“A Place of YES” is a podcast about using your grief to create something good. The non-profit Jake’s Help From Heaven releases weekly episodes showcasing the go...
What No One Tells You About Special Needs Parenting
Behind every rare disease diagnosis lies a story of heartbreak, resilience, and unshakable love. Heather sits down with Effie Parks, award-winning host of Once Upon a Gene and mother to Ford, who lives with CTNNB1 syndrome.
Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.
Find Effie Parks:
🌟 https://effieparks.com
Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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44:56
My Son Outlived His Life Expectancy: Microlissencephaly & Our Fear of Losing Miles
What happens when a 2-5-year life expectancy stretches into a decade of miracles, fear, and unconditional love?
In this profoundly emotional episode of A Place of Yes, Heather talks with David Robinson, father to 10-year-old Miles, who has Microlissencephaly. Against all odds, Miles continues to rewrite the narrative of his condition, bringing joy and gratitude to his family while challenging them to face the ever-present grief and fear of the unknown.
David opens up about what it means to live in the tension of hope and heartbreak, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, love, and celebrating every moment. This is a story you won’t forget.
Follow Miles's Journey:
Smiles for Miles: https://www.facebook.com/share/1At1Ea4QWL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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49:51
Glioblastoma: Losing a Parent to One of the Deadliest Cancers
Kate Snedeker was still in college when she faced the unimaginable: losing her father to glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers.
In this episode, she opens up about navigating profound grief, the life-changing moments that shaped her, and how she turned her pain into purpose by founding Gray for Glioblastoma. This isn’t just a story of loss—it’s a story of finding hope, even in the darkest times.
Find Kate Snedeker:
🌟 Gray for Glioblastoma: https://grayforglioblastoma.com
🌟 https://www.instagram.com/grayforglioblastoma/?hl=en
🌟 Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katesnedekerr/?hl=en
Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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41:36
Her Mother’s Death Was a Family Secret — Until She Broke the Silence
Susan Lieu’s story is anything but ordinary. She’s the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, a truth-seeker, and the author of The Manicurist’s Daughter, a memoir about family, loss, and the impossible beauty standards.
In this episode, Susan opens up about losing her mother to a botched surgery at age 11, uncovering the secrets no one wanted to talk about, and how she found strength in the messiness of grief and resilience. It’s raw, authentic, and a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Find Susan Lieu:
🌟 Get the book: https://www.susanlieu.me/the-manicurists-daughter
🌟 Watch the one-woman show: https://susanlieu.vhx.tv/products/140-lbs-how-beauty-killed-my-mother
Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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48:17
Dating as a Special Needs Mom: Divorce and Self-Discovery in My 40s
In part two of my conversation with Hillary Savoie, we dive into her incredible journey of self-discovery following divorce.
Hillary opens up about dating for the first time in her 40s, navigating relationships as the mother of a child with complex medical needs, and finding empowerment through sexual liberation.
It’s a candid, inspiring look at embracing new chapters, rediscovering your identity, and living authentically—no matter your age or circumstances. This is a conversation about growth, resilience, and the beauty of starting over.
Keep up with Hillary & Esme 🤍
Website: https://www.thecutesyndrome.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hillarysavoie/?hl=en
Substack: https://hillarysavoie.com
Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“A Place of YES” is a podcast about using your grief to create something good. The non-profit Jake’s Help From Heaven releases weekly episodes showcasing the good that has been done in the 14 years since Jake’s death. You’ll meet mothers who know Heather’s grief and her joy. You’ll get to know the children that have been helped by Jake and you’ll meet the people who have helped make all of this joy possible.
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