The Daily Chu – Every Two Weeks?

Okay, so maybe we’re not quite daily... yet. 😅 But true to our motto—#Struggle #Strive #Thrive Together—we’re figuring it out as we go. This new part of the Struggle Bus Family platform has definitely thrown us a few learning curves, but we’re out here striving to do our best. Between building out a brand-new studio/recording space, sorting through all the amazing discussion topics y’all have asked for, matching those with the growing list of folks excited to join us—whether in-studio or virtually—and even exploring some SBF swag ideas (because who doesn’t want to rep #Struggle #Strive #Thrive in the wild?), we’ve got a lot going on behind the scenes. All that said, we really appreciate y’all holding us accountable. Forming new habits is hard—whether you’re a kid or a parent—and we’re committed to showing up and doing better every step of the way.

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Struggle Bus Family
May 05, 2025

LATEST EPISODES:

Episode 13: Sibling Stories & Real Talk – A Big Brother’s Perspective

Pax & Avery, Christmas 2024

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Joni and Jess sit down with a very special guest—Paxton, big brother to Avery—for an honest conversation about what it's like growing up with a sibling who has special needs. From life-saving moments and poop stories (yes, really 😅) to reflections on responsibility, empathy, and love, Paxton shares his unfiltered take on how adoption, caregiving, and being part of a unique family dynamic has shaped who he is. 🎧

Topics we cover:

  • How Paxton felt when he first learned they were adopting Avery

  • What he's learned from living with and helping care for a nonverbal sibling

  • Balancing teenage life with family responsibilities

  • The emotional complexity of fostering and adoption

  • Funny, scary, and tender sibling stories

Whether you're a parent, sibling, caregiver, or just someone who values honest family conversations, this episode is full of insight, laughs, and love. 

Listen to the full conversation here!

Episode 14: Chiari Malformation & KDM5C – A Mother’s Fight for Answers

Lara Erekson, Special Needs Mom & Advocate, discusses her experience with Chiari malformation

Jess & Joni welcome Lara Erekson, co-founder of the KARES Foundation (https://kares.foundation) and mother of two daughters, including Whitney, who lives with KDM5C and a history of Chiari malformation. Lara opens up about Whitney’s complex medical journey—from early developmental red flags and severe reflux to her eventual brain surgery and life-threatening complications. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of advocating for a medically complex child, the challenges of navigating rare diagnoses, and the persistent fight for answers and appropriate care. Jess shares parallels with her own experience advocating for her son Avery, who is currently awaiting a neurology consult after a suspected Chiari diagnosis. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of families living with rare disorders and the strength it takes to keep moving forward, one small win at a time.. You can catch the full episode here.

Special Edition Interview Coming Soon!

Episode 12: Raising a Child with Special Needs in a War Zone – A Global Conversation on Caregiving & Community 

Or Nir, Special Needs Caregiver & Advocate in Israel

In this deeply moving episode, Jess and Joni sit down with Or, a devoted father from Israel raising his son with complex needs amidst the unique challenges of life in an active conflict zone. From navigating Israel's social support systems to managing nighttime air raid sirens with a nonverbal child, Or offers a powerful look at caregiving under extraordinary circumstances.

🌍 Despite language and cultural differences, this conversation reminds us how universal the caregiving journey truly is—full of exhaustion, joy, sacrifice, and deep love. Or shares how community (both local and global), inclusion, and connection keep him going.

💬 What we talk about:

  • Special education and disability services in Israel

  • Work accommodations for caregivers

  • Balancing social life and caregiving demands

  • Coping with trauma while raising a neurodivergent child

  • The power of peer-to-peer learning among kids with disabilities

  • Dreams of building an international, in-person caregiver community

✨ This is a raw, real, and resonant conversation that speaks to any parent or caregiver who's ever felt isolated, overwhelmed — or fiercely hopeful.

🙏 To every caregiver, you're not alone. This community sees you.

Until next time,

We struggle, strive, and thrive together.