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Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast

Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast

By: Hope on the Hard Road
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 For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • “Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together” with Amanda Owen

    “Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together” with Amanda Owen
    Sep 8 2025
    Future Planning Series: “Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together” with Amanda Owen You’re not gonna want to miss this inspiring episode with author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Amanda Owen, founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces in Owensboro, Kentucky. Amanda shares her journey from special education teacher and sibling to nonprofit leader, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and personal motivations behind her mission. On this first episode of our Future Planning Series, We talk about the impact of community support, innovative programs, and how her organization transforms lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Don’t miss Amanda’s heartfelt stories and empowering message. Let’s get started! Bio: Amanda Owen is a dynamic storyteller, advocate, and changemaker. As an author, speaker, podcaster, and nonprofit founder, she has dedicated her life to championing individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her older brother Nick, one of the first in the world diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disability, Amanda's journey into advocacy began at home. This unique experience ignited her passion for inclusion and advocacy from a young age. Determined to make a difference, Amanda became a special education teacher but soon realized her vision for empowering families extended beyond the classroom. Over 12 years ago, she made the bold decision to leave teaching and launch Puzzle Pieces, a Kentucky-based nonprofit that provides life-changing services to individuals with disabilities. From residential living to vocational training, supported employment, and the region’s only targeted autism programming, Amanda’s organization now serves over 400 clients with the support of a dedicated team of 100+ staff members and a $6 million operating budget. Amanda’s work has set a new standard for disability services both statewide and nationally. She was appointed by the Kentucky Governor to the Employment First Council and was recognized as a 40 Under 40 influential leader in her community. As a sought-after speaker, she shares her unique sibling perspective and insights on advocacy with audiences across the country. Amanda's recently released memoir, "Rarely Different," offers a deeply personal look into her life as a special needs sibling, providing a perspective that resonates with many families navigating similar challenges. Her life’s mission is clear: to ensure people with disabilities are not just included, but celebrated within their communities. Amanda's infectious energy and relentless optimism inspire everyone around her to dream big, work hard, and embrace the lessons that come with failure. Above all, Amanda encourages people to show up authentically and never forget to find joy in the journey. Amanda loves connecting with families and caregivers, offering support, sharing experiences, and building a community of understanding. Connect with her on Instagram @pieceofmebyamanda or visit her website at piecesofme.org to follow along on her journey and learn more. www.piecesofme.org www.puzzle-pieces.org @piecesofmebyamanda www.piecesofme.org www.puzzle-pieces.org @piecesofmebyamanda For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead. Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Email us: info@hopeonthehardroad.org Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459 Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.
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    41 mins
  • “Welcome to Season 5” with Eric and Christen

    “Welcome to Season 5” with Eric and Christen
    Aug 25 2025

    Future Planning Series:

    “Welcome to Season 5” with Eric and Christen

    Welcome Back for Season 5 of the Hope on the Hard Road podcast. We’re glad you joined us It’s going to be an incredible season! Don’t forget to subscribe so we you never miss an episode!! We have some really amazing guests on this season who many of you likely already know and follow! We have Chris Wenger otherwise known as “Speech Dude” joining us a little later on this year and coming up we have Heather Avis of “the Lucky Few Podcast” as well as a few other powerhouse friends joining us to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

    This is a great time to share a little bit about Hope on the Hard Road. For those who are new to the podcast, Hope on the Hard Road, Inc is a nonprofit based out of San Diego CA which Christen and I founded in 2019 with the mission to connect, encourage, and bring hope to families journeying on the special needs road. We understand what families are dealing with every day as they walk this road, because we are a family just like you.

    Whether that looks like medical complexity, developmental disabilities, or neurodiversity we are here for you. We have lots of resources and supports uniquely designed to wrap around the family, including this incredible podcast which features interviews with experts in the special needs community and heartfelt family stories. Beyond the podcast we also host local events every month for dads, moms, couples, siblings, and the entire family. And if you’re not local – no worries- we’ve got support groups on line as well that you can join. And head on over to our YouTube channel after this podcast to check out our FREE library of webinars with experts on so many of the hot topics our families need to know about such as Self Determination and Future planning.

    Speaking of future planning. This is what we’re going to be talking about for the next couple of weeks on the podcast. We hope this Future Planning Series will be a powerful guide to helping you all as you take next steps. Don’t forget to subscribe and we’ll see you back here for the next episode!

    For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

    Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

    Email us: info@hopeonthehardroad.org

    Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

    Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.
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    4 mins
  • 'That’s a Wrap for Season 4!' with Eric and Christen Freund

    'That’s a Wrap for Season 4!' with Eric and Christen Freund
    May 26 2025

    “That’s a Wrap for Season 4!” with Eric and Christen Freund

    Hey guys, That’s a wrap for season 4!

    We had so many great episodes this season and we can’t wait for Season 5 starting in August! Guys, We can hardly believe we’re headed into year 5 of the podcast!

    We have some incredible guests coming on this season, many of whom you likely already know and follow. So be sure to follow the podcast and our Youtube channel to catch all the new episodes in Season 5. You won’t want to miss any of this season coming up!

    Speaking of this season coming up. If you or your business would like to sponsor an episode simply reach out to us at info@ hopeonthehardroad.org

    And If you like this podcast send us a comment or rating, it really helps to push the podcast out there so that other families can find it and follow to hear heart felt family stories and expert insights from the special needs community.

    Community is everything so with summer coming up don’t forget to stay involved. If you are here in the San Diego area be watching for our local events coming up like our Dads day Out and our Hope Community Events for families in June.

    And whether you’re local, in another state, or abroad sign up for our monthly eblasts and follow us on social media to get the latest on resources and more.

    We hope you all have an amazing summer! But first before we take a break we want to take some time to listen back to some highlights from Season 4!

    Bio:

    For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

    Connect with Us:

    If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

    Email us: info@hopeonthehardroad.org

    Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

    Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
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