anyone with a neurological difference.
Visit GW on his website, www.autismchoseme.com, or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube by searching @autismchoseme. Check out his merchandise here:  https://etsy.com/shop/autismchoseme
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!  
 
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Dogsmile Adventures: How Therapeutic Sailing Can Change a Life with Founder Jon Totten

We have a special bonus summer episode for you today!
Jon Totten is the founder of Dogsmile Adventures, a non-profit in Northern Idaho that provides therapeutic sailing opportunities for everyone, including special needs individuals and veterans. To date Dogsmile has provided nearly 1,700 therapeutic sailing experiences. You can support Dogsmile by donating or purchasing a sailing excursion on their website, www.dogsmileadventures.org.
After graduating from the University of Idaho, Jon became a professional outdoor educator with North Idaho College, where he spent 12 years leading countless adventures and falling deeply in love with sailing.  After leaving the college, Jon earned his US Coast Guard Captain’s license and worked as a professional sailor, piloting boats in the San Juan Islands and throughout the Caribbean Sea. He returned to the States with a desire to provide sailing opportunities for those who could not otherwise experience the joy of sailing, and with a heart to share the healing nature of the water and wind.
In 2023, Jon and the Dogsmile team participated in the Race to Alaska, (R2AK) a 750 mile cold water sailing race. Their epic journey was profiled in the documentary "Success: A Race to Alaska Story". Click HERE to watch this inspiring story unfold.
You can also find Dogsmile on Facebook and Instagram @dogsmileadventures, or on LinkedIn at Dogsmile Adventures.
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!  
Connect with Kari on Instagram
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Connect with Kari on LinkedIn
@kariabaker
Visit www.kariabaker.com and www.kindfamilies.com for more content!
Subscribe HERE!

Becoming Brave Together with Jessica Patay, Founder of We Are Brave Together

Today’s conversation will be a lifeline to any parent who has felt loneliness and isolation in parenting a child with any kind of differences, disabilities, mental or physical challenges. 
Jessica Patay’s second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome in 2003. Many years later, her journey inspired her to found We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit organization that provides respite, community, and resources for mothers who are experiencing what she refers to as “altered motherhood”.  We Are Brave Together provides several caregiver retreats each year and supports in person Connection Circles across the country. To learn more or find a group near you, visit WABT HERE.
Jessica and 21 other caregiver moms recently released a beautiful anthology of personal stories titled Becoming Brave Together. It is a must read! Get your copy HERE. Jessica is also the host of the Brave Together Podcast with Jessica Patay, which is broadcast on Apple, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Stitcher.
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!  
 
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!