
9.2K
Downloads
79
Episodes
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.
Episodes

Monday May 15, 2023
”The Additional Needs Blogfather Part 2” with Mark Arnold
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Dad's Series:
“The Additional Needs Blogfather Part 2” with Mark Arnold
We continue our Dad series with author, speaker, advocate, ministry director and co founder Mark Arnold, also known as the Additional needs Blogfather. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with churches all over the UK. He is also a dad of a son with Autism, so he understands the joys and challenges of a raising a child with special needs. Dads, after listening to this episode and Eric and Mark’s conversation you will definitely walk away feeling seen and heard.
Join in the conversation and connect with other Dads who get it at our upcoming Dad’s Meet Up this Thursday and be watching for our annual Dad’s Day Out event COMING in THIS SUMMER!
Connect with Mark at:
Episode Links and Resources:
Mark Arnold is the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather blog. You can follow his blog and reach out to him on his website at https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/
Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints’ pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing: http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds
He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance’, a learning and support community of almost three thousand organizations, children’s & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond: http://www.additionalneedsalliance.org.uk
Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle’, a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other: http://www.thedadsfirecircle.com
He is a ‘Churches for All’ partner, a member of the ‘Council for Disabled Children’ the ‘European Disability Network’ and the ‘Living Fully Network’, serves on the executive for ‘Children Matter!’ and writes a monthly additional needs column for Premier Youth and Children’s Work (YCW) magazine as well as being a writer/contributor for Firefly Community, Key Ministry, The Mighty, Different Dream, DAD.info, and BRF Parenting For Faith.
Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church’ creating a place of belonging and spiritual development for all: https://grovebooks.co.uk/products/y-65-how-to-include-autistic-children-and-young-people-in-church-creating-a-place-of-belonging-and-spiritual-development-for-all
Mark is dad to James, a 19-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.
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.
- Website: hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday May 01, 2023
”The Additional Needs Blogfather Part 1” with Mark Arnold
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Dad's Series:
“The Additional Needs Blogfather Part 1” with Mark Arnold
We begin our Dad series with author, speaker, advocate, ministry director and co founder Mark Arnold, also known as the Additional needs Blogfather. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with churches all over the UK. He is also a dad of a son with Autism, so he understands the joys and challenges of a raising a child with special needs. Dads, after listening to this episode and Eric and Mark’s conversation you will definitely walk away feeling seen and heard.
Join in the conversation and connect with other Dads who get it at our upcoming Dad’s Meet Up this Thursday and be watching for our annual Dad’s Day Out event COMING in THIS SUMMER!
Connect with Mark at:
Episode Links and Resources:
Mark Arnold is the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather blog. You can follow his blog and reach out to him on his website at https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/
Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints’ pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing: http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds
He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance’, a learning and support community of almost three thousand organizations, children’s & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond: http://www.additionalneedsalliance.org.uk
Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle’, a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other: http://www.thedadsfirecircle.com
He is a ‘Churches for All’ partner, a member of the ‘Council for Disabled Children’ the ‘European Disability Network’ and the ‘Living Fully Network’, serves on the executive for ‘Children Matter!’ and writes a monthly additional needs column for Premier Youth and Children’s Work (YCW) magazine as well as being a writer/contributor for Firefly Community, Key Ministry, The Mighty, Different Dream, DAD.info, and BRF Parenting For Faith.
Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church’ creating a place of belonging and spiritual development for all: https://grovebooks.co.uk/products/y-65-how-to-include-autistic-children-and-young-people-in-church-creating-a-place-of-belonging-and-spiritual-development-for-all
Mark is dad to James, a 19-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.
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.
- Website: hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Sunday Apr 16, 2023
”Gathering Dandelions” with Melissa Maimone
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Mom's Series:
"Gathering Dandelions" with Melissa Maimone
Melissa Maimone is a speaker and the author of “The Radiant Midnight:” and “Gathering Dandelions:”. She is also the mom of an adult daughter with special needs.
Melissa teaches women that an authentic life in Christ can be messy and magnificent at the exact same time. With her unique blend of theology, humor, and insight, Melissa provides down-to- earth lessons, practical applications, and life-changing perspectives to real women who are living real lives in the midst of real problems. And We are so excited to have her return to speak at this year’s Mom’s Day Out Retreat.
Whether you are a mom of a child with special needs, a friend or family member, or a professional working with special needs, You’re really going to enjoy this insightful episode. Lets get started.
Find more information about Melissa
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday Apr 03, 2023
”Unexpected Blessings” with Sandra Peoples
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Mom's Series:
"Unexpected Blessings" with Sandra Peoples
Hey guys, we’re so excited your joining us today. It’s the start of our Mom series and Sandra Peoples is back and sharing with us mom to mom in this episode. Sandra is the author of Unexpected Blessings and the special needs ministry consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. Lets listen in as she shares her story.
Sandra Peoples (PhD student at SWBTS) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention
. She’s the author of
. You can connect with her at
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday Mar 20, 2023
”Rising Above a Medical Diagnosis” with Becky Davidson
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Medical Diagnosis Series
“Rising Above a Medical Diagnosis” with Becky Davidson
You are really going to enjoy listening to this episode. Becky Davidson is the Co-founder and President of Rising Above Ministries in Cookeville Tennesee. Becky is a mom of an adult son with special needs and is passionate about supporting and encouraging special-needs families, just like us. Along with her late husband Jeff Davidson, she co-authored “Common Man Extraordinary Call, Thriving as the Dad of a Child with Special Needs.” Their story is also featured in Tim Tebow’s new book, Mission Possible. Becky is a wealth of knowledge in the special needs community and an inspiration.
Becky Davidson
Rising Above Ministries
(931) 526-7473
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday Mar 06, 2023
”Living with a Rare Medical Diagnosis” with Jolene Philo
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Medical Diagnosis Series
"Living with a Rare Medical Diagnosis" with Jolene Philo
We’re excited to share this next episode with you. We’re beginning our medical diagnosis series with awarding winning author and speaker Jolene Philo.
Jolene Philo grew up in a caregiving family and raised a son with medical special needs. As a teacher, she created an inclusive classroom for children with disabilities for 25 years. Her books for the special needs and disability community, including Does My Child Have PTSD? and Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities. She hosts the award-winning blog, www.DifferentDream.com. See Jane Run! and See Jane Sing!, the first two mysteries in her series featuring characters with disabilities, were published in June and September of 2022.
Special Needs website: www.DifferentDream.com
Fiction website: www.jolenephilo.com
Facebook special needs page: https://www.facebook.com/DifferentDream
Facebook fiction group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2388180041395036
Instagram: @downthegravelrd
Twitter: @jolenephilo
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday Feb 20, 2023
Parent Panel
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Family Series:
Parent Panel
Hey guys,
We are so excited to share this podcast episode with you! We are continuing on in our Family Series with a special parent panel interview from our recent Date Night event. Let me pause and say that if you missed this event be watching for more marriage resources coming soon.
Each of these couples are an amazing example of Marriage in the Midst of hard circumstances. Each has a child with a different diagnosis and each are in different stages of life, but all have been on a similar journey with special needs.
We hope you enjoy this episode.
Parent Panel:
Emmanuel and Andreina Carillo
Rob and Cheryl Jordan
Steve and Cheri Monis
Andy and Julia Feth
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Monday Feb 06, 2023
”Marriage in the Midst Part 2” with Bill and Pam Farrel
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Family Series:
”Marriage in the Midst” with Bill and Pam Farrel
Today we are continuing our Family Series with an exciting podcast episode. It’s the 2nd part of a 2 part episode featuring the hilarious and heartfelt Bill and Pam Farrel. The Farrels are international speakers, and authors of over 50 books including the best-selling “Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti”. They are relationship specialists seeking to help couples become “Love-Wise”- and we are so blessed to have them return to speak to us about Marriage in the Midst of hard circumstances. Lets get started.
Bill and Pam Farrel
Bill and Pam Farrel are international speakers, and authors of over 50 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti. They are relationship specialists and seek to help people become “Love-Wise” Pam has experience as a Pastor’s wife and Women’s Ministry Director. Pam is a cheerleader, challenger and coach that believes that that "The one who gets wisdom loves life." (Proverbs 19:8) Her new creative Bible studies are Amazon bestsellers:
Discovering Hope in the Psalms ; Discovering Joy in Philippians and Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament.
When the Farrels are not traveling for speaking, you will find them on their live aboard boat or enjoying their 3 sons, 3 daughters in law and 5 grands
info@love-wise.com
www.Love-Wise.com
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.
- Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/
- Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752
- Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Hope on the Hard Road, Inc
Hope on the Hard Road Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping connect and encourage families with children of all ages with special needs through programs designed to support the unique needs of the individual, the family, and the community.
Check our or website