Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast

“Creating a Neuro Affirming Environment” with Chris Wenger “Speech Dude”    

 

Intro:

Today on the podcast we have an amazing guest who is revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent students. 

 

Speech therapist Chris Wenger, also known as "Speech Dude!" is internationally acclaimed for his work with autistic students.  He's transforming therapy practices and creating spaces to support families with his neurodiversity-affirming approach.

 

Through his assessment tools, viral social media content, clinical work, and new book; He's on a mission to ensure that belonging—not just fitting in—becomes the standard for how we support neurodivergent learners.

 

Let's listen in to today’s conversation.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio:

Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.

 

Contacts:

www.speechdude.com

Tik Tok/Instagram - @speechdude

 

For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

 

Connect with Us:

If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode.  We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

 

Email us: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Family Series:  

“Creativity in Marriage & Parenting: Replay” with Angela and Mike O’Brien 

 

 

Welcome back, you are going to love the replay of this episode! We have Angela O’Brien of the Especially Organized Podcast joined by her husband Mike. Ladies, Angela will also be one of our speakers at this year’s Moms Day Out! So grab your 1 day or full weekend tickets today! 
 
This is going to be another fun and heartfelt episode in our marriage and family series that you won’t want to miss! 
 
Angela and Mike have been married for 27 years and live in Texas and have 2 adult children, with a daughter diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Having just celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on Mar 21st, we talked about advocacy, marriage and parenting, and a so much more. Eric and I really enjoyed connecting with these 2 and found that we had a crazy amount of similarities in this stage of life. 
 
Listen in to our conversation with Mike and Angela O’Brien.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio:

Angela and Michael O’Brien met in the early 90’s while working as sales representatives for a paper company in St. Louis. As good friends and colleagues, they started dating when they both went off to graduate school. Married since 1997, they have a son living and working in Madison, WI and a 21-year-old daughter who has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Their journey as a family has been deeply enriched by the disability community. Angela has been an advocate since their daughter’s birth and is now a professional organizer and podcast host for moms of kids with special needs. Mike is co-founder of Roosevelt Capital Management, having met his business partner on the sidelines of a Special Olympics basketball game watching their girls. They live in Dallas, TX with their daughter and beloved dog, Coco.

Contacts:

Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @yourspacereclaimed
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Space Reclaimed
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

 

For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead. Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

Email us: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

Family Series: 

“The Significant Life of a Dad” with Marcus Jones  

 

Welcome back to the Podcast.  I am so excited to have Marcus Jones on the Podcast.  

Marcus is Executive Director of HIS EYES, part of the family of foundations at In-N-Out Burger Corporation. Marcus works to provide hope, immediate support and sustainable solutions to those experiencing homelessness.  

Marcus is a long-time advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and father of four, including his oldest daughter with Down Syndrome. He has written multiple books, including “The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor,” and “Holding Hands with Grace,” which is  all about his journey of fatherhood with a child with intellectual disabilities. 

Let’s Listen in to my conversation with Marcus.

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Bio: 

Marcus is a pastor, leader, creator and communicator with over 30 years of ministry experience. He is a long-time advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and father of four, including her oldest daughter with Down Syndrome. He has written multiple books, including “The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor,” and “Holding Hands with Grace,” all about his journey of fatherhood with a child with intellectual disabilities. He founded “The Significant Life Foundation,” in 2024 to advance the cause of independent housing, employment and community for the intellectually disabled community. He serves on multiple non-profit boards and is the Executive Director of the HIS EYES Foundation to combat homelessness. Married over 25 years to his wife, Jen, Marcus enjoys traveling, Golfing and undiscovered cafes and cuisine.

 

 

facebook.com/jonestribe 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/marcus/ 

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Family Series: 

“The Significant Life of a Mom” with Jen Jones  

 

Hey guys, thanks for joining us for the podcast today! 

We are so excited to have author, speaker, podcast host, and entrepreneur, Jen Jones back with us today. Jen is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and the creative architect of the Significant Conference. She is also a certified health coach, having built a nationwide health and wellness business.  

I first met Jen a few years ago when I saw her dancing with her family on Instagram.  Fast forward to today’s episode and you are in for a treat. Jen is full of joy, and I just know you too will be inspired. Yet this is also a very real conversation today, between 2 moms in the same stage of life, raising 2 amazing young women in a world that isn’t always kind or inclusive, but a world that is worth helping change for the better. Ladies especially, you don’t want to miss this conversation, we talk about it all, yes menopause included!  

Jen knows what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. And I’m so excited to share that Jen will be speaking at our Moms Day Out conference this May 1st -3rd . So hurry over to our website or socials and get your tickets today!  

Let’s Iisten in to my conversation with Jen Jones.  

 

Bio: 

Jen Jones is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and creative architect of the Significant Conference. Through her books, courses, conferences, podcast and Significant Life groups, she equips and empowers women to create the life they love on the foundation of faith. Jen and her husband Marcus are living this great adventure with their four children in San Diego, California. Jen knows what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. She advocates for differently-abled kids and their parents because she is mom to a daughter with Down Syndrome. She helps families identify their core values and champions women to know and own their God-given worth to live a life of significance. She is a certified health coach, and has built a nationwide health and wellness business. She guides people on a path to help them take control of their health—mentally, physically and spiritually. She is in the personal transformation business. Jen has appeared as a speaker and coach in numerous conferences, retreats and podcasts, including ABC Family and the Live Out Loud Show. She is also the author of Thrive: Growing Through Life’s Greatest Challenges, Tribe: Building Your Family on What Matters Most, and The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor. 

 

[email protected] 

@jenjonesx4  

facebook.com/jonestribe 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/marcus/ 

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/jen/ 

 

 

TAP👇the link to Register for Moms Day Out conference retreat

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026

 

Marriage and Family Series: 

“Marriage and Caregiving” with Dan & Kara Ryska 

 

Hey guys, welcome back to the Hope on the Hard Road Podcast. We are in our Marriage and Family series and we’re excited to introduce you to our guests, Dan and Kara Ryska.   

Dan and Kara have been married for 22 years. Kara is the host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast, and Dan is a local high school Assistant Principal with 15 years of experience in education. They have four children, ranging from ages 7 to 17, including one son with diverse disabilities, encompassing physical, visual, behavioral, and medical challenges. 

On this episode Dan and Kara sat down with us to share their story both from the perspective of a married couple as well as caregivers, a reality we know many of our listeners and viewers can relate to. So let’s get started and listen into the conversation. 

Bio 

Dan Ryska is a high school assistant principal with over 15 years of experience in education and a father of four uniquely different kids. Outside of work, he steps up to coach youth sports and fights the good fight against the creeping inertia of his 40s.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Kara Ryska is the host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast. Driven by their personal experiences, Kara has become an advocate for families facing similar hurdles, offering support through her role as a life coach. Her commitment extends beyond the microphone as the creator of "Pathway to Peace," a transformative group coaching community that has touched and changed countless lives. Kara's resilience and wisdom make her a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on navigating the complexities of parenting children with special needs. 

Ladies please join us for Moms Day Out this May 1-3 where Kara will be one of our amazing speakers. We hope to see you there! Tap the link for more info and to register: 

https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026 

Contacts 

www.kararyska.com  

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/  

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-needs-mom-podcast/id1523926612 

 

 

For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

 

Connect with Us:

If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode.  We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

 

Email us: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

 

Family. Series:

“A Life of Significance as Caregivers” with Marcus & Jen Jones

 

Thanks for joining us today as we begin our Family Series with Marcus and Jen Jones. 

We first met Marcus and Jen a few years ago when I saw an Instagram video of their family dancing and reached out knowing that we had mutual friends. Then last year we had the privilege of having them come and speak to our couples at Date Night. And now Ladies, I’m excited to share that Jen will be a speaker at our Moms Day Out conference this May 1-3. 

Marcus and Jen have been married for 25 years and have 4 children. Their oldest daughter has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. They are authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs having founded, led and successfully grown both non-profit and for-profit organizations, with their latest endeavor being the co founding of the Significant Life Foundation in 2024 to advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities.  

Marcus is a pastor and leader with over 30 years of ministry experience and he is currently working as the Executive Director of the HIS EYES Foundation to combat homelessness.

Jen is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and creative architect of the Significant Conference. She is also a certified health coach, having built a nationwide health and wellness business.

Together Marcus and Jen know what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. This is an honest and beautiful conversation – one we know will resonate with you. So, Let’s Ilsten in to our conversation Marcus and Jen Jones. 

 

Bios:

Marcus is a pastor, leader, creator and communicator with over 30 years of ministry experience. He is a long-time advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and father of four, including her oldest daughter with Down Syndrome. He has written multiple books, including “The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor,” and “Holding Hands with Grace,” all about his journey of fatherhood with a child with intellectual disabilities. He founded “The Significant Life Foundation,” in 2024 to advance the cause of independent housing, employment and community for the intellectually disabled community. He serves on multiple non-profit boards and is the Executive Director of the HIS EYES Foundation to combat homelessness. Married over 25 years to his wife, Jen, Marcus enjoys traveling, Golfing and undiscovered cafes and cuisine.

 

Jen Jones is the founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC, and creative architect of the Significant Conference. Through her books, courses, conferences, podcast and Significant Life groups, she equips and empowers women to create the life they love on the foundation of faith. Jen and her husband Marcus are living this great adventure with their four children in San Diego, California. Jen knows what it’s like to experience the unexpected and have to grow through life’s greatest challenges. She advocates for differently-abled kids and their parents because she is mom to a daughter with Down Syndrome. She helps families identify their core values and champions women to know and own their God-given worth to live a life of significance. She is a certified health coach, and has built a nationwide health and wellness business. She guides people on a path to help them take control of their health—mentally, physically and spiritually. She is in the personal transformation business. Jen has appeared as a speaker and coach in numerous conferences, retreats and podcasts, including ABC Family and the Live Out Loud Show. She is also the author of Thrive: Growing Through Life’s Greatest Challenges, Tribe: Building Your Family on What Matters Most, and The Five-Minute Marriage Mentor.

 

https://significantlifefoundation.org/

[email protected]

@jenjonesx4

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/marcus/

https://jenandmarcusjones.com/jen/

facebook.com/jonestribe

 

"The Life of a Medical Caregiver" with Kara Ryska

 

Hey guys, Thanks for joining us today! We’re continuing on in our Medical Family Series with guest Kara Ryska, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast. As a devoted mother of four, ranging from ages 7 to 17, Kara's life has been shaped by her role as a mother of a multiple brain tumor survivor and a child with diverse disabilities, encompassing physical, visual, behavioral, and medical challenges. 

Driven by her personal experiences, Kara has become an advocate for families facing similar hurdles, offering support through her role as a life coach. Kara’s resilience is inspiring and you’re absolutely gonna want to listen in or watch today’s episode. 

Bio 

Meet Kara Ryska, a compassionate and resilient force empowering families through her impactful journey as the host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast. As a devoted mother of four, ranging from ages 7 to 17, Kara's life has been shaped by her roles as a mother of a multiple brain tumor survivor and a child with diverse disabilities, encompassing physical, visual, behavioral, and medical challenges. 

Driven by her personal experiences, Kara has become an advocate for families facing similar hurdles, offering support through her role as a life coach. Her commitment extends beyond the microphone as the creator of "Pathway to Peace," a transformative group coaching community that has touched and changed countless lives. Kara's resilience and wisdom make her a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on navigating the complexities of parenting children with special needs. 

Kara brings together strength and empathy, fostering a sense of unity among families navigating similar paths. Her dedication to creating a space of understanding and hope resonates in every episode of her podcast and within the transformative impact of her coaching programs. Kara Ryska is not just a podcast host; she is a beacon of inspiration, guiding others towards a life filled with purpose and peace. 

 

Contacts 

www.kararyska.com  

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/  

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-needs-mom-podcast/id1523926612 

 

For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

 

Connect with Us:

If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode.  We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

 

Email us: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

 

Medical Family Series: 

“A Family’s Courageous Journey” with Steve and Melissa Bundy 

Intro: 

Today we begin our medical family series and you are about to be inspired by one family’s story. 

Steve and Melissa Bundy have been married for 33 years and have two adult sons. Their oldest son Caleb was born with a rare chromosome deletion and subsequent multiple medical diagnoses.  

Steve is the Senior vice president of International ministries at Joni and Friends International Disability Center and has been on staff for past 18 years. And Melissa is a part time wound care home health nurse. This incredible couple sat down with us to share their story. A courageous story where heartache is met with hope.  

Let’s listen into our conversation with Steve and Melissa.  

 

Bio: 

Steve and Melissa Bundy have been married for 33 years and have two incredible adults sons. Steve is the  Senior vice president of International ministries at Joni and Friends International Disability Center and has been on staff for past 18 years. Melissa is a part time wound care home health nurse.  

Their 26 year old son Caleb was born with a rare chromosome deletion 2q37.1 partial terminal deletion. This missing piece of the chromosome means he has severe cognition delay, severe autism (unable to speak), apraxia of speech and body, and also a rare form of muscular dystrophy called Bethlem/Ulrich. They were given this diagnosis of the chromosome deletion at ages 10 months, autism at 2 years and muscular dystrophy when he was 12. Caleb has had a very difficult journey in life yet has had a family who has surrounded him with the love, support and advocacy he needed to be as functional and loved for who he is as much as possible.  

Caleb’s younger brother Jaron is 22 years old and has been such a huge supportive sibling even in the most challenging of times. Jaron graduated this past year from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a degree in music production and now has his own business producing music and teaching students in guitar,piano and music production at jaronmicahmusic.com. 

Joniandfriends.org 

 

For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.

 

Connect with Us:

If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won’t miss an episode.  We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.

 

Email us: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459

Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.