LPH44: Julie Kratz on Allyship, Parenting, and Autism
What if curiosity mattered more than judgment in parenting?
In this episode, you’ll hear a real look at parenting, autism, and family life as Julie Kratz shares her journey raising her youngest daughter, Dylan, who is on the autism spectrum. Julie talks honestly about the early developmental differences they noticed and how they worked to find the right school and support. She also shares the everyday challenges, the surprising joys, and the lessons she has learned about patience, empathy, and celebrating small wins.
Julie also talks about her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power. She explains how anyone can become a better ally at work, in the community, and with friends and family. Her message is simple: small actions and real curiosity can create meaningful change. Listen now!
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LPH43: Ben Duff on Life and Parenting With Profound Autism
What is it really like to raise a child with profound autism who needs 24/7 support?
This episode explores profound autism, caregiving, and the real challenges families face every day. Guest Ben Duff shares his family’s honest and powerful story.
Ben talks about the early signs they noticed, the emotional process of getting a diagnosis, and the daily work of managing medications, therapy, and changing behaviors through different stages of life. He also opens up about moments of crisis, hard care decisions, residential program options, and the ongoing need to advocate within a complex system.
Ben offers simple and practical guidance for families just starting this journey. He shares how to build a strong support network, find resources that fit your child, and define what “success” means for your own family. This episode gives parents, caregivers, and anyone curious a clear and heartfelt look at the resilience involved in raising a child with profound autism.
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LPH42: Michael Pereira on Parenting, Purpose, and the Autism Voyage
In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, you meet Michael Pereira, a husband, father, and advocate who helps families with autism and parenting support. Michael shares how his family first noticed signs with his son Christian and gives parents real hope so they feel less alone in their own autism journey.
Michael talks about the early days when home life changed fast, from skipping restaurants to unplugging blenders, and how friends and family had to learn and grow with them. He also explains why he created The Autism Voyage, a helpful platform built to give parents clear and trustworthy information. Today it includes more than 90 practical blog posts, a national directory of services, and a newsletter that reaches over 2,000 families.
The Autism Voyage blends education, guidance, and real stories that help parents feel supported and understood. If you want honesty, hope, and simple tools that make this journey easier, this is the episode to press play on.
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LPH41: Sarah Boes, A Heart Mom’s Journey of Courage and Calling
In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about congenital heart defects, medical parenting, and family resilience as Sarah Boes shares the moment that changed everything. Sarah Boes is a nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, author, and “heart mom”. Late in her pregnancy, a routine scan revealed that her unborn daughter had several complex heart defects. That single appointment pulled her family into a world of specialists, emergency planning, and love stretched to its very edges. Sarah opens up about the shock, the fear, and the quiet moments in the hospital that reshaped her understanding of what it means to hope.
As Sarah tells her story, you will hear how she and her husband learned to navigate surgeries, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of becoming parents inside a medical crisis. She speaks with honesty about grief, grit, and the unexpected ways community rises around you when life falls apart. This conversation holds moments that will make you hold your breath and others that will lift your spirit. It is a story about the heart in every sense of the word.
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LPH40: Judi Uttal Talks About Autism, Advocacy, and Jobs in Entertainment
What happens when the services your child needs don’t exist yet?
Judi Uttal faced that challenge when her son Josh was diagnosed with autism at age four. She reflects on the early challenges, including the lack of autism awareness and resources in the 1990s, and how her early advocacy, community support—including a pilot program in Irvine and later the Orange County Asperger Support Group—and determination helped Josh thrive in film production.
Judi now runs the Orange County Asperger Support Group, helping teens and adults with level one autism improve their quality of life. She also founded the Autism in Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup, a California-based initiative that increases employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum in animation, film, and gaming. Through conferences, creator community meetings, and career resources, AIE connects autistic individuals with opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Listen to her fascinating story!
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LPH39: Balancing Autism Advocacy and Motherhood With Eileen Lamb
What’s it really like raising two kids on totally different parts of the autism spectrum, especially when you’re on the spectrum yourself?
In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Wendy Ernzen chats with Eileen Lamb, a mom, author, photographer, and all-around autism advocate who knows the ups and downs firsthand. Eileen shares stories about her oldest, Charlie, who has profound autism, and her younger son Jude, who has level 1 autism. From the early diagnosis days to battling for the right school and figuring out what actually works, she’s got plenty of honest, real talk about what parenting looks like in her world.
Eileen is the founder of The Autism Cafe blog, author of All Across The Spectrum and Be The One, and the Senior Director of Social Media and Marketing at Autism Speaks. She’s also a podcast host and photographer based in Austin, Texas, where she juggles life with children. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just curious, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable moments.
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LPH38: Michelle Wright Shares How Cannabis Transformed Her Family’s Life
What would you do if the medicine that saved your child’s life was still considered illegal by the federal government?
In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I talk with Michelle Wright, a mother and advocate whose adult son Ian has profound autism. Michelle shares how medical cannabis changed everything for her family, easing Ian’s symptoms and improving his quality of life after decades of struggle.
But while some states allow its use, federal law still stands in the way of research, access, and Ian’s ability to live more independently. Michelle shares why she’s speaking out and how she’s working to legalize medical cannabis for everyone who needs it.
Listen to her powerful story of hope, advocacy, and change.
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LPH37: Angela O’Brien Brings Advocacy and Organization Together With Your Space Reclaimed
How do you know when to trust your gut over everyone else’s advice about your special needs child?
On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about Down syndrome support, school advocacy, and special needs parenting with Angela O’Brien. Angela’s story will resonate with every special needs parent who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or told their child “doesn’t belong.”
When Casey was born with Down syndrome 21 years ago, Angela had no roadmap and no community. But through connecting with other families and trusting her instincts, she became a trailblazer who literally changed her school district’s policies. Angela fought to get Casey into their neighborhood school when administrators said it was impossible – and won. But her story doesn’t end there.
Years later, Angela made one of the hardest decisions a parent can make: admitting that what she fought so hard for wasn’t working anymore. When Casey developed anxiety in fifth grade, Angela had to set aside her pride and find a different path. Now, with Casey thriving at 21, Angela channels her experiences into helping other families through her organizing business “Your Space Reclaimed” and her podcast “Especially Organized,” both designed specifically for special needs families. This episode is packed with practical advice about advocacy, building community, and knowing when to change course – even when it goes against everything you thought you believed.
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LPH36: Finding Peace After the Storm: John Goralski on Co-Parenting His Autistic Son After Divorce
How do you co-parent your special needs child after divorce?
In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism parenting, co parenting, and family resilience as John Goralski shares his powerful story. When John’s son Jack was diagnosed with autism, it didn’t just change their understanding of Jack—it changed everything. The stress of navigating specialists, therapies, and an uncertain future contributed to John and Jack’s mom divorcing when Jack was young.
But instead of letting that destroy their family, John discovered something powerful: the difference between calling someone “my ex” and calling them “Jack’s mom.” This simple shift in perspective became the foundation for one of the most beautiful co-parenting stories you’ll ever hear.
In this episode, John shares how he learned to help his nonverbal son process complex emotions, the moment he realized his child was trying to protect his sick mother, and how they became true partners in navigating life together. Now, with Jack at 22 and transitioning out of school, John has written “Parenting in Crisis: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Special Needs Home” to help other families find their way through the darkness. This conversation will give you hope, practical strategies, and remind you that sometimes our biggest challenges become our greatest growth opportunities.
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