Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
About Andy and Tangy
Andy and Tangy Winstead are from Wilson, North Carolina. They have been married 25 years and have four children. Their 23-year-old twin sons, Zachary and Caleb introduced them to the special-needs world when they were born prematurely at 32 weeks. Both of the boys/young men have cerebral palsy, among other complex needs.
Favorite Quote
“Don’t be afraid and pray and ask God to direct you, because you’re your child’s advocate; and you’ll never stop learning.” - Tangy Winstead
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Facebook: A Place For You/Parents Night Out/Shiloh PHC
*Today's podcast episode was sponsored by the Shipsey family as they wish a 'happy birthday' to Jon Alex Davidson! Happy Birthday JA!*

Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Eric & Christen Freund: Hope on the Hard Road
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
About the Freunds
Eric and Christen Freund are co-founders of Hope on the Hard Road Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to connecting, encouraging, and bringing hope to families on the special needs journey through a variety of tangible resources and faith-based encouragement. College sweethearts, Eric and Christen have been married for 25 years and live in Southern California with their son Caleb and their daughter Abbey, who is diagnosed with Autism.
Favorite Quote
“Knowing that God loves us and knowing that He’ll be there for us is everything. It’s not about him changing the circumstances that we want him to; it’s about knowing that He’ll be with us in it as we’re going through it.” -Christen Freund
Related Links
www.hopeonthehardroad.org
Hope on the Hard Road: Instagram
Hope on the Hard Road: Facebook
Hope on the Hard Road Facebook Group
Find out more about Base Camp by clicking here or emailing Steve Chatman at schatman@risingaboveministries.org!
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Jonathan and Sarah McGuire: Hope Anew
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
About the McGuires
As loving parents, Jonathan and Sarah saw firsthand the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. They decided to take action and co-founded Hope Anew, a non-profit organization in 2016. Hope Anew provides spiritual and emotional support for parents of children with special needs by offering a Christ-centered approach to healing and hope.
Related Links
Hope Anew Disability Podcast
Find out more about Base Camp by clicking here or emailing Steve Chatman at schatman@risingaboveministries.org!
Download the Rising Above app!

Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Dianna Swenson: Passion for Inclusion
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
About Dianna
Dianna Swenson, who is a daughter of God first, wife, mother of two, and owner of Vocal Inclusion, received her bachelor degree in music education with vocal performance. From her home business, she teaches approximately 40 students of all abilities, that range from ages 6 to 40. The passion she has for inclusion of those with differing abilities began with her oldest child, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal and communicates with his family through music. Her neuro-typical daughter also performs in the arts. Through these merging relationships, she has discovered how music reaches all abilities and provides a catalyst for confidence.
Related Links
Free Monthly Resources for September
For more information about Base Camp for special-needs dads, visit our website here.

Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Joe & Cindi Ferrini: What Happens When the Caregiver Gets Sick
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Joe and Cindi Ferrini join Becky to discuss how to handle situations when the caregivers get sick. In this episode, Joe and Cindi share from their personal experiences recently and how they have been challenged to both give and receive help when needed.

Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Kristi & Cassaundra: Challenging Behaviors
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Kristi and Cassaundra join us to discuss challenging behaviors and some lessons they have learned in handling them in their own home.
Related Links
Base Camp in TN on October 13-15
Find out more about Kristi: Episode 150
Find out more about Cassaundra: Season 3, Episode 14
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.

Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Jayne & Melanie: How Do We Navigate When Our ”Normal” Changes Yet Again?
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Jayne and Melanie join Becky to discuss how change affects the special-needs family, and how to navigate a life when your 'normal' changes often.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind called 'Accept What Is' - Find it on the app!
Find out more about Melanie:
Melanie's Previous Episodes
Instagram: @redefinespecial
Jayne's Previous Episode

Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Kim & Jerri Cross: Getting Help After Trauma (part two)
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Join us for the podcast as Becky and Kim have a conversation with their counselor, Jerri. In this episode, they will discuss counseling and how this can help following any kind of trauma.
About Jerri
Jerri Cross, Ed.S., LPC/MHSP, CPSII, NBCC has been working in social services and counseling providing quality services in the Upper Cumberland area for the past 20+ years. Jerri grew up and attended school in middle Tennessee. She is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor with NBCC, member of the TN Licensed Professional Counselors Association, American Association of Christian Counselors, & a Certified Prevention Specialist II. Jerri enjoys spending time with her family & friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys a sunny afternoon reading.

Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Becky & Kim: Asking for Help After Trauma (part one)
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Today on the podcast, Kim and Becky discuss their experience with counseling--and how it helped them navigate some past traumas in their lives. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
In this episode, Brittnie and Katie discuss ways that they have learned to connect with others and have a social life, even amidst the demands that come with raising an individual with disabilities.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind: Find it on the app!
Katie Whitmire previous episode
Brittnie Blackburn previous episode