Larah Roberts, a dedicated mom, wife, and Christ-centered disability advocate, joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about raising children with autism as thriving followers of Jesus. Larah shares from her own family’s experience and her wisdom as the founder of the organization Raising Autistic Disciples. Don’t miss Larah’s heartfelt encouragement for individuals, churches, and communities to fully include, support, and disciple families navigating life with disability.

On a breezy July day in 1990, Joni Eareckson Tada joined fellow advocates from the National Council on Disability to witness a historic moment: President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA). For Joni, this was more than legislation—it was the culmination of tireless work that could open doors for millions of Americans with disabilities. Listen as Joni reflects on the power of the law compared to the power of the Gospel: while the law can change discriminatory structures, the Gospel is the only thing that can change hearts, bringing about culture change that provides true belonging for people living with disability.

Maggie Bushway is a picture of overcoming hardship and radical trust in God. After surviving childhood brain cancer, and still living with seizures and autoimmune diseases, Maggie uses her pain to tell stories that give hope to others. Maggie joins host Stephanie Daniels on the podcast to talk about her journey and how she has seen God make pearls out of the deep suffering in her life. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation that will help you discover purpose, hope, and deeper faith amid any struggle you may face.

As a typically developing three-year-old, Abigail Brown contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Although her parents were told that she would recover fully, doctors soon discovered that Abigail had sustained brain damage from her illness, which left her with dystonia, meaning she would never talk with her mouth again. Through the physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles that have come through her disability, Abigail has learned to trust God to get “unstuck.” Listen as Abigail (with the help of her communication device) talks with host Stephanie Daniels about how to find joy and peace by trusting God’s plan and purpose, even when life doesn’t seem to make sense.

Joni and Friends staff member Ricardo Diaz joins host Stephanie Daniels to talk about how the ministry empowers and mobilizes our amazing volunteers to bring hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disability worldwide. With contagious enthusiasm, Ricardo shares how investment in training, encouragement, and cultivating a sense of belonging among volunteers translates into life-changing impact, for the volunteers themselves and the people we serve. Don’t miss this energizing conversation—and be sure to explore the many ways you can volunteer with Joni and Friends!

Sarah Fuller returns to the podcast to share how, with three biological children of their own, she and her husband sensed God calling to also serve as foster parents. Sarah tells how her whole family has taken part in loving and sheltering children in foster care, and welcomed a child with disabilities into their family permanently through adoption. Tune in for this inspiring conversation about how God can use a faithful “yes” to weave his grace and redemption into stories of complexity and brokenness.

Sarah Fuller joins Stephanie Daniels to share her story of God’s faithfulness in calling her into missions, special education, and disability ministry. As a mom, Sarah has invited her children into service opportunities—often volunteering with Joni and Friends—which has shaped their hearts and the trajectories of their lives. Sarah shares how God uses everything from childhood dreams to disappointments to deep experiences of grief to guide and direct the steps of those who love and trust him.

Randy Schwartz joins Stephanie Daniels to share about coming to faith as an adult, being a special needs dad and devoted husband, and learning to trust God with all aspects of life. When his younger son was born with spina bifida, Randy and his wife turned to Jesus, relying on his grace day by day. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation that highlights God’s loving care for every detail of our lives.

Have you ever felt like unwelcome disruptions are an off-ramp from God’s purposes in your life? When illness, trouble, and tragedy strike, it can be easily to question what the Lord has in store—and how he will work for good in the midst of hardships that pull you “off track.” Mandy Meehan returns to the podcast to share how God has led her through unexpected chronic illness to a path of healing, which now includes serving others as a certified nutritional expert. Tune in to hear how Mandy has leaned on God as her unshakeable refuge, and how you can find peace and healing amid your own struggles.

Disability often barges in unannounced, unexpected, and unwelcome. One day you are healthy—the next you’re not. Mandy Meehan knows firsthand how it feels to cope with the unexpected onset of disability. Working in ministry and preparing to get married, Mandy enjoyed full health and energy. But then things changed… Mandy fell ill and didn’t get better. Her mysterious condition sent her on a desperate—and ultimately purposeful—journey pursuing wellness and deeper faith. Today, Mandy practices functional nutrition therapy and is deeply passionate about helping women with chronic fatigue find hope and healing through nutritional therapy. She joins host Stephanie Daniels to talk about relying on God while living with chronic illness.

Struggling with mental health can be part of being human in a broken world. Disciples of Christ have never been promised a trouble-free life. As many faithful believers, including Joni Eareckson Tada, can attest, grappling with depression and other mental health challenges, and even crises, is often part of the Christian walk. Our guest today, Joni and Friends staff member Kali Lilienthal, shares her story of how God has worked through medical and mental health professionals, community, Scripture, and prayer to turn her season of difficulty with depression and anxiety into one of deepening faith in Jesus. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation, which will remind you that you and your loved ones are never alone, even as you walk through dark valleys.

Special needs mom and advocate Roberta Dunn returns to the podcast to reflect on God’s faithfulness through hardship. Raised by family members living with mental illness, Roberta grew up amid grief and uncertainty. As she shared in her first podcast episode, the birth of Roberta’s son Todd, who has Down syndrome, brought the challenges of disability into their immediate family. And in 2020, a cancer diagnosis pressed Roberta to rely like never before on the “daily bread” of God’s loving presence. Tune in to hear Roberta’s powerful words of encouragement, testifying to God’s goodness through every kind of suffering.

Roberta Dunn and her husband Steve didn’t think they could handle raising a child with a disability. But when their son Todd was born with Down syndrome, they trusted God to show them the way forward. Roberta joins host Stephanie Daniels on the podcast to share about her journey as an advocate and special needs mom on a powerful kingdom mission. Tune in to hear from Roberta and Todd about how to trust in Jesus through the challenges of life.

Stephanie Daniels, host of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast is kicking off Season 7. Listen in each week to hear from our incredible line up of guests who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to encourage you right where you are. Whether you're interested in learning practical ways your church can welcome and embrace people living with disability, or you are personally facing a new disability or diagnosis, physical or mental health challenge, or serve as a caregiver, we're sharing encouragement and hope through your hardship! Join us for a weekly dose of encouragement beginning Thursday, May 8th. We'll see you soon!

In the season-six finale, Crystal Keating joins the show for one last time. Host Stephanie Daniels welcomes Crystal, the original voice of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, this time on the other side of the mic. For six seasons, Crystal has offered biblical wisdom, comfort, and exhortation for individuals and churches to more effectively welcome people living with disabilities. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation where Crystal shares highlights from the past six seasons, responds to listener questions, and points with hope toward a future where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.

Joni Eareckson Tada and her husband Ken join the podcast, along Shauna Amick, for a Christmas special that will help you get into the spirit of the season. With Christmas carols sung by Joni, hand-picked Scriptures, heartfelt prayers, and ways to share the true meaning of Christmas with loved ones, this special will invite you to set your heart on the miracle of Christ’s coming—and his death on the cross—that makes way for everyone to find lasting joy. Don’t miss this festive episode that will prime your heart to find gratitude and satisfaction in Jesus, no matter your circumstance, during Christmas and all year round.

On Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series, Joni shares her hard-won insights on hope, which she calls “the best of things.” If you struggle to find hope today, Joni understands. In the early days after breaking her neck and becoming a quadriplegic, Joni struggled and lost hope. But through Christian friends who reached out to her, Joni discovered that Jesus, our Living Hope, never fails. Listen as Joni shares about the hope available to you in Jesus, who died on the cross to conquer death and despair for all who trust in him.

Author, counselor, and mother Carole Reitsma will never forget the evening the police officer knocked on the door, telling her to come quickly and say goodbye to her son. Carole, who survived a childhood of horrific abuse, had always prayed diligently for her child, Scotty, crying out to God for his protection. But that night, with the knock on the door, everything changed... and still Carole, her husband Scott, and Scotty—who miraculously survived—have turned to God in trust. Carole joins Crystal Keating on the podcast to share her powerful story, which God has used to shape her into a compassionate and effective therapist, leading others toward healing and intimacy with God.

How do you live your best life? And what really is “the good life”? These are questions you have to answer, not just once, but every single day. It’s how you decide what’s worth your time and effort—what you will pursue, and what and whom you will love. So what makes up “the good life”? Is it health, success, good relationships, or popularity? If so, why doesn’t the promotion at work or achieving a health goal satisfy your longing—at least not in a way that lasts? Best-selling author Randy Alcorn joins the podcast to share the powerful and counter-intuitive truth that, no matter your circumstances, you can discover “the good life.” In conversation with Crystal Keating, Randy explores how cultivating gratitude and giving generously to others unlocks Christ-filled gladness.

Stephanie Daniels welcomes her good friend and colleague Mary Grace Burkey back to the podcast for a heartfelt conversation about two significant topics: marriage and disability. Mary Grace shares her story of meeting her husband Chad at a Joni and Friends Warrior Getaway, which supports Veterans and their families. Chad sustained a traumatic brain injury while serving overseas, which left him with a disability. When they decided to get married, Mary Grace became not only Chad’s wife, but also his caregiver. In this episode, Mary Grace shares about her marriage, caregiving, practical ways the church can support couples navigating disability, and how disability has challenged her and Chad to depend on Jesus in their weakness as they grow closer to one other.