Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Moms

Latest Episodes:

Story: Victory is a Walk by the Beach and Our S8 Wrap Up with Jessica Patay Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to our Season 8 wrap up episode, #222.

The host of the 'Brave Together Parenting Podcast' addresses the 'Brave Mom Squad,' expressing gratitude and celebrating the podcast's five-year anniversary and 220+ episodes. Reflecting on Season 8, the host highlights top episodes and thanks sponsors Rise Educational Advocacy, Pediatric Minds, and Yoga Six Rolling Hills. 'We Are Brave Together' is introduced as the nonprofit supporting caregivers through support groups, retreats, and special events. An anecdote about a family 5K walk illustrates the challenges and victories of caregiving. Season 9 will focus on mental health, with expert guests and parent stories to destigmatize mental health issues. The host encourages listener engagement and emphasizes the podcast's role as a supportive community for caregivers.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

STORY: Ryan’s Instinctive Gifts and What He's Taught Me with Chris Patay Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #221. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience.

In this heartfelt conversation, Chris and Jessica Patay reflect on their journey as parents of a child with Prader-Willi syndrome. They discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from their son Ryan. Chris shares insights on fatherhood, the shifting expectations of parenting, and the value of maintaining hope and engagement in the face of adversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the beauty found in the unique traits of children with special needs.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

ASK US ANYTHING: What We Can Say to Ourselves in the Midst of Chronic Hardship May 28, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING!

In this Ask Us Anything episode, #220, we are responding to the question, What can I say to myself and what can others say to me in the midst of chronic hardship?

In this final AUA episode of season eight, the hosts reflect on the challenges and unexpected gifts of caregiving. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, validation, and effective communication in navigating the emotional landscape of caregiving. The conversation emphasizes the need for caregivers to acknowledge their own feelings, communicate their needs, and practice positive self-talk. The episode concludes with affirmations for caregivers and a heartfelt farewell as they prepare for the next season.

Keep the questions coming, we’re here to support you! Whether you have questions as a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs or you’re someone looking to support a care-giving parent, we would LOVE to hear from you. We see you and we love you! Leave us a message here.

Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.

Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.

Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

EXPERT: How to Prepare for Police Involvement with Tammie Penta PD May 21, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #219. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents.

On this episode we have Tammie Penta PD, a retired Police Sergeant and Brave Mom to an adult son with Prader-Willi syndrome who trains police departments all over the country to interact safely with adults living with PWS and other intellectual disabilities.

In this conversation, Jessica Patay and Tammie Penta PD, discuss the importance of preparing families with developmental disabilities for interactions with law enforcement. Tammie shares her personal experiences and insights on how to effectively communicate with law enforcement, engage with neighbors, and prepare for a potential crisis. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive measures, such as creating a blue form for quick reference during emergencies, and fostering relationships with local law enforcement to ensure better outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Retired Sergeant Tammie Penta worked for the Tucson Police Department where she was a police officer for over 27 years, with the last 20 as a sergeant. Tammie was a detective sergeant for the Elder Abuse Task Force, which included investigations of vulnerable adults, the Child Abuse/Homicide Unit, Special Investigations and Aggravated Assault Unit. Additionally she was the training supervisor responsible for new officers coming into law enforcement and completed her career as the administrative supervisor for the largest division in the city.

Find more information about Tammie Penta PD here.

Download Blue Forms here and here.

This episode was generously sponsored by Pediatric Minds.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

STORY: Autism Out Loud with Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson and Adrian Wood May 14, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #218. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience.

This episode is VERY special because we have on the podcast today, not one, not two, but ALL THREE authors of the instant New York Times Bestseller, Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood―Moving Stories and Parenting Lessons Learned from Three Mothers of Children with Autism. Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson and Adrian Wood join me and my other two co-costs Susanna Peace Lovell and Dr. Zoe Shaw, and let me tell you, it’s a party!

In this engaging conversation, a group of mothers share their experiences and insights on parenting children with autism, focusing on the challenges and joys of navigating their children's journeys into adulthood. They discuss the importance of community, the collaborative effort behind their book, and the emotional complexities of letting go as their children grow. The conversation highlights the need for resources and support for parents, especially those facing the transition to adulthood, and emphasizes the beauty and joy that can be found in the journey of raising children with autism.

Order your copy of Autism Out Loud here.

Find more about Carrie Cariello here.

Find more about Adrian Wood here.

Find more about Kate Swenson here.

This episode was generously sponsored by Pediatric Minds.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

EXPERT: A PBS Documentary Called Caregiving with Tom Chiodo May 07, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #217. These are conversations with experts in fields relevant to caregiving parents.

Today, Brave Together founder, Jessica Patay and author Kelley Coleman interview Tom Chiodo. Tom Chiodo is the Executive Producer Special Projects, National Productions at WETA, flagship PBS station in Washington D.C., developing primetime documentary films and original digital content, accompanied by national impact and engagement campaigns, for 330+ PBS stations.

Tom joins us to discuss the upcoming PBS documentary on caregiving, called Caregiving, highlighting the joys and challenges faced by caregivers. He shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for caregivers. The discussion also touches on mental health, self-care, and the need to change the narrative around caregiving to foster understanding and support. Tom advocates for breaking routines to find joy and suggests innovative resources to assist caregivers in their journey.

Caregiving, the documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper highlighting the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America, will premiere Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings), and on the PBS YouTube Channel. Caregiving will be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS App beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Check out the Caregiving trailer at wellbeings.org here.

Check out Kelley Coleman’s book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

BONUS: Re-Release of In His Own Words with Ryan Patay May 01, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave friends! May is Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month and, as you probably know by now, my son Ryan has Prader-Willi Syndrome. He’s 21, almost 22, and today we are re-releasing episode number 100 from Season 3, in which I shared the story of how we told Ryan about his diagnosis. And after the story, I have the joy and the privilege of interviewing Ryan, but go grab a Kleenex because, as you will hear, he ends up interviewing me. So thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy listening to this re-release from a few years ago in celebration of Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

STORY: Brain Injury and Ambiguous Loss with Kelly Lang Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #216. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience.

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Zoe Shaw interviews author and speaker, Kelly Lang, who shares her profound journey following a traumatic car accident that changed her and her daughter's life forever. She recounts the harrowing moments of the accident, the struggles of recovery, and the emotional challenges faced as a caregiver. Kelly discusses the importance of understanding traumatic brain injury, the role of advocacy, and how she has turned her experiences into a platform for education and support.

Kelly Lang, co-author of The Miracle Child: Traumatic Brain Injury and Me is a brain injury survivor and caregiver to her daughter who sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2001. Kelly is an Author, Public Speaker, Communications Trainer, and Advocate. She co-leads the Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council and serves on the Virginia Brain Injury Advisory Council. Kelly’s advocacy experience includes working with the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems’ Brain Injury Learning Collaborative as a faculty member and co-chaired the Traumatic Brain Injury Leadership Group and served on the Person-Centered Advisory Group. Kelly has been the Keynote speaker at a number of state brain injury conferences and conducted workshops and webinars about brain injury and advocacy.

Find Kelly on IG: https://www.instagram.com/momof3misses/

Find Kelly’s book on FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Miracle-Child-Traumatic-Brain-Injury-and-Me/100066688996682/

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

THRIVING DISABLED ADULTS: How TAR Syndrome Shaped My Strength with Kelly Pozil Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! On this episode, #215, we are hearing about the experience of another Thriving Disabled Adult, Kelly Pozil! Kelly was born with TAR syndrome that resulted in having no radius bone in both her arms.

In this conversation she shares about what it was like growing up in a very physically active family, how her parents instilled confidence in her, and how she coped with the big feelings by appearing brave and resilient. She also emphasizes the significance of doing the deep work to feel and understand her own feelings and points out the strength and resilience of individuals with disabilities and the need for a more positive perspective on disability.

Professionally, Kelly is a para in a kindergarten special ed class and the graphic designer for Angel City Sports, an organization that offers free year round adaptive sports in Los Angeles, California. She is a delight to talk with and we are so grateful she joined us on the podcast.

Check out Kelly Pozil’s graphic design website here.

Check out Angel City Sports here.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Disclaimer

ASK US ANYTHING: FEELING ALL THE FEELS Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING!

In this Ask Us Anything episode, #214, we are responding to the question, What do we do with ALL THESE EMOTIONS when we don’t feel like we have time and space to process them?

In this conversation, hosts, Jessica, Susanna and Dr. Zoe discuss the complex emotions experienced by caregivers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and processing these feelings. They explore the challenges of hypervigilance as a trauma response and provide insights on how to manage it effectively. The discussion highlights the necessity of self-compassion and the benefits of emotional processing for mental health and well-being.

Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.

Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.

Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here.

This episode was sponsored by Rise Educational Advocacy.

Find our first book from We Are Brave Together here.

Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.

JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.

Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here.

Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.

Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org

If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.

Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!