Finding Happy The Podcast

This season of the podcast has ironically been the way I've been Finding Happy. It has been so fulfilling to share with you so many guests who are engaging in inspiring, hard, and honest conversations that are helping us live more courageously and show up for our kids in big ways. I've got even more fantastic guests lined up for you too. But I also need to practice what I'm preaching, so I'm taking a pause. Right now I'm on an epic road trip with my family. I'm learning, resting, playing, sleeping, and being present with my people. So this is my encouragement to take care of you too, mama. If you haven't already, hit subscribe, so you'll be the first to know when we're back for Season 2! And I'll see you back here in just a few weeks!

It's no secret that drinking has become an acceptable means of coping with the overwhelm and demands of motherhood. While alcohol may take the edge off of the day, the side effects are more impactful than any of the relief it might offer.    In this episode, Michelle Smith of Recovery is the New Black is here to share her recovery story. She discovered that when she was finally honest, she was thirsty for something she couldn't drink. If you're curious about the possibility of what sobriety could look like on you, don't miss this episode.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michellesmith

Did you get to join us for Stronger Together this past spring? This live virtual event was the realization of a dream come true for me and my co-host for the event, Amber Rojas.  Join us as we finally take the time to debrief this event. We discuss what we learned, what impacted us most, and what we are looking forward to doing more of at the next event!  What was your biggest takeaway from the event? What other topics would you love to see covered? We would love to hear from you! 

As small as the internet has made our world, sometimes it's still hard to find parents on a similar journey that you truly connect with. Understanding that struggle is what led my guest, Summer Petrosius to developing the app, Kindship.    Learn why this free app could be a lifeline to you on this journey and how a later in life autism diagnosis has brought healing and a new perspective to Summer's life.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/summerpetrosius

Getting an official diagnosis for a child with a disability is an intense moment. When your emotions are paired with a lack of resources or misinformation, it can be even more isolating.    In this episode, I'm chatting with Jen Jacob, founder of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. Her organization walks closely with parents at the time of diagnosis to inform, advocate for, and empower parents on their new journey.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jenjacob

Sometimes we can hit that fight, flight, or freeze button without even realizing it. If you're feeling paralyzed by the amount you have going on in your life, I'm going to share 4 totally manageable action steps you can take today to break free.    Feel the feelings and move through them. You're not alone mama!  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/32

On this journey, it's so powerful when you find your “person”, or if you're really lucky - your tribe. Mandy and Kate are two dear friends who are proof of the healing that can happen when you seek out community. Mandy and Kate are both moms to twins who were born premature. Now they walk out the joys and hardships of parenting children with disabilities on their own podcast, Too Peas in a Podcast.  We're talking all about learning to delight in realistic expectations, why they are so passionate about the work they do, and what you can expect to find in their new book, The Invisible Life of Us.   Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/toopeasinapodcast

It's pretty common for a mom to feel off, drained of energy, or just not yourself. When you hit a slump, it can also feel easy to continue to neglect your mind and body. But we all know, you can't afford to do that.    In this episode, I'm going to help you go through a quick assessment of simple things you could be overlooking when it comes to your physical and mental health. I hope that just listening helps you reflect and realize what you're needing most so you can prioritize your self-care and kick that slump sooner!  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/30 Are you ready to relieve stress and reclaim joy? Register for Soul Flow before June 5th! 

This week I've found your dose of happy for you. It comes in the form of Cheethams with Dreams-the dynamic sibling duo from Manchester, England. You can thank me after you follow them on Instagram or TikTok.   Becky is a pediatric nurse and her sister Hannah was born with Cerebral Palsy. Together they are spreading joy and awareness of disabilities. Today we're chatting about everything from why these two are so close, how they are inspiring people worldwide to choose inclusion over ignorance, and what it's like to be a sibling to a person with a disability. Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/siblingswithdreams

As parents of children with disabilities, there are so many ways we modify our lifestyle to ensure our kids stay safe and have the chance to thrive.    And at the same time, life in a pandemic has forced us to do life differently and showed us how our kids can adapt. Today I'm sharing how life is about to be really shaken up in our family and why we're really excited about not knowing what to expect.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/problemsintoopportunities

I think it's fair to say we're working hard to create disability awareness. But a lot of us didn't plan to start this advocacy journey. We started it when we were handed a baby or a diagnosis. We're here and we're learning.  In today's episode, I'm excited to chat with Larkin O'Leary, down syndrome mama and co-founder of the Common Ground Society. Larkin is compassionately educating the community about the world of disabilities through assemblies for audiences from birth to college.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/larkinoleary

Can you spot the signs of burnout before you hit it? One sign that's easy to spot is that when the little things like getting groceries or making an appointment feel like the big scary things.    In this episode, I'm sharing the way you can start to determine the real change you want to make so that you can break away from the patterns and cycles that aren't serving you anymore. You don't have to do the big scary thing today. You just need to start getting curious.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/bigscarythings

Mama, I know there are ideas and dreams you have that you can't let go of. Or maybe you don't have any right now, but you know you need something to invest in something -that is just for you. Today I'm talking with Mia Francis-Poulin, founder of the Copy Haus, a creative copywriting agency.    We're talking about how to take your first step to pursue your dream, why it's okay to ask for help, and why it's good for everyone when you find that thing that lights you up.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/pursueyourdreams

Mamas, you inspire me. The women in this community blow me away with the dreams they have of advocating, empowering, and bringing awareness to the world about the gifts that our children offer.    But your impact is limited to work you are willing to do on your own mind, body, and spirit. When you do, your kids have the greatest chance to thrive all because they are getting the best version of you. Ready to take your first small step with the help of a community? Claim your spot in the group coaching program!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/findinghappy8weekcoaching/ Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/smallsteps

What if the problem was not with our children? What if the problem had everything to do with the devaluation of life that society projects on us? In today's episode, I am talking with the founder of the Good Things in Life, Genia Stephen. Genia comes to us with a unique perspective, as she has both a sister and a son with a disability.    Genia reminds us that while grieving is a part of any one of our journeys, there really is so much to celebrate. But who you're connected to really matters. If you're ready to start unlearning what it means to have a disability, this is a perfect place to start.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/geniastephen Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Have you ever wondered - does this get easier? With the idea of life slowly returning to "normal", there's another transition ahead of us. I think we thought we'd be jumping for joy, but why aren't we more excited, more grateful?  If we take a little review of everything we've been through over the last 12 months, I think it's safe to say a lot of us are still grieving.  I want you to know that it definitely does get easier. But not without your people. So if you need a space to process, I want you to come join me at the event: Stronger Together. Grab your seat!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/ Check out the full show notes at: https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/presspause  

As hard as it is to receive that official news of a diagnosis for your child of a disability, it can be empowering to be able to finally go after the resources you need that match that diagnosis.    But what about when your mama gut says something is off, but you can't get an official diagnosis? Or what if you get that diagnosis later in life? What if it's “just” ADHD? When do you qualify for the support you need most?  Today I am talking with a dear friend, Brittany Bollard. We're talking about why comparing our grief only makes us feel less alone on our journey. It's time to recognize more mamas on the journey and call them out of their silence.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/brittanybollard Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

In this episode, I'm chatting with another inspiring mama-Rachael James. And while she is definitely a mama of four kiddos- one who has a disability - it's just one piece of who she is. If something inside of you is telling you that you've got a purpose that extends beyond the walls of your home, chances are, it's time to take yourself seriously.  Listen to how Rachael has embraced her passions and reprioritized to live a purpose-driven life that helps her show up for her kids in a bigger way. It's not easy, but you'll see why it's 100% worth it.  Check out the full show notes at http://findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/rachaeljames Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

In today's episode, I am bringing to you a very different type of guest. He's definitely not a mom, and he's actually not a parent yet. But after listening you'll wish he was working with your own son or daughter every day in the gym Michael Adams is a physical trainer who has a passion for improving the lifestyle of differently-abled young adults. He helps empower young people to consistently reach their personal best through events like weight training and preparing for the Special Olympics.   Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michaeladams Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Some days, the moments of overwhelm are just too many to count. But if we're honest, juggling the appointments, the medications, or the special diets is not something we can ever let go of. But we can do the work of understanding the source of our stress and motivation.  In this episode, I am bringing on life coach, Jaime Gordon to give you a crash course in using the Enneagram. After listening, you will understand why this tool is so helpful in getting unstuck and why you need to start honoring exactly who you were made to be.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jaimegordon Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Getting that first diagnosis for your child is something you never forget. Life after that changes in so many ways and everything begins to blur. It can feel really lonely, but what would it be like to hear from someone who is 20 years farther along than you?  That's why I am bringing Jane Winans on the podcast today. She is the proud mama to 18-year-old Lydia, who has Down's syndrome. Jane is sharing all of the ways that Lydia has made her life richer and everything she wished she knew at the very beginning of the journey.    Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/janewinans Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Though so many of the mamas in this community have experiences in common, no two stories are exactly the same. This is why it's so critical to gather together and have the space to share our stories - and why I wanted you to hear from blogger, and children's book author, Amy Webb.  Amy's daughter Lamp (more on her name in the episode) was born with limb differences. What is uniquely challenging for Lamp is that her disability has no impact on her mental development. But because children have such little exposure to a child with limb differences, connecting is so exhausting.  Discover how advocacy has been a messy and grace-filled road for Amy and why writing children's books have been a perfect way to engage in this important conversation.  Check out the full show notes at  findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amywebb Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/  

Today I am chatting with rare-disease mom and podcast host of Once Upon a Gene, Effie Parks. Effie is on a mission to help more mamas get connected to encouraging communities that remind you that you're not alone and that your story needs to be told.  Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/effieparks Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com

Don't you love it when you make a plan to do something, but then you end up doing something entirely different, but it's like - exactly what needed to happen?  That's the case with my conversation with my guest today, Jami Nato. Jami is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who will make you laugh and cry in the same breath. Her honesty about navigating life with a nearly teenage daughter who has been labeled developmentally delayed will refresh and maybe even encourage you to tap into your own passions. You're so worth it, mama.  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/jaminato Registration is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Do you ever laugh when people comment on how strong you are as a special needs mama? Like was there ever a choice? You just get used to showing up and being a warrior.  Today I am talking with Amy Purling, founder of Miracle Mumma. Amy is no stranger to challenges. Dreams for starting a family do not often include infertility, miscarriage, a DNC, high-risk pregnancy, and 2 premature births. And yet, she's still here to tell her story today.  Discover how she is helping preemie mamas celebrate the small steps that are actually big victories.  Check out the full show notes at www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amypurling Register is open for Stronger Together!  https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

Today I am chatting with the founder of Never Give Up, Victoria Strong. Victoria is the proud mama of Gwendolyn, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at three months. Gwendolyn lived a life full of joy and purpose. Her parents are now on a mission to inspire everyone to never give up and honor Gwendolyn's legacy as they continue to advocate for inclusion, kindness, and hope for the future of children with SMA.  Listen to learn about the many ways you can be part of Gwendolyn's story too!  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/victoriastrong Register for the event: Stronger Together https://sineadquinn.lpages.co/stronger-together/

When you're jumping from crisis to crisis on a daily basis, there's no space to try something new or shake things up. There's just no energy left. We end up staying stuck because it doesn't require making any more decisions. But it's also why we end up staying put in toxic relationships and avoiding the care our minds and bodies are desperate for.    If you know you're craving change, but you're not sure how to take the first step, start here with this episode.  Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/13 Register for the next Soul Flow here! 

Today I am chatting with author and parenting coach, Amy Carney. Amy is a mom of 5 kids. Even though Amy's youngest is adopted, there were many surprises about the unidentified and complex needs of her son. We're talking about how this journey has been full of discovery, growth, joy, pain, and lots of grace.  Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com  Also listen to find out more about Amy's newest book and journal: 100 Questions for Mom  Check out the full show notes at findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/amycarney 

In this solo episode, I'm taking a minute to rewind a bit in order to help you see what it means to “find happy” on this journey of being a mama of kiddos with special needs. I think you'll discover that finding your happy will require you to put pause on something else so you can prioritize your health. It won't be easy, but it will always be 100% worth it.    Learn more about working with Sinéad at sineadquinn.com Visit the show notes at  https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/11

Today I am chatting with the executive director of Ruby's Rainbow, Liz Plachta. Liz is the proud mama of Ruby who is 10 years old and has Down Syndrome. Ruby's Rainbow is a non-profit that exists to empower young people with Down Syndrome to go to college through scholarship aid. Learn how one extra chromosome has transformed Liz's perspective and has given her life a new level of purpose and value for what she can offer her community.  Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/lizplachta

Happy New Year! But before you get too focused on all those noble resolutions you just set, I would like to challenge you to pull back and take a pause. I actually want you to release all the expectations. In this episode, I'm sharing why it's impossible to achieve all those amazing goals if you are facing burnout. We'll also talk about why the fastest road to recovery demands that you learn to rest.  Check out the full show notes at: https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/9

In this episode, I'm talking with author and Intuitive Counselor, Michelle Irene. Yet today, she comes on the show as an expert in a another area-being a sibling to someone with special needs.  Michelle is sharing about how having a brother with special needs impacted her childhood and how she navigates being the legal guardian of her brother as he is an adult now. She will open up about how she has learned to see things from her brother's perspective. Michelle will also let us in on how she is choosing to allow the lessons from 2020 to inform her focus (and not set traditional resolutions) for the new year ahead.  Check out the full show notes at https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michelleirene

I was inspired by an article I read about Megan Markle where she said that she realized the healing begins when you ask “am I okay”.  I used to ask “what is wrong with me” and would brush off when people asked how I was.  I truly believe in the power of breathwork and what a good tool it is to check in with yourself to see if you are okay.  After going through a breathing exercise you can get in touch with yourself and ask yourself how you can move towards being okay, or even being good. The base of this podcast is to focus on feeling good, and it starts with asking yourself, “Am I okay?”

Michelle Islas' second daughter Dani surprisingly arrived with Down's Syndrome and despite being told difficult it would be, a nurse with an adult sister with down's syndrome inspired Michelle that her daughter could do anything.  She stepped away from her career to help navigate her daughter's care and made tough decisions to find the best education and programs for her care.  Dani learned about meditation and yoga in school and Michelle realized how well these skills were working for her daughter, and she started to learn more about other complimentary therapies.  She experienced a Reiki treatment and knew she needed to learn more.  I love how her Reiki practice has grown and is infused in all parts of her life, from her coaching and consulting to her care for her family.   https://www.instagram.com/_michelle_islas_/ https://www.michelleislas.com/  

Melanie is a fellow Australian and we may have too much fun when we get together!  I wish we had longer to talk, but I am thrilled for you to hear more about her book, Special, and how her love of work in journalism is an important part of her health and wellness, and how she was able to channel that into such a helpful and inspiring book for anyone with a special needs child in their life.  Link to Melanie's Book Special  https://amzn.to/2Hr1W4t IG  https://www.instagram.com/the_special_book/?hl=en

I catch up with Michelle Sullivan, a mum of 3 girls and her son who doctors had all but dismissed; who now is a flourishing 6 year old boy.  She recounts their family plan to add their fourth child after a gap between her first 3 children and how adoption did not go as planned. I love how her faith and dedication to her personal health have created an abundance of happiness in her life.  Her business, Littlest Warrior, a line of clothing focusing on Spreading joy, awareness & inclusion is so inspiring, and I personally love everything she does, she is a gem and it was wonderful to meet her in person and an honor to reconnect with her.  IG Links  https://www.instagram.com/littlest_warrior/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/meeshellsullivan/?hl=en Including Eli - Childrens Book  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1089032048/?tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic5&ascsubtag=amzn1.infl.us.product&creativeASIN=1089032048&ref=exp_sineadquinnofficial_dp_vv_d Littlest Warrior Website  https://www.littlestwarrior.com/

This first episode is unforgettable!  The birth of baby Ami was like any other for Amber, she already had 4 children!  When she set eyes on her baby, she knew the feelings she had during her pregnancy were true and baby Ami had Down Syndrome.  Amber experienced complete compassion and support from her midwife team and the absolute opposite from a doctor who put nothing but limits on her child, all in the first days of her life.  Their birth photographer captured their family so beautifully, the story of Ami's birth was picked up by mainstream media, as well as Amber's forgiveness of the doctor who saw nothing but negatives. IG  https://www.instagram.com/justwhenyouthinkshesdown/?hl=en People magazine  https://people.com/human-interest/amber-rojas-ami-daughter-down-syndrome/ Buzz Feed  https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/theresatamkins/birth-photos-capture-down-syndrome Pop Sugar  https://www.popsugar.com/family/Mom-Letter-Daughter-Down-Syndrome-Doctor-45568570 Dear Doctor  https://yoocanfind.com/Story/1641/dont-let-the-doctors-set-your-limitations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW7qTwKEvjM&feature=youtu.be

Welcome to Finding Happy!  Join me your host, Sinead Quinn as I chat with women and mothers in our community of differently-abled children. We will share the real, vulnerable and unscripted stories to support and inspire you in your day to day lives. I started my journey as a mum of a child with Down's Syndrome, and went through 5 years of hell; the birth of 3 children, family health issues, loss, plus moving twice!  Through it all, my own health started to suffer.  In the search for answers, I discovered how mothers in our differently able community struggle with mental and physical wellbeing. I was inspired to work out how to help myself, and ultimately others. No longer wanting to just survive, I wanted to give my kids and myself the best, I wanted to live instead of dragging myself and my kids through each day. Throughout my own hard times, I was struggling to find inspiration within our community and discovered a deep passion to raise awareness and support for others. I am so honored to bring together women and share with you the uplifting stories from those who are living their full best lives despite the challenges.