Hope Talks Podcast
Episode 1: Advocacy
Advocacy can feel overwhelming—especially when progress is slow. In this episode, Julie Cadman and advocacy expert Angela Tyszka share practical strategies to help parents approach IEP meetings with clarity and confidence.
Gain tools to prepare, stay grounded, and support your child’s voice while creating meaningful change for your family.
Episode 2: Marriage, Connection and Compassion
Raising a child with complex needs can put added pressure on any relationship. In this episode, Julie Cadman and Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Blundo discuss how couples can stay connected, communicate effectively, and navigate emotional challenges together.
Discover practical strategies to strengthen your partnership while supporting your child—and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Episode 3: Navigating SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a vital support for families—but it’s often confusing to navigate. In this episode, Julie Cadman and SSI expert Nicole Grabowski break down what SSI is, who qualifies, and how to apply and maintain benefits.
Explore key insights to help you avoid common mistakes, protect your child’s benefits, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Episode 4: Education is Prevention
Helping children with complex needs navigate relationships and stay safe can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Julie Cadman and Susan Rogers share practical strategies to teach boundaries, build confidence, and support safe decision-making.
Learn how small, intentional lessons can empower your child to navigate real-life situations with greater independence and security.
Episode 5: Supporting Decision-Making & Guardianship
Turning 18 is a major milestone for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), bringing important legal and life transitions. In this episode, Julie Cadman talks with Christie Kay and Dawn Calnen from The Arc of Oakland County about guardianship, supported decision-making, and helping your child build independence and self-advocacy.
They share practical tips for navigating Medicaid, accessing medical records, and preparing your child for adulthood with confidence.
Episode 6: Life Skills
In this episode of HOPE Talks, Julie Cadman is joined by co-founder Dana Cadman to explore the importance of teaching life skills to children with and without disabilities. Dana introduces the EAT framework — Esteem, Autonomy, and Time — and shares practical strategies for building confidence, independence, communication, hygiene, safety, and everyday skills.
You'll learn how to break tasks into manageable steps, set age-appropriate goals, and keep going when progress feels slow.
Episode 7: College Success Part 1
Preparing for college can be overwhelming for neurodivergent students and their families. In this HOPE Talks episode, Ruth Ann Packala and Shane Schwabo share their personal experiences with college accommodations, self-advocacy, and navigating the transition to higher education. Get practical tips and encouragement to help your student feel more prepared and confident for college.
Episode 8: College Success Part 2
The transition to college doesn't end with acceptance, it's just the beginning. In this HOPE Talks episode, Ruth Ann Packala and Shane Schwabo return to share the routines, tools, and accommodations that help them thrive in college, and the moment they learned to advocate for themselves. Julie also explains the important shift from high school IEP and 504 supports to college accommodations, with practical tips and encouragement for your student's next step.
