"A Beautiful, Radiant, Strong Koala" (An Interview with Hilary)

SURPRISE!! We're still alive! And we're here to talk about how J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" speak to us on a deep level as special needs parents. So if you're a special needs parent, a Tolkien lover, or just someone who might enjoy two nerds making the ridiculous comparison that one man's beloved WWI-inspired fantasy epic is even remotely like parenting a special needs child, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU!! CONTACT US! IG: @hilaryharris_

We're back! And we're answering a doozy of a question... have we ever thought about how Jane will be cared for when we're ELDERLY and INFIRM?? ...OR DEAD?! Join us in this episode to find out! CONTACT US! IG: @hilaryharris_

In this episode, Rich and Hilary awkwardly attempt to answer a listener's question about maintaining intimacy as parents of small, needy and/or special needs-y children. Do we kiss in front of our kids? Do we schedule times to "be intimate"? Should intimacy feel like hard work? Listen to find out! Also BUY SOME ATTALUS COFFEE! attaluscoffee.com / IG: @attaluscoffee CONTACT US! IG: @hilaryharris_

In this episode, we interview Lauren Lowery, a life coach for special needs families. This is a very insightful conversation both for parents of special needs children and for anyone who knows and loves someone with special needs. We hope you enjoy it! Lauren's website: lowerylifecoaching.com Lauren's IG: @laurenlowery Contact us! IG: @hilaryharris_

Are you sick of talking/hearing about mental health yet? NO?? Then this episode is for YOU!! Hilary shares her experiences about dealing with anxiety, and Rich shares a little of his side of trying to support her. Hilary also shares some practical "do's" and "don't's" when it comes to dealing with anxiety. Also, more "Special Needs In Media", kicking off a review-in-progress of a new (to Rich) show! Simon Sinek video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL8AsaEJDdo Contact us: IG @hilaryharris_

In this episode, we talk about advocacy! Hilary advocates for a special needs swing in our local park, and Rich advocates for himself when Hilary says he did nothing in the process! Love, laughter, and mutual respect abound. Plus! -"Special needs in the media"! -We talk about crying! ... a LOT! -Ignorance and injustice, and how YOU can help! But no pressure or anything! Contact us: IG - @hilaryharris_ Gmail - [email protected]

Welcome back to SEASON 2 of It's Okay To Laugh! In this episode, we talk about the complicated nature of defining and celebrating milestones in the life of a special needs loved one. A.k.a., Jane had a birthday and we decided impromptu - in the middle of recording - to use this episode for our own cathartic experience BECAUSE WE CAN. Contact us: IG - @hilaryharris_ GMAIL - [email protected]

Ever wondered what the HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAYS hold for a special needs family? In this episode, we talk about our least-favorite Christmas songs and share tips we've learned about having a special needs family during the holiday season. We also have our first LISTENER "Special Needs Moment of the Week"! Contact us: IG: hilaryharris_ Gmail: [email protected] Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and have a wonderful New Year!

Last episode Hilary interviewed Rich, and we had such a good time and got such a good response that we decided to turn the tables this time! In this episode, Rich interviews Hilary and they talk about the challenges of parenting a child who doesn't reciprocate affection, how to not let your child's diagnosis become your identity, and how to navigate when having children presses "pause" on the rest of your life! IG: hilaryharris_ Gmail: [email protected]

This episode has something for everyone: -People who have contracted a mild strain of COVID -People who have cussed out a mental disorder -All other people See? Literally EVERYONE. In honor of Rich's 30th birthday, Hilary interviews him about the ups & downs of being the dad to a little girl with epilepsy. They talk about the struggles of parenting a non-verbal child, the painful reality of seizures, and the little unexpected moments of joy and beauty found in all of it. IG: @hilaryharris_