Best Ashlyn Thompson Podcasts (2025)

1
The Silver Lining for Siblings: How Siblings of Medically Complex Kids Grow in Strength & Compassion 35:19

8d ago35:19

35:19

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! As parents of children with complex medical needs, our hearts often ache with worry about our other children. Are they getting enough attention? Will they feel less important? Do they resent their sibling's conditions? These questions haunt us during late-night hospital stays and therapy appointments. What …

1
What Matters Most: A Medically Complex Adult Reflects on Childhood & Parental Love 48:19

8d ago48:19

48:19

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Every parent of a medically complex child wonders: Will my child grow up knowing how deeply they are loved? Will they appreciate how hard I fought for them? In this episode, we bring you a powerful answer straight from someone who’s been there. Annelise Frazier, born with a rare and complex medical conditio…

1
ICU/NICU Survival: Mindset Tools from Coach & Medical Mom Leah Darrow 39:23

1M ago39:23

39:23

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Leah Darrow, renowned public speaker and mindset coach, joins Emily Whiting on the Empowered by Hope podcast to share her inspiring journey from faith-based public speaking to impactful mindset coaching. As mothers with children facing complex medical challenges, Leah and I connect deeply over our shared ex…

1
Feeding Matters: Jaclyn Pederson's Journey to Recognition and Support for Pediatric Feeding Disorders 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Join us for an exploration of pediatric feeding challenges as we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, the dynamic CEO of Feeding Matters. Through Jaclyn's personal journey and professional insights, we uncover the critical, yet often sidelined, issue of pediatric feeding disorders. In a world where validation for…

1
Creating Compassionate and Accessible Healthcare Systems with Melissa Paige 35:34

2M ago35:34

35:34

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Step into the empowering world of healthcare advocacy with us as we welcome the inspiring Melissa Paige, Co-CEO of the Healthcare Advocate Summit. A recognized expert in patient access programs and navigation, Melissa combines her extensive medical knowledge, diverse pharmaceutical expertise, and leadership…

1
Embracing the Unexpected: Transforming Birth Trauma into Parental Empowerment with Carleigh Joseph-Olivas 1:20:09

2M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Today's guest is Carleigh Joseph-Olivas, a licensed perinatal social worker, full spectrum doula, maternal mental health therapist, and parenting coach. Her passion for supporting women and families through the profound transformations of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period makes her the perfec…

1
A Tail of Joy: Transforming Shelter Dogs into Life Saving Heroes with Medical Mutts 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! What if a simple bark could bring a little holiday miracle into your life—alerting you to an impending health crisis faster than any device? In this special holiday episode of Empowered by Hope, we’re spreading the spirit of giving and hope as we explore the incredible work of Medical Mutts Service Dogs wit…

1
Empowering Parents: Celebrating the Launch of the Parent Empowerment Network & Building a Supportive Community Together 11:51

4M ago11:51

11:51

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the journey behind the rebranding of our organization to the Parent Empowerment Network, where our mission to uplift caregivers of children with complex medical needs remains steadfast. In this episode, we reveal the thoughtful process of selecting a new name that truly reflects our dedication to s…

1
Battling Caregiver Burnout: Finding Calm and Support in the Caregiving Storm 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! The ceaseless demands of caregiving could be captured in the powerful metaphor of "death by a thousand paper cuts." Join us as we open up about the raw emotions and daily challenges faced during National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month. Ashlyn and Emily share their deeply personal stories, revealing the…

1
From Isolation to Empowerment: Jamie Olson's Journey in Building a Special Needs Community Through Uniquely You Magazine 35:19

5M ago35:19

35:19

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Jamie Olson, publisher of "Uniquely You Magazine," joins us to share her transformative journey from isolation to empowerment. Her story begins with her raising her 12-year-old son with autism, epilepsy, and nonverbal communication, and her relentless quest to find community and resources. Dive into how her…

1
Considerations Before Launching a Nonprofit with Gabie Benson from Sprout Fundraising 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! We're thrilled to spotlight Gabie Benson, owner and founder of Sprout Fundraising, our insightful fundraising and leadership coach, who has been pivotal in elevating our nonprofit endeavors with her expert guidance and empathetic approach. Have you considered starting a nonprofit in honor of your journey wi…

1
Your Child's Diagnosis: Why It's Not Your Fault and How to Move Forward 41:33

5M ago41:33

41:33

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! "What did I do wrong?" "How did I cause this?" "Is this my fault?" Some form of this question is the first thing to cross the mind of almost every single parent at what we refer to as "the moment of impact" - the moment a parent learns their child is not ok and requires medical intervention. Take a trip bac…

1
Transforming Fear into Courage: Empowering Children Through Medical Procedures 35:26

6M ago35:26

35:26

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Finding it hard to imagine your child transforming their fear of medical appointments into proud moments of bravery? This episode of Empowered by Hope illuminates that journey through the inspiring story of Charlotte, Emily’s daughter, who recently earned a bravery award for her courage. Navigating the comp…

1
Facing a Rare Diagnosis: Finding Hope & Community 23:08

6M ago23:08

23:08

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Receiving a life-altering diagnosis for your child reshapes everything. In this episode, Emily shares the emotional journey of discovering Charlotte’s rare condition—Hardikar Syndrome, a diagnosis with only nine documented cases worldwide at the time. We reflect on those heart-wrenching days and how hope an…

1
Bringing Hope Home: A Mother's Journey to Secure Life-Changing Surgery for Her Child & Bring It to America for More Families 28:13

7M ago28:13

28:13

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine discovering that the best medical treatment for your child's rare condition is halfway across the globe. Join us, Ashlyn and Emily, as we recount the incredible journey of Ashlyn's daughter, Emery, who was born with bladder exstrophy. Ashlyn's advocacy journey for Emery led them to a life-changing p…

1
Empowering Parents: Navigating School Preparation for Children with Complex Medical Needs 22:05

7M ago22:05

22:05

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine facing the overwhelming task of preparing your child with complex medical needs for school. Emily knows this journey all too well with her daughter Charlotte, and in this heartfelt episode of Empowered by Hope, she shares her invaluable experiences. From dealing with feeding tubes and medications to…

1
Courageous Parenting: Advocating for Your Child's Health and Wellbeing while Managing Your Fears 20:20

7M ago20:20

20:20

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine the fear gripping you as you hear your child’s complex medical diagnosis for the first time. It’s a fear Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting deeply understand and tackle head-on in this episode of Empowered by Hope. Join us as we explore ways to transform that paralyzing fear into a wellspring of cour…

1
Practical Strategies for Balancing Chaos: Prioritizing Tasks and Finding Sanity in Special Needs Parenthood 28:08

8M ago28:08

28:08

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine creating an eight-page care document for your in-laws just to ensure your child's complex medical needs are met. That's the reality many parents face, and it's exactly the kind of challenge we're tackling in this episode of Empowered by Hope. Emily, our go-to for all things organization, shares her …

1
Mindful Parenting: Navigating Complex Medical Needs and Finding Joy in the Moment 25:15

8M ago25:15

25:15

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of living in the moment as we navigate the intricate world of parenting children with complex medical needs. You'll hear Ashlyn's heartfelt account of her daughter Emery's remarkable journey through a tough post-surgery recovery in England. Emery's amazing ability to bounce…

1
Understanding Trauma in Pediatric Care: Insights from Sarah Curry on Fostering Resilience and Compassion 39:48

8M ago39:48

39:48

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of understanding trauma with the expertly insightful Sarah Curry, communication manager for Cincinnati's Ronald McDonald House and a certified trauma and resilience specialist. Sarah guides us through the complexities of trauma, particularly as it relates to caregiving for …

1
Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges Surgeons Don't Understand: Empowering Parents with Pracitcal Strategies 20:40

8M ago20:40

20:40

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! How do you navigate the daily challenges of your child's post-surgery recovery when the experts can only provide clinical advice? Join us on Empowered by Hope as Emily and Ashlyn share their heartfelt journeys, illustrating the real-world struggles and triumphs of managing a child's medical condition, side …

1
Introducing a New Era of Empowered by Hope: Bite-Sized Episodes for Caregivers on the Go 10:09

8M ago10:09

10:09

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Ever wish you had a quick, powerful resource to tackle your biggest pediatric caregiving challenges? We promise to make every minute count as we unveil our refreshed, streamlined podcast format designed just for you! Join Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting as they return to Empowered by Hope, eager to share …

1
Stirring Souls and Supporting Families at the Upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala 14:58

12M ago14:58

14:58

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Embark on a journey of hope and celebration with us, as Emily Whiting and Ashlyn Thompson unveil the grandeur of the upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala. This episode of Empowered by Hope is about painting the town with the vibrancy of giving, where every dance step taken and every bid placed at the auction i…

1
Gain the Confidence to Secure the Financial Support Your Child with Special Needs Deserves with Advocacy Abby 40:33

12M ago40:33

40:33

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! "Feeling lost in the maze of funding options for your child's needs? My proven system can help. I'll guide you through a clear, step-by-step process to identify grants and foundations that match your child's needs. Stop wasting time on dead-end searches. Gain the confidence to secure the financial support y…

1
Embracing Life's Detours: A Mother's Journey of Hope and Kindness in Raising a Child with Special Needs 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine being 21 years old, newly married, in the middle of dental school and excited to start a family, then finding yourself in the NICU with your newborn for four months, completely unexpected. When life presented Leah Crum with the surprise of raising a daughter with extremely rare medical needs, she em…

1
Transformative Travels, the Recipe for Joy and More with Creator of Accessible Adventures Kristy Cook 1:16:11

1y ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Kristy Cook, the heart behind Accessible Adventures, dedicated wife and mother of four, joins us to share her family's story, illuminating the joy and beauty found in life's unexpected paths. Embracing each day with a philosophy of "I'm glad I tried it" over "I wish I had," Kristy's narrative is a beacon of…

1
Bella Brave - Mom & Daughter Duo Spreading Hope & Joy Along their Medical Journey 1:17:10

1y ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Today's episode is a heartwarming and powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, as we're joined by Kyla Thomson, mother to Bella of TikTok fame from the account Bella Brave. Kyla's moving narrative takes us from the deepest worries a parent can face to a horizon of hope, as she recounts the tr…

1
From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Tale of Transforming Pain into Purpose 55:36

1y ago55:36

55:36

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! When Sarah Kalis walked into the room with her son, Crew, I saw more than just a mother and her child; I saw a beacon of hope personified. Sarah, a former special education teacher turned medical mama, joins us to share the profound lessons and stories from her life with Crew, who has cerebral palsy. Her ca…

1
Empowering Resilient Children: Harnessing Snyder's Hope Theory for Goal-Setting in Pediatric Care 48:57

1y ago48:57

48:57

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Discover the transformative power of Snyder's Hope Theory as it intertwines with the aspirations and resilience of children facing medical challenges. Ashlyn Thompson, joined by the compassionate child life specialist Kimberly Flood, unravels how setting realistic goals can fortify a young one's emotional l…

1
Part 2: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs 38:34

1y ago38:34

38:34

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! In Part 2, Emily & Ashlyn examine the intricacies of Snyder's Hope Theory, revealing how it can ignite creativity and lead to innovative treatment options. We delve into the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions and building a robust support network, sharing stories that highlight the transformati…

1
Part 1: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs 47:21

1y ago47:21

47:21

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! In Part 1, Snyder's Hope Theory takes the spotlight, unveiling its profound impact on navigating life's hurdles, especially when it comes to parenting children facing medical challenges. As we dissect the elements of hope—goals, pathways, and agency—we translate them into tangible strategies for fostering r…

1
Finding Hope Amidst Holiday Blues and Looking Ahead to 2024 with Renewed Perspective 48:52

1y ago48:52

48:52

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting a child with medical challenges can feel like sailing in uncharted waters. But imagine finding a constellation of hope that guides you through the darkest nights. That's the essence of our latest conversation, where we share intimate experiences of hospital …

1
Bridge to Bravery - Learn how a Child Life Specialist can Empower Both You & Your Child 1:02:30

1+ y ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Bridging the gap between children's fear and understanding of medical procedures is no small task. That's where our guest, Kim Flood, a child life specialist from Columbus, Ohio, steps in. Kim has been an invaluable beacon of hope in Emily's journey, helping Charlotte find confidence and coping skills that …

1
A Mother's Inspirational Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Love 57:37

1+ y ago57:37

57:37

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! This is a rerun of an episode from earlier this summer. Ashlyn & Emily will be back next week with a new episode. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, we are grateful for everyone of you! Imagine the shock of hearing a cancer diagnosis for your small child, an innocent soul you would die to protect, only to real…

1
A Maternal Fetal Care Coordinator's Guide to Advocating while Pregnant 53:24

1+ y ago53:24

53:24

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! This is a rerun of a past episode that Ashlyn & Emily want more people to listen to because it is loaded with invaluable knowledge and support for parents expecting a child with medical needs. We will be back with new episodes after Thanksgiving! Navigating the complexities of parenthood is a challenge in i…

1
You Are More Capable to be a Parent Advocate Than You Think and You Don't Have to Do It Alone 1:06:40

1+ y ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you ever wondered how it feels to care for a child with complex medical needs? We've got the insider scoop for you, direct from the heart of a parent in the thick of it, battling insurance bureaucracy, juggling career advancements, and dealing with unexpected family health scares that life seems to thr…

1
Unpacking and Healing from the Impact of Trauma 49:20

1+ y ago49:20

49:20

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you ever thought about how trauma could be impacting your journey as a parent or caregiver? Be prepared to journey with me, Ashlyn, and my own therapist, Chelsea Cassel, as we break down this intricate subject. We aim to arm you with the basic knowledge necessary to recognize & understand trauma, its e…

1
Navigating the Waters of Acceptance in Special Needs Parenting 56:40

1+ y ago56:40

56:40

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Welcome to our intimate chat about the tumultuous yet enlightening journey to acceptance when parenting special needs children. We, Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting, invite you to join us as we navigate the ebbs and flows of acceptance, a state that we revisit on a regular basis, supercharged with hard-ear…

1
Why It's Important to Question Our Children's Doctors 48:37

1+ y ago48:37

48:37

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Do you ever find yourself wanting to ask your child's doctor(s) more questions, but find yourself holding back? Today is all about arming you with strategies to take control of medical decisions for your child. We share how we confidently question our daughters' medical providers and expand on the importanc…

1
Navigating a Month in the Life of Raising a Medically Complex Child 39:56

1+ y ago39:56

39:56

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! There is so much joy to be had in the midst of the chaos. That is the key takeaway as Emily K. Whiting shares a month in the life of pediatric complex care for her daughter Charlotte. As Emily recounts the last month's wild journey of outpatient appointments, ER visits, infections, unidentified excruciating…

1
The First Step is “Beelieving” – An introduction to Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) 46:17

1+ y ago46:17

46:17

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! On today’s episode, Ashlyn takes the reins while Emily navigates 12 big appointments for Charlotte crammed into 4 days. While Emily is greatly missed, this episode was so much fun to record with our 3 guests, DMI Experts & owners of Beelievability: Allie Watkins, OD OTR and Maggie Pisano, PT, DPT, along wit…

1
The Path to Acceptance and Opening Yourself to Unexpected Blessings 56:40

1+ y ago56:40

56:40

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you found yourself in the grasp of complete overwhelm & despair at least once (or maybe hundreds) since receiving the shock of your child's medical challenge(s)? Does it feel impossible to find joy and acceptance in the midst of chaos and heartbreak? Join us, as we candidly share our personal journeys …

1
How to Navigate the Comparison Trap When You Have a Child with Medical Complexities 1:02:31

1+ y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Join hosts, Ashlyn & Emily, in an earnest conversation about the comparison trap that we all fall in and out of on a regular basis and learn why this is not something to feel shame about or make ourselves "wrong" for doing. Before diving into the episode topic, (fast forward to minute 26:50 if you wish to g…

1
Practical Tools We Wish We Had Earlier in Diagnosis 1:00:14

1+ y ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Are you grappling with the added logistics of raising a medically complex child? Yeah. Us too. How do you keep track of countless appointments, medications, treatments, therapies, and durable medical equipment (DME) orders? What resources are out there to help parents and caregivers stay organized and not l…

1
Navigating Medical Trauma: a Reality for Caregivers and Parents 49:20

1+ y ago49:20

49:20

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Ashlyn introduces her own personal support systems, her trusted therapist, who is rose loving, and an aspiring stick figure artist (not really, but she could be!), Chelsea Cassel. We unmask the often overlooked truth—caregivers and parents are also victims of trauma, even when they are not the direct recipi…

1
From Surviving to Separating: Making Sense of the Messy, Surprising Journey of Parenting a Child with Medical Conditions 59:19

1+ y ago59:19

59:19

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Do you ever feel like you’re barely surviving while raising a child with medical complexities? You’re not alone. Join us as we connect with Lily Brown from Parent to Parent USA, a parent herself, who shares her personal journey and the transformative stages of adaptation that often come with this unique rol…

1
Your Child's Medical Trauma is Not Your Fault: Learn how to let Guilt Guide You and Not Crush You 1:06:44

1+ y ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! What if you could navigate the emotional landscape of raising a medically complex child without being consumed by guilt? Join us as we journey through such a life, reflecting on our victories, challenges and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way. We talk about maintaining confidence amidst adve…

1
Parenting Wisdom from Experienced Mom Laurie Szabo About Living a Full Life Beyond the Medical 57:37

1+ y ago57:37

57:37

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Have you ever wondered how would it feel to juggle parenting six children while managing the challenges of childhood illnesses, with not one, but two kids? We bring you an intimate conversation with Laurie Szabo, a French teacher, and an avid globetrotter, who sheds light on her journey as a mother to six k…

1
10 Stages of Pediatric Surgery 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Imagine navigating through a labyrinth of complex medical needs for your child, coordinating multiple specialists, and grappling with the emotional toll of balancing her care with your own work. Emily bravely shares her personal journey of exactly this rollercoaster ride in this touching episode. Join us as…

1
When Life Doesn’t Give You a Break with Ashley Milbourne 47:45

2y ago47:45

47:45

Send us a text, we want to hear from you! Advocating for our children can be a challenge, especially when we're trying to balance strength and vulnerability. Ashley Milbourne and I share our personal experiences with navigating advocacy, expectations, and vulnerability while striving to move forward in our advocacy journeys. We also delve into the …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ashlyn Thompson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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