Latest Childlife Podcast Episodes
Episode 165 | Kelsey’s Story - A daughter with gastroparesis and hereditary spherocytosis
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - April 12, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsKatie, along with co-host Serheen Noor-Ali from Hello Sleuth interview Kelsey Ward, mom to Scarlett who was diagnosed with gastroparesis and hereditary spherocytosis as an infant. Kelsey shares the ups and downs of what it means to be a medical mom and how Scarlett's diagnosis strengthened her m...
Episode 164 | [Repost] How to Talk with Kids About Child Abuse with Jane Donovan
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - April 10, 2023 14:30 - 33 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsApril is Child Abuse awareness month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is my mother, Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse advocate. She is here to provide tangible ways to make this concep...
Episode 163 | Emma’s Story - A daughter with Trisomy 18
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - April 05, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsKatie interviews Emma Springer, mother to Sage who was born with Trisomy 18. Emma shares her journey to parenthood and how they learned of Sage's diagnosis. Prior to Sage being born, Emma was a pediatric nurse. Emma shares the struggles she went through in Sage's first few months to find care op...
Episode 162 | Kayla’s Story - A daughter with Ollier’s Disease
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - March 29, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn todays episode of the podcast, Katie along with co-host Mijha Godfrey from Jambo Books, interview Kayla Gunderson, who's daughter was diagnosed with Ollier's disease. You will get to hear how Kayla navigated her daughter's diagnosis just weeks after giving birth to her son and her valuable pe...
Episode 161 | Dana’s Story - Micropreemie Twins Born at Home
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - March 22, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsKatie along with Co-host Cortney Given, host of the podcast Mindset for Medical Moms , interviews Dana who had micro-preemie twins at home. She bravely shares her story and how she and her husband acted quickly with the unexpected home birth. Dana shares how she navigated the long NICU stay and...
Episode 160 | Jodi’s Story - HELLP Syndrome and a Premature Birth
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - March 15, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsKatie has a co-host, Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth on today's episode where we hear Jodi's story of developing HELLP Syndrome and having a premature birth. Jodi walks us through her birth story along with those first moments meeting her daughter. She speaks to the joy we find in the unexpec...
Episode 159 | Ryan’s Story - A son with Muscular Dystrophy (Becker’s)
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - March 08, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Ryan who's son has Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. Ryan tells the story of the road to diagnosis for his son Jack and how their family coped along the way. Hear about what fueled Ryan to start an organization to help fund research to change the li...
Episode 158 | Kristen’s Story - Licensed Family Therapist - Anxiety in Children
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - March 01, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode, Katie meets with Kristen McNeely, a Licensed family therapist who is in expert on Anxiety in Children. Kristen shares the importance of how we respond to anxiety as parents and caregivers, helping children understand what anxiety is and how we can help them navigate their fee...
Episode 157 | Crystal Polk - Social Worker + Caregiver Expert
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - February 22, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingspodcast, Katie interviews Crystal Polk, a Social Worker and Licensed Therapist speaks about the dual role parents of medically complex children hold as caregiver and parent. Crystal specializes in working with families who have children with special or medical needs. She gives parents practical ...
Episode 156 | Michele’s Story - Child loss and the sibling relationships
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - February 15, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn this week's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Michele Benyo, a Certified Grief Specialist who helps families navigate the loss of a child with a focus on sibling relationships. Michele experienced the loss of her 6 year old son due to cancer. Michele shares how her daughter still maint...
Episode 155 | Travis’ Story - A daughter with Cystic Fibrosis
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - February 08, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsTravis shares how they discovered his daughter's cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 4. Just months earlier, Travis learned his half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. He shares how the journey impacted his life on a professional and personal level creating the foundation, Piper's Angels t...
Episode 154 | Savannah’s Story - Traumatic birth, Micro Preemie Twins, and Cerebral Palsy
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - February 01, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn this episode, Savannah shares what it means to have wreck-less hope. Through her traumatic birth, having micro preemie twins and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for one of the twins, Savanah explains how her twins have changed her outlook on life and how she cherishes the little things l...
Episode 153 | Expert: Virtual Speech Language Pathologist
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - January 25, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn this episode of the podcast, Lenora from BetterSpeech shares about virtual speech language pathology services and how they can be beneficial for not just the child but for the family. Lenora explains how making a connection with the child positively impacts the progress of speech therapy. Th...
Episode 152 | Kelly’s Story - A daughter with Epilepsy [Trigger Warning: Death]
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - January 18, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsThis episode is full of tangible truth about what it means to be a caregiver and advocate. Kelly shares about her daughter's epilepsy diagnosis and how it changed her entire world. After a normal pregnancy and delivery, Adelaide wasn't gaining weight and had low muscle tone which was the beginni...
Episode 151 | Gavin + Cindy’s Story - A son with Osteosarcoma
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - January 11, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsCindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was bein...
Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - January 04, 2023 07:00 - 14 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic came to mind. Grandparents are an integral part of the family, whether they live near or far. This ep...
Episode 149 | Last of the Year
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - December 14, 2022 07:00 - 11 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn this week's episode, Katie wraps up the year with, Lyndsey (CLOC admin + podcast editor) sharing about what the common themes across the episodes were in 2022. This year was a memorable one as there were so many parents who so candidly shared their story on the podcast and clinicians who sha...
Episode 148 | Katy’s Story - A daughter with scars and a story
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - December 07, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsKaty shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter's diagnosis at 32 weeks on a Thursday morning and then welcoming Charlotte that Friday evening, talk about a whirlwind!...
Episode 147 | Expert: Child Life Specialists in Sweden
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - November 30, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode of the podcast we will hear from Kirsten Black, a Certified Child Life Specialist, who had the opportunity to visit children's hospitals in Sweden. Kirsten shares her perspective on the major differences in pediatric healthcare, what she learned along the way and how it has in...
Episode 146 | Caryn’s Story - A daughter with ALCAPA Congenital Heart Defect
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - November 16, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsCaryn shares about her daughter Elaina developing ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect, and how they found out weeks after an uneventful pregnancy. Caryn will shed light on how she coped with Elaina's diagnosis and how she strongly advocated for her along the way. You will feel moved by Caryn's fi...
Episode 145 | Ashley and Martha’s Stories from Dear NICU Mama
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - November 09, 2022 06:00 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode of the podcast, Ashley + Martha from Dear NICU Mama share their personal stories of trials and joy as they navigated difficult seasons as NICU moms themselves. You will feel right at home with the wit and charm Martha and Ashley bring to this episode. You learn why and how the...
Episode 144 | Alex’s Story - A NICU Dad Perspective
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - November 02, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsAs a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share his perspective and critical role as a father on today's episode of the podcast. Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice to fellow NICU dads out there. This episode is for you too moms and partners-- you will learn more ab...
Episode 143 | Emily’s Story - Staying Organized as a Medical Parent
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - October 26, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily's expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She shares about her own journey navigating the world of being a medical parent and the passion behind creati...
Episode 142 | Swapnil’s Story - A daughter with severe food allergies
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - October 19, 2022 06:00 - 34 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsSwapnil, father of two, shares on this episode of the podcast about his daughter, Anya, who has severe food allergies. Swapnil shares about Anya's first symptoms of a food allergy and the event that revealed the severity of her allergies. Whether you are a parent or Clinician, you will gain so ...
Episode 141 | Hannah’s Story - Kids with Febrile Seizures
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - October 12, 2022 06:00 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsHannah bravely shares how her two young daughters developed febrile seizures. Although febrile seizures are common, it is something that isn't talked about enough. Hannah will shed some light for families walking through this diagnosis and provide you with ways to navigate the practicality and e...
Episode 140 | Melanie’s Story - A toddler diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - October 05, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratings" It was like I was leaving home with a newborn because I had no idea what to do. We were in survival mode for those 3 days in the hospital. It was just nothing that I ever expected to be dealing with.'-Melanie Smith Melanie shares how she learned of her daughter's diagnosis of type 1 diabete...
Episode 139 | Facility Dog’s In Children’s Hospitals
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - September 28, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratings"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because you aren't having to focus on a conversation, it is so natural." -Shelby Bonnet, CCLS Shelby Bonnet...
Episode 138 | Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 Inspired Health and Happiness Company for Kids
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - September 21, 2022 06:00 - 22 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn todays episode, we will hear from Rita Ho-Bezzola, CEO and Founder of Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 inspired health and happiness company for kids. Rita shares her inspiration behind Piper + Enza and how her goal is to make common health experiences positive for children and parents. You will not ...
Episode 137 |Lauren’s Story - A son with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS)
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - September 14, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsOn today's episode of the podcast we hear from Lauren about her son's diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS.) She shares how her uneventful pregnancy followed by a NICU stay and numerous hospital visits with unanswered questions eventually resulted in a diagnosis. Lauren shares how coachi...
Episode 136 | Jaime’s Story - A daughter with limb loss and Tetralogy of Fallot
Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist - September 07, 2022 06:00 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 78 ratings"It's not a time to say I'm sorry, It's a time to acknowledge that, yes in fact you had something you did not plan for, a traumatic event. But also you did have a baby and to step into that joy and gratitude and not lose sight of those things.-Jamie Cline Jamie shares how her daughter Callie h...