Where We Started

Struggle Bus Family started as just an idea about five months ago. Two months ago, we took the leap and launched. Now, seven full episodes, countless shorts, and one newsletter later, here we are. In some ways, it feels like we’re just getting started. In others, it feels like we’ve been at this forever—not because it’s hard (though it is), not because it’s tough to juggle (kids and full-time jobs make sure of that), and not because we’re lacking motivation. The truth? We’d love nothing more than to make SBF our full-time focus because we have so many ideas and so much we want to create!

But what makes it feel like we’ve been doing this for years is the depth of the conversations we’ve had. We don’t shy away from real, raw, and unfiltered topics—doctor appointments, surgeries, diagnoses, therapies, depression, and even suicide. We talk about the things that matter, the things that shape our lives.

We hope our openness resonates with you. Our goal is to create a community where vulnerability isn’t just accepted—it’s embraced. Where we support one another, build each other up, and find strength in sharing our struggles. The best part? The more open we are, the faster we truly get to know each other. And based on the personal stories and reactions you’ve shared with us—both publicly and privately—it’s clear that this community is all in.

Messy, raw, and real—this is our life. Yours and ours.

ICYMI: Our Most Recent Content

If you’re new here or just catching up, here’s what we’ve been up to:

🎙 Latest Podcast Episode: F*ck Cholesteatoma – Since March is Cholesteatoma Awareness Month, Joni shares his daughter's ongoing battle with the condition, reflecting on its challenges, multiple surgeries, and the emotional toll it has taken. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories, navigating tough medical decisions, and holding onto hope while parenting through health struggles.
🎞 Recent Shorts: 

What is Cholesteatoma 

What Do They Do For Cholesteatoma Surgery

Navigating Mental Health - A Personal Journey,

We’d love to hear what resonated with you! Let us know what topics hit home, what you want more of, and what conversations you’d like to see us dive into next. Shoot us a message at [email protected].

What’s Next for Struggle Bus Family?

We have so much planned for the SBF community. Life has been particularly challenging lately for many reasons—some we’ve already shared, others we will when the time is right. It’s not an excuse, but it has made recording consistently tough. Still, there’s nothing we want more than to be in front of the mic, having these conversations with you.

That’s why big changes are coming. Soon, we’ll be able to record and produce more content for you, for us, and for this community. We can’t wait to share what’s next!

A Heartfelt Thank You

Before I sign off, I want to take one more moment to say thank you on behalf of both Jess and me. Without you, this wouldn’t be a community. You are the reason we keep going, and we’re so grateful for each and every one of you. Special needs parenting can be isolating, but together, we’re changing that—one conversation at a time.

We #struggle, we #strive, and we #thrive. Together.

See y’all next time,
Joni & Jess