On The Hard Days podcast

#Parenting #Kids And Families #Self-Improvement #Megan Champion #Motherhood #Parenting Tips #Parent Support #Podcasting Education #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Communities #Twice

42:18

“I used to be the largest dairy consumer on the planet. I used to eat so much dairy and meat. The more that I looked into the dairy industry, the more that I saw that it was the singular, most inhumane industry on the planet, that we've all been lied to, including myself, for years. I always believed that the picture on the milk carton, the cow standing next to her calf in the green field with the red barn in the back was true. It’s certainly the complete opposite.” – Richard (Kudo) Couto Richard (Kudo) Couto is the founder of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM), an organization solely dedicated to investigating extreme animal cruelty cases. ARM has led high-risk undercover operations that have resulted in the shutdown of illegal slaughterhouses, animal fighting rings, and horse meat trafficking networks. Recently, they released a damning investigation into two industrial dairy farms outside of Phoenix, Arizona supplying milk to Coca-Cola’s Fairlife brand. What they uncovered was systemic animal abuse, environmental violations, and a devastating betrayal of consumer trust. While Fairlife markets its products as being sourced "humanely," ARM’s footage tells a very different story—one of suffering, abuse, and corporate complicity. Despite the evidence, this story has been largely ignored by mainstream media—likely due to Coca-Cola’s massive influence and advertising dollars.…

On The Hard Days

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Raising an out-of-the-box kid can feel isolating. You wonder, Am I crazy? What am I doing wrong? The doubt, guilt, and exhaustion are overwhelming—and finding another mom who truly gets it feels impossible. That’s why the On The Hard Days podcast exists. Host Megan Champion knows the struggle firsthand and is on a mission to bring connection and support to moms raising neurodivergent kids. Each week, a brave mom shares her raw, honest story so you can feel seen, heard, and validated. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, if you feel alone in your motherhood, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and follow Megan on Instagram @on.the.hard.days for daily encouragement & info about her community resource, Mothers Together —DMs are always open!

210 episodes

On The Hard Days

updated 2 days ago

Series home•Feed

210 episodes

#Parenting #Kids And Families #Self-Improvement #Megan Champion #Motherhood #Parenting Tips #Parent Support #Podcasting Education #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Communities #Twice

All episodes

1
Ep. 210 Mom Sarah on Re-Imagining & Re-Shaping Her Life to Understand How to Support Her ND Kids 1:00:55

2 days ago1:00:55

1:00:55

"I was providing for my family, and I was dead inside." Today's episode is with Sarah, whose motherhood journey will sound VERY relatable to many of you! Don't miss this one! In this episode, we talk about: What it's like being the "breadwinner" AND the co-regulator. When your kids have overlapping, opposite needs. Raising ND kids who go to 3 different types of schools Her kids' various challenges - anxiety, giftedness, PDA, etc. The family dynamics of a stay-at-home Dad! Coming to the realization that there is no perfect school - and coming to terms with that. Autism in girls - and how different it is than in boys. Unlearning a "Type A" personality through burnout. How she embraced a unique form of exercise to help her mental health Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on JULY 16th ! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!…

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Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on Herself to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety 48:07

17 days ago48:07

48:07

Today's episode is with Dalynn, who shared some really vulnerable, tough stuff in this conversation. It's a powerful episode not to be missed. **Trigger Warning: Talk of hitting/physical abuse at the 21:00 mark** In this episode, we talk about: What it's like raising 5 teens/young adults When you're raising an ND kid with grandparents Raising a kid with severe sleep challenges How her prior cancer journey helped her handle the challenges in parenting How lack of sleep and severe anxiety led to her lashing out How she learned how to "gentle parent" in therapy How she's coming to terms with the load she carries Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on JULY 16th ! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!…

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Ep. 208 Mom Stephanie on the "Survival of Self" While Getting Divorced & Helping a Struggling Teenager Who Doesn't Want Help 1:01:07

24 days ago1:01:07

1:01:07

"I've had a whole parenting life of doing it all by myself." Today's episode is with my good friend Stephanie, who has been with me in Mothers Together since (almost) Day 1! Don't miss it! **Trigger Warning: Talk of suicidal ideations at the 45:00 mark** In this episode, we talk about: When giftedness shows itself in preschool Why it's frustrating when educators can't share if they feel a diagnosis is present When your partner doesn't think there's anything wrong What the motherhood load looks like when a marriage is breaking The challenges of finding the right school for a gifted child with ADHD Where ADHD, OCD, and depression overlap When your ND kid is old enough to refuse medication When your child's baseline for what's okay doesn't match yours When you're the one who picks up all the pieces, all the time. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on JULY 16th ! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!…

1
Ep. 207 Mom Sandi on Helping Her PDA Child Come Out the Other Side of Severe Burnout (and What She Learned About Herself Along the Way) 1:06:05

5 weeks ago1:06:05

1:06:05

"PDA kids don't bend...they break. And I'm not breaking my kid again." Today's episode with mom guest, Sandy, is REALLY, really good. Don't skip this one! In this episode, we talk about: How the professionals *missed* the signs early on How girls' neurodivergence often goes under the radar What PDA looked like in her young son What school refusal looked like with a supportive school The lack of professional support about PDA, especially in emergencies How she became a PDA leader in Mothers Together Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!…

1
Ep. 206 Mom Becky on Learning to Understand Her Neurodivergent Kids Through the Joy of Support 34:45

6 weeks ago34:45

34:45

"All the things I knew to do weren't working...I was perpetually annoyed." Today's episode with mom guest, Becky, is a powerful one! Don't miss it! In this episode, we talk about: Her family: One adult child and 3 elementary age - 2 adopted from foster care, and all with a wide range of needs and challenges: ADHD, Autism, 2E, Anxiety, OCD, and more. How she felt crazy when all the strategies didn't work How she reclaimed joy in the Mothers Together community A virtual community vs. in-person Finding support in MT first about her children, but then about *her*. How she utilized the resources provided in MT Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!…

1
Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your Lack of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help 1:00:02

7 weeks ago1:00:02

1:00:02

"Even though my son is 18, he will forever be 8 to 10 years old." Today's episode with mom guest, Dorothy, is a powerful one! Don't miss it! In this episode, we talk about: Her child's life with Tourette Syndrome, Autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, and a gene mutation affecting medication What tics were like at the beginning of a Tourette journey The challenge of adoption without knowing the genetics of the birth parents How her child cannot tolerate medications for more than a short time Even after having been to the top specialists and clinics, life is still unpredictable Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!…

1
Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing All The Things to Help Her Family Thrive 47:17

8 weeks ago47:17

47:17

"We kind of go along each day, living in the moment of where our kids are at that time, and how we can support them in that." Don't miss this one with mom guest, Amanda! You'll feel inspired and validated by her unique journey! In this episode, we talk about: Life with *8* adopted, neurodivergent children after fostering dozens of kids How her own ADHD has led to MANY different passions and hobbies What it was like in burnout as a foster parent Homeschooling, homesteading, and their daily life How she meets the needs of her PDA child among the needs of other kids Finding her joy in friendship and her version of "self care" - publishing a book about social workers and foster families Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!…

1
Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing Caregiver Burnout When There's No End in Sight 59:15

9 weeks ago59:15

59:15

"It always goes back to - NOBODY gets it." We're BACK!! And we're kicking it off with mom guest, Emily. I'm telling you right now - you will ABSOLUTELY resonate with her story! In this episode, we talk about: The frustration of being your child's co-regulator 24/7 When being a "stay at home mom" means you can't take your kids out due to your child's struggles - so you're always at home. The way motherhood is romanticized on social media The sadness of losing friendships with other adults over time because they have NT kids. How sharing your nervous system with your child's means you have nothing left at the end of the day. How finding her village has helped her reclaim her identity How parenting a demand avoidant kid requires a whole different approach Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids. Click HERE , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now! Mothers Together *Open House* ...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event , where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community. Open House is FREE , VIRTUAL , and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world! Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!…

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Ep.202 Mom Chantelle Stieghan on Facing Motherhood Struggles With Humor & Rolling With the (Literal) Punches 57:13

1 year ago57:13

57:13

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Chantelle. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed: -The lack of support when living in a foreign country -When doctors have never heard of the struggles your child is facing -Eating disorders as part of being neurodivergent -How ADHD can look so different in different kids -How emotional it is to feel alone in your struggles -Trying to advocate for your child in a different language than your native tongue -How exciting it is to find a resource that helps -Chantelle's children's books that she made up for her children - on sale on Amazon! Find them here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chantelle-Stieghan/ Please shower Chantelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.201 Mom Felicia Watkins on Stopping the Cycles of Self-Gaslighting and Judging How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kids 32:27

1 year ago32:27

32:27

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Felicia. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed: -Raising multiple children with Autism -Learning how to stop self-gaslighting when looking at your child's struggles -The exhaustion she feels from trying to meet the needs of all of her kids -Rolling with the punches while establishing your household "norms" -How she's practicing self-love with less judgement Please shower Felicia with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.200!! Celebrating 200 Episodes With Megan Through Vulnerability & Validation 39:53

1 year ago39:53

39:53

About This Episode: I'm celebrating 200 episodes today - join me as I reflect on how sharing stories brings us the crucial validation we need. ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.199 Mom Stephanie Fluger on Asking For Help: Learning to Let Go of Control, Shed Guilt & Anger, and Actually Take Care of Yourself 41:32

2 years ago41:32

41:32

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Stephanie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed: -The hardships of raising a non-verbal toddler and a baby during Covid with very limited resources. -Relearning how to ask for help and take care of herself as a stay-at-home mom. -When everything just feels like too much -Feeling like we have to do everything and letting go of control -Why did she feel so angry all the time? -How she now feels that exercise isn't self-care - it's a necessity. -How hormone imbalance adds to our challenges Please shower Stephanie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 225K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.198 Mom Cathy Shields on Acceptance & Understanding of a Neurodivergent Young Adult 50:41

2 years ago50:41

50:41

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Cathy. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Please shower Cathy with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. Find Cathy at cathyshieldswriter.com ! ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 220K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.197 Dad Rob Gorski on the "Sudden Detour" of a Massive Regression & Parenting the Kid, Not the Diagnosis 55:19

2 years ago55:19

55:19

About This Episode: Today's brand new episode features a dad!! I'm talking with Dad Rob Gorski. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed: -How challenging a massive regression was for him to process -How fevers brought back the "old" child - and going through the grief all over again -What "survival mode" looked like for him -How he channeled his struggles into writing and podcasting -What life looked like as a single dad - and how he chose to focus on positivity -How to compassionately hold his kids accountable for tough behaviors Want to connect with Rob? Go to theautismdad.com and specialneedsohio.com . Please shower Rob with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom (or dad!) who needs to hear his story. ** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse . See you there! I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG ( @on.the.hard.days ) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com . This podcast is what it is because of YOU. And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 220K downloads. Thank you! The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to: 1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes! 2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers! 3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation! THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!…

1
Ep.196 Mom Taylor Alexander on Surviving & Prioritizing What's Important When Managing a Whole Family With ADHD 39:30

2 years ago39:30