Listener Reviews

Absolutely loved the latest podcast on how to explain death and dying to children. I’m a new CCLS working in the PICU and felt very validated in the way I have been discussing death and dying with families. I also feel more comfortable advocating for developmentally appropriate ways to explain death to children and voicing that professional perspective.

I love this podcast so much. Katie is an amazing interviewer, and makes listening intriguing and light hearted. My favorite episode so far was Shani’s story. Hearing about her journey as a mom trying to find help for her two sons, and ultimately getting an ADHD diagnosis, was incredibly helpful. She provided lots of insight as to navigating the school system, and other tips for parents who might be dealing with a similar struggle. Thanks so much for doing what you do, Katie!

I’ve been a CCLS for over 20 years and finding this podcasts has been a tremendous new resource for me. The parent stories and their perspective is invaluable! I’ve started taking notes during the podcasts to make sure I remember all of the little tips, phrases, websites and ideas. Thank you for doing this podcast!

This podcast exudes Information that is comfortably swaddled in genuine love for kids and families in need. Can’t recommend this enough if you’re a care giver, a parent or a human being that wants to learn more about what children and their families embark on in health challenges.

Such a great listen!!

This helps me understand the experiences I had when my daughter was really sick for two years. Also the challenges I had raising neurodivers children. When I was in it I had to just do it. I feel like now the processing of those experiences is hitting me. Your podcasts helps soo much. I wish I had a this child life support person helping us when my daughter was sick, we had no family support. We had some good friends who tried to do what they could but didn’t understand really . It was brutal. I try and did stud and renovating all throughout.

Whether you are a child life student, parent, or someone who just stumbled upon this podcast, you will fall in love. As a child life student, listening to this podcast has expanded my knowledge and understanding of the needs of families and pediatric patients, medical conditions, and advocacy. It has complimented my coursework so well, while also preparing me to work with children and families with specific medical conditions by bringing in perspectives I have yet to learn. I recommend you share this podcast even with those who are not in the medical field or child life or who have not experienced hospitalization. Sharing this podcast with friends has led to so many important and deep conversations about advocacy, “what would you do in this situation” questions, and is just a great conversation starter to have with other people in your life and can really help spread that community of empathy and understanding. Thank you to Katie and all the families for sharing your stories!

Very informative and helpful. Definitely an extended support system. -RMK

powerful message INSPIRING to ALL!No Limits!

This is an inspiring story for all, those of us with children and even those of us who face our own personal challenges in life! What a great way to approach any challenge; positive and consistent and innovative in a world in which we think we have tried it all already- so motivating. Thank you for sharing.

Loved listening to this story and all the efforts put into working towards getting Ryan to his healthiest self. Seems so simple to take a step back and look at someone as a child vs a chid w/Down syndrome- but so easy to get caught up on the initial diagnosis. I know with the support of his amazing family, big things are in store for that sweet hearted child!! Keep up the good work, Senneff’s - and you keep working hard, Ryan! 💙

This story is so inspiring! I love how the way this family thought outside the box applies to not only Down syndrome! So many things to learn!

This is a great message: don’t accept limits; there are always ways to improve if you’re persistent, open to new ideas, and positive. Thanks to this Incredible Mom for sharing her motivating story!

This mom thinks outside of the box to achieve what is best for her son’s diagnosis. Anyone can benefit from this episode for any diagnosis. Keep up the good work Ryan and Maura!

Maura’s story has an empowering and hopeful message for EVERYONE regardless of individual circumstances. Her experiences with her son’s medical diagnosis highlight the power of our mindset in the process of healing and healthy living. Through meditation, thinking beyond traditional methods and a refusal to accept limitations, Maura and her son, Ryan, have achieved miraculous milestones. Very touching and inspiring and a good listen for any parent.

I just listed to this episode earlier today! It was beautiful, inspiring, and moving. Ryan’s mom describes how she had to quickly pivot to a “can-do/open-minded” view of her son’s health. She refused to accepts limits given by some traditional practitioners. Defying odds is what they do and continue to do. What a hopeful message for all!

What an uplifting story of love and hope. As a teacher I’ve always told parents “don’t do for your child what they can do for themselves”. It sounds like Ryan’s bar was set high and he has risen to every task! Most children do rise to the occasion, this families expectations shouldn’t have been any different for Ryan than their other children. Ryan is a lucky boy to have a family that is able to provide all that they do but they are also a lucky family to have him in their lives. Such love and support will be good for everyone, thank you for sharing your story 😍. Would love to hear about Ryan in the future.

I love this podcast. Very inspiring and informative. As a new parent, I find the insights and perspectives fascinating and encouraging. It is a reminder to be a good advocate for my child, never give up and find comfort in the fact that you do not have to go through anything alone.

Listening to Maura’s story provides a glimpse into the strength and determination and resiliency of a mom and her son - as well as what those characteristics can accomplish. It shows us that we are the authors of our own destiny. taking a “never give in” approach, especially in unchartered and difficult waters, can help break through barriers and make us stronger than we’ve ever dreamed. BRAVA Maura and Ryan. Thank you for sharing your journey.

This is a touching podcast that beautifully tells real life stories. Maura’s story was so moving. I appreciated her honesty about learning Ryan’s diagnosis & her story is relevant to any diagnosis (adult or child). Their family’s “no limits” mindset & ability to ask questions and challenge the status quo is inspiring and I highly recommend listening.

I listened to this podcast for the first time with the “Maura’s Story” episode, and I am profoundly impacted. What an amazing journey and inspiration! This mom’s story was related in such a compassionate and understanding dialogue, and the message of hope and encouragement shone through brightly. The method of “zooming out”, looking for alternative treatments to overcome diagnoses and obstacles, and persevering above all is truly inspiring. This is such a strong message that can be applied to any diagnosis.

Love love love this podcast and the various diagnoses and perspectives shared. As a mom of two children who have not really experienced much outside the norm medically, I learn so much from each episode just about being an advocate for my children and loving them better each day. And as a child life specialist, I so appreciate Katie’s professional and authentic questions and conversational demeanor!

Recently found and is staying on my list! Just hearing the intro brings be back to center. The conversations are so relevant and informative. It’s easy to connect.

No one expects illness or injury. When it happens to your child, everything seems to get turned upside down. This podcast is an invaluable tool for families who are working through the unimaginable to find strength and wisdom in order to help their child heal.