THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

Send us Fan Mail Every parent knows the road to raising teenagers is paved with a unique blend of challenges and triumphs. In our latest episode, we're joined by Chantal, a teen psychology expert, who offers a map for navigating this terrain with grace and wisdom. Together, we uncover the keys to fostering resilience and independence in adolescents, discussing the fine line between giving the...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the mysteries of childbirth with the guidance of Gina, a veteran childbirth attorney, as we navigate the often complex and emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world. With over twenty years in the trenches, Gina shares her profound insights on how to prepare for the unpredictable nature of labor and delivery. This episode is a must-listen for expectant parents,...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt the weight of generational anger shape your worldview? My guest, Paul, and I explore the raw and riveting transformation from anger to empathy, revealing how one can reconstruct an upbringing awash with frustration into a life brimming with understanding. We discuss the pivotal role of education in breaking free from the shackles of inherited discord and dive in...

Send us Fan Mail Step off the streets and into the squad car with Vic Ferrari, a retired NYPD detective with a library of tales that would keep even the most seasoned crime novelists on their toes. In a candid chat, Vic offers us an insider look at his two decades with the NYPD, revealing the highs and lows of life in blue. From his start, influenced by the gritty crime dramas of his youth, throug...

Send us Fan Mail Embarking on the parenting journey often feels like navigating uncharted waters, but imagine steering your family ship with unwavering intention and faith. That's precisely what Amy Weichel, founder of Faithful Parent, has mastered. In today’s episode, we traverse Amy's personal odyssey from professional teaching to the intimate classroom of homeschooling her four childr...

Send us Fan Mail Reflecting on two decades of marriage is no small feat, especially when both partners are on the autism spectrum. As we celebrate our 250th show, my husband Dustin and I open up about our journey—how we've navigated the nuances of our own neurodiversity while raising three unique children. From the daunting early days following our son's diagnosis to the daily victories...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a career in constitutional law can ignite a passion for human rights advocacy? Nicole Smith, our esteemed guest, takes us through her inspiring transition into nonprofit work, where she's breaking new ground with digital campaigns that touch hearts and change minds. Her journey is a reminder that when we're armed with education and empathy, we can resha...

Send us Fan Mail When Kevin Palmieri hit rock bottom, he didn't know that a New Jersey hotel room would be the catalyst for a dramatic career pivot and a quest for deeper fulfillment. Embark on a compelling journey with us as Kevin recounts his transformation from chasing financial success through job-hopping to co-founding Next Level University, where personal growth is paramount. During our...

Send us Fan Mail When I first embarked on the rollercoaster ride of parenthood, little did I know that it'd lead me to a heart-to-heart with Debbie Godfrey, a beacon of wisdom in the parenting world. Listen closely as Debbie, with her 30 years of nurturing know-how, joins us to discuss the journey from parenting overwhelm to embracing the joy and unique challenges that come with raising littl...

Send us Fan Mail When Barbara Ann Mojica, a seasoned educator, shares her journey through the peaks and valleys of special needs education, you can feel the weight of her wisdom and the warmth of her dedication. From a history lover to a principal and special education administrator in the bustling heart of New York City, Barbara's narrative is a powerful blend of passion and resilience. Her...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered that your gut health might hold the key to understanding complex behaviors, particularly those related to autism? Our latest guest, Christian, a seasoned health consultant with an intimate knowledge of autism's challenges, brings this fascinating connection to light. Embarking on a journey that spans cultures from Eastern Europe to Portugal, Christian...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the complex world of neurodiversity can be a bewildering journey, which is why I sought insight from Dr. Theresa Haskins, an educational psychologist with a compelling personal narrative. As we sat down, she unfolded the story of her twice-exceptional son, revealing a tale of extraordinary cognitive abilities intertwined with unique challenges. Through Theresa's ey...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever grappled with the challenging task of engaging in anti-racist dialogues with compassion? We've got some helpful insights for you! Join SJ Childs in an enlightening conversation with our esteemed guests, nonviolent communication trainers and authors, Sarah Peyton and Roxy Manning. We delve into the necessity of starting with self-compassion, understanding our own...

Send us Fan Mail As parents, we all share a common goal of raising well-adjusted, happy children, but how do we navigate the complexities of parenting in today's world? What if there were strategies that could help bridge the communication gap with our children, especially during their adolescent years? In our latest episode, we bring you an insightful conversation with our esteemed guest, Cl...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how someone, diagnosed with autism at a young age, can defy limitations and emerge as an inspirational figure? Meet Christian Armstrong, an advocate for autism awareness, a motivational speaker, and a living testament to the boundless potential of individuals with autism. With his candid discussions on overcoming depression, battling societal comparisons, an...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like you're wrestling a storm alone when it comes to navigating autism? Let’s introduce you to the wonderful Mia Dawson and Brenda Major, two incredible women who have walked this journey, felt the overwhelm of a diagnosis and experienced the transformation that comes with acceptance. In a heart-to-heart conversation, they share about their children, the struggle fo...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to embark on an enlightening journey towards understanding and managing emotions in children? We invite you to join us and our distinguished guest, child behavior specialist Laura, for an episode that is sure to empower and equip you with the tools you need. We delve into Laura’s personal experiences of raising emotionally sensitive children, the significance of emot...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how an autism diagnosis at 25 could lead someone to become a public speaker, mentor, and sports referee? Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Daniel Durany, a leading voice in autism advocacy from Texas. Daniel's inspiring journey, driven by a late diagnosis, has led him to share his unique experiences and empower others on similar paths. Through his...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to delve into the complexities of trauma? Our episode today promises to be a profound journey, with Courtney Copeland, a trauma counselor and life coach, guiding us through her personal experiences with trauma. A relative's autism diagnosis has shaped her perspective and approach, offering her firsthand understanding of the challenges and adaptations necessary for those...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a truly extraordinary conversation on the SJ Childs Show! Today, we're fortunate to have Gena Sims, the visionary founder of the Autism Theater Project, as our distinguished guest. Gena, an unwavering advocate for the autism community, journeys with us through the landscape of theater and self-expression, while illuminating the talents and potential of individuals...

Send us Fan Mail Picture this - a toddler, still in his blooming cognitive years, meticulously taking apart a watch and putting it back together again, with precision that defies his age. Fascinating, right? We have that child, now Dr. Stephen Mark Shore, an accomplished Autistic Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, sharing his extraordinary journey from his autism diagnosis to be...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to unlock your full creative potential? Join us on the SJ Childs Show where we engage with a former advertising copywriter, multi-talented singer-songwriter, and seasoned Hollywood writer about the transformative power of awareness and acceptance in your creative pursuit. Expect to unpack strategies to overcome fear and self-doubt as we dissect his latest book '...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how much your menstrual cycle influences your daily life? Or how you can foster a healthier relationship with it? Today’s episode is a deep dive into the world of menstrual cycles with our guest, Elizabeth Tidwell, a menstrual cycle coach who is passionate about breaking taboos and providing enlightenment on the subject. Elizabeth opens up about how her own understandi...

Send us Fan Mail Unearthing transformative revelations from the LGBTQ community, my conversation with Dr. Joel Davis-Brown promises to reshape your notions of leadership. Learn how embracing unpredictability and self-leadership can redefine success, as we delve into Dr. Davis-Brown’s illuminating book on queer leadership. This is more than just a leadership guide, it's an invitation to amplif...

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever wonder the secret to nurturing healthier relationships and building a stronger family? We got you covered. We were thrilled to host the dynamic duo, Dr Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian, co-founders of a renowned counseling clinic in Chicago, underscored the pivotal role parents play in molding resilience and self-confidence in their children. They introduced us to their revo...