Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast

Fatherhood Tranformed Series: "Presuming Competence: An Autism Dad's Journey" with J. Brad Britton

Welcome back to the podcast, Today we continue our Fatherhood Transformed Series and are joined by my friend and fellow San Diego Dad, J. Brad Britton.  J Brad is an author and autism dad who recently released his Book Real Words with Sam. 

Brad spent his career building championship teams in business by seeing potential in people others overlooked. But it took a room full of spellers and a letterboard to make him realize he hadn't been doing the same for his own son. This is a really honest, beautiful conversation about learning to see ability instead of disability — and what it costs a dad to lay down his own plans and truly show up.

Let’s Listen in to our conversation.

Insta and Facebook: RealWordsWithSam
www.realwordswithsam.com

 

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.

Transformational Dads Series: "Hope for the Autism Dad" with Jamiel Owens

Welcome back! This episode is one you are going to want to share with every dad you know. Weare joined by Jamiel Owens — autism father, founder of the Autism Fathers Conference, andcommunity outreach specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Jamiel's story is one of transformation in every sense of the word. From walking away from hisson Shane after his autism diagnosis, to becoming one of the most passionate advocates for dadsin the special needs community — his testimony will move you. We talked about fatherhood,faith, and what it looks like to show up when it's hard.Eric and I loved this conversation. Listen in to our talk with Jamiel Owens.

 

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.

 

https://ausomenessinc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theausomeshow/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ausome-show/id1517496103

https://www.research.chop.edu/car

 

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.

“Season highlights and summer send off” with Eric and Christen

 

 

Hey guys, welcome back to the podcast. We’re doing something a little different today. It’s just Eric and I and we’re talking about the podcast season, the past 100 episodes, and life with a little bit of fun and a whole lot of heart and then we’re going to share some helpful tips in a sendoff to summer!

 

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.

"Celebrating Our 100th Episode!" with Eric and Christen

 

Welcome to the Hope on the Hard Road Podcast.  This is a milestone moment, it is our 100^th episode!
It’s hard to believe that what started five years ago as a simple idea has grown into something so meaningful. When we first launched this podcast, Eric and I just wanted to create a space where families navigating special needs could feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. We knew firsthand how isolating the journey can be, and we wanted to bring real conversations, real stories, and real hope to others walking a similar road.

Over the past five years, we’ve had the honor of sharing this space with incredible guests—parents, caregivers, professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. We’ve talked about everything from navigating IEPs and therapies, to future planning, marriage, mental health, and the everyday realities that don’t always get talked about. Some episodes have been educational and practical, others have been emotional and raw—but all of them have been rooted in connection and hope.

This podcast has become more than just a platform—it’s become a community. And for both of us, it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives. Hearing your stories, your feedback, and knowing that these conversations are making a difference has meant more than we can put into words.

If you’re new here, Hope on the Hard Road is all about walking alongside families —offering encouragement, resources, and a reminder that even on the hardest roads, there is always hope.
And if you’ve been with us from the beginning… thank you. Truly. This 100th episode is just as much yours as it is ours.

To celebrate 100 episodes and five amazing years, we’re taking a look back at 10 of our most impactful episodes. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane as much as we have.

 

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.

“Creating a Neuro Affirming Environment” with Chris Wenger “Speech Dude”    

 

Intro:

Today on the podcast we have an amazing guest who is revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent students. 

 

Speech therapist Chris Wenger, also known as "Speech Dude!" is internationally acclaimed for his work with autistic students.  He's transforming therapy practices and creating spaces to support families with his neurodiversity-affirming approach.

 

Through his assessment tools, viral social media content, clinical work, and new book; He's on a mission to ensure that belonging—not just fitting in—becomes the standard for how we support neurodivergent learners.

 

Let's listen in to today’s conversation.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio:

Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.

 

Contacts:

www.speechdude.com

Tik Tok/Instagram - @speechdude

 

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. 

Family Series:  

“Creativity in Marriage & Parenting: Replay” with Angela and Mike O’Brien 

 

 

Welcome back, you are going to love the replay of this episode! We have Angela O’Brien of the Especially Organized Podcast joined by her husband Mike. Ladies, Angela will also be one of our speakers at this year’s Moms Day Out! So grab your 1 day or full weekend tickets today! 
 
This is going to be another fun and heartfelt episode in our marriage and family series that you won’t want to miss! 
 
Angela and Mike have been married for 27 years and live in Texas and have 2 adult children, with a daughter diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Having just celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on Mar 21st, we talked about advocacy, marriage and parenting, and a so much more. Eric and I really enjoyed connecting with these 2 and found that we had a crazy amount of similarities in this stage of life. 
 
Listen in to our conversation with Mike and Angela O’Brien.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio:

Angela and Michael O’Brien met in the early 90’s while working as sales representatives for a paper company in St. Louis. As good friends and colleagues, they started dating when they both went off to graduate school. Married since 1997, they have a son living and working in Madison, WI and a 21-year-old daughter who has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Their journey as a family has been deeply enriched by the disability community. Angela has been an advocate since their daughter’s birth and is now a professional organizer and podcast host for moms of kids with special needs. Mike is co-founder of Roosevelt Capital Management, having met his business partner on the sidelines of a Special Olympics basketball game watching their girls. They live in Dallas, TX with their daughter and beloved dog, Coco.

Contacts:

Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @yourspacereclaimed
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Space Reclaimed
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

 

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.

Family Series: 

“The Significant Life of a Dad” with Marcus Jones  

 

Welcome back to the Podcast.  I am so excited to have Marcus Jones on the Podcast.  

Marcus is Executive Director of HIS EYES, part of the family of foundations at In-N-Out Burger Corporation. Marcus works to provide hope, immediate support and sustainable solutions to those experiencing homelessness.  

Marcus is a long-time advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and father of four, including his oldest daughter with Down Syndrome. He has written multiple books, including “The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor,” and “Holding Hands with Grace,” which is  all about his journey of fatherhood with a child with intellectual disabilities. 

Let’s Listen in to my conversation with Marcus.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio: 

Marcus is a pastor, leader, creator and communicator with over 30 years of ministry experience. He is a long-time advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and father of four, including her oldest daughter with Down Syndrome. He has written multiple books, including “The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor,” and “Holding Hands with Grace,” all about his journey of fatherhood with a child with intellectual disabilities. He founded “The Significant Life Foundation,” in 2024 to advance the cause of independent housing, employment and community for the intellectually disabled community. He serves on multiple non-profit boards and is the Executive Director of the HIS EYES Foundation to combat homelessness. Married over 25 years to his wife, Jen, Marcus enjoys traveling, Golfing and undiscovered cafes and cuisine.

 

 

facebook.com/jonestribe 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/marcus/ 

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

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.

Family Series: 

“The Significant Life of a Mom” with Jen Jones  

 

Hey guys, thanks for joining us for the podcast today! 

We are so excited to have author, speaker, podcast host, and entrepreneur, Jen Jones back with us today. Jen is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and the creative architect of the Significant Conference. She is also a certified health coach, having built a nationwide health and wellness business.  

I first met Jen a few years ago when I saw her dancing with her family on Instagram.  Fast forward to today’s episode and you are in for a treat. Jen is full of joy, and I just know you too will be inspired. Yet this is also a very real conversation today, between 2 moms in the same stage of life, raising 2 amazing young women in a world that isn’t always kind or inclusive, but a world that is worth helping change for the better. Ladies especially, you don’t want to miss this conversation, we talk about it all, yes menopause included!  

Jen knows what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. And I’m so excited to share that Jen will be speaking at our Moms Day Out conference this May 1st -3rd . So hurry over to our website or socials and get your tickets today!  

Let’s Iisten in to my conversation with Jen Jones.  

 

Bio: 

Jen Jones is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and creative architect of the Significant Conference. Through her books, courses, conferences, podcast and Significant Life groups, she equips and empowers women to create the life they love on the foundation of faith. Jen and her husband Marcus are living this great adventure with their four children in San Diego, California. Jen knows what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. She advocates for differently-abled kids and their parents because she is mom to a daughter with Down Syndrome. She helps families identify their core values and champions women to know and own their God-given worth to live a life of significance. She is a certified health coach, and has built a nationwide health and wellness business. She guides people on a path to help them take control of their health—mentally, physically and spiritually. She is in the personal transformation business. Jen has appeared as a speaker and coach in numerous conferences, retreats and podcasts, including ABC Family and the Live Out Loud Show. She is also the author of Thrive: Growing Through Life’s Greatest Challenges, Tribe: Building Your Family on What Matters Most, and The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor. 

 

jen@jenjonesdirect.com 

@jenjonesx4  

facebook.com/jonestribe 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/marcus/ 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/jen/ 

 

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

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