The Totally Worth It Podcast

Jamiel D. Owens - Creator/Host of “The Ausome show” : Co-host of “The Ben and J show” : Autism Father/AdvocateAs a Father of a 12 year old who is on the Autism spectrum, Jamiel Owens is truly an advocate for his son Shayne and other Autism parents."The Ausome show” has inspired Jamiel to take up his space as a dedicated father and activist through his interaction with others. The Ausome show has also paved the way for Jamiel's presence as an African-American father of a child with special needs to "speak up and speak out” from a perspective that is often too silent. Jamiel is a worldwide published author for Autism Parenting Magazine as well as motivational speaker locally and internationally.  Raised in North Philadelphia, Jamiel has served his and other communities in law enforcement, civil service, and is currently a volunteer firefighter in Hatfield, PA.You can view the full length video interview at the following link https://youtu.be/vHO0-k0XN3YAs usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 20 at the following link https://youtu.be/1yNcmiFPFrQ Link to Horses & Hope at Home Video https://youtu.be/qBbMVIJW3aU Link to coffee table book featuring “Women of the Bible”  www.sarahbethart.comFor more information about The WE BELONG 100 Challenge Visit www.weareabled.org/webelong100 You can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Daniel is the Founder of Special Strong which is Adaptive & Inclusive Fitness Training for people with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges including Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and many more conditions.In this episode you will learn about Daniels heart for the special needs community, the history behind special strong, and benefits that he see’s come to fruition as his clients adopt a healthy lifestyle.www.specialstrong.comOur Why: "... I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10Our Mission: To unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by a disability, disease, or disorder in order to live a more independent and abundant lifeOur STRONG Culture: Stewardship, Transparency, Relationship Focused, Ownership, No Judgement, GenerosityYou can view the full length video interview at the following link https://youtu.be/1d2z0sdddvgAs usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 19 at the following link https://youtu.be/SvhRBjf8Um0For more information about Horses & Hope at Home click HEREYou can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Karen brings great perspectives from the standpoints of both a “Special Needs Grandmother” as well as a “Special Needs Sibling.”  Karen is John’s Mom (Mabry’s Grandmother), and has a sister with special needs.  In this episode, you will get a picture of what it looked like for Special Needs Families in the 1950’s, what the options (or lack there of) were back then, and what the transition from sibling to caregiver entails.  And then, you get to hear the Love, the Joy, and the Concerns from the perspective of a Special Needs Grandmother.  This is a MUST LISTEN!You can view the full length video interview at the following link https://youtu.be/iUx88dHppiQAs usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 18 at the following link https://youtu.be/i6IuR2Owrr0Sanctuary Project Jewelry https://www.sanctuary-project.com/sanctuary-stonesWaterloo Style https://www.waterloostyle.comFor more information and to purchase supplements from TruLabs click HEREYou can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Rebecca is an Experienced Professional and Entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Rebecca has extensive experience supporting individuals with multi-diagnosis that present with varying behavioral needs. She offers a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience working in public and private sectors in clinical and educational settings. Rebecca believes in education for all and has a passion to help improve others' quality of life. With determination and dedication, Rebecca founded Endless Abilities Inc., a Behavioral Health Service Provider servicing the GTA. She now leads a team of dedicated and driven professionals that share the same passion as her and provide quality care to all clients. Alongside Endless Abilities, Rebecca has partnered with an e-commerce company that provides sensory and educational toys for children called Sensa, which you can find on Instagram at @shopsensa.You can view the full length video interview at https://youtu.be/tnkWC_GXwk0As usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 17 at the following link https://youtu.be/dSIy_WIneCwFind information about the book “Nobody Told Me” at the following link www.positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.ukJustin Bieber and Chance The Rapper - Holy video - https://youtu.be/pvPsJFRGleAYou can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Alejandra “Ale” Lozano is a construction management major at Oklahoma State University. Ale’s twin sister, Ashley, has Autism, and we dive into her relationship with her sister ... her struggles growing up as a special needs sibling ... and her hopes and dreams for Ashley’s future. You will catch a spark of Ale’s passion as you hear her talk about her plans for developing quality affordable housing for special needs adults, which would help Ashley and so many like her. Watch out ... this girl is on fire!You can view the full length video interview of Ale at https://youtu.be/dFWbS4u6hRMAs usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 16 at the following link https://youtu.be/eqqh1XeqoLoThank you to our Podcast Sponsor Reel Paper!  You can order at https://reelpaper.com/products/box - Our listeners get 25% off of their 1st order by using coupon code “totallyworthit”You can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

6 ½ years after being homeless, Garrain is now a serial entrepreneur who motivates and inspires thousands. The knowledge he gained while being shaped and molded sent him down the pathway to become a Transformation Coach. He is an advocate for living a healthy life.  He is a business coach, speaker, and author of the newly released book, “Change Your Mindset Change Your Life.”  You can view the full length video interview at https://youtu.be/Cl27hH5JD_Y -  you can learn more about Garrain at www.garrainjones.com – and you can buy his new book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734155507As usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin'?You can find the video of Episode 15 at the following link https://youtu.be/lE-Oenwr5OILink to Daily Podcast “What Happened to Daniel Prude? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-happened-to-daniel-prude/id1200361736?i=1000490450379Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor Reel Paper!  You can order at https://reelpaper.com/products/box - Our listeners get 25% off of their 1st order by using coupon code “totallyworthit”You can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

In this episode, we interview Greg Hannah with Villanova University.  Greg runs a program called LEVEL, where they focus on creating a socially inclusive college campus for students with disabilities.  This conversation is sure to inspire Parents of students who have disabilities or have a desire to work with those with disabilities.  Greg’s passion will get anyone fired up!  You can view the full length video interview at https://youtu.be/HzCIbGo9qh0 And you can learn more about LEVEL at https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/studentlife/be_empowered/disability_services/level.htmlAs usual, John & Amy exchange stories in their segments called:  So What Had Happened Was, Isn’t That Special, and Whatcha Diggin?You can find the video of Episode 14 at the following link https://youtu.be/DOqqPcH8VZ0Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor Reel Paper!  You can order at https://reelpaper.com/products/box - Our listeners get 25% off of their 1st order by using coupon code “totallyworthit”You can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

In this episode, we share about Life Since Season 1 … and discuss the hard topics that are at the forefront of our society today.  This episode is slightly different than most in that our focus is not on our special needs world.  Instead, we felt compelled to “speak up” and share our hearts about other topics such as social injustice.We announce that Season 2 will also be on our YouTube Channel!  You will be able to find the video recording of our Podcast, along with the full length video interview of all of our individual guests!You can find the video of Episode 13 at the following link https://youtu.be/n4sjwrp7nz8Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor Reel Paper!  You can order at https://reelpaper.com/products/box - Our listeners get 25% off of their 1st order by using coupon code “totallyworthit”You can follow John and Amy on Instagram @johngayhart and @agayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

This is another episode filled with real stories, laughter, and a couple of hard realities.  John and Amy play another round of The Newlywed Game (20 year edition), and answer some questions that listeners have sent in.We also announce our off-season project, which will be a weekly episode that John and Amy will post on their YouTube Channel.  These episodes will sound a lot like the John & Amy segments of their podcast mixed with the craziness of their household. You can find and subscribe to their YouTube Channel at this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL0lqOM2P1ZyHM2csKaKreAAnd – we’ll be back in the Fall for Season 2!!  Thank you so much for listening, and supporting us along the way.  We’re in this together, and It’s Totally Worth It!Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart.  And – track John and Mabry at #MABRYrunsforAWARENESS as they run during the month of April to raise money for The ABLED Movement www.weareabled.orgYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

We sit down with the Founder and President of Hugs Café, Ruth Thompson.  Ruth shares the story of how she found her love for working with the Special Needs community in Colorado, and how she paved the way for a new community in Texas.  She has a heart to help people with “special abilities” thrive and grow, and has helped build an amazing platform for them to do just that.The mission of Hugs Café Inc is to enhance the lives of adults with special needs through training and employment.  It is our passion to offer a place of hope, understanding, grace, and success to each individual so they may be recognized for their abilities and talents in the community.Hugs Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm.Learn more about Hugs at www.hugscafe.org and you can email Ruth at ruth@hugscafe.orgWe ask Ruth to explain what a patron of Hugs will experience if they come in for lunch, and Ruth answers with, “The best day to come into Hugs is when you’re in a bad mood, because you absolutely cannot leave that way.  It’s such a place of Joy and Giving.”Watch this great video featuring Hugs Café https://youtu.be/xspIHgrL-vYTune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart.  And – track John and Mabry at #MABRYrunsforAWARENESS as they run during the month of April to raise money for The ABLED Movement www.weareabled.orgYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Meghan grew up with an older Sister, Amanda, with Special Needs.  We often talk about Siblings of Special Needs being the true heroes in our families, and Meghan gives great insight to what that looks like.  Hearing the stories of joys and challenges as they grew up together paints a great picture of what many of our families look like. And, we discuss what it’s like for Siblings to plan for the future.When asked about what it was like growing up with Amanda, Meghan says, “I don’t feel cheated at all.  I definitely see how having Amanda has shaped me for good or bad.”Meghan mentions a communication system created for Amanda by CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders).  They can be found at https://www.centerforautism.com/Here’s a link to Megababe Natural Deodorant https://megababebeauty.comA HUGE Thank you to our Sponsor, Canvas People.  Canvas People print your favorite photos on canvas, for really unique beautiful prints.  Great for décor/ The prints are like pieces of art. With Canvas People, you get your favorite memories printed to cherish. AND beautiful prints that look great on any wall.SPECIAL OFFER: I know you’re gonna love Canvas People.  And we have a special code that you can use to get an 11x14 Canvas People print FREE. This is a $76.99 value!  All you do is pay the shipping and handling. Get your own 11x14 Canvas People print, for free! Just visit www.CanvasPeople.com , upload your photo, and enter this special code: totallyworthit This would be a great gift for Mother’s Day!Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart.  And – track John and Mabry at #MABRYrunsforAWARENESS as they run during the month of April to raise money for The ABLED Movement www.weareabled.orgYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Jamie and Amy have been Best Friends since 9th Grade.  Like each other’s Maid-of-Honor, by each other’s side during kids, share a bed on vacation kind of Best Friends.  Jamie hosts the very popular podcast “The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey” and travels the globe ministering to Women.This episode is full of laughs, but dives deep into the importance of Friendship for Families with Special Needs … and really everyone for that matter.  Amy discusses the importance of having a friend to call on during the hard times that nobody see’s. And Jamie answers the tough question: “What have been the hardest moments as you have lived alongside a best friend who’s child has been diagnosed with Special Needs.”Jamie sums it up by saying, “As a Mom, I really think it’s important for our kids to see all different abilities of children.  I’m grateful that my kids are growing up with Mabry as a friend.”Amy and Jamie talk about Camp Well.  You can find info at the following link www.thewellsummit.comA HUGE Thank you to our Sponsor, Canvas People.  Canvas People print your favorite photos on canvas, for really unique beautiful prints.  Great for décor/ The prints are like pieces of art. With Canvas People, you get your favorite memories printed to cherish. AND beautiful prints that look great on any wall.SPECIAL OFFER: I know you’re gonna love Canvas People.  And we have a special code that you can use to get an 11x14 Canvas People print FREE. This is a $76.99 value!  All you do is pay the shipping and handling. Get your own 11x14 Canvas People print, for free! Just visit www.CanvasPeople.com , upload your photo, and enter this special code: totallyworthit This would be a great gift for Mother’s Day!Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart.  And – track John and Mabry at #MABRYrunsforAWARENESS as they run during the month of April to raise money for The ABLED Movement www.weareabled.orgYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Jeremy shares the story of his daughter, Caleigh, and the journey through her diagnosis.  It’s great to hear from a Special Needs Dad as we discuss things like: the differences in the grieving process between Mom’s and Dad’s, and advice for Dad’s going through a new diagnosis.  We also discuss the importance of inclusion throughout our communities and school systems.Jeremy sums up their story by saying, “At first it didn’t feel like it, but it’s made our lives better. It’s made our kids better people.”Jeremy mentions Most DFW (MYO Occupational Speech Therapy) as one of his Game-Changers.  You can find them at www.mostdfw.comYou can find Amy’s new favorite Art Collection, featuring Women of the Bible, by Sarah Beth Baca at www.sarahbethart.comHuge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart  You can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Gwen’s nephew, Luke was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome shortly after birth.  We love hearing about Luke’s personality, his joy, and the love that he brings to everyone that knows him.  And, we feel the pride and admiration that Gwen (Aunt G.) has for Luke as she tells his story. Gwen gives a great perspective on what it’s like to be a part of The Village to her sisters family, and gives great advice to other families who find theirselves in a similar role.  “They’re working through something that we know nothing about, don’t even say anything… just smile and put your hand on their back.” - Beautiful words from GwenThe link to Mark Cuban’s interview after the NBA announces it will suspend games https://youtu.be/JOF8NFLPQgUThe link to the VANS Autism Awareness Collection https://www.vans.com/article_detail/autism-awareness.htmlAmy’s favorite earrings are from Waterloo Style https://www.waterloostyle.comAmy’s new Study Bible is from She Reads Truth https://shereadstruth.comHuge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

After a quick round of “The Newlywed Game” (fun for a couple married almost 20 years), John and Amy address real life questions sent in by listeners.  Here are a few of the questions that they dive in to:“John talked about small talk and when the conversation has no choice but to go to Mabry’s diagnosis. You mentioned some people say, “I’m Sorry.”  What is an appropriate and appreciated response?”“I love your playful marriage…I bet you have to work at it…have you been to counseling?  Any tips?How was it having other children after having one with special needs?What can the church do to accommodate those with special needs?What have been your biggest perception/belief shifts regarding the disability community and what brought those changes?I’m a SPED (Special Education) teacher K-2nd, how can I best serve families the first few years of school?Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

Episode 5 is our first “non-special needs” related episode.  We sit down with the Executive Director of Cul2vate Farms, Joey Lankford.  Joey has a special place in the Gayhart family, as he is the person responsible for setting John and Amy up on their first date!!  This episode will share a couple of laughs, as John, Amy, and Joey reminisce about some fun times in College.Joey shares his story as a Faith Jumper, as he went from Corporate to Missionary.  After becoming the COO of a successful company at an early age, Joey gave it all up to follow a calling into the mission field.  Joey and his wife Courtney sold it all, and moved their family to South Africa. Joey’s testimony is a powerful one, and is summed up in his story of not being satisfied with the life everyone told him he should build.  Joey says, “Everybody else seems to feel better about where I am than I do.” Wow!! We hope you enjoy Joey’s story!!Learn more about Cul2vate at www.cul2vate.orgTune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhartYou can contact John and Amy through their website www.totallyworthitpodcast.com or by emailing them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com

In Episode 4, we continue our conversation with Andrea Mitchell.  We discuss some hard topics such as: the impact that having a child with special needs impacts the planning of having more children and the long-term outlook that the Mitchell family has for Ella.The highlight of our conversation with Andrea happens in the last 10-15 minutes of this episode when Andrea is asked the question (paraphrased):  “What advice would you give to a Mom facing a brand new diagnosis.” You will not want to miss her answer.Justin Bieber Interview – it’s on YouTube!!  Here’s the link https://youtu.be/T_fw3qNx1OMMorgan’s Wonderland Camp – learn more here https://www.morganswonderland.com/camp/Be sure to check out the video of Mabry at a Hibachi restaurant on Instagram. To get ahold of John or Amy, you can find them on their website https://www.totallyworthitpodcast.com/ or email them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com. Tune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhart

In Episode 2, John and Amy interview Special Needs Mama, Dawnda Daniel.  Dawnda tells us the story of her son, Coulter, and his diagnosis of Smith-Magenis Syndrome.  We learn about the importance of a Mother’s intuition, challenging dynamics of a special needs family, and various support groups that this family has found along the way. Here are links to the organizations discussed in this episode:PRISMS – www.prisms.orgSib Shop – www.siblingsupport.orgHere’s the link to the science project that Amy mentions regarding the effects of Kind Words and Angry Word to plants https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/talking-to-plants/Here’s a link to the article that Amy discusses about a new hotline specifically for caregivers https://www.wxyz.com/news/national/theres-now-a-hotline-specifically-for-caregiversTune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhartFollow #runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhartTo get ahold of John or Amy, you can find them on their website https://www.totallyworthitpodcast.com/ or email them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com. 

In Episode 1, John and Amy introduce the Gayhart family and the inspiration for The Totally Worth It Podcast.  They give a snapshot of the journey with their special needs daughter, Mabry. And, they layout expectations and dreams of what listeners will get from future episodes of this Podcast. You’ll also hear an introduction to the separate non-profits that John and Amy are involved in, as well as other activities that keep John and Amy busy. Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite – www.blueskytexas.orgThe ABLED Movement – www.weareabled.orgHere’s a link to the “Life Changing” Podcast episode of Speak Life with Taylor Nichols featuring Amy as her guest http://taylornicholsmedia.com/ep-10-amy-gayhart/Special link to the video mentioned in this weeks segment of “What I’m Loving”.  What Robert Downey Jr.’s “Iron Man interview” on Ellen.https://youtu.be/2KcrcCOBjiUTune in to #morningswithmabry on Amy’s Instagram @agayhart – and#runmabryrun on John’s Instagram @johngayhartTo get ahold of John or Amy, you can find them on their website https://www.totallyworthitpodcast.com/ or email them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com.

Even though life's not always easy, it's Totally Worth It. To get ahold of John or Amy, you can find them on their website https://www.totallyworthitpodcast.com/ or email them at johnandamy@totallyworthitpodcast.com.