Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support

When Camryn’s fearless 4-year-old suddenly became anxious, her gut said something deeper was wrong. Multiple “all clear” evaluations followed—until a post-virus crash at age 6 that led to a diagnosis…

In this reposted episode, Courtney shares her journey of receiving her daughter Annie’s Trisomy 21 diagnosis, navigating the NICU, and walking through open-heart surgery complicated by pulmonary hype…

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, epilepsy in children, and autism parenting—in this powerful episode, women’s health coach and mom of four, Erin Trier, shares her family’s eight-year journey to finally re…

Victoria Garcia—lovingly known as “Nurse Vic”—shares her powerful journey as a nurse and mom of two, including her daughter Julia, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia during pregnancy. In this hear…

In this moving and hope-filled episode, mother-daughter duo Quinn Wyatt and Kirby Larson share the deeply personal story behind their middle grade novel, Gut Reaction. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease …

“What started as a terrifying diagnosis became a mission to help other families feel seen, supported, and brave.” – Kate, founder of Brave Bears Club

In this reposted and newly updated episode, we r…

 “The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play.” – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig

Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepren…

“I was pumping in the NICU, feeling completely disconnected—and my husband looked at me and said, ‘Can you invite her in?’ That moment changed everything. A nurse handed me a swab, I gave my baby col…

In the wake of recent flooding in Central Texas, Katie Taylor—child life specialist and mom—pauses the regularly scheduled episode to speak directly to parents navigating uncertainty and grief. Wheth…

When Laura's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, her world stopped. What followed was a powerful journey through fear, resilience, and fierce advocacy. In this episode, Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree—a li…

This episode is dedicated to Katie’s dear friend Joe, who recently passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Joe’s story reminds us to live in alignment with our purpose and to cherish…

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our episode sponsor, reStickity®. Their innovative, mess-free reusable sticker sets allow families to personalize hospital spaces with familiar photos and co…

What happens when your world changes with a single phone call? In this powerful reposted episode, NICU dad and advocate Alex Zavala shares his emotional journey of fatherhood after his daughter was b…

Learning to swallow pills can be a major milestone—and a big challenge—for many kids. In this episode, certified child life specialist Adina Levitan joins host Katie Taylor to break down the myths, f…

“You make the best decision for yourself and your family—and you stick with it.”- Kim Pena

What happens when you’re handed unexpected news at your child’s birth—and there’s no clear roadmap ahead? …

What if blending real food could transform your child’s tube feeding experience—and your entire family’s daily routine? In this inspiring episode, registered dietitian and new mom Hilarie shares how …

📢 This is a special repost of one of our most heartfelt and insightful episodes. Whether this is your first time hearing Jessica’s story or a revisit, her perspective as a mom of a child with Prader-…

What would you do if both of your children were diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disease—and there was no support system in place for parents like you?

In this inspiring episode, Katie inter…

📢 This is a special repost of one of our most impactful and heartfelt episodes. Whether you’re hearing Ashley O’Neill’s story for the first time or revisiting it, her journey continues to resonate de…

What if every milestone your child was supposed to reach came with countless curve balls? For Alexis Kaplan, motherhood quickly turned into a journey of advocacy, strength, and unwavering love as she…