Let's Plant Houses

16/09/2025

How do you co-parent your special needs child after divorce?

John Goralski'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 fracture 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.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2025/09/16/lphs03e07-finding-peace-after-the-storm-john-goralski-on-co-parenting-his-autistic-son-after-divorce/

02/09/2025

You know those moments when you realize your child's school experience isn't quite working out? Jordan's been there. What started as daily phone calls about classroom disruptions turned into something much bigger.

In this episode, Jordan opens up about her family's journey with neurodivergence, sharing some surprising discoveries along the way. She talks about finding the right educational fit, unexpected therapies that made a real difference, and why sometimes the answers we're looking for come from the most unlikely places.

If you're navigating something similar with your own family or know someone else that is, you'll want to listen in. Jordan's insights on advocacy, community, and creating the right environment for kids to thrive will leave you feeling hopeful and equipped with real wisdom you can use.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000724601268
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CpyYm1ZQ9hkhgjeaQnWqt?si=795a5192987e415f

19/08/2025

What would you do if doctors told you your 7-year-old would "never progress past second grade" and belong in a group home?

On this episode of Let's Plant Houses, I'm joined by Mike Knox, a writer and comedian who wrote the book, Vivien's Rain. He thought his world was ending when his 2-year-old daughter Vivian had her first seizure and flatlined at the hospital. What followed were years of failed medications, schools that refused to help, bullying from classmates making fake seizure videos, and doctors who said she'd never progress beyond second grade. But Mike refused to accept that future for his daughter. After five grueling years and a leap of faith with a vagus nerve stimulator—a device the size of a silver dollar—everything changed.

Today, Vivian is 18, seizure-free for eight years, and preparing for college with dreams of film set design. But Mike's fight isn't over. He's working to change state laws because epilepsy affects 3 million Americans yet has virtually no legal protections. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will open your eyes to a community that desperately needs support.

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05/08/2025

How might having a child on the autism spectrum change a marriage?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I sit down with Paul Carroll, founder of Autism Dadvocate, a podcast and community he’s built for autism dads. Paul opens up about parenting his 18-year-old son Vaughn, who’s on the autism spectrum.

He walks us through those early “micro moments” like playground movements, Vaughn’s fascination with Arabic alphabets, tough sensory moments with hand dryers. It’s these smaller observations that eventually helped him understand his son’s beautiful neurodivergent mind.

Paul and I also get talk about how special needs parenting reshapes marriages. How roles can become entrenched, why communication becomes absolutely critical, and how parents find themselves juggling being both partners and co-therapists. We also dig into the overlooked perspective of fathers in the autism community and how Paul’s own feelings of isolation drove him to create this supportive online space for dads.

Come hear Paul’s story!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2025/08/05/281/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000720733795
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g00EJDC59tzqFTpupHVkP?si=0f2d4df5a2b94367

22/07/2025

How does a principal’s view shift when their grandchild is on the spectrum?

This week on Let's Plant Houses, mu guest is Jennifer Kaufman, author of "Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk." Jennifer brings a unique perspective - she's both a school principal who has worked with autistic students AND a grandmother to a 7-year-old with autism.

What struck me most was Jennifer's honesty about how her professional knowledge didn't prepare her for the emotional journey of being a grandparent. She shares practical strategies for creating welcoming spaces, the importance of following the parents' lead, and how to shift from trying to "fix" autism to celebrating neurodivergent minds. This episode is a must-listen for grandparents, parents, and those who want to better support special needs families.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000718493461

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rNjbXPimVOWqQ6yx0WXIx?si=8a4f88450276458a

08/07/2025

How can growing up alongside autism shape not just your childhood, but your entire life's calling?

In this episode of Let's Plant Houses, Katie Bullock shares the beautiful complexity of growing up as the middle child and only girl, with a younger brother who has profound autism. She recalls everything from the terrifying Father’s Day when 3-year-old Michael disappeared, to crashing his therapy sessions because they looked like “amazing play dates,” to watching him become the beloved “mayor” of her elementary school, adored by all her friends. Michael’s clever way of navigating the world and his straightforward honesty brought laughter and light to their family—even as they faced challenges like missing soccer games and installing extra locks on the doors.

Katie's journey beautifully illustrates how love and difficulty can coexist, ultimately leading her to a career in early intervention and speech-language pathology where she now helps other families find their own path. She shares invaluable insights about the importance of therapy for siblings, the reality that not every sibling will want to be a caregiver, and why finding joy in your child's interests—even if it's lining up blocks—can transform your relationship. Whether you're a parent, sibling, or professional working with special needs families, Katie's perspective offers both validation and hope, showing that the autism journey, while complex, can be filled with unexpected moments of connection and joy.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000716317678

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YGDIriwPQ5vPb6nYOuXa8?si=91a418c0b574488c

24/06/2025

Ever wonder why getting disability services feels like you need a PhD in bureaucracy? One dad figured out the system and created roadmaps for all 50 states.

This week, I have honor of sharing Eric Jorgensen's story on Let's Plant Houses. When military dad Eric Jorgensen lost his wife After 5 years of military separation, Eric came home in 2010 only to lose his wife to suddenly in 2012, leaving him to navigate his son's autism journey completely alone. From an 18-month battle for housing placement to dangerous behavioral incidents, Eric's raw honesty about system gaps will make you both angry and inspired.

But here's why this episode is essential: Eric transformed his frustration into action, creating roadmaps for all 50 states to help families navigate Medicaid waivers and benefits.

This is a masterclass in practical advocacy that actually works. Eric's hard-won wisdom about what to say (and what NOT to say) to caseworkers could save your family months heartache. Whether you're a parent, adult sibling, or a professional supporting families, his insights will change how you approach the system.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000714353955
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C7KOySw1Lj3kQ3rO4Bk0S?si=8698ca7d26054602

06/06/2025

Do you have design skills you’d like to use for good?

Check out this incredible opportunity with Mi Work Matters, the nonprofit behind Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop in Livonia, now opening a second location! They create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and offer other impactful programs.

If this sounds like a fit for you, please take a look!

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦!⁣
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We’re looking for a passionate Design & Digital Media Volunteer to support our team with monthly website updates. If you have experience with digital marketing, social media, and website platforms (especially Squarespace), we’d love to hear from you!⁣
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This is a great opportunity to use your skills for good and make a meaningful impact in our community.⁣
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👉 Apply here: miworkmatters.org/volunteer

30/04/2025

Trying to figure out housing for your adult child with a developmental disability? You’re not alone.

Last week on Let’s Plant Houses, I talked with Kathy Remski, one of the founders of SAIL - Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living, a group started by parents, for parents, to help make housing solutions possible.

Here’s what SAIL offers:

SAILing Lessons…In-person sessions every other month that break down key topics like:

• How to build a support network
• What benefits are available
• Types of housing models out there
• How to plan for move-in day

Friendship Connect…A way for families and individuals to meet others who are also looking for roommates or shared housing options—both online and through in-person events.

Housing Guide…A step-by-step resource that helps families think through what’s needed to create a safe, workable housing plan.

Link to latest LPH episodes in bio!

22/04/2025

How can you create a safe, independent future for your child with special needs?

Every parent wants to see their child grow into a happy, independent adult, but for families raising children with special needs, that path can feel uncertain. In this episode, I sit down with Kathy Remski, a mother who has walked this journey and is paving the way for others.

She shares her family’s story, from early interventions and overcoming challenges to finding creative solutions for independent living. We also explore the game-changing role of organization she helped create, SAIL (Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living), which empowers families to build sustainable housing and support systems for their adult children with disabilities.

If you’re looking for real-life insights, practical strategies, and hope for your child’s future, this is for you!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2025/02/28/lphs02e12-kathy-remski-helps-families-anchor-independence-through-sail/

APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000696824162

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/70vnlnHQY7mIHiFJHPf0Qu?si=24e404e9c25d431d

15/04/2025

Interested in improving educational outcomes for all children of all abilities?

In this episode, I talk with Heather Eckner, an education professional whose personal journey with raising two children with disabilities has led her to become a passionate advocate for inclusive education.

Heather shares her family's experiences navigating the challenges of early intervention, finding appropriate educational settings, and advocating for her children's needs within the school system. She discusses her transition from classroom teacher to a leader in the autism advocacy space, highlighting her work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and her recent success in advocating for statewide literacy legislation.

Listen now!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000703734558

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mawjm1gYZcoMbk1VujihE?si=a28117e7b09f456a