Rare Meet For Moms

About Rare Meet For Moms

Parenting tools and life hacks for raising a child with a rare diagnosis. Let’s get to the meat of it!

Publisher

Meghan Weaver

Category

health & fitness · kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Aug 2024

Latest episode

3 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Feb 2026

   017: Season 2 - Rare Meet Catch-up!

   Welcome back to Rare Meet for Moms! In this season two kickoff episode, host Meghan Weaver shares a heartfelt update on life behind the scenes since season one. From launching a special needs magazine to major communication wins with her daughter Rowan, Meghan reflects on the past year, celebrates growth (big and small), and sets the tone for what’s ahead this season. This episode is part personal update, part encouragement, and part reminder that you’re not alone on this rare parenting journey.

2. 

   8 Apr 2025

   016: Fitness Beyond Limits: Inclusive Training & Nutrition with Charlie Taylor

   Meghan Weaver interviews Charlie Taylor from Foundation of Strength, discussing their partnership with gyms to provide fitness programs for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other different abilities. Charlie shares his journey, from his early interest in weightlifting to his initiation into training individuals with special needs. They talk about the origins of Foundation of Strength, the challenges of expensive personal training, and Charlie's innovative approaches to making fitness accessible. The discussion covers specific training methods, including adaptations for individuals with low muscle tone, and the significance of inclusive, fun fitness activities. Charlie also emphasizes the importance of nutrition, offering practical healthy substitutions for common food and drink habits. The episode wraps up with Charlie sharing his personal and professional highlights and the future plans for expanding their inclusive fitness programs. Charlie Taylor is founder of the Foundation of Strength. He started the foundation in 2019 to promote fitness in the special needs community. He is a Jacksonville native and owned a security company (Security 101) until he retired in 2023. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 30 years, has 4 adult children and one granddaughter with his first grandson due in September.

3. 

   18 Feb 2025

   015: Siblings

   In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver addresses the topic of sibling relationships within families with children with IDD or a rare diagnosis. Meghan shares practical family activities and one-on-one bonding ideas to help strengthen the bond with your other children by ensuring individual attention. Highlights include personalized family experiences like 'Tuesdays with the Brunettes,' one-on-one trips, and the benefits of shared and separate spaces for siblings. Plus, Meghan's 14-year-old daughter, Nora, joins in for a Q&A, providing insight into her experience and bonding strategies. The episode underscores the importance of balancing family activities and individual attention in a family dynamic that includes a child with special needs. 00:00 Introduction to Rare Meat for Moms 00:13 Strengthening Sibling Bonds 03:24 One-on-One Time with Kids 05:37 Family Vacations 07:27 Q&A with Nora: Life with a Sibling with GAND 25:44 Three Good Things and Conclusion

4. 

   29 Jan 2025

   014: Daily Safety Made Simple: 5 Key Safeguards for Home

   Essential Safeguards and Hacks for Parents of Children with Rare Diagnoses In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver shares practical tips for keeping children safe at home. Meghan details five key safeguards: (1) a freezer door alarm to prevent food spoilage, (2) a secondary lock on the main entrance to control access, (3) a Ring spotlight camera paired with a Ring chime (4) a super wide adjustable baby gate to create safe play areas, and (5) an interior motion sensor with a plugin pager to alert parents if a child is on the move at night. Alongside the safeguards, Meghan also offers a handy travel hack using FaceTime as a monitor. She concludes with a personal reflection and three positive experiences that have recently uplifted her. 00:00 Welcome to Rare Meat for Moms 01:25 Five Personal Safeguards for Home 01:35 Freezer Door Alarm 03:56 Secondary Lock on Main Entrance 05:26 Ring Spotlight Camera and Chime 07:00 Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard 09:01 Motion Sensor with Plugin Pager 14:06 Three Good Things 20:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links: Freezer Alarm https://amzn.to/4aBCsu9 Door Swing Bar Lock https://amzn.to/4gjS1Ir Wireless Caregiver Pager Motion Alarm https://amzn.to/40ElmaD Extra Long Fence Play Yard https://amzn.to/3PULIA4 Ring Spotlight Cam Sensor https://amzn.to/3WETrpH Ring Chime https://amzn.to/4hBWxTF

5. 

   14 Jan 2025

   013: Adventures in Inclusive Bicycle Travel with Bradley Fisher

   Meghan Weaver interviews Bradley Fisher, a dedicated teacher and father, about his experiences in adaptive cycling with his daughter Lillia, highlighting practical advice and inspiring insights into making biking accessible for children with disabilities.

6. 

   26 Nov 2024

   012: My Top 10 Must-Have Toys Over the Last Decade

   Meghan Weaver shares her top 10 toy recommendations that support developmental milestones and therapeutic needs, making this episode a valuable guide for holiday shopping.

7. 

   12 Nov 2024

   011: Birthdays - Celebrations & Freak Outs (My own included)

   In episode 11 of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver discusses the complexities and emotional challenges of celebrating birthdays for her daughter Rowan. She reflects on the highs and lows of the past 11 years, shares personal tips for managing birthday celebrations, and outlines the unique hurdles like her daughter's fear of opening presents (Doronophobia). Meghan also talks about the importance of setting annual goals, the significance of small victories, and the support from her family in planning these special occasions. The episode concludes with Meghan's gratitude for past experiences and optimism for the upcoming 'golden' year as Rowan turns 11 on 11/11. 00:00 Welcome to Rare Meat for Moms 00:32 Reflecting on 11 Years of Birthdays 01:25 Birthday Emotions and Challenges 04:24 Navigating Doronophobia - The Fear of Opening Presents 08:32 Creative Birthday Celebrations 19:07 Three Good Things 23:52 Conclusion and Encouragement

8. 

   5 Nov 2024

   010: Creating Your Local Support Squad: How to Start a Social Group for Moms of Children with Various Diagnoses

   In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver shares her experience of raising a child with a rare genetic disorder and the importance of building a community for support. Meghan discusses the creation of her group, Gals Who Get It, designed for mothers of children with various diagnoses, and provides practical steps for starting a similar support group. She explains the benefits of such communities, the organization process, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining such a group. Meghan also highlights the value of genuine connections and encouraging listeners to foster their own supportive networks. Lastly, she shares a few personal uplifting moments and how listeners can connect with her for more insights. 00:00 Introduction to Rare Meat for Moms 00:14 Building a Community from Scratch 01:09 Creating 'Gals Who Get It' 02:46 Organizing and Growing the Group 06:23 Navigating Challenges and Encouragement 10:24 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts 13:01 Three Good Things and Conclusion

9. 

   29 Oct 2024

   009: CBD for Kids: Behavior to Breakthroughs and Increased Focus

   We are talking about tapping into the benefits of CBD for children with special needs. We explore trials, triumphs and daily life. Join us in this insightful episode as we follow Charissa Lynn, an experienced flight nurse, and mother, through her family's 8 year journey of using CBD to manage her son Tucker's behavioral issues, seizure medication side effects, and concentration difficulties linked to his GAND diagnosis. The discussion touches on the process of finding reputable CBD products amid regulatory challenges, dosage trials, and the effects of CBD versus THC. Experiences include using CBD in combination with pharmaceuticals like Keppra, managing medical procedures such as EEGs, and opening a world of possibilities with increased ability to focus. We also highlight daily progress, from practical independence skills like using a microwave to personal victories like enjoying nature and playing Mario Kart. This episode serves as a valuable guide for parents and caregivers navigating CBD treatments and advocating for their children's well-being. Charissa Lynn’s Bio: Charissa's son, Tucker, was diagnosed with GAND in the summer of 2015 when he was 4.5 years old. He was diagnosed with a missense variant. During the oncoming years, Charissa managed to get GAND in the database of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. She and her husband, Jerry, also became the biggest advocates and champions for Tucker. Charissa has over 20 years in Emergency Medical Services and 17 years in Nursing. She currently is employed as a Flight Nurse for StatMedevac and as an adjunct instructor for Pennsylvania College of Technology. Her husband and her also are owners of JHL Violins, LLC. 00:00 Introduction to Charissa Lynn and Her Journey 02:08 Discovering CBD for Tucker 03:44 Challenges and Initial Experiences with CBD 07:48 Research and Choosing the Right CBD 15:10 Administering CBD and Observing Effects 21:07 Growth Spurts and Seizure Management 26:52 Snack Time Routine 28:47 Gaming Adventures with Tucker 31:50 Neurologist Visits and Seizure Management 39:35 CBD Journey and Its Impact 42:52 Future Plans and Final Thoughts 47:10 Three Good Things

10. 

    22 Oct 2024

    008: The Egg Episode | 13 Hacks, Recipes, Activities, Eggcetera

    In this engaging episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver offers a delightful mix of stories, recipes, activities, and hacks centered around eggs. She begins with a shoutout to listeners Abi and Annabel and shares a funny anecdote about her own daughter hiding farm fresh eggs. Meghan provides practical egg recipes, including hard-boiled, scrambled, and protein-boosting options, and highlights a portable meal prep tool. The episode includes tips for using Easter eggs in occupational therapy, fun activities with egg cartons, a sign language lesson, and as always, ends with her 3 Good Things. Tune in for creative and nutritious ways to incorporate eggs into your family's meals and activities. 00:00 Welcome to Rare Meat for Moms 00:16 Listener Shout Out: Abi and Annabel's Lobster Bisque Success 01:08 All About Eggs: Stories, Games, and More 01:56 Egg Story: The Great Egg Hunt 04:32 Creative Uses for Easter Eggs Year-Round 06:19 Egg Recipes and Hacks 08:12 Versatile Pull Cord Mixer 08:56 Mess-Free Scrambled Egg Bake 09:43 Cottage Cheese in Scrambled Eggs 10:22 Sneaking Protein into Kids' Meals 11:20 Banana Pancakes: A Simple Recipe 11:59 Eggs on the Go 12:53 Oven Scrambled Eggs for a Crowd 13:54 Creative Uses for Egg Cartons 14:52 Fun Egg Sign Language 15:31 Three Good Things DINKY DOODADS- Speech Therapy Trinkets https://www.etsy.com/shop/DinkyDoodads?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=699798258&from_page=listing InstantPot Hard Boiled Eggs Tutorial https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-hard-boiled-eggs/ Pull Cord Food Processor https://amzn.to/3AgeSFx Additional recipes and resources found at www.MeghanWeaver.com Instagram @rare.meet.for.moms

11. 

    15 Oct 2024

    007: Tackling Tantrums: Calm in the Chaos

    In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms,' host Meghan Weaver tackles the complex issue of managing tantrums in pre-adolescent children, particularly those with rare diagnoses. She draws on personal experiences and advice from an ABA therapist to share effective strategies, such as using a designated safe area and the 'blow your candle out' technique for calming. Meghan underscores the importance of consistency among caregivers and highlights the psychological challenges parents face. Megan invites listeners to join the community by sharing their parenting stories, combining practical advice with a sense of collective support. 00:00 Introduction to Rare Meat for Moms 00:13 Understanding and Addressing Tantrums 00:37 Personal Experiences and Seeking Help 01:16 Target Audience and Expectations 04:06 Preparing for Challenges and Consistency 05:29 Step-by-Step Tantrum Management 07:47 Staying Strong and Consistent 08:59 Handling Tantrums on the Go 09:58 Consistency Among Caregivers 10:54 Using ABA Therapy to Manage Tantrums 11:47 Dealing with Mealtime Tantrums 12:41 Final Thoughts on Tantrum Management 14:44 Three Good Things 17:40 Conclusion and Encouragement

12. 

    8 Oct 2024

    006: Get After It: The (Almost) Impossible Quest for Couple Escapes

    In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver discusses the importance of intentional breaks and quality time between spouses, especially for parents with children who have rare diagnoses. Meghan shares her personal journey of planning getaways with her husband, Chris, despite facing challenges like finding reliable sitters and dealing with unforeseen disruptions. She emphasizes the need for more than a 24-hour retreat to properly unwind and reconnect. Meghan provides practical advice on securing trustworthy caregivers and suggests strategies for planning short and extended trips to rejuvenate relationships. Throughout the episode, she shares uplifting stories from her own experiences, encouraging other parents to continue planning and seeking opportunities for marital connection. 00:00 Introduction to Rare Meat for Moms 00:28 The Importance of Time with Your Partner 01:48 Finding Trustworthy Caregivers 04:21 Overcoming Challenges in Planning Getaways 06:28 Three Ways to Find Time Away Together 10:40 The Value of Longer Getaways 15:00 Our Recent Trip Highlights 21:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 24:05 Three Good Things

13. 

    1 Oct 2024

    005: Demystifying the Invisalign Process: Tammy Ruh on the Process & Benefits for Children with Special Needs

    Episode 005: Demystifying the Invisalign Process: Tammy Ruh on the Process & Benefits for Children with Special Needs | Rare Meet for Moms Podcast In this episode, Meghan speaks with Tammy Ruh, a dental hygienist and special needs mom, about the challenges and strategies involved in managing her son's dental care, given his diagnosis of GAND (gatad2b associated neurodevelopmental disorder). The conversation covers various aspects from consultation to completion of treatment, including dental cleanings, the use of specialized toothbrushes, and the transition to Invisalign for orthodontic needs such as palette expansion and straightening. They discuss the importance of routine, the role of supportive school staff, and leveraging grants and pro bono services to make treatment accessible. The interview also highlights the success of early intervention and the benefits of having a committed orthodontist. Tammy Ruh bio: Tammy's son, Hudson, was diagnosed with GAND in 2016 when he was 2.5 years old. She served as secretary of the non-profit Helping Hands for GAND for 1 year and is currently on her 3rd year as Vice President. She feels that being involved in continuing to build the GAND community has been a rewarding experience and a position she feels honored to be in. Tammy is a practicing dental hygienist of 14 years and as well as a travel agent that specializes in helping special needs families. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:06 Challenges with Dental Hygiene 01:19 Overcoming Dental Cleaning Obstacles 02:47 Sedation and Dental Procedures 04:22 Starting the Invisalign Journey 07:03 Invisalign Treatment Process 11:09 Success and Routine with Invisalign 18:37 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 22:45 Three Good Things Resources: Orthodontic Grant https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/ (https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/) Additional info @ www.MeghanWeaver.com (http://www.meghanweaver.com) Instagram @ Rare.Meet.For.Moms

14. 

    24 Sept 2024

    004: Gamify Mealtime: Transforming Your Kids' Picky Eating Habits!

    Transforming Mealtime: Gamify Your Kids' Eating Habits! In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms,' host Meghan Weaver shares innovative strategies to gamify mealtime and tackle picky eating habits in children, including those with rare diagnoses and sensory issues. Meghan talks about her personal experiences with her three children, particularly her middle child who has oral motor planning challenges. She offers practical tips on how to make trying new foods fun and engaging for the whole family, from using simple tools like a piece of paper to create a 'food list' to encouraging friendly competition among siblings. Meghan's approach has been successful in making mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable, and she emphasizes the benefits of this method for fostering a positive eating environment. 00:00 Introduction to Rare Meat for Moms 00:14 Gamifying Mealtime for Picky Eaters 02:25 Setting Up the Game: Putting It on the List 04:03 Encouraging New Food Experiences 04:51 Adapting the Game for Special Needs 05:34 Incentives and Rewards 07:21 Creative Food Ideas and Tips 16:30 Grocery Shopping Adventures 19:22 Final Tips and 3 Good Things Products: Autobrush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZWNVLWQ?tag=meghanweave05-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZWNVLWQ?tag=meghanweave05-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) www.MeghanWeaver.com Instagram: Rare.Meet.For.Moms

15. 

    17 Sept 2024

    003: AAC in the Classroom

    In Part 2, we dive into the practical application of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices in the classroom. Meghan Weaver and Mindy Youngs, both mothers navigating the challenges of AAC for their children, share their extensive experiences. They discuss the importance of adequately trained staff, the role of paraeducators, and the necessity of real-time data to measure device usage. Mindy elaborates on the specific challenges her daughter Olivia faces using the LAMP Words for Life system in a school environment, and how they ensure it aligns with educational goals. This episode is a vital resource for parents and educators striving to effectively integrate AAC devices into educational settings. Mindy Youngs bio: At the age of 18 months, Mindy's daughter was diagnosed with a nonsense variant in the GATAD2B gene. Mindy helped launch the non-profit Helping Hands for GAND in September 2015 and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for 4 years. Mindy continues to stay involved in the GAND community and is committed to helping create a sense of community for those affected by this ultra rare disorder. Mindy also brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and is currently Senior Director, Marketing for Procore Technologies. Resources shared in this Episode are linked below and at www.meghanweaver.com 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part 1 01:02 Challenges of Using AAC in Schools 02:10 Training and Support for School Staff 02:55 Importance of Language Development Stages 04:40 Ensuring Proper Use of AAC Devices 07:02 Classroom Settings and Inclusion 12:37 Legal and Advocacy Tips for Parents 20:55 Three Good Things Resources: Browns Language Stages here: https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33:brown&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=117 Realize Language: Online Service to collect data when the device is used www.realizelanguage.com/info

16. 

    10 Sept 2024

    002: AAC Essentials- Choosing, Using, and Thriving with Communication Tools: A Conversation with Mindy Youngs

    Mindy Youngs bio: At the age of 18 months, Mindy's daughter was diagnosed with a nonsense variant in the GATAD2B gene. Mindy helped launch the non-profit Helping Hands for GAND in September 2015 and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for 4 years. Mindy continues to stay involved in the GAND community and is committed to helping create a sense of community for those affected by this ultra rare disorder. Mindy also brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and is currently Senior Director, Marketing for Procore Technologies. In this episode, Meghan welcomes Mindy Youngs, a fellow GAND (GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder) mom, to discuss their experiences with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). They share the journey of obtaining a diagnosis for their children, discovering support groups, and exploring various communication devices like Proloquo2Go and LAMP Words for Life. They delve into the importance of AAC assessments, modeling, and consistent usage to promote language development. They also highlight challenges such as insurance battles, the need for dedicated devices, and ensuring backup options. The episode ends with both moms sharing their appreciation for the support community and the positive aspects of their children's progress. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:09 Early Diagnosis and Initial Reactions 00:46 Discovering the Community 01:23 First Conference and AAC Devices 02:00 Prompt Speech Therapy and Device Comparisons 02:58 Communication Strategies and Challenges 13:35 Modeling and Empathy 18:30 Resources and Insurance Tips 28:36 Final Thoughts and Three Good Things Resources mentioned: A Voice Discovered: RESOURCE HANDOUT https://nebula.wsimg.com/983f725dbfb784ac804de8add380ebbf?AccessKeyId=5D57B555CFC509675808&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 (https://nebula.wsimg.com/983f725dbfb784ac804de8add380ebbf?AccessKeyId=5D57B555CFC509675808&disposition=0&alloworigin=1) A Voice Discovered: NATIONAL RESOURCES http://www.avoicediscovered.com/funding-resources-1.html (http://www.avoicediscovered.com/funding-resources-1.html) Lilly's Voice: NEW GRANTOR https://www.lillysvoice.org/ (https://www.lillysvoice.org/) AAC apps go on sale in October and April of every year but each app is on sale at a different time that month and for a different amount of time. A good person to follow who does an app round up each time is Lauren Enders who is an AAC SLP and quite knowledgeable. https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSEndersMaCccSlp (https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSEndersMaCccSlp) https://www.instagram.com/engagingaacslp/ (https://www.instagram.com/engagingaacslp/)

17. 

    27 Aug 2024

    001: Podcast Kickoff

    This is an introduction to what I hope will be a put it all out there, let’s figure it out together, laugh or vent about the current state of affairs. This is also a glimpse into what my life looks like raising a child with GAND. This will be conversations with other special needs moms and dads, sharing what’s working and what’s not. This is the resource I want to see in the world so I am creating it. It’s another tool for your ever growing “not so typical” tool box. Let's get to the meat of it!

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

978

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

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

Quality

54

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

51

Contact Rare Meet For Moms

Guest appearances

Books guests

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