The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Parents are often so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that they stop noticing their own.
And when that happens, burnout and overwhelm can build long before we even realise what’s going on.
In this episode, I'm joined by occupational therapist and interoception expert Kelly Mahler for a conversation about why parents need to understand their own interoception, not just their child’s.
Interoception is our ability to notice and make sense of the signals coming from inside the body. It helps us recognise things like hunger, tension, exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety and discomfort, the early signs that something isn’t right.
But many parents are so used to pushing through, holding everything together and ignoring what their body is saying that they lose touch with those signals altogether.
This episode isn’t about quick fixes or a step-by-step solution to burnout.
It’s about something deeper, understanding what might be missing.
Because if we don’t notice what our body is telling us, we can’t respond to it. And that’s often where burnout begins.
We explore how interoception can act as a kind of internal compass helping us recognise when something feels off, when we need support, or when we are heading towards overwhelm.
We also talk about how this doesn’t just apply to children. Every parent has their own sensory profile, their own internal signals, and their own limits, and learning to notice these can be a powerful first step in protecting energy and supporting wellbeing.
This episode is a valuable listen for parents, carers, OTs, teachers and anyone supporting neurodivergent children or living in the reality of family life where the demands rarely stop.
If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or feel like you’re constantly coping but not really checking in with yourself, this conversation will help you understand why — and where to start.

You can find Kelly here:
https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ 
On Facebook and Instagram

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:
Terri Wyse
👉 https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/
Rachel Helm
👉 https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/
If you’re supporting a child or young person struggling to access school, do reach out to them.

Link below to go straight to Insta
The Untypical Parent Podcast
The Untypical Podcaster
Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting.
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
[email protected].

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
I recorded this one in my car, on my phone, because the irony finally caught up with me: I cannot keep talking about untypical parenting and ditching perfection while I’m secretly trying to manufacture a “perfect” milestone episode. So I just got on with it and recorded it, in my car. 
Episode 50, I can't quite believe it. This episode is an honest reflection on what I’ve learned from fifty conversations with parents and guests across neurodivergent, additional needs, and SEND family life, as well as through my own experiences as a parent. 

We get into the lessons that have actually changed how I parent day to day. 
I also share the things I still don’t know and maybe never will: what the future holds, whether a choice is the “right” decision, and when it’s the right time to jump. 

I finish with the things that help keep me going. And a big massive thank you to all the guests that have joined me on the podcast and all the listeners that tune in and choose to spend their time with me. 
Looking forwards to spending the next 50 episodes with you.
Take care you lovely lot
Here’s the link for the post with guests talking about what it was like to be on the podcast 🤩
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVq_mTXjY9v/?igsh=MWd5NmpqaWI3c2gxYg==
Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting.
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
[email protected].

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Content note: This episode contains conversation about suicide. Please look after yourself when listening. 

This episode is a special one.
It’s part of Podcasthon 2026, where podcasters come together to raise awareness for charities that matter. For me, this one is personal.
In this conversation, I’m joined by Ged Flynn CEO from Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people.

We talk openly about suicide. Gently. Honestly. Without drama. Without sensationalising it. But without avoiding it either.
If you are a parent who has ever heard your child say the words that is every parents worst nightmare, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” this episode is for you.
We talk about:
The myths that stop us talking about suicide
Why talking about it does not “put the idea in someone’s head”
The impact on parents and family members
The difference between mental illness and suicidal thoughts
Why neurodivergent young people can be at higher risk
What actually happens when you call Hopeline247
And something we don’t say enough to parents during these times… 

I also share a little of my own family’s experience, and why Papyrus became a lifeline for us when we needed them.

If you take one thing from this episode, please, please let it be this:
You do not have to do this alone. Reach out.
We never know what could be going on for families behind closed doors. By sharing this episode wherever you can, you might just help someone who needs to see it today. 

If you need support
Papyrus runs Hopeline247, a confidential support service for young people under 35 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and for parents or carers who are worried about a young person.
📞 Call: 0800 068 4141
📱 Text: 88247
🌐 www.papyrus-uk.org
(Available 24/7)
If you’re outside the UK, please look for a local suicide prevention helpline in your country.
Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
You can also find Ged on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ged-flynn-394273b/

If you would like to donate to Papyrus so they can continue to be the lifeline that families need you do so here
Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting.
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
[email protected].

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
In this episode I'm joined by Julie Bevan founder of DotKids where we explore creativity. 
Creativity often feels like something we leave behind in childhood.
Somewhere between school expectations, work, parenting and the pressure to be productive, many of us stop creating altogether. But creativity isn’t just about producing a perfect picture or being “good at art”. It’s about expression, regulation, confidence and wellbeing.
In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Bevan from Dot Kids, an organisation using creativity to support children’s confidence, emotional expression and wellbeing.
We talk about why creativity matters for both children and parents, how schools sometimes shift the focus from exploration to perfection, and why many adults lose their connection to creativity as they grow older.
We also explore how simple creative activities — even doodling or making marks on paper — can support mental health, self-regulation and family connection.
If you’ve ever thought “I’m not creative” or feel like you lost that part of yourself somewhere along the way, this episode might help you see creativity a little differently.
In this episode we talk about:
Why creativity supports wellbeing for both kids and parents
How perfection and outcomes can take the joy out of art
The role creativity plays in emotional expression and regulation
Why many adults stop creating as they get older
Simple ways families can bring creativity back into everyday life
The work Julie is doing through Dot Kids
You might even feel inspired to pick up a paintbrush, doodle on a page, or simply try something creative again.
Links and resources
DotKids
Julie Bevan – LinkedIn
www.dotkids.co.uk
Julie mentions two artists in particular during the episode they are Yayoi Kasama and Frida Kahlo
If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
I love to know how and what you do that's creative. Lets build a bank of ideas of creative things we can do as parents. Have fun!!
Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting.
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
[email protected].

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support, and this one turns into a proper real-life chat (the kind I know so many of us need).
Chrissa shares her journey as a SEND parent, including the very real reality of battling systems, being judged, and the toll that takes on your health and your whole family.
From there we get into boundaries, not just “rules for kids”, but the boundaries we need as parents to stay well. We talk about how to hold boundaries at home, how to protect yourself in meetings, and why noticing your nervous system signs (and stepping out when you need to) is a skill worth practising.
We cover:
The trauma and exhaustion of fighting for provision
Boundaries as protection (not punishment)
Teamwork at home + sharing the load
Handling meetings without reacting in the moment
Modelling emotions and recovery for our kids
Links:
Sunshine Support + Sunshine Academy
Chrissa’s podcast: Sip of Sunshine
 
Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting.
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
[email protected].