Behind the Capes Podcast

The holidays don’t look the same when you’re a medical mom — and that’s okay. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to prepare for Christmas and the holidays while juggling the needs of our kids, the safe foods they can eat, shifting expectations, and the emotional weight that comes with caring for a medically complex child.

We share how traditions are adjusted, expectations are lowered (sometimes lovingly, sometimes painfully), and how flexibility becomes the most important holiday skill. From planning around health needs and energy limits to finding meaningful moments that don’t re...

The holidays are approaching, and before the rush fully takes over, we’re pressing pause to check in—honestly and openly—on how we’re really doing. In this episode, we talk about the big transitions and heavy moments happening behind the scenes: starting special preschool, preparing for upcoming holidays while juggling medical needs, navigating the emotions around a child’s surgery, and the intense process of training a service dog.

We also step into one of the hardest conversations medical moms face—planning for our children’s futures and what happens when we’re no longer here, and the de...

In this episode, we’re going purple and going deep. Epilepsy Awareness Month isn’t just about statistics or social posts—it’s about the families who live in the unpredictable rhythm of seizures, the parents who become experts overnight, and the kids who fight battles most people never see.

From emergency plans taped to the fridge to navigating medications, side effects, sleepless nights, and the emotional roller coaster in between, we’re sharing what epilepsy truly looks like in the life of a medical family. We talk about the fear, the strength, the routine that’s anything but...

In this episode, we’re shining a big light on our tiniest warriors. Prematurity Awareness Month is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of the NICU nights, the monitors beeping like a techno concert no one asked for, the first breaths, the fierce hope, and the incredible strength packed into babies who arrived long before anyone expected.

We’ll talk about what prematurity really looks like for families, how it impacts parents emotionally and physically, and the unexpected ways it reshapes life long after leaving the NICU. From celebrating inch-stones or milestones that oth...

It’s Halloween — which means it’s time for costumes, candy… and pivoting like pros. 🎃 In this episode, we laugh our way through all the ways our “perfect plans” turned into last-minute reroutes. The itchy costume that didn’t make it out of the house? The meltdown halfway to trick-or-treating? The spontaneous candy swap in the living room? Been there, done that, ate the chocolate. We’re talking about how special needs moms become masters of the Halloween pivot — finding magic in the mayhem and joy in the detours.

As medical moms, it can feel like every month brings another awareness ribbon — and honestly, many of them hit close to home. In this episode, we talk about the meaning behind all those awareness months and special days, the causes that matter most to our families, and how we choose to celebrate, educate, and sometimes just survive them. From social media campaigns to hospital hallway celebrations, we’ll share ideas for honoring these moments in ways that feel real, not performative — and maybe even a little fun. And, true to form, we take a few side conversations along the way, b...

In this episode, we dive into the world of the other kids — the siblings of medically complex children. These are the ones who’ve grown up in hospital waiting rooms, learned compassion beyond their years, and sometimes had to share their parents with doctors, nurses, and care teams. We talk about the big feelings they carry, the quiet strength they build, and the unique challenges they face along the way. From jealousy and guilt to empathy and pride, we unpack it all with real stories, expert insight, and a little humor (because medical families always find a way to laug...

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this episode is your warm and informative Down Syndrome 101 from a mothers perspective — a compassionate introduction for anyone looking to better understand what Down syndrome is, what it isn’t, and how we can support individuals and families in this community. 

In this episode, we’re talking about the art of celebrating—medical mom style. From the tiny victories (like when your kid finally decides they will try that new food) to the huge milestones (surgeries, school days, or long-awaited milestones), we believe every win deserves a little joy… and maybe a slice of cake. We’ll share the creative, funny, and heartfelt ways we mark the moments that matter, even in the middle of the chaos. Because when life gives you medical challenges, you grab the sprinkles (maybe some glitter) and celebrate with love laughter and a bit of humor! <

In this episode, we pause the hustle of appointments, paperwork, and advocacy to check in on ourselves. From juggling the chaos of back-to-school season to surviving the first wave of school colds (because of course the germs come home as fast as the homework), we’re taking our own vitals. We’ll talk about how we’re really doing, the emotional ups and downs of this season, and maybe laugh a little about the irony of sending kids to school only to have them bring back every virus in a 10-mile radius. Think of this as your permission slip to tak...

In this episode, we open up about the things we wish we could go back and whisper to ourselves in those early days of medical motherhood—the moments filled with fear, overwhelm, and so many unknowns. From learning medical jargon on the fly to discovering strength we didn’t know we had, we share the lessons, surprises, and truths that only come with time. Whether you’re just starting this journey or years down the road, this conversation is about reminding ourselves (and each other) that we were never as alone as we felt.

Ever wish someone handed you a cheat sheet before your first hospital stay? In this episode, we’re spilling the do’s and don’ts of hospital bag packing—straight from medical moms who’ve been there, done that, and learned what actually makes a difference. We’ll share the things we wish we’d known from the start: the comfort items that turn a sterile room into something livable, the practical must-haves that save your sanity, and the random stuff you’ll never use (looking at you, travel-sized lotion collection). From quick overnight visits to those marathon long stays, we’ll tal...

They say laughter is the best medicine—and as medical moms, sometimes it’s the only prescription we’ve got. In this episode, we dive into the healing (and sometimes slightly inappropriate) power of humor in the hardest seasons. From laugh-so-hard-your-butt-hurts stories to the times we’ve cracked up at the “wrong” moments, we’ll talk about how dark humor helps us survive what most people can’t imagine. Along the way, we’ll explore the history of laughter as medicine, what science says about its physical and mental health benefits, and why finding the funny isn’t just survival—it’s a life...

In this episode, we dive into the world of sensory-friendly spaces—those magical little pockets of calm tucked inside the chaos of public places. From quiet museum hours to designated sensory rooms, we talk about why they matter, how they help, and what it feels like to finally breathe in a space that isn’t buzzing, flashing, and blaring at full volume.

These spaces aren’t just about calm, though—they’re about belonging. They’re safe, judgment-free zones where families can show up as they are, without side-eyes or whispered comments. Plus, many sensory programs are designed to...

Medical motherhood is not for the faint of heart—it’s full of hospital runs, appointment marathons, and emotional rollercoasters most people can’t see. In this episode, we get vulnerable, real, and yes… a little emotional as we open up about what true support looks like for medical moms—beyond the “let me know if you need anything” line. We share the words that comfort instead of hurt, the actions that actually lighten the load, and the small, thoughtful gestures that make a big difference. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or fellow medical parent, you’ll walk away with pra...

Feeding tubes can feel like a whole new world — complete with medical jargon, equipment, and a steep learning curve. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down with Feeding Tubes 101: tackling myths vs. facts, explaining the common vocabulary (like G-tube, bolus, venting, and extension sets), and sharing our own real-life experiences as medical moms navigating tube feeding. We also talk about the emotional side of tube feeding — from grief and guilt to relief and growth — and highlight some of the products and tools that have actually made life easier (hello, tubie pads and insulated feeding pump backpacks). Whether you're j...

Medical motherhood comes with a lot — appointments, advocacy, emotional landmines, and let’s be honest… a whole lot of burnout. In this episode, we’re talking about the real ways we cope: beach walks, mountain hikes, feeling cold air hit you like it's therapy, advocating like it’s our full-time job, and occasionally shoving our feelings so deep they need a search party. We open up about the beauty and mess of survival — from nature escapes and strong drinks to laughing through the chaos and hitting that burnout wall (hard). If you’ve ever felt like you're holding it together with...

In this powerful episode, Kayla opens up about her emotional journey to motherhood—a path marked by infertility, faith, and resilience. After struggling to conceive, Kayla finally became pregnant, only to face a life-changing diagnosis: her baby had Down syndrome. What followed was a whirlwind of challenges, including a NICU stay, open-heart surgery, and navigating life with feeding tubes and medical complexities. Kayla shares the raw, real moments of becoming not just a mom, but a medical mom—one fueled by fierce love, unwavering hope, and a strength she never knew she had.

In this powerful episode, Kari opens up about the moment her motherhood journey took an unexpected turn — the day she became a medical mom. With raw honesty, she shares how it felt to receive a life-changing diagnosis, the fears and strength that followed, and the way her world shifted in an instant.

This isn’t just a story about medical challenges — it’s a story about resilience, identity, and the fierce love that drives a mother to keep going, even when the road ahead is uncertain. Whether you're a medical parent yourself or simply want to understand the hear...

In this very special episode of Behind the Capes, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing our own origin story. We talk about how we met, how we each came to realize we were walking a different, deeply personal path — one that wasn’t always easy, but undeniably ours.

This episode is about more than just friendship; it's about finding connection in the unexpected, embracing the unique journey of motherhood, and discovering the power in telling our stories.

Join us as we open up about the “why” behind this podcast — and why we’re so passionate...

Welcome to Behind The Capes, the show where we dive deep into what it is really like to be a parent to medically complex kids, we will bring you real conversations, insights, and stories that matter.  Whether you’re walking this road yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious what this world is really like — you’re in the right place.  Make sure to hit follow and join us on the journey!