Best Ashlyn Thompson Podcasts (2024)

1
Understanding Trauma in Pediatric Care: Insights from Sarah Curry on Fostering Resilience and Compassion 39:48

5h ago39:48

39:48

Discover the transformative power of understanding trauma with the expertly insightful Sarah Curry, communication manager for Cincinnati's Ronald McDonald House and a certified trauma and resilience specialist. Sarah guides us through the complexities of trauma, particularly as it relates to caregiving for children with complex medical needs. Throu…

1
Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges Surgeons Don't Understand: Empowering Parents with Pracitcal Strategies 20:40

2h ago20:40

20:40

How do you navigate the daily challenges of your child's post-surgery recovery when the experts can only provide clinical advice? Join us on Empowered by Hope as Emily and Ashlyn share their heartfelt journeys, illustrating the real-world struggles and triumphs of managing a child's medical condition, side effects and challenging realities after su…

1
Introducing a New Era of Empowered by Hope: Bite-Sized Episodes for Caregivers on the Go 10:09

3h ago10:09

10:09

Ever wish you had a quick, powerful resource to tackle your biggest pediatric caregiving challenges? We promise to make every minute count as we unveil our refreshed, streamlined podcast format designed just for you! Join Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting as they return to Empowered by Hope, eager to share how our bite-sized, focused episodes will …

1
Stirring Souls and Supporting Families at the Upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala 14:58

4M ago14:58

14:58

Embark on a journey of hope and celebration with us, as Emily Whiting and Ashlyn Thompson unveil the grandeur of the upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala. This episode of Empowered by Hope is about painting the town with the vibrancy of giving, where every dance step taken and every bid placed at the auction is a stride toward empowering families with…

1
Gain the Confidence to Secure the Financial Support Your Child with Special Needs Deserves with Advocacy Abby 40:33

4M ago40:33

40:33

"Feeling lost in the maze of funding options for your child's needs? My proven system can help. I'll guide you through a clear, step-by-step process to identify grants and foundations that match your child's needs. Stop wasting time on dead-end searches. Gain the confidence to secure the financial support your child deserves, and free up your time …

1
Embracing Life's Detours: A Mother's Journey of Hope and Kindness in Raising a Child with Special Needs 55:24

4M ago55:24

55:24

Imagine being 21 years old, newly married, in the middle of dental school and excited to start a family, then finding yourself in the NICU with your newborn for four months, completely unexpected. When life presented Leah Crum with the surprise of raising a daughter with extremely rare medical needs, she embraced it with resilience and hope. On our…

1
Transformative Travels, the Recipe for Joy and More with Creator of Accessible Adventures Kristy Cook 1:16:11

5M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Kristy Cook, the heart behind Accessible Adventures, dedicated wife and mother of four, joins us to share her family's story, illuminating the joy and beauty found in life's unexpected paths. Embracing each day with a philosophy of "I'm glad I tried it" over "I wish I had," Kristy's narrative is a beacon of positivity for parents who have yet to st…

1
Bella Brave - Mom & Daughter Duo Spreading Hope & Joy Along their Medical Journey 1:17:10

5M ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Today's episode is a heartwarming and powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, as we're joined by Kyla Thomson, mother to Bella of TikTok fame from the account Bella Brave. Kyla's moving narrative takes us from the deepest worries a parent can face to a horizon of hope, as she recounts the transformative effect of Bella's medical jou…

1
From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Tale of Transforming Pain into Purpose 55:36

6M ago55:36

55:36

When Sarah Kalis walked into the room with her son, Crew, I saw more than just a mother and her child; I saw a beacon of hope personified. Sarah, a former special education teacher turned medical mama, joins us to share the profound lessons and stories from her life with Crew, who has cerebral palsy. Her candid narration of the transformations she'…

1
Empowering Resilient Children: Harnessing Snyder's Hope Theory for Goal-Setting in Pediatric Care 48:57

6M ago48:57

48:57

Discover the transformative power of Snyder's Hope Theory as it intertwines with the aspirations and resilience of children facing medical challenges. Ashlyn Thompson, joined by the compassionate child life specialist Kimberly Flood, unravels how setting realistic goals can fortify a young one's emotional landscape. Throughout our heartfelt discuss…

1
Part 2: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs 38:34

6M ago38:34

38:34

In Part 2, Emily & Ashlyn examine the intricacies of Snyder's Hope Theory, revealing how it can ignite creativity and lead to innovative treatment options. We delve into the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions and building a robust support network, sharing stories that highlight the transformative journey from acceptance to active pursu…

1
Part 1: Introduction to Snyder's Hope Theory for Parents Raising Children with Special Medical Needs 47:21

7M ago47:21

47:21

In Part 1, Snyder's Hope Theory takes the spotlight, unveiling its profound impact on navigating life's hurdles, especially when it comes to parenting children facing medical challenges. As we dissect the elements of hope—goals, pathways, and agency—we translate them into tangible strategies for fostering resilience, both in harrowing times and the…

1
Finding Hope Amidst Holiday Blues and Looking Ahead to 2024 with Renewed Perspective 48:52

7M ago48:52

48:52

Navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting a child with medical challenges can feel like sailing in uncharted waters. But imagine finding a constellation of hope that guides you through the darkest nights. That's the essence of our latest conversation, where we share intimate experiences of hospital holidays, the strength it takes to smile i…

1
Bridge to Bravery - Learn how a Child Life Specialist can Empower Both You & Your Child 1:02:30

8M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Bridging the gap between children's fear and understanding of medical procedures is no small task. That's where our guest, Kim Flood, a child life specialist from Columbus, Ohio, steps in. Kim has been an invaluable beacon of hope in Emily's journey, helping Charlotte find confidence and coping skills that work for her. She transforms the cold, ste…

1
A Mother's Inspirational Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Love 57:37

8M ago57:37

57:37

This is a rerun of an episode from earlier this summer. Ashlyn & Emily will be back next week with a new episode. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, we are grateful for everyone of you! Imagine the shock of hearing a cancer diagnosis for your small child, an innocent soul you would die to protect, only to realize that dying won't change the prognosis.…

1
A Maternal Fetal Care Coordinator's Guide to Advocating while Pregnant 53:24

9M ago53:24

53:24

This is a rerun of a past episode that Ashlyn & Emily want more people to listen to because it is loaded with invaluable knowledge and support for parents expecting a child with medical needs. We will be back with new episodes after Thanksgiving! Navigating the complexities of parenthood is a challenge in itself, but what happens when you add the h…

1
You Are More Capable to be a Parent Advocate Than You Think and You Don't Have to Do It Alone 1:06:40

9M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Have you ever wondered how it feels to care for a child with complex medical needs? We've got the insider scoop for you, direct from the heart of a parent in the thick of it, battling insurance bureaucracy, juggling career advancements, and dealing with unexpected family health scares that life seems to throw as curveballs. Personal, relatable, and…

1
Unpacking and Healing from the Impact of Trauma 49:20

9M ago49:20

49:20

Have you ever thought about how trauma could be impacting your journey as a parent or caregiver? Be prepared to journey with me, Ashlyn, and my own therapist, Chelsea Cassel, as we break down this intricate subject. We aim to arm you with the basic knowledge necessary to recognize & understand trauma, its emotional and physical toll, and how to nav…

1
Navigating the Waters of Acceptance in Special Needs Parenting 56:40

9M ago56:40

56:40

Welcome to our intimate chat about the tumultuous yet enlightening journey to acceptance when parenting special needs children. We, Ashlyn Thompson and Emily Whiting, invite you to join us as we navigate the ebbs and flows of acceptance, a state that we revisit on a regular basis, supercharged with hard-earned wisdom and grace. Listen to our person…

1
Why It's Important to Question Our Children's Doctors 48:37

10M ago48:37

48:37

Do you ever find yourself wanting to ask your child's doctor(s) more questions, but find yourself holding back? Today is all about arming you with strategies to take control of medical decisions for your child. We share how we confidently question our daughters' medical providers and expand on the importance of questioning in our role as advocates.…

1
Navigating a Month in the Life of Raising a Medically Complex Child 39:56

10M ago39:56

39:56

There is so much joy to be had in the midst of the chaos. That is the key takeaway as Emily K. Whiting shares a month in the life of pediatric complex care for her daughter Charlotte. As Emily recounts the last month's wild journey of outpatient appointments, ER visits, infections, unidentified excruciating pain episodes, fevers, DME orders, IVs, c…

1
The First Step is “Beelieving” – An introduction to Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) 46:17

10M ago46:17

46:17

On today’s episode, Ashlyn takes the reins while Emily navigates 12 big appointments for Charlotte crammed into 4 days. While Emily is greatly missed, this episode was so much fun to record with our 3 guests, DMI Experts & owners of Beelievability: Allie Watkins, OD OTR and Maggie Pisano, PT, DPT, along with their trusty therapy assistant, yellow l…

1
The Path to Acceptance and Opening Yourself to Unexpected Blessings 56:40

10M ago56:40

56:40

Have you found yourself in the grasp of complete overwhelm & despair at least once (or maybe hundreds) since receiving the shock of your child's medical challenge(s)? Does it feel impossible to find joy and acceptance in the midst of chaos and heartbreak? Join us, as we candidly share our personal journeys to acceptance, full of ups and downs, and …

1
How to Navigate the Comparison Trap When You Have a Child with Medical Complexities 1:02:31

11M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Join hosts, Ashlyn & Emily, in an earnest conversation about the comparison trap that we all fall in and out of on a regular basis and learn why this is not something to feel shame about or make ourselves "wrong" for doing. Before diving into the episode topic, (fast forward to minute 26:50 if you wish to go straight to the comparison conversation)…

1
Practical Tools We Wish We Had Earlier in Diagnosis 1:00:14

12M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Are you grappling with the added logistics of raising a medically complex child? Yeah. Us too. How do you keep track of countless appointments, medications, treatments, therapies, and durable medical equipment (DME) orders? What resources are out there to help parents and caregivers stay organized and not lose their sanity? Meet our returning guest…

1
Navigating Medical Trauma: a Reality for Caregivers and Parents 49:20

12M ago49:20

49:20

Ashlyn introduces her own personal support systems, her trusted therapist, who is rose loving, and an aspiring stick figure artist (not really, but she could be!), Chelsea Cassel. We unmask the often overlooked truth—caregivers and parents are also victims of trauma, even when they are not the direct recipients of a traumatic event. In this discuss…

1
From Surviving to Separating: Making Sense of the Messy, Surprising Journey of Parenting a Child with Medical Conditions 59:19

12M ago59:19

59:19

Do you ever feel like you’re barely surviving while raising a child with medical complexities? You’re not alone. Join us as we connect with Lily Brown from Parent to Parent USA, a parent herself, who shares her personal journey and the transformative stages of adaptation that often come with this unique role. These stages, as identified and written…

1
Your Child's Medical Trauma is Not Your Fault: Learn how to let Guilt Guide You and Not Crush You 1:06:44

1y ago1:06:44

1:06:44

What if you could navigate the emotional landscape of raising a medically complex child without being consumed by guilt? Join us as we journey through such a life, reflecting on our victories, challenges and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way. We talk about maintaining confidence amidst adversity, finding the right feeding methods, …

1
Parenting Wisdom from Experienced Mom Laurie Szabo About Living a Full Life Beyond the Medical 57:37

1y ago57:37

57:37

Have you ever wondered how would it feel to juggle parenting six children while managing the challenges of childhood illnesses, with not one, but two kids? We bring you an intimate conversation with Laurie Szabo, a French teacher, and an avid globetrotter, who sheds light on her journey as a mother to six kids. The way Laurie and her husband naviga…

1
10 Stages of Pediatric Surgery 54:34

1y ago54:34

54:34

Imagine navigating through a labyrinth of complex medical needs for your child, coordinating multiple specialists, and grappling with the emotional toll of balancing her care with your own work. Emily bravely shares her personal journey of exactly this rollercoaster ride in this touching episode. Join us as we venture through the various stages of …

1
When Life Doesn’t Give You a Break with Ashley Milbourne 47:45

1y ago47:45

47:45

Advocating for our children can be a challenge, especially when we're trying to balance strength and vulnerability. Ashley Milbourne and I share our personal experiences with navigating advocacy, expectations, and vulnerability while striving to move forward in our advocacy journeys. We also delve into the topic of trusting others with our children…

1
Preparing for Your Child’s Surgery: Practical Tips, Emotional Support & Shared Personal Experiences to Feel More Confident About Surgery Prep 51:25

1y ago51:25

51:25

Preparing for your child's surgery can be an overwhelming experience, but there's hope and strength to be found in each other's stories. Join us, Emily and Ashlyn, as we share personal experiences and practical tips on navigating this challenging journey, from mental and emotional preparations to taking care of ourselves and our children during the…

1
Feeling Alone? Discover Parent to Parent Support with Lily Brown 59:18

1y ago59:18

59:18

Lily Brown has experienced firsthand the magic in the match of parent to parent support after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at age 3. As Co-Executive Director for Parent to Parent USA, she is dedicated to strengthening the Parent to Parent community so that no parent feels alone, ever. She leads the organization in the ar…

1
Neonatal Advocacy - an Interview with NICU Nurse Amy Bartholomew 1:06:12

1y ago1:06:12

1:06:12

With more than 30 years of experience, having cared for thousands of patients, and with a heart made of pure gold, former neonatal nurse Amy Bartholomew joins Emily K. Whiting, sharing tips for how to advocate for your newborn baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Amy was Charlotte’s primary nurse when she spent those first few rocky month…

1
The Black Hole of Pediatric Post-op: an Update on Emery and Tips for Surviving Surgery Recovery 52:37

1y ago52:37

52:37

“I can’t do everything,” and “This is going to end.” These are the two key insights co-host Ashlyn Thompson shares with us about her recent surgery recovery experience with her daughter Emery, who was born with a congenital anomaly called bladder exstrophy. Now back on United States soil, Ashlyn reflects on the challenges of the last six weeks cari…

1
Charlotte has a diagnosis! 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

After six years of living in what co-host Emily Whiting calls the no man’s land of rare undiagnosed disease, her daughter Charlotte has finally received an overarching diagnosis that explains her medical anomalies. In today’s episode, Emily reveals that diagnosis and the wild journey that led to the genetic anomaly discovery. She openly discusses t…

1
Journey toward advocacy with Ashley Milbourne, a fellow mom of a child with medical complexities 1:02:26

1+ y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Guest Ashley Milbourne joins host Ashlyn to share her story of first receiving the news of her own health challenges and those of her unborn baby at the routine anatomy scan nearly halfway through her pregnancy. Ashley shares the turbulent road for her and her family after that fateful ultrasound, all while navigating the added challenges of Covid-…

1
Update on Emery from England: Post-op Recover and Trauma 56:49

1+ y ago56:49

56:49

Ashlyn Thompson surfaces from the “black hole” that is pediatric post-op recovery to share an update on her daughter, Emery. She shares: How Emery’s surgery went, What it’s like having pediatric surgery in a different country (medical tourism), The worries, thoughts, anxieties, triumphs and setbacks that are post-op, The ongoing struggle with pain …

1
Advocating for your baby while pregnant- an interview with midwife Elaine Bishop 53:24

1+ y ago53:24

53:24

“You are worthy of happiness and joy in parenthood and this happening to you isn’t your fault,” today’s guest Elaine Bishop reminds us. She adds, “There is still so much joy to be had in raising these little people, even though it’s not going to look like what you thought it would.” These are just some of the nuggets of wisdom Elaine shares with us…

1
Follow Ashlyn & Emery's trip to London 45:23

1+ y ago45:23

45:23

Ashlyn and Emery take us with them as they fly from Indiana, United States of America, to London, United Kingdom, for a life-changing procedure. They are the first American patients to undergo this surgery which is not (yet) offered in the United States. In this episode you will learn the background story of what led Ashlyn and her family to decide…

1
It's okay to grieve what you thought was going to be 39:28

1+ y ago39:28

39:28

Fellow mama of a beautiful child with medical complexities, Haleigh Dean shares her incredible insights to two questions we posed: Given what you’ve gone through with your child, what is one thing you wish you’d known at the beginning of your medical journey that you want to share with listeners now? What is an unexpected blessing or positive that’…

1
Stories of Hope: "We don't have to have a medical degree to advocate for our babies" 37:37

1+ y ago37:37

37:37

Fellow mama of a beautiful child with medical complexities, Ashley Milbourne shares her incredible insights to two questions we posed: Given what you’ve gone through with your child, what is one thing you wish you’d known at the beginning of your medical journey that you want to share with listeners now? What is an unexpected blessing or positive t…

1
How far would you go for your child's medical care? 41:20

1+ y ago41:20

41:20

"To the ends of the earth," says Emery's warrior mama, Ashlyn Thompson. Thankfully she doesn't have to go that far, but she is preparing to cross the pond to seek her daughter's treatment in London, United Kingdom. Ashlyn opens up to us about this looming trip and her daughter's procedure which is not yet offered in the United States. In this episo…

1
What is pediatric patient advocacy? An introduction to the Advocacy Series 46:23

1+ y ago46:23

46:23

You are your child's voice and the primary individual who knows your child best. Therefore, you have the honor and privilege, and also incredibly challenging and sometimes overwhelming task, to be your child's advocate for his/her medical needs. What does pediatric patient advocacy mean? How do you step into that role when you have no medical backg…

1
Advocating for your child: Emily's breakthrough 52:05

1+ y ago52:05

52:05

After five years of struggling with chronic and acute pain with her daughter, Emily shares her breakthrough moment that happened this week, finally discovering the answers their family has sought for addressing Charlotte's pain. Through trial and error, and many frustrations and setbacks, Emily is learning first-hand what it means to be your child'…

1
How to handle insurance and medical bills with confidence 38:59

1+ y ago38:59

38:59

Join Emily & Ashlyn as they sit down to talk about the scary reality of medical bills, navigating insurance and where to get help. You’ll hear the fears they each faced, the lessons learned, and gain helpful recommendations on how best to approach the management of medical bills. While Emily and Ashlyn don’t work in insurance, nor claim to be exper…

1
The story behind the creation of Charlotte’s Hope Foundation, Inc. 33:34

1+ y ago33:34

33:34

It all started with a text between two long-distance friends and quickly evolved into the formation of Charlotte’s Hope Foundation, Inc. In this episode you’ll hear how the passion of two moms turned into the creation of this 501(c)(3) that’s dedicated to supporting, encouraging and educating parents and caregivers of children with complex medical …

1
Why does God allow my child to suffer? 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

When your child suffers with illness, treatment plans and pain from their complex medical needs, it’s natural to wonder why God would allow this. Whether consciously or not, and even whether Christian or not, many parents and caregivers find themselves wondering this question—why does God allow my child to suffer. There is nothing like childhood il…

1
Behind the scenes of writing She is Charlotte - Q&A with author Emily K. Whiting 29:18

1+ y ago29:18

29:18

Get the behind-the-scenes details about the new book She is Charlotte: A mother’s physical, emotional, and spiritual journey with her child with medical complexities. In this episode, founding partner Ashlyn Thompson interviews author Emily K. Whiting, asking questions like: Who is this book written for, What’s the premise of the book, What was Emi…

1
Why you should NOT Google your child's diagnosis 44:36

1+ y ago44:36

44:36

One of the first things we are tempted to do when we learn our child is not healthy is to search for answers on Google. While the internet can be a great tool for researching diagnoses and medical challenges, it also can be dangerous and lead you to a whole lot more worry and distress than necessary. In this episode Emily and Ashlyn teach you the m…

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