Shows
The Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 20- Jamiel OwensJamiel D. Owens - Creator/Host of “The Awesome 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 Awesome show” has inspired Jamiel to take up his space as a dedicated father and activist through his interaction with others. The Awesome 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”...2020-10-211h 01The Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 19- Daniel SteinDaniel 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 10:102020-10-1446 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 18- Karen SlaterKaren 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...2020-10-0756 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 17- Rebecca LakeRebecca 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 sh...2020-09-3000 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 16- Ale LozanoAlejandra “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 htt...2020-09-2300 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 15- Garrain Jones6 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://ww...2020-09-1600 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 14- Greg HannahIn 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 ex...2020-09-0800 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 13- Here's The Skinny With John and AmyIn 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 f...2020-09-0200 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 12- Here's the Skinny with John and AmyThis 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/UCL0lq...2020-04-2200 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 11- Ruth ThompsonWe 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...2020-04-1400 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 10- Meghan McCamantMeghan 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 havin...2020-04-0800 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 9- Jamie IveyJamie 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 quest...2020-03-3000 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 8- Jeremy SanduskyJeremy 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 Occupa...2020-03-2500 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 7- Gwen RayGwen’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… j...2020-03-1800 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 6- Here's the Skinny with John and AmyAfter 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 spe...2020-03-1100 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 5- Joey LankfordEpisode 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 fo...2020-03-0300 min
The Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 4- Andrea Mitchell (Part Two)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 ht...2020-02-2500 min
The Happy Hour with Jamie IveyYour Last Decade #8: Amy GayhartAs we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, dreams, goals, things they would have differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years!
Today, I get to talk with my best friend Amy Gayhart! Amy talks about raising three kiddos and naviga...2020-02-2135 min
The Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 3- Andrea Mitchell (Part One)In Episode 3, Andrea Mitchell shares the journey of her and her husband, Joe, as their firstborn was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Their daughter, Ella, is now the oldest of 3… and we hear the impact and role that she plays in the Mitchell family from Andrea’s perspective. Andrea also teaches us a bit about what Cerebral Palsy is and what it is not.This episode dives into the challenges that Special Needs Families have in keeping friends, as Andrea, Amy, and John share the hurt and disappointment of losing touch.This is a fun episode – with And...2020-02-1900 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 2- Dawnda DanielIn 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 W...2020-02-1200 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastEpisode 1- The GayhartsIn 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...2020-02-0500 minThe Totally Worth It PodcastThe Totally Worth It Podcast IntroductionEven 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. 2020-01-2900 min
Speak Life with Taylor NicholsAmy GayhartToday on the show, I am talking with my friend Amy Gayhart. Amy is a Wife, a Mother, a Friend, an Advocate, and a Leader. While she may be best known as a Special Needs Mama to her 16-year old daughter, Mabry, behind the scenes she holds the hearts of her 2 rambunctious boys, 14-year-old Jack and 9-year-old Slater. In the midst of her helping all three of her kids find their voice and live into their giftings, Amy is also the Executive Director of Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite - a Therapeutic Community for Children and Adults with...2019-05-081h 36