A Little Extra Love

About A Little Extra Love

A Podcast empowering disability parents and caregivers through faith-driven community rooted in hope, healing, and extra love.

Publisher

Rachael Vermeulen & Kyle Vermeulen

Category

kids & family · kids & family · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Mar 2024

Latest episode

9 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

5 of 17 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   9 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   A Dad’s Roadmap After Diagnosis: Presence, Provision, and a New Story (with Joe Butler) | Episode 16

   In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Kyle Vermeulen sits down with Joe Butler—husband of 29 years, father of three, dad to Micah, and co-founder of Ability Tree—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about fatherhood under pressure and the faith it takes to keep showing up when life doesn’t go according to plan. Joe takes us back to the moment disability entered their story: a seizure on a Wednesday night at church, a hospital ride filled with fear, and a diagnosis that brought more uncertainty than answers. From there, he shares what the early years really looked like—therapy schedules, exhaustion, navigating marriage and sibling needs, and the isolation that so many disability families quietly carry. But woven through every part of Joe’s story is a steady thread of God’s faithfulness: the way the Lord met him in the questions, reshaped his understanding of suffering, and used Micah’s life to open doors for deeper ministry, deeper community, and deeper surrender. This episode is for dads, parents, and church leaders who want something real—something grounded in Scripture, lived experience, and a practical vision of what it looks like to do ministry with families impacted by disability. What You’ll Hear in This Conversation Joe’s origin story: when disability first changed everything for their family The “first decade blur”: therapies, school battles, exhaustion, and learning how to keep going The difference between trying to “fix” the situation and learning how to embrace the child God has given How Ability Tree was born out of a gap—and why families are treated like family, not clients What dads need most after diagnosis (and what Joe wishes every father could hear) Why the Church doesn’t need to start “something flashy” to be faithful—just a changed posture and willingness to learn How disability reshapes the way we understand suffering, community, and the glory of God A powerful closing prayer over dads, marriages, families, and church leaders Scriptures Referenced Psalm 127:3 — Children are a gift from the Lord Psalm 139 — Fearfully and wonderfully made; God sees what we can’t Matthew 11:28 — Come to Me and I will give you rest 1 Corinthians 12 — Every member is indispensable; gifts for the common good John 15 — Abide in the Vine; stay connected to the life source Resources Learn more about Ability Tree - https://www.abilitytree.org/ (https://www.abilitytree.org/) Life with Micah (Joe & Jen’s book) - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Micah-Joe-Butler/dp/B0C5G4CCZN (https://www.amazon.com/Life-Micah-Joe-Butler/dp/B0C5G4CCZN) Follow Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_n_butler/ (https://www.instagram.com/joe_n_butler/) Follow Ability Tree on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abilitytree/ (https://www.instagram.com/abilitytree/) Follow Ability Tree on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abilitytree (https://www.facebook.com/abilitytree)

2. 

   2 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   From Welcoming to Withness: The Church Families Need (with Rebecca Wall) | Episode 15

   What if the biggest barrier to disability inclusion isn’t budget, space, or staffing… but posture? In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael sits down with Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries, for a thoughtful and deeply pastoral conversation about what it actually costs to move from welcoming to belonging. Rebecca shares how her disability journey began with a first-grade friendship, why inclusion so often fades after childhood, and the “withness” Jesus models—slow, present, returning again and again. We talk about the pain families carry, the quiet reasons churches keep missing adults with disabilities, and the hopeful truth: the first steps toward belonging are often free… but they require humility, repentance, and proximity. If you’re a parent who’s been hurt by the church, a leader who feels overwhelmed, or a church trying to do this faithfully—this one will meet you in the tension and give you a next right step. In This Episode, We Talk About How Rebecca’s journey into disability ministry began at age six through friendship Why inclusion becomes harder as individuals with disabilities age The hidden gap between children’s ministry and lifelong discipleship The difference between welcome and true belonging Why posture — not programming — is the most important factor in accessibility The heartbreaking reality: 1 in 2 families leave churches after disability diagnosis How pastors can begin today without new resources or staff What disability friendships teach us about dependence, delight, and the Kingdom of God Why belonging is formed through presence, not perfection Resources: Website: https://withministries.org/ (https://withministries.org/) Equip: https://withministries.org/equip/ (https://withministries.org/equip/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/ (https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withministriesorg (https://www.facebook.com/withministriesorg)

3. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Flipping Tables with Love: Disability, Obedience, and the Accessible Gospel (with Abby Howard) | Episode 14

   What happens when suffering becomes the doorway to calling? In this powerful in-person episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with disability ministry coordinator and advocate Abby Howard, whose life changed overnight after a rare spinal cord stroke left her paralyzed from the chest down. What followed wasn’t just physical recovery — it was a radical redefinition of mission, obedience, and the Church’s responsibility to the disability community. Abby shares how God used her story to reveal one of the most overlooked realities in modern Christianity: the disability community is one of the largest unreached people groups, often not by rejection of the gospel, but by inaccessibility to it. Together, they explore suffering, dependence, advocacy, holy disruption, and what it means to “flip tables with love” so that no one is left outside the Body of Christ. This conversation is a call to church leaders, families, and believers everywhere: the gospel was never meant to be inaccessible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How disability reshaped Abby’s understanding of calling and mission Why the disability community is an unreached people group The difference between awareness and true belonging in churches What biblical advocacy actually looks like Why obedience often requires discomfort How weakness becomes the starting place of God’s power Practical encouragement for churches unsure where to begin To connect with Abby and her resources through The Accessible Gospel you can find them here: Resources: https://stan.store/theaccessiblegospel (https://stan.store/theaccessiblegospel) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaccessiblegospel/ (https://www.instagram.com/theaccessiblegospel/) Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbynothannah (https://www.tiktok.com/@abbynothannah) disability ministry podcast, accessible church, disability and the gospel, Christian disability advocacy, inclusive church leadership, disability theology, testimony, Great Commission disability ministry, church accessibility ministry

4. 

   20 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   From Desperation to Assignment: Building Safe Place Bedding for Families on Empty (With Jon & Amara Smith) | Episode 13

   What happens when your child can’t sleep and neither can you? Kyle Vermeulen sits down with Jon and Amara Smith, parents of a son with Angelman syndrome and founders of Safe Place Bedding, to talk about the holy trenches of caregiving: chronic sleep deprivation, marriage strain, and the moment God turned an exhausted idea into a life-changing mission. This conversation isn’t just about a product—it’s about obedience born out of desperation, dreams reimagined, and the way God meets families who are running on empty. If you’re a parent who hasn’t slept through the night in years, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Jon & Amara’s early years of marriage + becoming new believers while navigating diagnosis The grief of “dreams crashing down” and learning to dream new dreams The hidden cost of sleep deprivation on marriage, parenting, and spiritual life The breakthrough moment: realizing enclosed sleep helped—and travel made everything unravel again How Safe Place Bedding was born from a Florida hotel room at 3am Why safe sleep is not “convenience,” but dignity, safety, and sustainability for the whole family Practical encouragement for exhausted couples: asking for help, protecting date night, and staying anchored in Christ Key Scriptures referenced Psalm 34:19 Psalm 34:18 Matthew 25:40 Romans 8:37 Connect with Jon & Amara / Safe Place Bedding Website: Safe Place Bedding - https://safeplacebedding.com/ (https://safeplacebedding.com/) If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start: reach out to their team—they’ll help you navigate options like insurance, grants, and next steps.

5. 

   12 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Love That Surpasses: Rethinking Disability, Holiness, and Belonging in the Church (With Sarah Lowry) | Episode 12

   What if disability isn’t a detour from God’s plan but an invitation deeper into His heart? In this episode of A Little Extra Love host, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Sarah Lowry, CEO of Love That Surpasses, for a deeply honest conversation about grief, redemption, and the transformative theology born through disability parenting. Sarah shares her family’s journey raising two children with disabilities, autism and Down syndrome, and how God gently reframed her understanding of motherhood, worth, and calling. Together, they explore the powerful framework behind The Leah Inheritance, a redemptive way of understanding disability through Scripture, and why the ministry of disability is not a side ministry but central to the Church’s spiritual formation. This conversation speaks directly to parents navigating diagnosis, church leaders longing to serve families well, and believers seeking a deeper understanding of holiness, dependence, and the love of Christ that truly surpasses understanding. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in grief, exhaustion, or unanswered expectations — this episode will remind you that His presence meets us there first. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why disability parenting often begins with grief — and ends in transformation The lie of “normal motherhood” and how God reframes identity Why the Church’s narrative around disability often falls short The biblical meaning behind The Leah Inheritance How disability ministry reveals dependence on the Holy Spirit Why disability families carry unique spiritual insight for the Church How churches can move from accommodation → invitation → partnership To connect with Love That Surpasses Ministries and Sarah follow the links below: Love That Surpasses – https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/ (https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/) The Leah Narrative Bible Study - https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/leah (https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/leah) The Leah Kids Resources - https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/leahskids (https://www.lovethatsurpasses.org/leahskids) Instagram- Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/lovethatsurpasses/ (https://www.instagram.com/lovethatsurpasses/) Ministry: https://www.instagram.com/lovethatsurpassesministries/ (https://www.instagram.com/lovethatsurpassesministries/)

6. 

   5 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   When God Calls You Without a Roadmap: Inclusion, Courage, and the Church (with Krystian Caywood) | Episode 11

   What happens when you can’t unsee the gap and God keeps inviting you deeper? In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Krystian Caywood, founder and Executive Director of Unstoppable God Ministries, for a conversation about disability discipleship, holy discomfort, and the kind of “yes” that costs something. Krystian shares the moment her advocacy ignited, why access is only the starting line, and how the Church can move toward belonging and real spiritual formation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). You’ll hear the unforgettable “whole potato” story, what it means to go all in when God calls, and why families shouldn’t have to carry disability advocacy alone inside the Church. Plus, Krystian opens up about leaving her dream job, holding ministry with excellence, and what it looks like to build spaces designed with disciples of all abilities in mind. If you’re a parent, church leader, volunteer, or advocate who feels tired, unsure, or hungry for hope, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, and God is moving. What You’ll Learn Why “letting someone attend” isn’t the same as belonging How to think about adaptive discipleship with theological faithfulness and clarity The difference between inclusion as a program and inclusion as a posture Why disability parents shouldn’t have to do ministry for their child to have a church home What it looks like to keep saying yes to God when you don’t have a roadmap To learn more about Krystian & Unstoppable God Ministries check out these resources: Unstoppable God Ministries : https://unstoppablegodministries.org (https://unstoppablegodministries.org/ ) Unstoppable God Conference (ages 15+ with IDD; summer & fall 2026 dates listed): https://unstoppablegodministries.org/events/unstoppable-god-conference/ (https://unstoppablegodministries.org/events/unstoppable-god-conference/ ) Family Weekend Conference: https://unstoppablegodministries.org/events/family-weekend (https://unstoppablegodministries.org/events/family-weekend/ ) Instagram: Krystian: https://www.instagram.com/krystianalisha/ (https://www.instagram.com/krystianalisha/) UGM: https://www.instagram.com/unstoppablegodministries/ (https://www.instagram.com/unstoppablegodministries/) Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@krystianalisha (https://www.tiktok.com/@krystianalisha)

7. 

   21 Aug 2025

   Surrender, Labels, and Unexpected Joy (with Julie Hornok) | Episode 10

   In this heartfelt episode of A Little Extra Love, host Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Julie Hornok, co-founder of Labeled and Loved, wife of 28 years, and mom of three—including her daughter Lizzie, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. Julie opens up about her family’s journey through grief, surrender, and surprising joy as God met her in the places she couldn’t control. From the moment she first stepped into a church’s special needs ministry, to navigating the fears and questions of Lizzie’s baptism, Julie’s story shines with vulnerability, redemption, and hope. Together, Rachael and Julie talk about the labels parents carry, the suffering of our children, and the unshakable faithfulness of God. You’ll also hear the powerful story behind Labeled and Loved, the nationwide ministry creating lifelines for moms of children with disabilities through retreats, sisterhood circles, and support. Whether you’re weary, carrying labels you never asked for, or just in need of a reminder that God is working even in what feels broken—this conversation will meet you there. Show Notes In this episode, we discuss: Julie’s journey through Lizzie’s early autism diagnosis and God’s provision along the way. The moment of surrender that shifted her motherhood and faith. How the church can respond with tenderness and love to families of children with disabilities. Wrestling with questions about faith and baptism in children with special needs. Holding hope when healing looks different than expected. The birth and growth of Labeled and Loved—and how it’s changing lives across the country. A reminder for moms: God is working while you rest. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Labeled and Loved Website (https://www.labeledandloved.org/) Learn more about the Weekend of Hope Retreat (https://www.labeledandloved.org/retreat-2025/) and Sisterhood Circles Scripture References: Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you...” Proverbs 3:24 – “When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Connect with Julie Hornok: Instagram: @juliehornok (https://instagram.com/juliehornok) Labeled and Loved Instagram (https://instagram.com/labeledandloved) Connect with Rachael Vermeulen & A Little Extra Love: Instagram: @alittleextralove (https://instagram.com/alittleextralove) Instagram: @ (https://instagram.com/alittleextralove)rachvermeulen (https://instagram.com/rachvermeulen) Website: alittleextralove.com (https://alittleextralove.com)

8. 

   24 Jul 2025

   In His Image - God Knew Before I Did: Parenting, Diagnosis & Finding Faith (with Sunita Theiss) | Episode 9

   Episode Summary: In this profoundly honest and tender episode, Rachael sits down with Sunita Theiss, an autistic and ADHD writer, advocate, and mother of two neurodivergent children, to explore what it means to be seen by God even when life feels misaligned, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. Sunita shares how her children’s diagnoses led her to her own, and how, in the midst of that unraveling, she encountered the unshakable presence of God. From her Hindu upbringing to the grief of losing her father, from substance use to late diagnosis, Sunita’s journey testifies to the faithfulness of a God who was present all along. This episode is an invitation to every weary parent, especially those raising children with disabilities, to remember: you are not alone, and your story is not outside the bounds of redemption. Key Topics Covered: Finding joy in small, sensory-centered moments Navigating late autism and ADHD diagnosis as a mother Reframing disability not as brokenness, but as intentional design Letting motherhood reveal God's nature and love How spiritual formation looks different in neurodivergent homes Dispelling toxic theology around suffering and disability Creating support systems rooted in faith, honesty, and mutual understanding How prayer and presence can sustain a weary heart Embracing God's mercy through healing, therapy, and honest community Key Quotes: “Maybe the brokenness in this world is not your child's disability—but the failure to accommodate.” “You're not broken, you're being built. Moment by moment, mercy by mercy.” “God knew before I did. And He called it good.” Spiritual Themes: Providence: God’s hand in our lives even before we have language for our experiences Imago Dei: The dignity and divine image reflected in neurodivergent children and adults Sanctification through parenting: How motherhood reveals and refines our faith Theology of suffering: Honest reflection on grief, loss, and the presence of God in pain Prayer as regulation: Integrating faith into daily sensory and emotional practices Resources Mentioned: Sunita’s Upcoming Workshop: Parenting PDA with a Biblical Lens Free Resources for Christian Parents Navigating Neurodivergence Virtual Support Group for Christian Moms of PDA Children Writing Groups and Creative Support Spaces Letter Writing Tool: FutureMe.com (https://FutureMe.com) Follow Sunita: https://sunitatheiss.com/ (https://sunitatheiss.com/) https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/ (https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/) Resources: Low Demand Coaching (https://www.amandadiekman.com/coaching?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacafwqhFqyCGqcPF9OX8n8tMq1cr_BVvPTU-uP3n94ikWDFK0cU51wNo74YRQ_aem_hGFTkM-Xbbzs3Ig6l0gWBg) Biblical Truths for Neurdivergent Kids (https://sunitatheiss.com/resources/p/biblical-truths-for-neurodivergent-kids-affirmations-for-every-journey?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae-xRZRmNN8ZpJbZfoiJtPmOG8ZsPF_7AgAD5ITQI0AhJ4APLyoL5A0YEAmPw_aem_s9t6A9GqyN9zsxNVU48XDQ) If you've ever questioned how your story fits into God’s plan, this episode will remind you that His faithfulness isn't dependent on your clarity. He is...

9. 

   10 Jul 2025

   In His Image - Rainbows After the Rain: Autism, Faith, and Unfolding Grace (with Renee Sellers) | Episode 8

   In this heartfelt conversation, Renee Sellers shares her journey as a mother of two autistic daughters, exploring the intersection of faith and disability. She discusses the initial struggles with the diagnosis, the shift from despair to joy, and the importance of celebrating her daughters' uniqueness. The conversation emphasizes the need for church communities to be inclusive and supportive, recognizing the beauty in every individual's story. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Renee highlights God's presence in their journey, encouraging other parents to trust in His love and timing. Follow Renee Sellers on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rainbows__after__rain/?hl=en) Inclusive Pathways equips churches to create vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities and their families thrive. Learn more about Inclusive Pathways here (https://alittleextralove.com/inclusivepathways) ! Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Parenting with Disabilities 00:05 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments 02:41 Reconciling Faith with Diagnosis 05:27 The Shift from Despair to Joy 08:02 God's Promises and Rainbows 10:36 Celebrating Autism and Acceptance 13:09 The Role of Church in Disability Advocacy 15:36 Feeling Seen in the Faith Community 18:10 Trusting God in the Waiting 20:45 Encouragement for Moms in the Journey 23:25 Closing Prayer and Reflections 24:36 New Chapter disability, autism, faith, parenting, church inclusion, joy, acceptance, God's promises, community support, motherhood

10. 

    3 Jul 2025

    In His Image - Why Celebration Isn’t Optional (with Rachael Vermeulen) | Episode 7

    Rachael Vermeulen explores the intersection of disability and faith, asserting that every person reflects God's image and deserves honor, advocating for true inclusion within church communities in this interview.

11. 

    3 Apr 2025

    Embracing Joy and Strength in Disability Parenting (with Amber Mustain) | Episode 6

    Amber Mustain shares her experiences raising a child with congenital CMV, discussing faith, surrendering control, and building a supportive community, in an interview with Rachael Vermeulen.

12. 

    30 Jan 2025

    Faith, Infertility, and Finding Hope in a Dwarfism Diagnosis (with Laura Powell) | Episode 5

    Laura Powell shares her decade-long infertility journey, her faith, and the dwarfism diagnosis of her daughter with Rachael Vermeulen, highlighting the importance of community and trusting God in uncertain times in this interview.

13. 

    16 Jan 2025

    The Importance of Belonging & 2025 Updates! | Episode 4

    Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen highlight the critical role of community and belonging for families impacted by disabilities, focusing on creating inclusive spaces and launching supportive programs for 2025.

14. 

    11 Apr 2024

    Navigating Marriage and Disability Parenting - A Little Extra Love - Disability Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

    Summary In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss the importance of maintaining a strong marriage during the challenges of disability parenting. They emphasize the role of faith in navigating crisis and the need for open communication and teamwork. The couple shares their own experiences and offers practical tips for building a strong foundation in marriage, including the use of love maps, turning towards each other, and making repair attempts during conflicts. They highlight the importance of seeking therapy and finding a supportive community. Overall, the episode encourages disability parents to prioritize their marriage and find strength in unity and faith. disability parenting, marriage, crisis, faith, special needs, down syndrome, autism, rare disease Takeaways Maintaining a strong marriage is crucial for disability parents navigating crisis. Faith plays a significant role in overcoming challenges and finding support. Open communication, teamwork, and empathy are essential in a healthy marriage. Using tools like love maps, turning towards, and repair attempts can strengthen emotional connection and resolve conflicts. Seeking therapy and finding a supportive community are important for growth and resilience in marriage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 05:00 The Importance of Marriage Counseling 09:13 Recognizing and Supporting Each Other in Times of Stress 14:51 Forgiveness and Unity in Marriage 29:06 Turning Towards Each Other 36:41 Prayer and Unity in Marriage

15. 

    28 Mar 2024

    Finding Strength Through Faith - A Little Extra Love - Disability Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

    In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss the role of faith in navigating the challenges of disability parenting. They share personal stories of finding strength in faith during difficult times and how their faith has evolved over the years. They emphasize the importance of surrendering worries to God and finding comfort in His promises. The couple also highlights the guidance and direction they have received through prayer and the peace that comes from trusting in God's plan. They encourage listeners to lean on their faith and know that they are not alone in their journey. Takeaways Faith can provide strength, guidance, and comfort during the challenges of disability parenting. Surrendering worries to God and trusting in His plan can bring peace and clarity. God's promises and presence can provide comfort and support in difficult times. Prayer is a powerful tool for finding guidance and direction in navigating the complexities of disability parenting. Trusting in God's timing and plan can lead to unexpected blessings and a sense of hope. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Finding Strength in Faith 03:26 Evolution of Faith Journey 04:25 Grieving Expectations and Finding Faith Again 05:23 Acceptance and God's Promises 06:44 Finding Beauty in Brokenness 07:14 Strength in Faith as a New Dad 08:13 Trusting God's Guidance 09:36 Overcoming Obstacles with Faith 10:02 God's Presence in Challenging Times 11:29 Comfort in God's Promises 12:54 Guidance and Direction through Prayer 14:36 Spiritual Beliefs and Clarity 16:30 Surrendering Worries to God 19:48 God's Guidance in Relocating 21:40 Feeling at Home in Colorado 23:34 Faith as a Compass 24:04 Finding Strength in God's Promises 25:02 Peace in God's Presence 26:27 Presenting Worries to God 27:52 Comfort and Peace in Uncertainty 28:18 Finding Comfort in God's Calling 29:43 Finding Comfort in God's Timing 30:41 Trusting God's Plan for Milestones 32:08 Faith in God's Faithfulness 33:08 Overcoming Doubt and Ego 35:32 God's Guidance and Blessings 37:27 Faith as a Relationship 38:54 Trusting God's Plan 39:46 Encouragement and Support Website & Devotional: alittleextralove.com (https://alittleextralove.com) Social Media: Ministry: https://instagram.com/alittleextralove/ (https://instagram.com/alittleextralove/) Rachael: https://instagram.com/rachvermeulen/ (https://instagram.com/rachvermeulen/) Kyle: https://instagram.com/kylekverm/ (https://instagram.com/kylekverm/)

16. 

    21 Mar 2024

    Our Why - A Little Extra Love - Disability Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

    In this episode, Rachel and Kyle introduce themselves and share their personal experiences as disability parents. They discuss the importance of bringing God into the conversation and finding beauty in the broken places of life. They also highlight the need for community and support in the disability community. The inspiration behind their podcast, A Little Extra Love, is to provide spiritual nourishment and soul support to disability parents. Rachel focuses on serving moms, helping them find strength and joy in their journey, while Kyle aims to support dads and raise awareness about mental health in the disability community. In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen share their mission and purpose behind their podcast, A Little Extra Love. They emphasize the importance of community and support for special needs parents and caregivers. The couple also discusses the challenges faced by disability families, including financial strain and higher divorce rates. They highlight the need for couples to prioritize their relationship and seek God together. Rachael and Kyle share their personal experiences and encourage listeners to find beauty in the brokenness. They remind parents that God is faithful and can bring joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 02:28 Personal Experiences and Transformation 05:22 Different Perspectives on Parenthood 08:12 The Importance of Community 10:05 Inspiration Behind A Little Extra Love 13:21 Serving Moms in the Disability Community 24:47 Mission and Purpose 27:13 Statistics and Challenges 30:45 Importance of Marriage and Support 33:11 Building a Supportive Community 36:27 Finding Beauty in Brokenness 44:22 God's Faithfulness and New Beginnings 46:19 Encouragement to Seek God

17. 

    15 Mar 2024

    Trailer - A Little Extra Love - Disability Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

    Step into a world of faith-driven resilience and unwavering love in disability parenting with "A Little Extra Love," the podcast dedicated to empowering special needs families through the transformative power of community and faith. Join hosts Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen as they share their personal journey of parenthood, advocacy, and finding beauty in the broken moments of life. In each episode, Rachael and Kyle invite you to explore the intersection of faith, hope, and disability parenting, offering heartfelt conversations, relatable stories, and biblical truths to inspire and uplift. From navigating the challenges of special needs parenting to celebrating the triumphs and joys along the way, "A Little Extra Love" provides a sanctuary where families can find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging. Discover practical insights, actionable advice, and genuine support as Rachael and Kyle dive into topics such as mental health, marriage, advocacy, and spiritual growth. With each episode, you'll be reminded that no journey is walked alone, and that together, we can find beauty, hope, and a little extra love in every circumstance. Subscribe now to "A Little Extra Love" and join the movement to create a world where every disability family feels understood, supported, and deeply loved, no matter the challenges they face. Let's journey together towards healing, hope, and a life thats brighter and full of seeing the extra love through the unexpected experience of disability parenting.

Inside a recent episode

A Dad’s Roadmap After Diagnosis: Presence, Provision, and a New Story (with Joe Butler) | Episode 16

Published 9 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And when you say that families become family members, not clients or consumers, what does that actually look like? Yeah, great question. And I, being a family impacted by disability, you hear those words, clients, consumers. And I mean, we've heard board of the state now with Micah and because he's an adult and it's, I understand they're trying to define certain things within society, but we didn't want to use that kind of language. We wanted, we are... I think from our experience of, again, the IEP meetings, the doctor visits, the therapist, all that stuff, there were times where we felt like we were being told what's best for our son and we weren't invited into the conversation. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

34 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

22 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.