The SonRise Project Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The SonRise Project - Ep. 320 Raising A Son With Autism While Finding Time For Me May 31, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to The SonRise Project! I'm Kelli Joy Richardson, and I would like to thank you for joining us in this safe space where all your questions on mental health, parenting, and emotional well-being are welcome.

Joining me is Executive Director for The SonRise Project, Dee Sapp, a mother and advocate, here to share her story and offer encouragement as we navigate Raising a Son with Autism While Finding Time for Me.
Follow her on Instagram: @thedeesapp

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Dee opens up about the daily realities of raising a son on the autism spectrum, why special needs parents are especially vulnerable to losing themselves in the caregiving role, and practical ways to reclaim your identity, restore your energy, and make time for the woman behind the mom. A powerful and honest conversation for any parent who has ever felt like everyone else's needs come before their own.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

The SonRise Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers in dealing with mental health or addiction issues. We provide a safe space to share and support each other with weekly conversations with experts, therapists, and people with shared lived experiences.

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Dee Sapp

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #DeeSapp #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 319 Radical Freedom Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is Founder and CEO of Restorative Minds Therapeutic and Wellness Services, Candace Washington LMSW, here to share her insights and offer guidance as we navigate Radical Freedom. Follow her on Instagram: @Candacewrites

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Candace shares her personal journey of transformation, unpacking what it really means to live boldly and surrender control in pursuit of deeper spiritual and emotional freedom. Listeners can expect honest insights, practical wisdom, and encouragement to challenge fear, embrace growth, and walk confidently in their calling.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Candace Washington

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #CandaceWashington #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 318 - Journey to Sobriety for a Mom and Her Son Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is "The Coochie Coach", Nikki Brown, here to share her story and offer guidance as we discuss the Journey to Sobriety for a Mom and Her Son.

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Nikki shares her story with honesty and vulnerability, offering insight into the challenges of breaking cycles, rebuilding trust, and finding hope in the darkest moments. This episode is a testament to resilience, the strength of a mother’s love, and the possibility of redemption no matter how far you’ve fallen.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Nikki Brown

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #NikkiBrown #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 317 - How to Ressurect Ouuselves Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is our resident expert, Dr. Linda McGhee here to share her insights and offer guidance as we navigate How to Ressurect Ourselves. Follow her on Instagram: @linda_mcghee1

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, we unpack the process of rising from past pain, reclaiming identity, and stepping into a restored sense of purpose. Whether you're navigating grief, burnout, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to help you move forward with clarity and courage.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Dr. Linda McGhee

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #DrLindaMcGhee #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 316 - Why You Should Hire Your Kids Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is Financial Expert and celebrity financial coach Dr. Lynn Richardson, here to share her insights and expertise on Why You Should Hire Your Kids. Follow her on Instagram: @lynnrichardson

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Dr. Lynn breaks down how employing your children in your business can create meaningful financial opportunities, teach responsibility, and provide valuable real-world experience—while also offering tax advantages for yourself and your children. She shares practical steps, common mistakes to avoid, and how to do it all in a way that aligns with both legal guidelines and long-term wealth-building goals.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Dr. Lynn Richardson

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #DrLynnRichardson #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 315 - When Our Children Are Our Biggest Casualties Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is Alycia Johnson, and together, we dive into the subtle and not-so-subtle ways children can become unintended casualties of stress, emotional disconnection, and generational cycles. Follow her on Instagram: @The1212community

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Alycia Johnson joins the conversation to explore a deeply honest and often uncomfortable reality: how our own unhealed wounds, patterns, and pressures can impact the very people we love most—our children.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Alycia Johnson

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #AlyciaJohnson #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 314 - Masking Our Pain with Coach Bev Kearney Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is Coach Bev Kearney, here to share her powerful insights on how unaddressed pain can quietly shape our behaviors, relationships, and sense of self. Together, we explore what it looks like to gently acknowledge what’s beneath the surface, and why creating space for honesty and vulnerability is a crucial step toward true healing. Follow her on Instagram: @Coachbevkearney

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Coach Bev Kearney joins the conversation to unpack the ways we often mask our pain—and why we do it. From staying busy and overachieving to using humor, control, or avoidance, many of us have learned to cover what hurts rather than face it.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register: https://www.thesonriseproject.org/weekly-calls-replays

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Coach Bev Kearney

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #CoachBevKearney #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 313- Radical Acceptance vs. "Fixing" Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is suicidologist, Lexi Hopkins-Cunningham, here to share her insights and offer guidance as we navigate Radical Acceptance vs. "Fixing".

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Lexi Hopkins-Cunningham explores the powerful tension between radical acceptance and the urge to “fix” our children. Why do we feel such a strong pull to solve, correct, or improve—and what might it cost us?

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register:
https://www.thesonriseproject.org/sonrise-sunday-support-group-calls

About The SonRise Project

The SonRise Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers in dealing withmental health or addiction issues. We provide a safe space to share and support each other with weekly conversations with experts, therapists, and people with shared lived experiences.

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Lexi Hopkins-Cunningham

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #LexiHopkinsCunningham #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 312 - March Madness Strategies with Dr. Linda Mcghee Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is Dr. Linda McGhee, our resident expert, here to share her insights and offer guidance as we navigate March Madness Strategies. Follow her on Instagram: @linda_mcghee1

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, Dr. McGhee shares wisdom on staying spiritually grounded, making strategic decisions under pressure, and trusting God’s game plan when life feels unpredictable. Whether you’re facing personal obstacles, leadership challenges, or stepping into a new season, this conversation will equip you with tools to remain focused, disciplined, and victorious.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register:https://www.thesonriseproject.org/sonrise-sunday-support-group-calls

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Dr. Linda McGhee

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #DrLindaMcGhee #IamKelliJoy

The SonRise Project Ep. 311 - A Mother, A Son, A Powerful Conversation with Kyle Lawson Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Joining me is my son, Kyle Lawson, for an honest and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss. Follow him on instagram: @kylelaws

What You'll Learn:

In this special and deeply personal episode, Kelli and Kyle reflect on lessons learned through different seasons of life—both the beautiful and the challenging—and how those moments have shaped who they are today.

Join our Live Sunday Sessions:

Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST. It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead.

Click Here to Register:https://www.thesonriseproject.org/sonrise-sunday-support-group-calls

About The SonRise Project

Connect with Us

Website: www.thesonriseproject.org
Instagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseproject
Facebook: The SonRise Project
Guest - Kyle Lawson

#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #KyleLawson #IamKelliJoy