Hosted by Courtney Aseltine, better known as @theIEPmom, this podcast pulls back the curtain on special education. Each week, Courtney breaks down complex laws, exposes common school myths, and shares practical advocacy tips, all with a mix of expertise and heart. Whether you’re a parent just starting your IEP journey or a seasoned advocate who’s tired of the runaround, Advocacy Unfiltered will help you cut through the noise and show up with confidence at the table.
The Parent Input Statement: Your Most Underrated Power Move
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the most overlooked — and most powerful — part of the IEP: the Parent Input Statement. We break down how to clearly and confidently articulate your child’s actual needs, why vague concerns hurt your advocacy, and how specificity changes everything. If you’ve ever minimized your concerns or struggled to put them into words, this episode will help you stop underselling your child and start documenting what truly matters.
11 Dec 2025
Show Me the Receipts: Using Data to Advocate Like a Pro
In this episode, we’re diving into the one thing that can change the entire tone of an IEP meeting: data. I’ll show you how to collect simple, meaningful documentation at home, what real data actually looks like, and how to use it to strengthen your advocacy when the school says, “We don’t see that here.” If you’ve ever felt dismissed, doubted, or gaslit, this episode gives you the tools to walk into meetings with confidence—receipts in hand.
21 Nov 2025
When the School Says No: Using Prior Written Notice
In this episode, Courtney breaks down one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — parent rights in special education: Prior Written Notice. When the school says no, this is the document that forces them to explain why. Learn what PWN is, what it must include under IDEA, how it protects you, and how to use it strategically when teams refuse evaluations, services, placements, or supports. If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting feeling dismissed or stonewalled, this episode is your new playbook.
16 Nov 2025
504 vs. IEP: What’s the Difference?
In this episode of Advocacy Unfiltered, Courtney breaks down the real difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP — what each one does, who qualifies, and how to know which your child actually needs. Learn how both protect your child’s rights, what “FAPE” really means, and why “we’ll just do a 504” isn’t always enough.
7 Nov 2025
What the Heck Is an IEP, Anyway?
In this episode of Advocacy Unfiltered, Courtney breaks down the IEP; what it is, who qualifies, and how it actually works. Learn what every section means (without the jargon), how to tell if your child’s plan fits their needs, and the red flags to watch for. Because understanding the IEP is the first step to using it with confidence, and finally feeling like you belong at the table.
3 Nov 2025
When They Say "We Don’t Do That Here"
Courtney breaks down what “We don’t do that here” really means and how to respond. Learn why schools say it, why it’s not a valid excuse under IDEA, and how to use Prior Written Notice to turn refusals into accountability. A calm, confident guide for parents facing pushback in IEP meetings.
29 Oct 2025
Welcome to Advocacy Unfiltered!
Join me for a brief introduction to my new podcast, Advocacy Unfiltered.
Contact Advocacy Unfiltered
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Advocacy Unfiltered?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
