A Little Extra Love

In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Kyle Vermeulen sits down with Joe Butler—husband of 29 years, father of three, dad to Micah, and co-founder of Ability Tree—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about fatherhood under pressure and the faith it takes to keep showing up when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Joe takes us back to the moment disability entered their story: a seizure on a Wednesday night at church, a hospital ride filled with fear, and a diagnosis that brought more uncertainty than answers. From there, he shares what the early years really...

What if the biggest barrier to disability inclusion isn’t budget, space, or staffing… but posture?

In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael sits down with Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries, for a thoughtful and deeply pastoral conversation about what it actually costs to move from welcoming to belonging. Rebecca shares how her disability journey began with a first-grade friendship, why inclusion so often fades after childhood, and the “withness” Jesus models—slow, present, returning again and again.

We talk about the pain families carry, the quiet reasons churches keep missing adults wit...

What happens when suffering becomes the doorway to calling?

In this powerful in-person episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with disability ministry coordinator and advocate Abby Howard, whose life changed overnight after a rare spinal cord stroke left her paralyzed from the chest down.

What followed wasn’t just physical recovery — it was a radical redefinition of mission, obedience, and the Church’s responsibility to the disability community.

Abby shares how God used her story to reveal one of the most overlooked realities in modern Christianity: the disability community is one...

What happens when your child can’t sleep and neither can you?

Kyle Vermeulen sits down with Jon and Amara Smith, parents of a son with Angelman syndrome and founders of Safe Place Bedding, to talk about the holy trenches of caregiving: chronic sleep deprivation, marriage strain, and the moment God turned an exhausted idea into a life-changing mission.

This conversation isn’t just about a product—it’s about obedience born out of desperation, dreams reimagined, and the way God meets families who are running on empty. If you’re a parent who hasn’t slept thro...

What if disability isn’t a detour from God’s plan but an invitation deeper into His heart?

In this episode of A Little Extra Love host, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Sarah Lowry, CEO of Love That Surpasses, for a deeply honest conversation about grief, redemption, and the transformative theology born through disability parenting.

Sarah shares her family’s journey raising two children with disabilities, autism and Down syndrome, and how God gently reframed her understanding of motherhood, worth, and calling. Together, they explore the powerful framework behind The Leah Inheritance, a redemptive way of und...

What happens when you can’t unsee the gap and God keeps inviting you deeper? In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Krystian Caywood, founder and Executive Director of Unstoppable God Ministries, for a conversation about disability discipleship, holy discomfort, and the kind of “yes” that costs something.

Krystian shares the moment her advocacy ignited, why access is only the starting line, and how the Church can move toward belonging and real spiritual formation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). You’ll hear the unforgettable “whole potato” story, what it means to...

In this heartfelt episode of A Little Extra Love, host Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Julie Hornok, co-founder of Labeled and Loved, wife of 28 years, and mom of three—including her daughter Lizzie, who was diagnosed with autism at age two.

Julie opens up about her family’s journey through grief, surrender, and surprising joy as God met her in the places she couldn’t control. From the moment she first stepped into a church’s special needs ministry, to navigating the fears and questions of Lizzie’s baptism, Julie’s story shines with vulnerability, redemption, and hope.

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Episode Summary:

In this profoundly honest and tender episode, Rachael sits down with Sunita Theiss, an autistic and ADHD writer, advocate, and mother of two neurodivergent children, to explore what it means to be seen by God even when life feels misaligned, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.

Sunita shares how her children’s diagnoses led her to her own, and how, in the midst of that unraveling, she encountered the unshakable presence of God. From her Hindu upbringing to the grief of losing her father, from substance use to late diagnosis, Sunita’s journey testifies to the fait...

In this heartfelt conversation, Renee Sellers shares her journey as a mother of two autistic daughters, exploring the intersection of faith and disability. She discusses the initial struggles with the diagnosis, the shift from despair to joy, and the importance of celebrating her daughters' uniqueness. The conversation emphasizes the need for church communities to be inclusive and supportive, recognizing the beauty in every individual's story. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Renee highlights God's presence in their journey, encouraging other parents to trust in His love and timing.

Follow Renee Sellers on Instagram

Inclusive Pathways equips...

In the first episode of the In His Image - Disability Pride Month Mini Series from the A Little Extra Love podcast, Rachael Vermeulen discusses the intersection of disability and faith, particularly in the context of Disability Pride Month. She explores the theological implications of disability, emphasizing that every person, regardless of ability, reflects the image of God. The conversation challenges traditional views of disability as a flaw and instead presents it as a vital part of God's design, deserving of honor and celebration. Rachael calls for a shift in church culture towards true inclusion and belonging for individuals...

In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen is joined by Amber Mustain, a wife and mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with disabilities. Amber is the host of the Wait & See Podcast, and a creative florist located in Colorado. Amber shares the profound story of her son Colton, who was diagnosed with congenital CMV, and how her faith has been the anchor through the storm of challenges. Together, they explore the importance of surrendering control, building a supportive community, and finding joy even in the midst of hardship. Amber’s story is a reminder th...

Have you ever felt unprepared for what God was calling you to?

In today’s episode of A Little Extra Love, we’re sitting down with Sarah Lane—wife, mom, nurse, writer, and adoptive parent to Benny, her joyful and determined little boy with Down syndrome. Sarah’s story is one of obedience, trust, and stepping into the unknown with faith.

She shares:

Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Rachael Vermeulen and Laura Powell discuss the profound journey of faith, resilience, and community support through the challenges of infertility and a dwarfism diagnosis for her daughter. Laura shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of trusting God during uncertain times and finding beauty in the struggles. The discussion highlights the significance of community, the impact of social media, and the transformative power of faith in navigating life's challenges. You can find Laura on instagram at @laupow_!

Takeaways

In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss their journey of stepping back from their podcast in 2024 to focus on building a community for families affected by disabilities. They emphasize the importance of belonging, connection, and support within the church and the broader community. The couple shares their experiences of creating safe spaces for families, launching new programs for 2025, and the mission of Inclusive Pathways to equip churches to foster true belonging for all families.

Takeaways

Summary

In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss the importance of maintaining a strong marriage during the challenges of disability parenting. They emphasize the role of faith in navigating crisis and the need for open communication and teamwork. The couple shares their own experiences and offers practical tips for building a strong foundation in marriage, including the use of love maps, turning towards each other, and making repair attempts during conflicts. They highlight the importance of seeking therapy and finding a supportive community. Overall, the episode encourages disability parents to prioritize their marriage and find strength in...

In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss the role of faith in navigating the challenges of disability parenting. They share personal stories of finding strength in faith during difficult times and how their faith has evolved over the years. They emphasize the importance of surrendering worries to God and finding comfort in His promises. The couple also highlights the guidance and direction they have received through prayer and the peace that comes from trusting in God's plan. They encourage listeners to lean on their faith and know that they are not alone in their journey.

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In this episode, Rachel and Kyle introduce themselves and share their personal experiences as disability parents. They discuss the importance of bringing God into the conversation and finding beauty in the broken places of life. They also highlight the need for community and support in the disability community. The inspiration behind their podcast, A Little Extra Love, is to provide spiritual nourishment and soul support to disability parents. Rachel focuses on serving moms, helping them find strength and joy in their journey, while Kyle aims to support dads and raise awareness about mental health in the disability community. In...

Step into a world of faith-driven resilience and unwavering love in disability parenting with "A Little Extra Love," the podcast dedicated to empowering special needs families through the transformative power of community and faith. Join hosts Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen as they share their personal journey of parenthood, advocacy, and finding beauty in the broken moments of life.

In each episode, Rachael and Kyle invite you to explore the intersection of faith, hope, and disability parenting, offering heartfelt conversations, relatable stories, and biblical truths to inspire and uplift. From navigating the challenges of special needs parenting to...