In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Jenna Erlandson,, a mother of six, about her journey through infertility, postpartum depression, and receiving an autism diagnosis for her son. Jenna shares how seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and loss of control shaped her faith and taught her to trust God’s faithfulness.

This honest conversation explores special needs parenting, listening to maternal instincts, navigating mental health challenges, and finding hope and joy in unexpected places. If you are a Christian parent walking through autism, infertility, or a long season of waiting, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and hope.

Eps. 36; January 20, 2026

Resources:
Jenna’s Website

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• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

What happens when special needs parenting moves beyond exhaustion and into survival?

In this deeply honest and faith-filled conversation, Carrie M. Holt sits down with Celeste Shally, author of While We Wait: Clinging to Christ in the Trenches of Special Needs Parenting, to talk about the rarely discussed reality of long-term violence in special needs parenting—and the relentless suffering that comes with it.

Celeste shares her journey as a mother to an adult son with autism whose escalating violent behaviors dominated their family life for over a decade. From living in constant fear, isolation, and hypervigilance, to questioning God’s goodness in the midst of daily trauma, Celeste opens up about what it truly means to reach the end of yourself—and cling to Christ because there is nowhere else to turn.

January 13, 2026; Eps. 35

Resources:
Celeste Shally’s Website
While We Wait: Clinging To Christ in The Trenches of Special Needs Parenting
Celeste on FB

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

When Jeanetta Bryant’s daughter was diagnosed with autism, her world changed overnight. What began as heartbreak soon became a journey of faith, perseverance, and unexpected purpose. In this episode, Jeanetta shares how God met her in the middle of the unknown—guiding her through grief, growth, and the birth of her nonprofit, Abilities Workshop. Through her story, you’ll hear powerful reminders that God is present in every diagnosis, every setback, and every small step forward.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in your own unexpected journey, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting the One who brings healing and hope even in the hardest places.

January 6, 2026; Eps. 34
Resources:
Jeanetta Bryan Website
FB & IG

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.